by Susi Wright
Chapter Fifty-four
The crisp, clear dawn saw Luminor and Fralii up and about, trying to relax over a light breakfast, but not really succeeding. They were looking forward to the welcome distraction of an early morning samblar ride, with Simban and Rihann, hoping to get some fresh air while the weather was dry and favourable. Simban arrived early to tell them he had their mounts groomed, saddled, and ready in the courtyard, and the uncharacteristically late riser this morn, Rihann, joined them outside a few minutes later, with an oat biscuit in her hand. As she approached the group, all heavily cloaked against the chill air and chatting while they waited, she called out a new slang phrase she had heard from Simban and his friends at the market, ‘How hangs it, you nellies?’ She smiled proudly, while Simban’s jaw dropped and Luminor frowned disapprovingly. Luminor admonished his sister, ‘Rihann, that is not a suitable greeting!’ Then he turned aside to Simban with some brotherly advice and a stern look. ‘If you are going to be allowed to speak to my sister… you must speak to her correctly, or she will learn all the wrong things!’
Simban grinned, embarrassed, but nodded his agreement as he helped Rihann to mount her samblar. The others did the same and they all followed Simban out onto the street, eager for the ride into the hills. The track from the city led to the top of a long blustery ridge, where they set their animals to a heady gallop against the wind, leaving their cheeks tingling, and the samblars’ coats steaming when they slowed to a trot. Samblars and their riders were exhilarated, their blood singing from the run, feeling pleasantly warm and happy to slow down. They returned to the city by a different track at a relaxing walk, both couples chatting along the way. Luminor noticed Rihann and Simban exchanging shy smiles, as Rihann showed off her quickly improving Baramese. He looked at Fralii, catching her knowing glance, both wondering if there would be another wedding soon.
They arrived back in Runo’s courtyard, dismounted, and put the animals away before returning to the warmth of the villa, and a comforting soup which Sala had prepared for the midday meal. The afternoon was going to be very busy, so as soon as the meal was over, they all went about their various activities to prepare for the wedding. The ladies went upstairs to attend Fralii and get ready themselves. Luminor intended to spend some hours first in meditation, preparing himself for this new phase in his life, before bathing and dressing, and was not seen again until it was time for him to leave ahead of everyone else to City Hall.
When that time came, Simban, punctual as always, was waiting outside with the gleaming white samblar, groomed and tacked impeccably, and handed him the reins. Luminor had dressed appropriately in Gaian festive costume. The green-and-black woven tunic was belted at his waist with wide, intricately carved black bovino hide, laced at the front, his ceremonial sword at one side. Black leggings disappeared into knee-length black boots, and he wore the usual obsidian cloak, fastened at the neck with a brilliant green clasp, reflecting the colour of his eyes. His white-blonde hair was simply decorated with a narrow braid on the right side.
Seated on his samblar, he hardly noticed the admiring gazes of the onlookers as he made his way to City Hall. The import and grandeur of what was about to happen had started to hit him in a wave of anxiety. He happily acknowledged that it was not danger he perceived, simply a reflection of Fralii’s intense emotions pervading his own through the Link, but that did nothing to quell the racing of his heart.
The bevy of chattering women fussed around Fralii for several hours, bathing her in fragrant oils and soaps, and washing and brushing her hair till it shone like silk. Finally they helped her into her gown, and Aleana fashioned her long ebony locks into a Gaian style, attaching a modest and delicate pale-green gossamer veil, so light it almost floated. Aleana explained it had been woven, by expert women in the art, from pure silk-spider’s web. The thread was painstakingly collected and woven into fabric, carefully stored to be used only for such a special occasion as this wedding. The silk for the gown similarly took many hours of spinning and weaving, with thread from the rainbow silkworm, glimmering predominantly green and purple, but reflected all the colours of the rainbow. It hugged her slim torso to the hips, flowing outwards to the ground, the long sleeves flaring slightly at the wrists. On the backs of her hands, Rihann painted in delicate swirls of purple dye from the wild violet, the traditional Gaian wedding pattern of their clan. As she watched Rihann work, she reflected how she admired these noble and sensitive people. They had a fascinating philosophy and cultural heritage, much of which was still a mystery to her. Fralii felt the prick of tears, happy and humbled to be accepted unconditionally as one of them.
As they were finishing preparations, Aleana said, ‘Fralii, you are my daughter now. You and Luminor are very special… you have a place in history… the first human–Gaian marriage! You will have a wonderful life together!’ Aleana was an extremely intelligent, well-educated woman. Her family had made sure she was fluent in human dialect so she would never be at a disadvantage in the future. It was greatly helpful now, as she embarked on an uncharacteristically wordy Telling for Fralii’s benefit.
‘You know, we Gaians are a dying race… most of our women are unable to conceive nowadays. It seems to be getting worse every generation. We do not know the cause. I was one of the lucky ones. Our clan has so few children. We don’t know if Rihann…’ At Fralii’s shocked look, she went on, ‘You must learn about our history, if you are to be part of it. There were never large numbers of us. Many centuries ago, in the time of the Great Wars, when battles raged everywhere in this country and afar, our people assisted in the defeat of the barbarian invaders. Our agility and skills in combat were indispensable, and of course our powers over the elements, though they were used very discreetly, even then. Only one of our race is ever Lord of Fire at one time, passed on from father to eldest son. Luminor’s direct ancestor, guardian of that power then, was Lord Zaldor. He was responsible for defeating entire legions of barbarians, but never in plain human sight, laying to ash the invaders in their campsites, using the Supreme Power secretly in the dead of night. Lord Zaldor was always aware that many humans had a greedy and ruthless streak, so he kept this extremely dangerous power hidden. After the wars, one of the two kings they had helped to victory wanted to keep Lord Zaldor’s warriors to help him conquer new lands. Zaldor and his people were never really acknowledged for their part in putting an end to the Great Wars, and had become disillusioned and tired of fighting—so many Gaian men had been killed over the years, since even we are not indestructible. They left and took up a nomadic life, avoiding all contact with humans, since everywhere they had gone openly, they encountered prejudice and persecution for their strange appearance and dress. In the centuries following Zaldor’s passing, they dispersed into smaller clans to live clandestine lives in many lands, to try to live peacefully with their families, never really belonging anywhere. Thunis’ ancestors chose a remote corner of Baram and kept to themselves in the uninhabited wild lands there. Since the truth of those events was never recorded by humans, the existence of the Gaian race was relegated to the uncertainty of ancient whispered legend and superstition. For centuries up until the Quest, our existence was not acknowledged at all! The Alliance means more to us than just dialogue… a place to belong, yes… but we hope for many more unions like yours. Even then, we do not know what the future holds for our… talents.’ She smiled wistfully, then looked into Fralii’s eyes. ‘You have anxiety, but fear nothing… trust in Luminor’s love to protect you, and the Link you share will enhance your life together in every way.’ She squeezed Fralii’s hand, her eyes welling with emotion, happy for this wise match, but thinking sadly of Thunis, so recently gone to the Ancestors. How wonderful to have a soulmate, friend, lover, a strong and capable clan chief, protector, and how she missed him in this Existence, even though she sensed him near, in the next. And it warmed her heart when she saw how his legacy would flourish with Luminor and Fralii.
‘Thank you, Lady Aleana. I never knew my moth
er. I am glad that I met you. I understand so much more about your people now. Thank you for your acceptance and encouragement!’ said Fralii.
‘I am always here if you wish to confide,’ assured Aleana, and the two hugged in mutual comfort, knowing they would be lifelong friends. Aleana took Fralii’s hand, leading her downstairs. ‘Come! It is nearly time!’ she urged. ‘You look very beautiful… the perfect bride!’ Rihann and Ana followed them, giggling with excitement.
Luminor had arrived at City Hall, greeted Governor Rand, who had arrived from the Capital, and informed him that after the honeymoon, he and Fralii would return to that city in one week. Rand had offered them a modest house to return to until they found one of their choosing. After thanking him, Luminor moved to a small anteroom for some more quiet time, still having difficulty composing himself. He began to wonder if it was absolutely necessary to achieve unity of thought, as he had almost given up on that lofty goal under these extenuating circumstances. Accepting his present state of mind, such as it was, but left to his impatience, the time then seemed to drag interminably. Within another half hour, he was pacing the length of the room like a caged animal, wondering yet again why he could calm others at a whim, but found it nigh impossible to calm himself whenever he thought of Fralii.
At the appointed time, he burst out of the chamber and strode purposefully to his position at the altar to await his bride, her arrival imminent. He could sense her nearness as he stood shifting his weight nervously from one foot to the other, frequently glancing at the door. He looked down, incredulously noticing his hands were shaking violently, as never before. He took a deep breath, attempting some form of composure, as the bridal party could be heard approaching, and the doors opened.
Fralii entered, framed in the portico, filling his vision in her rainbow gossamer glory. To him, she was a goddess of Nature, even more glorious in the Gaian gown as his gaze drank in the sight, both proud and tender, meeting her clear violet eyes, and feeling the jolt of the Link, unnerving in its intensity. He hung tenuously on to rational thought as she approached, and the other family members seated themselves in the audience of about one hundred guests.
Taking her position beside him, their gazes locked, both feeling the buzzing of the connection alternating between elation and wonder, anticipation and desire. Luminor acknowledged how the volatile nature of Love was similar to that of Fire, but the element of destruction was replaced by that of healing. The two polarities were almost as challenging to control, materialising from the deepest places of Existence into Being.
At the priest’s signal, the couple repeated after each other, several times, the simple vow, ‘We are forever one.’ The words in the saying were a cord anchoring their souls, which so chafed to take flight, to the here and now. The priest concluded his address with a solemn incantation which, for the sake of brevity, had been aptly and cleverly blended from both traditions, Aleana translating the entire address into her native tongue for her people. The first recitation was from the Gaian philosophy, ‘Love is the Fire that forges the binding of two souls for eternity… the Link…’ and from human vows, ‘May not evil, illness, calamity, nor even death, part you.’ Then the priest placed Luminor’s hand over Fralii’s, the contact seeming to help still the trembling of them both, and pronounced them man and wife, to be sealed with a kiss. Responding in eager compliance, they did so, to the deafening applause of the audience inside the hall and out, since the doors spanning the entire rear of the building had been flung open to allow as many as possible to observe, or at least hear the ceremony.
The afternoon feast was a grand affair. There was eating, drinking, and dancing aplenty. Countless individuals wanted to personally congratulate the couple, who politely responded but really only had eyes for each other, counting the hours until they could depart for the coast.
They would, of course, leave well before the other guests so they could make their journey before dark, leaving everyone else to continue the merrymaking well into the evening. Some, given the opportunity, would very likely still be in their cups until the wee hours.
The time came none too soon for the newlyweds, cheers and catcalls following them to the waiting carriage. They bid farewell to family and friends, all of whom had last-minute advice of one sort or another. Then arm in arm they climbed aboard, Luminor whispering endearments in Fralii’s ear that made her blush and giggle. Onlookers waved and clapped and sighed, well satisfied with the romance and grandeur of the occasion, as the couple disappeared inside their temporary haven and took the main road south out of Splendo.
* * *
Bearing in mind the presence of the driver up front, the couple, at last relatively alone for the first time since the tree hollow, basked in a tantalising but modest amount of kissing and embracing, until patience wore thin and they took to calming each other with talk of their plans, their hopes and dreams. Luminor spoke of his intention to go back and pay due coin to the innkeeper and his wife in Calder village. Fralii had agreed, voicing many other things she looked forward to in their life together. So engrossed were they in each other, they hardly noticed the passage of time, almost oblivious to the magnificent dark-orange and indigo skies of the departing day, as it succumbed to the insistent black mantle of night. The odd cursory glance out the carriage window revealed sparsely situated houses and villas along the coast road, many only used as holiday homes and presently vacant. The vast sandy desert stretched far out into the darkness on their right, peaceful and still, the only sound apart from their avid conversation the creak and jangle of the harness and the occasional clucking of the driver to the samblars, reminding them he was there.
When he tactfully cleared his throat and announced their arrival, they were almost surprised, as they pulled into the sandy courtyard. The couple alighted from the coach and thanked the driver as he drove off and they walked hand in hand to the front door. The tall palm-fronds on either side of the lamplit entrance waved gently in the warm desert breeze, the crash of the breakers could be heard in the near distance, and the sharp scent of ocean spray was subtly present on the night air.
Suddenly, Luminor’s impatience got the better of him. He turned to Fralii, pulling her into his arms, kissing her passionately, and she returned the kiss with equal enthusiasm. Pulling away slightly, his expression serious, he muttered fervently, ‘Pray the Ancestors, Spiro did not leave a single soul in attendance at this house! It is past time for you and I to be alone!’ He caressed her face, his hand trembling slightly, his breath ragged against her cheek. Fralii smiled up at him, feeling oddly safe in the face of his obvious ardour, remembering Aleana’s assurances, and that she had always felt safer in his arms than apart from him.
It seemed his prayer was answered, when the door was not opened to them but had been left unlocked, allowing them to let themselves in. The interior was vacant, silent, as Spiro had promised. The caretaker, whom they had been informed lived down the road, had tactfully gone home after cleaning and stocking the villa for their arrival.
Luminor detected some hesitation in Fralii’s emotion. As always, Perception-addled in her company, he misinterpreted it as discomfort, wondering if she was hungry. His brow furrowed as he asked, ‘Do you wish to eat?’ hoping the answer was no.
‘Do you?’ was her reply, and Luminor smiled wickedly, saying as he pulled her close, ‘My only hunger right now, is for you!’ His confidence increased with his elation at the freedom of expression their marriage now permitted. Gaian culture had a stoic set of morals, born of necessity over the centuries, after it became widely thought that earlier inbreeding within clans had caused genetic defects in the women’s ability to bear children. Most warriors had to go far and wide to search for a bride in another clan, not an easy task as their numbers were dwindling in every land. These days, physical union was generally frowned upon, without a pledge of protection and complete fidelity to the woman. He felt so lucky to have found a human soulmate; it boded well for the future, particularly if his powers
could be passed on.
Fralii giggled shyly. ‘At last we are alone, Lumi, just like in our tree hollow!’
Luminor squeezed her hand, saying, ‘But now… better… there is so much more we can share… we are man and wife!’ He started to lead her purposefully to the bedroom, feeling her anxiety and anticipation as it reflected his. Concerned she might want to talk about her feelings, as was her habit, he hesitated. ‘Fralii, are you afraid? Do you want to talk about it? I could calm you… if you want.’ He smiled unsurely, thinking, Though I doubt I can calm myself! ‘But better we learn all new experiences in our true state, do you agree?’ In answer, Fralii simply put her arms decisively around his neck, looking into his eyes trustingly, her lids heavy with undeniable desire. ‘No more talking!’
He allowed his heart to hammer and his hands to tremble, as they stood toe to toe, kissing each other deeply, lost in rising passion. Their gazes met searchingly, in between the physical caresses, to feel more intensely the Link which stoked their ardour to further heights. Their mutual trust and love realised an awareness of each other that transcended the physical plane, yet kindled a tangible fire in their veins, effectively scorching away all anxiety, trepidation, and doubt, transforming it into pure ecstasy, and freedom, as it melted two souls blissfully into one.
This heat and flame, wondrous and beautiful in its construction and completely opposite to destructive fire, raged unchecked between them in timeless and sensual abandon as their bodies and souls joined, a consummation of a myriad thoughts and dreams, past and future, molten in the present. Linked to the earth by their physical expression, worshipfully kissing and caressing each other, yet taking flight in another dimension, they soared together where all rational thoughts were blown away weightlessly like ashes on the wind.