Taryn let him pull her to standing. He didn't move back which kept her close to him, close enough to feel his body heat. She looked up, he was tall. Her hand was swamped in his paw. She placed her other hand over his heart as she had done before.<br/><br/>"We can try this. Something that feels this right has merit. As a warrior, I know to trust my instincts and all my instincts draw me to you." she said solemnly. Standing on tip toe, she pressed a kiss on his mouth tentatively. His whiskers tickled. Taryan smiled at him, with tears in her eyes.<br/><br/>"I have always wanted to do that, but in Home this isn't done. Mating is clinical and strips the female of dignity. There is no choice. There is no sweetness. We must not let our hearts ruin our mission or allow our desires cause us to fail."<br/><br/>Taryn broke away from him to pace the rock floor and stop, looking out of the cave. She felt his body heat as he came to stand behind her, placing his paws on her shoulders. She petted the dusty fur and then laid her cheek on the other one.<br/><br/>"But Raschen," she said, suddenly.<br/><br/>"What?" he asked.<br/><br/>"Never purify me again!"