"I don't think I would tire of it." wait...wait...she had only meant to think that! Not say it! Her eyes got round again, and her mouth snapped shut as she turned her face forward. She knew she was beet red.

He looked at her, once again surprised. But he reached for her, a little hesitantly as he lifted her again and began to walk.
''As you wish.
My lady'' he added with a small smile.

_________________

She blushed "I..you don't really have to..even though...I actually do enjoy...it..." she found herself looking quizzically at his eyes again, which caused her to stutter. She wished there was some way she could help alleviate the sadness she saw within them

''I see no reason why not. For your enjoyment''
He lifted her slightly higher as he noticed the sun was beginning to set.
''You shall have a good view of the sunset'' he said. He walked, still carrying her as they made their way forward. The town was now a distant speck behind them, as they turned a little slightly, it disappeared from view.

_________________

She smiled and looked to the sunset. He was right, it was lovely. Brilliant reds and pinks lit up the sky, causing Eonwe's hair to appear even more firey than it was. she took a deep breath of the fresh air. The free air. As the village disappeared from sight, she was suddenly in awe. "We are free." she whispered, her voice betraying the awe and amazement she felt.

She looked surreal above him, as the sunset hit her.
When she spoke he realized she was right.
''Yes, we are free''
He walked on, putting the memory and the village behind them. He felt as if a weight had been pulled from his shoulders, he let out a breath of relief.

_________________

She was suddenly overcome with joy that she wriggled out of his hands, and threw her arms around him. "We're free!!" she exclaimed, laughing with a joy that could not be matched.

He stiffened as her arms were thrown around him but he felt pleasure at the touch. He lightly patted her back, careful not to hurt her.
''Yes. We are free'' and he could scarcely believe it himself.

_________________

She giggled and hugged him tighter. After all those years! After everything. She pulled away and looked him in the eyes "Thank you." was all she needed to say, she couldn't say anything else. Other than "We're free!"

As she hugged him tighter he couldn't help a small smile.
''You thank me often'' he noticed.
''Your thanks is well received though not necessary.'' His hand remained on her back, not entirely accustomed to hugs. As he thought about it, this was his first hug.

_________________

The next thing she did she had no control over. She recurs up and pecked his cheek briefly "It is." she said with a shy smile. She liked the way his hand felt on her back, and it surprised her that she was admitting it to herself.

As she kissed his cheek he wasn't entirely sure how he should respond.
Should he do the same? Panicking knelt and he took her hand and kissed it, as he had seen men do for women they met in the town.
Feeling slightly foolish he avoided her gaze.

_________________

She blinked, then a slow smile spread on her face. "I've never had anyone do that before." she blushed and looked at their hands. They were both tanned from spending time out in the sun. But hers was so small compared to his. It amused her slightly as she brought their hands up, palm to palm. She giggled "It looks like I have chipmunk hands."

''It is no more than you deserve''
As she brought their hands together he couldn't help but notice how different in size they were. Then she happened to comment on it.
''Yet the nimbleness of a chipmunk escapes you'' he said looking up at her.

_________________

She bit the inside of her cheek and huffed at him. "Of course...of course..." she got closer and put the fingertip of her index finger to his chest. Which probably would have looked more threatening had she been taller. "You better watch your step, buddy!" she said with a mock glare.

He looked at her and stood up.
''That is interesting choice of words, coming from you'' He would watch his step, as he would hers until he tripped again, as he had no doubt she would.
He moved closer, his chest pushing her finger back slightly.

_________________