Ilia liked the feel of his weight as he rested his cheek on top of her head and the warmth of his arms around her. It felt natural. It felt right. Her mind began to drift and she started to imagine some very imprudent thoughts. She buried her head in his chest for a moment to hide a blush. Goodness but she couldn't get those thoughts from her head! It certainly didn't help that he smelled so good. Even after a night in the stocks.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"I..I can't remember that far," he admitted. "I...I just always was given nicknames I guess... the Aes Sedai who found me called me Shadow because I wouldn't leave and just followed them like a lost puppy until brought me to the Tower,"</span><br/><br/>Ilia pulled away just enough that there was a little room between them, while still touching. That was so sad. Ilia's heart ached for him.<span style="font-style: italic">"I am sorry... I wish I could tell you,"</span>Ilia's brow furrowed. It wasn't his fault. She had known about the trolloc attacks. It was a trauma that she, herself, had experienced. It was something that no child should have to live through.<br/><br/>"Don't apologize, Shadow." She reached up and touch the v of his neckline as it turned red, as if to sooth it back to its resting color. She looked up, feeling the warmth of his breath on her lips. Her own breathing began to shallow and her heart rate doubled. She couldn't take her eyes from his lips. They looked so...delicious. All she had to do was stand on her tip toes and she could-<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic"> "I should get packing for the journey," </span><br/><br/>As if his words brought her from the trance she was in, Ilia trembled before breaking their embrace and going to her bed. "You're right." Breathless words rushed from her lungs as a hand went to her own neck and she sat down. "We leave in a few days and we still have to finish getting supplies." Ilia's brow furrowed and she stood, and looked as if she was unsure what to do. Striding for the door, Ilia opened it for Shadow to exit. "I'll...um.." Oh light why did she have such butterflies?? "I'll send for you sometime in the morning." She smiled as he walked out before closing the door and sitting on her bed.<br/><br/>"You're right??" Ilia said with a shake of her head as she plopped onto her side, pushing her things against the wall.