~*~

A delicate cream coloured foot dipped into the small stream slowly joined by another.

 Following the toned length of calf and thigh, the owner wore nothing but a crown of

 wet hair held in a strange style of twin buns with hair cascading from them. Gingerly

 sinking into the waist deep, clear water, the girl sighed.

Filled with troubling emotions, Endymion began his blind path through trees that had

 once been lush with greenery now turned to gold.  Under foot withered brown leaves

 crunched as he walked, head down in thought.

Hearing a small stream was just ahead of him, he lifted his head then froze.

 Out of the stream rose a petite ethereal vision. He had gone for a walk to try and clear

 his mind and thoughts of her; not to actually find her!  Without thought or the ability to

 stop himself he moved forward, incidentally stepping on a twig causing a loud

 cracking sound.

Her head shot up at the sound as she pulled her tunic on.  Shock and panic both raced

 over her usually calm and controlled features before she bolted into the surrounding

 trees.

The prince recklessly charged after her, his ground eating strides quickly catching the

 tunic clad beauty.  Spinning her around to face him, he spoke, "Oh no you don't."

 Strong arms pinned her to a bark-less tree while ensuring any struggle wouldn't

 damage him.

 However, she did not struggle, merely stared up at him with wide innocent eyes.

 Harried breaths caused by the chase mingled between the both of them.

"Can I help you, Your Highness?" her sweet voice filtered through his ears.

"You know you can, who are you? Why are you here?" his cobalt eyes pierced hers, but

 still she feigned innocence.

"I don't know what you're talking about. What do you want with me?"  He bent his

 head, and as he spoke his lips gently feathered over her cheek.

"I want to finish what we started…temptress."

"I really don't know what you're talking about."  A shaky breath escaped her as his lips

 brushed against the curve of her neck.

 "Why are you doing this? Why do you make me feel so…" trying to search for the

 right words, he leaned his forehead head against hers.

 "Feel so what Endy?" she enquired softly, her delicate fingers raising to linger on his

 cheek.

"You make me feel things I've never felt before" he admitted without thinking.

 "And?" She gently pushed, eyes hopeful.

"And...I'm not marrying Beryl."  He looked into her eyes, searching for any sign of

 approval or interest.

 Why?" it was asked so softly he barely heard it.

"I...I think I'm falling in love with you.  Is that crazy?" His words were said just as

 softly as hers were.  Confusion was apparent in the words said, his brow wrinkling as

 he spoke.

"For two souls bonded as strongly as yours and mine, no my dear Endymion."  She

 smiled the most beautiful radiant smile he had ever seen. Pure joy sparkled in her eyes

 and he couldn't help but feel that same joy. He smiled with her, revelling in the

completeness he felt in being with her. Without permission or approval she began to

 close the minute gap between their lips.

 Time seemed to freeze in the instant before he crushed his lips to hers. At that first

 touch sensation exploded between them.Her hands wound their way into his dark

 untameable hair as he cradled her waist, pulling her closer. In his ears was the rapid

 beat of his heart pounding; he revelled in the glory that he could make her heart beat

 the same staccato rhythm as his.

The tip of Endymion's tongue flicked out against the woman's lips, seeking to deepen

 the kiss. In acquiescence, soft strawberry lips parted to allow him entrance. He groaned

 as her tongue briefly touched his before retreating. He felt her sigh into the kiss and

 wanted desperately to never let her go.

Despite his physical want of her, and her apparent interest, his body's demand for

 oxygen would not be ignored; not to mention the fact that his self-control was in dire

 need of reigning in. She let out a small wimper of protest without thinking as his lips

slowly left hers.

Endymions hands still held her waist firmly, her arms stayed around his neck as they

 each caught their breath. The girl's lips slightly swollen from the intensity of the kiss,

 her eyes drooped so she was peering at him through her lashes. Tenderly brushing

 golden strand from her eyes, he nuzzled her neck.

 "Who are you?" he breathed. The question seemed so pointless. Their hearts already

 knew each other, who needed names? Blue opals opened slowly, holding a mixture of

 love and pleading; pleading to understand.

"I...I can't..." she trailed off. His gaze held that adorable look of confusion, which

 unbeknownst to him, she had long ago fallen in love with.

 "I don't understand..." The now familiar shouts of searchers interrupted him.  "Damn

 it, not again" he muttered before turning back to her. This time he continued to keep a

 firm hold on her, not wanting her to disappear again. "I have to..."

"I know," she finished for him

"When will I see you...?" she silenced him with one delicate finger over his lips. "We

 will meet again Love" she smiled lovingly, her eyes full of reassurance.

He let his eyes take in her face, her beautiful eyes, her still swollen lips. 'God, she's so