"I'm glad," Frera's smiled warmly at Callie. "Thank you by the way. Both of you. I have not smiled and laughed the way I did tonight for a while. Carter is indeed a wonderful man." Frera returned to sipping her tea.

Thoril rested back against the sofa, drawing Callie into his side. He kissed the top of her head gently, smiling broadly.

"You...you can take the one room. I was being...prudish. Anyone can see how much in love the two of you are." Frera spoke quietly.

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Callie opened her mouth to respond, but couldn't find words. She had never shared a room in her life, let alone with a man. She glanced at Frera, then Thoril.

"Well...that's only if you want to dear. I want you two to treat this house as your home." Frera drained her tea. "I'm going to turn in. Night night," she smiled warmly as she stifled a yawn.

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Callie's shocked face turned to a soft smile. "Goodnight, Frera. And thank you for everything." she stood and picked up Frera's empty tea cup. "I'll clean up, you go have a restful sleep."

Thoril yawned and got to his feet. He wrapped his arms around Callie's waist and kissed her cheek softly. "Don't take too long, love." He smiled before turning and heading to his room.

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"I won't." she smiled as she watched him go. She gathered the dishes, then headed to the kitchen to wash and dry them. She hummed quietly to herself as she put them away, then she headed for the stairs. She hesitated, then went to her own room. After changing and slipping on a light, white satin night gown, she left and knocked softly on Thoril's door.

Thoril had changed into a disturbing pair of silk boxers. Only disturbing, because he had found them laid out on his bed. He assumed his mother had laid them out for him. The thought spun in his head, to the point it was even sore. Pushing the thought from his mind, he tidied his room and waited patiently for Callie. He wondered if she even would come through. He could only imagine how weird and uncomfortable she must feel.

Suddenly there was a quiet knock on his door. He wrapped a robe around himself and opened the door. A smile broadened on his lips. "I was beginning to wonder if you had gotten lost." He teased lightly as he took Callie's hand and drew her into his room and into his arms. They fit snuggly around her as he kissed her gently on the forehead.

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"Not lost," she laughed and wrapped her arms around his waist. She rested her head on his chest, a smile on her face. "I think your mother is feeling better about things, Hm?"

"Well you're here now," he squeezed gently as he laid his head upon hers. "She's smiling again. I never thought I would see that. She loved my father so much and she always will. I just hope she does not spend the rest of her life lonely. I hope we have shown her that it does not have to be that way." Thoril whisked Callie into his arms and carried her over to the bed, kissing her softly. "I hope we have shown her that love still exists in the darkest and loneliest of times."

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"Yes. I hope so as well." she whispered, draping her arms around his neck. "Love brought you back to me. Love gave me hope..." she caressed his cheek. "I was so afraid, Thoril...But I know I would have felt it of you had passed on in battle. Because I didn't, I kept hope." she studied his features. "Your mother has felt that pain. I cannot imagine what she has gone through...but I feel that if she has you back, maybe that will help her heal, and help her find love again."

"Not being a parent myself, I cannot be sure as to what runs through my mother's mind, but I would hazard a guess that because she knows I am safe, happy and well looked after, she is content." He chuckled faintly. "She certainly does approve of you." He lay beside her, his arm draped over her waist. "I think what is helping her through is our company and the chance of always having that company. I think she has seen that her life can go on without my father." He kissed her cheek softly. "I think she even sees the potential of more company. Grandchildren perhaps. They would give her such joy." He glanced out the window, a smile broadening his lips as he thought of their future together.

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Callie watched him, her own smile broadening. She honestly couldn't wait to marry him. To stand by his side as his wife. "She would enjoy that." she whispered. Children. Grandchildren to Frera. Yes...she would most certaintly find joy in that!

Thoril caught her eye. He wondered what it was about him that captured her eye. He smiled in knowing there had to be something about him desirable to this wonderful woman that lay beside him. He gently kissed her cheek. "First the wedding, then the children." He laced his fingers through hers. He imagined what it would be like to have a miniature version of her running around in their big house. She would carry all of Callie's beauty and intellect. She would be perfect and everyone would know it. He looked forward to raising her, teaching her the wonders of the world. Protecting her from harm. The thoughts eased him into a light slumber. His head lolled onto Callie's shoulder. Her scent a blanket, swirling around him, keeping him warm and safe.

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As his breathing evened out, she allowed her own eyes to close. She felt safe, comfortable, and warm next to him. Soon her thoughts gave way to dreams. Pleasant ones. She snuggled deeper into his side, drawing happiness instantly.

Soon the sun broke the sky, shards of light spread over the sleeping couple. Thoril woke and smiled down at the sleeping beauty in his arms. He stroked her cheek lightly, his kisses following.

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She stirred, awakened by his light touch and soft kisses. A smile curved her lips even though she hadn't yet even opened her eyes. "Good morning, my sweet." she whispered, her voice rusty from the sleep.