[ He performed actions similar to these once before, allowing his fingers to wander wherever they willed, and now that he is doing them again, a voice in his head is telling him that perhaps this should be another occasion in which they get to know each other intimately, leaving nothing uncovered unless they choose to do so.

Armed with that thought in mind, but not intending to go too far without permission, he lets his touch travel lower to where her rounded breasts are. He also made it this far before but something caused him to pause at that time. Now, the only thing that might interrupt them is the looming battle, but perhaps there is no better time for an intimate encounter than on the eve of a great fight. ]

Oh, I am quite familiar with that notion. After all, a great many reports cross my desk even now, and it is no secret which I prefer more: a straightforward report or one of your fine retellings. [ He attempts to interject some humor to offset the guilt that he is feeling. ]

I shall certainly do my best to seek you out. [ He gives a solemn nod as if to punctuate that statement. ] What I think- Nay, what I wish is that you had remained whole and unhurt, because it saddens me very much to think of you being anything but entirely well and unscathed. [ He does not like the notion of her being injured and bleeding and of being too far away to offer her comfort. ]

I hope that you never catch up to me in that way, Lantaa.

[ And then having said that, he leans forward just slightly to plant a kiss against her scarred cheek. ]