He closed his fingers about the fruit, gripping it tightly enough to keep her from knocking it out of his hand.  His other hand came up to stroke her cheek.  "You shall be my bride Lauralana," he said softly, "Two hearts shall beat as one.  Two souls shall be joined forever."  The vow of an elven mating, a promise at once so simple and yet so powerful.<br/><br/>He lifted the fruit and took a bite from it, then offered it to her one more.<br/><br/>"The bonding does not require you to take this fruit willingly," he warned her quietly as he swallowed his own bite, "And you will be mated to me here and now.  Take this willingly and I can make your existence here quite comfortable.  Be my willing bride and I will show you pleasure undreamed of and let you reign at my side as a goddess."