[ Elena stares at him, silent. She's taking in what he's saying, what he's asking. He's got to be serious about this, that's what she thinks as she lowers her eyes from his to the ring that's been put back where it should've never left in the first place.

Still quiet, her eyes lift back up to search his. Like she'll find any doubt in them for her to latch on to and give her reason to refuse his request. To not believe him. He'd been the to walk away from her and leave the life they'd begun behind. And now he wanted back in. She'll need to choose her words and weigh them carefully. ]

How can I believe that, Nate?

[ Pain and uncertainty— each emotion is carefully laced between each word and syllable. Elena watches him, hand squeezing his. ]

How can I trust you? That you aren't going to jump ship at the first chance you get with some exotic treasure hot under your nose?