Until that moment Aelena had not realized the depth that she had missed her friend. Even though it had been a relatively short time since they had worked together so much had happened. So many had been lost or scattered to the four cornered of this world and beyond. It felt remarkable to see fierce, determined Iylldrraen again. She leaned into his, just happy to lean into him for a moment. The sigh of content that was hissing between her lips turned into a very girlish squeal when he unceremoniously hoisted her aloft. His exuberance soothed her shock though and she found herself giggling.<br/><br/>When he set her down she wobbled ever so slightly and shook her head at the slight dizziness from being spun. Still the smile was bright on her face, evidence of the joy that she took in his presence. The hands on her hips had her fighting a blush. The strength and gentleness in his hands was immediately apparent, even if she had not already seen him destroy enemies with ease and heal allies with a touch. Her finger traced along the long, faint scar that ran along the outside of her forearm. She remembered being so scared and bleeding so much that day. He had been there to calm her and heal her. She smiled at the memory and was jerked back to the present by his excited voice.<br/><br/>Her bright eyes widened when the item was unwrapped. It was an icicle, frozen forever by her magic. It was a fairly basic thing but she recalled being so proud to make it and show him. That he had kept it made her blush deeply again.<span style="color: indigo">"All this time... you've held onto it?" </span>Aelena's smile returned even as her blush deepened. Her fingers fumbled for and found the thin vine that was around her neck. With a careful tug her necklace lifted. There was a small seed pod on the end, so deep and beautifully green that it could pass for an emerald.<span style="color: indigo"> "I did as well." </span>She said with a soft smile. She was still very much in shock. How, after all the time and battle and distance, could he really be standing here before her?<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>