I Love You, And That's All I Really Know

Blue gaze would rest unwaveringly upon the beautiful she-wolf who stood next to him. He didn't know why he had gone so long without saying how beautiful she was, nor how she made him feel...her soft laughter broke the spell. And now, he was so drawn to her that he couldn't help himself. Without anymore thought, Leon leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss on Ash's inky lips, cutting off her musical laugh. The spark that he felt was lit, as it raged throughout his body straight to the core of his heart. He wondered if she felt the same thing, and if not...then at least he tried. Leon's heart pounded hard in his chest, afraid that it might burst through at any moment. He had waited so long, and now was his chance. Whether she rejected or accepted him, was entirely up to her. He at least would have the mindset knowing that he tried. He gently pulled back and gazed at her with such softness, such love now, that he wanted her to know how much he truly cared for her. With a deep shuddering breath, he would speak. "Ashtoreth...I...I want you to know how I feel about you. For a long time now, for as long as we've known each other...I've felt this magnetic pull towards you. I can't say for sure what it is, but I know it's real and I know it's there. I feel a bond, a connection within our souls...I dream about you every night, and when you're not around I wish you were. When I left on your journey I longed to hear your voice and feel your touch...I was so happy that you were the first one I saw when I came back." He stopped, taking in a breath before continuing on as he searched her gaze for her reaction. "I know it seems like I've been drifting away...and I'm sorry for that, I truly am. But I do hope that you believe me when I say that...Ash, I love you, and that's all I really know. I want to know if you'll be with me forever, and in turn I will remain by your side. Not even death will do us part. I've loved you for a long time Ash...Will you be my mate?"

At last, he had confessed. Leon swallowed and waited for her response. He was sure that she felt as shocked as he did, for not even he had expected to say so much in such a short time. But he knew that it was right. After all, he could no longer hold back the feelings that had been growing for a long time. He knew that she was feeling hurt lately...after all, he had been feeling the same way. Then again, seeing her hurt or sad upset him and he never wanted to see her that way again. He knew also that if it ever came down to it, he would die to protect her. That's when his thoughts drifted to the war...he knew it would be on them soon, and as he turned to say something else that's when a short cry pierced the air only to be snuffed out in seconds. His ears pricked back, worry in his eyes. He knew the Glaciems were here now...he could catch their scent mingling with the breeze of his Valhallan allies. Turning back to Ash, a look of concern in his eyes brought forth concern in his voice. "The war...it's begun."