[Once they were alone --once they had wandered into the fresh summer air and Bren was able to take a few breaths, to settle his racing heart that couldn't decide if it was skipping from the elation of being addressed as Essek's mate or shuddering in anxiety and fear of what the other man would say when he knew the truth of him -- Bren slowed their pace and reached to take Essek's hand in his rather than having it rest on his arm.

He turned to face him, slowing now to a stop.

A shake of his head at the words.] No, I shouldn't have reacted like that. So many eyes so greedily on you all night, I think it may have gotten to me. But... I want you to do what is the best for you. Do not make sacrifices on my account.

[Bren brought the hand in his own up to his lips, pressing a kiss there, lingering before lifting his gaze to meet the other man's. There was a wide-eyed almost blissed out look in that gaze as he murmurs, quietly,]

You called me your mate.

[He spoke the words with reverence, like he had never been given any gift near so precious. And he hadn't, nothing near so precious. Bren Aldric Ermendrud looked at the beautiful creature in front of him as if he were responsible for hanging the moon and scattering the stars in the night sky.]