reminding them of the ancient wickedness they had struggled so desperately on their dangerous way. Eve

erder, her eyes burning with fear as well as an unbreakable determination. A pale golden shim

into one of deep seriousness and intensity. He paused to stroke the sleekness of his black fur,

here anymore." His voice, never more than a threat, was charged w

changed the character of their existence. He could not help but be driven by the sheer compulsion to save Elar

u taking me?"

her tone, like the golden aura still clinging to he

firmness and resolve within her gaze, an increasing tendernes

ylum. A place of power, maybe on

her beyond mere survival. This was beyond fleei

her determination. The golden light glowed softly about her, burning br

kewise seems to invite us, calling us int

des

the confidence that they had so painstakingly established over the years. The large body of Lerder, his huge hand rode frequently at the small back of Elara, holding her within his grasp along the dangerous pa

d by their steadfast purpose. The blackness enveloped them completely, accentuating the impression

half soft gust of air, half whispered vow, propelling

the amulet she wore. The silence surrounding them was thick with

der, his voice faltering

to protect Elara from harm. The solidity of Lerder's strength was impenetrable, the commitment of Elara became contagi

a was taking deep, struggling gasps of air, but shook her head vehemently, her eyes

near... I know we'r

ifficult parts, holding each other up physically as well as emotionally. They were exhausted, but both knew that they were better as a team. They m

ting tunnels that curved and turned before them. The air around them was thick and charged

d, as she held onto t

ust crawled through the black tunnels, their experience filled with one journey that was creating the affinities between them

hat they both shared the same emotion for the other, they shared, and were willing to accept this emotional bond. Both, even though completely drained from comb

ms engulfed her, bodies entwining within one another, wh

ed into the space between the

them, one so much stronger than they ever knew. Opening the sweltering hallway into one big, old-fashioned san

d threat. It moved slowly, with eyes blazing with otherworldly light, that seemed to g

lco