Goddess Kindled, page 22
“It’s just so beautiful. It deserves to be appreciated.”
She didn’t want to give away too much information. Only Ravens Night members were aware she had come through the portal from the future. Even then they weren’t entirely aware of what her world consisted of. Or why she would be so fascinated with the sun, and its warming hug each time she stepped out into it. It seemed necessary to her to guard such revealing information. It would be easier, if she didn’t continue to do strange things or blurt things out. Her behavior lately seemed a little foreign to her, while also natural at the same time. Like she was finally able to be herself.
At least her comment went over well, maybe a little too well, for the ladies all started buzzing. How more like Harlow they could be, the better everything else would be. Instantly, she felt this was starting to get weird. Looking at her friends she saw the same odd expressions displayed on their faces as she felt. What was going on here? It was starting to seem like multiple agendas. Just what they might be, she hadn’t a clue.
For the rest of the day, she would just go along with the show. Doing what needed to be done. The less crazy she could stir up the better. All she wanted was to spend tonight with Kieran at her first ever festival. Just thinking about it made her excited. So whatever she had to do to get to that point, she would do it. When Corrina gave the nod, they all followed her on their way to the first of the day's surprises.
If she had known before what all her surprises would be, she would have adamantly refused. First was a bathing ritual, they performed all together. Some ladies had even wanted to wash her. Like she couldn’t do that herself. They genuinely seemed hurt when she had refused. Only accepting when she further stated only Kieran could touch her like that other than herself. How odd she had thought, it sent an eerie shiver down her spine.
The next surprise happened before she could even form a complaint. Next to the river they had been bathing in, cots were set up running alongside it. When she was told to just go, and lay down, she did. The breeze felt wonderful on her skin. But when four sets of oiled up hands began massaging her limbs, she screamed in surprise. Not wanting to offend again so quickly, she snapped her lips shut. Praying they hurry up, and finish. Noticing then that Hayley, and Corrina were receiving the same treatment. Odd, why were the three of them being singled out.
When they were finished she was given a beautiful white flowing robe to wear. It felt indecent to be walking around outside naked beneath a gauze robe. Then again she had just been laying naked on a cot for a massage. So this was technically an improvement. She did like it though, the fresh air, and sun felt amazing. Now she was to sit in a chair that was almost laying flat. Its back only held a slight angle.
Sitting in the chair she closed her eyes in comfort. This was nice, feeling so relaxed, and calm. Who knew she would actually enjoy a massage. Even when given by four strange women. Suddenly feeling a gentle tugging on her hair. Opening her eyes there were two women one on each side of her working through her hair. About to protest they shushed her immediately, telling her to relax. Well if they insisted she would. After the massage her body felt like a rag doll, and the more they played with her hair the sleeper she got. Deciding it couldn’t hurt she closed her eyes for a short nap.
She woke a short time later, feeling refreshed, and energized. It was truly amazing what pampering, and relaxation could do for a person. Still it felt a little odd to have people waiting on her. She just wished she knew why they were so insistent on doing so. At least she wasn’t alone, Corrina, and Hayley had, had the same treatment from the women. It would seem they also took turns treating themselves after as well.
When everyone was finished they all headed back to the great hall. It was now time to dress for the festival. Feelings of excitement rushed through her on the way. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits, and couldn’t wait for the party to start. She was starting to understand the appeal, and excitement that had been displayed throughout the village a week earlier. It was no wonder if this was what they had in store for them to look forward to.
They were making their way through the village when the women leading the charge began shouting in a tizzy, and gathering around her. Curious about the behavior, she tried looking around to see what had caused it. Only she was much shorter than them, and even when she tried to jump up to see it was no use. Suddenly she heard booming laughter.
“It’s ok Red, it's just me. I have a message for Corrina ok. You ladies carry on.”
As one big mass they hustled her into the great hall. Feeling a bit weirded out by their reaction, she was able to breathe a sigh of relief upon entering the grand space. As each woman then branched off in a different direction, Harlow just stood there. Only Hayley stayed by her side. Turning to her she said.
“That was strange right?”
Afraid her question might be rude, but she wanted to know. All she got in return was a head shake.
When they revealed the final touches to her outfit Harlow was so stunned she needed to sit. It was truly beautiful, taking her breath away. Whoever had made did some exquisite work. The fabric was like the robe she had worn earlier in the day. Only this time displaying color hues green, trimmed in gold. It turned out to be, and outfit worn in many layers of flowing triangular pieces of fabric. She wore a very simple crafted two piece undergarment, that somehow almost matched her skin tone. On top of that were the many triangular layers, forming a top with flowing sleeves. Her multi layered bottom could look like a skirt if she stood still. Or depending on her stride as she walked, and moved around, would reveal more or less leg.
Spinning in a circle with her arms outstretched, she smiled, feeling like a princess. Her actions caused everyone to giggle. She didn’t care though, she felt, and looked amazing. In the midst of her happy display, they stopped her. Apparently it was time to work on her crazy mass of curly hair. It took three of them to wrangle it in, creating an intricate creation. Incorporating her crazy kinky curls with soft braids interwoven with ribbon, and blossoms. They worked with what her hair wanted to do. Some curls framed her face as the rest formed the stunning creation down her back. She couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear.
Before long everyone was ready to go, and looking stunning. Again they left the hall en masse to the clearing, where the festival was being held. As soon as they stepped outside they could hear the music, and singing, lifting all their spirits that much higher. Even Corrina, and Hayley who had been very quiet today were smiling, and laughing along with everyone.
You could feel the vibrations of the group's excitement as they traveled along the footpath. As they moved through the forest most of the women began to join in on the songs. Singing to their heart's content loud, and proud. It was really quite beautiful. Coming upon the clearing Harlow thought this night was going to be really special.
Kieran woke with the sun, stretching his limbs, he rotated his head side to side. Hoping today would go well for Harlow, and the women in her company. With the need to move quickly, and get going if he wanted to complete his agenda today, he jumped up to dress. Why he packed so much into one day he didn’t know. Old habits of always trying to impress his dad, while also trying to do everything at once. Perhaps he should get some help today though. Liking that idea he began getting dressed. As he didn’t have a functioning kitchenette yet, he was heading over to Aidan’s for his morning meal.
He was surprised to find many Ravens Night members there when he arrived. As soon as he entered they rushed him to sit, and began his meal. They were all sharing stories of old times or new ones they recently heard around the village. Asking questions about what it was like to discover his True Mate for the first time? Also were the rumors true about the connection that formed, and only grew stronger?
Most questions he could answer, others he couldn’t or wouldn’t. Some things were just meant to be between the two of them. He would not share Harlow with anyone, not even personal information. His animal like reaction to some of the more personal questions became answers themselves. Surprising everyone gathered. Having enough, finally, all he would say was.
“When your time comes. You will truly understand.”
It was then they all realized they had wasted most of the day away talking, and eating. Many people had kept arriving with food from the main kitchens for them to try. Confirming their approval for the festival, insisting it had to be perfect. Kieran really only cared what one person thought, and that was Harlow. He knew he was brewing a kettle of fish without revealing everything to her. It was just timing that had not been on their side, nor the situation with Neera’s followers. Ultimately, her safety came first.
At least with her now knowing of Neera, and her followers. There was a better chance of her understanding his position. It was his job, and right to protect his Mate, she would always come first. She was his just as much as he belonged to her. Even now he could feel inklings of happiness from her. He could only imagine what it would be like after tonight, and the ceremony, when their mating bond was complete. Smiling to himself he also couldn’t wait till he had her alone in their dwelling for the night.
As much as he’d like to follow all the traditions. He wasn’t about to expose her within all the crowd gathered at the festival. Even if it meant they both could receive a much stronger connection or even greater power. He had enough as it was, and didn’t need anymore. That was another thing he needed to discuss with her, after he figured it out for himself first. He hadn’t even touched the edge of all the knowledge, and experiences he now processed. Even his mate possessed a great power amount, herself. More so than he’d seen in anyone apart from himself, and Cormac.
Standing to stretch his stiff limbs he brought up all his tasks that needed doing today. Surprised at how quickly everyone jumped in taking a task for themselves to complete. He was left with the only thing he could do himself, getting ready. As everyone left he was thankful for his clan. They all genuinely worked together as a familiar unit. Striving for the best of everyone. As he went towards the river to bathe Aidan went to tend to the only task he specified to a certain person. He was to gather all of Harlow's clothes, and belongings from their makeshift room within the great hall, then take them back to their dwelling.
Her things belonged in their home. He wanted her to have all she wanted, and needed. Even if they were going to spend their first few hours naked within their dwelling. She would have need of her clothes, to leave it of course, eventually. The more he thought about the more he liked the idea of her just being naked all the time. She truly was stunning. Even with the signs of motherhood displaying proudly on her body. It made her all the more beautiful. To create, and carry life is the truest gift. He knew she knew he had seen the evidence, he would wait till she was ready to talk. He couldn’t imagine how this must be for her. To be here without her son.
His only hope was that her son was as gifted, and smart as his mother. Finding all the clues she had found to bring her here, and acting on them. Then he suspected both would be happy with that outcome. He knew what it was like to miss a mother, his having died he had no hope of a reunion. Whereas Harlow could possibly have one. He’d been praying to the mother goddess for such a thing. Deep down he knew his wish would be granted, it was just a matter of when. For she saw, and knew all. It was granted when, and how she saw fit to.
At the river he stripped, leaving his clothes on the riverbank. Wadding gently into the refreshing water, he hoped his woman was enjoying her day as much as he was. Even if he wished he could have spent it with her. Dunking himself beneath the gentle moving waters, he rose, shaking the excess water from his hair. It was tradition to come to this river, and bathe right before the festival. Laying back to float along he strongly believed she deserved to be pampered. It being her first time, he had arranged for her group of women to access the river first. No need for his mate to worry about being in the river with the rest of the clan. Figuring a smaller audience the better. He just forgot to take into account her curious nature, and desire for answers.
She might not understand the women’s natural behaviors, and actions. Having still not told her he is the chieftain of the clan, and the village, and her True Mate. Therefore they will treat her with the highest regard of her station. He just wished for her to truly be herself, with no worries or airs. Today was a special day for them, and for the clan. It was simply how their world functioned, the women in her company would be offended not being allowed to dote on her.
Rising from the water, he pushed through the remaining lapping waters to the bank. Gabbing his clothes he dressed quickly. If he knew his woman like he thought he did, there was a very good chance of her figuring it out. It was just a matter of which part she would figure out, and when. He vaguely remembered her referencing his father as a leader, and their relation. But had that information actually sunk in he wondered. Perhaps not, she hadn’t brought it up again, and neither had he. He was really filling the kettle, and it was about to boil over.
Instead of worrying, he jogged his way back to Aidan’s. The two of them were to finish getting ready there before the ceremony began. At least his part would start before Harlow would arrive. She was to walk amongst the people on her way to him. Corrina, and Hayley were her guards, and honor maidens. There for her in times of need, and a sign to the priestess she came with wealth of her own. He was to have Aidan, and Cormac at his back. Only with him not returning after his most recent disappearance, he would have to choose another. Still he was hoping he wouldn’t have too, and he would show at the last minute. A talent he had a very great knack for.
Inside Aidan’s home the two of them readied for the evening. Their attire was simple thank goodness. Not requiring many hands to assist in dressing, they were able to take care of everything themselves. Were as Harlow’s clothing for the evening, and like all the other women would require help getting into. All that work was appreciated when they moved about. Shimmering, and shining in the fading light of the sun or the flames of fire. Revealing bits, and pieces of skin here or there. They all looked like the radiant goddess they all were. For there was a piece of her in each, and every one of us.
All too soon he was standing up on the platform. The ceremony had begun with the music of people singing with either their voices, feet or drums. Many fires were already lit with offerings of herbs, and spices for celebration of the season. Hearing the oooo’s, and ah’s from within the crowd he knew Harlow, and her women had entered the clearing. Smiling, soon they would be linked together forever.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Master is pleased with me. Very pleased I believe, for my plan has worked. Even if the first one failed. All because that demanding uppity woman had to be involved. Serves her right, being snatched, and sentenced along with her better than your mother. He wouldn’t have to worry about their meddling anymore. Good riddance, he thought. They even fell for his acted persona, thick selfish women. Who needed them. They were a means to an end, and that was all. Even the Master had said so.
Slipping away had been so easy. The guards were so busy trying to deal with both women, they had never noticed he had gotten away. Even with the increased guards around the village afterward, he had been allowed to come, and go as he pleased. Further proving his scrawny stuttering persona worked like a charm. Not a one of them knew he was the one who had cast each one of the spells needed to gain access. Or had killed the guard standing duty at the door. Not even when he infected the entire village into chaos, and hysteria. That was funny to watch, smiling to himself as he remembered to panic. So easy, so easy.
He had tried to make his chieftain see. He didn’t need her, he could just simply use her. Now he would let his Master use her. He listens, and he agrees. Soon all would be right, and the way it should be. He would see to that.
That is why he, and Master were sneaking into the village while everyone was in the clearing for the festival. Not a one of them suspected him, nor should they. He had been good, real good. So good in fact, Master said so. That had made him smile. He understood when Master had to punish him for not getting the girl. He would do better next time, and he had, he really, really had. For they were now standing right where they needed to be, to do what Master wanted to do.
Master again said he had done good. Real good. Smiling.
Master was pleased. Master would get what wanted.
Smiling, he hid them away within a cloak of magicks, until the time was right. Then, and only then would he reveal them.
Good. So Good.
Chapter Twenty-Three
She was stunning, so much so she took his breath away. The clothing she wore shimmered, and shone in the fire light surrounding them. She moved with a seductive like grace, only she could possess, revealing just enough skin to make his mouth water. With her skin aglow matching the radiant smile across her face that shone in her emerald eyes. His woman was happy, and happy to see him. He liked that, liked it very much. The women had really outdone themselves today. For she looked like a Goddess.
That was saying something among their kind. Yes they were Gods, and descended from Gods. Only few however were ever worshiped, and deserved to be so. They were the ones who really truly cared about their people, and would genuinely take care of them. His Mate was truly glowing as one in this moment. Imprinting this image of her was framing it in his mind, to remember her like this always.
