Seeing how much his words had hurt Ariel, he took a step forward and cupped her chin. As he lifted her eyes to his, his mind was a swirl of emotions. Like most people in the world, he had heard of thrals and the act of a person choosing to surrender completely to someone. He had never expected anyone to offer themselves to him. “Ariel iarr an earraich, I never said that I wouldn't. I....I....” He cast around for the real reason why he couldn't just make her his bondwoman. If I'm totally honest, it's because...."have too much respect for you to enthral you without knowing all the powers and responsibilities that come with it.” He paused to brush a tear from the corner of her eye. “You offer me so much power over you, and I don't want you lose who you are, because of something that I might do.” He pulled her to her feet and held her close. “I don't want to hurt you.” He whispered.
For a moment, Ariel refused to even look up from the ground. I took such a risk in opening myself up like this. She could feel the heat of a blush crawling up her throat and could feel it coloring her cheeks. She listened to what he said, and cautiously looked up, searching his eyes for the truth. Oh Màthair na h-uile, does he mean it? She reached out with her prana and timidly examined his. Ariel felt as if she were drowning in raw emotion, emotion that was held in check by discipline. She listened as he said that he didn't want to hurt her and could only cling to him as he pulled her to her feet. Do I deserve a man like this, Màthair na h-uile? “Do you mean it?” She timidly inquired as she rested her head against his chest.
Iohn closed his eyes and spoke from the heart. “Yes, mio caro, I do.” He lovingly ran his fingers down her back, softly tracing her spine. He could feel each tiny tremor of hers and her soft cooes of happiness were music to his ears. I could stay like this forever, but we have things to do. It was the most natural thing to do, simply holding her close. What do I do now, Father creator? Did you bring us together for this reason? Part of him was sure that this was the case.
With her head resting against his chest, Ariel could hear the steady beat of Iohn's heart as he affirmed what he felt. It was such a steady and comforting beat that she closed her eyes and simply listened. He does want me, he does care what I feel. She closed her eyes and leaned into him, savoring the way his arms felt around her. I shouldn't have doubted you, Màthair na h-uile. She had never felt so happy. “Can I call you maighstir?” She whispered as she snaked her arms around him.
“Only if I can call you nighean thràillean,” he teased her. It's odd how suddenly we are no longer so formal. It's almost as if we realize where we fit in. He leaned his head against hers and breathed in her scent. Pine, lemongrass, and lavender. It smells just like her, wild and free.
Suddenly, Ariel giggled. “Maighstir, may I wear something scandalous made out of silk?” She took a step back and whirled in place. “Would you approve?”
1 – Master
2 – Slave Girl.
