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Alrighty, finally, managed to get it all done. I hope you enjoy it.

As always, comments are appreciated and requested.

*ahem... Sorry about the multiple notifications folks, I posted this when I was really hungry, so I missed a few tags...*

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continued from 'Unexpected Guests..."

Julianna took the stairs to the top of the amphitheater two at a time, her wolf spirit urging her to move into the long, loping stride of a lycan until she escaped the Hold altogether, running free and wild in the woodlands, but she reigned in that instinct, forcing her feet to stop at the top of the stairs. Instead of running off, she took a deep breath of the warm air as she entered the small courtyard beyond the amphitheater, relieved to feel a breeze stirring the air. But, even the free air that smelled of warm stone and distant pinewoods did nothing to remove the unsettled feeling in her heart. It was all she could do to stay calm, her companion spirit rebelling at standing still, very nearly overwhelming her self control. It wanted to run, to be far away from the priests and all their powers, and no more so than the Tanser and their otherworldly gift. The sable clad priests made her feel so odd; she instinctually didn't want to be anywhere near them, or even anywhere close to where they had worked their magic, more so than any human would feel, as if the wolf in her feared them more than the others. Taking a few long strides away from the stairs, the female werewolf looked around once again, surprised at how empty the yard was.

She had expected some sort of activity, what with the council being so momentous and unusual, but the only Slayers in attendance were a few Argent Guardsmen bearing halberds or crossbows standing at attention, dotting the edge of the open space. And, not for the first time, she was struck by how focused on their duty the Slayers were. Even with the Council in progress and the thousands of strangers in the Hold, the Slayers went about their training and practice as if there was nothing out of the ordinary to be seen. Indeed, even as she stood there, she could hear the shouts of instructors from the training grounds, rising above the distant clash of weapons. The sounds of many pairs of feet on stone, and the growing hum of conversation behind her brought her attention back to the present and the white furred woman hurried out of the way, compromising with the wolf within her for a moment, almost bounding towards the edge of the courtyard. Finally coming to a stop between two posts of guards, she eagerly scanned the crowd as it left the bowl, searching for one person in particular.

'Come on, come on!' She urged silently, bouncing on her toes, searching for the distinctive, tall, grey form of her love amid the riot of brighter colors. The long hours of sitting still had made her more than a little anxious, and the prickly tingle left behind by the passing of the followers of Tanser still crawled up and down her spine. It wasn't just the comfort of his presence she needed, it was something so much more. She needed Galen, not just at her side as they usually were these days, but holding her, comforting her. She needed to be reminded of the love they shared, the life they desired together, everything the grey werewolf represented to both souls that dwelled within her. She knew, in some unconscious way, that in his arms, she didn't need to be afraid of death. Even Tanser's servants could do nothing to harm her if they were together. But, even as the crowd began to thin, still the large grey form was missing and she began to pace, stepping back and forth rapidly, her paws almost matching the beat of her heart. Finally, her mind cried out in frustration, 'Where are you?!'

At last, at the tail end of a procession of brown robed Covarus, she saw it, her heart leaping with relief at the flash of twilight grey. She saw it only briefly, here and there among the milling priests and warriors, but it was enough. Then, the crowd parted before his intangible force of presence like waves around a rock, and at the sight of grey fur under grey cloth, she broke into a run, unable to contain herself any longer. Almost in the middle of the courtyard, in a small space created by Galen's commanding presence, Julianna reached her mate, almost flying into his arms. Neither said a word; neither needed to, their needful embrace saying it all. Even as she was enveloped by the folds of his sun warmed cloak, his arms holding her tight, she could feel his fur standing on end, feel the anxiety that they both shared within them. Neither cared about the looks they were being given in the moment; they both needed this, needed to be together, needed their love.

But, far too soon, they heard the annoyed exclamations, and saw the crowd moving aside swiftly, the werewolf couple looking at the ominous movement with concern. A murmur was passing through the crowd, rolling through the courtyard, Julianna unconsciously tightening her grip on her lover. Then, through a gap in the crowd, they both saw the cause of the disturbance, icy claws suddenly banishing the humid heat as they seized her heart. Councilman Danos, face almost purple with suppressed rage, led a cluster of his followers through the crowd, the scowl on his face scattering priests out of their way, their destination obvious. Looking around nervously, Julianna saw no robes of green and gold, nor anyone who might aid them, to help to deflect the wrath of the Councilmen. But then, just as the scarred Master Hunter was opening his mouth to yell out, something stopped him short. Suddenly, standing so that they blocked the view of the enraged Slayer leader completely, the Wise Master of the Covarus and at least thirty of his monks interposed themselves into his path, standing nearly shoulder to shoulder, giving him no choice but to stop short.

“Ah, Councilman Danos, I had hoped to run into you." the Wise Master began, with the air of a man who had run into an acquaintance while out on a stroll. “I have been meaning to speak with you about the possibility of copying the Slayers of Auré's training scrolls for our archives." Even from where they stood, the two werewolves could hear the councilman stuttering out a startled and incoherent reply, too surprised to respond appropriately. “Ah, splendid." The wise master continued, as if the councilman had given him a clear reply of assent. “We should of course like to begin right away, as we will likely draft several copies, one for each of the great libraries..."

While the Wise Master was talking, taking the perplexed Slayer councilman by the arm and guiding him irresistibly in another direction, his brown robed followers nodding along almost hypnotically in agreement to his words as they swept the other Slayers along with them, Julianna suddenly noticed one of them towards the back of the group, out of sight of the white clothed warriors, turn briefly towards the two werewolves. After a moment, the man winked, jerking his head towards the archway leading back towards the Hall of Hunters, and out of the crowds. Taking his hint at once, Julianna mouthed her silent thanks to the monk and the two lycans made a stealthy exit, Galen slipping his large frame easily through the crowd with Julianna right behind him.

Hardly daring to breathe, the two werewolves hurried towards the edge of the courtyard, the priests and warriors parting almost magically before them, and closing back up behind them again. Finally, they were through the arch, out of the stifling crowd of new smells and mingling powers, and into the broad courtyard before the Hunter's Hall. Meeting one another's gaze, the pair grinned, nodding in sudden agreement before picking up the pace, sprinting towards the safety of the grey hall, their wolf spirits rejoicing at the suddenly free air around them, even if they were still ultimately enclosed by walls. The huge, heavy stone doors swung open at their touch and the pair darted through into the cool, dimly lit armory, the doors swinging shut soundlessly behind them. Finally drawing in a deep breath, the two lycans shared another warm glance, and suddenly, her love burst out laughing. Feeling a bubble of mirth welling up in her own throat, Julianna let it out as well, the close walls of the armory ringing with the sound. Still laughing, the pair hung their weapons on the racks and made their way into the common room, the lone guard bowing them through the door without comment, his expression not shifting a fraction of an inch despite their laughter.

Clutching her sides from laughing so hard, Julianna stopped and leaned against a pillar, gasping for breath, looking around in amazement. The common room's dim stone walls seemed somehow far more comforting than the brightly lit stones of the outside, the empty room seeming even more welcoming than usual. His own mirth subsiding, Galen drew in a deep breath as well and shook his head.

“I would have loved to see Danos' face when the Covarus interrupted him." Galen said, suppressing a chuckle, making Julianna giggle again.

“I wonder why they did it..." She said, still grinning from ear to ear. “I didn't get the impression that they liked us any more than the other groups."

“Well, we can ask them tomorrow, before things get going again." Galen replied, wiping away a tear, then his expression changed and he cocked his head to the side slightly. “Although, before the council began, they did extend an invitation for both of us to attend one of the Great Libraries to share our experiences with them. It slipped my mind until now." Giving a slight shrug, Galen continued. “Anyway, we can't escape Danos forever. One of these times, he is going to corner us and then we are going to be in for it."

“Do you think he will confront us here?" Julianna asked, finally recovering enough to stop leaning on the pillar and stretch her still stiff back. “The council members are all allowed in the hall."

“With my family and the other Hunters so close?" Galen replied, shaking his head and sliding an arm around the white werewolf's waist. “Not a chance. He wouldn't dare. I'm surprised he was going to bring it up in the crowd like that, actually. Its not like anyone on the Council to be so brazen."

“Why is he so angry with us?" Julianna asked, allowing her mate to pull her in closer to him, his scent beginning to permeate every breath. “It can't just be that he dislikes your father, or even you."

“I wish I knew." Galen replied, putting his other arm around her, holding her close.

Tucked in his warm embrace, the former princess could feel her lover's heart racing in his chest, the run and the laughter having gotten their blood pumping, but his scent held a familiar note, a note she had not scented on him since the Aspenhald. It was a warm aroma, pleasing and attractive, just a hint of earthy, masculine musk amid the usual scent of her mate. The subtle scent caught the attention of her wolf spirit, the creature that shared her soul perking up with interest. Looking up at her lover's eyes, she caught the look of mischief in his gaze, though he quickly hid it and she grinned up at him, one hand tracing his spine through his tunic, the other reaching upward, caressing the line of his muzzle. A heartbeat later, her hand had guided his muzzle to hers, their lips meeting in a warm kiss, gentle at first, but with increasing passion, drawing one another in tight. Shivering suddenly, the white werewolf arched her back, pressing her chest against Galen's, her lover's hands having found their way beneath the light green cloth of her robe, tracing a long line down her spine from her shoulders. Finally breaking the kiss, the pair sucked in deep breaths of air, gasping as they clutched each other tight in the shadows of the pillar.

“What are we doing?" Julianna panted even as she clung to her mate. Even through the enchanted cloth between them, she could feel the growing bulge of his member, the memories the feeling invoked making her knees weak. Unable to help herself, she kissed him, just barely managing to keep it short. “The others will be back any minute..."

“All too true, my love." Galen replied, then, with surprising gentleness considering their almost frantic state of arousal, the grey furred werewolf stooped, one arm behind her knees, the other around her shoulders. Without apparent effort, her lover lifted her off the ground, Julianna laying one arm across his strong shoulders, nuzzling into the fur of his neck. Giggling, the former princess allowed herself to be carried through the common room and down the hall to their chambers, the pronounced notes of his scent setting her blood on fire. By the time he pushed the door open to their chamber with a single thrust of his foot, her heart was hammering as hard as it had been in the Aspenhald, on that incredible night they had spent making love beneath the stars. The man she loved carried her all the way into the bedroom before setting her on her feet, the darkness nearly complete around them, and the moment her paw pads touched stone, the white werewolf turned to Galen, almost ripping the grey cloak from his shoulders. Treating her mate to another hungry kiss, she slipped her hands beneath the edge of his tunic, immersing them in the warm grey fur of his body, feeling the definition of the abdominal muscles through his pelt.

Galen seemed no less eager, returning her passionate kiss with one of his own, his tongue exploring her muzzle, managing to suck in a deep breath at the sensation of her clawed hands teasing his belly, his own hands shaking as they unclasped her jade green cloak, tossing it to the side, both hands returning to caressing her ribs through the robe. Her breath shaking with desire, Julianna seized the bottom of Galen's tunic and lifted it above her lover's head, the grey werewolf obligingly lifting his arms skyward as she revealed his muscular chest to the dim chamber. Nestling her nose into the grey fur before her, she breathed deep, letting out an sigh of delight at the scent. Her hands roamed freely, feeling the outline of muscle and sinew, a deep, ancient and primal heat rising in her heart. It was so different than the fire that had filled her that wonderful night, reaching far deeper, but also akin, filled with affection and desire. The fact that Galen shivered at her touch, his breath quaking and shivering as she caressed him only stoked the heat to greater heights.

Despite his shaking hands, Galen managed to be a little more restrained than she had as he traced the line of her ribs around from her back, untying the sash that held her robe closed. As his hands slid between its folds, finding soft white fur beneath, the werewolf woman's breath caught as his clawed fingers barely missed the line of her breasts. Though the room was as dim and dark as a starlit night of new moon, the wolf spirit in her heart let her see clearly as her mate lowered his head slightly, his eyes almost seeming to gleam. He looked fierce, wild and primal and she felt a fresh wave of heat flood into her as her love's hands reached her spine, trailing up and down in a single movement. Drawing a long, shivering breath as his searching hands reached shoulder and tail, Julianna pressed forward, a shudder surging along every limb. Opening her mouth, she started to speak, intending to urge him onward, but Galen's muzzle silenced her, meeting her own in a deep kiss.

Drunk on the scent of her mate, drowning in heat and desire, the former princess didn't even notice that the demon hunter had somehow shrugged the robe from her shoulders, leaving her naked before him. But it was impossible for her to miss the feeling of his hands trailing back around her body, one tracing the outline of her left breast, the other tracing downward, slowly, caressing her hips with obvious care, roaming across her rump and tail before finally finding its way to the one place she most desired to be touched. When Galen's searching fingers found their way between her legs, she let out a moan that was loud enough that if their muzzles had not still been joined, she would probably have been heard in the common room. His fingers felt like fire brands as they explored her nethers gently, letting loose yet more desire within her. Shuddering and quaking, the wolf woman clung to her lover's muscular torso, her eyes closing tightly, a second, louder moan, half of desire and half of sensation building in her throat. Breaking the kiss, sucking in a heavy, greedy breath, Julianna clenched her hands in her lover's fur, claws nearly drawing blood from Galen's back.

She could feel the familiar sensation growing inside her, her body climbing to its peak, and though she wanted it so badly that she felt frozen in place, her legs spread to give her lover the room to give her what she needed, she instinctually fought the desire for a quick peak. Resisting with the same strong kind of will she had fought demons with, the white werewolf slowly mastered herself, vying with the wolf spirit within her. At last, as Galen gently stroked her slit, she drew in a shuddering breath and forced her eyes to open. Slowly, the woman unclenched one hand and traced it slowly down Galen's arm, finally trailing along the back of his wrist. Meeting her lover's gaze, she smiled, irresistibly drawing his digits away from her, though more than half of her body screamed at her in protest. At Galen's questioning look, Julianna gave him a short kiss, her hands tracing down his chest, making him shiver. But this time, they didn't stop when they encountered the edge of his white breeches. Pushing them down in one smooth motion, unleashing a strong wave of the earthy musk, finally, they were both naked. The scent of her lover's arousal made her knees weak, driving the fire inside her into an inferno, but she was not about to give up her control again, resisting the burning temptation.

Gently, she traced her fingers down Galen's abdomen, her claws making furrows in his fur, slowly, almost tortuously teasing him. Finally, she caressed him, one hand stroking his shaft gently, the other cupping his orbs, the large wolf before her shaking at her touch, sucking in a quick breath of desire. Looking up, she met his eyes once more, a seductive grin coming to her lips at the look on his face. He wanted this as much as she did. At last, when her lover was standing at full arousal, the knot at his base already showing at the mouth of his sheathe, she finally leaned forward, drawing him into one, final, hard kiss, molding herself against his body, their fur mingling as they touched. After a long few moments of that sweet embrace, their lips parted and slowly, she turned in his arms until her back was pressed into his chest, nuzzling her nose into the fur beneath his chin, one hand caressing his muzzle, the other never leaving his wolfhood. For his part, Galen was no less sensuous, one hand gently taking hold of her right breast, the other tracing the warmth between her legs, but clearly not seeking her climax, merely furthering her arousal, stoking the fire in her heart.

After a moment more of mutual teasing, Galen leaned forward slowly, Julianna going with him, her hands landing on the cool stone of the wall before her as she bent towards it, her tail lifting high as her lover's member slid beneath it. Letting out a sharp gasp of desire, Julianna lowered her head, panting in anticipation as Galen's tip found its target, parting her lips gently. Steadily, his hands gripping her waist, the grey werewolf pushed forward, entering her passage slowly, the white furred woman letting out a gasp as he drove all the way in, the slight bulge of his knot bumping against her labia, letting out a soft breath of satisfaction as he stopped. The pair paused there for a moment, exalting in being joined at last, then Galen pulled back from her just as slowly, the walls of her passage clenching tight on his penis. Galen thrust in once more, drawing a slight moan of pleasure from his mate, Julianna pressing her hips backwards at the same moment.

As Julianna came to rest against her lover's hips once more, the knot again not quite pressing inside, she let out a surprised gasp, Galen's hands suddenly sliding upward from her hips, across her belly and ribs, claws expertly finding sensitive spots, until at last they traced around her chest, cupping her bosom gently, Galen's chin coming to rest on her shoulder. Affectionately nuzzling his head against hers, the wolf started to build a rhythm with his hips, slow and smooth at first, but gaining in speed. Shuddering at the intimacy of his embrace, Julianna gasped, panting as each thrust reached its end, pressing back into her lover, desiring nothing more than to be even closer, to be joined completely. Galen seemed to need no incentive to do so, his thrusts getting harder, his growing knot pressing against her entrance. Soon, Julianna was panting hard, Galen no less impassioned, the heat between them almost overwhelming. But, even as she pressed needfully against him, the knot straining against her, so near to the tie she sought, Galen changed tactics on her. His thrusts became just slightly shallower, no longer trying to get the bulge into her, but pressing it tight against her all the same. Instead, he sped up, gently squeezing her breasts and the werewolfess suddenly let out a surprised moan, her back arching against him, Galen's fangs closing ever so gently on her shoulder, almost tracing the same spot where he had bitten her with the tips.

But, strangely, painful though the bite and the first full moon had been, that memory excited her somehow, making her entire body suddenly tingle. Suddenly, the feel of her lover's strong chest against her back was as pleasurable as when his fingers had caressed her, and she arched against him once more, quivering with delight as his shaft thrust away inside her. She could feel the heave of his lungs as he breathed her scent, his fangs tracing their old paths beneath her fur. His fur mingling with hers was like being wrapped in a blanket of warm sensation, the feeling making her close her eyes, a broad smile of ecstasy on her muzzle, her head leaning against Galen's, her body pressing tight against him. The werewolfess let out a long, quivering breath, and she could feel Galen grin, his teeth closing delicately on her flesh once more, the feeling beyond words. Then, her lover's fangs touched something, some sweet spot she had no idea existed and she was heaven, the moan that came from her throat primal and powerful. There was no need for thinking, or for remembering now; only the sensations remained. Now, Julianna practically writhed in her lover's grasp, every motion sinfully good, every thrust unleashing a new height of pleasure, her body burning and she loved every moment of it.

After who knew how long, she felt it, the moment coming, the peak building again, but she didn't care. Gone was her rigid control, gone was her concern. All that was left was the pleasure, the desire and the warmth of her life's love clasping her tightly, holding her to him while they joined. It seemed an eternity in coming, but she welcomed it, Galen's thrusting getting harder than before, Julianna pressing tightly back into him. This time, neither was going to stop. Grinding hard into her lover's hips, she felt the bulge of flesh slip, and at once, it shot inside her once more making her suck in a breath of wonder at the feeling. This time, it didn't feel like it had on any other occasion, not simply the satisfaction of the tie, or the sudden increase of girth. This time, it was almost as if her lover's member hit every single sensitive spot inside her all at the same time. It was as if a lightning bolt had struck her, a shivering, shuddering orgasm suddenly upon her. Panting hard, her eyes opened wide and she felt her body clench hard upon him, his thrusts immediately getting ragged, his breathing catching.

Clenching her jaw, keeping the howl she could feel from coming out, Julianna's hands tensed, gripping the wall hard, and she dimly heard her claws gouging marks in the stone, but it hardly even registered in her mind. Then, Galen thrust hard against her, his knot shifting a little higher in her, a grunt coming from his throat, the sound muffled by her flesh in his jaws, his arms encircling her, holding her close, and she felt his member twitch, a shudder running through his body that set off even more sensations within her as his body moved against her flesh. A bare moment later, she felt the warmth of his life-giving seed spreading into her and she shuddered as well, barely managing to keep her pleasure to a moan, gasping as she climaxed a second time, her knees going shaky as her sex quivered around Galen's knot, stretched pleasantly tight once more. The pleasure of the moment seemed to last a wonderful forever, only gradually fading, until, at last, they were finished, both going still, save for the heaving of their chests as the heavenly afterglow of their mating settled in on them. It was a long minute or so before Galen finally released her shoulder from the hold of his jaw, trailing his teeth upward, and that nearly did her in, the feel of his teeth intimately caressing her as they pulled away from her flesh almost making her knees collapse, a slight gasp escaping her throat as his teeth left her shoulder.

But, though her legs threatened to give out, Galen would never have let her fall. Ever strong, he held her tight to his chest for a few moments longer, before, moving so slowly and carefully it seemed to take hours, he straightened, lifting her gently off her feet, planting an equally gentle kiss on her neck, maneuvering their joined bodies to the side until at last, they tipped slowly onto the bed. When she felt the softness of the mattress on her fur, Julianna managed at last to move, guiding them until they were lying in the same position as if they had curled up for sleep, their heads finding their pillows. Finally, as they grew still once more, the former princess gave a heavy sigh of content, for Galen had wrapped her tight in his arms once more and she pressed back into her lover's fur, her racing heart finally calming back down to its usual sedate pace. But, though their climax had been intense as no other, they simply relaxed in the intimate moment, the embrace as close as possible. Smiling warmly, luxuriating in the sensation of her lover's breath flitting through her fur, Julianna took Galen's hands gently in her own.

“Thank you, Galen." Julianna whispered, her voice no louder than their panting breath had been. “I don't know why exactly, but I needed this."

“I love you too, Julianna." Galen replied, nuzzling her ears and she giggled. “I know what you mean, though." When Julianna shivered against him, the heat of her desire fading at last into mere satisfied warmth, the large grey werewolf drew her even closer to him, until she could feel the beat of his heart against her back. “Although, I don't think I feel so unsettled anymore. Quite the opposite, if that makes sense."

It was true, Julianna realized. Their fur no longer stood on end, and the feeling of needing to run away, to be far, far away from this place was nowhere to be seen. Instead, she felt as if she never moved from this spot, never untangled from Galen's embrace, it would be too soon.

“I just hope the others didn't hear us." Julianna whispered, the thought coming from some distant part of her human self. The wolf spirit in her heart, giving off only sensations of utter satisfaction, could not have cared less. “I can only imagine what they would think."

“No doubt, 'What a lucky man Galen is, to have such a woman in his life.'" Galen answered, making Julianna laugh, the knot tugging within her and she shuddered once more.

“Aaaahhhh…" She exhaled, the bulge's tugging sending another wave of pleasure through her, giving Galen's arm a gentle slap. “Don't joke about that…"

“Who's joking?" Galen retorted, giving the back of her head a kiss, drawing her close once again, making her giggle softly. “But you are right, we should be a little more circumspect in the future." Then, he gave a slight chuckle and kissed her a second time. “Though I think the other Hunters wouldn't mind all that much. After all, love is one of the things we all cherish in our lives. Its rare enough, for us."

“Probably so." Julianna said, yawning widely and snuggling tighter into Galen's embrace, falling silent for a little while. After a few minutes of cuddling, listening to their quiet breathing, the wolf woman felt a faint tingle run the length of her spine, some phantom remnant of the feeling that had so excited her at the touch of her lover's teeth. “Galen, how did you know how to do that with your fangs? That felt amazing."

“I'm not sure." He said, sounding contemplative, though his statement was interrupted with a heavy yawn. “I guess our companion spirits still have some surprises for us. I just knew, somehow, that that would make you feel good."

“I'm glad that you listened to that feeling." Julianna whispered. “I've never felt anything like that before." Then, a wave of warm drowsiness washed over her and the white werewolf allowed her brown eyes to close softly, the fog of sleep closing in upon her satisfied soul. But, even as the heavy feeling dragged her down into the warm oblivion of sleep, a profound realization hit her and she forced her mind to focus, grasping at it to pull herself out of the doze. Smiling suddenly, she squeezed Galen's hand and sighed. “Galen..."

“Hmmm?" Her love questioned, sounding just as sleepy.

“I don't think I have said this before, but I am glad you had to bite me." She said, pressing back into his warm, furry embrace.

“What?" The Slayer questioned, his puzzled tone sounding more than a little fuzzy, clearly fighting sleep to understand what she meant.

“Before, when I was human, even when we were wandering together, I don't think I ever felt..." Trailing off, Julianna tried to put her thoughts into words, finding it difficult to describe what she was feeling, the sleepy sensation not helping in the slightest. “Being with you, like this. It feels right to me; like it is the way I always should have been. Even when we loved when I was human, it didn't feel quite so... you know... right."

“What brought that on?" Galen asked, nuzzling her gently, and her smile deepened a little further. He wasn't bothered by the odd thought that had come to her, as she knew he wouldn't be.

“I don't know exactly." She said. “But being here, with you, like this...its the way we should be. I don't think either of us were meant to be human."

“You know..." Galen whispered, yawning once more, and settling in so she could almost feel his eyes close in content, clearly surrendering to the dreams that closed in on them. “Since I met you, I have often thought the same thing."

“Good." Julianna replied, a soft chuckle escaping Galen's muzzle as his breathing grew regular. Giving another sigh of utter content, Julianna let her thoughts go, fleeing her mind to the same distant place the memories of today had gone. Closing her eyes, she let sleep come for her as well, the bedchamber as peaceful a sanctuary around her as the Aspenhald had felt when they journeyed there. Good...