"For the touch.." she said quietly and clasped her hands behind her, and her eyes still fixed on the groun like a shy child might do. "I...liked it." she had jumped because it surprised her, and she almost felt sad when he drew his hand away. But she knew he wasn't use to contact like that. She wasn't either, but had experienced it more than him she knew

He gave her a small awkward half smile in response, and realized she couldn't meet his eyes. He understood, he found it hard to meet hers at times.
'Shall we move on?'' he asked, glad of a change of subject.

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She nodded "Yes." she said simply and bent down to retrieve her small bag of things and slung it over her shoulder, waiting with downcast eyes to follow him. She hoped they would make it without incident. They both knew the consequences would be severe if they were caught.

He nodded and spoke.
''Let us be off'' As they walked he recalled what he had been thinking earlier. He glanced at her and saw she was not looking at him, averting her eyes.
''You need not fear to look at me. I understand how it has been in the past, not able to look men such as Abrax in the eye for fear of pain. You are free now. You may feel safe to look me in the eyes, as my equal.''
He paused after his little speech, somewhat embarrassed. That had been a lot off talking coming from him. Contrary to what he had just said he looked away from her.

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She didn't look up "it's not that i'm still afraid of pain..." how could she explain that when she looked at him, she just...blushed? An she didn't know why. He would ask her why, she knew. She glanced up as they passed more trees, and realized her mistake when she tripped over a root of one of said trees. She fell flat on her face, taking a belly flop onto the ground. She groaned inwardly. Why was so so clumsy?

He listened to her answer, before watching her fall flat on her face, tripping on something.
Crixus began to laugh slightly before forcing it away and clenching his jaw. His amusement was clearly shown in his eyes as he fought to keep a straight face.
He offered her his hand, his eyes deliberately looking away, lest he start laughing at her.

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"I know, I know." she took his hand, but only for assistance in getting up. She let go and began brushing herself off. Once finished, she began walking again. "Go ahead and laugh, I can tell you want--" she yelped as she stubbed her toe. She began hopping on one foot, another mistake as she hopped straight back into another root and fell on her bottom this time. She was stunned for a few seconds from the impact, her mouth forming a perfect 'o' as she sat.

This time around he couldn't control himself. He began laughing as he looked at her. She had fallen twice in the space on one minute. How one could be so clumsy amused him.
''Perhaps I should carry you, before you injure yourself walking?'' he joked.
He held out his hand again, not attempting to hide his amusement.

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She let out a long, suffering sigh. "As long as I keep my eyes on the ground I should-" she stopped as a thought hit her. "actually...if I keep my eyes on the ground I shall no doubt walk into trees..." now she was embarrassed. She reached up and took his hand, her cheeks bright red, she looked only at his hand as she took it.

He held her hand and didn't release it as they continued to walk. He couldn't explain why but he enjoyed the feeling of her hand in his.
As they walked he looked up and indicated with his head before speaking, warning in his voice.
''Up ahead, a tree and it's roots! Whatever shall we do?''

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She mock pouted before shoving him playfully "That...that...you are such a...a..." she couldn't think of anything to call him, but she doubled up laughing, wiling the tears from her eyes. "That...you..." she even stumbled over her words!

''Should I wait for you to find a response?'', he was smiling now, starting to feel more at ease around her.
After she shoved him, he retaliated by grabbing her around the waist and holding her above his head. It was not difficult, she was light in his hands.
''Would this be the safer option for travel?''

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She yelped "Crixus!" she grabbed for his hands, stunned at the action. She realized it made her breathless. She began laughing. "It may be, although your arms would get extremely tired, I am sure." she covered her mouth as she giggled and looked down at him.

After a while they would be.
''But not yet''
He smiled as he began to walk, still carrying her. He walked for some time and before long, he set her down.
He continued to walk with her by his side, not speaking.

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She shook her head, laughing as he actually did begin to carry her. Then later he set her back down and continued walking. "I told you they would get tired..." she peeked at his face, one lock of red hair falling over one side of her face so only one green eye peered at him, twinkling.

He was surprised she had enjoyed it.
''I thought you may be growing tired of it. Though if you wish I shall carry you a way longer.''
He returned her glance, before looking away. Why did he do that so often?

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