117 So Peaceful...

The forest was really just as Dawn remembered it to be. Bright, sunny, and sleepy. Peaceful. And far removed from the rest of the world.

They found that glade again without much trouble. The lake was still just as pristine as Dawn remembered and she found herself wishing to just on its banks with Arrion and sit for a while.

"Ah, you all found your way back here again…" The unicorn, who Mem had named as Regeas, walked over his every step filled with elegance and grace.

It was hard not to be awed by such a majestic creature. He stopped in front of them, and gave them a small dip of his head, "Welcome back, travelers. I hope your journey was fruitful."

"It was." Dawn answered with a small smile on her face, "More than I hoped."

"That is good, little Sun Child." He then turned to Arrion, "You look more put-together now. Less like you just threw a look together and went with it."

"Uh-huh." Arrion shrugged, "I feel more like myself now."

"Stay the night, travelers. And rest thyselves. The Sylvan Woods will provide hospitality to you again."

Dawn accepted the invitation. It was getting rather on in the day, and the place was so peaceful. It was easy to relax here.

Not that they had not been relaxed anyway. But there was something that just felt abnormally safe about here. Like nothing would ever dare try to do harm on this spot.

So they set up camp there. And Dawn then pulled her husband over to sit with her by the lake. He followed her willingly and sat beside of her.

There was movement in the water, but Dawn ignored it. There were probably water nymphs or something in it. As long as they left her and her lover alone, she did not really care that they were there.

Afterall, this was their home, not hers.

She leaned her head on Arrion's shoulder and intertwined their fingers together. He really was her greatest blessing. How could she have ever tried to keep her heart away from him? He was definitely worth opening up for.

He was being awfully quiet. Just rubbing his thumb against her finger as he let cuddle against him as much as she wanted.

It was soothing, and after a little while of just enjoying it, she fell asleep still leaning on him.

She did not wake up again until about dinner time. When she did, she was now in her husband's lap. He was combing his fingers through her hair and smiling down at her with an almost absent look in his eyes.

Even though he seemed absentminded, he still looked incredibly tender.

"Awake, dove?" His eyes snapped straight into focus. "Are you hungry? There is food that was offered to us…"

She sat up, and pecked his cheek. "A little, my gentle lord…"

"… I don't think you've ever called me that before… " His lips arched into a happy smile and he stood up and pulled her up.

Regeas and his dryads had provided a spread for them again. Still it was mostly vegetables and fruits, but Dawn did not care.

It was still filling and it tasted good. She plastered herself to Arrion while she ate, and enjoyed the peaceful silence.

Arrion finished eating before she did, and he just turned his head against her and buried himself in the crook of her neck.

She was pretty sure he had fell asleep. She did not bother waking him as she was more than happy with this arrangement. So she just got comfortable herself and snuggled into his half-embrace.

Stroking his hair, she could not keep herself from smiling. His hair was really soft now, just like she remembered it being before the accident.

She was only sort of aware that their companions were heading for bed. All her attention was on the man leaning into her. She entwined their fingers again and leaned her head against his. She had not exactly meant to, but she still fell asleep like that.