The connection Dalindme experienced with Melinda was teaching him so many things he'd never dreamed of knowing. Her memories of her late father gave him a perfect model for loving protectiveness and tender pride in the woman she was that he couldn't help but be further molded by it. Her soft sigh and the comfort she took from being with him filled him with a light yet heady energy that tickled his heart. She wasn't just the source of his happiness, she was a necessary part of him now. She'd taught him the difference between endless misery and an eternity of love and joy.<br/><br/>Melinda's smile and tender words just served to reinforce that for him. He leaned his head down and brushed his lips along the top of the hand she laid on his arm. Not a kiss, really, more the kind of tender nuzzling an animal does to the one they care for. A few moments later he felt a wave of tiredness wash from her into him and took the steps necessary to assist her with that. The scent of her wafted into his nose as he carried her, and its wonderful sweetness was marred by the acrid smell of some of the wounds that had yet to heal, reminding him of his need to learn more to help set things right for her. The thought of her continually in pain made his heart hurt and he silently promised to do all he had to to help her.<br/><br/>When Melinda asked him to stay Dalindme halted his forward progress and returned to her side. "I will," he said softly with a gentle smile as her pleading eyes melted away his resolve and need to continue his work on her behalf. She needed him, he would stay, it was as simple as that. He slipped into bed with her, nestling so close his nose brushed against the tip of hers as he wrapped his arms around her. His embrace was warm and tender, his one arm snaked under her and rested low on her hip as the other one slipped up her back and lightly massaged her shoulder. Knowing no better, he burrowed under the blankets until they were covered from head to toe. So, ultimately, they ended up being caccooned in blankets, in a toasty little world of their own.