Seeing as both women looked like they were about to fall asleep where they sat. They encouraged them to call it quits for the night. There was always time after the festival to learn more, and to train.

  Chapter Twenty

  Yawning, Harlow quickly raised her hand to cover it. She didn’t want to be rude to the women she was with today. After the last two days, well to be honest more like the last few weeks, she was tuckered out. Her body felt like it could use another week of rest. But no such luck for her. Today she had got up bright, and early with Kieran to share a morning meal together. Since apparently she wouldn’t be seeing him tomorrow at the festival. She was surprised when he told her this morning while they ate. Why hadn’t he mentioned it before then? She had just chalked it up to his being a man, and forgot to.

  When they finished they quickly got ready for the day. She was grateful, a woman in the village had made her an outfit for today, and one for tomorrow. They were both so beautiful. Much like her usual clothes these were put on in layers. They were handcrafted, made of a fabric so soft, and lightweight. As she put on each layer it fit her perfectly. It did resemble clothing she had seen others wear but it was fashioned more like her clothing was. At least today's outfit was. She had only been allowed a quick peek at tomorrows.

  When she was ready to go she had turned around only to see Kieran had been staring at her. His gaze traveled the length of her making her blush nice, and bright. Which only seemed to arouse him more. Before she could blink he was on her. Holding close, and consuming her mouth in the most devastating kiss. Moaning she had kissed him back like a starving woman. He had more control than she did, pulling back to whisper in her ear.

  “If only we had more time, little one.”

  Then he licked, and nibbled her lobe. Sending shivers directly to her core. That man could light her up like a, oh what had they called it …… oh yes a firework display.

  Taking her hand gently in his he led her to the other side of the hall. There he introduced her to a group of women. She would be with their group for the preparations today, and tomorrow before the festival began. It all seemed a little confusing to her really. As nice as these women were, she felt out of place. Which seemed strange to her after her experiences in the few days. Not once had any of the clans members made her feel out of place. This felt more like how she was treated at home.

  The only ones to really include her in conversations were Corrina, and a woman named Hayley. She really liked her. A very spunky, and witty young woman. Perhaps a bit reserved though .Harlow got the feeling that this woman had seen more in her life than all these others combined. Even reminding her a little of herself.

  Could this be why she perhaps felt out of place, feeling on a level par with Corrina, and Hayley. The rest of the women seemed to only want her opinion on things. Once she shared it they got right back to task. Taking over, and leaving nothing for her to do. At first she thought they were just taking pity on her cause she didn’t know what to do. Now though she got the impression they believed they needed to do it all. So strange.

  At least she was able to have a good conversation with the other two women. They genuinely were happy to talk about her training, and her troubles with casting spells. She also explained what it felt like in her head. How it was once like a maze chalk full of knowledge, only for another section to be added on again, and again. Confusing her even more. After last night however a light suddenly seemed to shine, and everything morphed into a massive spider web. All connected but each separate too. Easy for her to navigate in confidence, and speed.

  Hayley said she had shared a similar experience herself. Suddenly frowning, and becoming quiet.

  “It’s like giving birth to yourself. The one hiding deep within. I totally understand.”

  Corrina reached out placing a hand on her shoulder giving her a gentle squeeze. Then turning toward her to whisper.

  “Hayley here has a situation similar to yours. Before she lived here she was attacked. She lost her memory of the attack itself, and bits, and pieces of her life before.”

  Before Corrina could finish Harlow was up, and out of her seat taking Hayley into a deep motherly hug. When she too whispered.

  “Oh my dear I’m so sorry. I am here for you anytime you need.”

  Before she could pull back Hayley wrapped her arms around her hugging her in return. If she had to guess this woman didn’t allow just anyone to be close to her. Likely it had been eons since she let anyone hug her so. It reminded her of her hug with Rowan when he was sad, and hurting. Sometimes even scared. Puling back she tucked a few stray stands behind Hayley’s ear. Looking her straight in the eye with her motherly stare.

  “I mean it now. Anytime. Ok?”

  Not looking away till she got her answer. A soft whisper. Was accompanied by a gentle nod.

  “Ok”

  Looking over to Cora who was now standing too. She looked amazed, almost stunned at their encounter. Which just confirmed some of her inner suspicions. Taking Hayley’s hand she quickly glanced over to the other ladies working away.

  “What do you say we three go over to the kitchen, and prepare a snack for everyone here.”

  While both women looked confused, they did agree.

  After they were in the kitchen a little while she understood their confused looks. Neither woman could cook or prepare anything apparently. She found it funny asking how that was possible. Both had replied together.

  “We just go to the kitchens like everyone else.”

  Well that explained it she guessed. Rolling up her sleeves. They were way too pretty to be getting dirty.

  “Well then I guess this lesson I will be the teacher. Let’s each take inventory of what we have here, and we’ll go from there ok?”

  Both nodding their heads they scurried about the room taking stock. Seeing what they had she presented a couple of options as to what they could make. Once a decision was made she went step by step, walking them through preparation, manufacturing, and finally cleaning up. Then they all took their delights out to share with everyone.

  Again they were met with surprised faces. It seemed they hadn’t even noticed they had left, and that they had prepared the food. Harlow was very quick to defend her new friends, and also encouraged the ladies to relax, and enjoy. They had been working hard on other tasks so they had taken this one. After all that was what team work was for.

  With that everyone seemed to relax, and have a good afternoon. Lots of talking, and sharing of family stories, and tales. All of which Harlow enjoyed very much. Who knew people could be so funny in their everyday lives. She found out she wasn’t the only one to struggle with learning about magick, and all its gifts, and spells. The more they talked the more she was beginning to feel like she belonged. Her favorite stories were the ones shared about the ancient past. The ones no one knew if they were true or just fairy tales told to teach a lesson.

  All too soon the day came to an end. Everyone would be spending the night here at the hall. Cots had been set up in the area they had used during the day to one side for the women. She, and Corrina would be in their makeshift rooms they stayed in before. Hayley would be taking the one set up for Aidan. Seemed weird to her. Why couldn’t the women just go home to their families, and sleep? Quickly forgetting her curiosities she was ready for bed in no time. Crawling in she wished Kieran were here beside her. She felt safer with him near. Hopeful she would sleep a dreamless sleep, snuggling deep she closed her eyes, and drifted off in no time.

  Kieran, and Aidan along with several other Ravens members were in the clearing managing the set up for the ceremony. For some reason he felt it had to be just so. Everything needs to be perfect for his Mate. Why that was he wasn’t sure. It wasn’t like she even knew what was going to be happening. Again a decision made by him. He just feared the outcome if he revealed the truth to her. Time was valuable in this, it would garner her more protection. Once truly connected they would grow to really know each other, and the connection would be that much stronger. With only fables left to describe the mating bond, they will be the first couple to rediscover all the ins, and outs.

  That was another thing he hadn’t discussed with her either. She was his Mate, and he was hers. He knew she felt it, at least on some level. She trusted him from the moment they met. It was like an instant tether bonding them. Their connection grew stronger every day. So too did her confidence. Something he suspected was lacking for her before.

  Still Hayley, and Corrina had mentioned their displeasure this morning at him keeping Harlow in the dark. He had wanted to meet with them in private, but sadly that hadn’t happened. They only had a few moments while the other women introduced themselves to Harlow. He reminded them even though they were to be friendly, and a part of the preparations. They were ultimately guarding his woman. Their reply was to vent their opinions, and well they knew their jobs. Especially Corrina who was also a founding member. Both had stormed away in a huff.

  His only thought was someday he hoped they would be in his position, then they would truly understand. When that day came he would snicker, and laugh, and remind them of their responses. Not to mention their attitudes. As quickly as he could he hugged Harlow kissing her on the top of the head. Wishing her a pleasant time he left. If he kissed her properly in front of all the women he still would’ve likely tossed her over his shoulder, taking her bed. Where they could enjoy each other naked.

  Shaking off his thoughts he returned to the tasks at hand. They were in the midst of constructing the platform for the ceremony. With the entire clan likely to be in attendance he thought it best to have one. This way they all could see. With the Priestess standing on the highest level in the center, it gave them room to build enough behind, for her personal guard to stand there with her. Whereas Harlow, and himself would stand in front of the Priestess, on level slightly higher than the guards behind. At each of the four corners, pillars stood tall ready to be draped with a multitude of blooming flowers, and vines.

  Plans had also been quickly altered this morning to include a canopy over the platform. Some of the clansmen were already busy at work weaving together reeds. In which to create a base for blossoms to rest on top, while others could hang beneath. The effect of which would look like they were entering an entirely floral built structure. He liked the idea the more he thought about it. Plus the fresh blooms smelled amazing. With all the ideas flowing, it kept everyone involved, and being a part of their day. Making it even more special.

  With so many people running about, and executing all the plans. Things were finished in no time at all, even with all the extra add ons. There were still enough flowers, vines, and ribbons left, that several extra standing poles were erected. Each was draped with criss-crossing of each, from the tops they were again connected with ropes of vines dripping with blossoms. The effect was absolutely stunning. Every member of the clan went above, and beyond. The ceremony, and festival tomorrow would be the most beautiful one to date.

  With a lightness in his step he left the clearing, and headed toward his dwelling. All of the basic repairs were finished, and increased protection spells. They wouldn’t need much for the next little while. It was just very important to him that they spend their first night here. So he was very grateful when he saw the beautiful hand carved bed in the room. An amazing work of art, a combination of triquetra, and crescent moon were carved into the headboard displayed beneath a Raven with its wing splayed. It was so intricate he had to run his fingers along the carved wood.

  Pulling himself away he set about getting the place ready for them tomorrow night. With his day all planned out tomorrow, now was the only time. Even this morning he wasn’t sure if this place would be ready. Now he suspected he knew why. Whoever carved, and made that bed must have worked tirelessly on it. Rushing to finish in just a few days, such talent.

  They were truly blessed this year with blooms galore. There were more than enough for the clearing, and even some left over for his dwelling. Someone had even started with hanging them all around he decided to simply create a pathway using them all the way to the magnificent bed.

  With not much else to do he prepared for bed. Might as well get a good night's sleep. They likely wouldn’t be sleeping tomorrow night. At least he planned on being busy, very busy. He, and his Mate would be devoting all their attention to each other, and ignoring the outside world. Smiling to himself he fell asleep thinking about all the things he wanted to show, and do to Harlow.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Harlow woke the next morning groggy, and stiff. Even her vision was a little blurry. Rubbing her eyes she had sat up taking stock of how she felt. Blinking a few times she noticed she was still in the position she went to sleep in. Not moving through the night would definitely explain the stiffness. She must have been dead to the world, so deep in sleep. Yawning, she stretched her arms above her head. Before tilting her head side to side to work out the kinks. It had been ages since she had a night's sleep like that.

  Well enough with the self analysis she got up, and dressed quickly. Today was the festival, and she needed to be ready. Apparently they had something special planned for her since it was her first time celebrating. No one would tell her what it was, only that it would take all day. It was driving her crazy trying to figure it out, when not one single person would reveal any clues. She didn’t know whether to be worried or not.

  Corrina had insisted it was nothing to be worried about, and that she would likely enjoy it. Whatever it was? At least she would be enjoying right along with her so that gave her some comfort. Yesterday she had also found out Hayley would be joining them also. Not sure why again, but that too made her happy. Liking her new friend, and discovering her old friend in a new way, really filled something within her.

  Her situation was complex, yes. Sometimes though it wasn’t. Life was continuing on here with bumps, and turns. It had been a challenge to try, and figure out the why’s, and how’s of how she came to be here. The biggest challenge is that no one was around from the time of the arches’ creation. With no folklore or tales verbal or written left, it was a guess at how it operated. With so many of the pieces missing in the puzzle she had been trying to solve, they might never know.

  Her secret wish however was that Caden, and Rowan would come through as well. She had left behind the book along with clues. Her son would likely be able to read that book better than she did, and could get them both here. Unless Caden had come through already. He was present when she had gone into the vortex of the arch. But there haven’t been any sightings of others like her.

  Plus her brother wasn’t alone when she went through either, so it was likely if Caden had come through so would the others. Word would have spread like wildfire if that were the case. It had her wondering how many people had seen her before Kieran. Why leave there? I mean word had spread about her quickly enough.

  Arg she was doing it again. Shaking her head, she focused on the now. Morning meal, that's what she needed. Leaving her makeshift room she went to the kitchenette in search of something to eat. Her tummy was rumbling loudly on the way. Laughing to herself she covered it with her hand, inwardly assuring herself she would eat. Rounding the corner she stopped still in the doorway. The little room was full of women scurrying about, all talking at the same time. How they kept up with the conversation baffled her, it was quite the talent. Multiple languages were her thing, not this speedy talk. Her eyes darted from woman to woman in an attempt to track the conversation.

  When one of them noticed her standing there like a statue, she rushed over. Talking so fast, it was a challenge to answer her questions. Finally, she answered with.

  “Anything prepared sounds wonderful, thank you.”

  As she was pushed to sit in a chair, at the table in the corner of the room. A plate of food was set in front of her, along with a steaming brew. Without questioning she murmured her thanks, and dug in. This seemed to please all of them, her hungrily inhaling her food. Smiles spread across all of their faces while their postures relaxed. Who knew watching a woman eat could make them so happy? Before taking another bite, she made sure to mention it.

  “This is good. Thank you.”

  Turning back to her plate she finished eating. About to pick up her plate to go, and clean it, it disappeared from in front of her. Looking up she saw the woman who had snatched it.

  “Thank you, but I don’t mind cleaning up after myself. I mean you are the ones who prepared it. The least I can do is clean up.”

  Getting up from her seat she intended to do just that. However, the women wouldn’t have it. Apparently, it was time to head towards the first surprise. She raised her brows in question. There was more than one surprise. Her internal uh oh was giving her tummy butterflies. One surprise maybe she could handle, but many. Nope, that was hard for her. With her history surprises were usually something made at her expense, for amusement of others. So hesitantly she followed the others. It was then she realized she had yet to see Corrina and Hayley. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask when she saw them, standing, and talking together by the door. Corrina’s grin spread across her face at seeing her.

  As she laughed she said.

  “Well good morning there sleepy head. Or should we say good afternoon?”

  Shocked, She had slept all morning, and through the night. Really? With a hand to her chest.

  “Wow, it’s afternoon already? I’ve never done that before. I’m so sorry if I’ve made anyone late.”

  Everyone shushed her for her nonsense, apparently she must have needed it. Trying once again she asked.

  “So where are we off to?”

  This time it was Hayley who laughed.

  “Nice try. You will see when we get there. So let’s go.”

  As she maneuvered her arm to herd us all along.

  “Let’s go.”

  Leaving the hall they stepped out into a beautiful sunny day. It had been awhile since she had been out in the sun. Considering the world she had left, that was the normal. No sun, only shades gray, and dark gray. Where here however, everyone had a lovely glow, one she wanted to. It felt so nice when the rays kissed her skin. Taking a minute she stretched her arms out, tilting her face up to the sky. Closing her eyes she spun in a slow circle, just taking it all in. Inhaling deep she opened her eyes, so beautiful. Smiling to herself, and relaxing her arms she looked around, everyone was staring at her. Confused by their stares, she simply stated. With a shrug of her shoulder.

 

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