"All my wondering, all my searching and hoping and I end up in Rhydin. A strange place for a ranger so it seems.But a power led me here, and a power keeps me here.Thus here I will stay till I fnd out why."

His gaze paused on the woman behind the bar for a moment, as he noted she was watching him as closely as he watched her. Slowly he moved up to the bar, till he was in front of her. " Excuse me...but where am I?" Another sip of tea.She was still behind the bar. Taking up a perch. "The city of Rhydin."

Name placed to memory, as he looked around a moment as his hands atleast moved to rest on the counter of the bar. " I see. and I take it is not strange that people just...show up here?"

"Nae, not from what I have heard. There is a magic to this city." Drow knew well of magic like most elves.She was not too carefull with her words. She was out of the way enough for others to gather their own drinks " I see. " Putting that information to memory as well. " Are you the bar keep? " Now looking to her as he eyed the male behind the bar.

She took a slow sip of tea. Carefull. Watching. Feeling her fingers against her palm. They were getting cold. "Nae, it is self serve this eve, and it was quiet so I took up a place here to watch... I could get ye something though if you like." Said as she sat the tea cup down and pulled those dark green gloves back on.The drow kept an eye on the path of the male. " Tea would be fine. " The gaze remained on the male till he was further away, before it returned to the woman offering him help.

She was carefully placed. Rising form the bar tenders stool now. To stand. Tucking her hair behind her pointed ears as she went to get the kettle. "What kind?" " Herbal tea would be fine. " Already fishing around in a hidden pouch for a few coins.There were endless types of tea. Both in bags, and loose. She nodded tothat and found the right bag with thsoe words on it then a clean cup, placing the bag ins he poured the hot water over it to let it steep. A few moments later he ahd a nice cup of tea before him. "There you go. On me." She smiled softly.

The nexus was at fine work tonight. She waited. Knowing all too well that the nexus often dropped those it took back.He blinked as he reappeared, then shook his head. Coins slid to the woman behind the bar. " For your kindness. " Murmured as he sipped the tea. She looked back to the room. Finishing off her own tea. When the nexus returned the patron at the bar side. She smiled having left his still hot tea there for him.And she had paid for it as well. "Keep your coins." A nod.

"No.. " Shaking his head. " You were kind enough to help me.. It is the least I could do."She smiled and took the coins up and palced them in the jar shed seen other tenders put coins in. "Thank ye then, the little children of Rhydin thank ye." His brows rose as he looked to the jar she put the coins in. " A rare sight. " Murmured more to himself than to her.

Ice blues looked back to the room. Quiet those by the hearth side. Her rbows rose softly, wondering what he had meant. But she didnt press it. "Forgive my rudeness.. My name is Delan. " Murmured to the woman behind the bar, over the rim of the tea cup. " This is good. " Murmured about the tea.

And one fled the hearth side elaving the other to rest and another to stare at the fire. Zara saw no reason to flee. And shurgged to herself. She then shifted about. She smiled. "The Inns best I would assume.I found it in the tea box. Mae govannen Delan. My Name is Zara."

" A pleasure, Lady Zara. " Bowing his head to her, as he set the cup down. He then glanced to the others for a moment. " Seems most are heading off for the night. "The night is full of fearfull things.I have heard. But have seen few.Rhydin is said to have many creatures lurking in the shadows."A slow shrug. " People seek safe places early."

He finished off his tea. " Then perhaps I should find a place to rest for the night. " Murmured as he set the cup to the side again, then rose to stand.She moved now from the tenders perch to the patrons side of the bar. "The inn has rooms above. " Looking to the stairs.

His brows rose to that. " Perhaps another night. " Bowing his head to her again. " Untill next time, Lady Zara." A turn as he started towards the door She nodded. "Good night." She looked at the back door and would head that way.

" Good night to you as well. " Out the front door he would go.

Shes been staying in an encampment of sorts just outside of town in the forest.A place shes gotten to know for the last few days. Rhydin was still a new palce to her,new faces to see things to learn. The Woods had been her palce of stay form that first moment she arrived. The woods seemed more fitting to her,than the rooms at the inns. She was a ranger after all a child of the out doors.

Delan would be spending his time in his own small camp, deep in the woods far from town. He was currently sitting at the small fire he had started, with his eyes closed.

The night was cold. But her fire burned before her, cooking her dinner. Rhydin had proven intersting so far. She had met few ,but had come to find it not so different from home. Surely it was odd for someone to be staying out in the cold. But she enjoyed the wild. She might catch the scent of someone else in the forest with her, as he was just starting to cook somethign to eat as well. He prefered the wild more than being around people himself.

She had caught that scent.It was possible for someone else to be out here. She looked around, there seemed no danger about so she set to her dinner. A nice hot soup with veggies and cooked meat. Better meal than shed had for many days. He caught the scent from her camp, before moving to stand up following the scent. He blinked as he came up on her right. " Didn't expect to run into you out here. "

She was a little starteled but didnt let that show. He was slient,like most elves. She hadnt heard him even in the snow. "I perfer the wild." She took a bite of her dinner.Savoring it. "I was wondering who else was out here." He chuckled as he slowly moved around so he would be in her line of sight, before sitting across from her. He then started to eat his own. " I prefer the wild as well "

She smiled dimly. They hadnt been far apart she assumed his camp and hers. "Brave, the nights are cold here." She had a little tent set up behind her, made of thick animal skins,and large brances form the tree it looked quite sturdy and warm. She savored another bite. All the while her eyes never left him. Delan , the drow male from the inn. So he had not been some odd dream.

He chuckled lightly. " Aye they are rather cold. " Murmured in agreement, as he took another bite of food. " Do you wish me to leave?" "No." She shook her head. "You may stay.Enjoy the fire and your meal.I would not mind." She took another bite. She was sitting close to her fire,but she still wore that heavy dark green cloak and those dark green leather gloves.

" As you wish, Lady Zara. " Smiling to her as he enjoyed the fire and the meal. As he looked around to the surroundings, taking note just how close their camps were.

She had notcied that too. Not so far apart were their camps.She savored another bite. "I have not had company in some time here,your welcome to stay as long as you like M'lord Del?n." Being called lady Zara did not seem to bother her, she was far used to being called that or M'lady Idande. " You can call me Delan, no need to be so formal. " Winking at her with a smile, as he slowly finished his meal. He then moved to stand up.

She nodded, "Then Zara will do for me,formalities are bothersome."She had finsihed as well a nd rose when he did.

" Perhaps we should watch the other's back tonight.. This place from what I have heard is not a safe place. " His brows rose. She nodded. "I have heard much the same.Yes perhaps we should." She had been her own watch for many eves now catching rest here and there mostly in the daylight hours.


" I'll return shortly. " Bowing his head to her as he moved back to his camp to gather his things, and to put out the fire he had going. Giving her a moment to ponder over this second meeting between them. She nodded and went to tidy up her camp site. She was always very careful to wash and put away her cook and eating wear. This all she did while she pondered this odd second meeting. The first one had seemed likea dream,but now she was sure she was wide awake.


He would return a moment later, washing his cooking ware, before putting it away. He then started to set up his own tent. With a glance over to her, every once in a while. She glanced at him as well. He was used to living in the wild. She noted. He took the same time she did with her cook and eatting wear, and the same steps to set up his tent. She satrted to wander about him. As she took up a place before the larger fire.

" Peas in the pod are we. " He murmured as he moved back to the fire as he flashed her a light smile.

She smiled back and laughed at that. "Indeed." She stuided him for a long moment before looking in to the fire. She wodnered if he would ntoice what most did about her.In the fire light her bare skin had an odd shimmer about it,softly blue in tone. Her hair thats wept her face didnt hide it.

He had noticed it. " You are touched by the ice. " Murmured to her as she'd notice that the fire seemed to reach out towards him. Making his dark skin glow with the same glow as the fire. She nodded.And stuided him again. The fire did reach out to him,making his skin look warm. "Yes, I am part Khelek'quessir. Ice elf."

" I guessed as much when I first met you. " He nodded to her gloved hands. " And as you can tell.. I have a touch of fire magic in me. " Murmured as he looked back to the fire. That explained a lot of things, her hair, her eyes. The blue tone of her skin. the way the snow moved around her as if it was summoned to fall a certain way about her. "I did notice. A handy skill for a Mori'quessir." She used the elven word for drow, but indicated that she had respect for them with her using the term mori'quessir instead of Tel'gothrim.

" You are kind to use the elven term. " It got him to smile for a moment. " You are not worried that I might hurt you. " Looking back to her, more so right into her eyes. She starred in to the fire. It warmed her quiet well.She did not seem subdued by the heat like most Ice elves. She even held a hand out towards the flames. The flames licked ger dark green gloves and she felt the warmth go in to her hidden fingers. She looked upa cross at him. "I am not.I am able to protect myself." Indeed she was, sword at her hip,dagger in her belt a small hunting knife in her boot. A bow just behind her with quiver and arrows.

He nodded lightly. " True..as I am able to protect myself. " Two swords on his hips with a bow and quiver of arrows slung over his shoulder. " Besides.. not that you would find yourself enjoying the company of one such as myself. A half ice elf, and a drow with a touch of fire. "



She took note of his weapons. Then her brows rose softly. "Why not,I enjoy the company .And your powers do not bother me, nor does the tone of your skin. "She smiled softly and dropped a globe of darkness over the bush far to his right. Only drow could descend such magic.

" Perhaps. " Murmured as he looked over his shoulder to that bush. She smirked dimly then looked back in to the fire. "Drow kin do not bother me,nor does the fire.I am an odd elf. Myself." His brow quirked as he looked back to her. " That you are, and a very lovely one. "

She smiled to that. "Thank you." The darkness spell would vanish as it had come. He might note her soft blush it could have been from anything, the fire light,the warmth. Or more likely his comment. " So you can blush....but it draws attention to your eyes.. " Murmured as he rose to stand again, now moving towards his tent.

She didnt look at him only in to the fire. Yes she could blush.Though she always tried hatd not to. She rose thenent for his tent she ducked in to hers. Shed leave the fire going for a while. It warmed the area. He looked to her a moment, before turning to head towards her tent. Only to poke his head inside. " One last thing. " She was just inside when he poked his head in. "Aye?" She was settling her weapons beside her bed roll.

" We could keep the other warm.. I was taught that when it is cold. Bodily warmth is key to keeping warm. " Not that either really needed it She blinked at him.Unsure of what to say. "Yes I have heard that saying can be true. " She had never dared to risk it.Her body ran colder than most other elves, her fingers were usally always cold unless within her special gloves. "It might prove us well to share the same space."

" Tis up to you. " Slowly pulling his head out of her tent, before moving towards his own. As he had expected her to just hit him, and tell him off. She nodded and let him go to ponder his words. She had shared tent space before, and yes it had always proved to be warmer. So she ducked out of her tent and walked across to his. She wasnt as bold to jst pop her head in. "It would likely prove warmer for us both." Was all she said from outside


He loked to the flap of his tent. " If that is what you feel is best... Please come inside. " Murmured to her as he was already in his bed. She slid inside. " I have an Idea,it will only take me a moment." She bowed her head and stepped outside. He would hear not much of a sound outside,but as savy as she was with magic she got her idea done alone, which was imple, she moved her tent closer to his, so that ina quick waft of wind and a little cold they now shared one larger tent, s he was quick to motion to set her things up just as she had them before. Soon she unrolled her bed roll beside his.

Once he caught on to what she had done, he chuckled softly. " To scared to share my bed with me? " Merely teasing her as he watched her. She eyed him, she was farely close to him now in her own bed roll. "Nae. But I do not wish you to freeze."
" Do not worry about freezing me. " He smirked at her. " Nor do I wish to light you on fire. "

She snickered. "I think thats highly unlikely. "She felt she was close enough to him as it was. She set her weapons beside her, and slid her boots off then cralwed under and in to her bed roll. Much in ranger style she slept in her clothes,only chaning when she had to and usually only in the warmer day hours. He chuckled. " Fine..hide in your little bed roll. " Waitting till she was just about to lay down, before giving her a light shove. With a touch of fire magic added in.

She chuckled and inched closer so that their shoulders would nearly ne touching then she gave him a push back. Her gloves were off now and hed feel the tell tale chill of her hands and of her ice magic. She shivered to the warmth of fire sent through her.

She then used her cloak as a second blanket for them both. Hed not how warm it was, it carried an inner wamrth about it, and it smelled of the woods and of her. A soft crisp scent. "It is not little."She smirked. "It serves me just fine. "She lay on her side facing him.
.
He chuckled softly to her shoving him back, with a shiver to her cold touch. " Perhaps. " Murmured as he slowly drew her in closer. Both of them laying on their sides facing the other. Letting his warmth flow into her to keep her warm, and her cool touch keeping his warmth from setting the tents on fire.

Rated PG-13


The morning after the oddest night in her life.yet the most wonderful Zara was up before the sun, taking an early patrol. Along the river bank towards the warm hot springs. No one came out here, no one knew this places beauties.

Yet as she was looking over the hot springs, she just might spot a familer set of cloths setting folded on a near by rock. And a moment later, Delan would surface nude with his back to her. Seems her new companion knew about the hot springs as well.

She froze first when she saw the clothes then again at him. She blushed and turned her back and looked the other way. So hed found the hot springs...She shook her head and walked for the little river of run off fromt he springs it was just hot enough to wash her hands and face in. Though she had come all the way for a nice long soak. Shed put that off.

" You can join me.. It's nice and warm in here. " Delan said as he looked over his shoulder to her. Now facing her and lucky for her..He had dipped back down into the water. As his form seemed to be keeping the water much hotter.

She looked carefully over her shoulder. "Its alright."She smiled and sighed softly at least she could count on small favors. "I'll wait till later. " The water looked much warmer, she wanted to go in, it would be relaxing... but she would not. "I'll keep an eye on the surround."

He chuckled softly. " Oh just get in here or I will undress you and drag you in here. " Said as he was starting towards the edge of the hot springs.

She shook her head at him and looked again tot he water. "Fine.."She walked to where he had laid his clothes and weapons and laid her dagger,hunting knife and sword down then shrugged out of her shirt. She seemed to have no fear of udnressing with him watching. Like most elves of herhomeland she wore undercoverings.

Yet if she looked, she would note he had turned his back to her. Giving her some hint of respect and honor as he let her undress with out him staring at her. She did note that,when she finnaly was fully undressed she was in the hot springs before a moment had much passed. Sunk low in to the boil.

He looked over his shoulder once she was in the water, and started towards her. " And here I was hoping you had some fight in you. "

Her brows arched at his words and her eyes peeked open. "Pardon? What do you mean? " " I was hoping I'd get to drag you in here nude, while you were kicking and screaming. " Murmured as he slipped up behind her. Hands already seeking out her shoulders for a magical heated massage.

She snickered softly,and looked over ehr shoudler at his.Her eyes then closed to the soft heated massage. "Never would have happened. I am a lady..And I need a nice long soak..unless you favor those you share space with to smell badly.."Not that she ever had or ever could.


He chuckled to that. " Aye..you are a lady..and I do not think you mind me being this close to you. " Murmured softly to her as his hands continued to massage her neck and shoulders. "Nae I do not mind."The water was always warm, but now it was even warmer. With him in it. Her cold skin did not feel as cold now. "I didnt think anyone knew this was here,these forests are so different,if I had not had the animals to guide me I would have never found these springs.."


He nodded softly. " I just happened upon them one night. " Softly as his hands moved to work on her back. Allowing him to move in a touch closer to her back. Lips brushing against her ear. " Did you enjoy the view of my backside?"

She snickered softly. "I did not look for that long. "Her back arched slightly to his hands. And ehr ar twitched slightly. "I have a sense of deciency and honor..just as you do."

" True.. but you did stare. It is how I knew you were there. " Sending a pulse of fire into her back as he continued to massage it. Working the knots out. She blushed faintly,and clsoed her eyes. "For a moment."She shivered to that pulse then turned to face him. She pressed her hands a little warmer than normal to his chest but all the same that pusle was cold that he would feel.

" And did you enjoy it? " Murmured as she turned to face him. Arms snaking around her waist to draw her in. He felt the cool touch of her skin, with him turning up the heat of his own touch and that of the springs. She was snagged in clsoer to him. "Yes."She looked up in to his eyes, and felt the heat rise in the spring. Her hands still pressed to his chest. "I am allowed to admire." " Would you like to admire every inch of me? " Looking back into her eyes, as he brushed his lips along her jawline. Then up to her ear. " Or are you to much of a lady to allow yourself such a chance?"

She wondered if she ahd suddenly burst in to flame when he graced ehr cheek and jaw line. "I am awoman of honor,and would not allow such a thing.. even if I desired it. "She traced his cheek with her fingers.those soft tell tale pulses following.

" But as a woman you do wish to see it. " Sending stronger pulses of fire into her form. As his lips moved down along her neck now. Seeing if she'd push him away as he had been such a gentleman to her before. Now he was being a rogue..Trapping her there in his arms and using the combination of his magic and the hot springs to cloud her mind.

She closed her eyes, and shook her head.She could feel steam rising from the water or was that her skin? She shivered all the more as he kissed down her neck ...then softly she pushed hima way. "If I do or not, means nothing."She would not be clouded. "Such things are not just done...I will admit I would like to, but such things are not done..we hardly know the other..."

" Perhaps.. but we have been staying very close to the other.. with you at times cluching my arm when I try to leave your side when you sleep. " Softly to her as he let her slip away. Then moved to climb out, backwards the let her steal that look.

She looked then looked away. "I know..." She sank down in tot he water. She enjoyed his compy,she liked him more than she should she knew that had had no rubuttle for his comment. He smirked a touch to her stealing that look, then looking away. " Tis no harm in looking Zara. " Murmured as he moved to get dressed. Only to return a moment later.

She sank in to soak her hair then came out.The air was cold out and the heat from the springs had been very nice. She tip toed to her clothes. nwoing she would not stay very warm long. She was quick to dry and dress. He then smirked as he leaned againt a tree, watching her as she dressed. " I must say.. You do have a nice firm, full figure. "

Twirlling her wet hair up in to a bun and strapping on her belted sword and dagger along her pants she yipped and starred at him, then blushed bright red. He grinned as he turned to head back to their camp site. Leaving her to stand there as she pondered just how much he had seen of her body. She felt as if se might be froze there to that very spot in that moment. How much had he seen?She tucked in her shirt. She waited a long time bfore heading back.

And by the time she got back, he was fixing them something to eat for breakfest. Acting like the last scene never happened.

When she did return she merely sat before the fire and let her wet hair down to dry. She dat him only to the fire,her mind now clouded with that last scene. She brushed ehr fingers along her side and rubbed her cold hands over her back just above her left hip. Then returned her steady gaze to the fire.

He handed her a plate of food. and leaned in close enough to whisper in her ear. " You do have a lovely body, Zara. "

She blinked at him and enarly dropped the plate. That blush returned to her cheeks. What could she say..."Diola lle.." Was all that came out, some how that was all she was able to say thank you not in common but in elven before taking a bite.

" Welcome..and perhaps later.. you can get a better look for yourself. " Murmured in her ear as he leaned back to start to eat his food. Just to get that idea into her already clouded mind.

She still wondered how much he had seen?How long had he been standing there? Had he heard her self mutterings, had he see that birthmark she bore there above her hip? Had he seen everything? Then she starred up at him, and cheweed. That just added to the cloudyness in her mind.. Now shed have trouble not trying to mentally undress him.

She rose and walked over to him, and her cold fingers found that spot on his back where the slavers had burned their mark. ' When i was seeking my birth parents,one of my closetest friends was taken captive by the Teien slavers... I was half way a cross the land at that time,and I could not aid her.. when I returned home she was there,and told me of her story...of how the slavers had treated her, she showed me her mark,and told me of the man who saved them all..." She touched his shoulder now, sending a soft pusle of ice magic in to him.



He closed his eyes to the soft pulse of magic, before he looked over his shoulder slightly to her. " Did she tell you what this man looked like?" "The more I think about her story now, the more I would never wish to go home. Yes... she did."She smiled. " My friend Luana Ashemmii was the only other female to be in the hunting party with me we were best friends, she was a great artist...When she told me of her time in the cells below the slavers home she told me of this man... this drow, as she called him for she never knew his name, he had been kind... and handsome...She said there was one time when a young child was brought down... the child was near straved and at the same moment she and this drow shared their only bite of food with the child... "


He looked back to his pack. " The child died. " He murmured as he moved to stand..Then turned to grab up his bow and quiver of arrows. She looked to the fire. "So I heard...but you saved the rest of them... Luana told me of the battle to be free...of the costs..."She watched him then with drew to sit back down. He paused to look over his shoulder. " She lead the others out while I distracted them.. It was a bloody battle, which nearly killed me.. "

She nodded, "Yes she recounted the tale, she wanted to help, but knew she had to gett he weak away...she never forgave her self for that... a true hero, she said, so rare now... two weeks later I stalked in tot own with one purpose... and sullied my good name... for a better purpose... it may be my home, but if I return, I will die.. and any with me will die...."She glanced to him. "I will not allow it."


He smirked faintly. " Is that so? You would protect someone that you barely know? " He shook his head lightly. " Are do you do it for another reason?"

She held her hands over the fire,letting the flames lick at her cold fingers. "I protect those worth protecting, and you are worth it... you saved lives at the risk of your own, you put others before yourself... you are a warrior and a hero... I would do it for that reason... and beacuse I know I care for you... and could not bare to s e you die by the hand of those I long fled..."


" Prove it. " Now turning to her as he set the bow and quiver down. Then motioned her towads him, as if baitting her to prove herself.

She with drew her hands and ran her fingers down the hilt of her sword. Those weapons the only thing left that was good from her home land. She looked over at him and rose with out hesitation. Her hands brushed his cheeks and jaw line. Then she kissed him deeply.


His hands came up to cup her hips, as he kissed her back as deeply. Sending soft pulses of fire into her form, before he slowly pulled back from the kiss. " My my.. I must of made a rather good impression on you.

Her brows ticked upwards a bit and she nodded to that. "Indeed." As always his touch sent shivers through her. "Three days after I left home Luana sent me a letter via messanger. " She eyed the woods, the trees the animals about, seeing if hed catch what she meant. "Slavers had gone to Ibaea, and murdered my parents..I almost turned back to avenge them, but I knew it would only lead to my death I vowed then not to return I wrote Luana once telling her to tell my friends to forget me, my name... that way they would be safe."

He nodded softly before he pulled back from her, moving to his tent. After a few moments, he walked back out with something about the lenght of a sword.. Wrapping in a cloth then held it out to her.

She drew up her bow, her quiver already on her back. She looked off to the west. The wind blew through her hair. " Whats this?"Her brows ticked upwards once more.

" Take it. " He murmured to her and once she did, he would move to get his bow and quiver again. Both being placed upon his back. Before he turned to head out into the forest. When she unwrapped it..she'd see her mother's necklace and her father's sword.

She gasped and looked after him but he was gone in to the woods. She starred at the blade,a fine piece like her own sword,the larger blade had served her father well before he settled to farm life. The necklace was simple, elegant,like her mother had been...She held back tears as she slid the necklace on

All that had passed had left her with a lot to think about. She had been up and gone before the sun was up.The chill hung to the air, but it never bothered her. She idly touched that necklace about her neck as she walked along the river.Armed ready for anything. Maybe shed be able to find something good for lunch. The sun started to rise and she stopped to watch it.

While Zara was out looking for food. Delan would be keeping an eye on their camp sight. Keeping the fire going so she could warm herself when she got back. Leaving him to look over her father's blade.

Walking along the river she did find a good meal.Breakfast for ehr had been cold bread with some of her left over jam from he rlong journey.Lunch would be better.She found some wild gesse. fore using any force against them she sought out one that ight be weak from the cold. Then with a thanks to the gods she let an arrow fly. The bird would feel no pain. She would return to camp with two. Already defeathered birds.

He looked up from the fire. " And the winter goddess is back. " He murmured softly with a wink to her.

She smiled softly to him. "With lunch." She laid the two cleaned defetaher gesse down softly upon the rocks beside the fire. Then held her hands over the fire while pulling off her gloves. She had thought much about the night before,now her eyes settled to that sword he had in his gaze.


" Well..at least you are a usefull winter goddess.. More than just eye candy to look at. " Teasing her as he sheathed the sword over his back. He then started to get the gesse ready for lunch.

She smirked to that and looked over her shoulder at him. "I am useful for much."She went to aid him with the lunch prep. She hadnt spoken much to him after all their playful banter last night. And she felt as if she hadnt slept. Her mind had been too busy.


" And just what are you usefull for? " His gaze moving to her. Telling her with his eyes that he was daring her to tell him every single thing. She snaged one of the geese from him. "I am an able warrior, a good cook, and an exelent ranger. "She went to season the cleaned off goose in her hands. Then went to making a spit rt roast it with over the fire. " That's it? " His goose was being cut up, so it could be used for a stew, or to make a sandwich out of the meat.

She eyed him. "No, both warriors and rangers have many different skills,I am good at them all. I am useful for battle,in any way, tracking,hunting,and "She looked to the fire,where she set her goose to roasing,it spun of its own accord with a look from her. "Magic of serval kinds.. I make fine company, unless you disagree."


He chuckled softly. " True.. but I prefer catching you nude when you are standing by the lake in shock. " She looked at him and blinked. "You will never let that go will you? You will make me relive being embrassed. " She sat to let her goose cook away. "She ran her hands through her hair.


" Nope. " A wink to her, as he made it to where they got about half of his goose between them. " Not that you minded gawking at me to the point you pondered pouncing me. " Said as he handed her a cup of hot cocoa. She took the mug and gave him a long look. There would be enough goose for a few days. The roast one for now and his nicely chopped up pieces for later and tomorrow. "I did not ponder any such thing."Said before taking a long sip.


" You are a poor liar, Zara. " A sip of his own cocoa, before leaning towards her. Looking into her eyes. " Look me in the eyes and tell me you never pondered pouncing me in a moment of heated..and longed for passion. " Voice smooth as silk, and with a very playfull glint to it.

She looked over her mug then lowered it and looked in to his eyes. She didnt say anything. She knew she coulndt lie.She kust looked back slowly in to the fire. She sipped her cocoa and she closed her eyes as she drank. " You do wish to.." He murmured with a grin, as he took another sip. Only to move to sit beside her when she closed her eyes. Leaning to her ear. " Then do it. "

She opened her eyes shocked that he was next to her she almost dropped her mug. But steadied her hands. "I will do no such thing,want or not." She looked away slowly. But he caught her chin and turned her gaze to look into his own. " You lie. " He stole a sudden kiss from her, before looking back to the fire. Not bothering to hide that rogueish smirk.

She blinked at him after that stolen kiss then went to tend to the roasting goose. Yes, she did lie. But she didnt want to tell the thruth or even think about the truth. The sun was higher now she could feel it The goose over the fire had hours to cook and she knew that, she was just keeping busy.


He set his cup to the side, then stole her's and set it to the side. He then turned and caught her by the shoulders, and turned her to follow him as he moved to lay down. Placing her over him, and before she could jerk away. His arms snaked around her.

One moment she was standing then before she could fight it she was laying there beside the fire looking down at him. " What are you trying to prove?" "That this is what you want. " Murmured up to her as he let his natural warmth flow from him and into her.

She shivered softly and closed her eyes to that soft pulse of warmth. "It may be." Looking down at him now. She pressed her fingers to his chest.That pulse given back cold. He shivered to the touch of cold from her hands. " Maybe nothing, dear. " Murmured as he winked up at her. " Or do I need to spank a confession out of you. " His hands moving down her back to her rump.

She snickered. "You do not need to do anything. "She eyed him. "No confession is needed. I will freely admit, that this is what I want. But.. "she looked back in to his eyes. " But? " He grinned to her confessing to him, but it didn't stop him from giving her a fire aided spanking.She snickered and inched softly away. " I don't know. "She blushed softly. Her mind gone back to thinking. Over thinking.


He smirked up at her. " Oh no you don't. " Pulling her back to hover over him. She looked back down at him. Back to being hovered over him. Her fingers brushed his cheek. "I should not feel this way." " Tis not a sin to feel this way. " A nip at her fingers. " Tis natural for people to have feelings for another. Or is it because you are ice..and I am fire?"

She shook her head to the last question. "No...I know it is natrual,and it has nothing to do with the magic...is it not customary to feel this way about someone you have known longer than we have known one another.I have nver wanted anyone... not like this..."

He nodded lightly. " Nor have I, but I do. " Slowly lowering his hands so she could slip from him now if she wanted to.

But she didnt move. She just ran her fingers across his neck and over his shoulder. Then down his arm she took his hand in hers ,and replaced his hand to where it had been.

His brows rose to her movements, before pulling her down to rest against him. With his other hand coming up to run through the back of her hair. She rested right against him and clsoed her eyes as his hand ran through her hair. She didnt want to move. She was warm there against him but knew also her chill would leave off on him,so slowly she would with draw. But not before she kissed him softly upon the lips. He kissed her back softly, before he moved to sit up with her. Looking to the goose she was cooking. She looked tot he raosting goose it was coming along well.At least they hadnt lost track of it. She rose to her feet to check on it.

Lunch was ready within no time,the goose was the main dish but there was elven bread and fresh berrys ont he side. The smell was wonderful. "Lets hope I havent lost my touch."She said as she handed him a full plate.

( 18 +)

The morning was brisk,yet anyone could tell it was a bit warmer than the last few mornings. Zara was not in their shared tent she was gone.Out patroling perhaps.Maybe catching breakfast for them both. The camp fire was lit low.Winter was hanging on but just barely. Spring wasnt too far off.
Delan would wake to find the icey Zara gone, before shaking his head lightly. " Guess it got to warm in here for her last night. " Mused to himself, as he changed clothes, before slipping out of their shared tent.


There was a rustle in the leaves and underbrush.A sound that Zara would never make usually.

She stumbled in to camp. A thing Zara never did was stumble. Three cross bow bolts in her, one in her right shoulder, one in her left arm above the elbow and one in the back of her right thigh. She was limping lightly, blood stained her shirt,arms and pants. She had meant to come back with some fish something good for lunch or dinner, but instead shed come back with wounds.

She leaned her back to a tree and winced closing her eyes. " Three less slavers..." Was all she said. She leaned there eyes half closed. Eyeing the bolts, which one hurt most she couldnt tell any more.


His gaze snapped around to the rustle of bushes, not thinking anything about it, before he caught sight of her. Shooting up from the fire to help her to sit down. " Hold still. " Murmured to her as he then shot into the tents, getting his pack. Once he was back with her, he looked into her eyes for a moment. " This is going to hurt like hell "

"Oh yeah."She kept her knees bent that bolt in her back of her leg hurt like hell but the one in her arm was doing more damage than the other two.Even if the one in her shoulder hurt it wasnt that deep. "Go ahead I am strong."

He nodded, as he carefully took the one out of her arm first. Quick to apply pressure to get the bleeding to stop. Then a allowing that hidden healing energy to repair the damage to the wound above her elbow. Once he was content that it was healed. He moved to the one in the back of her leg, not worrying that the healing was drainning his magical reserves.

"Dont strain yourself."She could feel that healing pusle go through her. "Tear them out bind me up.I'll heal them myself, dont need you dying on me." " Hush. " Murmured as he moved onto the one to her shoulder. Once her shoulder was healed, he leaned back from her. He leaned back from her, breathing a touch deeper.

She eyed him now all healded bloody clothing but healed. She shook her head at him. "I could have healed myself.I just didnt have the skill to rip the bolts out."She felt a little sore nothing more. "Thank you." She inched forward and pressed her gloved hand to his cheek, why risk it. He smiled lightly. " Perhaps, but you would of done the same thing for me if you were in the same postion. " Closing his eyes to her soft touch. " And stop wearing your gloves around me. "

She snickered and removed her gloves. "It could hurt you now, your in need of rest." She nodded then softly, "Yes I would have.Thoug im not sure my healing arts would work on you, they do tend to have a touch of ice about them." " So worried about me.. " Winking at her as he moved to lay down by the fire. Shifting to rest his head in her lap. He then tossed two of the arrows in the fire, while looking at the third one. It looked oddly familar to him.

She smiled down at him as he rested his head in her lap. "Yes."She watched the cross bow bolts go up in flames. "Dont you think I should change before you lay on me and get all bloody?"She eyed her bloody pants and shirt. "I look like hell." He looked up at her. " Don't worry about it.. " He then looked to the bolt again.. " How many were there? " Reaching up to take one of her hands in his, then tried to get her to stroke her fingers through his hair. She did run her fingers through his hair."Three, orignally there were five,five men from Teien.Slavers.Then two died falling off a mountain side and I had throught Renald had given up.But he had not.Now hes dead too.Good shot though."

He nodded softly. " This looks like one that hit me before. " Murmured as he tossed it in the fire. " Now turn and lay down with me, " Smirking up at her, "Likely so.Renald and his men were the ones who held you and marked you."She turned and laid down beside him. "They are dead now,anyone else who dared follow Renald wont come this far, to many orcs and giants along the way." There was an all knowing smiled upon her face as she laid there.

He smirked up at her to that grin of her's, getting him to shake his head lightly. " That scared of you are they? " Moving his arm around her as he enjoyed being at ease with her. " Or are you trying to get me to go out and get hurt so you can slowly nurse me back to health? " she snickered to that comment. "No need to run off and get hurt.And I didnt plan on getting attacked.It just happened. And no they are not scared of me. Though they should be. "She ruffled his hair slightly. "I do owe you though."

He chuckled softly. " Why should they be scared of you? " Winking up at her as he kissed her cheek. Hands shifting her to lay fully over him. Drawing in the cool touch of her body, while sending warm pulses back into her.

She lay there and eyed him. "I am a dangerous woman.I just killed three men with no aid from anyone,and although I was hurt it was a rather good fight.And I set their slaves free once before,all of them.And killed dozens of their men,they should fear me."She closed her eyes to the warm pulse. "And I am only nice to you and my friends.My eneimes have no such luck." He smirked to that. " You are a marshmellow.. Nothing to fear about you. " Moving his hands along her side, as he was so asking for her to hit him. And she did have him at her mercy for the moment. " You forget.. I've done the same thing.. and could beat you with an arm tied behind my back. "

Her brows perked at him.She could hit him.She wanted to but didnt "Men and their talk,all talk. I am no marshmellow,rouse some orcs or giants and kill them off single handedly would that impress you?Or does nothing impress you." He smirked slowly. " Seeing you blushing from head to toe, while you are nude..would impress me. " Trying not to not to smile. " And you are a marshmellow. " She poked his chest softly. "You and your obession with my body.Its very embrassing."She lifted her self off him. "I need to change my clothing."She strode away from him slwoly. "I am no such thing. "In to their tent she ducked.

He smirked as he moved to stand up to follow her towards the tent. " You are a marshmellow. " Stepping into the tent. She looked back at him as she was just setting down her gear, her belted sword and dagger and her quiver and bow. "What makes you say so?" " Because you could never bring yourself to hurt me. " Letting the flap of the tent fall behind him. " Plus.. you love the way I look at you, and enjoy looking me over. Undressing me with your eyes when you think I am not looking. " Now taking a few steps towards her.

She watched him. "I see no harm in looking at you or doing so. And yes I do like the way you look upon me. And no I could likely never truly hurt you.But I could try."Her eyes flared a bit then she to dig through her things to pull out clean clothes the ones she wore were beyond any repair. "Now go away so I may change."

" Nope. " He crossed his arms as he was fully intent to watch her change clothes. " I think I have a right to be in here, as it is our tent. So go ahead and change clothes. " She sighed softly.Took her change of clothes and with a smirk dropped a globe of darkness over herself Now hed see nothing unless he stepped in to the globe. She had her boots off before the globe desended. He smirked to that. " Playing hardball. " Murmured as he would wait a moment, then stepped right into that globe of darkness.

She could see wuite well, being of two houses offered her powers of ice elf and drow. She did love to use that globe of darkness for more than fighting. It made a fine place to change.Unless the person you were with was also a drow. She eyed him seeing him perfectly as he could see her ruined clothes at her feet pants barely up shirt still undone. " Well..hello. " Looking her over very slowly as he started towards her. Seeing if she'd try to fend him off, or allow him to draw in close to her. She shook her head at him and let the globe of darkness fade about them. "Very funny."She buttoned her pants and fixed her shirt.She wore a new look for her all black,it was one of her few clean clothing options.

He smirked to that. " Let me help you with that. " Winking at her as his hands came up, to slowly start to unbutton her shirt. She had only a moment to see that her wounds all three were indeed healed fully,and the spots were no longer sore. She whaked at his hands. "You have seen enough of me."She whacked at him again. He grinned as he continued to try and unbutton her shirt. " I have not.. you hide from me. " Winking at her

Hed only gotten two buttons undone and she shrugged and left those as is. "I did not have a chance to hide the first time. "She poked at his chest and swatted his hands away. "I should be the one undressing you." He smirked to that. " Then undress me.. I dare you to do it. " Catching her hands and pressing them to the front of his chest. " Unless you are to scared. "

She starred at him for a long moment.She looked to his clothing,as simple and rugid as hers was. "I do not subcome to dares."But her fingers stayed where he had pressed them. She could not deny that she wanted to undress him. " Either you undress me, right now.." Hands moving to her hips, as he drew her in closer. Brushing his lips over her's " Or I shall leave you here.. all alone. " She was now closer against him.And how he tormented herWould he truly just leave her there?She wasnt sure.She didnt want to risk it. But would she subcome to the dare. Her fingers already answered her minds questions by undoing buttons.

He smirked as he watched her fingers making short work of the buttons to his shirt. Only to pull her in flush, trying to trap her hands against hsi now bared chest. " My..my..in such a hurry to undress me. " A playfull tsk coming from him. Her hands were like ice against his chest yet he was so warm.She looked up at him now. "You said right now,did you not?I have no desire for you to disappear on me."Her fngers pressed there,her eyes looked from his to where her hands pressed. " And why do you wish for me to stay so close? " Murmured as he slowly turned to lay her back on the furs of their bed. Trying to keep her fully distracted from what he was up to.

She flowed with him not letting her busy mind question anything. "If you go.I will be all alone. I don't want that. "She felt the furs under her now,and hr brows rose her hands pressed up along his shoulders finding the fabric of that shirt to remove it fully. He would let her remove his shirt fully, before he shifted to hover over her. " You wish for me to be the first one you have been with.. " Looking into her eyes.

She blinked up at him a little shocked and embrassed. "You think thats what this is about?"Her fingers came to a stop upon his shoulders. "Though I will not deny that I have feellings for you." She looked up at him, she didnt finish, what could she say.He was right and she knew it. "I am not ready for that." Was all she came up with. He leaned down and kissed her lightly. " You are madly in love with me..and wish for me to stay by your side. "

Love wasnt a word she used often.But she did love him. Though she still didnt understand why or how it had come to be. " Yes."She blushed softly. Brows rose as she didn't deny his words, before he leaned to her ear. " Very well then.. I'll stay with you. " Her brows rose softly and she nodded. His whispered was making her smile. "Id like that." She lowered her hands and looked up at him. " Good. " Smirking as he shifted to pull those furs up to give them some cover, as he moved to lay beside her.

She curled up under the furs feeling warmer already than she had been feeling. She could not expalin her feelings, nor how they had come about. She knew that love was never simple nor eas. But she felt it now as he lay there with her. He slowly pulled her to lay mostly over him, allowing her to draw in more of the warmth of his form. Not saying a word as he just enjoyed the moment. She pressed her hands against his arms her icy fingers trailing there.Leaving frosty desings that quickly faded. "Are you feeling better?" He had healed her and thus been weakened.

" Much better. " Murmured to her as he moved his hands to the small of her back. Sending small pulses of fire up her spine. While smiling innocently at her. She shivered and closed her eyes to the pulse.Her fingers pressed to his arm once more then ran up to his neck and she gave him a pulse there. "Enjoying yourself?" She was,she laid there most content. He shivered to the pulse of ice. " Be nice.. " Winking at her, as he chose to rub his hands along her back, " But yes.. I am enjoying myself. "

She grinned and nodded andlaid there her hands laying upon his shoudler and arm luke warm and not sending any pusles in to him. She was glad he was alright,she felt better ,she had the moment he healed her. " I should make you wait on me. " After a few more moments of silence. " So you can start making this up to me. " Oh he was being a bad little drow Her brows rose at him and she lifted her ehad to eye him. "Wait on you. Well I could make you a fine meal.But I dont intend on serving you. And I can make it up in some other way."
He smiled so sweetly to her. " But.. I healed you. " Now a little sniffle as he started to turn from her. She smiled dimly at his sniffle and turned his face back to meet her gaze.She kissed him once then rose slowly. "Fine,if I cook you some breakfast and serve you shall that make us even?" He kissed her back. " Only if you cook me three meals..today and do so nude. " Smirking slowly as he was very serious.

"I am not standing out there cooking in the nude.I will cook you breakfast,lunch and dinner.But nae in the nude will I cook. I could get burned. " He gave her his best pot, but soon lost as he started to chuckle. " Fine..but you have to be nude while you are in here." She had some cook wear and starred hard at him. "Only if you offer me the same ."Very serious as she stepped out to start breakfast. He quirked a brow to that demand, as he moved to stand up.. He'd one up her as he waited till she was gone. Then fully undressed. Waitting till the food was ready to join her.

She hadnt caught anything thanks to the slavers so she had to rely on what they had. A simple meal something humans always enjoyed .Eggs and meat and bread that was toasted. Two plates full later she walked back in to the tent. And she'd find a nude Delan waitting for her to return. Nice full view to come home to.

She nerely lost both plates of food to the floor.But she regained her balance. Even if her face was scarlet red. She merely starred at him and held out his plate. " Thank you. " He smiled at her as he sat down on his cloak and started to eat slowly. Letting her keep that nice full veiw.
He had a full chance before at the hot springs to stare at her. To memorize her every curve.Every deatil down to her birthmark,he had enjoyed recounting that look to her. Now it was her turn, to stare and memorize. Even if she was at a loss for breath. He smiled sweetly at her, so letting her see that he was doing this just to torment her. " Like what you see? It is beautifull out here. "

Her plate was still in her hand.He had taken her quite seriously. She looked to her food then back to him. then back to her food before she slowly sat down to eat her own plate full. She had a mouth full of food chewed and swallowed. "Quite nice.A very nice view."He was tormenting her,next hed ask why she wasnt doing as he had requested,she looked to her black clothes and took another bite.

He grinned. " Is it me..or are you trying hard not to gawk at me? " Now letting a touch of arrogance flow from his form If she ate quickly enough she could say she had to wash the plates. The idea of undressing in front of him made her blush. More so than seeing him there,with nothing to hide. She was trying very hadr m but any time she looked up her eyes trailed over him.She coudlnt help it. "Maybe. Cocky much? You did this just to toment me"

He smirked to that. " An interesting word you use, seeing how that is where you keep looking. " His brows rose a touch. She nerely dropped her plate again, at least it was empty of food. "I do not, and you seem a touch arrogant. Tis all I meant. If I gawked at you would you be more pleased or tease me about that?"

He grinned as he slowly moved to stand up. " You do gawk.." Once he stood, he moved slowly towards her. She looked up at him and rose quickly. "I should go wash the plates."She wasnt being sucked in to tending to him in nothing herself. What then would happen. Oh but he caught her before she could flee. " You made a promise to me.. If I was nude.." His hands moved to undress her.." You have to be nude. "

She starred at him. "That I did." She didnt stop him not at first. But then she stayed his hands. " A deal is a deal." She had to suck up her nerve.She hadnt but her botos back on so she could easly undo her pants. She paid no mind to him or tried not to.Keeping her mind on the task. Pants were gone tto the side and she focused on undoing her shirt. Hed seen it all before she reminded ehrself as she tossed the shirt away to the side. "Happy?" Now she had nothing to hide behind.

He smirked as he watched her undress, before moving around her slowly. Enjoying the view of her nude form, before wrapping his arms around her from behind. She blushed deeply,then closed her eyes as his arms went around her. "Its not as if you havent see it all before."

For so long now the road has been long and weary for so long I have gone without a home.

Home. It seems and odd term to me now, now that I know its true meaning. Before a home was a place filled with family, friends and memories, it could be a building made of stone, or sand, or sticks. O it could be a place a whole realm. Eyllis was that for me. My home. It is filled with all those things, but my last memories of it are not good ones. Ones of death and destruction. Of vengeance.

I have been away from home for five years. Not so long in the life of an elf. One who can live for a very long time, even forever if you play your cards right. I left home and traveled so far for three years, spent another year in towns and villages along the way and now Rhydin had taken me in. A year is close at hand now again, five long years.

I show no signs of age, no weariness, no lack of sight or hearing. My body shows no signs. My eyes hold the wisdom of my many long years. My skills I have learned tell the testimate of those long years. I could live a very long time and never see home, Eyllis for that matter again.

I have made new friends, new allies and new discoveries here in Rhydin. But Eyllis no matter the damage caused there will be my home for all time even if I never return.

I have no way of knowing who might be dead, or alive or captured. No way of knowing what the slave trade has done to my homeland. I know that five slavers are dead along with the score of others I have killed. But is a score of slavers enough? Can Eyllis ever be free of it?

I know not.

I have gained more than I thought possible when I first ran from home to save all I held dear. I have back with me the necklace my mother called her own. And my fathers sword. I gave that to Delan, he will do the weapon more good than I ever could.

Delan is also a new an odd yet welcome occurrence in my stay here in Rhydin. I never thought much of love before. There was too much to see to much to do. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I love him. I do not know how it came to be that way. But I know it. It is more than mere friendship love, or the love of those you come to be close with. It is love, the kind my parents had. The kind the breaks all the rules.

I trust him. That is a huge deal for me. I have trusted a few people in my life time. He is an able warrior, a fine healer, good company, and yes I will admit I freely admire him. Not just his body, though I do like to look upon him. Gawk as he would say. But his heart his spirit and soul. More than that his very aura. It is warm, so warm like the fire in his veins. I have never felt so alive so stirred in my soul and heart as I do around him.
He is also a wonderful kisser. That I do enjoy, being near him around him.

When we stood with nothing to hide behind he admired me as if he was looking upon me for the first time. And I gawked as he would say at him. No, there is nothing wrong with looking, but I see far more than just his physical form I see in to his eyes his soul and his good heart.

Desire is a word I have not often used not in this tense. Never have I desired a person, wished to be near to them to be with them. Never have I felt in all my years with all my enchancments to keep me warm have I ever felt so warm.

He reads my eyes and my movements so well. He knows me as if he has known me all my life. I know that I could never harm him, never in any way. His fire kept at bay by my cold touch and his warmth keeping him alive while close to me. In a normal world we could not be close to one another fire and ice two sides of two very different coins and yet we both long to be close to each other. We have years of practice behind us year of knowing our powers and our selves.

I know in my heart now what home is. Yes, it can be a place a building in some area.It can be a whole realm like Eyllis is to me. Always home. But it can also be a state of mind. I feel at home here now, even through Rhydin is not my home. I feel that warmth of familiarity around Delan even if we haven't known each other very long. Even if to my rational mind it seems a folly to love him.

I know what it is to live the life of a ranger now. I know what the word means. I also know that if I did deiced to go home again to walk that long road back towards Eyllis that Delan would come with me. Despite all that might stop us.

I have not told him out right that I love him. But he has said it to me that he knows I love him, and I have not and will not deny it. But in the days past when we were alone inside the tent under our agreement. I longed to say it to him. To look up in to his eyes and say it out loud. He was a true gentlemen. His hands barely touched me, and when they did it was upon my back or shoulders along my neck and ears. I dared to think of him as a lover would, tightly embraced in a kiss of passion. Wound up under blankets of furs. I became quite comfortable around him even with nothing to hide behind. He would look at me smile or smirk brush his fingers along my side or back and walk about with no worry no embrasasment. Full of pride.

Its been few days and sometimes we keep to the agreement and some times we do not. He's asked me now about every scar. He's traced them all with his eyes, and the ones he dared to touch with his fingers. And I have done the same. That mark of Teien, I linger upon it now and again. Wishing I could heal him of it, knowing now how they burned it in to him not with fire, for no heat could likely break his skin but with ice, hard frozen powers of a wizard most likely deeply elemental.

I marvel at his ebony skin, blackish blue and purple tones all mixed within. His stark white hair, his silver eyes. His full lips. I have studied every marking upon him and know of their stories. Yet still I have not asked him where he is from he spoke once of it but not the name. We are both on the run side by side willing to fight and die for that which we believe in.

The sun grows lower now, I should tend to the fire and ready to get cooking when Delan returns. Tonight I will tell him, I will find the power with in my self to say the words. Delan, I am in love with you.

She could feel the water so hot now.As if she was set a blaze. Maybe that was beacuse she had to tell him what she felt. Or maybe that was beacuse he was so fiery. She was trying not to loose her nerve as she starred up in to his silver eyes. So pure so light for a drow elf. She tried to keep her eyes there not on his form before her, but every so often her eyes moved. What she wanted to say felt so simple it lingered int he abck of her head. But what if, what if he didn't feel the same way?What if she loved him and he didn't love her back?

It was a risk she would have to take. She settled her feet to the bottom and took one step towards him. She was trying to keep her hands where they were at her sides, but her fingers longed to grace the plains of his chest, the curve of his storng shoudlers. She bit her bottom lip and shook off her nerves. " Delan," She said his name again.Names had power to them.The way you said soemones name could indicate many things, love,hate,power,respect. When she said his name again ti was softer tahn she ahd said it ebfore. No longer did she feel so ebrvous, that feeling in her stomach gone now,turned to a low dull heat.

"I've fallen in love with you." She got the words out. Her gaze met his.Waiting now for his response.

Delan would smirk slowly as he watched her, eyes looking her over as she walked towards him. Running a few fingers through his hair at the look she was giving him. Brows slowly rose to her words, before he smiled oh so sweetly at her. " I know you are madly in love with me. Your journal is quite the good read. Such things you keep hidden from me. " Winking at her, as he suddenly tugged her into a lean against him.

Hands moving around to the small of her back, before dragging his nails along her skin as he looked into her eyes. " As for how I feel for you? I could see myself staying by your side, if you think you can strut around nude for me when I tell you too. " Winking at her with a sudden kiss to her lips.

She was intwined in that kiss before she could answer but he would get it as soon as the kiss ended. Which it did eventually, though she didn't want it to. She blinked at him after the kiss had ended.She caught her breath and blushed softly. "You shouldnt go through my things." She scolded him, but it ws too late for that he already knew the full truth.Every she had written , from the moment they met. And older things dating back to her time at home, her travels across Eyllis. Every describtion of every person shed ever known. And many things about him,personal things shed never had the guts to say out loud.The idea that he had read those things made her bush deepen.

"You tease and torment me to try to goat me I know."She eyed him and sank back in to the water putting a few inches between them. "I could do that. If I didn't think you'd grow bored of the sight of me." She then slid back to the edge "I would have figured you'd seen enough?"She stood there, not hidding under the waters protective barrier but blushing.They were out in the middle of no where so she didnt really worry. "Or is it that you find something amuseing about making me prance about in the nude? "

She titled her head at him. She pushed off the edge and walked towards him and placed a very cool hand on his shoulder. "Or is it that you enjoy to look at me, as much as I enjoy to look at you? "She trailed that hands long his arm.Her eyes leveled with his. " So did you enjoy reading everything?All my past, all my present.. and all the thoughts that go on in my mind?" She grined at him and placed her hand upon his chest.

Later after a mid day nap in the cool of the shade.Zara woke to see Delan beside her watching her sleep. "That was a nice afternoon nap." He poked her sides. "Your like a little elf goddess." She smirked at him and sat up. But he pulled her back down on top of him. Her brows quriked at him and he chuckled. "What will your friends think of you, seeing you with me?" "I am part drow, they wouldnt judge." He shook his head, " no not to that, to the fact that I have made you such a naughty minx. "His hands rose over her bare shoulders. They were inside their shared tent in the back under deep shade. She looked to him,and ran her fingers over his bare chest. "I dont know what they will think of that."

He grinned. "You dont care either do you?" She shook her head. "I am happy." He leaned up and kissed her deeply. She let the kiss continue for a few moments. "As am I." He said back and winked at her. "Now how about you get your little elven butt dressed, and we will go in to town." She looked down at him, "You will dress as well?" He nodded, " unless you want all the women to follow me around." She tossed his pants at him as she rose to dress. "You can undress me with your eyes while were there and then undress me for real later." He winked at her as she dressed.

The trip in to Rhydin had been short. Zara had a few goodies and got well wishes along ehr way. She packed her bag full of provisions for the road. Delan had made his way on his own. They would meet at the edge of town. They ahd packed up their combined tent in the Rhydin woods. Zara looked towards home, towards the Mountain range that she kne wnot the name of. She knew that beyond it lie many dangers and likely many fun times as well. So much time had passed, four and a half years. But she could not come tor egret elaving, nor any of the actions she made. She knew her parents both those that bore ehr and thsoe that raise ehr were happy with her,looking down from above.

"Women," Delan smirked at her as she came to meet him outside of town, at the easten end. "They take so much time." He looked packed and ready to go. She shook her head at him and together they walked over the bridge and to the east.

She knew this time the trip would be different.Rendala nd hsi gang of slavers were dead. But the slavers in Eyllis might still be about. But that was leages away. It had taken Zara years to reach Rhydin, to find a home.Or some place like it. She knew every where she had passed and knew she and Delan may likely pass those same places. She knew Drow kind were not accepted every where, where she could apss as elven he could not. She gazed to him and he caught her look.

"Do not worry, I will not." He took her hand in his. It fit so well there.He then winked at her, she knew him hed have ways of hiding who he was from thsoe who did not accept him. But it would be a long while before they came across any place.