Hot and Alone

[taran]

Taran pulled her on to him, kissing her passionately. 'I love you too,' he thought.

[micaylah]

Aethelwyne lost herself in the passion of his kiss. Sweating in the heat of the spring and his embrace, she looked him deeply in the eyes, she saw his love for her and his desire. "Forever." was all that she said to him as he took her to a place where only he could.

[taran]

Taran let his passion overflow as he kissed her again and again. He felt her curved body against his, his hands running up and down her back and through her hair.

[micaylah]

Aethelwyne felt as their souls joined as one. The moon, the stars, the heavens themselves seemed to shatter around them. Her breath heavy she kissed him. Softly speaking his name. "Taran!"

[taran]

Taran pulled her lips to his, keeping her from speaking.

[micaylah]

Aethelwyne surrendered to his kiss. No words. Just their love. She lost herself again within his touch, his embrace. The power of their love so strong, the heavens opened up, weeping tears of joy. As the light rain fell slowly to the earth, kissed by the chill of the wind, it changed to gentle snowflakes floating delicately down around them. Surrounded by his love, her soul sang out into the still of the night captivating the stars themselves. For this brief moment in time, the world stood still.

[taran]

Taran kissed and held her a little longer, their love all that existed. As the snow fell, Taran did not want to stop the moment, just stay where they were, in each others arms, feeling each others skin. But the snow at that height was dangerous, so, reluctantly, Taran broke from their love and touch.
"We should go inside, love," he said. "It is getting cold out and we wouldn't want to be caught in this storm." Taran stood in his naked form, helping Aethelwyne to her feet as he pulled a towel around them.

[micaylah]

Aethelwyne knew he was right. His reluctance to leave mirrored her own. Taking his hand she slowly emerged from the hot spring. As he wrapped the towel around them, she picked up the fur cloak and also wrapped them within its warmth. Their breath clung heavy to the cold as it rose in smoke around them. They made their way back to the cave, walking in each others arms.

[taran]

Taran closed the heavy door behind them, sealing them in temporary darkness. Suddenly, Taran's mark on his chest began to glow, giving them light. Walking over to the fire place, Taran started a fire and lit several candles. Sitting on the bed, he pulled the sheets over his still naked body, giving him warmth.

[micaylah]

Aethelwyne walked to the bed. Sitting beneath the fur cloak, she looked at him. "Are you cold my love?" Her skin still hot from the spring and the warmth of the fur.

[taran]

Taran smiled, pulling her next to him under the sheets.
"A little, love," he said, red in his cheeks.

[micaylah]

She felt the fabric of the sheets against her skin as she pulled him closer to share heat. Looking into his eyes she watched the light from the fire dance, making them sparkle. "What is it love. Why are you so quiet?"

[taran]

Taran looked at her, pulling her to lay beside him looking at the fire.
"I'm not sure," he said, staring into the dancing flames. "I guess I'm just worried. About the king, Elianora, our children, you, so many things."

[micaylah]

"What can I do to alleviate your fears?" she asked. Her face serious. "I do not want you to worry. In the morning we will formulate our plan. Though I admit I do not know where to begin." She brushed her fingers through his hair as she spoke.

[taran]

Taran smiled at her.
"Your presence beside me is enough my love," he said, stoking her cheek.