Mayr's stomach flipped for Tash. The ceremony would be short, according to Armamae, but Mayr prayed it was flawless. In the two months since Tash's fourth trial, Tash had been happy, laughing and smiling without a hint of sadness. Although Tash was still in recovery from his wounds, the stitches had been removed, and he could use his left arm again despite the numbness and weakened grip. They spent as much time together as they could, mostly at the estate. Several times, Tash had watched Mayr train and spar with the guards, then followed it with lewd comments intended to bait Mayr's desire. While their sexual activities had not progressed further than before, Mayr expected it to change soon if Tash held true to his word.
Of it all, the news from the Sacred Assembly was what pushed Tash over the edge of ecstasy. The Assembly had met to discuss his case and the issue it posed upon their rules. In an official parchment delivered by one of the four Keepers of the Assembly, priests who oversaw the Assembly's matters and kept it organized, they declared Tash would receive the honours of an Uldana despite turning it down. He would have both his devotion and his love, they decided, in honour of the Four.
They would do right by Navara, the Keeper had explained with kindness to Tash and Mayr. The Assembly agreed Tash had earned the right to be Uldana, fairly and justly. They understood the dangerous circumstances he had faced and his courage in overcoming them. His faith, devotion, and focus were beyond reproach.
However, they were not fools, the Keeper had continued, and they would not deny Emeraliss. Her charge would be respected. After all, Emeraliss had intervened with a purpose. She then disclosed it to Kee and the priests in a parchment woven from lustrous silver and gold threads with words scribed in amber ink that glowed in both the light and the dark. Emeraliss's will took precedence over rules, the Assembly had declared, blessing the relationship between Tash and Mayr. Theirs was not the first such case to come to the Assembly, but it was rare. Even though the Assembly still debated doing away with the rule of celibacy altogether, they could agree to bend the rule in the cases presented to them.
That night, Tash had wept in Mayr's arms, overwhelmed by the judgment. Even then, on the day of the Uldana ceremony, Tash still had difficulty believing it.
But there he is, fighting a smile. I know he is. Mayr clasped his hands as Tash and Kee walked out from behind the pillar on the outer edge of the sacred space. Behind Kee, Tash was barefoot and shirtless, dressed only in loose red pants and his bracers. Kee carried his Uldana vestments, the pile of dark red fabric draped over her arms. They crossed gracefully through the circles to the altar. As Kee stopped to the side of the altar, Tash kneeled on the white pillow on the ground, his head bowed to the three priestesses before him.
The shortest of the priestesses stepped forward first. Her tight blonde curls cascaded over her shoulders to her waist. The temple fell silent. "We have gathered in celebration," she began, holding her arms open wide, her gaze sweeping across the room. "It is a blessed day, a joyful day, of life and love; of faith and humility that in all things, the Four reside. We are together as one, joined in spirit as family, friends, and community. It is as one that we bear witness as the Temple of the Four welcomes Halataldris, brother and devout servant, to the sacred caste of Uldana. His heart is worthy. His intentions pure. So have the Goddesses spoken."
The other two priestesses moved to stand beside the blonde. One was tall with straight, light brown hair while the other was slightly shorter with wavy, black hair to her shoulders. Both carried a symbol of the Four.
"I carry the scepter of our most divine," the tall priestess announced, holding a gleaming silver and glass scepter out with both hands. She looked to Tash, who stared up with a solemn expression. "Through me flows the essence of Emeraliss and Laytia. Benevolent and radiant, They embrace all things. Like water, They connect us all. Like air, They give us being. Through Them, I am Love; I am Wisdom. And so shall you be."
Tash grasped the end of the scepter, his expression unchanged. "In Their grace, I bind myself to Them, in promise and gratitude. I am Love; I am Wisdom. Their will shall be done. As long as I draw breath, I will serve. The hearts and minds of others shall be my light. The essence of Emeraliss and Laytia will guide my soul." He released the scepter to press his hand to his chest.
The black-haired priestess presented an elaborately engraved silver staff. "I carry the staff of our most divine. Through me flows the essence of Navara and Hastal. Compassionate and resplendent, They safeguard all things. Like earth, They sustain us. Like fire, They chase our darkness. Through Them, I am Justice; I am Protection. And so shall you be."
Taking a quick breath, Tash held the staff. "In Their grace, I bind myself to Them, in promise and gratitude. I am Justice; I am Protection. Their will shall be done. As long as I draw breath, I will serve. The spirits and bodies of others shall be my fight. The essence of Navara and Hastal will guide my judgment." Again, he raised his hand to his chest and bowed his head.
Mayr's attention stayed on Tash's face as the priestesses turned toward the altar, their hands moving quickly around the large candles, flower crowns, and glass bowls filled with feathers, water, and earth. They were not as captivating as the relief on Tash's face, or the way he straightened and breathed deep. He appeared trapped between nervousness and excitement, a conflict Mayr found endearing and beautiful.
When his gaze caught Mayr's, Tash beamed. "I love you," he mouthed before returning his attention to the priestesses as they faced him again.
The blonde priestess offered Tash a glass goblet filled with a dark red liquid. "Drink of the sweetness of life and bind your oaths to your body, heart, mind, and spirit. Let the words you have spoken today be heard by the Four and accepted. May your dedication and allegiance please Them for all your days."
Without hesitation, Tash drank deep from the goblet. He offered it back before standing.
Kee stepped forward, arms outstretched. "Pledged and bound, you are Uldana. May all others see you as such, clothed in the colour of the Four." She remained still as each of the three priestesses took a robe from the pile and slipped them over Tash. First was a fully-closed robe, lightweight and loose with straight arms. Next, a heavier robe, laced closed with red cord down his chest and stomach. Last, a flowing, open robe with four gold clasps and flared sleeves to his knuckles.
The glittering, floor-length veil was the final addition, placed upon him by Kee. Gold and white flecks in the fabric reflected the sunlight, but they were not as bright as the blue of his widened eyes.
Turning slightly, Kee accepted a small bell from the blonde priestess. "As you have the attention of the Four on this momentous occasion, do you have anything you would wish of Them?"
"I do," Tash replied. "I am humbled by that which They have bestowed upon me. With great love and a full heart, I ask for their continued blessings and protection upon those I hold dear."
Kee rang the bell.
"For my family, Parase, Kilienn, and Allaysia, I wish joy, safety, and wholeness."
The bell rang again.
"For the priests and priestesses who I have come to cherish and admire, I wish fulfilling lives and great wisdom."
The bell rang once more.
Tash's glance slid to Mayr. "For Mayr, a most sacred gift graciously offered and protected by Emeraliss, so great in worth and depth I cannot repay the kindness, I wish love, peace, and every happiness."
To Kee's credit, she did not huff or sigh as she rang the bell.
"And finally, I wish that Mayr's family, whether it be by blood or by choice, receive blessings as abundantly as they have offered to both him and myself. I see them as my family, strong and loyal. May their lives continue to be graced."
The bell rang for a last time. Kee handed it to the blonde priestess and held out her arms. "The Goddesses hear your words, Brother Halataldris, Uldana priest. Blessings upon you as you walk your path. So shall it be."
"So shall it be," the priests repeated in unison.
"As is tradition,
there will be a feast to mark this honour," Kee announced. "Steward Dahe has graciously offered to host it. We will reconvene at her estate early this evening." After the last word, she embraced Tash. The priestesses at the altar hugged him next before others approached to do the same.
Mayr stayed where he was, watching Tash laugh with the priests and accept their welcoming gestures. A twinge of jealousy hit him, but he beat it back. He wished he could have held Tash first and told him how proud he was, but he would do it later when it was just the two of them. Then he could say everything he wanted to say, with and without words.
"That was a nice ceremony," Lira said, smiling as she played with her lace cuff. "It all seems to have worked out."
"Shh, don't say that too loud," Mayr whispered. "The statues have ears. You don't know who has a terrible sense of humour just waiting to strike." He winked. "Oh, wait, that's me. Never mind."
Lira laughed, but Aeley shook her head. "Terrible, yes. Humour? I'm not so sure," Aeley argued dryly.
"That's what I've been saying for years," Estara said, nearing them with Dayla, Efae, and Teneth. "No one believes me." She hugged Aeley and Lira before throwing her arms around Mayr's neck. "Good job, though, sticking with him. He's perfect for you. Sweet and fits right in with our bunch. He made Mother cry with his little bit there. She's looking forward to dinner tonight, so don't be late."
"Why would I be late?" Mayr arched his brow, pushing her back. "Loftin's the one with timing issues."
"In more ways than one," Estara muttered.
"Tara! I heard that." Loftin joined them, sneering. "We're at Temple. You're supposed to behave." His face pinched with panic. "Wait. What do you think the chances are I'll get out of here without some kind of spiritual punishment? I'm pretty sure I've got it coming."
Estara rested her forehead in her palm, sighing. "And that's why we never bring you anywhere."
"If you're nice and don't do anything embarrassing, I might just protect you," Aeley told Loftin. "And if you're really good, I might just let you stay the night in our home."
Loftin's eyes widened as he gave her a teasing grin. "Really? Oh, Aeley, that's just the best news! Can I love you forever and ever and ever?" He embraced her dramatically, pinning her arms and restricting her from hitting him. "Tara, you can shove off. I've got a new sister."
Aeley grunted and swatted his ribs. "Trust me, you don't. Estara, take him back."
"No, that's all right," Estara said. "Thanks for the offer, though."
"You're stuck with me." Loftin giggled and kissed Aeley's cheek. He jumped away before she punched at him.
"Be careful, Loftin, or she might find a special way to get you unstuck," Tash's voice warned. As everyone faced him, he blushed. "Sorry, I thought I'd join the family moment."
Estara hugged him, careful not to remove his veil. "Consider yourself joined. Congratulations! The ceremony was beautiful. You look so happy."
"I am." Tash returned Mayr's gaze and eased away from Estara. "I have much to be happy about."
"It's not over yet." Aeley embraced Tash. "I've got news from the Council you might just enjoy. I'll tell you later when Mayr isn't staring at you like he wants to swallow you whole."
Mayr pursed his lips. "Now you're just being inappropriate, Ae. You and Loftin deserve each other."
Lira made a strangled noise of protest.
"All right, good point. Sorry, Lira." Mayr kissed the top of Lira's head, drawing her into him with one arm. "She deserves you. We'll just make Loftin her pet."
Loftin's jaw dropped, his glance raking Mayr with disbelief.
"And with that—" Tash grasped Mayr's wrist. "I need to steal him away for a little while. There's something important I need to do, and it won't wait." He pulled Mayr against him. "I promise to return him in one piece at dinner."
"Just don't be late!" Estara called as Tash led Mayr away.
Mayr squeezed Tash's hand and fell into step with him. "You know, I have this funny feeling she wants us to be on time."
Tash laughed softly. "She must be reading my mind." His robes swept the floor as he led Mayr through the corridors to his chamber.
"What are we doing? Something inappropriate?" Mayr teased, closing the door as Tash hurried toward his bed.
When Tash turned around holding two dressing robes—one red and one white—Mayr stopped cold.
"No. I'd say it's wholly appropriate." Tash held out the white robe. "Here, put this on."
Knowing better than to argue, Mayr accepted the dressing robe and stripped. Carefully, Tash did the same and draped his pristine robes over a chair. Mayr donned the dressing robe and tied it closed. The belt looped around his waist once to fasten at the hip, similar to Tash's robe. They stopped to stare at each other. Mayr's mind reeled with the possibilities of what was to come. Part of him wanted to ask. The rest of him commanded he not ruin the surprise.
Tash removed his bracers and tossed them onto the bedside table. He held out his hand. "Ready?"
I have been for days, for nights, for the whole time I've known you. And maybe even my whole life. Mayr took Tash's hand. "Yes."
They journeyed through the corridors and down two flights of stairs, bypassing several priests who said nothing, to Mayr's relief. Near the end of a long, dim corridor, Tash entered a room to their right.
While the bright room was not as large as the sacred space above, neither was it small, nearly twice the size of the Dahe dining room. In the centre stood an altar of black and white marbled stone, accompanied by white stone busts attached to the sides of the altar, exquisite carvings of a woman looking outwards with slender eyes, her curled hair expertly detailed. Four white statues, one in each corner of the room, faced the altar, each holding a scepter and a silver bird. A yellow glow filled the room from the dozens of flickering white candles of various heights and girths, several of them surrounding the altar amidst white and red flower petals. Near the opposite wall, two silver candelabrums sat on a dark table with a glass bowl, goblet, a small glass vial, folded cloths, and white flowers on green vines that spilled over the edge and coiled around the table legs. A fragrant scent clung to the air, sweet enough to make Mayr's mouth water for the taste of honey.
Candles, everywhere candles. And that's probably all I'll remember of this room when we're done. I definitely won't be thinking about the statues watching us because… no.
From behind, Tash wrapped his arm around Mayr's waist, his lips working up Mayr's neck with light kisses. Mayr sucked in a breath only to exhale just as quickly.
"I had Brother Armamae prepare the room," Tash murmured, nuzzling Mayr's jaw and clutching his hip. "He was elated to help." Firm against Mayr, Tash's arousal was obvious, unrestrained by the thin dressing robes. His body taunted Mayr with need, reeling Mayr in with the promise that once inside him, Tash would be his completely.
Mayr curled his arm around Tash's neck and rubbed against him. The groan of approval in his ear enticed him to grind harder. He tugged Tash's hair gently as lips explored the crook of his neck, the tip of Tash's tongue roving over his tattoos. The hand at Mayr's hip crept over the folds of his dressing robe and slipped inside. A burst of desire erupted through him from the heat of Tash's skin on his. Fingertips followed the thin patch of coarse hair leading down his belly to his swollen cock and closed around him with a tender grip. Pressure alternated from soft to hard as Tash stroked him.
Enveloped in Tash's arms, Mayr surrendered to his emotions, reveling in the depth of the passion storming through him. Passion that drank from Tash's with insatiable thirst. Tash had said their spirits were connected; that he needed Mayr. Mayr needed him, too, the familiarity he felt for Tash giving way to unadulterated joy. This was theirs. Both of them had been burned, broken, and haunted, but the future was the life they could share. Never would he allow Tash to run toward danger without him. Never would he stop taking care of Tash or protecting him. In Tash, there was love; in love, there was life.
Breaking free from Tash's h
old, Mayr turned to face him and untied his robe. The fabric slipped from his shoulders with ease and pooled on the floor. He drew his loose, dark hair over his shoulders and teased the ends, pleased as Tash's longing gaze followed his movements. With a steady grasp, he flattened Tash's hand over his heart. "You have me, Halataldris. Here. You are my first. You will be my only. I want you to be my everything. What I have is yours, and what is yours I will cherish."
Mayr pressed against him, the rise and fall of their chests in tandem. "Love me, Halataldris," he whispered against Tash's lips.
Tash trembled, his shaky breath escaping his lips and dancing across Mayr's. His mouth swept Mayr's up in a heated kiss strengthened by desperate need. He ran his hands down Mayr's back and hips then cupped his buttocks, pulling Mayr hard against him. Tongues playing fervently, they traded moans and teasing nips. As Mayr fumbled with the tie on Tash's robe, Tash guided them toward the altar. They maneuvered cautiously, sidestepping the candles. Soft petals moved beneath their feet, cool to the touch.
By the time they reached the altar, Tash's robe was unfastened and open. Backed against the warm stone, the altar touched the back of Mayr's thighs. At Tash's silent insistence, urged back by a deep, demanding kiss, Mayr sat on the edge of the altar.
He whimpered in disappointment as Tash broke away.
"Stay right here," Tash instructed. His steps were swift on the way to the table where he seized the vial. He returned at the same pace and wrapped his arms around Mayr's shoulders, standing between his legs. His mouth took Mayr's again, sucking on Mayr's bottom lip and inhaling Mayr's weak breaths. Behind Mayr's head, Tash's hands and wrists made small movements. They stilled before Tash withdrew one arm and put the vial into the pocket of his robe.
Still invested in their kiss, Tash drew his hands over Mayr's shoulders, kneading and rubbing. His fingers slid down Mayr's arms and chest with an oily ease, working the skin with lingering strokes. A familiar perfume stole Mayr's attention: millee nectar and red corina plant, a combination that pushed Mayr's arousal further, augmenting the ache in his groin. The oils sank into his skin, pleasurable like Tash's touch.
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