* Sanriel waves to the unhappy looking guards at the city gates as they walk out, prompting a little bit of a smile from a couple of them. San smiles happily over at Tarri, flashing a little grin at Corri, nestled happily in his sling. He carries his unstrung bow in the hand in one hand, and the other holds Tarri's.

<Sanriel> Nice day out! ::looks up at the clear sky with a smile:: I've got another couple of trees I'd like to show you and Corri a bit later...

<Tarri> ::smiles and waves at the guards, then looks up at Sanriel:: Okay. Whatever you want is fine with me.

<Sanriel> ::grins and squeezes Tarri's hand:: Know something? ::looks over at Tarri, eyes twinkling::

<Tarri> ::smiles up at Sanriel:: What?

<Sanriel> I love you!

<Tarri> ::laughs:: I love you, too.

* Sanriel skips once, happily.

<Tarri> ::grins and looks down at Corri, who is looking around with wide eyes::

<Sanriel> ::takes Tarri into the cover of the trees, walking slowly and taking their time:: He looks pretty interested, too. ::grins and looks around::

<Tarri> ::giggles:: He's been looking around a lot lately. But he just ate a little bit ago, so I hope he'll fall asleep in a little bit.

<Sanriel> But then, elves are supposed to be forest dwellers normally, right? So this is more of a natural setting for you, isn't it, Corri? ::goes into baby-talk as he directs his question at the little baby::

<Tarri> ::looks at Sanriel with a grin as he talks to the baby::

<Sanriel> Well it certainly seems to be a quiet enough day. Not like when that dog showed up. ::shakes his head and looks down for a moment, then back up and smiles a little::

<Tarri> ::looks at him curiously:: Dog?

<Sanriel> ::blinks:: I didn't tell you about that...? Oh! ... That was right before you went to.. help Lady Quel'Shu. I was so worried for you... ::shakes his head a little:: I guess it just drove right out of my head.

<Tarri> I guess so. ::she smiles:: So what happened?

<Sanriel> Hmm... ::takes a breath:: Well, I was coming out for a lesson with Lisl. The last one I was going to get before she left.

<Tarri> ::nods, a little soberly::

<Sanriel> We do them out here, if I hadn't told you that. Plenty of room to move, and the walk back and forth makes a nice warm up and cool down.

<Tarri> I think you did... Or maybe she told me... ::she shakes her head, smiling:: Anyway, I knew.

<Sanriel> ::smiles:: Okay. It's actually not all that far from here. ::nods off to the left::

<Sanriel> Anyway, I was walking out there, and I was pretty distracted. Thinking about you, and being worried. ::blushes a little::

<Tarri> ::squeezes his hand a little::

<Sanriel> ::grins over at Tarri:: I know everything's okay now, thankfully. But I was pretty worried!

<Tarri> ::nods and half-smiles:: I was, too, actually.

<Sanriel> So I was distracted, and then.. I felt something coming. Like... ::thinks a moment:: It's like using all your senses at once. I normally do it, especially out here, so it seems like you just sort of "know" something's coming, and when you think about it you realize you saw something move, or heard a rustling, or something like that.

<Sanriel> I know you were, my beloved. ::smiles again gently::

<Tarri> ::blinks a little at his explanation, but doesn't say anything::

<Sanriel> I felt something coming.. coming fast, and I should have noticed it a lot sooner...

<Sanriel> It was a dog. It was wounded, and mad.. crazy with anger, and it was running right for me.

<Tarri> ::eyes widen:: Oh, no...!

<Sanriel> ::shakes his head and shivers for a moment:: I don't know why it was coming after me, but... I was definitely the target. It stopped long enough to growl at me, and I tried to soothe it a bit.

<Sanriel> ::shakes his head:: It was too far gone, though...

<Tarri> ::tightens her hold on his hand, her eyes huge::

<Sanriel> When it jumped at me, I barely dodged around the back of a tree, and when he stopped, he came at me again. That dog was *fast*.. I barely got out of the way again. I was really scared; I didn't know what I was going to do.

<Tarri> ::bites her lip as she listens, holding Sanriel's hand tightly::

<Sanriel> And then... ::shakes his head a moment:: It was amazing, Tarri. This huge, beautiful wolf hit it from the side and knocked it away from me.

<Tarri> ::blinks:: A.. a wolf?

<Sanriel> ::nods, smiling a little again:: She was lovely, Tarri. Silver and grey, and bigger than I've ever seen. I was still really scared, of course! I didn't know if she saw me as a threat to her territory; if she would attack me after the dog.

<Sanriel> They fought, and it was pretty fierce, and still frightening. I managed to grab up my bow from where I dropped it, though, and I shot the dog in the side... It didn't take long, after that.

<Tarri> ::glances at Sanriel's bow, then looks around a little nervously::

<Sanriel> It's okay, Tarri. ::squeezes her hand with a reassuring smile::

<Sanriel> It was from the city, and I don't think that's liable to happen again. And even if it does, I'm not distracted this time. ::grins:: And it's still the wolf's territory.

<Tarri> ::smiles a little weakly:: What happened after the wolf and the dog fought?

<Sanriel> Even after feeling how angry that dog was, though... ::sighs slowly:: I still felt bad that he had to die like that. Something drove him to that.. he shouldn't have been that way.

<Sanriel> ::blinks:: I'm... still not entirely sure. I pointed an arrow at the wolf for a moment, just in case.. I didn't know if she was going to come after me, next. But she didn't. And I don't think I could have stopped her, anyway. Not from that close, not with how big she was.

<Tarri> ::shivers:: What if she comes back?

<Sanriel> So I lowered my bow, and we just looked at each other. I asked her what she was going to do, next...

<Sanriel> ::grins:: I don't think there's anything to worry about, Tarri. If she didn't welcome us here as visitors, we'd know by now.

<Tarri> ::looks around again:: If you say so... ::she looks at him, a little pale:: You were in probably worse danger than *I* was...

<Sanriel> And then she... remembering it, I could have sworn she *smiled* at me. And then just left.

<Sanriel> ::squeezes Tarri's hand again:: Maybe... but it all happened really fast, and it was actually pretty simple. ::smiles:: Just a couple of animals.. though that wolf seemed awfully smart.

<Sanriel> ::kisses Tarri's cheek:: And like with you, it's all over and done with, now. We're both okay!

<Tarri> Yeah, but I had... I had four experienced fighters to protect me... ::she shivers again and looks at him with tears standing in her eyes:: If that wolf hadn't come to help you, I could have come back to... ::she turns her head, looking down at Corri::

<Sanriel> ::stops and wraps his arms around Tarri:: Shhh... it's okay, Tarri. It's alright. It's *over*... ::lowers his voice to a gentle tone::

<Tarri> ::presses her forehead against his chest, looking down:: I know.. It's just so sudden... ::She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before looking up at him with a faint smile:: I wish I could thank that wolf for taking care of you for me.

<Sanriel> If that wolf hadn't shown up, then I *still* would have been waiting for you. No dog, no matter how mad could ever keep me away from you. ::gives Tarri a small kiss:: So do I... Maybe we'll get to see her again, some time...

<Tarri> ::smiles a little nervously:: I don't know that I need to see her up close... ::she grins faintly, then takes another breath and looks around:: So where are we going?

<Sanriel> ::grins a little:: I hope you do, actually. She really was beautiful.

<Tarri> ::looks at him a little dubiously, then smiles:: If you're there to protect me. She might be *your* guardian angel, but I don't know how she'd feel about *me*...

<Sanriel> ::giggles lightly:: But you're a part of me.

<Tarri> ::laughs and leans her head against his arm for a moment:: I doubt she'd know that, silly.

<Sanriel> ::grins and kisses Tarri's forehead gently:: I'd think it's pretty obvious. Wolves pick mates, too. And I can tell her. ::smiles::

<Tarri> Can you? ::she cocks her head as she looks at him:: Did Lisl teach you how to howl at the wolves?

<Sanriel> ::laughs:: Not yet! But I'm sure I could get it across somehow.

<Tarri> ::giggles, then sighs and slides her arm around him for a hug::

<Sanriel> ::smiles and hugs her back happily:: As for where we're going... it's just a little further. ::looks into Tarri's eyes for a moment, smiling, then disengages and takes her hand, guiding her a little further::

* Tarri sighs happily, following Sanriel through the trees.

<Sanriel> Up here... ::gently pulls Tarri along, revealing a pair of maples twisted around each other at the base of the trunks, so that they've grown together; both stand tall and healthy::

<Sanriel> ::smiles a little:: I.. thought it was awfully appropriate to show you these two...

<Tarri> Ooh, that's so sweet...

<Sanriel> ::voice lowering a little, watching Tarri:: Isn't it? Truly amazing.. the things you can be lucky enough to find...

<Tarri> ::leans against Sanriel:: Yeah...

<Sanriel> ::puts his arm around Tarri's shoulders and hugs her, giving a little smile to Corri, and a larger one to her:: Worth the walk, do you think?

<Tarri> Oh, definitely! ::she looks up at him with a smile:: I'd walk anywhere with you.

<Sanriel> ::smiles and blushes a little:: I'm glad...

* Sanriel stares back at fiance lovingly.

<Tarri> ::smiles up at Sanriel, then looks back at the trees::

* Sanriel stands there happily as they lean lightly into one another, Sanriel's gaze flicking admiringly between the twinned trees and Tarri.

<Tarri> ::quietly:: Is there a good place to sit, maybe? ::she smiles up at her love::

<Sanriel> Ummm... ::looks around:: I hadn't really checked, actually... ::smiles ruefully::

<Tarri> ::giggles:: Well, let's look!

<Sanriel> ::grins:: Okay! Hmmm.. I don't really see anything good on this side... ::slips his hand into Tarri's again and begins walking around the pair of trees::

<Tarri> ::follows, looking around a little, but mostly looking at Sanriel::

* Sanriel looks around, catching Tarri looking at him, and flashes her a big smile.

<Tarri> ::grins:: Hi...

<Sanriel> Hi. ::stops and turns, stepping closer to lean over Corri and give Tarri a tender kiss::

* Tarri stands up on her tiptoes to return Sanriel's kiss.

<Sanriel> ::smiles as he pulls away:: I really, really love you.

<Tarri> ::blushes a little:: I love you too.

* Sanriel lets out a happy sigh and takes another look around.

<Sanriel> Oh! Over there.. that looks like it might work. ::points to a largish rock resting against the side of a tree, the angle between them making a fairly large nook::

<Tarri> Okay!

* Tarri follows Sanriel toward the rock.

<Sanriel> ::grins and goes over, then settles down in the nook between the rock and tree, with plenty of room left for Tarri; he pats the ground next to himself and smiles up at her:: C'mon down, it feels pretty good!

* Tarri fits herself into the remaining space, leaning back against Sanriel with a content sound.

<Sanriel> mmm... ::wraps his arms around Tarri and snuggles comfortably into place, giving her hair a little kiss:: There we go!

<Tarri> Mmm. ::she tips her head back a bit to look at him:: I love you.

<Sanriel> ::smiles back lovingly:: I love you too. ::lets out a happy sigh:: My dearest Tarri...

<Tarri> Mmm... ::She snuggles closer:: So when *is* your next break at school?

<Sanriel> Ummm... ::thinks::

<Sanriel> I haven't really looked that far ahead, yet... but I think it's during the winter, maybe?

<Sanriel> ::grins a little:: I can't believe it's going to be so simple to visit...

<Tarri> Yeah, that's so wonderful! You haven't seen your parents for... a year, now? They must really miss you. Think how happy they'll be when they see you!

<Sanriel> ::nods:: Yeah, it's been almost a whole year now, I think. Wow... ::trails off for a moment, lost in thought::

<Sanriel> It seems so little time for so much to have happened.

<Sanriel> ::smiles:: I'm *really* looking forward to seeing them again.. to taking you to meet them!

<Tarri> ::flushes a little:: I'm looking forward to meeting them, too... I hope they like me.

<Sanriel> I know they'll *love* you! ::squeezes Tarri for a moment, smiling as he nuzzles her hair::

<Tarri> ::smiles and leans into Sanriel's embrace:: I hope so. They sound really great. ::she smiles at him:: And I'll get to meet all the people you grew up with.

<Sanriel> ::smiles and nods slowly:: Mmmm-hmm. and hopefully not laugh at our tiny little village out in the middle of nowhere. ::chuckles::

* Sanriel makes little happy sounds, settling his chin lightly on Tarri's shoulder and looking over at the two trees.

<Tarri> I wouldn't laugh! ::she turns slightly to look at him:: It's your home! No matter what it's like, I wouldn't laugh!

<Sanriel> ::giggles:: I was just *teasing*. I know you wouldn't laugh. And even if you did... ::grins:: you have such a *pretty* laugh.

<Tarri> ::blushes, then helplessly laughs::

* Sanriel laughs along with Tarri merrily.

* Tarri looks down as Corri shifts, and smiles. "Ooh, he's finally fallen asleep..." She carefully pulls off the sling and nestles the swaddled and sleeping baby into a depression in the soft moss.

<Tarri> ::turns back to Sanriel and snuggles closer with a smile.

<Sanriel> ::smiles over at Corri, happily accepting more of Tarri as she snuggles in closer:: Mmm.. even better...

* Sanriel gently strokes up and down Tarri's outside arm, smiling happily and kissing her hair again lightly.

<Tarri> ::sighs and lifts her hand to softly caress his face.::

* Sanriel closes his eyes, enjoying the soft caress and continuing his own.

<Tarri> ::giggles softly:: You could use a shave.

<Sanriel> ::giggles back, opening his eyes again:: What, now?

<Tarri> Well, not *right* now... But you're a little rough around the edges.

<Sanriel> ::screws up his face a little:: Great, it's growing back faster.

<Tarri> ::chuckles:: I've heard it does that. ::she leans forward to kiss the edge of his jaw::

<Sanriel> ::smiles and kisses back quickly:: Yeah, so have I. It's still annoying, though. ::grins a little:: Lucky little Corri won't have to worry about it for a really long time.

<Tarri> ::chuckles:: Probably not ever. Most elves never have beards.

<Sanriel> ::blinks in surprise:: I didn't know that.

<Tarri> ::nods, then suddenly giggles a little:: When we were getting ready to go out after the slavers, Lady Quel'shu was fussing that she wished Jelarthna had a beard so he could look scruffier. He and Master Kevil talked about it a little.

<Sanriel> ::grins and giggles a little:: It's hard to picture them looking scruffy. Wow.. no beards? That must be kinda nice, not to have to worry about it.

<Tarri> ::grins and nods:: I guess so. But maybe they have stuff they have to worry about that we don't.

<Sanriel> Like.. how to keep their faces warm when it gets cold? ::grins back::

<Tarri> ::laughs:: Maybe!

<Tarri> ::eyes Sanriel's face and brushes her fingers over his jaw again:: Do you grow a beard in the winter to keep warm?

<Sanriel> ::blushes a little and shakes his head:: I tried, last year. I couldn't really grow enough to do anything other than look silly.

<Tarri> ::grins and kisses him briefly:: Maybe it'll come in thicker this year.

<Sanriel> hmmm.. ::returns the kiss happily:: Do you want me to try? It gets *really* itchy! ::mock scritches his cheek with a grin::

<Tarri> ::giggles:: It's up to you, really. ::she closes one eye and looks at him critically:: I don't know if I can imagine you with a beard... ::she opens her eye and grins at him:: But it'll still be you, I'll love you no matter what!

<Sanriel> ::grins and laughs lightly:: I'll have to think about it, then. I really don't know how long it'll take.. and I'm used to keeping shaved. ::kisses Tarri lightly:: But it's good to know you won't run screaming if I do. ::giggle::

<Tarri> Nope. You're stuck with me. ::she laughs and kisses him again::

<Sanriel> I'd hardly call it "stuck"! ::tickles Tarri's neck lightly and returns the kiss eagerly::

* Tarri pulls Sanriel close, gently caressing his face and neck and running her fingers through his hair as they kiss.

* Sanriel sighs happily, pulling Tarri a little closer and running his fingers along her side, settling in for a long, shared kiss.

<Tarri> ::breaks away finally, breathing heavily:: Ah, Sanriel... ::she sighs:: ... I love you so much.

<Sanriel> ::takes a moment to catch his breath as well, smiling back widely as he hugs her close:: Good... good.. because I love you, too. My sweet, beautiful, wonderful Princess...

<Tarri> ::snuggles close, sighing happily:: My strong, brave, handsome Prince. ::she chuckles softly:: And we get to live happily ever after.

<Sanriel> ::beams:: *Very* happily. ::nuzzles Tarri gently, kissing her cheek::

<Tarri> ::closes her eyes and shivers slightly:: mmm... ::she opens her eyes and looks at him with a smile, stroking his cheek:: Temptation... ::she grins faintly::

<Sanriel> ::blushes slightly:: Is it good or bad that Corri's here..? ::grins back slowly, giving Tarri several small, tender kisses::

<Tarri> ::giggles softly:: I guess that depends on whether it's bad or good to give in to temptation... ::she returns his kisses, then glances over at the baby with a slightly regretful sigh::

<Sanriel> ::smiles a little:: We have plenty of time, Tarri. ::cups her chin gently:: I'm not in a hurry... I kinda like being tempted. ::small blush again, with a little giggle:: And a little nervous..

<Tarri> ::blushes, but nods:: I know... But it wouldn't be much of a temptation if I didn't want it anyway. ::she smiles warmly, and kisses his cheek::

* Sanriel sighs happily and returns the smile, caressing Tarri's chin and neck slowly, running his hand over her shoulder and hugs her tight.

* Tarri shivers slightly again, and cuddles close, murmuring happily as Sanriel's arms wrap around her.