The warmth of her smaller body made him smile as they lay there, quietly enjoying one another's company. Not bothering to damage the moment with speech or actions. All that could be heard was the ponderous and consistent sound of their breathing, and every now and again an owl hooting from somewhere in the grounds.

When sleep finally took him, for once the Under God was merciful and did not send nightmares to plague his rest. And when morning finally arrived Garanth found himself glued to his pillow, determined not to return to his every day life, his arms still tightly wrapped round Ves.