Till Death Do Us Part..

(My eyes may have just pricked at that...)
Artemis turned to stare at him, horror filling her features "I don't want anyone else" she whispered, searching his face for a sign he felt the same

(I know..I feel bad for Mark)

Mark turned to look at her, the tear still rolling down his face. "I will be with you, always. Until you pass through that gate, I will be watching over you and be beside you." He said quietly. "No matter what."

(and see, this is why I plan on having her soul sucked.. we can try and make her immortal? maybe she can bitch out the council or some thing?)

Artemis continued to stare "and if I don't want to pass through? if I use to stick with you like bridget, or gace? what then?" she asked, her voice small and fill of hurt

Mark watched her carefully. "I will protect you, as always." He turned onto his side, slowly reaching out and caressing her cheek. "My love for you, will never change. Whether you are a spirit or a mortal." He let his love flow into her mind, drowning her with it. Pure, undying love.

(hmmm that can be arranged..)

(yay. not now of course. we can let this all progress for a while :3)

Artemis nearly cried, it over powered her. Before she knew what she was doing, she had her lips pressed against his, trying to return the feeling

((but of course ))

Mark wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he returned her kisses, being as gentle as he possibly could, holding her without restraining her.

Tears fell down her cheek as she deepened the kiss, trying desperately to show him what she couldn't say ... she loved him

Mark gave a small smile as he again kissed her back. He kissed away her tears, then kissed her forehead gently, letting his lips linger for a moment before he looked down at her and gave her a smile, one that wasn't filled with pain, or sadness, or was masking the two. It was a genuine smile.

Artemis couldn't help the smile that broke across her face
"and I you" was all she was able to say, staring into eyes

Mark's smile grew even wider, and gently pressed his lips to hers, then pulled away not wanting to scare her. His eyes danced happily. As the night wore on, he fell asleep with Artemis in his arms, both on the cold ground. As the sun began to rise, he found himself waking as if from a dream, the morning mist starting to surround them. He lifted her up and carried her inside, tucking her gently under her covers in her bed, then went to his own room and laid on his bed, wishing sleep would take him in her tender grasp.

Artemis awoke rather confused, she was in her bed? when had that happened? "mark?" she whispered, looking around. "mark?" she stood up, ignoring the vertigo that followed and made her way to her door "mark?"

Mark was asleep on his bed, his skin pale and clamy.

Artemis knocked on his door.
No answer
"mark?" she poked her head inside "mark?"
she walked and and eyed him. he looked.. ill?
"mark?" she poked him

Mark jumped and looked up at her with wide eyes and then relaxed. "Oh, hello Artemis." He gave her a small smile before letting his body sink into the covers again.

"Are you okay?" she frowned, feeling his forehead

"huh? Oh, yes. Just a cold I'm sure." Mark gave a small smile. "I may be immortal, but I'm not invincible." He chuckled. Liar. There was more to it. There was the nightmares.

"Shall I make you some soup?" Artemis chirped, pulling her hand back and examining him

Mark shook his head. "Nah. I'll be fine. I'm not that hungry right now anyway." He patted the bed beside him, wanting her to sit with him. "How did you sleep?"

Artemis thought back to when she was in his arms "good" she chirped, sitting down besides him, their legs touching "you?"

"I slept alright." Liar. He had only just barely fallen asleep when she had come in. He watched her with a smile. "And how are you feeling?" He asked, hoping she didn't retreat from him like she did before each time she began to shine through her barrier, that she was here to stay.

"Good" Artemis chirped giving him a small smile "you sure you're okay?"

Mark gave a small nod and sat up and kissed her forehead gently. "How about I make you breakfast, then I'll saddle you a horse if you'd like?"

Artemis shook her head "I ate before i woke you, let's go ride!" she tugged on his arm excitedly

Mark watched her curiously but didn't argue. He stood and streached, following her out to the barn. He saddled a horse for her and helped her up, handing her the reigns. "Remember what I taught you?"

"of course" she chirped, grabbing the reins and waiting for him to saddle his own horse