Nirael worried briefly if he had said a touch too much at Mara, but it did not seem like she was hurt by his words at least. He did not wish to drive away either of the two but at the same time he hoped to keep some peace between them as they travelled. He wondered if he was simply thinking too much of a simple thing, but right now he felt at least a little worried about it. Nonetheless, her words of encouragement on his mind, he had sought to catch up with Lunari finding her far closer than he had expected, silently scolding himself for thinking she'd stray that far away from them just because of small embarrassment.<br/><br/>Then as Lunari spoke, Nirael nod his head and listened to them quietly, smile playing on his lips. He didn't want to tease her too much about them, but at the same time he felt Mara might actually be on the right track. While he could try and flatter his way to a joyful night on some of the journeys, he preferred to keep things light and pleasant bit of fun in such occasions. Right now, he had other concerns to keep in mind though, and though Mara might happen to feel the mood at times perhaps, he wasn't sure if Lunari would appreciate that as an observer getting frustrated. So he would have to open up that discussion sooner rather than later.<br/><br/><strong>"Those feelings defy understanding by poets even as centuries change. While people may try and make light of emotions and joke about them, people's hearts are complex and one answer doesn't necessarily even begin to cover the need of another person."</strong>He offered this as a somewhat philosophical point of view, trying to ease into a discussion that probably wouldn't be as peaceful. He wondered if he really wanted to push Lunari in such a way, but it seemed it might help her, and he'd hold to the limits he'd set to himself so it ought to be fine he told himself, silencing his own concerns for the moment.<strong>"Desires may find their origin in curiosity, affection, envy, a number of things both good and bad. I see no harm in them as long as the honest intensions are clear to both parties, but I know not all share my outlook. Some would call me a charmer, an enemy of all women, a flirt and a scoundrel. I cannot deny the fact I enjoy a bit of flirt and calling me a scoundrel would be fair given my behaviour with some."</strong>He let out a heavy sigh at this, scratching his cheek.<br/><br/><strong>"However, I do not lie and tell stories of how we'll marry and settle down with kids, nor do I claim some heroics I have not accomplished to draw the eyes of a paramour I might desire to know. You found me with someone who had a bad experience before and I sought to show that not all men are rude pigs with only selfish desires, that some would seek to leave a lady pleased in the night as well. Of course, I can understand that it might appear risky but there's spells, and herbal teas, to keep such risks at bay."</strong>He brushed his chin again, clearing his throat. He was explaining things yet he was dancing around the issue, talking more of himself than of her.<strong>"I like to think of myself a good person in general. I would also like to get along with you for a long time to come. I am drawn out of my own journeys for this task so suddenly it has left me wondering, but even so I am a leaf dancing in the wind that has taken a new current to carry it now."</strong><br/><br/>Drawing a deep breath, his eyes closed as he spoke seriously, not looking at her. This would have to be the part where she might get mad at him. Well, hopefully she wouldn't, but he wasn't sure how this would turn out.<strong>"You have been preparing for a role, and perhaps having an idea of what kind of a person you would find. I imagine it was a bit of a shock to discover me the way you did. Yet I will not lie about my nature, and I am glad you are willing to be honest with your own. I may joke and tease a bit, but I do not want to make you uncomfortable in my presence, beyond a momentary embarrassment occasionally perhaps to try and see your cheeks flush with color. Its my way, to take delight in such things, and while I would wish to show you the pleasures that can be enjoyed, I would not wish to force it on anyone. If you find yourself reluctant to engage in such games, please at least do not feel shame in having a desire, I of all people should know not to guilt anyone for desires of amorous nature."</strong>He allowed a faint pause for the words to sink in, continuing a little more.<strong>"I shall aid you to the best of my abilities, both with the foe chasing after the object to be protected, and if you find yourself tempted and willing to take some exploring steps on your own pace, into the path of silk and roses."</strong><br/><br/>It was about as much as he was willing to suggest at this point, not wanting to anger her.