Knowing his gaze was upon her, Rose felt a flicker of embarrassment. Not of her body, she was proud of that, but the stripes that criss crossed her back and legs. She knew she should tell him what they were and why she had been whipped.<br/><br/>When he stood before her and his desire became evident in his eyes and words as well as his body, she smiled. His touch gentle and sure as he wrapped the rope around her. "Thank you, Katul. I am honored by your desire. Though it might not be the time or place. I think I might like my robes on under this rope. It might be a bit more comfortable."<br/><br/>She shook the still damp, but drier robes out and pulled them on over her head, tucking the bottom under the rope he had tied around her waist. Properly covered now she followed him up the path, the witchlight floating above them. She felt a twinge of memory disturb her mind then as the ropes reminded her of something long ago. Shoving the memory aside she came up beside him and gently put a hand on his back as they climbed.<br/><br/>"Your people have different customs than my own. I would love to hear more. I left my people when it became obvious they no longer trusted me. I have been alone since then." her voice was quiet.