The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 109
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
Caleb smirked at her, as the giggling began anew.
“Well do not make me grumpier, or you will not be giggling for much longer,” he said as kissed Laurel once more, than left the room.
As he closed the door a chorus of female laughter, drifted into the corridor, Caleb smiled and then walked back to his room.
The next morning, Caleb went immediately to knock on his parent’s door, as they always had a cup of tea in their room before going to the dining room for breakfast. After being told to come in, they looked up at him in surprise as they were seated at their small round table having tea.
“Yes dear what is it?” Queen Alana asked, with mild concern.
“Nothing serious, I just would like to request that all the girls be sent home after breakfast. I wish to give Laurel her Matrimony necklace and I would like to do so without all the ninnies present,” Caleb replied, with a wry grin.
Both of his parents laughed at his request.
“I think that is more than reasonable Caleb. It will be a special moment for the two of you, and I agree the girls’ presence will definitely take away from the moment,” King Fergus said, with a broad grin.
“I am looking forward to seeing it myself Caleb. I must admit I was a bit surprised when you did not show any of us,” the Queen admitted, as she sipped her tea.
Caleb smiled at them both, looking thoughtful for a moment.
“I wished Laurel to be the first one to see it. I know I do not mention her often, but Morene was less than enthused when I presented her necklace, as it meant nothing to her. I know this time it will be completely different with my sweet Laurel. I wish to experience her first reaction myself, as I am quite sure it will mean so much to her when I give it to her,” Caleb spoke with a low voice, as he tried to contain his emotions.
“Of course dear,” Queen Alana said warmly, as she reached over and held Caleb’s hand. “I assure you the girls will all be escorted home soon after breakfast,” she spoke with a loving smile.
“Thank you Mother. Now if you will excuse me I am going to see how Laurel fared from being with all the ninnies last night,” Caleb said with a smile, as he leaned down and kissed his mother’s cheek, then left the room.
As he made his way back down the corridor, he could see Bebhinn and Imagin suddenly coming out of Laurel’s room laughing, still in their nightgowns. Caleb smirked at them shaking his head as he walked closer. The girls looked over and saw him approach and then laughing ran down the corridor towards him.
“Caleb you must come and see how Imagin arranged Laurel’s hair,” Bebhinn declared in giddy voice, holding on to Caleb’s arm.
“Please tell me Imagin, you did not put a ridiculous amounts of braids and pins into her hair again,” Caleb replied with a sardonic expression, as Imagin grabbed on to his other arm, guiding him down the corridor.
“No! I curled it in strips of cloth last night before we went to sleep,” Imagin smirked back at him.
“So you did keep her up all night then,” Caleb said to them, putting his arms around the backs of their necks and pulling them a bit roughly into his sides.
“NO!” the girls said in unison as the dissolved into uncontrolled giggling.
They walked into Laurel’s room, with Caleb still holding them with his arms around them in the same manner, as the girls were still giggling loudly. Caleb looked over to find Laurel smiling at him warmly, as Kerrie was gently combing her fingers through Laurel’s hair loosening the long spiral curls as they softly floated down her back. Caleb released his hold on his young cousins, to take in the sight of his beloved. Laurel’s eyes were still sleepy, but loving and warm, her chestnut tresses, falling in long soft ringlets down her back, the color more prominent against her blue nightgown. Imagin flounced ahead of Caleb to finger and arrange Laurel’s hair around her face.
“Does she not look lovely Caleb?” Imagin asked with a bright smile, causing Laurel to laugh lightly.
“She most certainly does,” Caleb answered as he walked forward, and reaching over to glide a curled strand through his fingers, leaning down and kissing her lightly on the lips.
Caleb’s display of affection of course, causing a round of giggling to commence once again. Caleb rolled his eyes as Laurel laughed at him.
“I was thinking of having Imagin arrange my hair this way for our wedding,” Laurel mentioned, smiling lovingly at him.
“Oh by all means, it is very charming mo stor, and I am sure much easier to deal with than her last grand creation,” Caleb answered as he looked over at Imagin with a mordant grin, as Imagin stuck her tongue out in reply.
“Now why are you silly creatures not dressed yet? It will be time to go to breakfast soon,” Caleb looked about the room, noting all the girls were still in their nightgowns.
“Aunt Alana has arranged for us all to have breakfast here in Laurel’s room,” Bebhinn, expressed very smugly.
“Oh really?” Caleb asked Laurel with an impatient tone. “You ninnies have not taken enough of her time?” Caleb asked them all, with obvious disgruntlement.
“It is to be a breakfast tea party of sorts,” Kerrie replied, as she and Laurel smiled at his irked expression.
“Fine enjoy yourselves, for you shall all being going home as soon as you are finished eating,” Caleb spoke, in a commanding tone.
With the exception of Laurel and Kerrie who just smiled at each other, the rest of the girls began a chorus of protests and dismayed whines, telling Caleb how mean and selfish he was with Laurel’s attentions.
“I do not care what you little urchins think. Your ridiculous whining is certainly not going to change anything,” Caleb spoke up, amongst the girlish clamor.
Aiden then walked in the room all smiles at the din he had heard from the corridor.
“I figured you were in here, by the sounds of all the protesting, going on. What glorious plans are you disrupting now?” Aiden asked, still smiling at the chaos that was ensuing.
“I shall tell you…once the ludicrous amount of noise stops in this room!” Caleb suddenly boomed out, which caused all the girls to first look surprised, then pouting sulkily.
Laurel and Kerrie giggled at this, as Aiden laughed at the immediate silence that occurred.
“I am giving Laurel her necklace today, when the girls leave, after they have had breakfast,” Caleb explained to Aiden in old speak.
Kerrie smiled at Laurel excitedly and squeezed her hand, which caused Laurel to look at Kerrie and Caleb in amused bemusement. Kerrie was the only one of the girls besides her sister, who understood and spoke the old language.
“Well that will be a significant moment. I agree the girls need to leave,” Aiden replied back in old speak, looking over and winking at Kerrie.
“I shall make sure that everyone is ready to leave by then, Caleb,” Kerrie replied in kind with a coy smile.
“Thank you dearest,” Caleb said smiling back at her, as he looked over at Laurel who just continued to smile in amusement.
“I find it most unfair and rude that the three of you are speaking old speak in front of us. You know we cannot understand you. It is as if you are telling secrets in front of us,” Bebhinn spoke up, her pout and whine more pronounced as she folded her arms.
“That is exactly what we are doing. If you had paid more attention to your lessons Bebhinn, you would know exactly what was being said, your brother speaks it quite well,” Caleb reminded her, with a wry grin.
Bebhinn muttered something quite rude under her breath, causing Imagin who was standing next to her to snicker impishly.
“Would you care to repeat that?” Caleb asked her, in a warning voice.
“No,” she answered spitefully.
Caleb then leaned down kissing Laurel lightly once again.
“Enjoy your breakfast mo ghra. I shall be back shortly,” he said smiling at her adoringly.
“Then will you tell me what the three of you were talking about?” Laurel asked with an eager smile.
“No. I shall show you,” Caleb told in a deep enticing voice. “And do not ask Kerrie, she will not tell you,” Caleb replied as he once again caressed the soft ringlets as he stood up, then walked out of the room with Aiden.
As soon as the door was closed the girls ran up to Laurel and Kerrie entreating her to tell them what was said between the three of them.
“Are you all daft? Do you really expect me to tell you? You are all well aware that Caleb will be upset with me if I say anything about Laurel’s surprise,” as soon as she finished speaking, Kerrie gasped and covered her mouth. “Do you see what you have done Bebhinn? I have already revealed too much. Continue with your questions and I shall tell Caleb what you are doing, and then what do you think will happen?” Kerrie asked, scolding her younger cousin, which ceased all giggling.
Laurel smiled warmly at all of them, reaching over and holding Kerrie and Bebhinn’s hands.
“Let us change the subject. I am sure our meal will be here soon. Why do you not all tell me more of the wedding rituals here in Heathwin?” Laurel happily redirected the conversation, as the girls all began to talk excitedly at once.
After breakfast had ended, the girls were still quite reluctant to leave. Aiden and Cahir stood ready to escort them all back to their homes. It was not until Cahir became tired of the girls’ complaining did they all concede to leave.
“That is quite enough, all of you. You have had your fun, and though she will not say, I have no doubt Laurel is quite sick of the whole lot you. Bebhinn, you are not to say another word, escorting you home is going to take the longest time. Now all of you say your goodbyes and let us be on our way,” Cahir scolded them with a frown, as they all with the exception of Kerrie, pouted as they hugged Laurel goodbye, who smiled at them all with a great amount of warm heartedness and empathy.
After the room had finally quieted down, Caleb walked up to Laurel and took her in his arms, kissing her forehead and playing with the soft long ringlets falling down her back.
“Are you ready to enjoy a nice quiet afternoon with me mo stor?” Caleb asked her is a soft deep voice.
“I am indeed Sire. As much as I love the girls, I am looking forward to spending time alone with you. It has been a most exhausting three days,” Laurel murmured softly, with her head against Caleb’s chest, her arms encircling his waist as she pressed herself closer.
Caleb smiled as he leaned down and kissed the top of Laurel’s head, placing his hand under her chin as he lifted her face to his. Kissing her lips tenderly with subdued passion.
“Come with me dearest,” Caleb said in a quiet deep voice, taking Laurel’s hand and leading her to his room.
Walking into the room he had her stand near his desk, instructing her to close her eyes. She giggled at his request, giving him a questioning smirk, asking him why he wanted this.
“Because it is a surprise and I asked you to,” Caleb answered, smiling at her teasingly.
“Oh, very well Sire,” Laurel exclaimed, pretending to be exasperated as she sighed and closed her eyes.
She could hear Caleb walk across to the wardrobe and open one of the doors, then she began to giggle once again in anticipation as to what this surprise might be. He then walked back over to where she stood waiting, standing in front of her. Even though her eyes were still closed, Laurel found herself so aware of Caleb’s presence she could almost see him. It both fascinated and frightened her a bit, that since her return from the river camp, she could feel or sense Caleb in a way she had never been able to before. This morning Laurel could feel him walking down the corridor to her room, though the girls were with him, she had only felt his presence. She decided not to bring it up yet, blaming it on exhaustion and not wanting to cause him concern over a matter she could not explain. Though it was an unfamiliar experience, it was not altogether unpleasant. She felt Caleb take her hand in his, turning her palm upward.
“Open your eyes mo ghra,” he requested lovingly.
As Laurel opened her eyes she saw him place a flat smooth stone pendant, attached to delicately woven silver chain, in her hand. She gasped lightly in surprise, as the reality of what this gift was signifying. Laurel looked up at Caleb’s handsome face, his intense piercing eyes soft and warm, as he smiled at her endearingly.
“This is your matrimony neckless mo chailin milis. But before I place it around neck you need to touch the pendant for a moment,” Caleb directed his smile becoming broader.
“Why must I do that my Prince?” Laurel asked in a giddy voice, eyes filled with eager anticipation.
“Here, lie it flat against your hand and touch the surface for a moment and you will see,” he answered, smiling at her furtively.
Laurel eagerly conceded to his request, and after touching it for a brief moment, stared at the pendant with wide eyes, as the colors began to shift and swirl on the pendant’s smooth surface. In an instant the movement and colors stopped to reveal the pendant was now a sunset hue of mauve. There were also thin graceful lines of contrasting deep red, blue and forest green, across the surface.
“Oh Caleb! It is beautiful! How did this happen?” Laurel asked in amazement.
“I really do not know my love,” Caleb replied smiling happily as he picked up the chain and reaching behind her fastened the pendant around her neck. “The Kedesh merchant told me it was done when touched and would stay that color and pattern, until worn by another, and be different with each person. So can I safely assume that you are pleased?” he asked with a seductive smile, as he lightly drew his finger down the length of her face.
“It is the most precious and beautiful thing I have ever had Caleb,” Laurel answered in a trembling voice, as she lightly touched the front of the pendant.
“I can very well say the same thing concerning you my darling,” Caleb spoke softly, as he leaned down and kissed her ardently, Laurel wrapping her arms about his neck.
Laurel suddenly remembered something as she opened her eyes and murmured softly, while Caleb was still kissing her.
“What was that”? Caleb asked with a light laugh as he pulled away slightly.
“Your present. I have your gift in my room. Come with me and I will show you,” Laurel said, all agog to show what she had gotten him.
Caleb laughed once again at her child like enthusiasm, as he let her lead him to her room by the hand. When the stood in the center of the room, Laurel smiled at him impishly.
“Now you close your eyes,” she directed trying her best to sound officious.
Caleb chuckled as he closed his eyes, then looking out from narrowed lids, watched Laurel walk over to her wardrobe.
“No peeking,” Laurel said with a pout, as she caught him doing this, which only made him laugh again, so he closed his eyes once more.
Laurel then hurriedly walked over to her dressing table, then unwrapped the box and opening it, very carefully lifted the dagger from the box, and walked over with great care to where Caleb stood.
“Now do not open your eyes yet, and hold out your hands,” Laurel stated in a voice filled with barely contained excitement.
Caleb smiled sardonically, as he held his hands out in front of him, while Laurel cautiously placed the dagger across his opened palms. His smiled changed quickly to a look of bemusement, when feeling the dagger against his skin.
“Now open your eyes,” Laurel directed, with a gleeful smile.
Caleb looked down at his hands instantly, and stared down for a moment in shock and disbelief at what he was holding. When he looked at Laurel his face still expressed his astonishment, which in turn caused her to look back at him with concern.
“Laurel. Where did you get this?” he asked, in a serious low tone.
“My Kedesh friend Fraoch, the merchant. He told me he had something that you would like, and he thought I would want to give it to you as a wedding gift.
Do you not like your present Caleb?” Laurel asked her eyes suddenly becoming stormy, with the thought he was not happy with her gift.
Caleb carefully held the dagger up and examined it closer, shaking his head, as he gingerly touched the handle and thin blade. He then looked at her and smiled at her concerned expression.
“Mo ghra. I am most happy with my gift. It is truly a wonder to behold,” Caleb spoke in a voice filled with awe, as he expertly twirled the dagger in his hand.
He smiled at Laurel alluringly, as he walked over to the table and placed the dagger carefully back in the box and returned the cover. He then walked over to Laurel and holding her face in his hands and kissed her passionately and suddenly, causing her to murmur in surprise.
“I am so happy you like it. I was afraid at first I had made the wrong choice,” Laurel uttered her voice breathless from Caleb’s kiss.
“No mo stor. It is a wonderful gift. I cannot express in words how much it means to me. So, let me show you,” Caleb replied his deep rich voice like silk as he took her up in his arms, carrying her over to her bed.
Caleb placed Laurel down gently, laying down next to her, as he moved them both to face each other. He began to kiss her again, deeply and ardently, as he held her against him, feeling her body tremble in his arms at his passionate display of affection, as he caressed her in a way he had once before her last return to Gwenlais, when she was leaving him for the last time. Laurel’s breathe catching at the intenseness of this experience, and physical intimacy. She felt herself unable to control her trembling, or the warmth and euphoric tension building inside of her, with each kiss and amorous caress from Caleb. As he moved his hand slowly under her dress, caressing her through her clothing.
“Caleb,” Laurel uttered his name in a quivering whisper, as she softly glided her hands through his hair.
“It is alright my sweet girl. I will not go under your garments, it will be just as before, and I will not go against your wishes mo stor. I only desire to show you how much I love you, how grateful I am that you here with me, how happy I am that you like your necklace,” Caleb stated reassuringly, as he smiled at her with adoration, continuing his attentions.
