"I suppose-" The rest of her words never came out as Shadow stood, his tall, broad form was strong, but the hands that cupped her cheeks were gentle and warm. She relished in the feel of his warmth, leaning just slightly, but! He was coming in for a kiss! It seemed to happen in slow motion. Her heart raced as he got closer and she rose to meet him halfway. The feel of his lips were wonderful. The kiss she had given him, a simple peck really, did not compare to this. There was passion there amplified by their shared bond. And when he pulled away? Ilia almost felt a sense of loss.<br/><br/><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-style: italic">"I am sorry...What...what... where you saying?"</span></span><br/><br/>His eyes were so beautiful! Dark pools that reflected her image back at her. His hands in her hair, tugging ever so gently, set ablaze a carnal desire she had never known. She kissed him again, this time there was a hunger there. Fumbling backwards, Ilia managed to make her way to her bed, pulling him with her as her lips moved with his. Without realizing why, she embraced the source and threw up a weave against eavesdropping and tied it off. She knew she would not have the concentration to hold the weave. Pulling at Shadow, she lay upon her bed, loving the feel of his weight upon her. Her hands ran through his hair, the thick locks were so soft. Everything about him was so...perfect.<br/><br/>Now she was on top. His armor clinked together as she strandled him, her skirts spread to either side. Her curls had become untamed in their movements, but Ilia didn't mind. She looked to him, searching for...permission? He<span style="font-style: italic">was</span>her Warder now. She could compel-no, in that moment, knowing how vulnerable Shadow could truly be to her, Ilia made a vow to herself to never,<span style="font-style: italic">never</span>compel him, unless absolutely necessary. Of course, this was not one of those times.<br/><br/>Ilia leaned down, feeling his armor move with his breathing beneath her. It matched her own-feverish, labored. She kiss his neck, her own hot breath hitting the beautiful slope of it. She trembled. She needed him. She-<br/><br/>Ilia sat up straight. "We.. I.. " Her breath was still labored and she desperately wanted to embrace Shadow, he could feel her desires through the bond. Ilia shook herself, attempting to gain control of her emotions, her feelings. Light, but he was beautiful. He was the most beautiful man she had ever seen, how anyone could prefer Galad, Ilia could not fathom. "I shouldn't.." Her words were so hard to put together. Ilia placed a palm on her forehead while attempting to collect her thoughts. "I want to, " Ilia's eyes traced his lips, his jawline. She almost leaned down again. Instead, Ilia removed herself from atop Shadow.<br/><br/>Pacing, Ilia tried to articulate what she was thinking. "I don't think it would be...healthy for us to," Her face flushed. Why was she so nervous? "I mean, honestly, we barely know each other." Perhaps they had only known each other for a few days, but Ilia felt as if she<span style="font-style: italic">knew</span>Shadow. "It would be improper. Luna Sedai-" What about Luna Sedai? She could hardly fault Ilia. Not after openly displaying their passions to anyone with eyes. "...is an adult and can do as she pleases with her Warder,"  Ilia was rambling. "But, I don't feel such a...physical relationship...is right for us..."  Ilia eyed him sideways, gauging his reaction. "..yet." Oh Light, but she<span style="font-style: italic">still</span>wanted him. Ilia ran a hand through her hair and looked to Shadow with pleading eyes. "Do you understand?" She hoped so. It wasn't a rejection. Perhaps...it was that Ilia was afraid. Afraid? Apprehensive? This was territory she had never crossed before with anyone! And as natural as it had felt and as much as she wanted to entwine herself with him, there was that last step she couldn't bring herself to take.<br/><br/>Ilia let out a long, soft sigh. Her breathing had finally calmed. "I should get ready for bed and you should rest." Ilia went to her closet and looked for a shift. She apprehensively looked over her shoulder to Shadow. "Do you want me to send for another bed? Or-" They could share? Her bed was large enough for them to sleep comfortably beside each other. Of course, could she trust herself to just sleep?