She deepened the kiss, holding him tighter and closer, afraid this would be the last time they could. She had no idea what tomorrow would bring, but for tonight, she was happy. She cared deeply for him, hoping, wanting him to see that. She was out of breath, and she was dizzy with the closeness of him. She could easily fall, she realized. And that would scare her normally, but tonight, at this moment fear was something her heart did not know.

Niko felt her deepen the kiss and hold him closer, she needed him, as he needed her. The taste of her lips set his senses ablaze, there was now such passion between them, increased by the unknown events that would occur tomorrow. Niko pushed anything but her away from his mind and thought only of his feelings towards her, which were growing.
He gently broke off the kiss, resting their heads together gently before giving her a quick kiss again. He lay down on the bed, taking her hand and pulling her down with him.

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When he broke the kiss, she was breathing heavily. He laid down, pulling her with him. She settled next to him, keeping the closeness, her arm rested on his chest and her head on his shoulder. After a bit, her heart rate slowed, but only a bit. She sighed. She was content to stay like this forever, even if the walls around them crumbled. She lifted her head and traced his cheek with her finger. Amazed at the passion that flamed up between them. She didn't know what to say.

He looked down at her lovingly ,keeping his arm around her as if to keep her from being taken from him. This is much better than the floor
A soft sigh escaped her lips and Niko moved his hand to her cheek, caressing it lightly, not wanting the moment to end. ''Nienna '' his voice barely more than a whisper ''I...'' he wasn't sure if he could bring himself to say it. he wanted to yet something held him back. ''i am glad you're here'' he said, disappointed he had not been able to say it. He hoped his actions were enough to show her but he wanted to tell her and remove all doubt. Soon he thought.

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She smiled softly "I'm glad You're here." her finger continued it's slow journey around his cheek. Then her thumb gently caressed his lips. "Niko." she whispered. Her hand still moving to gently push some of his hair away from his forehead. "there's so much...so much to say, and so little time." a tinge of sadness reached her voice. She knew what could happen, she could be ripped away by just a few words spoken by her father.

The way she spoke to him, said his name, all added to the moment. They both knew what could happen, that this could be their last night together.
With her words on his mind he took her hand and pressed it to his lips. ''I love you'' he managed to say, his voice barely a whisper . He was glad it was dark as he was sure he was red with embarrassment, it was the first time he had spoken those words to a woman.
He needed her to know, whatever happened afterwards.

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Her heart raced, he had spoken what she was feeling, thinking, wanting to say. She leaned close, laying her forehead against his. "I love you, Niko. More than you realize." her words were a breathless whisper, her joy unspeakable at finding what made her truly happy. It was him. She pressed another gentle kiss to his lips, her own were trembling with the emotion she felt.

He held her close to him, lost for words. He was happy, whatever may come about, he would always have this moment with her, nothing could take it away from them.
He returned her kiss, enjoying how she felt close to him, as if it was just them forgetting all else around them. There were no thoughts of worry, sadness or anger in his mind, it was all Nienna and how he loved her.

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She broke the kiss, snuggling closer to him. Her arm thrown across his chest, and she rested her head in the crook of his neck. Soon, she realized they had spent all night, laying together. A soft light broke through the window, and sooner still people could be heard moving about the halls. She held him tighter, and one tear found its way down her face. "I love you so much." she whispered, aware that these were most likely her final moments with a man who would spend forever in her heart.

Niko's heart dropped at the tone of her voice. He knew he had to do something or risk losing her forever to a man who would turn her life upside down.
He racked his brains, almost panicking, and he could only think of one thing to do. Her words from the night rang in his ears.
He sat up and took her hand looking directly into her eyes. This isn't how this should happen. She deserves better
''Nienna.. I would not have you with any other. Much less would I have you unhappy.'' He had no time to get anything better for her.
he removed his necklace the only thing he had from his parents, it was a simple thing, black and the clasp consisted of two crows, it wasn't valuable yet it was worth the world to him, as she was.
''i have no gold or jewels to offer you'' he held out the necklace offering it to her, a slight tear in his eye. ''i wish to keep you safe.. as my wife. I love you''

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Her breath dropped out of her. And she stared at him, speechless. Her hand moved up to cover her mouth which had dropped open. "Niko...I...." she looked at him, her eyes filled with love. "I need no gold, or jewels, or possessions to be happy. All I need to be happy, is you." she clasped both his hands holding his necklace, and gently guided them back to his lap. She knew the necklace meant the world to him, she did not wish him to give it up. "I accept. But I need no material things to make it real. My heart is yours." tears of joy ran down her face, her heart was readily his.

He wiped the tears from her eyes, unable to stop his smiling.
Ignoring her words he took the necklace and put it around her neck, ''I want you to wear it'' he said softly. His thoughts were not on the necklace, his past, but on the woman bearing it and his future.
He took her hand and pressed it to his chest, against his beating heart and lowered his head and kissed her hand.
All he needed, he now had.

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Her heart seemed to soar. She was lost for words. She felt the beating of his heart match her own. Two hearts beating as one. She herself was smiling uncontrollably. She reached over with her free hand, pouring the two cups full of ale. She handed one first to him, then picked up her own. "this calls for a toast." she whispered.

''every time is a time for drink'' he said with a smile. He took the cup from her and waited for her to speak. Entwining their free hands together.

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She smiled and raised her cup slightly "To a happy future. And to you, Niko. I give my love, and my heart to you." she spoke softly, and her voice was in earnest, she meant every word. She brought his hand intertwined with hers up to her lips, pressing it there. Now knowing she did not have to fear. These were not the last moments, and the man who left his imprint on her mind was now imprinted into her life.

He raised his cup and replied. '' And to you, my dearest Nienna, I have seen many things and met many people. Yet all it takes is a glimpse of you, and my world ends. ''
He raised his cup and drank and then kissed her, genuinely happy.
''I bet you are glad neither of us slept on the floor '' he said with a grin on his face.

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