The hunter paused, naked, in the threshold of the bathroom, thinking. He turned slowly around, eyes set with purpose and a bit more moist than before, and strode with long, steady steps toward his lover. He took her gently in his arms, kissing her softly, then embraced her, holding her warm, tender body against his nakedness. He nuzzled his cheek against hers, tilting his face to gently kiss her jaw as he held her. Without releasing her he pressed his lips softly against her ear and whispered, "I would either be dead by the minions of Illidan, or I would still be out there, living only to hunt and to recover those that that vile cur took from me to twist into his hunters. No, Elariel, you did not capture me, you rescued me."<br/><br/>Leaning his head back he smiled, a few tears collected at the corners of his eyes, and he kissed her again, not a kiss of need or hunger, but one of gratitude. "Now we will work together to rescue the others." Slowly he released her again, turning once more to enter the bathroom. Even if others may not understand why he chose to bind himself to her, Tae'loren could no longer see his life without her.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>