Under the intensity of herr vieled gaze, Iohn exhaled sharply again. “It's nothing that a dip in cold stream wouldn't take care of.” He stated as he bent over and readjusted the hide, then with a soft groan straightened and moved back to the barrells, making sure that each one was sealed. When both he and she were satisfied, they moved away.
“Thank you for your help, I-Yohn.” Ariel led him eastward, out of the camp. Do I dare ask him what I want to ask him? “I wouldn't have been able to finish the packing without your help.” She paused and looked at him. “I-yohn....” Oh Cridhe an t-Athair, I want him to travel with me, but I don't know if I could handle the rejection.
Ion waited for her to continue. When she didn't, he stepped up beside her and took her right hand in his. He offered her comfort, which she accepted. "Take your time, Ariel."
She gave him a grateful smile, then took a deep breath. "Iohn, would you be willing to travel with me?" Please don't turn me down. She inwardly begged as she watched him.
Iohn gazed into her eyes, and almost as if he could read her thoughts, he nodded. "I would be happy to travel with you." He watched as she went from consternation to disbelief, and finally to joy.
"Oh, I-Yohn, thank you." She threw herself at him and hugged him tight."I was so afraid that you'd say no. I didn't know what I would do, if you had refused." She babbled as she nestled against him, with predictable results.
"Damn...if you don't stop it, I'm going to....." he whispered as he held her. When she looked up at him questioningly, he gazed into her eyes. I'm going to ravish you right here and now. He thought as he leaned his head against hers. She turned her head up to his. When she nervously licked her lips, Iohn groaned. You aren't making this easy on me, Ariel. When she tentatively reached up and brushed her lips across his, he closed his eyes and captured her lips in a soft kiss. He held her for a moment, letting her savor the experience, then gently broke the kiss.
After a few minutes, Ariel took a half-step back and gazed up into Iohn's eyes. What she saw there, caused her heart to skip a beat. Is this what it feels like? Wanting something so bad that it hurts? The intense emotions caused momentary confusion. “I-yohn,” she whispered, reaching out for him. “I....I...”
The young man was just as shocked as she was. He vividly felt every inch of her form, even though she had stepped back and was staring at him. He vaguely heard her, but was so lost in thought that he didn't really understand her intent. All he wanted to do in that instant was make her his and never let her go.
