"Because the language is not only shared among family," Aldrec explained, "but with those they love. You are my tulyr, Mericlou. My little flower."
"'Little flower …'" Mericlou tasted the words as she leaned her head gently upon his chest. "I like that."
"I imagine you should," Aldrec said. "Your name is dwarfish, and means 'spring flower,'" am I right?
"Yes, it does."
For however negative the words you use to describe your former master are, he was smart enough to have given you a beautiful name." Aldrec smiled radiantly. "Spring flowers start out small, and you are mine. May I call you that in my language?"
"I'd like that," Mericlou replied.
With eyes closed, Mericlou listened in one ear to the sound of her love's heartbeat … and to the shrill chirping of crickets and low quacking of nearby families of ducks through the other. For the longest time, both of them lay still and silent, cherishing each other, and cherishing this night that would sooner or later have to end.
Suddenly, Mericlou felt something hit her cheek.
It happened again … …And then again on her forehead.
She opened her eyes, and then moved her fingers to her cheek, wiping at whatever had landed there. She then brought it into her field of vision to see.
It was a tear.
She tilted her head upwards, towards Aldrec's face.
Though his expression was tender and loving as he looked down towards her, two streams of tears lined the side of his face, and dripped down the edge of his chin.
Another tear hit her on the nose. And before she could wipe it off, he did. "I'm sorry," he said, giving an audible sniffle.
"You're crying," Mericlou said, reaching up to wipe the tears away from his chin. "Why?"
"It was just a minor concern," Aldrec said, shaking his head. "Don't worry about it."
"Aldrec, you never cry," Mericlou replied flatly. "Please tell me; is something wrong? I don't want to see you sad."
"I don't wish to see you sad either," Aldrec said, touching his hand to her cheek. "But it's okay, really. It's a private matter."
"Aldrec, I … I love you!" Mericlou's voice tightened into a whisper as she said it, and the words flooded her with a fiery warmth. "And I know you love me. Please, I think you wouldn't need to keep secrets from me anymore."