"Look, do you want to get across the river or not?" Thorin asks Mara, as she reluctantly climbs onto his huge shoulders, while he squats down. "Do I have a choice?" Mara replies. "Not really" Thorin grins and rises to a standing position. "What's your favorite amphibian?" Mara continues. "I don't know, a frog I guess."..."Why?" Thorin replies. "Because that's what you're going to be spending the rest of your days as if you drop me" Mara snaps back at him. Thorin laughs and wades into the river. Since Shandara emphasized the difference in drow and human lifespans and the fact that they should make more time to spend with their human friends, Mara has been joining their quests with a greater regularity. The first time Thorin layed eyes on Mara, he was drawn to her. Though she refuses to admit it, Mara has over the last several months, started falling for the handsome barbarian as well. Once on the far bank, Thorin pulls Mara around and off his shoulders into a supported hug. Pinned to Thorins chest, With her feet nearly a foot off the ground and their faces inches apart, Mara demands to know what he's doing. "A little kiss for getting you across the river is all" Thorin smiles at her. Mara tries to wiggle free and glances over at the others, who are all conveniently busy with their equipment. "Are you mad?" Mara glares at him. "Quick, before they look this way." Thorin grins. Mara glances the others way once more and reluctantly gives Thorin a quick peck on the lips. "Oh you're going to have to do better than that." Thorin smiles playfully, still holding her tight. "I'm going to remember this barbarian" Mara says, as she wraps her arms around his neck and gives him a long affectionate kiss. "Now put me down." Mara demands after their lips part, hoping the others hadn't seen. "Whenever you two are finished, we really should get going" Shandara remarks before Thorin has a chance to put Mara down. Maras eyes flare in feigned anger and she pushes away from thorin. She drops the foot to the ground and stomps off towards the others. Thorin smiles and joins them as well. Enjoy, -Arakas