Conaan slowly moved his head, so his face was right at the top of Eleanor's hairline. Slowly, he left a small kiss on her forehead, his fingers smoothening out her hair. There wasn't a lot of pleasure in that kiss for neither, but it felt a lot more intimate, something like the feel of a soul mate.

"I hear the elders will arrive today," he said, his voice soft, like she was a delicate burst of night breeze that would change directions if his voice went any higher.

She nodded, then wiping off the remaining tears, took a step back from him. It felt a bit too cold, and even...