never say goodbye

"Miss Po-em..." he rumble-whispered again as she drew near. What was this sadness? It wasn't natural and he didn't like it. Sparhawk almost wanted to tell her that he would come home with her, but he couldn't do that. He couldn't commit so quickly. He had to know for sure. Absence... absence would let him know. It would let them both know.

As Poem drew close, wrapping her neck around his, Sparhawk sat on his haunches and pulled her into an embrace, wrapping his thick forelegs around her to hold her close like he had in the cave. He wished they'd never left that cave. Or at least that they hadn't left so soon. He wanted to spend more time with her. He wanted to know her.

Drawing back, Red eyes searched her face. "We will see each other soon. I promise this." Placing one paw on her chin, Sparhawk gently tilted her muzzle upwards. He met her lips with his own. A soft, gentle kiss for a soft, gentle woman. His brain wanted to say his woman, but it was too soon for that. They'd just met, but it was as though the fates designed it that way. Poem... she just felt right.