ToF4-01-06: The Gathering – The Binding: Aeron and Nykira lay together for several long moments, struggling to regain their breath and basking in the afterglow of what had been the greatest sexual experiences in either of their lives. She nestled her head against his muscular chest as its heaving subsided, her legs now stretched out along side his and her breasts pressed into his hard abdomen by her own weight, while he gently stroked her short, silken mane with one hand and held her about the waist with the other. “Do you think I told know your name now?” Aeron asked with no small measure of sarcasm, cocking his head to look into her beautiful face. “Nykira Nightstar, of the house of Everlund,” she replied in a near formal tone, but with a playful smile. “And you, sir? Might I have the honor of your name… as well as your bed?” “My bed is definitely yours!” he replied with warmth and sincerity as he bent his head to kiss her. “When ever and how ever I have one to share, and you would grace it with your presence, my lady; and I am Aeron Dardragon, of… no were.” His voice fall off in painful loss, as the reality of what had lead him here cut through his linger bliss. Nykira raised herself up from his chest to look questioning into his eyes, and Aeron smiled at the true concern and compassion he saw on her face; even though they only really knew each other through sex. “My home and family are gone,” he answered her unasked question. “Taken by the savagery of the People of the Black Blood.” Then he smiled ironically. “I have been called “the wanderer” since my youth, when I would spend days on end exploring the Moonwood… Now I truly am a wanderer with no ties left to bind me to any place, or any one.” “No ties!” Nykira challenged with feigned injury in her voice and a coy smile on her lips. “Didn’t you just pledge your bed to me when ever I would grace it?” “Yes, I did!” he confessed as a broad smile grew on his face. “And I sincerely meant it!” “Then there is a bond between us,” she announced as she settled her head back down with a content sigh. “Where ever you wander… I go as well!” With her head nestled upon his chest, Nykira did not see the look that crossed Aeron’s face. The startled recognition that what he had wished for earlier that night when he wondered if there was a destiny awaiting him, would it be kind enough to bring her back to him, had just come true! He had dismissed those musings as vanity once, then questioned that when he had heard the tales of the others strangers he had met that night. But now how could he not believe that there was some high power, fate or destiny at work here. How else could he, a simple woodsman, left with no home and no family to hold him back, be graced with the willing bond to follow him any where from this elf-lady rogue; the most beautiful woman he had ever seen or even imagined! The continuation of my little story. I know, the image doesn't match the narrative... But I probably wouldn't get away with posting an image that did, so you'll have to settle for a portrait.