Tae'loren pressed his cheek into Elariel's hand as it caressed him as though her touch were some life-sustaining force. His face followed her hand as though on a leash. He realized what he was doing, realized that he was allowing himself to love another, to allow another to make contributions to his life, and the realizations surprised the hunter. He didn't recognize himself now, though he wasn't sure if that was good or bad. He knew he loved Elariel, but he felt something was preventing him from completely uniting with her.<br/><br/>He didn't watch his druid friend depart, more concerned with slipping his strong arms around his elven lover, forearms gently locking against her hips as his hands rested on her lower back, drawing her close. He could smell her now. Her warm breath, he soft hair, her smooth skin. He felt her lips brush his, coaxing them to lunge forward in a hungry, needful kiss.<br/><br/>"I'm alright now, Elariel." His forehead pressed against hers, his golden-green eyes dimming as his eyelids narrowed. He didn't want to move, didn't want to do anything except stand here with his lover for just one peaceful moment, but he knew he couldn't be selfish, knew that innocent lives were waiting to be freed. His head pulled away suddenly. "We should prepare for the rescue."<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>