Ilia's brow furrowed as Shadow got to his knees, but softened as he spoke. He was so sweet, and gentle! At least, with her.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Even now...at my worst... you want to...you still want to bond me?"</span><br/><br/>Her heart ached for him. His worst was still better than many a man. She joined him on the floor and watched as he spoke. She wanted to kiss him again.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"I am yours, I protect and obey...until Tarmongedon and Beyond,"</span><br/><br/>She took the cloak and stood, so better to drape it around his broad shoulders before fastening it around his neck.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Um...what do I do now?"</span><br/><br/>He looked so nervous, Ilia couldn't help but smile just a little and she rejoined him on the floor. "You don't have to do anything." Ilia took his hands in her own and brought them to her lips. They were calloused, but warm as she kissed the top of them. "Shadow," Ilia helbhis gaze, her brow furrowed just slightly. "You are more than what Luna Sedai says you are. So much more." Her thumbs caressed the tops of his hands. "You are a remarkable person." She wanted to put into words the faith she had in him and his abilities, but she could not. Ilia would just have to show him.<br/><br/>Letting go of his hands, Ilia reached for his temples and touched them lightly with her fingertips. She formed the weave and felt it settle upon her. The feeling was similar to that of the 3 Oaths accept more...comfortable. As if this was perfectly natural. And then she felt him, a small knot in her consciousness. Ilia was overwhelmed with a sense of loyalty and warmth. She could never doubt that he had only the best intentions for her: not that she ever did, this only cemented the fact. Ilia tried to project her trust in him and return the warmth he had for her, but she was unsure if it worked. She hadn't exactly been taught more than the basics in bonding.<br/><br/>"There." Ilia was beginning to feel a bit sentimental, so she stood to her feet and dusted her shirt off. "I suppose we should get you a bed then? Unless you prefer sleeping in the barracks?" Ilia suspected he did not so she flagged down a servant, after dropping her weave for eavesdropping, instructed they remove the table and replace it with a bed. After giving her instructions she turned to Shadow, her hands on her hips. "Why don't you collect your things? Your bed should be ready by the time you get back."