"If it had nothing to do with my Aspect," Shannon said, not at all offended, "then you probably would have used something else to describe it." Not that he minded. Despite it linking him to the likes of Nate, it linked him with the much more pure aspects of cleansing flame, nothing able to withstand the roaring power and overwhelming tenacity for long.

Considering that, Shannon nodded slowly. It was no secret that Eli had been madly in love with Shannon for ages before Shannon had returned the thought, at least consciously. With that sort of commitment and passion for something Eli didn't even know might happen, Shannon couldn't imagine any other serious relationship lasting very long beforehand; Eli was quick to fall under sway of his emotions, but he wasn't fickle. "Not much for settling down before this?" he asked. "Whatever color you think looks good. Phoenix, though... I like that."