[h1][color=silver]Aelar[/color]  [color=f49ac2]Maren[/color][/h1]

Collab with [@Wick]

Aelar sat with Maren by the bonfire, they had been talking almost constantly since the first day in Milas. He learned much about the world as they spoke as well as learning more about Maren herself. She had quite a mischevieous personality and was always getting herself into trouble especially when she was younger.  [color=silver]"What do you plan to do once this is all over,assuming we are successful?"[/color] he asks Maren.

Maren looks at the flames and thinks for a moment. [color=f49ac2]"I'm not sure, I guess it will depend if we all make it out alive. It will also depend if there was a war over Elyra's dad or not. If everything is as it should be what are they doing about the mages? Are they sending you back to the citadel? Are they going to blow you to bits?" [/color]This comment made her shiver at the thought. She really cared for Aelar and didn't want to think of something happening to him, especially after they would have completed the mission.

She looked down a moment. [color=f49ac2]"If they kill or lock you back up I guess I'll be forced to marry at some point. Even though I won't want to."[/color]

[color=silver]"Well, they said that us magi would be sent to the capital to be trained 'to assist the Empire'. Though most likely if we return to the Empire we will be executed, which is why I plan to either stay in the Wasteland where I have a chance at life or go down fighting the Empire."[/color] A look crossed his face as if he was unsure about whether to finish his thoughts, it was quickly replaced by a look of determination. Looking Maren in the eye he said, [color=silver]"I know that asking you this is equivalent to asking you to live and die with me, but you are too important to me and I couldn't live knowing you get married to some random person for political reasons. After this is over will you stay with me, even if it means cutting all ties with those who live in the Empire?"[/color]

Maren looked a little shocked at his question and she stood up and reached for his hand. She wanted this to be a private discussion. Once they had walked a fair distance she stopped and reached for him and kissed him passionately.  When she pulled back she looked at his eyes and she said, [color=f49ac2]"Do you mean the elven community where our families live? I'm not sure if you are asking me to leave all of my family or just those at the citadel. I don't know if I could leave my family. They are everything to me, until I met you there was never a question about my future. Now I can't see it without you in it." [/color]

[color=silver]"If you were to stay with me me being anywhere within the Empire's territory would be a practical death sentence for us and anyone near us. I know I am being selfish by asking you that, but for me you are the only thing I have truly looked forward to in my entire life. The only person I have ever cared about was myself before I met you, now I don't care about my own well being anywhere near as much as I worry about how I could effect yours."[/color] Aelar held Maren close as he spoke as if letting her go would make her disappear.

Maren was shaking as tears fell from her eyes. [color=f49ac2]  "I don't know if I could walk away from my family. I can't deny my feelings for you but I- "[/color] Maren buried her face in his neck. A sudden thought struck her.  [color=f49ac2]  "Wait , assuming that Elyra and James work out she would be in the same position. I wouldn't have to lose everyone." [/color] Even being able to hold onto one close family member was enough for her to do what her heart wanted. She nodded. [color=f49ac2]  "If we all survive this I will stay with you. I won't leave you." [/color]

Aelar's eyes lit up with a mixture of emotions; joy, relief, and surprise were the most prominent. He used his hand to wipe the tears from Maren's cheeks and kissed her lingering, all the passion that was in his heart erupted at that moment. [color=silver]"I love you and will do all that I can to make sure I don't have to see you cry again."[/color] He said as he pulled back, lifting Maren off her feet and carrying her towards their tent.

Maren was lost in her feelings for Aelar and she responded to his comment happily.[color=f49ac2]  "I love you too."[/color] Maren saw his eyes as she undressed in front of him and when he touched her her heart nearly exploded. They did not come out until the next morning.

[@Vas Khaleen][@Gareth][@Kyrisse][@Black Panther][@King Tai][@dabombjk][@Caits][@Ashevelendar][@Shadow Daedalus]