Taryn listened to his shy assertions. She sat up in the bed, clutching the coverlet to her chest. Pushing the unruly red hair from her face, she looked at his feline face. There was no tone of derision , nothing to indicate scorn and Taryn nodded. Slowly she let the blanket slip from her and she pressed her hand flat against her heart and then laid that same hand on his chest over his heart.<br/><br/>"In here, where it truly matters we are the same. You have gained my trust, Kuguar, like no one in the Hume has ever done. I pledge my Talent to your benefit. I vow to guard your back. I will count your enemies, mine." she swore to him, with her hand to his heart.<br/><br/>He blinked but Taryn was solemn.<br/><br/>"When do we leave?" she asked, swinging her feet from the bed, already regretting having to leave the circle of his arms.