Freyja's Fire - Chapter 42 - A'mara Books

42

(Majanday, two weeks later)

Castel Velantia

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The loss of her covers awoke Gemina in the morning chill. She was tempted to yank them back from Kolt, who was snuggled in them next to her, but as it was their wedding day, she would let him sleep awhile longer. Besides, she was anxiously excited. After all, the whole village was there. Many had come from Thulia, Erion and other villages of Velantia and were now camped in the tents that covered most of the castle grounds.

She put on her robe and the hair garland which signified her betrothal in Velantian style. Then she slipped out down to the field where Jerem, Melodia and Obsidian (as Stella’s nuwa was called) all grazed.

“Jerem,” she called to the white stallion who had endeared himself to her a couple of weeks previously.

He nickered and came to her, looking for a treat to eat.

“I wish I could understand you the way Kolt does,” Gemina said to the creature. “Maybe you understand me anyway. I want you to know that I love flying with you. It is simply amazing!”

He nickered again, putting his muzzle on her shoulder as if hugging her. A moment later, he put a wing around her as well.

“I love you too, Jerem,” she told him. “I know you understand me.”

“You’ve made a friend,” Stella said, joining her.

“I wish I could understand what he says to me, like Kolt does!”

“It’s a bond between them,” Stella tried to explain. “Obsidian is the same way. She communicates with my mind directly. The nuwa will bond with their one person – permanently. Only the death of one will sever it.”

“Is it possible for humans to communicate this way?” Gemina asked.

“It is,” Stella confirmed. “I have done it. I am pretty sure your sister-in-law has done it – and not just with Melodia.”

“Teach me. When Kolt and I are flying, it’s almost impossible to communicate together.”

“I visualize a tunnel connecting myself and the other person – then simply push my thoughts through the tunnel until it reaches their head,” Stella said. < Your twins will be born with this connection.>

“I heard you!” Gemina cried. “You told me that the twins will be born with this connection!”

“Your turn to try,” Stella said, smiling. “What makes you nervous today?”

Gemina tried to envision a tunnel connecting her mind to Stella’s. < I worry that people won’t accept Kolt as he is.>

< He’s to wear his loincloth today, right?> Stella replied.

“Maybe I just worry too much,” Gemina replied, forgetting to be excited about the success of their connection. “I just love Kolt so much that it would devastate me if people made a big fuss about his nudity!”

She felt Kolt with her before he put his arms around her.

“I love you because you’re worried about me. But I have put my worries of people accepting me behind me. Your family accept me, you accept me. That’s all I need,” Kolt said, kissing her cheek and neck.

Gemina tried to push the thought tunnel between her and Kolt’s mind. < Look what Stella has taught me.>

He looked at her with amazement. “That’s just like when Jerem communicates with me! How did you do that?!”

Stella explained it to him.

“Okay, I’m going to try it,” Kolt said. < Does anyone else know about that mole I like to kiss?>

Gemina blushed. “Kolt!” she scolded.

“Do they?” he asked again.

“No!” she cried, even as he took her in his arms again.

“I think I’ll go make sure everything is ready for the ceremonies,” Stella excused and left.

“I think there’s a hay pile over there,” Kolt suggested, taking her hand. “Your robe will make it comfortable.”

< I’d rather not watch this!> Jerem’s thought went through Gemina’s head.

“I had to watch you!” Gemina retorted to the beast who snorted and moved back out into the pasture.

“He talked to you?” Kolt asked as he took her in her arms and guided her to the makeshift bed.

“He complained about having to watch us!” Gemina said pulling him closer to her. “I don’t know why I could hear him. He’s bonded to you.”

“Something about our union,” Kolt replied. “Something I intend to renew every chance I get!” He pressed into her, Gemina meeting his every push with her own desire.

“Is it bad luck to begin our wedding day like this?” Gemina asked breathlessly.

“I think every day begun like this will be a good day!” Kolt replied. “For once, I agree with the need for a loincloth. I don’t need everyone to know just how much I want you!”

“Oh, Kolt!” she breathed. “I love you so much! I want you just as much as you want me!”

“Which is why we already have twins on the way – and why Freyja promised us that our children will be many. I hope you’re happy with that.”

“Yes! Oh, yes! Love me as long as we have each other.”

“That reminds me,” he said when he’d finished and just lay with her, wrapping the robe around them. “Stella had some news for me the other day.”

“What?”

“Something Vasana told her while Stella was learning how to craft the cloth. I am to learn the spells as well.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a male healer,” Gemina said, feeling puzzled.

“Do you object?” he asked.

“Not at all. I’m just surprised. I’m also very, very proud of you, my soon-to-be husband.”

“I will work to make you even prouder!” he promised. “The spells will allow me to live longer too – just like you, if you learn.”

Gemina felt overwhelmed by that news. “In truth, I was hesitant to learn the spells because I never want to live without you. But if you’re learning too!” She felt the tears in her eyes. “I am so happy!”

“I hope I never make you too mad at me then. Stella is hundreds of years old. I don’t want you mad at me for much of it!”

“I’m sure you will make me mad sometimes – and I will drive you crazy! But as long as we can make up again, we can love each other as long as the gods allow us!” Gemina replied, kissing him again.

“I think we’d better get some breakfast, then get ready for our wedding, don’t you think?” he asked.

“It’s just a ceremony,” Gemina said mischievously. “I would rather just make love with you all day!”

“Let’s get the ceremony done, then we can do just that for the next month in the mountains!”

“Okay,” she replied.