“Yes, thank you.” He smiled, lowering Malkia to the floor. “Now, you go and assist Osmara. I know how you love to see the jaenitu pups. If you behave well, I’ll have something special for you.”
“For me?”
“Just for you, Malkia. Go now and mind Osmara. I’ll pick you up for morning meal, all right?”
“Yes, Father,” she said, taking Osmara’s hand.
Hosdaq watched them depart and then turned toward Wosen’s chamber. If you’ve done what I believe, my son, you’ve made a grave mistake.
Bonding of the Promised
It was a beautifully clear morning. The torch of a new morn casting its rays on the dewy ground, which immediately submitted to its command. Brilliant hues of purples, pinks, and golds glistened in response to their great master. Even with the cool of winter looming, the fiery light in the east carried warmth. A gentle breeze blew, tossing the fallen leaves around. They appeared to dance in the sky with beautiful precision in appreciation of the defeated darkness. Brahanu enjoyed the magnificent scene from her window, smiling at the natural display.
Her stomach was turning over itself as she contemplated the events of the day. Soon she’d be wed to Itai. She’d move from her father’s home to that of her husband. My husband, she thought, her eyes closing.
“Brahanu, are you all right? I heard you stir a while ago. Have you been awake all this time?” Ameya yawned.
“Don’t worry about me, little dove. The excitement of this day has stolen my sleep from me. Well, that and the butterflies in my stomach.” Brahanu smiled, tickling her sister’s belly.
“Brahanu, do you have to leave?”
“This is expected when one is wed. I’ll miss being with you, but I’ll not be far. Itai has built a home for us in the north near the wood. I’ll see you all the time, and expect you to come and visit, too. This has been my only home, and it’s difficult to leave it.” Brahanu poked Ameya’s belly. “And to leave you.”
Ameya threw her arms around her, burying her head in her chest. Through muffled cries, she pleaded with her not to leave. Brahanu gently moved her back, wiping her tears away.
“Little dove, please don’t cry. This is a joyous day,” Brahanu said, unclasping her necklace.
“Wear this always. Mother gave it to me when I was younger than you. It belonged to grandmother. Whenever you miss me, hold this close to you. I’ve worn it over my heart, and surely some of my love has passed to it.”
Ameya smiled, admiring the necklace. Brahanu was glad to have made her feel a little better, but she also felt the pain of the coming separation.
“Now, Almaz has prepared some honey cakes this morning. If memory serves, those are your favorite, too?”
“They are my favorite.”
“Well, if I were you, I’d hurry to the kitchen before your brother eats them all.”
Ameya giggled, running from the room. When she had gone, Brahanu sat near the hearth, wondering about her life with Itai. None of the love she held for him had faded; in truth, it had grown. Even with that love, she still dreamt of Pentanimir: his handsome face, his pale eyes, his lips, and how he felt inside of her. She longed to have him be part of her again. But it was more than his appearance or the pleasure that they shared. Pentanimir was an incredible lover, but the satisfaction she felt becoming one with him was more than physical. Every part of her seemed alive and complete when they were one.
A soft sigh escaped her lips, reminiscing on their time together. Brahanu’s eyes closed as she leaned against the plush cushions. She could almost feel his strong hands gliding over each part of her.
“No,” Brahanu said as her eyes snapped open.
“Are you speaking to me?” A voice chimed from behind her.
“No…no, Mother. I was speaking to myself.”
“What would you have to deny yourself of this day?”
“It’s...I’m...I just don’t know about what’s to come. I’m thinking of leaving home and...and becoming a wife.”
Amani nodded, understanding as only a mother could. Grabbing the brush from the table, she stood behind Brahanu.
“Your hair always gets so tangled when you sleep,” Amani said, brushing her daughter’s long, raven coils until the shine returned. “I remember when you were just a little girl, and I’d brush your hair. Whenever you were scared or needed to talk, we’d sit near the hearth, and I’d brush your hair. It always seemed to calm you. Do you remember?”
She smiled, enjoying the sensation and the memory. “I do, Mother.”
“Well, I’ll tell you now just as I did then: you have nothing to fear. I was also afraid to leave my father’s home. Unlike you, I didn’t know much about Hacom before we wed. Our fathers made the arrangement. We didn’t ask for it, as Itai has for you. At that time, our families needed each other. You’re truly fortunate to have found someone who loves you like Itai. It was harder for your father and me, but we did eventually fall in love. Know that you’re blessed, and this is a blessing,” Amani said. “Are you worried about tonight as well, completing your bond?”
Brahanu nodded.
“This is also expected. I’ll tell you true, there might be some discomfort. If Itai is gentle, patient, and of normal size, the pleasure could overtake it.”
Brahanu thought of the outline she saw in his trousers, smiling at the thought. Although she’d only seen one other man, Itai was much larger by comparison. Even with Pentanimir’s reach, it wasn’t pain she remembered, only pleasure.
“Were you afraid, too, Mother, of Father?” Brahanu asked, hesitantly.
“We all fear the unknown. My mother was up half the night with me before I was wed,” Amani giggled. “I had only met your father two or three times before our wedding. The meetings were never for very long, and Mother wasn’t at all comforting regarding this matter. ‘It’s your duty,’ was how it was explained to me. To be a wife meant bearing children. To do so, this task had to be completed. My mother treated making love as if it was my duty to please your father and receive no pleasure of my own. Your grandmother said my pleasure would come while rearing the children he sired.” Amani shook her head. “You see, she had never met my father before they wed. Apparently, her bond night was hurried and painful. It seemed more an onus than an act of love. I fared better with your father, and I think you’ll fare best of all.”
“Yes, Itai is most patient and loving. I just hope to make him happy.”
Amani looked at Brahanu, reading more in her expression than her words conveyed. “Brahanu, what’s wrong. Your face betrays your thoughts. You do still love Itai, don’t you?”
“I’m more in love with him now than ever I have been. With all that’s happened, I must question why I needed to wait.”
Amani smiled, brushing her hair again.
“You’re a woman grown, eight and ten now. Posing such a question just shows that you’re truly ready. I’ve no doubt in your future happiness.”
“Pardons,” Almaz said. “The bath is ready.”
“Ah, very good,” Amani said. “Did you sprinkle the sandalwood oils and salts in the water?”
“Yes, milady. I have more sandalwood here, and this is the lolo oil for after the bath.”
“Excellent. Please await us there, Almaz.”
“Brahanu, it’s time to begin preparations. I’ll make some tea and meet you in the bath. Your stomach must be giving you trouble to turn down Almaz’s honey cakes.”
Brahanu stood, looking at her reflection in the large mirror. Now the ritual begins. I’m going to wed Itai and begin our life together.
After pulling on her robe, she took a steadying breath, exiting her room.
“Were you stalking me, Brother?” she asked, seeing Julaybeim leaning against the wall in the corridor.
“I wanted to see you before I left. There’s still plenty to do before your ceremony. Father is beside himself trying to prepare.”
“But everything was finalized already. What’s left to prepare?”
“Thank you, Julaybeim. I’m happy, too.”
“Now, dry your eyes before Mother begins to worry.”
“It’ll be you and Nesrine marrying next if her father is receptive.”
“We’ll speak about Nesrine another time,” he blushed. “Today is for only you and Itai. Hurry now, your bath grows cold.”
Brahanu kissed his cheek, hurrying down the corridor with the scent of sandalwood and jasmine filling her nostrils.
“What kept you? The water will grow cold. Come now, immerse yourself completely.”
Amani extended out her hand as she eased into the scented water.
“The bath is wonderful, Almaz, thank you.”
“You must lie here for some time and allow the oils to penetrate.”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Almaz, will you heat more water and have Kailen tend to Ameya? She needs to get ready.”
“Yes, milady.”
“Oh, and no more honey cakes for her either,” Amani shouted after her.
“Mother, mayhaps you should sit and relax. You seem as if it’s your wedding day again.”
Amani chuckled, fussing with the tight hairpins holding her braids in place. “My mother was much the same the day I wed. Now I understand what I put her through.”
“Everything is happening so quickly since my return. I’ve barely had a chance to reclaim my bed, and now I must leave it.”
“Brahanu, it’s past time that you left our home. You’ll become accustomed to living with Itai. After some time, you can take on a helper or two for cooking and cleaning. You’ll surely want to have one before your first babe arrives.”
“Mother, I’m not yet wed, and you speak of babes?”
“Well, it’s been long since I’ve held one in my arms. Ameya is one and ten, you know. Besides, it’ll happen soon after your bonding. The women in our line are very fertile.”
“Yes, but I’d like to spend some time alone with Itai before we have children, just a little time for him and me to discover each other again.”
“I understand, but we have no control over such things. If the gods desire it, it will be,” Amani said, standing and reaching for a jar from the shelf. “Now, sit up so I can drizzle the essence over your hair. You must be covered in it.”
“Milady, Alishna, and Maylone have arrived,” Almaz said through a crack in the door. “I’ve escorted them to the chamber. Should I prepare a tray?”
“Yes, Almaz. Brahanu and I will meet with them shortly. After we’ve finished, please prepare the bath for Ameya. Is Kailen tending her?”
“She’s brushin’ her hair now, milady.”
“Good. When Hacom and Julaybeim return, tell them we’re not to be disturbed.”
“Yes, milady.”
“Come now, Brahanu, your friends are waiting.” Amani held up a large cloth and then wrapped Brahanu’s hair. Once she secured her wrap, they returned to her chamber.
“Brahanu!” Maylone squealed. “We’re so happy for you!”
The three young maids embraced, tittering. As her mother watched, she smiled, remembering her own preparation ceremony.
“I’ll leave you with your attendants. Alishna, Maylone, have you the oils you need?”
“Yes, my lady,” answered Maylone. “Almaz gave us the oils and the silken maiden’s belt.”
“Very good. When Nesrine delivers the gown, Almaz will bring it to you. After Brahanu has been properly anointed, the Tumishi will arrive for her preparation and escort.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
When the door closed, the young maids converged on Brahanu.
“You must tell us how you feel. Is your excitement as great as ours?”
“Of course, her excitement is greater, Maylone. She’s about to be married.”
“Yes, not only wed, but to Itai,” Maylone said with a lustful sigh, positioning both hands over her heart. “Oh, he’s the best match in all the village. Gods, he’s so handsome, and his body! Have you ever seen such muscle?”
Brahanu’s smile took in her entire face. “I’m excited and nervous.”
“More nervous about what’s to come after you’re married, no doubt,” Alishna giggled.
“This, too, gives me pause,” Brahanu said. “Wouldn’t you feel the same in my place?”
“I can’t wait to get married,” Alishna said, unwrapping Brahanu’s hair. “My father’s been speaking with the Caretaker of Noraa, regarding a promise with his eldest, Janshai. We’ll travel there soon for a formal meeting.”
“That would be a wonderful match, Alishna.” Brahanu closed her eyes, enjoying her massage. “I hope you find him handsome and not old and fat.”
The girls laughed again, continuing their preparations.
“Still, I believe you’ll be just as nervous as I am on your wedding day.” Brahanu opened her eyes, leaning forward. “Besides, I have cause to fear. Upon my return to Cazaal, Itai’s excitement couldn’t be hidden beneath his trousers.”
Maylone gasped. “You saw it, Brahanu? What would your mother think?”
“No, I would never. The print of it shone through his trousers. Never could I have imagined such size on a man.”
“I for one understand your apprehension, Brahanu,” Maylone said. “I’m excited to wed, but I do fear, well, becoming intimate. Aschelon asked to escort me to the wedding feast, and my father gave his permission. He’d be a great match, but I’ve heard that he’s very experienced.”
“Aschelon? Itai’s friend?” Brahanu asked.
“Yes, a friend of your brother as well. He’s been trying to get my notice for some time.”
“Oh, Maylone, that would be a good match.” Brahanu smiled. “If your father agrees to the promise, you could marry and stay in the village.”
“Well, he hasn’t requested it yet. I’ve heard that he’s been sneaking around with Nesrine of late. She always sniffs behind anyone who’d offer her a glance. Nothing but a hedgeborn doxy, that one.” She scrunched her face at the thought. “Still, there’re many young maids who would love to have his attention. No one stands an equal to Aschelon except Itai.”
The mention of Nesrine and Aschelon caused Brahanu to think of her brother. She hoped for his sake that Maylone was in error.
Maylone continued massaging Brahanu with the lolo oil as Alishna brushed and scented her hair. She twisted and pinned her thick coils, finishing with a silken purple ribbon.
“Brahanu, who’s tending Itai?” Alishna asked.
“Manto and Aschelon were chosen as his attendants. I wonder what they’re talking about as they prepare him.”
“Mayhaps the same things that we are,” Maylone said. “I’m certain that they’ll include obscenities that we’d never dream.”
As the young maids shared their mirth, Almaz entered the room. “Pardons, miss, I’ve got your gown, and the Tumishi have arrived to complete the preparation ceremony.”
Brahanu took a deep breath and then stood, facing the door, attempting to not only control the tremble in her voice, but her body as well.
“I’m ready, Almaz. Maylone, Alishna, you may take leave. Thank you for serving as my maids.”
Brahanu tautened her stance as much as her weakened knees allowed. She stared through the open door into the dim hallway, hearing the harmonic notes of the kouxian, heralding the Tumishi’s arrival.
As the first shadow cast against the frame, she sucked in a sharp breath, forgetting to release it. The First of the Tumishi entered, her liturgical vestments of amethyst and gold flowing gracefully behind her.
In an ordered precession, they entered, each veiled and adorned with the symbol of the Seven. Brahanu curtsi
ed respectfully as each of the female temple servants approached, taking positions around her. When the final note of the kouxian faded, Brahanu knelt within their circle. The sisters rested their right palm atop Brahanu’s head, and the other over their hearts.
“Daughter of Cazaal and servant of the Seven, is it your desire for us to prepare you for the joining of heart, body, and spirit to that of your promised?” they asked in unison.
“Sisters of the Tumishi, I do so desire this in witness of the Seven,” Brahanu responded.
“Then rise, Brahanu Louvenia Ravenot, and complete that which you’ve chosen. The bonding knot may not be removed by any accept he whom you shall wed.”
Brahanu stood, casting her robe aside. The goose prickles that followed only caused her trembling to increase. Moving in a circle around her, the Tumishi recited prayers for health, happiness, and fertility, as the First sprinkled Brahanu with blessed waters as they passed. When the circle was complete, the Seventh rubbed the oils on her breasts, abdomen, and womanhood.
No other words were spoken as they dressed and adorned Brahanu. After the bonding knot had been tied, they moved away, inclining their heads.
“Brahanu, daughter of Cazaal, your preparation is complete. We leave you now and await to serve escort for the bonding that is to come.”
Brahanu remained bowed until she heard the door close behind them. Her stomach was more upset now than it had been before. Although she was cheerful, she was also trepidatious.
Grabbing up a cloth, she reached beneath her maiden’s veil, drying her eyes. “Forgive me, Pentanimir,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to speak false, but I can’t return to you now. I love Itai and must be true to him. You’ll always have a place in my heart, but Itai is my future, and my love.”
“Brahanu, it’s time, my little dove,” Amani said. “Your father and brother have left for the temple.”
“Is Itai ready?”
“His carriage arrived at the temple not long ago. They’ll keep him chambered until the ceremony begins,” Amani said, extending out her hand. “You’ll leave this home my young daughter, and will return a woman wed.”
The Rise of Nazil Page 29