I looked into his eyes feeling the truth in his words warm my heart. “Thank you.”
“It was not Art.”
“What?”
“I did look for him, but he was not there. Lia was the one to take care of you after I healed you. She cleaned you, washed your hair and changed your clothes. She stayed with you until I could return.”
I stared at him, speechless. His statement completely took me aback. “Does she know?”
“No, a chara. That is not my secret to share. I only asked for her help. I said you were unwell. You fainted and hit your head.”
I nodded, blown away by Lia’s kindness. I had not been much of a friend to her since she arrived at the village. I had barely been present. “Thank you.”
“I would have asked Briana, but the two of you must talk about what happened, and I am aware you need time to come to terms with it first. I will not rush you, Eisha. I can but hope that you shall be ready soon.”
I nodded silently as the guilt from that day returned, how could I face Briana after what I had done? Would she ever be able to forgive me? I was not entirely sure. I finished the tea, placing the cup on the small table. “If you do not mind I will rest a bit more.”
“Of course,” He said, leaning in and kissing my forehead.
I laid down on the bed, giving him my back and placed my head on the soft pillow, disillusionment flowed through me while the portal disappeared behind me.
* * *
The images from my vision, played once and again in front of my eyes as the new day arrived. Each awoke a part of me that had long been asleep and as the feeling engulfed me, the more I wished it were real. Against every ounce of reason, against the part of my heart and soul that still belonged to Gildas, I could not lie to myself. I wanted this love that danced in my future and made me feel as though perhaps this tortured life was worth living.
I pushed the covers off my body and stood. I wanted to prevent the growing need from settling inside me. A run along the Riverbend would do me good. I changed into my running clothes and pulled my hair up with one of the stretchy bands Art had gifted me. My eyes followed the figure that looked back at me through the mirror. Every part of my life was linked to Art's. My clothes, the things I held my hair with, the food that made its way to my kitchen every week. He had always been there. Was it truly possible to eradicate him from my life? Was I strong enough to cut the ties that bonded our lives after learning what we were to each other? After seeing it with my own eyes?
I shook my head, attempting to break the line of thought and stepped out the door.
* * *
The air was crisp and clean as it made its way through my nose, filling my lungs. They expanded fully and constricted as I exhale. My mind felt clear and thoroughly undaunted by my demons. The crunch of the gravel and earth between my feet with each step and the soft melody of the rushing water were my only companions on this run. The sun still rose on the horizon. It lightly shone, creating a glimmer like a haze around me, the water shimmered as its light kissed it, and one could feel the natural magic of this place. It engulfed me, sweeping me away and making me feel loved by our Goddess. I loved being here. I enjoyed running and experiencing nature this way, where it was only one thought, one heartbeat, one existence. I liked the peace and tranquility it offered me, and at this moment I required it the most.
I slowed my progress, approaching the small creek and stepped on the stones making my way to its center. Bending down, I reached for the rushing water and brought it to my mouth taking a small sip of the fresh, cold liquid. A sigh left me as I enjoyed the moment and my wet hand patted my forehead and the back of my neck. If I could please my desires, I would submerge myself in its cold water and spend all day by the stream. Nevertheless, my responsibilities called on me. I required going back to the village and leading the Warrior’s training for the day. The breeze shifted, and I instantly knew a portal had opened nearby. I forced myself to not straighten in reaction to the realization and the noise that followed. I continued to wash my face as though I had not been forewarned of his company and took the opportunity to assess the presence. Whoever he was, he was not a Warrior. The steps were noisy and forced on the gravel ground, which meant he had not mastered our stealth and was not used to the terrain. This alerted me to the fact that he was not one of us. She. I corrected in my mind recognizing the steps were light on the ground. It was a woman. Approximately a hundred and fifteen pounds, I gathered by the pressure her steps put on the rocky earth. This meant she was of a delicate physique or a younger girl not fully developed into a woman. I gauged my surroundings, forming a plan of defense were she to attack. I was in the middle of the creek, poised on a slippery rock. It did not give me much of a safe ground. Standing, I wiped my hands dry on my pants as though I believed I was still alone. I had to get to land again before she reached me. I stepped on the rock before me, and the next one beyond that, going against the stream until I reached the edge and hopped onto the rocky dirt once again. Now I was ready for action. I heard her steps closer as I stretch my arms above my head. By the time she realized I knew of her presence, it was too late. My muscles coiled and sprung as I stroke. I turned swiftly, gripping her left shoulder and turning her body before she had a chance to attack. In the same fluid movement, I jumped, wrapping my legs around hers and hooked my arm around her neck in a chokehold. The momentum brought her forwards, and we fell to the ground. My hold on her unbreakable as I sat on her hips and brought her head up, arching her body backwards.
“Who are you and why have you followed me here?”
I said in her ear as her hands desperately tried to pull my arm from her neck. I eased the pressure so she could speak.
"I asked a question, and I require an answer." My eyes roamed the grounds for others; there was no one to be found. She was in fact alone.
“I do not wish to hurt you.” Her voice whistled as she answered.
I snickered at that. "You would not be successful if you tried." A thought crossed my mind. "Are you with the Brotherhood?"
“No. I would never do that.”
She whispered, and I frowned. There was a hint of sadness in her voice. The next second wetness reached my arm, and I realized she was crying. My frown deepened and released her neck. Kneeling above her, I turned her body and saw the tears falling from her eyes. She looked straight into my eyes, and my heart constricted. Her big, dark green eyes shone from their wetness, although I could see her trying to be strong. I had no explanation for the feeling that settled in me. It broke my heart to see the young girl this way. She regarded me as though I had hurt her. Not in a physical manner. I stood and offered my hand to her. She took it and I pulled her off the ground.
"Why do you cry, young girl? I only applied enough pressure to immobilize you. I did not hurt you."
She shook her head trying to control the tears and wiped her face. Cleaning her wet hands on the black cloak she wore, she fixed her hair and the hood that covered her head then cleared her throat.
“I did not expect for you to attack me.”
Her words were full of emotion, and another tear slipped on her cheek. She removed it and wiped her cheek with the sleeve of her cloak. I crossed my arms, widening my stance. Her show of emotion made me feel uncomfortable.
“You attempted to surprise me and approached me from behind. What had you expected would be the outcome?” She nodded as though admonishing herself. “Why have you followed me here?”
She reached for her neck and pulled a long silver chain from under the cloak. A clan medallion hung from it, similar to ours but forged in a different shape. My eyes widened when I saw the animal engraved on it. A Hummingbird. My mother’s spirit animal was masterfully carved onto the iron. The silhouette of a rose was displayed on its forehead, with the Triquetra on its center.
“I am an Ovate as you are, Eisha. I have come to help.”
ART
I finished placing the plates on the table and covered the iron p
ot on the hearth. It contained the breakfast I had prepared for everyone, so I could keep it warm. Resting my hip on the table, I crossed my arms tightly over my chest, trying to come up with the patience I needed to survive this moment.
"Why do you have to take so long to get ready?" I complained for the tenth time as I waited for Lia to finish getting dressed. "You are not going to a party, Lia. You'll be in the village. We are just going to get Cyn and my little Sis and bring them back here for breakfast, and then you'll probably be watching Warriors train or barging into people's huts unannounced." An evil laugh echoed through the air, and I chuckled.
“Ok, I’m ready.”
She announced stepping out from behind the partition and my eyes widened. I began to shake my head adamantly before she even got to me. She was wearing some kind of overalls. The yellow tone stood out on her tanned skin. I'd say she looked beautiful if it weren't for the fact that she had no shirt underneath, and I could see hot-pink straps under it, and the band on the side. Her bra was showing. Her hair was up in a ponytail exposing her shoulders and skin. My gaze continued down, and I realized the overalls were short, and I could see her beautiful legs. Her thighs were fully exposed.
“Change.”
“What? Why?”
“We have been over this, Lia. You cannot go out like that in that cut off thing you are wearing. Besides, women don’t show her legs here.”
"It's called a romper, and just so you know, they are all the fashion right now." She arched her eyebrow. "You know, Chewie, for a ‘modern druid’ you certainly are antiquated.” She crossed her arms over her chest defiantly. “I’m not changing.”
“Lia,” I said in a warning voice.
“It is hot outside, Chewie. I need to wear shorts.”
“You are in a Druid village, not in Seattle and your underwear is showing. You might as well just give every man here a sexual invitation. What on earth are you thinking?”
"Good. It's been a while since I've had a good ‘old time if you catch my drift."
“Lia!”
“Ugh!!” She stomped her foot and turned around, walking back to the partition.
I rubbed my face and took a deep breath, while she changed again.
“Are you happy now, Father?”
She stood in front of me, and my gaze fell to her hips. She had on a pair of the tightest leggings I had ever seen. I forced my gaze up and noticed she wore a light-blue, sleeveless cotton shirt that molded to her voluptuous curves. Her hot-pink bra was still showing. She turned, and I swallowed. The white fabric of her pants highlighted her thighs and gluts in a way that instantly made my body react to the sight. The slight gap between her legs called to me, and I was painfully aware of how depraved my reaction was, but I was a man after all. She turned to face me, and I started sweating. Shutting my eyes, I raised my arm pointing towards the partition.
“But my legs are covered.”
“Change!”
“I hate you.”
I took a deep breath counting to ten, erased the tempting image from my mind, and willed my body to calm down once again.
“Now?”
I opened my eyes and grunted. Lia had black yoga pants, that although were looser on her they still clung to her skin in the most enticing areas. Her purple top was even tighter than the prior and seemed painted on her skin. The damn pink bra was taunting me. I turned around, opened the drawer of my dresser and pulled out one of my white t-shirts.
“You can’t be serious!”
“Put it on top of that.”
“I’m going to suffocate to death!”
I pushed the shirt towards her, and she ripped it from my hand. I was pretty sure she had given me the evil eye. Walking to her luggage, she opened a small suitcase and took out a pair of scissors. I frowned as my eyes followed her progress to the bed, where she laid the t-shirt down, folded it in half and began to cut the neck off all the way to the shoulder.
“What the hell are you doing to my shirt?”
“Shush!” She warned, pointing at me with the scissors.
I watched in horror as she threw away the extra material and placed her hands on the big opening she'd created. She pulled it apart, stretching it as wide as it would go. Before I realized what she was doing, her purple top fell on the bed, and I couldn't stop my gaze from flying to her full breasts. The hot-pink bra pushed them up stunningly. I swallowed again, and forced my eyes to her face. She was smirking.
“Relax, will you? It’s just a sports bra. Not real underwear.”
She threw my shirt over her head and pulled it down. Although it was one of my fitted tees it was still loose on her, successfully concealing her curves, and long enough that it almost reached her knees. I sighed with relief, yet it was short lived. The opening fell on one side, exposing a good part of her chest and shoulder and the nerve-racking hot-pink bra strap.
Lia chuckled and patted my chest. "It's called compromise, dear Chewie. Google it."
I reached for her hair and pulled the band off, guiding the long strands to the side of her body to cover her skin. I smiled triumphantly, and she rolled her eyes walking towards the door. I followed while she reached for her, wrist and pulled another band I hadn't seen from it. Her hair was swiftly picked up again.
“This woman is going to be the end of me,” I mumbled and frowned. I sounded like my brother.
I sighed, defeated, and walked out after her.
People were gathered outside my brother’s hut, as it had become the norm since they learned of Bri’s existence and who she was to us. I smiled when my eyes settled on Seima, and we walked to her side.
“Why don’t you go tell them we are out here waiting?” I said to Lia, nodding towards Cyn’s hut and she nodded.
“Ok.” She turned and gave Seima a kiss on the cheek. “Morning sweetie.”
“Blessed morning, Lia. I like your garments.” Seima said, reaching for the pink on her shoulder.
“Ha!” Lia gloated, looking at me with a smirk.
I sighed. “You are not helping, Seima.”
She chuckled. My eyes followed Lia as she made her way to the hut and swung the door wide open. Seima laughed while I shook my head.
“You are too protective of her.”
“If you saw the things she wanted to wear this morning, you would be too.”
"Art, she is not from here. It is only normal she will have different ways than ours. You cannot force our beliefs on her. I think she is adorable. I am absolutely fascinated by everything she does and says."
"I know. She is adorable." I chuckled remembering how she stomped her foot this morning and called me Chewie. I sighed. "But that is not the issue." I shook my head, concerned as my gaze swept the multitude around us. "The men here have never seen a woman dressed that way. You might not think anything of it, but it is alluring for a man, Seima. We are different, our bodies are sensitive, and we require very little stimulus to get aroused. Seeing her like that will awaken parts of them I don't want anywhere near her. It will cause her trouble, and bring the kind of attention she doesn't want from them."
Seima chuckled. “I’m sure she can handle herself, a chara. She is not a child but a woman, and you are not her Father.”
I grunted. “Now you sound like her.”
“How do you know she does not desire men’s attention, Art? We have single Warriors in this village who are wonderful men. Farrel, or any of them could be a perfect husband to her.”
I frowned, no liking her statement one bit. “I’m responsible for her, a chara. She's staying with me, and I will make sure she is safe." I looked at her, and my frown deepened. "Trust me. What she wore this morning was not acceptable by any means. Even I had to fight my body's reaction at one point."
Her eyes widened, and she stepped away. She pulled her gaze from mine, and I knew I had been too honest.
“No, Seima. I didn’t mean it that way. Is not what you think.” She didn’t even look at me. I held her hand while my gaze roamed the mult
itude around us. No one had even noticed we were there. “Come with me.”
I pulled her towards the edge of the village without waiting for her answer. We walked into the cluster of bushes and trees hiding us from praying eyes, and I turned to face her. My hands lifted to her cheeks, bringing her close to me and I looked into her eyes.
"You are the only one I desire that way. The one I give my body to willingly. We have been together for a long time. I love you Seima. I know the love we share is not in the one we aspire to but in my own way I do love you. If we never get to be with the ones we truly love then I only want to be with you. No one else."
"I do too," She whispered, and I placed my lips on hers, kissing her deeply.
“I will only ever share my body with you. I promise.”
* * *
We stepped back into the street, and the scene before my eyes was one I did not expect. Cyn and Bri were standing in the middle of the crowd. People formed a line waiting for their turn. They were performing blessings. A man kneeled in front of my brother, and once done he placed himself in front of Bri. Her hands glowed as they settled on the man's shoulder and head. She closed her eyes and light flowed into him. I instantly saw the change in him. The feeling seemed to float and settle around us. I could feel it even from where I stood. Peace. She was giving him peace. My eyes found Lia standing only a few feet away. Her face displayed a mixture of awe and emotion that made my legs move towards her before I even realized what I was doing. I pulled her into my arms, and held her tight while we watched them. My gaze became fixed on my little Sis, as the glimpse of the Priestess before me hypnotized me.
Seima passed by us, and I blinked realizing the villagers had gone and the Warriors were placing themselves in front of Bri & Cyn for Blessing and Peace.
"Come with me," I told Lia, but she shook her head.
“I’ll wait here.”
I could see the confusion in her eyes as she attempted to understand something that was not easy for her to grasp. I nodded and kissed her forehead then began to walk towards Bri.
Unwanted Magic (The Ancient Magic Series Book 3) Page 2