Her touch and her words caused an instant change in Marakai's mood. His eyes shot open, and the utter absence of the usual glow gave way for brilliant illumination. Although typically such a light would indicate aggression or stress, this was excitement.
Her touch, a familiar but well welcomed chill, warmed his flesh despite her innate physical coldness. Her words, not that of a spectre or figment of his tortured mind, brought flame to his heart, and it was reflected in his surprised, wide-eyed gazed. With a start, he stood, sword abandoned, and with both of his large hands he took her small one to clasp tightly, and glowing red orbs stared much surprised into silver ones.
In her eyes, he could see his face, gaunt with previous grief but brightening with an insurmountable appearance of profound relief. He looked upon her face, not at first registering her words, having truly heard nothing but the sound of her voice, real, so reassuringly real, in his ears.
Despite all of this, the tears did not stop. Unusual, it was, for this stalwart, princely Dragon to shed tears, but this appeared to be the end of what for so long had been his search, arduous ant fruitless as it had been. But this....this could be an end to things, to slay the uncertainty and grief that had twisted his soul nearly in twain.
And so, the words came, almost not even a whisper and barely leaving a mark on the silence.
"Otohime...I cannot help but hope your words are real. For so long, I have searched for you. Please. Please, tell me you are truly here before me. You say I am not alone. I feel your touch, and it is real, the sweet chill of your skin yet warm upon my own flesh. I love you, Otohime - please. Tell me you are really here."