<b>Allassiel wrapped her shaking arms around her torso as she made her way back to her bedroll. Had she done the right thing? She imagined she'd find out in the morning. Would he laugh at her? Or worse, ignore her as he'd done earlier. One thought tumbled after another. Surely planning battles was much easier than this. <br/>
<br/>
So deep was she in thought, she didn't hear his approach until she felt the hand gasp her arm and turn her around. “I … I didn't know you were awake. I ...” she stared up at his face, noticing the strain there and emotions she couldn't quite place.</b><br/><br/><i><b>'Did you mean what you said?' </b></i><br/><b><br/>
She watched in amazement as he took the bracelet and slid it onto his wrist. Had he really said what she thought? A moment later, she found herself in his arms. She opened her mouth to speak, but found it difficult to utter a word. Instead, she nodded up at him.</b><br/><br/><br/><b>In the trees, a pair of eyes impassively stared. Small and black, the bird tilted its head as it focused from human, to dwarf, to elf, before silently spreading its wings and taking flight. The master would be waiting for news. </b>