Rain Glade

by Carroll, John H.

  Verna frowned. “Do you think he was telling the truth?”

  “Yes, of course.” Rain shrugged. “Most of the men in the village call me stupid and worthless. His sergeant is a soldier for Lord Greffen and will probably consider me a starved rat. I don’t even know why Jacob likes me. He would never marry someone as worthless as me.”

  Verna lifted her hand. It twitched before coming forward and caressing Rain’s cheek. “I don’t know whether I should slap every man in the village or slap you for believing their lies.” She stood and stretched to her toes. “The next time you call yourself worthless, I will slap you, even if it makes you cry. Do I make myself clear, Rain?”

  Rain stared at her, wide-eyed. “Yes, Verna. I won’t say that anymore.”

  “Good. Now, when’s the last time you ate?”

  “Tonia let me make an egg yesterday for lunch.”

  Verna’s eyes narrowed again. “You shall help me make a soup. I have wild carrots, tomatoes, tubers, mushrooms and some other ingredients along with some pleasant spices. And you’ll sleep here tonight so that I can look after you.”

  ***

  The next morning, Rain was doing better. She said goodbye and headed to Ulga’s house to help with the planting. In addition to feeding Rain breakfast and lunch, Ulga gave her some food for dinner.

  The next day, clouds dotted the sky and a gentle breeze kept the air cool. Rain began working on her own garden. Seeds were one of the things she earned while helping others and she had a good variety that would get her through the winter if the taxman didn’t take too much. When her father began to move around inside the house, she dropped the hoe and headed to bathe in the pool.

  She slipped in, the cold water cleansing the sweat off her skin. Rain luxuriated in the sensation before washing her dress. When it was clean, she set it to dry on a rock and slipped back in to work on her hair.

  Jacob’s resonant voice rose above the sounds of the forest. “That bruise looks like it’s starting to heal.”

  Rain froze and then slowly turned around. “Is there a reason you keep sneaking up on me when I bathe?”

  He had the good grace to blush. “We just got into the village and I came right away to see if you were here.”

  “And how long have you been watching me?”

  “You were washing your dress. I thought about saying something, but you’re just so pretty I couldn’t work up the courage.” He ran a hand through his hair, but didn’t stop staring at her.

  “I’m not pretty.” Rain didn’t know why he kept insisting she was.

  “Yes you are. Do you want to go to your glade again?” He walked over to the rock by the falls and sat down.

  “As soon as I finish scrubbing my hair. Do you intend to watch me bathe again?”

  “Yes.” Jacob’s face reddened, but he kept staring. “I don’t think I can stop.”

  Rain’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you always this bold?”

  “No. I’ve never watched a girl bathe.” He fidgeted with the buckles on his jacket. “I just can’t stop staring at you. Your hair glistens in the sunlight. The water dances on your skin. Your eyes are like the pond you’re bathing in and I want to swim in them.” Jacob took a deep breath. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.”

  His words overwhelmed Rain and she couldn’t think of a response, so she continued to wash her hair. In her own boldness, she didn’t turn her back to him or try to hide from his gaze.

  When she was done, she stepped out of the pool and wiped the extra water off her skin. Jacob grabbed her dress and put it over his shoulder. She took a step back when he moved to her side.

  “I’m not going to hurt you.” His voice was soft and filled with concern.

  Rain gasped as he touched the bruise. It didn’t hurt much, but his hand sent a thrill through her body. As he moved his hand over her stomach, goosebumps jumped out all over her skin.

  “I think it will heal, but I’ve been worried about you.” He looked into her eyes.

  Rain understood what he meant about wanting to swim in her eyes, because she wanted to do the same in his. They were a brilliant pink, with light-red facets running throughout. She grabbed her dress off his shoulder and put it on, moving his hand from her waist when he didn’t.

  Then she collected her pouch and pulled her brush out of it. “You said you wanted to go to the glade, so let’s go.” She scurried up the rocks. At the top, she walked along the creek without looking back to see if he was following. Rain brushed her hair as she thought about the feel of his hand on her side.

  Jacob caught up quickly. “You’re definitely feeling better. You could barely climb those rocks the other day.”

  Rain shrugged. Twinges of pain had shot through her gut when she climbed them, but they didn’t matter right then, so she hid the fact.

  “I’m still worried about you. That’s a nasty bruise.” He gently rubbed small of her back as they walked.

  The touch sent another thrill through her that she didn’t understand, but she tried her best to ignore it. “Verna says nothing inside is damaged and I’ll be fine.”

  “Oh, good.” Genuine relief crossed his face.

  Rain finished brushing her hair and returned the brush to her pouch. She took Jacob’s hand and looked up at him with a smile. The broadest smile Rain had ever seen lit his face in response.

  “I’ve been thinking about you all the time too,” Rain admitted as they walked. “You keep saying nice things to me and I’ve never heard them before.” She frowned. “I still don’t think I’m pretty . . . but I like it when you say I am.”

  “You’re the prettiest woman I’ve met in my life whether you believe it or not. I’m glad you were here today.”

  “I wasn’t sure if you would ever come back.” Rain stepped around a rock, holding onto Jacob’s arm to steady herself.

  “I was going to come back even if I had to sneak away. Seyten is a day’s journey, but I would have done it just to steal a kiss from you.” Jacob kissed her hand.

  Rain blushed again. “So you snuck away?”

  “No, Sarge likes a girl at the inn. I think she’s the tanner’s daughter?”

  “Oh, that would be Ella. She waits tables for the mayor.” Rain didn’t like her at all. Ella had spit on her the last time they saw each other.

  “Yeah. That’s her. Sarge likes her, so he’s decided we have to come down here whenever possible. It’s just me and him this time.” Jacob grinned. “He’s agreed to bring me with every time.”

  The news excited Rain. “And does Lord Greffen allow you to visit so often?”

  “He doesn’t pay attention to his guards. The captain does that and he doesn’t care what we do.”

  “How odd.” It didn’t make sense to Rain. “I would think Lord Greffen would know what’s going on with his people.”

  Jacob looked away. “Both he and the captain spend a lot of time drinking and talking about how things used to be. They don’t pay attention to much of anything.”

  “I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t like people drinking,” Rain said with a shake of her head. “It makes men stop working or caring about anything.”

  “There’s some truth to that.” Jacob helped her over another rock.

  “Do you drink spirits or wine?” Rain hoped not.

  He made a face. “I can’t stand the taste, especially mead. You’d think something made with honey would taste better.”

  “I’ve never tasted it or anything like that. Verna makes raspberry juice that tastes better than anything in the world. She chills it in the creek by her house.” Rain couldn’t wait until raspberries were ripe so she could taste it again.

  “You talk about Verna a lot. What about your ma?”

  Rain looked away. “She died five winters ago. One morning she just didn’t wake up. My father buried her behind the house.” Rain missed her mother intensely.

  “I’m so sorry, Rain.” Jacob stopped and put his arms around her. />
  Rain kept her arms at her side. She liked Jacob but didn’t yet trust him enough to allow her vulnerability to show. Jacob seemed to sense this. After a moment, he stepped back and held out his hand. She took it and they resumed walking.

  It was drizzling by the time they reached the glade, so they dashed through the tunnel. Once again, they stopped and looked around in awe. Tiny raindrops cascading over countless leaves created a musical effect that danced within their ears. Rain couldn’t help but run to the middle and spin with her face up to the sky and her arms spread out. She stopped when she that Jacob was staring at her.

  He blushed and then joined her in spinning with his arms out.

  They spun and laughed until they fell down next to each other in dizziness. Rain watched the droplets falling from the sky and thrilled in the moment.

  Jacob rolled over above Rain and rested his elbows on either side of her, covering her from the drizzle. He stared into her eyes as his weight pressed down on her. “You’re beautiful.”

  Rain didn’t believe him, but liked the way he said it. She wiped the moisture from her face and stretched her arms on the ground above her head. Every nerve in her body tingled and her breathing was shallow from being so vulnerable to the young soldier. He moved in slowly for a kiss. She tensed nervously, but wanted to know what it would feel like again.

  His warm lips against hers made it impossible to focus on any one thing. The heat of his skin warmed her, the grass underneath her was wet, her leg bent in response to the kiss. None of it made sense.

  When he lifted his head, Rain was panting. She stared at his face, his eyes, his mouth, his questioning expression. She wanted to tell him that she liked it, but no longer remembered how to speak.

  He came down for another kiss. Rain decided to kiss him back. The sensation amplified and she lifted an arm around his neck. His weight pressed pleasurably against her chest.

  When he lifted his head again, she was even more out of breath. Rain began to get anxious. She moved her hand from around his neck to his chest and pushed. When Jacob sat up, Rain rolled over and got to her feet, confused by the sensations.

  “I know my actions are bold, but I like you, Rain.” Jacob stood. “Please don’t be mad at me.”

  “I’m not mad.” Rain stared at him for a moment, taking in his red leathers that complemented his eyes. His black hair, his strong face. Rain decided he was the most handsome man she had ever met, and the nicest too. “I like you too, Jacob. You make me feel safe and scared all at the same time. I like it when you kiss me. In fact . . .”

  Rain gathered up her courage and decided it was her turn to be bold. She walked slowly forward and put her hands on his chest. From there, she wrapped them around his neck and tilted her head upward for another kiss.

  He responded even more passionately than before, kissing her and wrapping his arms around her.

  ***

  They lay in the grass, sheltered by the magnificent trees and cleansed by the light shower from above. Rain lay atop his warm body, running her fingers along his naked chest. She thrilled in the way his skin felt against hers. The experience of making love had been as magical as the glade they lay in.

  “Rain Glade,” Jacob said, his voice rumbling beneath her. “It is raining upon Rain in Rain Glade.”

  Rain giggled. “You’re being silly.”

  “Why did your parents name you Rain?”

  She propped her chin on her arms and smiled at him. “You are very comfortable to lie on, you know.”

  Jacob grinned. “And you make for a warm blanket. Why did your parents name you Rain?”

  Rain stopped smiling. “My mother named me Rain because she said it hid her tears.”

  Jacob’s eyebrows furrowed. “That’s odd.”

  “She used to cry a lot. I think she liked crying. I never understood it though.” Rain got up and walked over to the creek to splash water on her face.

  Jacob followed her. “Was she sad?”

  “I think so. My father was never there, and when he was, he was drunk. She cried whenever he left.” Rain stood and folded her arms, feeling vulnerable.

  Jacob wrapped his around her, his warmth against the skin of her back. “I’m sorry about your mother. I like your name though . . . and your glade. Rain Glade.”

  Rain giggled, relaxing some. She relaxed even more when he kissed her neck and began moving his hands over her body.

  ***

  “It’s time to wake up, Rain.”

  Rain lifted her head and rubbed her eyes. Looking around, she saw they were between the roots of the tree. Jacob had covered her with his jacket and held her in his arms throughout the night. Once again, the morning mist had settled in.

  “I want to stay with you permanently, but I’m not allowed to leave our lord’s service for five years on penalty of death. I don’t rank high enough to have you move into the castle either.” Jacob ran his fingers up and down the skin of her back.

  Rain looked up into his eyes. “Have you been thinking about this all night?”

  “I slept a little. Mostly I’ve . . . I’ve been holding you and touching you. I can’t believe you’re in my arms.”

  She leaned her head against his chest. “I can’t believe it either. There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

  “Oh?” The worry in his voice was palpable.

  “I think you’re handsome.”

  “Oh!” He laughed. “I was worried it was something bad.”

  “No. It’s just that you keep telling me I’m pretty, but I haven’t told you anything nice in return.” Rain kissed his chest. “You really are handsome.”

  He squeezed her and kissed her damp hair. “And you really are beautiful. And wet. I swear this mist clings to everything. I’ve never wanted a warm fire and dry room so much in my life.”

  Rain laughed and got up. Her dress was draped across a root and she put it on, struggling a little bit because of the dampness. She watched as Jacob put on his uniform and sword belt. Then they made their way through the tunnel and back along the creek.

  When they reached the pool, Jacob kissed her again. It lasted for much longer than their first kiss.

  Rain watched him make his way along the creek to the village. Then she jumped in the pool, dunked her head and screamed in delight at the top of her lungs, letting the water muffle the sound.

  The mist cleared by the time she finished bathing. Rain set her dress on the rock to dry and then she lay in the grass, stared at the fluffy clouds in the sky and thought about Jacob.

  ***

  When she awoke, it was noon and her stomach was growling in hunger. Looking down, she saw the bruising was fading, though it still looked ugly. She got up, slid her dress back on and then made her way to the path.

  Before long, she reached Verna’s house. The pixie-faced Druid came dancing out of the door, twirling in a lavender dress that highlighted her eyes. “My best friend Rain! How lovely to see you.” She grabbed Rain’s hands and caught her up in the dance, accompanied by the delightful music of the wind chimes.

  They stopped to catch their breath after a while, both smiling and laughing. Rain realized she was happier than she had ever been in her life, happier than she thought it was possible for a person to be.

  “So what brings you here today, my friend?” Verna led her toward the house.

  “I was hoping for something to eat,” Rain said in a small voice. She avoided asking whenever possible, preferring to work for it instead.

  “But of course! I have honey to spread on nut bread I made today and then I’m going to roast some mushrooms over the fire in a little while. Join me for both.” Verna led Rain into the house and set her at the table. Then she proceeded to slice the bread and spread honey on it.

  As Rain chewed, Verna sat and studied her. “You never have to ask me for food. You are more than welcome to come into my home and eat whenever you are hungry. I’ve told you this before and I’m telling you again.” She leaned for
ward. “Do you understand?”

  Rain looked down at the bread in her hands and nodded.

  Verna crooked a finger under Rain’s chin, forcing her to look the Druid in the eyes. “Do you understand me, Rain?”

  “Yes, Verna.” Rain took another bite of the bread.

  Verna sat back and spread honey on two more pieces, putting them on Rain’s plate. “So how have you been? Were you able to work on your garden like you wanted?”

  Rain finished chewing the bite in her mouth. “I did some work, but then Jacob came.”

  Verna’s head whipped around from the bread she was slicing for herself. “Oh? Do tell.” She narrowed her eyes. “He didn’t hurt you? . . .”

  “No! He was perfect. He called me pretty again.” Rain used her hand to fan her face, which was suddenly hot.

  “Interesting. He’s right about you being pretty, but I’m naturally suspicious.” Verna took a bite of her bread.

  “He was wonderful to me. We went to the glade and we . . .” Rain felt her face heat even more. She refused to look Verna in the eyes.

  “Did you share yourself with him?” Verna’s voice was gentle as she put a hand on Rain’s knee.

  Rain looked up at her. “Yes. It was wonderful. We spent the night together in the glade again.” She chewed nervously on her lower lip. “Are you disappointed in me?”

  Verna sat back in surprise. “Not at all! I’m thrilled that it was wonderful for you. For many women it isn’t.” She stood and moved to the firepit, grabbing a pot of water along the way. “I’m going to make you some tea, and you must drink it.”

  “I’d love some tea, especially if you have more honey, but why must I drink it?” Rain tilted her head in confusion.

  “I’m adding some special ingredients that will prevent you from becoming pregnant.” Verna smiled over her shoulder. “You do a good job of caring for yourself, but it’s just not time for you to have a child, especially not with a soldier, at least not until he’s able to help care for you.”