Jasmine, chamomile, sandalwood, and a couple fragrances she couldn't identify swirled around her.  The numerous candles were arranged around the room in a specific pattern.  Their purpose was not to shed light, but to maximize the relaxing atmosphere of the room.  And by the height of the candles, Zarbon had not been meditating long.  She knew he could meditate for several hours before he 'awoke' from his trance.

 

 Shirtless, he sat cross-legged on a pillow in the center of the design.  His arms were folded across his chest and he looked like he was lost deep in thought.  The light and shadows from the candles played across his muscles, highlighting and concealing.  Slipping between the candles and incense holders, she made her way to the bed.

 

 Silently, she stretched out in the middle of the bed, feeling herself relax as the intoxicating scents gently clouded her mind.  Her head sank onto her folded arms, her eyes half lidded, watching him sitting there like a statue.  She couldn't understand why Sally and Sebastian said he was effeminate. 

 

Okay, so his facial features were a bit more delicate than the average earthman's, but his body... *sigh*  Well defined with a washboard stomach, but not overly muscular.  He's the strongest member of the house and has a drop dead sexy accent.  Gentle hands and a tender touch...damn my shoulders hurts.  She shifted on the bed, trying to find a more comfortable position.  Note to self:  Don't let big, strong bad guys push you up against walls with light switches, bolts, ledges, doorknobs, etc.  It hurts!

 

Resettling, she resumed watching him, wondering how long he would sit there.  Without even realizing it, she drifted off still gazing at him.

- - - - -

 

 Zarbon slowly opened his eyes then stretched his arms.  With effortless grace, he stood up and began to extinguish the candles in a specific order that was as ingrained in his training as the arrangement itself.  After the candles, the incense was put out and all was carefully packed away in a drawer for the next time.  Crossing to the bay window, he drew back the curtains and opened it wide to admit the fresh air to dilute the heavy scent of incense.

 

 A light breeze caressed his skin as he listened to the soft sounds of the early morning and he decided that a few hours sleep might be nice.  Turning he noticed the still form on his bed and a rueful smirk crossed his face as he walked over to her.  Sighing as he gazed down upon his angel, he briefly wondered how a girl who only stood five foot six could take up most of a queen sized bed.

 

 "Koi?" he asked softly touching her shoulder.  She mumbled something and he smiled softly.  "Come on luv," he whispered picking her up easily.  He turned down the bed and carefully laid her down, then joined her in the bed.  Tonya wiggled around trying to get settled again and he chuckled quietly.  She finally found a comfortable position and relaxed against him.  "Good night luv," he said softly, pressing a kiss against her hair before closing his eyes to join her in dreamland.