As the sun peaked over the horizon, the clouds were painted with red, pink, and orange hues. Birds chirped their morning songs, and other woodland creatures stretched their limbs, and made way towards the lake for a morning drink of water. Dew sparkled in the sunlight giving the leaves and grass a botanical glow that only a morning in the forest could emanate.

When the sun rose higher into the sky, the sunlight washed over the slumbering Enelya and Rothardan. The warmth made Enelya’s eyes flutter open, as she breathed in deeply, smiling, feeling safe within the arms of Rothardan, both of them in a tree. She rubbed his chest softly, not to wake him up, but simply out of affection as she sat up, stretching her arms and yawning. She looked out to the sky, clutching her knees, admiring the morning canvas. The clouds were light and whispery, colored so beautifully Enelya couldn’t help but gaze into it.

She ran her fingers through her hair, pulling out leaves and sticks that had seemed to bury themselves within her light blue locks as she slept. She turned around, and ran her fingers then through Rothardan’s hair, humming a soft lullaby that always seemed to say with her. She figured it was something from the village she came from. Perhaps it was something that had been sung to her when she was a babe, but she knew she’d sing it to her own children… Even though the words were lost to her.

Enelya sat next to Rothardan, running her fingers through his hair, thinking about past events. She’d found love so quickly… It was practically love at first sight. And everything had happened so fast sometimes Enelya felt as if she’d have to pinch herself to make sure it was really happening, and not just her imagination. But she had slept, dreamed, and even awoken, and still, she had been in the arms of Rothardan, and he was still with her… So it mustn’t have been a dream. Enelya smiled… She was in love.

He could hear a beautiful voice singing some sort of melodical tune, something that the Paladin didn't know. It was quite catchy and very soothing. Whoever was singing it had the voice of an angel, Rothardan couldn't help but smile as he listened to the tune. Then he felt a finger on his chest, slowly moving around in circles. This caused Rothardan to open his eyes slowly and look into the beautiful face of his love, Enelya Norvayn.

The light was coming through the trees and into the tree-bed that Rothardan had made the night before. No longer was it a cold, cold night, but a warm spring morning as Rothardan gazed into the eyes of his lover, then looked at her hand to see it was her who was touching his chest and making patterns so. Then it must have been her angelic voice he heard in his sleep, the voice which guided him to wake up. Rothardan was more happier than ever, he had slept so soundly that he could have slept through a pavilion marching through the lands, and his dreams had been wonderful for he had dreamt of the night he had Enelya had spent together, and the moments before that.

Never before had Rothardan thought about the future before, he always thought he would spend his life fighting evil and dying knowing he had made the world a better place. However Rothardan was now thinking so far ahead into the future, the thought of spending it with Enelya. Would he have a house with her? Would he have children? Would he grow old with his loved ones? So many possibilities lay within his mind, it was as if Enelya had opened up new roads that he could travel down.

Enelya sat next to Rothardan and began to play with his hair, which was entwined with so many twigs and leaves that he looked like he had become one with the tree. Rothardan didn't care though, he simply smiled and took Enelya's hand... kissing it good morning. He didn't bother getting up, he simply lay there and took a deep breath of Norwood Lake's freshest air. Then he got up onto one arm and looked at Enelya deep into her eyes. Then, leaning forward, Rothardan kissed her good morning.

Enelya grinned as Rothardan’s eyes opened slowly. She laughed a little when he smiled too, and looked out into the tree, catching sight of a little mother bird, feedings her young. The Plant Lady then found herself wondering what the future held for her. She’d been so concerned with the past, and what she couldn’t remember, that she had lost those days of the future. But not anymore, now Rothardan had entered her life, Enelya could only see the bright possibilities. They were like seeds, and all they need was water.

As she sat there, Enelya recalled a brief snippet of her dream she’d had that night. It was the depths of winter, and the sun shone sadly, missing the flower. But as it endured the coldness of the snow and clouds, spring returned again, and the flowers bloomed once again, and the sun shone, but brighter than it ever had before. She wasn’t quite sure what it meant… But it was a happy dream, at least.

Rothardan took Enelya’s face in his, and kissed it. She smiled, and leaned her head against his, looking out into the morning… Enjoying Roth’s presence. It was a lovely morning, and it was even better spending it with the paladin. With her hand in his, Enelya was truly content with herself. Then, Rothardan had lifted himself, pressing his lips against hers. Enelya rolled her head slightly so that their foreheads touched and smiled into their kiss again. She then broke their kiss, and kissed his cheek. “Good morning, how’d you sleep?” Enelya smiled, pulling away from him slowly, pulling leaves and sticks out of his hair gently, running her fingers through his hair again.

The Plant Lady stood, and walked to the edge of the bed, before walking along a branch, so that she was able to see clearer. She held the branches above her head to keep her balance, and her light blue hair draped over shoulders, the occasional stick poking through her locks. Enelya began to hum again, and closed her eyes, thinking again.

As the sun rose from the mountains, basking the tree and Enelya in it's golden glow, Rothardan lay upon the tree-bed whilst Enelya placed a hand through his hair. There must have been something stuck in his hair, like twigs or grass or whatnot. It didn't matter to the Paladin though, for he had spent the night fast asleep with someone who he had fallen madly in love with at first sight. As his eyes took in the sight of Enelya, being bathed in the golden glow of the sunlight, she kissed his cheek.

“Good morning, how’d you sleep?” she asked, her voice as soft as running water in a mountain stream.
"With my eyes closed and the love of my life in my arms," smiled the Rothardan with a wink.

Enelya rose up and walked to the edge of the bed, before walking upon a branch to look out into the distance. Rothardan took a few seconds to get his senses together before rising and walking to Enelya, and wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his head upon her shoulder. Never before had he slept so soundly in his life, not even before the nightmares. And now, he awoke from a sleep that was so amazing and refreshing that he felt he could do anything

Rothardan kissed Enelya lightly on the neck and looked out into the distance with her, staring at the lake bed that was so clear and blue. Then Enelya began to hum that wonderful tune once again. Rothardan closed his eyes and listened to her angelic voice carry across the land, carrying Rothardan to the heavens again.

((OOC: Sorry for the shortness))

"With my eyes closed and the love of my life in my arms,"

Enelya laughed, and blushed slightly as he winked at her. “That good, huh?” She took a deep breath, and closed her eyes for a moment before reopening them, looking up into the branches. “It was definitely wonderful to be up in the trees again…” She had missed them so much! The rustling of the leaves was like music to her ears, and Enelya couldn’t find a more comfortable place in the world but within the arms of a tree… Well, that was until she met Rothardan.

Resting her head on Rothardan’s shoulder as he came up behind her, Enelya smiled, closing her eyes, letting him hold her. She placed her hands in his, taking in his scent. He had adopted a new earthy scent after sleeping in the fallen leaves, but Enelya loved it. His lips brushed across the soft skin of her neck, and Enelya grinned, turning her head slightly so that she could meet her own lips with his.

It was funny, how fast they had come together. It was instantaneous, and Enelya just hoped that it would last. He was her first and only love, and perhaps her last. She looked forward to the years that they would be spending together, getting to know each other better, making fond memories… Enelya smiled at that thought, swaying slightly with Rothardan holding her. “Rothardan…” She bit her lips slightly, trying to think of how to word what she was going to say next. “What do you think the future has for us?” She bit her lip again, thinking, “I’ve been so concerned with my past lately… That I’ve never thought about the future before…” She turned slightly, so that she was facing her Paladin. “And I’m looking forward to it.”

Their lips connected, and Rothardan once again tasted the honey like nectar that was always on Enelya's lips. They stood like this for a while, Rothardan's hand resting on Steelyard stomach with his finger running rings around her belly button. Then Enelya and Rothardan broke away and the two of them were left staring into each other's eyes. Then Enelya asked a question that had been burning on the Paladin's lips ever since he found out how that he was in love.

“What do you think the future has for us?” she asked biting her lip, “I’ve been so concerned with my past lately… That I’ve never thought about the future before… And I’m looking forward to it.”

The question needed to be asked, but that didn't stop Rothardan from wondering about his future now. All his life he had been alone, fighting evil and helping others and yet... he knew that he wanted something more. He wanted more than a friend, he wanted someone he could share his love with. And he found that person in Enelya. And now the one million gold coin question, what next?

"I need a holiday..." the Paladin suddenly said, the thought coming out of no-where in paticular, "But I have no-where to go and no-one to spend it with, until now."

"Enelya... would you like to spend a few weeks together travelling? I know it's not the answer to the big future question but I want to spend some time with you, and then we'll see where the future takes us. I don't want to plan the future just yet... after all, I never planned for last night to be the happiest night of my life and look at me now, smiling from ear to ear because I've met the most amazing woman ever..."

Enelya closed her eyes, their lips joined; she reached up, and stroked his cheek, feeling his rugged, but soft skin. His face was so gentle, despite the scars running along his face, a prominent display to the world the hardships he’d faced. Enelya hoped that since she was with him now, she could ease his burdens… It would pain her to see him weighted in any way…

She couldn’t help but smile as Rothardan traced circles around her belly button. It tickled, and soon she couldn’t hold it anymore, and started to laugh as they kissed. She then broke their kiss, and turned around, wrapping her arms tightly around him, resting her head on his chest. Rothardan’s voice boomed through his throat, and Enelya lifted her head from his chest, watching his lips as he spoke. Her eyes diverted to his eyes, seeing how tired he was, and understanding what he meant by a vacation; a relaxing, easy-going trip with just the two of them. Enelya loved it. She nodded, a big grin splitting her features.

"Enelya... would you like to spend a few weeks together travelling? I know it's not the answer to the big future question but I want to spend some time with you, and then we'll see where the future takes us. I don't want to plan the future just yet... after all, I never planned for last night to be the happiest night of my life and look at me now, smiling from ear to ear because I've met the most amazing woman ever..."

Enelya’s cheeks turned a bright magenta as he complimented her, and she cupped his face with her hands, and kissed him softly. Still holding his face she bit her lip slightly. “I would love to!” She laughed, growing more excited by the minute. She thought she loved to travel, and this would give her the opportunity to see more about the land, and learn more, and expand her horizons than being so confined to the forest. Her hands fell from his face, and she held his hand gently. "Would you teach me?" She bit her lip again, looking up to him, feeling so childish asking him... "I... I don't really know much about anything outside of the forest..." He just made her so happy, she couldn’t stand it! Every word he said made her heart bubble with joy and her stomach flip with butterflies.

When Rothardan asked his question, Enelya cupped the paladin's face with her hands and kissed him nice and slowly. The paladin could only stand there and hope that that wasn't a wardrum beating, that it was his heart. Enelya pulled away from the kiss and looked at Rothardan with loving eyes, a look which didn't help Rothardan's heart beat slow down.

“I would love to!” she replied, and Rothardan couldn't help but laugh with joy when she said that. They were going travelling together! All around Imythess, no magic nor flying... but on the road. Rothardan wanted to go horseback like the good old days, so he could see everything the world had to offer. But more importantly, he would be able to spend his holiday with Enelya and not worry about anything evil happening!

As Enelya's hands fell from Rothardan's face and to his hands, holding onto them with the gentlest of grips, Enelya looked at Rothardan and asked him a question of her own.
"Would you teach me? I... I don't really know much about anything outside of the forest..."

Rothardan smiled and leant in closer, kissing Enelya on the lips whilst arm reached towards Enelya's hair so that the hand could run through it. This was going to be perfect, in a matter of weeks... Rothardan and Enelya would be travelling together.
"I'll teach you everything I know Enelya..." Rothardan replied, pulling himself away from the kiss so he could do so before going back in.

Enelya’s eyes were bright with excitement as she laughed along with him. His voice was as beautiful as the ring of bells, hearty and happy. Rothardan seemed like he was actually happy, which might’ve been a change for him. When she first met him, he seemed so lonely, and Enelya was more than willing to be his friend… And by chance, they ended up as more… Enelya grinned. Much, much more.

The Plant Lady could only imagine what kind of adventures they were going to have together! They would meet new people, see new villages… Even cities! Enelya was going to learn so much about how the world beyond her beloved trees worked, and oh, she was delighted! Not only was she going to learn these things, but she was going to be taught by her beloved Rothardan, and spend time with him… Which was all she could ask for at this point. She wanted to know him better, and before they rushed into anything else, she wanted to be his friend. Enelya squeezed his hand affectionately. How could it be any better than this?

Rothardan reduced the space between their faces, interlocking their lips again, and Enelya’s heart started to race again like it had so many times before when Rothardan just simply looked at her. It was almost impossible how… accepted she felt with him. She was not some strange, lost, naïve, amnesiac lady. She was beautiful, and everything to him… Just as he was a beautiful, strong knight; and everything to her. Perhaps it was fate, for nothing had ever happened so fast for her before. She couldn’t imagine how she could stand by him, and not be moved. He affected her like none other. He had stolen her heart, and she had no intention of retrieving it from him.

"I'll teach you everything I know Enelya..."

The Paladin’s breath tickled Enelya’s upper lips as he spoke, and she opened her eyes just wide enough to see his lips move, before they returned to her own mouth. Smiling, Enelya moved her own hands through Rothardan’s hair as he did the same to hers, bringing their faces close, and intimate.

Rothardan didn't know how long both he and Enelya stood there, both of them kissing each other and both of them running each others hands through each others hair. It was amazing, both Enelya and Rothardan simply standing there without a care in the world, except a care for each other of course. Time seemed to stand for Roth and Enelya, nothing seemed to matter any more apart from them being happy, and as long as Rothardan was with Enelya, he was happy.

So many thoughts whizzed through Rothardan's head, such as what the future held for him. Could he really keep up fighting evil if he was with Enelya? Could he balance his old life with the new one? What about the future with Enelya? What about marridge and children? All of a sudden, millions of possible outcomes raced through Rothardan's mind like crazy. Here he was, crazy in love with someone whom he had only met a short while ago and he was having thoughts about children. Forcing himself to calm down, Rothardan concentrated on the present, he would let the future play out by itself.

Eventually, Rothardan pulled away from the kiss and smiled at Enelya. Kissing her forehead, the Paladin hugged her and closed his eyes. So many things had happened in these past few days that his life was looking up. Enjoying the hug, Rothardan stroked the back of Enelya's neck and then spoke.

"So... what do you want to do today?" he asked.

Enelya was completely swept away with Rothardan. It was a lovely day, the sun was shining, painting the clouds that hung over them, and the wind rustled through the leaves… And it was just them, sitting in the tree, kissing. Enelya felt as if she had to pinch herself or something, just to make sure it wasn’t a dream, or it wasn’t some strange memory trying to haunt her about her past. No… This was real. There was no sensation that felt as wonderful as this; no dream could be this intoxicating…

As Rothardan slowly pulled away, gracing his lips upon her forehead, causing Enelya’s lips to curl into a smile as she rested her head on his chest, listening to his heart race. She laughed softly, both of their hearts raced together, and it amused the Plant Lady a bit. Enelya closed her eyes, envisioning Rothardan’s face, his smile, the creases in his cheeks when he smiled, his beautiful eyes, his long hair, the way his eyes shined when he looked at her… She was so jubilant, so at peace with herself… Perhaps this was better than any medicine she could never contrive with plants.

"So... what do you want to do today?"

The Plant Lady smiled almost falling asleep again as she felt his hand rubbing the back of her neck, relaxing her. She loved his touch and being near him. Though she pulled away from him slowly, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek before she looked up, grabbed onto a branch, and hoisted herself up higher into the tree. She sat there on the branch, leaning against the trunk of the tree, thinking about what to do as the day progressed. For whatever reason, she could always think better when she was high in the trees.

Then, a fantastic idea popped into her head like a strike of lightning. She wrapped her legs around the branch, so that her skirt was tucked tightly under her legs to remain modest. She then swung herself upside down, like a monkey, her light blue hair hanging like a waterfall from her scalp. “I have the best idea!” She proclaimed, laughing at the sight of seeing Rothardan upside down. She reached her hand out towards Rothardan, and her blouse starting to expose her belly. She laughed, and held it down with out hand, still extending to her Paladin. “We could take a walk in the woods! How does that sound?” She closed her eyes, breathing in deeply. “It’s been so long since I’ve been in the woods… I’ve missed it so much!”

As Enelya walked up to the branch and hung upside down, Rothardan walked up and wrapped his legs around the branch, hanging upside down with Enelya. His long brown hair hung down and didn't seem to look as dashing as Enelya's. Enelya held out her hand and Rothardan grasped it, locking his fingers together with hers.
“I have the best idea!” she said, laughing at Rothardan being upside down.
Her blouse suddenly dropped a little and exposed her smooth stomach, which Rothardan tickled as soon as he saw it.
“We could take a walk in the woods! How does that sound?”
Actually, that sounded nice. A long walk in the woods. Rothardan had nothing to do today, and he missed the smell of fresh air and the feeling of the wind blowing through his hair. So Rothardan nodded at the idea.
"Sounds great! Shall we go now then?" he asked.

((OOC: Ugh, writers block))

It ended up, that both of them were hanging in the tree by their legs. Grinning widely, Enelya was tempted to start swinging, and making monkey noises… But instead, Rothardan was tickling her! Enelya wiggled a little as his fingers danced lightly over her taut belly, swatting her hand playfully at his menacing fingers. “Roth! Stop it!” She giggled. Despite her asking him to stop, it was all in good fun, and she liked that he had a sense of humor, and could play around. Enelya had always had the impression that paladins were a very serious folk, which didn’t sound very fun at all…

"Sounds great! Shall we go now then?"

Enelya thought for a moment, and swung gently on the branch for a few moments. “Do you mind if I catch some breakfast, really quick? It’ll only be a moment, I promise.” The Plant Lady grabbed hold on the branch, let her legs unwrap themselves, and she dropped down to the branch below her. Enelya walked up to Rothardan, who was still hanging from the branch, and pressed her lips against his, grinning in brief kiss. She then jumped down, her hands grabbing hold on the branch that her feet had previously been standing on, landing on another branch below her, until finally coming to the last branch before taking a bit of a jump onto the ground.

Wiping her hands together, bits of bark and dirt fell from Enelya’s hands. She took a deep breath, looking up into the tree, and waving at Rothardan. She smiled, and ventured towards the lake. It was such a lovely lake, and the sun peaked through with its rays onto a small bank, which Enelya walked towards. When she finally reached it, she hiked up her skirt, tucking the hems into her waistline, bringing up the long skirt to slightly above her knees. She stepped out into the water, letting the cool sensations travel up through her legs, and the warmth of the sun fill her stomach. The photosynthesis rushing quickly through her body, again, caused her skin to turn into that previously seen green color.

Rothardan had not properly thought about breakfast until Enelya brought up the subject, making the Paladin realize that he was in fact a little hungry. Rothardan then remembered that he had sandwiches and other stuff that he had not eaten yesterday, all packed away in that wicker basket that he had placed in his bag of never ending space. But before Rothardan could even offer Enelya a sandwich for breakfast, she dismounted from the branch and, hitching up her flowing skirt, walked into the lake. Rothardan got up from the branch and dropped down to the ground, sitting down at the base of the tree. Taking out the basket from his bag of space, Rothardan dug out a sandwich and began to dig in. He watched Enelya as she stood in front of the sun and began to glow... green.

Perhaps, being from the forest and all, Enelya also had the properties of a forest plant. IE: Photosynthesis. That must mean that she didn't need to eat at all, and that the sun would do all the work whilst inside she generated enough food to sate herself. It was quite interesting to watch Enelya stand there and watch as the sun gave her all the food she needed. Rothardan wolfed down his sandwiches and left the cake for another time. It wouldn't get old... anything placed in the bag of space was frozen in time and didn't get old or new. That cake would still be delicious and moist in twelve years time, though Rothardan wouldn't wait that long to crack into it.

Whilst she was eating (sorta), Rothardan got up and brushed the leaves from his clothes and hair. Then he began to stretch his legs and arms to get the kinks out of them. Today was going to be a no-work, no-evil day, just him and Enelya walking through the forest and loving each other.

Feeling the sugars in her body rise and flow through her body, Enelya took in a deep breath, getting a little full. She turned around, noticing that Rothardan had returned to the ground and was now munching on a sandwich. She stepped out of the water, letting the water droplets fall onto the awaiting blades of grass under her feet. Once she deemed herself dry enough, she twisted her hips hastily, letting her skirt become untucked, falling back to her ankles. Enelya grinned, running back over to Rothardan, as she plopped down onto the ground next to him, leaning against the tree.

With crumbs remaining on his fingers, Enelya laughed a bit, “I was going to ask you if you needed some breakfast as well, but it looks like you’ve already taken care of yourself.” Enelya patted his back, and stood, breathing in deeply, attempting to fill her lungs with as much of the forest air that she could. Even though they were going on a walk, they were going to leave the forest eventually, so Enelya wanted to take as much of the forest with her on her travels while she could. She turned back to Rothardan, with her head tilted, “ready then?”

“I was going to ask you if you needed some breakfast as well, but it looks like you’ve already taken care of yourself.”
Rothardan chuckled to himself and swallowed down the last of his sandwich before dusting the crumbs off his body and standing up to look at the new day. Rothardan didn't know the forest areas well but was sure that he and Enelya wouldn't get lost at all, for Enelya seemed to know the forest pretty well. And if they did get lost, Rothardan would simply have to fly out there instead. Checking everything was all packed and well, the Paladin extended his hand to help up Enelya.

Looking into the distance of the forest, Rothardan realized that the forest was much like his own future now. He didn't know where to go... he could end up anywhere. The Paladin wondered what the future held for him now and if he could balance a lifestyle of a Paladin with a lifestyle of being a lover. He realized that he was bringing Enelya into his world, a world where he fought evil and his arch-nemesis was the god of darkness himself. But then he stopped worrying and put the thoughts out of his head, and smiled as he looked out.

The future had begun.

Enelya took Rothardan’s hand, nodding her head in thanks. She kissed him lightly on the cheek, looking out onto the lake, watching the water ripple under a slightly breeze that played at her hair, causing it to dance slightly on her shoulders. Enelya kept her hand in Rothardan’s; his hands had a gentle callous to them, which Enelya was fascinated by. They were rough, and had been hardened by years of swordsmanship, but yet, they had this certain gentleness to them that few held. Her own hands on the other hand, were a bit weathered from climbing trees and playing in the dirt through her childhood, but they were still soft, and petite.

Her lavender eyes floated from the water to Rothardan’s face, and he seemed to be heavy with thought. She raised an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly; she brought her opposite hand to his cheek comfortingly. “What’s on your mind, love? You look troubled.” Enelya pursed her lips together, giving him a sneaky look. “Whatever it is, don’t let it bother you, we’re on a trek through these woods, where all your problems melt away!” She laughed, and leaned against Rothardan slightly, thinking herself a little too funny. She waved her hand, indicating she was stopping. “Okay, maybe that was a little silly, but really, are you okay?” Oh no, it was serious ‘I- care- for- you- Enelya- face’ time.

As Enelya's hand was placed into Rothardan's, the Paladin was brought down to Earth as his love looked into his eyes with a deep sense of caring within them. He smiled as Enelya gave him a peck on the cheek, and ran his hand through her silk-like hair.

“What’s on your mind, love? You look troubled.”
He did?
“Whatever it is, don’t let it bother you, we’re on a trek through these woods, where all your problems melt away!”
Rothardan couldn't help but smile at that little remark as Enelya leant against the Paladin slightly, Rothardan wrapping his arm around Enelya's waist to hold her close. And then Enelya stopped, Rothardan taking two steps by mistake and turning around to face her.

“Okay, maybe that was a little silly, but really, are you okay?”

Rothardan thought for a while and looked at Enelya.

"I... I guess I'm wondering what the future is going to hold for us. My life isn't exactly the safest one there is and I'm worrying that somehow the danger will catch up to me and you... I just don't want you to be in any danger because of me... that's all."

Enelya closed her eyes as Rothardan’s hand washed through her hair, separating tangled knots gently. There was a faint snapping as he did so, the threads of hair releasing each other. As his fingers left her hair, she opened her eyes, only to be greeted by his smile. She blushed, for she still hadn’t gotten used to the fact that the man in front of her was crazy about her. She kept feeling like it was some dream, contrived of her grief from losing the forest-folk. When was she going to realize Rothardan wasn’t going anywhere?

Rothardan brought her close as she leaned into him, and laughed, brushing a hand against his cheek in a soft, and playful pinch. Though there was a smile on his face from her antics, there was something deep behind his eyes; she could almost feel it. He stepped away from her though, and faced her. Enelya wrapped her arms around her torso, looking up to Roth, waiting for him to explain himself. She figured he wouldn’t hide anything from her… right? But then he began to speak, Enelya listening.

"I... I guess I'm wondering what the future is going to hold for us. My life isn't exactly the safest one there is and I'm worrying that somehow the danger will catch up to me and you... I just don't want you to be in any danger because of me... that's all."

Enelya’s eyes drifted from Rothardan’s face, down to her toes, which curled into the dirt as Rothardan explained the situation. She bit her lip lightly, unsure of what to say. She didn’t want to be a burden for him… Or get in his way… She took a lock of her hair around her finger, spinning it around. But then, she looked up, a brightness in her voice and eyes. “Rothardan, don’t worry, we’ll be fine. I’m not much for combat…” She laughed, blushing a bit more, “but you don’t need to fret, alright?” She stepped towards him, pushing his hair behind his ear, and then finally wrapping her arms around his torso. “Things will work out, they always do.” And she really believed that, as naïve as it may have been.

As Enelya spoke, reassuring the paladin that everything was going to be fine, Rothardan tried to block out the doubts and the problems in his head. With his immense power, Rothardan could see into the future with frightening accuracy and he was dreaming of Seele reaching peak power. Where would that leave Enelya then? As Enelya wrapped her arms around Rothardan's waist, bringing the two closer together, Rothardan placed his arms around Enelya also. The birds began to sing and the crickets began to chirp and, for one small moment, time seemed to stop at the precise moment when everything was perfect.

Roth reached for his love's hair and stroked it, pushing it behind her ear. Closing his eyes, he kissed Enelya's forehead lovingly. When he finished the kiss, Rothardan held onto Enelya and hugged her. He was still worried, and though everything may work out in the end, would it be for the better or for the worse? Dark times were coming, but in all the darkness that clouded Rothardan's dreams, he had at least found a ray of light in his life that was love.

He remembered Enelya's words, how things would work themselves out.
"I'm going to be reminded about that sometimes," Rothardan whispered.

The two were ever so close; nothing seemed to separate them. Enelya smiled as the birds and crickets began their applause. Apparently, they approved of the two’s love. Enelya let herself melt in his arms, for he needed to hold her, he needed to know that she was always going to be right there for him, and she wasn’t going to leave; ever.

The Plant Lady looked up at Rothardan, a big smile on her face, reassuring him that there was nothing to fear. Of course, she had no idea who the likes of Seele were, and danger never really crossed her mind, but she really believed that good would always come. She had a hard time wrapping her psyche around the fact that someone out there would want to harm her, or would want to harm others, or was even evil. Perhaps they just needed some extra attention? Maybe they were bitter about something done to them long ago, and just needed a friend? Not to mention, she’s trusting to a fault. She was an optimistic being, and there wasn’t much in the world that could alter such an innocent feeling about the world.

"I'm going to be reminded about that sometimes,"

Enelya cupped Rothardan’s face in her hands, pressing her lips against his own. She moved her fingers through his hair, and as they reached the ends, her hands moved down his neck. She broke the kiss, and then kissed his cheek. “I love you,” she said, taking his hand, and beginning their walk.

As the two stood there, embraced in one another, Rothardan closed his eyes and let his other senses tell him what he was feeling. The beautiful sound of crickets and birds and water running, the smell of lavender that seemed to radiate from Enelya, the feel of her hair and smooth skin. The paladin smiled as he realised that he was in heaven. At the moment, Rothardan was arrow-proof, nothing could harm him and nothing could touch him. Enelya had that kind of effect upon him, she made him feel invincible and yet, at the same time, he felt like he was normal and that he had no magic, nor any celestial abilities... that he was a simple normal man.

Enelya placed her hands upon Rothardan's face, cupping it, then leant forward and kissed him. They stood there for hours maybe? It was hard to measure time when everything stopped. Rothardan just concentrated on the moment, relishing the touch of Enelya's hands through her hair, whilst he placed her hands around her waist, pulling her in closer. Then Enelya pulled away, and said something to Rothardan that would change his life...

“I love you,”

Rothardan looked at Enelya, his eyes full of love, unable to think of anything else other than the angel stood in front of him. He wanted this moment to happen, where Enelya told him those three words. And now it had and Rothardan felt like the happiest guy on Earth. Placing his lips against Enelya's again, this time with more love and passion than ever before. He stayed that way for a moment before breaking off.

"I love you too Enelya, more than anything..."

And that was it. She’d said it; the most intimate words you could ever tell a person. That is, if you really meant it. And Enelya’s heart glowed with those words, breaking to be free, to let Rothardan understand how she felt.

And there it was, the confession, and the reassurance that he felt the same way. Was it possible to love him? She’d only spent a few days with him, and now she was telling him she loved him? It was definitely fast, almost too fast, but Enelya’s heart had been swept away by Rothardan’s loving eyes, and as he stared into her once again with them, she could feel herself melt in his arms. First her legs, losing their sense of balance, then her torso, falling back into his arms, letting him hold her, and finally in her arms, which drooped across his chest, until finally she leaned into him, returning his passionate kiss.

He broke the kiss, and the words falling from his lips onto her face sent a rush on joy through her body, a smile creasing her face, with the discoloration of her cheeks from a faint green, to a prominent magenta. She shrugged her shoulders forward in a silent giggle, ever so happy. She nodded her head towards the innards of the forest, beckoning the continuation of their trek through the forest. Her fingers were interlocked with his, and she kissed his cheek before fully pulling away, and leading him onwards.

Enelya looked up into the trees, admiring the way the sunlight spilled through the leaves of the canopy like a glass of spilt milk. It was so enriching, and she could feel the rush of the plants around her, radiating their approval of Enelya’s choice. She looked back at Rothardan, looking rather pleased with himself. It was as if the two of them had revealed some weighted truth. Each of them carrying it heavily within their chests, and now that it has been said aloud, their steps were light and they both fluttered like birds. Perhaps that’s where the term “love birds” came from. The feeling you get when you’ve just allowed those three words from leaving your lips, and it is returned back to you. You give the other your words, and they give them back.

A beautiful transaction.