"Alright." Maric confirmed as he grabbed his things.<br/>Holding her tight to his chest, the knight readied himself to be swooped up by the dragon. He didn't tell her so, but he was actually terrified of heights. The reason he had not done so, was because the life she held so dear here, was at risk of being broken to shambles because of him. If only he had just written that letter before hand, then they could relax here by themselves. But no, he had to put it off and now he had to pay the price.<br/>As the shadow fell overhead, Maric shut his eyes tightly and grasped her as firmly as he could without hurting her.<br/>Maric was unprepared for Layla's grasp around them. The wind escaped his lungs, and just as he caught his breath, it was taken away once again by the unexpected kiss from Nimue. As soon as she placed her lips upon his, all of the paladin's worries seemed to melt away. The smooth feeling of her rich velvet lips against his, toughened by weather on his long travels soothed him. Her sweet aroma of rosepetals soothed his thoughts. The feeling of her silken hair running through his calloused fingers calmed him more than the sweet melody of even the most skilled siren. Maric felt as if he was being kissed by a goddess more amazing than even Aphrodite.<br/>He soon began to kiss her back with a passion he had never felt before. Nothing else mattered. His fear of heights seemed to vanish, as he forgot even about the air rushing through his hair. Nimue was his everything at this moment, and the knight gave her every ounce of attention he had.<br/>After what seemed an eternity of bliss, Maric finally broke the kiss to come up for air, but he kept his forehead against hers. He never wanted to leave her side again, as doing so would no doubt feel like descending to the depths of Tartarus itself.<br/>"I think I may have fallen for you, my dearest Nimue." Maric said, his voice more compassionate than it had ever been before. "In my travels, I have come across many forces, but none are as strong as the feelings that I now have for you.<br/>"I will stay and protect you and your family, as long as need be. I swear that neither you nor Layla will come into harm's path as long as I am here at your side."