Tae'loren opened his eyes, placing a reassuring hand on Elariels'. He managed to smile, despite having just subjected himself to such pain. Adrenaline still coursed through his veins, inhibiting the full effects of the abuse and the trap. He was aware that Elariel was alone, and quite concerned for his safety. That simple fact pierced deep into the hunter, yet another affirmation that their two ethnicities were not so different.<br/><br/>“Do not; I did this so Neras would not suspect anything, and even if he did and told anyone else, they would see me like this.” He spoke softly and coherently; he'd endured far worse in his time learning to be a hunter and learning what not to do, than trekking as a hunter and learning what to do better.<br/><br/>He slowly sat up, taking his time, allowing his body to register any injuries, any ailments, any side effects of what he'd done to himself. Looking about once more at his handiwork he smiled, then he scrunched his nose at a smell wafting from his left hand: it was burned, not severely, but just enough to alter the hue of his skin. It hurt now that he was looking at it, but after flexing his fingers he realized he'd be able to fight with it if necessary. He looked over the rest of his body, winching and grunting softly.<br/><br/>“I don't suppose we have time for you to massage my neck and shoulders?” His tone was facetious and dismissive as he rolled his shoulders in an effort to loosen himself. Smiling still he leaned over to his lover and sniffed her neck and hair, kissing her affectionately. “Mmm, you still smell good. How much time do we have?” While his body was thinking of sex, despite it's recent beating, Tae'loren was thinking of food and time to talk with Elariel, and possibly prepare for that time when the others may try to kill him.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>