Ranuk did not care what Tamlin did with the collar, take it with him or toss it in the brush, it did not matter. Metal and stone conjured for vanity's sake, Ranuk had no use for it. But Tamlin was a respectful sort and he laid the heavy thing down on the grass, close to Ranuk as if he might want it again.<br/><br/>The demon didnt and he made that apparent by not sparing the decorative collar another glance. Instead his pale blue eyes watched Tamlin. The elf said his goodnight and all but disappeared into the shadows but Ranuk could make out the shape of him moving against the darkness. His ears strained to hear his steps, so soft against the ground it was easily lost among the whispers of the night breeze.<br/><br/>Once, Ranuk had spent sleepless nights alert to that whispery sound. Once, it had meant death were in the shadows. Once, he had hunted that noise with hatred in his heart and drool flooding his mouth, salivating for elven blood.<br/><br/>Now, it was only a gentle goodbye of his betrothed.<br/><br/>Ranuk had lived a long and chaotic life, but this was perhaps the strangest thing he's ever experienced. A demon sleeping safely in the heart of the elven kingdom, eager to meet the elven prince, the grandson of the elf that had slain his sire, for a hunt. Not against each other, but for elk.<br/><br/>What a bizarre twist of fate...<br/><br/>Tamlin's words echoed in Ranuk's mind as sleep embraced him. It curled in his chest and settled behind his heart, a soft little creature like a bird seeking shelter.<i> "I hope, perhaps, we both can be more than what we expect. And what's expected of us."  </i><br/><br/>More than what we expect... Tamlin was certainly that.<br/><br/>Ranuk fell asleep in the garden, a tiny grass box held in his massive fist, and an elf's smile in his dreams.<br/><br/>Ortel was the one to find him in the morning as Ursalo had yet to reappear from his dalliance. The snake demon was unamused to find his master alone and exposed, and he bullied the demon back inside to change out of his finery.