Laeleth felt as though she had wandered into a divine dream, for she knew not when the evening ended and the day began.
Her eyes reluctantly opened and adjusted to the dim light of their bedroom.
She found herself still wrapped around Gabriel, resting her head upon his chest. Her unkempt mahogany mane fell softly upon his bare skin.
There was not one thought or care in her mind as she slowly awoke.
She was perfectly content to remain here in quiet existence, breathing in his presence and relishing his pleasant warmth.
The stillness of the room hung over them like a heavy veil of enchantment and reality seemed like an irrelevant force.
Laeleth finally stirred and looked up curiously to observe Gabriel’s face.
He was already awake. His expression was peaceful and content; his eyes a soft, tranquil indigo.
Gabriel smiled faintly and gently drew her back down. “Not yet …” he spoke in an entreating way.
His voice was barely audible as his hands rested on her smooth back and then trailed lightly along each curve. He wanted this all to last just as much as she did.
Laeleth smiled in return as she willingly complied.
Lying upon his chest she rested her head against him. Her fingers drifted through the thick, dark hair that fell upon his muscular shoulders.
He buried his face in her neck again, lips tender upon her skin as he kissed her deeply.
His powerful arms were now wrapped tightly around her, hands grasping her soft form as he refused to let her go.
Laeleth was struck by how assertive he was, how much admiration he held for her. She had never felt such exhilaration, such intoxicating longing.
He was all she wanted now. Her life finally felt complete.
They held each other for what seemed an eternity - both lost in this euphoria of their love.
Laeleth sensed the heat of the dragon’s opal burning against her skin. The silver filigree of the medallion had left an impression on her neck as she fingered it thoughtfully. The blood coursing through her veins was as fire. It was almost as though the gem could fathom the depth and untamed force of their love.
Laeleth now lay beside him, his arms still around her, his lips lingering softly on her ear.
She had never felt him so fiercely vibrant, and yet so beautifully calm.
He was so gentle with her and yet she knew how much restrained strength he possessed. It was a side of him no one but she could know and it thrilled her.
“You could tame any beast, my darling Laeleth.” The memory of these recent words floated into her mind. It was rather an unusual remembrance … and yet strangely fitting.
Laeleth could have stayed here forever in perfect repose, locked in his passionate and protective embrace.
Here nothing bad could ever happen … here was where she belonged.
But all too soon this blissful solitude was broken by the sound of a shout outside, followed by the unmistakable neighing of horses.
It startled her from her day-dream and instantly shattered the spell that had remained around them.
All too quickly Gabriel’s face assumed its serious appearance as he unwillingly pulled himself away and rose without a word.
Laeleth instantly felt colder and a tinge of sadness pricked her heart.
Why did it ever have to end … especially like this?
Gabriel readied himself rather quickly and pulled on his ornate leather boots before making his way to the outer door. Laeleth could see a wide stream of sunlight filtering through the hall as he opened it.
She quietly located her own slippers and fastened her long travel cloak about her with care.
She was very curious and crept cautiously around the door of their room to see multiple Andarian guards outside in the yard. Laevon was with them and her heart was slightly encouraged at this.
She saw Gabriel standing in the door frame. His once ashen gray skin was now lightly tanned with the summer sun’s glow.
He appeared so differently than just a few moments before. He was now so feral and stern looking even without his usual regal coat.
All traces of the tender, loving nature he possessed had seemed to vanish at the sight of these unwanted guests.
It was such a contrast to see these impressive guards staring down at one unequipped man.
He certainly was intimidated by no one.
Gabriel’s firm expression remained completely unfazed by the heavily armored soldiers.
Their highly polished mail glinted in the late morning sun; the horses they rode stamped impatiently at the ground.
Their elegant, finely groomed manes were braided with ribbons of the deepest green and the double-headed snake crest was embellished on all of their leather harnesses.
