The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 114
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“I truly wish to recite our vows in old speak also, Caleb,” Laurel whispered to him.
“I do as well my love. We shall practice,” Caleb whispered back warmly.
The ceremony was over in a short time ending with the Bride and Groom, sealing their vows with a loving kiss. The entire house staff that was standing quietly behind them, broke into applause and happy cheers.
Cahir and Eavan turned and smiled graciously at them.
“Now Sire. I have prepared for you both, a feast fit for a king. It will be out shortly,” the cook announced as he quickly left to finish the final preparations.
Cahir directed all of them into the formal dining room. The large table had lovely heavy high backed chairs that were ornately carved. The table had been set with the formal dishes given to the couple by Queen Alana, as a pre wedding gift. It was filled with flowers and two large candelabras were placed in the center. As everyone was seated, the servers suddenly entered the room. Carrying platters and trays filled with many fine dishes that were prepared in celebration for the new couple. The cook himself proudly carried a large platter that had a whole roasted gork on it. It was placed in the middle of the table. The couples all gasped in delighted surprise. Gork was a small animal that inhabited the woodlands and fields of both Heathwin and Gwenlais. It had a long upturned snout, and short legs. With thick wooly, mud colored hair, and small curved horns on either side of its comically large head. It was a rather unattractive animal, but was prized by all, for its rich succulent meat. Once found only in the wild, but were now raised by two proud farmers in Gwenlais, exclusively. King Fergus always had a standing order of at least thirty of the stout little animals for every supply and harvest delivery.
“You have truly outdone yourself this evening Mathias!” Cahir exclaimed, as the cook smiled proudly at the full table.
“Thank you Sire. Please enjoy your meal. When you are finished I will have tea and dessert brought out. I dare say my Lady you will find it especially to your liking,” Mathias said smiling at Eavan, as he turned to leave.
The two young couples enjoyed their meal, as lively conversation was carried on with a festive air. Caleb and Laurel would smile warmly as Cahir and Eavan would often stop talking and steal passionate kisses in between their meal. After they had finished their dinner, the cook himself once again came in to serve Eavan’s favourite dessert in a large beautiful crystal bowl. It was a rich pudding made with fresh harvest seasonal berries and wild berry cordial, as well as a freshly baked sponge cake, layered throughout the pudding.
“Oh my dear husband, you remembered!” Eavan said joyfully, as Cahir reached over to kiss her hand, his eyes warm and loving at Eavan calling him her husband.
When the meal came to a glorious and satisfied end, Cahir directed everyone into the large front room, where the ceremony had been held.
A fire had just been lit in the copious fireplace, fragrant balsam wood had been added. Two plush couches faced each other with an elegant oval low table in between. Cahir directed everyone to make themselves comfortable, as he walked over to a wall cabinet and brought out a decanter of port with two glasses for him and Caleb. Then sitting down next to his new Bride he poured himself and Caleb a drink.
“Thank you both for coming this evening. It seemed only fitting to share our special event with good friends,” Cahir said graciously, raising his glass to Caleb and Laurel.
“It was a lovely ceremony. I was moved by how beautiful the marriage vows sound in old speak. Caleb and I plan to do the same,” Laurel exclaimed happily.
“Do you? Well my dear Laurel, I am quite impressed. It will be quite an undertaking,” Cahir smiled at her in surprise.
“I told Laurel as quickly as she caught on with cursing in Kedesh, old speak should not be that difficult for her,” Caleb said with a wry grin, looking over at Laurel, who just blushed and smirked back at him.
Cahir and Eavan both laughed at his remark.
“Is it true Laurel that my father actually asked you when you plan on giving Caleb an heir?” Eavan asked, with a giggle.
“Oh yes he did. Phinny was furious. Though not as angry as he was at Chieftain Remy,” Laurel answered, shaking her head.
“Yes, what did that old badger say to cause such an uproar? Phariss did not tell me that,” Cahir asked.
“He asked Laurel if she was a virgin,” Caleb asked smiling sardonically.
Cahir and Eavan burst out laughing, as Laurel grinned in an embarrassed expression.
“That rude old dog! I mean really! It is more than obvious after you meet her,” Cahir said, as he tried to compose himself.
“How is it so obvious?” Laurel asked, sounding a bit insulted.
Her question only caused Caleb and Cahir to laugh even more, which made Laurel look at both of them with an affronted pout. Eavan smiled at her sympathetically, then stood up and took her hand, as she began to lead her towards the wide arched doorway.
“I am going to show Laurel about the house now. I wish to share with her my ideas for arranging things,” Eavan remarked, leading a still offended Laurel out of the room, as the two men were still laughing.
As the friends were finally able to compose themselves, they looked at each grinning thoughtfully.
“You know you were right about Eavan,” Cahir mentioned in a more subdued voice.
“Right about what?” Caleb asked with a smirk.
“Really? You are going to make me say it?” Cahir asked grinning at him.
“Of course you know how much I enjoy being right,” Caleb smiled, as he took a drink of port.
“She was indeed afraid of me,” Cahir answered pausing thoughtfully for a moment. “How could I not see it? Better yet, how could I treat her that way and think is was acceptable? I will admit my father was of that mindset. Our father however, is not. It is the way things have always been, I know. But....the look on my sweet Eavan’s face, when she thought I might repeat my actions...it was devastating. I could not bear it. How can we be so blind Caleb? There are far too many of us with this thinking, and it must change,” Cahir said, with frank seriousness.
“It will as long as we help it to. I will admit my sweet girl is quite the handful at times, but again she is a grown woman, not that naughty fresh little girl at the stables. She deserves to be treated as an adult, they all do, especially if we expect then to listen and respect us. Do we not treat a spirited horse with dignity and respect, yet our women do not deserve the same consideration?” Caleb asked with conviction.
“I remember our father asking that same question once during a meeting with the Chieftains. It is definitely one that needs to be asked again. I have already made the decision to speak with some of my men, the ones who are betrothed and newlywed concerning this thinking. The men look at us as leaders. If we do not give the right example, things will never change,” Cahir replied.
“True. Well enough serious talk for one night my friend. Let us go and see to our ladies. I know my dear Laurel’s enthusiasm will get the better of her as Eavan is showing her about, and you both have much more pleasant things to attend to beside decorating ideas,” Caleb grinned at him knowingly.
“Indeed we do my old friend. We have both waited a long time to attend to such pleasant things,” Cahir replied, as Caleb laughed and gave him a friendly slap on the back.
Laurel and Caleb said their goodnights shortly after, as Cahir walked them both to the corridor entrance. He kissed Laurel on the cheek and gave Caleb a warm hug, saying goodnight once more as they walked into the corridor, to head back to the Lodge. Laurel leaned into Caleb and sighed dreamily as they walked hand in hand together.
“So. What are you thinking dearest?” Caleb asked her in an amused tone.
“I just feel it was a lovely wedding. It has made me look forward to ours even more,” Laurel answered quietly.
Caleb laughed at her lightly, letting go of her hand and placing his arm around her shoulder, holding her closer, as they looked out the windows at the flickering torches, as they walked by.
“I am most happy to hear that mo ghra,” he said smiling.
“I think they will be very happy Caleb,” Laurel stated in a soft voice.
“I do believe they will be also dearest,” Caleb answered happily.
Cahir walked into the room to find Eavan sitting on the edge of the bed in her nightgown, smiling shyly at him. He walked over to her and kneeling down in front of her, took her face in his hands and kissed Eavan softly on her lips. His kisses were tender and gentle at first, then slowly becoming deeper and passionate. Cahir began to explore her mouth, his tongue reaching inside, touching hers intermittently, allowing her to adjust to this experience. Eavan moaned softly in response to his attentions. Cahir smiled at her, then taking her hands helped her to her feet. He then slowly unbuttoned the front of nightgown as he kissed her neck. He raised his hands slowly up the sides of her body, lifting her nightgown with his hands, until he pulled it gently over her head. Eavan gasped quietly in surprise, as she was now unclothed in front of him for the first time. She brought her arms up to cover herself, partly from shyness and instinct.
“No, mo ghra,” Cahir said softly, as he gently brought her arms back down. “I am your husband now. Let me look at you for the first time. There is nothing to be ashamed of. I only wish to see how beautiful you are,” he said in a soft low voice.
Cahir gently ran his fingers down the sides of her body, feeling her tremble with emotion, as she still kept her eyes cast downward shyly. Placing his hand under her chin Cahir lifted her face to look at him as he again kissed her tenderly.
“You are so very lovely mo stor, as I knew you would be. Do you wish to look upon me now?” he asked in a calm and soft voice.
Eavan lifted her deep brown eyes to his, and smiled shyly, at seeing his loving expression.
“Yes mo chroi. I do,” she answered in a breathy whisper.
He smiled at her lovingly, and taking her hands brought them up to his shirt, directing her to untie the front laces. Her trembling fingers, slowly untied them as he then lifted the shirt over his head. Then moving her hands once again directed her to finish helping him to undress. He then stood still allowing her to look at him, and touch his chest and arms.
“You too are beautiful my husband,” Eavan said in a trembling voice.
Cahir smiled at her and holding her face once again began to kiss her passionately. When their mouths began to move together in a steady and comfortable rhythm, Cahir took her in his arms and placed her on the bed, laying her back against the pillows. He lay down next to her as they caressed and explored each other slowly, as their passion for each other began to build.
“I am going to touch you now my sweet Eavan, in a way I have never done. It will help you to relax and make you ready for when I join with you. It will feel very pleasurable my love, do not be afraid. When I join with you, it will only hurt for a moment, then we will share a bliss that only two who love each other can know,” Cahir said ardently, gently kissing her face.
“I am not afraid Cahir. Ta ghra agam ort,” Eavan spoke in trembling soft voice.
Cahir smiled at her lovingly and began to touch her gently, continuing to kiss her face and neck.
“Tell me when you are ready for me my sweet Bride,” Cahir whispered. “I will not hurry you. I wish for you to enjoy our love, as we have waited for so long. Take a breath mo ghra and relax, enjoy how much your husband loves you. I only wish to give you pleasure, as your joy will be mine,” Cahir continued to speak softly, smiling as he heard and felt her exhale deeply.
Eavan smiled at Cahir affectionately as she looked into his eyes. She felt a deep contentedness she had never felt before, no longer feeling shy or nervous. She had been waiting for this day to happen and now it had finally arrived. Her body felt warm and soothed by his tender affections, only a delightful tension did she feel beginning to build as he continued to touch her lovingly. As a warmth she had never experienced before, began to slowly ebb through her body, she felt herself tremble uncontrollably. A wave of utter joy and ecstasy washed over her like a gentle rain, as tears of happiness rolled down her cheeks. Cahir smiled at her, delighted for the peace and elation he was causing her to feel, kissing her finger tips as she touched his lips.
“My dear husband,” Eavan whispered with trembling lips.
“Yes, my sweet wife. Tell me what you wish,” Cahir answered her in a soft whisper as well.
“Take me Cahir, make me your own,” Eavan asked of him.
Cahir kissed her deeply, and then joined with her, their love sending them to new heights of joy and pleasure they had never felt. They both cried out in their shared bliss of each other, then lay in a sweet and peaceful exhaustion.
Cahir gently caressed Eavan’s face, until she fell asleep in his arms, smiling at him. He gently kissed her forehead, holding her close, as if afraid she would vanish like a sweet dream. He smiled breathing deeply, feeling a peace he had not felt since he was a boy. Grateful to this wondrous being in his arms, that had finally healed the deep wounds of his heart, happy with the promise, he would never feel alone again.
24: A CHANGE OF PLANS
Laurel closed the book she had been reading, unable to concentrate. She woke up early, feeling restless. Caleb had been sweet and attentive at breakfast, but left shortly after, having duties to attend to for a future Patrol mission. Caleb was not going on this mission, but he did have responsibilities that was necessary to whoever would be going. He had promised to finish the schedule at the Lodge, later that afternoon.
She walked out of the Library and headed towards the sitting room, hoping that Caleb had returned from the Sentinels’ headquarters. He had been very busy the last two days, and they had not spent as much time together as she had grown accustomed to. Their wedding was less than a week away, and she was a little sad that he had been so preoccupied. She had agreed to not assist Master Elphin until after their wedding, but was now feeling a bit lonely missing Tulla and Marina, as well as not accustomed to being unoccupied. Imagin was usually with her to help her pass the time, although six seasons younger than Laurel, she still found Imagin to be a pleasant companion. Now with the wedding so close, Imagin’s mother had requested that she spend the day at home, to be fitted for the new dress her mother was having made for her, to wear for the wedding celebration. Ione was still away on her brief Patrol mission, securing the more remote borders before the wedding, and would not be returning for two more days. Cahir was the Captain of the Patrol, and not being home, Eavan was staying with her family. So Laurel’s new companions were not able to occupy her at this time. The wedding was a much anticipated event throughout the kingdoms and many were making their way to be present. Whether they were actual invited guests or not, all of Heathwin would be celebrating the wedding of their eldest son. The love the young couple had for each other was greatly talked about, and many looked forward to just get a glimpse of the soon to be Bride and Groom. Queen Alana, was very busy in preparations for their wedding and wanted Laurel to be part of all the planning. At times Laurel found it to be stressful and unnerving, as the arrangements were immense and by far grander than she had anticipated. After her walk with Phineas the other day, and she had mentioned her mother to him, she was feeling melancholy and a bit homesick. Caleb and his family were very loving and kind to Laurel, and did everything to make her feel at home. Laurel realized this was simply a time of adjustment for her, and Caleb. He was also adjusting to her presence there, attempting to balance his duties, while still trying to spend time with her.
Perhaps this afternoon he would be able to spend the rest of the day with her, and help ease her pre wedding nervousness Laurel thought, as she turned down the corridor to the sitting room.
Laurel walked quietly into the room, smiling at Aiden who looked up at her as she entered. Caleb had returned, but did not look up at her, as he was busy looking at the Patrol schedule, his face stern and serious. Laurel sat down on the couch next to Aiden, who was just opposite of Caleb.
“Is he always this grumpy when he is working?” Laurel whispered to Aiden, with an impish grin.
“Yes he is. Especially before dinner,” Aiden whispered back, smiling at her.
“And he is able to hear every word you are saying,” Caleb spoke up, with an annoyed tone, not looking up from his work.
Laurel and Aiden laughed at him as he continued looking at the schedule and glancing at a map. Laurel smirked at him and began to talk in a high pitched voice, speaking in Kedesh. Aiden began to laugh, as Caleb glanced over at her with a smirk, and narrowing his eyes.
“What did you just call me?” he asked her, in a deep dangerous tone.
“I believe she said you were a large, mean, marneut eater,” Aiden said still laughing.
“I know what she said. I wish to know why she thinks she is so amusing,” Caleb replied, looking at Laurel with a wicked grin.
Laurel smiled back at him mischievously and spoke another phrase in Kedesh, which was far more insulting. Aiden looked completely surprised at her words and laughed heartily at her.
“Ba choir dom a thabhairt durt casta,” Caleb said, looking over at her and smiling wryly.
Aiden started laughing once again at Caleb’s remark.
“What does that mean?” Laurel asked, with a smug smile.
“You will find out my darling if you continue with your naughty insults,” Caleb answered, smiling slyly, looking back at his work.
Aiden then looked over at Laurel and said something back to her in Kedesh, she did not quite understand. He repeated the phrase and Laurel laughed as she understood its meaning. She then looked back over at Caleb and said another phrase to him in the same high pitched voice she had used earlier. Aiden laughed at her again with a surprised and amused expression.
