Elicerent

XXII.

I decided not to return to the main cavern, not to the grove. I went to the surface. And I didn't care that Owen was there to follow me. He broke his silence as we entered an almost invisible tunnel that led to the surface. He obviously did not realise its existence.

"Etta, how did you find this?" His voice echoed up behind me.

"Watch the goats. They know more about these mountains than anyone."

Once we reached the outside, Owen slipped into silence, taking in the view. I sat. I did not understand how to proceed. I felt like I belonged here when I was with Owen, but I could not push aside the teachings of The One, nor could I fully ignore my purpose. I had resolved that I would not jeopardise my place within their community by hurting individuals. I knew that my best plan was to take the maps of the mountain's caverns to the Facility. Somehow, it made me feel much less responsible for what happened to those in the settlement.

The sun was bright and high in the sky. The lack of wind, even so high up, made it hot. I could feel my skin absorbing the heat, as the warm air washed over me.

"I really like you," Owen's voice was hoarse.

I did not know how to reply or where to look. My stomach flipped and fluttered like it had when he kissed my cheek, and for some reason, the heat of the day seemed to be exemplified. This was not part of my purpose and in the eyes of the Minister, an act of rebellion. He held out his hand for me to take. I hesitated, but accepted, as he pulled me up beside him.

"I know that you grew up only knowing the strong viewpoints of The One, but I cannot see how we can be punished for what we do, if it is not immoral and harms no-one."

There were many things that I had learnt in the Facility that conflicted with how things were done in the settlement. Even more so, as I got to know Owen.

He still had hold of my hand as we stood together, and he took the other.

"Would you consider courting me?"

Puzzled, I raised an eyebrow.

Understanding my confusion, he blurted, "Spending time together. Getting to know each other."

"Is that not what we have been doing, Owen," I asked.

His cheeks rushed pink, "Umm, yes, but, I mean, with the intention to bond after a time."

Bonding? Me? He wanted to bond with me.

"Does your Elder approve?"

He held my hands firmly, leaning in closer, "I don't think that really matters, does it?"

His face was so close to mine that I froze. He quickly moved in, placing his lips on mine, they were warm and much softer than I had expected. The warmth of his touch penetrated through my entire body. I pushed at his chest, and he pulled away, looking into my eyes. I never noticed the colour of his until now. Warm and rich brown.

He leant in again, his stare intense and unfaltering. I was slightly confused and could feel my stomach tighten and then flip again. A flicker of apprehension flashed across his face. I managed a small smile of reassurance. Lunging forward, his mouth interlocked with my once again. Shocked, I moved back, only to have my head received by his strong hands. Panic ran through me, as my heart thudded in my chest. But... it felt... good. I could feel my body responding to his, as it took over. I placed my hand on his jawline. He pulled my closer, until my body was wedged between his and the smooth surface of the cave wall. His hips pushed against mine and I could feel his excitement. His hand moved to the small of my back, under my shirt, fingers tracing over my bare skin. The sensation filled me. I slid both my hands under his shirt, feeling the contours of his body, like a river carving out the earth. I could not place a time on how long we were there, but then our lips finally parted, we were both left bashful and breathing heavily in the already warming air.