The moment she stepped out of the portal, his eyes were on her.  She stepped ever so delicately over the glowing yellow rim of the portal, her bare feet indenting the grass.  She looked around, taking in her surroundings with wide, olive green eyes.  The sight of her there was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.  The way her long, dark hair flowed down her back; how her warm, brown skin glowed in the sunlight; how her ears tapered to fragile points.  Beautiful.

She glanced around, cautious and uncomfortable in her new surroundings.  That was to be expected, of course.  She was used to the forests and the simplicity of her camp.  That was where they had gotten to know each other-when he was visiting the lands of the people he was to rule.  She had never visited his estate before, but now it was to be her home.

When her eyes met his, her shoulders visibly relaxed.  She smiled the smile that always made his entire being light up.  The portal closed behind her, leaving a breeze that made her long, yellow dress flutter.  His breath caught. 

They stared at each other for a moment longer before their restraint broke.  They rushed towards each other.  He swooped her up in his arms.  Light.  She was so light, this precious gift of his.  She laughed and he set her down.

“Neha,” he said softly.  They looked at each other, eyes aglow.

“Kostel.”  He loved the way she said his name.  He loved the way she said anything.  He doubted he would ever grow tired of hearing her voice.  Neha’s smile shifted to a small, teasing, smirk, and he realized he’d been silent and staring.

He cleared his throat.  “Would you like me to show you around?”

“I would love that,” she stared at him adoringly.

Kostel offered her his hand and Neha took it.  “Well come then.  Let me show you around your new home.”