Already things are not at all as in her previous experience. She was attracted to her erstwhile suitor, yes, she was flattered, and she was curious. But there was always a distance, a part of her that stayed aloof, observing. She had thought little of it at the time, for that part of her is always there, watching things at a remove. She learned long ago that it was part of what made her different from those around her. She has more than once been called cold and distant because of it.

She is neither now. It has ever been so with Caranthir. There is something about him that disrupts her, brings her fully into the moment. It unsettled her at first but just now she welcomes it, inwardly astonished by the contrast with her previous experience. The long sweeps of Caranthir's hands make her shiver with anticipation, and the dance of their tongues sends waves of heat through her. She hums her approval at his boldness--then lays down on the bed, pulling him with her.