Tae'loren's arms felt so strong and reassuring around her. Elariel couldn't remember how long it had been since she had felt something so wonderful. When he rested his head against hers Elariel let out a small content sigh. It was a beautiful moment, being lost in the wilds with him, but it wasn't to last. He pulled away, suddenly almost. As if remembering something important; as if their mutual solace was inappropriate in that moment. Then he spoke of their task, of the one that he seemingly couldn't reconcile with their affection. Elariel understood; they were her colleagues that had been taken, but she also knew the importance of taking care of her own needs at a time like this. She thought of Tae'loren, of his single-minded dedication, of his pursuit of his goals at the neglect of himself. This, she knew, was something she could teach him. It would not do to live for the future but forget to enjoy the present. So she reached up, running her hands along the undersides of his arms, holding them to her, silently begging him not to break the contact. She looked up into his emerald-flecked gold eyes, a little sternness in her own expression, but mixed liberally with the affection that she felt towards him.<br/><br/>"We can do no more for them tonight," Elariel said evenly. And it was true, around them the forest was starting to transform. Beams of dying sunlight streamed through the many gaps, dappling the world around them, preparing it for the shadows and darkness that would soon come. "We need to get back and rest. Tomorrow is another day, we will do more, get another step closer. But tonight... tonight is for us," She told him, reaching behind his head and gently pulling him closer so that her lips could claim his. Her kiss was warm, sweet, and full of a promise that she hoped to fulfil. His words from earlier floated back to her mind.<i>Love. </i>Yes, she thought, she could see that now. She could feel it in the space between them.<br/><br/>Then Elariel pulled away from Tae'loren, regretfully slipping from his arms, but holding onto his hand to lead him back to the city and their home for the night.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>