Elariel could feel the resistance in Tae'loren's hand, in the way that he lagged slightly behind her rather than walk beside her. She looked over her shoulder at him at one point to see a storm of conflict in his eyes, a tempest of thoughts and emotions that she couldn't begin to read. The only thing that really stood out was that he was out of his comfort zone. For a moment she considered slowing down, apologizing for being so forward, explaining herself. But no, she decided that this was what the Druid had meant. Tae'loren has spent too long ruminating on his condition, on trying to make amends and reparation for his existence. He had isolated himself for too long. But now? Well, Elariel had a feeling that Tae'loren would pursue their quest with every last breath, but she didn't want him to forget live in the meantime.<br/><br/>So it was that Elariel let out a gasp of surprise when Tae'loren stopped and turned her into his arms. Her eyes widened as his arms wrapped around her and his lips found hers. It was a quick, deep, passionate thing that was over in a moment and left her mind reeling. Then the world spun and she was up in his arm, his strong legs walking them quickly to the inn. Despite the dire situation they were in she smiled and kissed his cheek. There was a new desperation in him, like something inside him had been set free. Something he didn't want to keep buried any longer.<br/><br/>When they reached the door Elariel felt Tae'loren's eyes on her and she looked up to him, seeing that yearning in them. She reached down into the bodice of her robes and puled out the key, leaning forward ever so slightly in Tae'loren's cradling hold to unpick the door. Once she had done it she buried the key back into its spot and she pressed her lips against his in a deep, needy kiss. She pulled away after a moment and looked into his eyes.<br/><br/>"Before- when you said you loved me..." Elariel whispered slowly, as though trying to find the right words, her cheeks flushing a pretty pink. "I was scared. I didn't think my heart could take any more loss. But then I realised that not loving you- well... it would be a loss all in itself." Elariel reached a hand up to cup his cheek. She took a deep breath, her eyes burning with emotion and vulnerability. "So I don't want to deny it anymore. I love you Tae'loren. Please, let me love you."<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>