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That was okay. It was Elle's job to be concerned for him. "Ah, you're getting wet! Either you wish to be rid of the pants, or you wish to catch a cold." Her tone was just short of laughter, and she guided him out of the stream with a few splashy footfalls.

"Which is it, then?" He was simply so handsome, absently standing in the shallow water. Elle's hand found his, and their fingers twined.

Standing on the bank, Elle dried one foot by rubbing it on the back of her opposite calf, then the other. "Well..." She pretended to consider, tone just as droll as his. "I suppose a cold means I get to dote on you, and no pants, so..."

She tugged him back, out of the water and closer to both her and the path. Surely he could feel her smile, now, even if she wasn't speaking.

Her hand was still joined with his, and Elle made no secrets of her feelings as she smiled along with him, and pressed her lips briefly to the back of his hand. "Hmm. Any sniffles yet?"

She picked a broad petaled flower that was ready to seed as she backed up the bank...tucking it behind one ear absently. The world seemed so heavy upon him, sometimes...to see him smile was instant warmth.

"There are a few more things I won't say no to if I spot them, but nothing urgent." The flask of water was safely nestled away once again, and that was the majority of what she'd been searching for.

Glancing up as he mentioned the trees, Elle nodded. It would be nice to rest for a bit before they headed back."Sure! Sounds lovely." Her eyes were still on Lonan, but it was evident her mind had wandered from trees a bit. The subject, however, was probably the same as her focus.

Elle did her best to catch the falling ones, laughing when she caught them, and laughing when she missed. Finally with the front of her skirt half full of fruit, she agreed. "This is perfect! I've been looking forward to a day like this. It's easy to lose track of time at the Villa...with all the chores, and the children..."

She faded off a bit, settling to the grass, but it was obvious the words had brought up certain feelings. Elle was not one to hope others would push her into continuing her thought...when she was quiet, it was for a reason.

However, nothing about her seemed sad. Perhaps a bit wistful, but certainly not sad. Letting the fruit settle on the grass, she patted the place beside her. "It's still a bit chilly, actually. I'd thought the day would warm. Perhaps I could share some of your warmth, then." Surrounded by his scent and soft feathers was one of her favorite places to be, chilly or not.

Elle didn't truly grasp his meaning, but smiled at what she did understand. It was a smile she wanted to share. Leaning against him as the wing extended, she raised her eyes to the sky.

"Rain? How do you know?" She wasn't doubting him, but rather seeking to learn. It was cool, and cloudy, but hadn't it been all day? Opening her senses, Elle took in everything around her...and sank further against him. There, she could feel it...in the slight change in the air, a faint scent of soil. Hands tightening on his arm in excitement as she agreed, Elle laughed.

"Should we run home, or finish our picnic?"

Raising a brow as she filed that information away, Elle nodded and snuggled close. If they were in no rush, that was good...she was more than happy right where she was.

"I know you can tell by some flowers...many close when it gets too sunny, or its about to rain." Of course, she didn't see any proper flowers nearby...only fragrant fruit and warm bodies. Buffing a unique looking little fruit on the fabric draped over her thigh, Elle took a small bite...offering the next up to Lonan while she still held it.

"Besides, if we catch the edge of a shower, I don't mind. It just means we'll have to get warm all over again." Her head settled in the hollow of his shoulder, nose brushing the side of his neck as she tilted her head.