Lunari smiled, his words seeming to find peace in her heart.  She spoke,<strong>"It's not that I am offended or even unused to matters of physical love.  My people are a sensual and very sexually open people.  Nor have I ever asked for any comittment from you... well... other than to claim your destiny and defeat the demon Marda.  But certainly not one of a lover or father."</strong><br/><br/>She snorted and laughed.  Then tapping her earring, sending the silver bangle spinning in the light she said,<strong> "I wear a charm that prevents such a thing in fact.  It amuses me now because all children in my village are given one when they come of age so that they may enjoy the pleasures of the flesh.  But my peers, those close in age to me, who indulged in such pleasures of the flesh actually named my bangle.  'Ralhar ni arl' they called it.  My people's language for 'pointless decoration'.  A taunt, a tease, and a subtle ploy to get me to join in their games of flesh and desire.  One that, on many occasions, left me tempted, wanting.  But always my life quest was there, and every moment was spent preparing to find you, protect you, aid you.  I feel my father was dissapointed that I never picked up more than the faintest spark of his magical talent.  I feel that my mother was dissapointed that I carried on my father's obsession with the artifact, and did not enjoy life the way my clan mates did.  So when they reached the twentieth year of their binding ceremony, they did not renew.  But moved on to other lovers and other tasks.  Remaining friends of course and occasional lovers, and both fine parents in their own way.  But always I felt that need, that desire to please either of them and never quite managing."</strong><br/><br/>She sighed and was quiet for a bit before saying,<strong>"I can feel my mother's dissapproval on me even now.  I know she understood my life quest, how important this was to my father and to me to find you.  But the desire to join you and Mara last night was so strong, so great, I could almost feel my mother's presence urging me to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh.  To revel in the beauty of physical bliss."</strong><br/><br/>She turned her head away, unable to look at him,<strong> "But... I was scared.  Too scared."</strong>