Lily stood upon the rock cliff over looking the water fall in Stranglethorn Vale. This was the very spot where Eius first kissed her. It was this spot she returned to whenever she needed to think or just wanted to be alone. Eius had been gone for four days this time and she was feeling lost. Having had him at her side for over a month, their separation was surprisingly hard for her. For the past three weeks, they had actually spent little time together.

Lily sat down on the rock with her legs folded under her. She let her head fall back so she could gaze up at the moon. It was full and bright this night. Combined with the sounds of the waterfall, the soft call of the birds, it was a very romantic spot, but she was here all alone. Lily let out a long sigh and closed her eyes, sending up a brief prayer to Elune for Eius’s safety.

She turned her head so she could look down on the little cove below her. The naga were going about their business, birds swooping and catching insects in the evening air. Their mid-air acrobatics brought a smile to her face and lifted her spirit a bit. She sat there for a little while, just enjoying the view, the moon’s glow shining down on her.

“Lily”

Lily got to her feet and turned around quickly at the sound of her name. There he sat, astride his mount.

“Eius” she smiled at him.

“What are you doing here? I did not think you remember this place.” he said, looking at the female that had stolen his heart. She stood there basked in the moonlight wearing nothing more than a simple robe. He could see her bare toes peeking out from the bottom of her robe. His lips quirked to one side and he shook his head.

“Of course I remember this place. It is a favorite spot of mine.” She told him, smoothing her hands down the front of her robe, not sure how to greet him since he still sat upon his mount. “Why are you here?”

“I was on my way home, when something told me to come up here.” He got off of Tsume, letting the big cat’s reins fall to the ground and walked over to Lily.

Eius reached for Lily and pulled her into his arms, pulling her tightly against him. He lowered his mouth to hers , kissing her thoroughly. When he broke off the kiss, Lily rested her head against his chest, feeling slightly out of breath.

“I have missed you, woman.” Eius’s voice rumbled in his chest under Lily’s ear. She sighed happily and pressed closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“I have missed you also.” she replied.

“Come,” Eius told her, releasing her and reached for her hand, “We have something important to discuss.”

Lily blinked at his sudden change and bit her lip, not sure if she wanted to here what he had to say. For some reason her sense of foreboding returned, sure he was going to say something awful. He pulled her around so he could see her face clearly in the moonlight.

“What is it, Lily? Why do you have that look on your face?” He asked.

“Nothing.” she answered. “What did you want to talk about?”

“Are you sure?” he asked, frowning slightly at her. “You look as though you had something on your mind.”

Lily, thinking to delay the inevitable, replied, “I am just a little sad, that is all, Eius. We have spent so much time apart…that I…well, that is I feel maybe you are trying to avoid me?” She had a questioning look on her face, but her eyes were downcast.

Eius reached out and grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. He stared at her for a moment.

“Nothing could be further from the truth. I love you, Lily.” His tone was serious and he spoke quietly. He watched as Lily bit her bottom lip and released it. Her lips glistened in the moonlight, an invitation for him to kiss her again, which he accepted readily, pulling her up against him once again.

Lily let out a soft moan against his mouth as he ran his hands down her sides. He pressed one hand against her lower back , pressing her hips against his. Eius broke off their kiss again. He had trouble staying on track when she was within easy reach and he had something important to tell her. Eius relaxed his grip on her and took a small step back, putting some distance between their bodies, so he could see her features clearly in the moonlight.

“Lily, you are the light in me. You are the other half of my soul. I want us to be together always…forever.” He told her, watching her face for a reaction. They had spoken of love, but they had never talked of the future and he wanted to settle that tonight. He even had a ring in his pocket. “I do not want to be without you, Lily. I want you at my side. I want to know that you are mine and will always be. I love you with every bit of life within me.”

Lily couldn’t move for a moment. She could feel the intensity pouring off of him, so serious was the look on his face, that for a moment she was scared. She had not been expecting this. She forced herself to take a deep breath, staring back into his eyes. “Forever is a long time, Eius.”

“Yes, it is.” he answered.

“Is that a no?” His eyes became shuttered and his tone was almost sinister, causing a delicate shiver to go down Lily’s spine and Eius stepped away from her. His shoulders went back and his head tilted to an arrogant angle, he looked down upon her, awaiting her rejection.

His actions brought a slight smile to her lips which she was forced to hide. That was the Eius she knew. The ever proud elf who withheld himself from the world. Sometimes she was at a loss when he showered her with words of love and the small gifts he always seem to have with him. That part of him, she was positive, he did not show to the rest of the world. She felt honored but overwhelmed at the same time. But for now, his instant aloofness reminded her of how much she loved this complex elf. How much she enjoyed getting past that tough exterior.

Lily closed the distance between them. She reached up with her hands to frame the sides of his unsmiling face, his eyes glittered in the night, never wavering from her face. She smiled up at him, letting her love show in her eyes, letting him see the certainty in them.

“I , Night Lily, pledge my love, my life, and my future to you, Eius. Forever.” No sooner were the words out of her mouth, he had her wrapped in his arms again, pulled tight against him, his face buried in the side of her neck. He inhaled the floral scent that seemed to surround her always, reminding him of wild tropical flowers. He placed small nibbling kisses along the side of her neck, along her jaw , working his way to her mouth. He kissed her roughly, letting her know silently how her words effected him.

Eius wrapped the long braid that hung from the back of her head around his hand, using it to pull her head back and breaking their kiss. Both were breathing heavily as they stared at each other.

“I pledge my love, my life, and my future to you, Lily.” His voice was almost guttural, his feelings were wild, even though a little bit of relief could be found in his heart, at the knowledge that this woman was completely his for the rest of their lives. With a growl deep in his chest, he took her mouth again.