“While we were there I realized I could hear his voice in my mind, and we began communicating.”
"Oh, you sneaky little…" Lia trailed off narrowing her eyes at me, and I repressed a smile. "So all the times I thought you were just in one of your monologue sessions, you were talking to Cyn?"
I grinned unable to help it. “You said nothing about not talking to him.”
"Oh, you are in so much trouble, miss."
The others chuckled.
"Ready for the offerings to be given?" Seima asked excitedly, moving on from the conversation.
"Yes! Let's give her the gifts, but you go last, Seima because yours is the most important." Lia answered and guided everyone to sit on the cushions she had arranged in a circle over the floor. The center had modern wrapped gifts, and also some old-fashioned ones too.
Eghan held my hand and guided me to the top of the circle. He was such a sweet man; I kind of had a crush on him. Lia invited him tonight since they became good friends. He was glued to her side almost every day. Ronan also treated Lia in such a special way, that it made me smile. Most of the Warriors loved her, and she was forming a beautiful friendship with Eisha and Seima.
The rest of the women Warriors mostly kept to themselves. Half of them seemed to be a bit intimidated by us, and the other half just appeared to follow some sort of ancient protocol I wasn't yet used to, and hoped to break soon. I've never been one for politics, and I didn't want anyone thinking we were out of their reach because of the abilities we were given.
“May I go first?” Eghan said, not really waiting for an answer. Lia smiled at him as he grabbed one of the modestly wrapped packages from the center, and turned to face me. "This one is from Ronan and me. We hope it brings you and Cynwrig many days of joy.”
He placed the gift in my stretched hands, and I carefully unlaced the cord that held the white fabric together. Inside were two smaller packages. As I opened the first one, I saw a ceramic horseshoe lay inside. I held up the ribbon attached to it and picked it up, noticing it hung upright, resembling a "u." It had two small, hand-painted four-leaf clovers on each side, and our names in the center at the bottom.
"It's for luck," Eghan said, calling my gaze to his. "It is a tradition for the bride to carry it down the aisle during the Handfasting Ceremony. Once it is over, the groom must hang it over the door of your new home. It will keep the luck of your home and family intact."
I grinned; it was such a beautiful sentiment. “Thank you, Eghan.” I kissed his cheek.
“That one is from Ronan.” He motioned for the second package that lay in my lap. I had almost forgotten about it.
Chuckling, I wrapped the horseshoe again and reached for the next gift, opening it. It was a small, white ceramic bell.
“A Make-Up Bell!" Seima said endearingly, and I frowned. “All newlywed couples must receive a Make-Up Bell as a gift." She explained. "You must place it in an important part of your home. When a disagreement occurs between you and your husband, one of you can ring the bell to declare a truce without having to admit fault. The bell chime is supposed to remind the married couple of their wedding vows, and urge them to kiss and make up." She finished holding her hands over her heart as she smiled. Her eyes sparkled.
"Awe," I whispered, looking at the small bell again. It was such a cute tradition. Placing it down, I looked at Eghan and hugged him. "Thank you. These are beautiful."
"Okay, time for my gift," Lia said, reaching for a silver bag, which had all kinds of sparkles and swirly ribbons on it. The curls bounced as she handed it to me.
Reaching into the bag, I pulled out three separate, tissue covered packages. A fancy label held the paper together; it read "La Perla." The second I opened it, my cheeks warmed profusely. I picked up the bundle of lace, silk, and straps between my fingers and lifted it, trying to make sense of it.
"Oh, please. It’s lingerie, not a dead animal." Lia complained and took it from my hands.
She opened the other two packages uncovering a garter and what should be a bra, but I wasn't sure it had enough material to qualify. She stood and arranged it over her clothes to show me how it should look. White thigh-high, laced stockings completed the look. My eyes widened as she smiled.
"Sexy right? This is going to make that Druid lose his marbels."
I couldn't deny her statement. The matching set was beautiful and very elegant, but it was tiny and see-through. I looked around noticing Eisha and Seima's fascinated gaze. When I looked at Eghan, I almost laughed. His cheeks were as red as mine, and he looked a tad uncomfortable, intrigued, and even excited all at once.
"You want to try it on?" Lia asked him with a wink, and he gasped. We lost it. Laughs erupted from everyone in the room including Eghan.
"We need more liquor," He said still chuckling and stood, reaching for the mead as Lia placed the unmentionables back in the paper.
As Eghan replenished everyone's drink, Eisha leaned closer. "My turn," she said, handing me a small, square package wrapped similarly to Eghan's gifts. She sat to my right, anxiously waiting for me to open it.
Smiling, I pulled on the light blue ribbon that held the fabric, and stared at the contents in awe. Inside lay a delicate, white embroidered handkerchief, which seemed as old as they were, although it had been very well preserved. It was linen, square and relatively big. There was lace detail on the edges and the center of it, and long ribbons—similar to the one on the package—hung from two of the corners. When my eyes met Eisha's again, I saw there were unshed tears in her eyes. The embroidery formed an ornate "B."
“It is called a Magic Handkerchief," Eisha offered. "It is tradition, that the bride will carry it during the Handfasting Ceremony. It is to be retained by the couple, and later used as a bonnet for their first child during the Naming Ceremony, which is performed shortly after the baby is born."
It was a beautiful and meaningful gift, but I still didn't understand her tears.
Eisha smiled at me as the first tear fell from her eyes. "The hanky is passed on from generation to generation, so it shall be re-used in the same manner. This one belonged to Cyn's mother." I gasped, my gaze falling on the delicate piece of linen I held in my hands. My eyes teared up as Eisha continued. "Mother kept it safe after Cyn and Art's parents passed away. I kept it safe after she died. Now it is yours."
The tears fell from my eyes as I threw my arms around her and hugged her tightly. When I leaned back, everyone was crying.
"I was not certain I would ever get the chance to pass it onto his bride, and now that it has finally happened, I am honored it is you."
"Crap. Stop it!" Lia whined, wiping her face, and we all chuckled, drying our cheeks as well.
Seima stood. "It is my turn now, but you must close your eyes before I can bring it."
Eisha took the handkerchief from my hand, helping me to safely put it away.
It was only then I noticed there were no more packages left in the center of the floor. I stood, guided by Eghan's hand on my arm and chuckled when his hands covered my eyes. The second he did, I felt the change in the air around us. A portal opened. Everyone remained silent as it closed once again.
“All right. You may look now.”
Eghan's hands fell from my eyes, and I gasped. Seima stood before me, her arm raised as she held the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. It was the perfect mix of ancient Celtic and modern. The gown was white in a slightly fitted silhouette, with a boat neckline on top, and a loose mermaid skirt. Yet it wasn't its form that caught my attention. It was the embroidery. I unconsciously stepped forward as my gaze fell on the silver flowers. Roses. Fully bloomed roses were stitched along the border of the neckline. Its detail so stunning and real it resembled a necklace. The Triquetra symbol was embroidered in between each rose, in a repetitive pattern from shoulder to shoulder.
The roses reappeared at the waist, in what looked like a delicate belt, stitched on the front. My fingertips gently caressed the flowers, and another gasp left me.
My eyes flew to Seima’s to find her lips stretched wide in a brilliant smile. As I touched the thread again, it shimmered. The magic flowed through the gray fibers alive and pulsing.
“Magical silver thread, from the Fairies.” She said, answering my silent question.
I remembered Seima telling me once, that her mother made a dress for the Fae Queen with magical silver thread. I wondered if it had been for the Summer Queen.
“But how?”
Her cheeks lightly blushed. "I asked Prince Ash if he could help me obtain some for your dress, and he brought it to me. Only the best would do for your High Priestess' robes."
The mentioned of Ash was erased from my mind at her words. “High Priestess’ robes?”
She nodded. “This is the dress you shall wear as our High Priestess. And also, your wedding dress.”
I cupped my mouth as my eyes teared up. I planned to use one of the white lace dresses I had. It was a Boho dress, too casual for a wedding but I loved. It was pretty, and it would do the job. I'd never imagine I would wear anything this stunning and fancy for my wedding day, or for the rest of my life. My eyes moved to the fabric Eisha held on her arm. It seemed like it was a wrap adorned with the same details from the dress, but it was long and fell to the floor almost like a cloak.
“God, that is gorgeous. I’m turning green over here. I wish I could wear my wedding dress every day. I swear I would go to the grocery store in it,” Lia said, causing everyone to chuckle.
"I don't know what to say." My gaze returned to Seima as fresh tears fell from my eyes. Eisha gently took the dress as I hugged Seima, tightly. "This is the most striking dress I've ever seen. It will be an honor to wear it from this day on."
She smiled crying too and hugged me again. When my eyes returned to the dress, I realized why the neckline embroidery seemed like a necklace. The magic sparkled moving throughout the roses over and over again. It was captivating.
“I made Cyn a matching High Priest robe. I gave it to him this morning.”
"Thank you," I whispered wiping my cheeks yet again. I was surrounded by the most amazing people I could have ever hoped to find.
My new family.
“Okay. We need more mead,” Lia said raising her empty cup. “It’s time for Eghan to strip!”
* * *
It was barely past midnight, and we were officially drunk. We all sat on the bed laughing, while Eghan slept shirtless—thanks to Lia's shenanigans—with his head rested in her lap. Her fingers idly stroked his hair.
"We are lucky you did not ask him to remove his pants. I have no doubt he would do anything for you." Eisha said, nodding towards Eghan, and we chuckled. Lia had compromised on him not stripping, by asking him to remove his shirt so that we could at least ogle his abs. “He is so taken with you. Ronan too.” Eisha added. “I’ve never seen them behave like this with anyone.”
Lia smiled tenderly as she caressed his head. "Yeah, I adore them too. They've been there for me since I came here. Through everything, I have endured. I wouldn't be sane if it weren't for him and Ronan."
"And Art," Eisha said, with a knowing smile. "He is an amazing man. I'm glad he found you. You two are perfect for each other."
“Thank you,” Lia replied, seeming a bit uncomfortable.
Eisha and Seima exchanged a brief glance and Seima placed her hand over Lia’s. “You should not concern yourself with what one day was. We are both truly happy for you and Art. We have never seen him rejoice in his life this way. You are meant for each other.”
"I found who I was destined to be with, and I regret nothing from the path that took me to him," Eisha added. "Everything I went through was meant for me to realize who my heart belonged to, and I have accepted that. So has Art."
My gaze went to Lia, and I offered her a small smile. During the past few days, she had told me everything that had happened between all of them. Eisha and Seima's statement only confirmed the kind of women they were, kind and honest to the bone, but above all real friends.
Lia nodded as a tear escaped her, and I was relieved for her. I knew how much it weighed on her that she was happy with Art after Seima had been with him for so long. She felt responsible for her loneliness, but Seima's journey was one that only she could walk.
“Are you happy?” Lia asked, looking at Eisha. “With him…”
Eisha took a deep breath and a genuine smile curved her lips. “I am. Like I never thought I could be… I love Kevan. He is not the same ma…”
"I know," Lia interrupted. "I saw it the other night when we went to his hut." Lia's gaze connected with mine for a sec before she looked into Eisha's eyes. "I know he's not the same man because I can see Auras. I'm a Fiosaiche Fàil.”
“A Seer of Destinies…” Eisha whispered and threw her arms around Lia. "Thank you, Mother Goddess for this gift."
Eghan woke up from the movement and sat up yawning, while Seima clapped excitedly. Her body lightly jumped on the bed.
"She's fierce," Eghan said yawning again, then chuckled when everyone's gaze went to him.
“You knew?” I asked shocked. I didn’t think she had told anyone other than Cyn, Art and I. Seima only knew because it was thanks to her that we had discovered it.
"Yeah, I told him and Ronan after Cyn unlocked my powers."
I smiled. It was like all pieces of the puzzle were falling into place.
"What did you see?" Eisha asked sheepishly, finally leaning away.
After letting out a loud sigh, Lia looked at her. "His Aura is clean and so pure. He is a good person, noble and willing to do anything to help those around him."
Eisha's lips stretched wide in a satisfied smile. "Yes, he is." She reached for Lia's hand, her eyes begging. "I know it is not my place, but I thought you should know that what he allowed those men to put you through, is a constant torment he cannot escape without your aid. Do you think one day you could forgive him?"
Lia's gaze went to Eghan, and he nodded reassuringly, he placed his arm around her for extra support. Her gaze fell on mine, and my chest tightened. I couldn't describe what I felt when I saw Felix again and we spoke, but he was a new man. Kevan. My heart had known that and begged me to forgive him. So I had. Still, I couldn't pretend to understand what Lia's struggle had been. Only she could decide whether she was ready or not. I offered her an encouraging smile since it was all I could do for her.
When her gaze returned to Eisha, she straightened. “The truth is… I already have. The man who hurt me doesn’t exist anymore, and I don’t want to hold on to that hurt.”
Eisha once again hugged her, this time with such emotion that it filtered through all of us. Glossy eyes surrounded them. “Thank you. Will you please tell him?”
Lia took a heavy breath. “I need time.”
Eisha nodded and leaned back. “Of course.”
"Now we just need to find Seima a honey bunny to hug each night," Eghan added and we all chuckled. His attempt at lightening the mood was successful, except now everyone was staring expectantly at Seima.
"I much rather be left out of the conversation, if you will." Seima frowned.
Lia smiled and held her hand. “Sweetie, we all want you to be happy. You deserve that and more. Besides, we still have a full catalog of available Warriors in the village so let’s do this. Tell us what kind of man you like so we can order him up for you, free shipping and all.”
Lia and I laughed while Eghan and Eisha chuckled. Seima just looked at us with wide eyes. “She’s never going to let this go. You might as well answer her,” I said, taking another sip of mead.
"Seriously, sweetie. We are friends now. All of us, and this is what girlfriends do. We share our happiness, our sadness, our heartbreaks and especially our man crush. If there is anyone in the village, you like or love, we should know. First, because we need to check him out and make sure he's a hottie with a good set of abs, and second because we need to make sure he's a good man and will treat you
well. You know, we girlfriends look out for each other."
Seima briefly smiled looking at all of us. But it soon disappeared, her gaze dropped to her hands as tears gathered in her eyes. "It does not matter who I love. I cannot be with him." We all exchanged a confused and worried glance. She looked up again. "The one thing he wants, I cannot offer him. A family. I am barren. I was told early on by the Mòr Sagart that I could not bear children. I am not complete as a woman, and he would never want me this way. It is best if he never knows.”
"I'm so sorry, Seima." I reached for her hand just as Eisha did, and we both held it tightly, trying to give her strength. I had never really thought about children before, but now that I had Cyn, I would be devastated if I found out I would never be a mother.
Lia hugged Seima as the tears escaped her. “Sweetie, you can’t speak for him. Love is powerful. He might not care. Are you really willing to renounce happiness for a what if?”
Seima pulled out of the hug and wiped her face. “I have known him for far too long. I am certain. He will not want me. I am broken.”
“Who is he? The man you secretly love?” Eisha asked softly.
Wiping yet another tear, Seima offered us a weak smile. “The only one my heart has ever longed for. The one I will love until the day I leave this earth… Cathair Ahearn.”
LIA
* * *
“Holy flying Chihuahuas!”
Destiny had a weird ass sense of humor, and I wasn't amused.
“Shit, shit, shit!”
My hand lifted and banged on Cyn's door—a little too loudly. I'd waited for everyone to leave before I snuck out and rushed over to his hut. Brina was already asleep. My heart pounded in my chest, but I had this sense of purpose rushing through me. The second Art opened the door, I pulled him by the arm and dragged him out.
"Easy, you are going to wake up Cyn, and he's getting married tomorrow. He needs his beauty sleep." He said amused, closing the door behind him. "I know you miss me, A chuisle, but try to control yourself.” I rolled my eyes as he smirked. His arms wrapped around me and his head tilted as he leaned in to kiss me. I slapped my hand over his mouth, stopping him.
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