**A misunderstanding the night before leads an uncomfortable separation.  Their reconciliation leads to something unexpected...**

Korathin grabs his saddlebags from his horse after dismounting, throwing them over his shoulder.  He slowly winds his way through the forest, gaze on the ground, making his way towards the ridge over the lake.

Mikayla sits quietly, her legs dangling over the edge, and her gaze meditative on the water below.  Her right hand idly twists a lock of her auburn hair.

Korathin doesn't see Mikayla until he is just a few feet away.  He comes to a dead stop, pausing for a moment, then says quietly, 'Sorry.. I did not know anyone was here.'

Mikayla glances up, startled at the sound of Korathin's voice.  Her eyes widen slightly as she looks him over consideringly, "I...I can leave..if you wish."

Korathin slowly shakes his head, a small frown on his face, 'No.  You were here first.. if you do not wish to see me, I will leave.'

Mikayla blinks, startled silent for a moment before replying, "Korathin..."  she pauses and shakes her head, glancing at the water as she continues, "Why do you think I do not wish to see you..?"

Korathin raises an eyebrow, shifting his saddle bags to his other shoulder, 'Let me see.. you told me to leave, you've been quite hard to get ahold of.. what do you wish me to think?'

Mikayla glances back up, pain evident in her eyes, "I never told you to stay away.. I.. just needed time to think." she frowns and looks to her hands.

Korathin sighs softly, slowly shaking his head, 'Over what?  You didn't say or do anything wrong, Mikayla.  Or was it something I did?'

Mikayla continues to look at her hands, her shoulders slumped slightly as she replies in a whisper, "My actions.. my words, were inappropriate.  I should not have assumed your intentions toward me.. I ask your forgiveness."

Korathin drops his saddlebags down to the ground, slowly walking over to you.  'There is nothing to forgive.'  He slowly sits down, looking out across the lake, 'Do you remember, once, you asked me my thoughts.. and I had said I wondered how long I would be able to be with you..'

Mikayla nods slowly, watching your features while fighting to keep her composure, "Yes.. yes, I remember."

Korathin gives a short nod, pausing a moment before continuing, face looking as if he is struggling to place his words right, 'And you had said for however long I wished... and do you remember my reply?'

Mikayla blinks, her eyes searching your face.  She shakes her head, "You will have to refresh my memory... I do not remember."

Korathin tilts his head over to study you a moment, then he slowly reaches a hand out for one of yours, 'I had said forever is what I wished.'

Mikayla takes Korathin's hand, though it seems to weaken her resolve rather than strengthen it.  She shivers slightly and replies, "Forever... forever is not the same as m-ma-.." she sighs as the word refuses to form itself, "I still had no right to assume what you wish for us.."

Korathin squeezes your hand softly, still studying your gaze, 'And since when has it been what -I- alone wanted?  Is it my wishes alone that determine what will happen to us?'

Mikayla looks back at you, her expression confused, "In Saldaea, it is the man's choice... Though we are in Andor, I still seek to uphold the customs of our homeland.  Yet, even here I would imagine it improper to speak of a man of a dowry, when he hasn't even - " she blushes and lets out a long-suffering sigh.

Korathin raises an eyebrow, forcing a small smile to you, 'It does not hurt to tell me what you feel, my dear.  And as for customs, it is the man's choice, and his job to propose.  And, unless I missed something, that is not what you were doing.'

Mikayla nods slowly, "It is not what I did.. yet I should not have mentioned it.. It was improper and unbecoming."

Korathin shakes his head, letting out a long sigh as he lets go of your hand, 'No.  It wasn't.  And if I remember right, the first few times we were at this very spot, you were the one telling me how you were not ready to get married.. tied down like that.'

Mikayla blinks several times, then shakes her head, "No, Korathin.. no, that is not what I meant... I did not wish to marry a man from my Father's list... and, I said that because I thought it is what you wanted to hear.  I did not want you to think I would try to manipulate you into that."

Korathin says quietly, 'That isn't the point.  The point is, how was I ever to know anything different than the fact that you did not wish to marry yet, unless you told me your feelings?'

Mikayla looks away, her gaze returning to the lake distractedly, "I did not think you wished it either... I.. assumed things would work out one way or another in their own time."

Korathin gives a small nod, 'One way or the other.. which means that what you did was not in the wrong.'

Mikayla sighs softly, "It felt wrong, Korathin... It made me feel awful whether or not you saw it as wrong."

Korathin says quietly, 'And why did it make you feel awful?  Do you think I am opposed to getting married?'

Mikayla looks back to Korathin's eyes, her own thoughtful, "If you were not opposed to it, you would have mentioned it.  If you wanted me, you would have asked.  I have ruined things with my thoughtless words... perhaps this will teach me to think before I speak."

Korathin shakes his head slightly, but never detracts his gaze from yours, 'No.  You have ruined nothing.  And aren't you again assuming my intentions by saying I do not wish to marry?'

Mikayla opens her mouth to protest, then frowns as she can find no argument with his words, "I suppose I am... I am sorry."

Korathin brings one finger up, resting it softly on your lips, 'Do not apologize, I assumed as well, that you did not wish to marry.  but you were wrong about me not wanting you.. there isn't anything I want more.'

Mikayla blushes softly and averts her eyes, "Certainly you could find someone more agreeable..."

The wind picks up slightly, causing more of the fall leaves to cascade down from their branches.  They scatter in the wind, many floating over the lake, one landing in Mikayla's hair.

Korathin smiles softly, picking the leaf from your hair, letting it float back off in the wind. 'I do not wish anyone else, my love.  Only you.'

Mikayla looks back to you and smiles warmly, her green eyes rimming with unshed tears, "I.. I don't want anyone else either.."

Korathin smiles softly, brushing his hand softly against your cheek as he says quietly, 'Are you sure? Certainly you could find someone more agreeable.. less stubborn.. and several other things, I'm sure.'

Mikayla smiles slightly and shakes her head, a single tear trickling down her cheek, "There is only one who is agreeable to me..  no matter how stubborn he may be."

Korathin brushes the tear from your cheek, his other hand reaching down to take yours softly, 'Then.. when we.. after we decide that..' His cheeks become slightly red, gaze glancing down at the lake.

Mikayla tilts her head, looking at you curiously, "That made no sense... What is it you wished to say?"

Korathin glances back up, studying you hard for a long moment.  'I wished to ask if, when we both agree the time is right, you will marry me?'

Mikayla's eyes widen and she sits in stunned silence for a long moment.  She brushes back a lock of her hair, now well-touseled by the wind and tucks it behind her ear.  With a small smile and affectionate eyes, she whispers, "Yes, I will..."

Korathin lets out what seems to be a small sigh of relief, then leans forward, placing a soft kiss on your lips.  He pulls back, brushing a few locks of your hair back as he sits there, watching you.

Mikayla's smile widens and she reaches out to touch your face lightly, "I wonder... what is the 'right time'.."

Korathin laughs lightly, his eyes sparkling brightly with affection, 'Let me see.. when we've met all of your customs you think need be met.. when I, upon being married to you, won't be chased down by your father..'

Mikayla laughs, "My father would not chase you down... I think he likes you whether he will admit it or not... Actually, I think he sees a lot of himself in you."

Korathin chuckles lightly, squeezing your hand softly, 'Perhaps.. we shall have to see what he thinks of the idea.. when you are ready.'

Mikayla's eyes glitter playfully, "Perhaps I am more ready than you think.... or.. perhaps not.." she shrugs lightly as thought it were of little consequence, though her eyes twinkle mischievously.

Korathin peers at you for a moment, then smile mischeviously, 'Indecisive are we?  Perhaps having second thoughts already, I see..'  He sniffs, thou his winks lightly at you.

Mikayla becomes suddenly serious and places a hand on each side of your face, looking into your eyes, "You decide what you wish, Korathin... My heart has already decided."

Korathin smiles warmly at you, his eyes returning your gaze, 'As is mine, my love.'

Mikayla smiles and her hands slide back until her arms wrap around your neck, pulling her closer to you in a warm embrace.  Her voice is a near inaudible whisper against your ear, "I love you, Korathin..."

Korathin arms slowly twine around your waist, holding you close to him.  He leans down, lips pausing a fraction of an inch from yours, 'And I love you, Mikayla..'

Mikayla leans forward, closing the gap between you and brushing her lips against yours softly.

Korathin slowly closes his eyes, lips returning the kiss tenderly.

Mikayla pulls back after a moment to study your face, her eyes gliding over your features like a soft caress.  She takes a deep breath and says quietly, "And you will take me with you if you have orders to leave.  It is customary." She watches you carefully, her words holding no question, a mere statement of fact.

Korathin lets out a small chuckle, fingers softly tracing your jawline, 'Of course.  How else will you know if healing is what you truley wish to do.'

Mikayla nods, a small smile forming, "And how else will I keep you from 'rinsing off' your injuries with water and wrapping them in dirty rags."

Korathin finger stops under your chin, slowly trying to pull it closer, 'Hmmm.. well, yes, I suppose that might come in handy sometime..'

Mikayla frowns, "I hope it will not... I hope I have tended the last of your injuries, Korathin Teslin."

Korathin grins slightly, a mischevious sparkle in his eyes, 'And is that a threat?'

Mikayla shrugs lightly, "Take it as you will... but if I have to take a needle to you once, you'll be back in Saldaea tending sheep or ice-peppers."

Korathin raises an eyebrow, his hand slipping from his chin, 'We shall just have to see about that.'

Mikayla tilts her head and smiles mysteriously as she watches your expression, "There is something to be said for such a life... though you know I would never demand it of you.. You'd think you would have learned when I jest by now."

Korathin reaches over, poking your side lightly, 'Yes.. I know you'd never demand anything of me.. but I also do not wish to see you worried or upset.'

Mikayla chuckles softly, "You mistook my words.. I said I would not demand *that* of you... not that I wouldn't demand anything." her eyes twinkle mischievously as she turns her attention to the scenery below.

Korathin leans over, bumping into your shoulder lightly, 'And just what makes you think you can overcome my stubborness, hmm?'  He grins mischeviously, own eyes casting towards the lake.

Mikayla grins as she leans against you, resting her head on her shoulder, "Because I know someone besides my father who is at least as stubborn as you are."

Korathin laughs lightly, wrapping his arm around your waist, 'Yes.. I've noticed that as well.'  He smiles innocently, a playful twinkle in his eyes.

Mikayla says softly, "Oh have you?" in a weak attempt at sounding stern.

Korathin tickles your side lightly, giving a nod, still trying to appear as innocent as he can, 'Why yes.. would have to be blind not to, ya know.'

Mikayla pouts playfully and tilts her head to look up at you, "And I thought I hid it so well.."

Korathin raises an eyebrow, leaning his head down slightly, saying teasingly, 'Oh, admiting to trying to hide stuff from me now?'

Mikayla blinks, attempting an innocent look that doesn't quite reach her eyes, "Nothing important, of course... But a woman has to have some secrets.." she winks playfully, then rests back against you, closing her eyes.

Korathin kisses your forehead softly, hugging you close, 'Somehow I've a feeling you've plenty of secrets.. thou most of them good.'

Mikayla laughs softly, "I've a few.." She sighs contentedly in your embrace.

Korathin grins slightly, giving a small nod, 'Well, you are not the only one.'

Mikayla pouts and looks up at you again curiously, "You're keeping secrets from me, Korathin?  And what is it you feel you must hide from me?"

Korathin blinks innocently at you, 'Why, I'm not hiding anything from you.  You will learn, in good time.. I'm just being.. selective of when I tell you.  Yes.'

Mikayla pulls away to look at you more fully, "Selective? What sort of woolheaded nonsense is that?"

Korathin gasps slightly, faking mock hurt, 'Why, just what are you saying?  It makes perfect sense to me.'

Mikayla crosses her arms under her chest, looking sullen, "So you do not trust me yet with your secrets..."

Korathin tilts his head, studying you for a few moments, 'I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours, first.'

Mikayla smiles slyly, "And you think it is so easy to pry away my secrets?  Why, I don't even believe you have any secrets...  just trying to discover mine."

Korathin shrugs his shoulders lightly, glancing out across the lake again, 'Well.. then I shall not pry if you do not.. take it or leave it, my dear.'

Mikayla frowns and watches you a moment as if determining something, "A secret for a secret.  I tell you one of mine - one mind you - and then you tell me one of yours."

Korathin gives a small nod, 'That is the deal.. if you wish, you can have time to think over it.'  He smiles, giving a small wink, 'After all, we have forever, no?'

Mikayla shakes her head, "I would have one of your secrets now, after I tell you one of mine.."

Korathin turns to face you, studying you a moment, 'Very well.. tell me one of yours, then.'

Mikayla blushes as she begins to speak, keeping her eyes averted from yours, "The evening we met in the Queen's Blessing... I... had you followed home."

Korathin raises an eyebrow, studying you curiously for a moment, 'What for?'

Mikayla traces an pattern in dirt with her fingertip, "I was not sure if I would see you again.. and I wanted to know where I could find you."

Korathin smiles softly, reaching over to take your hand, 'Well.. in that case, there was no harm done.  And in return, I'll even tell you two secrets.'

Mikayla blushes softly, yet seems pleased as she returns her gaze to you and takes your hand willingly, "Two?" she shifts slightly and her eyes glitter like a child being awarded a sweet.

Korathin gives a small nod, 'First.  Those times you would be waiting out here for me.. I'd often stay off from a distance for a while, just to watch you.'

Mikayla's blush deepens as does the pleased smile, her eyes filling with unspoken affection.  She nods slightly, leaning forward eagerly for the second sweet.

Korathin shifts slightly, turning to face you, 'And the second, something I've not told anyone else.  You see.. I didn't always want to be in the cavalry.. I remember a time that was quite the opposite when I was six.'

Mikayla blinks, listening to your words, "No?  And what did you wish?" her voice is a mere whisper that barely reaches your ears.

Korathin laughs lightly, his eyes twinkling with mischief, 'There was a gleeman.. he'd tell fascinating tales.. no, I didn't wish glory, nor fame.. I just wished to be one of those Hunters.. and travel the land everywhere.'

Mikayla smiles and laughs softly, "For a moment I thought you would tell me you wished to be a Gleeman." she pauses, her laughter fading to a small smile, "And why did you change your mind?"

Korathin shrugs his shoulders lightly, looking back out across the lake, 'Oh, several reasons I suppose.  The loss of that childish innocence.. my father..'

Mikayla nods slowly and squeezes your hand comfortingly, "I understand that... I remember it well."

Korathin smiles softly, slowly shaking his head, 'Oh, I've no regrets I did not get a chance to become that.. after all, the path thats happened has led me to you.'

Mikayla averts her eyes with an embarassed smile, "I do not regret it either... yet, perhaps there is something...." she shakes her head, "No.. it is foolish."

Korathin raises an eyebrow, looking at you curiously, 'No.. nothing is foolish.. what is it?'

Mikayla says softly, "I have always wished to see the world I've read about in all those books I was made to read... I would like to see it with you..."

Korathin studies you for a long moment, his hand coming up to softly caress your cheek, 'Perhaps we will get the opportunity.. I would like that.. alot.'

Mikayla smiles warmly, "As would I..."

Korathin leans over, kissing your cheek lightly, 'Perhaps our dreams, and our secrets, aren't quite as different as we might have thought.'

Mikayla moves closer to you and nuzzles your neck softly, "Perhaps not..." she sighs contentedly and smile.

Korathin wraps his arms around you tightly, hugging you close to him, 'And.. perhaps, we can build our own dreams.'

Mikayla smiles and nods, "I am sure we will."