Zelinnia stood on the hill overlooking the south orchard. "It's a beautiful place." She murmured. "The whole town is a pretty little place."
"We're quite proud of it." Renwa smiled.
They began to walk back. Zelinnia watched the trio walk towards the bath. "Oh good, maybe I can go back tonight without humiliating myself again." She grumbled.
"You could always stay with me." Renwa murmured.
Zelinnia looked up, her eyes wide. "I'm... I mean, I..." She tried to catch her breath. "I'm not that kind of girl." She blurted. "I mean, I know I live with Elunara, but... it's not like that."
He held out his hand. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."
Timidly, she put her hand in his. "It's just... I know Elunara's reputation is legendary, but I'm not that kind of person. We haven't... I mean we didn't... it's just, ah..."
He laughed. "I know that Elunara can be an overwhelming person to deal with."
"Ugh, the things I've seen, pretending to be asleep." She muttered.
He laughed. "She knows."
Zelinnia froze. "Knows what?"
"That you're awake." He shrugged. "Grogek would know because of his training. I think the only one who wouldn't know that you are awake would be Tulani. She's too innocent, even if her past is horrible."
"Not THAT innocent." Zelinnia muttered.
"What?"
"Nothing." She shook her head.
"Elunara has been good to her. Really brought her out of her shell, so to speak. Tulani used to be afraid of everyone except Elunara. She's still a little shy, but there's a humor there I haven't seen before." Renwa kissed Zelinnia's cheek. "We all thank you for saving her."
Zelinnia blushed. "I... well, I... uh."
He laughed. "And after what you said to Elunara that day, you can't get by with calling it nothing."
"I really should get back home." She mumbled.
"I'm sorry, did I offend you again?"
She held up her hands. "No! I mean, you never offended me in the first place." She could feel the heat in her face. "I like you, I do... I just... I mean, if the guys in Silvermoon looked half as good as you, I might not have left." She laughed. She smacked her own face. "Gods, I hate my mouth."
"I'm quite fond of it myself." He grinned.
Her blush deepened as she stepped back. "I should go." She whispered.
He captured her wrist. "Wait." Tugging her closer he peered into her eyes. "Just a moment longer." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Please?" He whispered.
The heat in her face was almost unbearable and her breathing quickened. "Maybe a moment." Was that her voice?
His hand came up under her cheek and he leaned forward. She stepped forward, hands on his chest as he pressed his lips, whisper soft on to her own. It was as if she'd lost control of her own limbs, and her hands came up behind his neck. Renwa's hands slid down her backside, as he gently pressed his tongue into her mouth. She gasped in shock and he took his advantage, their bodies wrapped around each other as he softly, patiently explored her mouth.
When thoughts of Elunara's comments intruded on her mind, she swore and stepped back.
"I'm sorry." He whispered in confusion.
"If you apologize to me one more time, I will fire blast you in the face." She muttered. "I have to go." She took off running.
Elunara blinked when she heard a door slam. She picked up the orb and stuck it to her ear.
"Darguni?" Tulani asked. She was cuddled up under Elunara's arm.
"No, I think Zelinnia's returned." Elunara sighed. "But if she doesn't stop that cussing, she'll wake him."
"Do you need to deal with her?" Grogek opened one eye and peered down at Elunara, who was tucked under HIS arm.