Taryn sighed deeply and stepped back. She turned to pace the floor, running her fingers through the thick red hair, exposing her facial tattoo. Finally she threw both hands in the air, and pleaded.<br/>"There is nothing you can do?" she looked into his face. His eyes were sympathetic, his whiskers quivering but she knew from the resolve on his face that there was no other course.<br/><br/>Sinking down on the cushions, Taryn curled up, dropping her military precision to just be a woman, soft, vulnerable and suddenly  weary.<br/><br/>"Yes, sleep. You are correct. The next few days will be grueling and being as rested as possible going in will help with stamina." Taryn rubbed her forehead and curled in on herself even tighter. She rocked herself until she noticed Raschen staring at her.<br/><br/>"Where do I sleep? Here?" she patted the cushions. " Can I have a drink before I lay down?" Taryn's mouth was  like powder as she met the emerald stare. She was lost in the deep, hooded gaze and something stirred in the pit of her stomach.