<b>Pegawen was contemplating the next day when a tap on her shoulder brought her from her meditations. “Is something wrong?” she asked Lotharn as he pointed towards the fires, but the gleeful expression on his face and his words had her turning to look. She rubbed her eyes. I can't be seeing this, she thought. But the image of Allassiel in Thorgan's arms remained. “Perhaps they will both have some peace now,” she murmured, smiling. She started to rise, but Lotharn shook his head, insisting that she sleep. She could speak to Allassiel later. <br/>
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It'd been a long time since Allassiel had willingly had a man's arms around her, longer than Thorgan had been alive even. More than one hir had indicated over the years their interest, yet she'd wanted no more to do with men. Yet, as Thorgan leaned down to kiss her, she felt her pulse jump at the touch of his firm, gentle lips. Her mind, which had been a tangle of thoughts and fears, quieted for the moment and she gave herself to the kiss, focusing instead on the warmth of his body pressed against her. <br/>
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When it ended, she pulled back and smiled. “You should get some sleep, it'll be long days ahead and we'll need our wits about us to keep watch for dangers.” </b>