Omnixius
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DKP 5-28 Crown Wife
🕑 Added 2020-08-14 22:05:23 +0000 UTC
It was two hours past their usual stopping point when the keep finally came into view. Gersius felt relief to know they would soon be safe, and the grumbling could finally end. As they approached the walls, they passed burn piles, where the bandersooks were stacked and set ablaze. Many still smoldered in the evening light, throwing foul plumes of smoke into the air. The scene was a grim reminder of what was coming and how serious its threat. His mind should have been focused on setting up camp and calling a meeting to get proper reports, but instead, he was wondering about Lilly and Sarah.
Lilly went back to comfort Sarah and never returned, spending the rest of the march at her side. The column was over a mile long, and at that distance, he could feel little of her emotions unless they were powerful. At one point, she felt happy, and another sad. He thought about going back himself to speak to Sarah, but Thayle read his mind and told him no. She insisted that Sarah needed time and that sooner or later, she would approach him.
As the column arrived at the walls, they were greeted by priests of Astikar who welcomed them with smiles and bowed heads. The camp was set up outside the walls because the inner yard was already occupied and full.
He directed the setup, positioning the camp around the main gate so they could retreat inside if needed. Lilly arrived with a smile as the meeting tent went up, walking to Thayle and taking her hand. They spoke briefly as Gersius tried to remain focused on his task and settle the army for the night. By the time everything was ready, it was late, and a runner sent from Gams invited them into the keep for a brief meeting.
I lasted less than an hour, just a formal exchange of numbers and dispositions of forces. It also came with a warning that Prime Yarvine was looking for him, and was particularly sour. Thayle balked at that comment stating a prime was chosen of Ulustrah and deserved more respect. Gams smiled back and swirled a drink before telling her she could find out for herself then.
They made a plan to have a much larger meeting in the morning to share information from all sources. It would include all the leaders of faith, captains, and lieutenants of armies. Gersius would then address the whole of the gathered army, uniting Gams's half with his. There was a tense moment when Gams asked about the dragons. He suggested Gersius make their secret more widespread to put men's hearts at ease and rumors to rest. With that, Gersius settled in for the night, holding his wives as he once again thought about Sarah.
“She should be here,” Lilly whispered as she read his thoughts.
He sighed at his lack of privacy and rubbed her back. “I have only two arms, how would I hold her?”
“You would hold her, and I would hold Thayle,” Lilly replied as she snuggled in.
“But I like holding you two,” he countered. “I would be sad if I didn’t have you both in my arms.”
Lilly pondered it a moment and then settled on a solution. “Thayle and I can lay in the middle between you both then. You two can split your wives how you see fit.”
He smiled at Lilly's simple understanding of it and went back to thinking about her. Lilly sighed as she watched his thoughts, so he decided to give her something to smile about. She and Thayle glowed with happiness as he focused on visualizing Sarah storming out of her cloud naked. Sleep took them all and filled their dreams with images of a red-haired beauty coming out of the smoke.
The morning started slowly, the men and women of the camp tired from a hard march the day before. Gersius saw to the morning prayers but did little in the way of training, instead desiring to give the camp a long rest. After a morning inspection, he returned to the tent to find Thayle in their private space wearing her green robes of Ulustrah. She had fussed earlier about what to wear when she encountered prime Yarvine. Gersius suggested the dragon knight armor, but she wanted to meet her as a follower of Ulustrah.
He walked up behind her wrapping his arms around her body and clutching firmly at her breasts. He pulled her to his chest, holding her firmly, nuzzling the side of her neck. She felt thrilled over the bind and placed her hands over his, squeezing them and inviting him to be rough.
“Can I help you with something, husband?” she asked sweetly.
“You know you can,” he said gently into an ear.
“Didn’t you have enough of Lilly and I last night?” Thayle teased.
“That was just a dream,” he replied and smiled to know she had seen the dream he had. “I would like to share some of that passion awake.”
“But what of the guards?” she asked.
He smiled to see her playing and whispered in her ear. “I told them we needed some private time. They will allow not allow anyone in the tent until I say.”
“I see,” Thayle said as she laid her head back into his shoulder. “Should I undress, or do you plan to do that for me?”
“I will do it for you. I like unwrapping my gifts.”
“Well then unwrap me so I can give you your intense lovemaking,” Thayle cooed.
He wasted no time his hands unlacing the dress and freeing her chest. He played with her soft breasts for a few moments causing her to twist and writhe against his chest before he pulled the dress down to her waist.
“You never wear a harness,” he said as his hands returned to her chest.
“I am not as gifted as Lilly and Sarah. If I had to lug those around all day, I would certainly wear one,” Thayle said between small groans.
“You would look ravishing in a little lace. Your body is the perfect proportion.”
“And here I thought you preferred the larger curves,” she teased.
“I love Lilly, but she came that way, and I am not dissatisfied with it. You, on the other hand, have the perfect proportion of size to your curves. You can fill out a dress and look very feminine.”
Thayle smiled. “So, you're pleased with my proportions then?”
“Your proportions make me hungry for you day and night,” he whispered in her ear as his hands continued to massage her chest.
“Well then, you need to satiate your hunger,” she whispered back and felt pleased over the bind.
He agreed as she pushed her dress over this round hips, swaying them gently to rub her rear against him. He took her then and there, and she offered no resistance, eagerly giving him what he wanted. For the next twenty minutes, they made love, reminding themselves that they shared more than just a heart.
Ayawa stalked across the yard heading for the large tent at the back of the camp. Gams told her that Gersius arrived late that night and was camped outside the walls. She was grateful he was finally here and her mission over. Now the final leg of their journey could begin, and the sooner, the better. As she passed through his tents, she was surprised at the number of women present and reasoned he must have liberated a camp or two on his march south. She guessed that he would be found in the largest tent near the wall. It was positioned to be the head of the camp with a wide lane leading directly to it. When she reached the tent, two men in armor with swords stopped her.
“Pardon my Lady, but are the Lord Dragon Knights expecting you?” the man on the right asked.
“He should be, but knowing that fool, he hasn't arranged for it yet,” she replied.
The two guards glanced at each other, and then the man continued.
“We are not to admit anyone who isn’t expected. They are having some private time.”
Ayawa briefly considered what that meant. Was the fool fawning over Lilly like a young boy? Just as she was about to argue with them, a familiar voice sang out behind her.
“Ayawa!” Lilly called as she approached.
Ayawa turned to see Lilly walking up with her long silver-blue hair and pale skin. She smiled warmly and came to stand right before her.
“It is so good you are here. Gersius will want to see you right away!”
I was trying to do that, but they won't let me in,” Ayawa stated.
“Why not?” Lilly asked.
“They told me you were inside having some private time.”
Lilly tilted her head to the side and closed her eyes briefly.
“He's just in there with Thayle. You can go in if you want,” she said. “I would go with you, but I have to meet Sarah.”
Ayawa had no idea who Sarah was but turned to scowl at the guard as the man shrugged. Lilly smiled and walked away, heading into the maze of tents.
“Can I go in then?” Ayawa asked with a frown.
The guards exchanged glances again, and the left one drew the flap of the door open.
Ayawa skulked inside, muttering about fools and delays. The inside room was an open space with several long tables in the center and a few smaller ones on the walls. The center table was covered in maps and papers. On the tables along the walls were three pitchers and some copper cups. She noted the pitchers were frosted with Lilly’s handiwork.
She didn't see Gersius but noticed the separation on the tent's side and made her way there. As she got closer, she could hear two people talking. One of them was Gersius the other Thayle, but the voices were soft and soothing and not at all normal conversation. She drew up to the heavy linen flap and listened.
“Don’t stop!” Thayle whispered.
“I won't. Not until you admit that you love me,” Gersius teased.
“Ha! Why would I admit that if it will make you stop?”
Ayawa's face went into shock, and her jaw dropped. She peaked through the crack and saw more than enough. Thayle was naked with her back pressed against his chest. His arms were wrapped around her and his hands somewhere on her body. She glided along his chest with her shoulders as he worked, and her head fell back, her lips parted in a moan.
Ayawa stepped away, shaking her head. How could he do such a thing? She quickly retreated across the tent and burst into the yard. The two guards didn't flinch as she dashed away through the encampment, unable to believe it.
“Tavis!” she yelled as she entered the small room in the keep and kicked a stool over.
“What has you so animated?” he asked while examining the sole of his boot from a nearby chair.
“Gersius is cheating on Lilly!” she said in an angry tone.
Tavis looked up from his work and frowned. “That is ridiculous. Gersius is the most honorable man we know. He loves Lilly more than any man has loved a woman. How can you make an accusation like that?”
Ayawa put her hands on her hips and scowled at him. “Because I just went to see him! I nearly walked into his tent as he was making love to Thayle!”
Tavis raised one eyebrow and shook his head. “You must have gotten the wrong impression.”
“Tavis!” she snapped at him. “They were both naked! She was pressed to his chest while his hands were sliding over her body! He said he wasn’t going to stop until she admitted she loved him!”
Tavis dopped the boot on the floor. “Gersius?” he asked, unable to believe it still.
“Yes, Gersius!” Ayawa shouted. “I expect this kind of behavior from you, not him!”
“Hey! I have never betrayed your trust in me!” he argued.
Ayawa swatted her hands at him as if to dismiss his words.
“How can he do this to her? Lilly was standing right outside the tent when I walked in. The poor girl is so innocent she told me they were in there together. She has no idea what they are doing!”
“I can't believe it,” Tavis muttered. “Gersius?”
“It is shameful! He is treating her terribly!” Ayawa scolded.
“He is going to risk his entire mission with this,” Tavis said. “If Lilly finds out he will be lucky if she doesn't kill him! At best, she is going to leave. What good will it do to have an army to go to Calathen with if he doesn't have a dragon?”
Ayawa placed a hand on her forehead and shook her head. “I thought better of him,” she said solemnly.
Tavis sighed. “No. I still can’t believe it.”
“Tavis, I saw it with my own eyes!” Ayawa barked at him angrily.
Tavis pulled his boot on and got up. “Show me then.”
Ayawa locked his eyes briefly and then walked out the door with him in tow. She said nothing as they crossed the yard of the keep and went out the side gate to the fields. She led him through the rows of tents and the swarms of people.
“He certainly has a lot of women to pick from,” Tavis joked as they passed through.
Ayawa arrived at the door of the tent, and the two guards regarded her with passive eyes. “Am I still allowed in?” she asked in an angry tone. The guard simply drew the door aside, and she grabbed Tavis's hand and stormed in.
The room was the same as before only Thayle now stood by the tables along the wall, pouring a cup of water. She wore a loose-fitting robe of white and quietly hummed it to herself as she put the pitcher back down. As she took a sip, she looked up and saw them both staring at her. She practically choked on the water and struggled to keep it in her mouth as she set the cup back down.
Tavis! Ayawa! I wasn’t expecting you two until the meeting later,” she said.
“Clearly,” Ayawa said in a sarcastic tone, her eyes looking down.
Thayle followed the gaze and realized her robe was slightly open, revealing her breasts' inner curve and stomach down to her belly button.
She quickly pulled the robe closed and blushed. “Gersius will want to speak with you both right away,” she said as she firmly held the robe. “I will go get him.”
“I hope he is recovered,” Ayawa said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Thayle didn't reply; she just looked around a moment and then ran back to the inner room.
Ayawa turned her scowl on Tavis as he watched her go in utter disbelief. It was clear he was trying to work out what he just saw and struggling to believe it. The flap opened, and Gerisus hastily walked out, still buttoning up his shirt.
“I am glad to see you both,” he said as he tucked the shirt in.
“Did we interrupt something?” Ayawa asked.
Gersius took a moment to think about the question and then stood a little straighter. “No, we were just talking.”
Ayawa eyed him with disgust, and Tavis blew out a whistle.
“Is something wrong?” Gersius asked.
Ayawa felt her blood boiling. She had to struggle to keep her voice to a hoarse whisper. “You arrogant fool! How can you be so stupid!”
Gersius looked from her to Tavis, hoping he could shed some light on what was wrong. Tavis only shook his head at him in disapproval.
“What are you talking about?” Gersius asked.
“We know what’s going on!” Ayawa spit angrily.
“I have no idea what you're talking about,” Gersius said, still on the defensive.
“We just saw priestess Thayle run back into your room wearing nothing but a robe,” Tavis said.
Gersius looked at Tavis with wide eyes. “So?”
“What do you mean so?” Ayawa scolded. “Don’t pretend that was nothing. Why would she be naked in your room?”
“Because she was getting dressed,” Gersius replied.
Tavis whistled again and shook his head as Ayawa’s face somehow went redder.
“Why is this a problem?” Gersius asked.
“Are you damaged?” Ayawa scolded. “What happens when Lilly finds out what you and the priestess have been doing behind her back?”
Gersius’s mouth fell open as the realization of what was wrong sank in. They didn’t know Thayle was his wife and jumped to a conclusion. “You need to let me explain that.”
“I can't believe it,” Tavis said, looking down.
“What is there to explain!” Ayawa spat. “You daft fool, you're risking everything!”
“No, really, you need to let me explain,” Gersius said again, trying to calm her down.
“Gersius, how could you do something like that to Lilly?” Tavis said in shock. “You were so upset when she was mad at you, and then you do something like this.”
Gersius looked at Tavis with a scowl. “What I do in my bedroom is my own business.”
“Not when it could ruin all of us,” Ayawa said with burning eyes. “If Lilly finds out you will be lucky if all she does is leave! And if she does leave everything we have done, and all the risks we have taken will be for nothing!”
Gersius nodded and struggled to hold in a smile. He decided to have a little fun and play the role to goad them on. He darted his eyes around the room quickly as if looking to see if anybody was listening. “You, you won't tell Lilly, will you?”
“I can't believe this!” Tavis said. “You of all people! I expected better of you, Gersius!”
He leaned over to lower his voice so they would hear him. “It is fine. I can feel Lilly across the bind. I know when she is far enough away that she won't catch us.”
“How could you!” Ayawa scolded. “You share that bind because she trusts you!”
Gersius struggled to keep his face under control. He wanted to laugh so badly that he twitched in frustration from holding it in. “Lilly, can you hear me?” he sent out across the bind.
“I can hear you,” she replied.
“I need you to come to the meeting tent. I am playing a joke on Tavis and Ayawa, and I need your help.”
“Alright,” she sent back.
“What are you standing there looking like a fool for!” Ayawa said, snapping him back to their conversation.
“I was just thinking,” he said.
“You should have done some thinking before you bedded the priestess!” Tavis said.
“You are one to talk,” Gersius said mockingly. “How many women have you taken to bed with no more thought than that one looks pretty.”
Tavis looked insulted. “That was before I was married. I would never do something like that now!”
“Don't try to shift the conversation to Tavis!” Ayawa yelled. “Unlike you, his heart is unquestioned.”
Gersius stood tall and took a deep breath. “Listen, you two. I am in charge of this camp, this army, and soon the empire. I will do what I please. If the priestess is willing to share herself with me, I will take her gift when I like.”
“And if Lilly finds out?” Ayawa asked.
As if on cue, Lilly walked through the tent flap, a smile still on her face. Tavis looked away as Ayawa watched her every move as she crossed the room to them.
Gersius locked eyes with her and sent a message across the bind. “Lilly, I need you to call Thayle out of the back and then kiss her and tell her now it's your turn and take her back into the back.”
“Why are we doing this?” Thayle suddenly interjected across the bind.
“Have you been listening to them yell at me?” he asked.
“Just bit’s and pieces,” Thayle replied.
“They think I am cheating on Lilly with you. They have no idea we are married.”
“Do you think this is a good way to address that?” Thayle asked.
“No, I do not. But it will be very funny.”
“Fine, go ahead and call me, I am ready.”
Lilly walked up to them, all her smile widening.
“Hello, my love,” she said sweetly to Gersius. “I miss you every minute we are apart. I don't know what I would do if our love ever faded.”
“Wow,” Thayle said across the binding link. “She is very good at this. You taught her this so she could stalk me, didn't you?”
“Just a little,” he replied silently.
Ayawa rolled her eyes at Gersius, and Tavis solemnly shook his head.
“Have you seen Thayle?” Lilly asked sweetly.
Both Tavis and Ayawa made slight choking noises and looked at Gersius with panic in their eyes.
“I believe she is in the back of the tent,” he replied.
Lilly leaned over and kissed his cheek then turned walking to the backroom, calling out. “Thayle, are you back there?”
Thayle walked through the flap with her hair wild, and her robe opened again. She strutted at Lilly with swaying hips and a broad smile.
Tavis and Ayawa watched dumbstruck as Lilly wrapped her arms around Thayles waist and leaned over, giving her a firm kiss. When they broke, she ran a hand up Thayles back and grabbed her hair, pulling her head back a little. “I see my husband is done with you. Now it is my turn,” she said in her sweet voice. She briefly glanced over her shoulder at the others and smiled before practically dragging Thayle through the flap.
Gersius watched them go with a smile on his face.
“What in the name of the divines is going on?” Ayawa yelled when the flap closed.
“I did try to explain it,” Gersius said.
“You did not! You stood there, blathering like a fool!”
“What just happened?” Tavis said his face twisted in a weird smile.
The outer flap opened and in walked Gedris in her leathers and short hair. She saw Tavis and Ayawa and immediately made her way to them, a frown on her face. Gersius looked at the new arrival with curiosity. She was dressed like a southern warrior but had the pale skin of a northerner.
“Why did you not come to get me?” she asked when she reached them.
“This is not the time, Gedris,” Ayawa scolded. “We are discussing something important.”
Gedris put her hands on her hips and frowned. “Too important to talk about in front of me then?” she quipped. “You said we would leave to meet Gersius soon, and then you sneaked out while I was getting food.”
Tavis smiled and shook his head. “Umm, Gedris, this is Gersius,” he said with a hand wave to the man standing silently in front of them.
Gedris looked up, and locked eyes with the tall man who stood with muscular arms folded over his chest and a firm gaze locked squarely on her.
“You are Gersius?” she asked.
“I am,” he said dryly.
“Forgive me,” she said with a slight head bow. “I did not expect you to be so handsome.”
Ayawa rolled her eyes and let out a snort. “Girl, don't start that. You have no idea what we have just seen!”
Tavis shook his head again. “I have no idea what I have just seen.”
Gedris looked up at Gersius and then stood tall, adjusting her feet to take on her most prominent pose. “I am priestess Gedris of the temple of Ulustrah, and rokki to Ayawa. I offer you my services and my loyalty to your campaign.”
Gersius nodded. “I am Gersius the Dragon Knight, Arch Priest of the priesthood of Balisha. Commander General of the army, and soon to be emperor of the dragon empire. I accept your offer and your service,” Gersius said as Gedris stepped back to stand slightly behind Ayawa. He gave her a moment then looked at Ayawa with a confused expression. “What is a rokki?”
Tavis smiled and tipped his hat down so that only the smile remained as Ayawa squirmed under Gersius’s gaze.
“Before I tell you, know that I did it to protect her,” Ayawa replied.
“And?” he pressed.
“She is a slave,” Ayawa said flatly. “Sworn to obey me, and serve.”
“You took a priestess of Ulustrah as a slave?” he asked in confusion.
“Don’t you start accusing me of things,” Ayawa argued back. “Why don’t you explain what we just saw between Thayle and Lilly?”
Gersius smiled and nodded briefly. “Fine, then why don’t I start by introducing the Lady Gedris to my wife.”
“Oh, is she the dragon?” Gedris asked in excitement.
Gersius nodded and turned to the tent flap. “Lilly, Thayle, would you come out here, please.”
“I am not done with her yet!” Lilly called back.
Gersius sighed. “Please untie her and bring her out here with you.”
Tavis looked up at Ayawa and started to laugh.
“This is no laughing matter, Tavis!” Ayawa shouted.
“Did you hear what he just said?” Tavis said his voice strained in fits of laughing.
Ayawa shook her head and turned back to Gersius. “What are you playing at?”
The flap to the back room opened, and Lilly walked out hand in hand with Thayle. They looked hurriedly dressed as they smiled broadly and walked across the room to silent stares.
Gersius greeted Lilly with a hand on each shoulder and then turned her to face the others.
“Lady Gedris, I would like you to meet my wife, Lilly, the ice dragon.”
Gedris looked at Lilly with wide eyes and stumbled into a bow. “It is an honor to meet you, Lady Lilly. I have been told you are a wonderful and loving spirit.”
“She is nice,” Lilly said with her usual smile.
“She is,” Gersius agreed. He then turned around and took Thayle’s hand and stood her before the others. Thayle looked up at him and shook her head as he tried not to laugh.
“And this is the Lady Thayle. Governess commander of the Temple of Ulustrah, dragon knight, and my second wife.”
Tavis and Ayawa froze with mouths agape as Gersius introduced her. Gedris folded her arms over her chest and began to tap her foot in frustration as she glared at Tavis.
“You owe me a hat!” she shouted as she tried to snatch the one from his head.
“I, I. Hahahaha!” Tavis stammered and stepped out of the angry woman's reach.
“You two said he would never take a second wife,” Gedris remarked her irritation evident on her face.
“Why would you tell her that?” Gersius asked.
Ayawa rolled her eyes as Gedris smiled smugly at her side.
“When we first met her, she was impulsive and reckless, and showed a little to much interest when we told her about you.”
Gersius nodded. “Then, I regret to say I am not able to seek your hand, Lady Gedris.”
Gedris bowed her head gently, her smile never leaving her face. “I am honored to have even had the chance to make you aware of it. However, I have grown much since then, and there is another I have my heart set on.”
Thayle and Lilly smiled as Gedris's eyes turned ever so briefly to glance at Ayawa. They stepped just close enough to see her aura come to life and took careful note of where her light was flowing.
Ayawa looked from face to face as Lilly, Gersius, and Thayle smiled back. “You married her?” she said, gesturing to Thayle.
“Actually, he bound me like he bound Lilly,” Thayle replied.
“You bound her?!” Tavis yelped.
“Is there some problem with this?” Gersius asked.
Tavis went back to laughing, hardly able to breathe as Ayawa sputtered by the side, unable to get out a coherent word.
“You two have done nothing but tell me he was smitten by the dragon and would never think of another,” Gedris teased. “I told you powerful men are never content with just one.”
“Will you hush,” Ayawa scolded.
“So, you're no longer interested in joining us?” Lilly asked playfully.
Gedris gave her a playful glance and looked her up and down. “I have to admit you two are beautiful, but then so is the one I seek. She has a heart of gold and a spirit of fire that could forge steel.”
Thayle struggled to control her smile as Ayawa glanced at Gedris, who looked away as if distracted. The entire scene struck Gersius as humorous, and he enjoyed watching Ayawa twist in turmoil.
“A she,” Thayle pointed out with a glance at Ayawa. “So, not afraid to share the love of a woman?” Thayle asked.
Gedris looked back and made a little shrug. “I have never done so before, but I know in my heart I could with her, I long for it.”
“Could we discuss something else?” Ayawa snapped.
Lilly looked sad with peaked brows and pressed lips. She wrapped her arms around Thayle, hugging her to her chest like a child holds a toy. “Are you sure you want this other woman?”
Tavis practically fell over as Ayawa turned on Gedris and pointed a finger in her face. “Not another word!”
Gedris smiled but kept silent as Gersius started to laugh with Tavis.
“I can't breath!” Tavis said, still laughing.
“I will stick a dagger in your lungs to let the air in!” Ayawa threatened. She turned her angry gaze to Gersius, who was laughing even harder. Thayle and Lilly joined him, and Ayawa stood there stewing in her anger as they all laughed around her. “You think that was funny!” she barked.
“That was hysterical!” Tavis groaned between gasps as Gedris snickered.
“Shut up both of you!” Ayawa yelled and turned to Thayle. “You let him bind you?”
Thayle rocked in Lilly’s embrace and nodded. “Of course, I wanted him to have it.”
“Why?” Ayawa asked.
Thayle looked at Lilly, and then Gersius and her smile widened. “Because I love them.”
“He already had a wife thanks to you. What made you decide you belonged in their relationship?”
“Hold on a minute!” Gersius said firmly. “Thayle did nothing but treat my relationship with Lilly with the utmost care and respect. It was Lilly and I who went after Thayle, not the other way around. Thayle resisted our advances for days and struggled to the very end to get us to see reason. But we chose her and knew she was meant to be with us.”
“Chose her for what?” Ayawa asked.
Lilly looked down, and her smile faded. “Gersius and I can't have children,” she said. “I went to Thayle and asked her to have them for us. She is the only one I trust to share my husband with.”
Tavis's laughter ceased the moment Lilly spoke. He straightened his stance and looked at Lilly. “So, you invited her into your relationship to have a family?”
Lilly nodded. “After all the things she did for us, I realized I loved her for it. When I found out I could not have children with Gersius; she tried everything she could to help me find a solution. When there was none, she told me that another woman could have the children for us. She was terrified to tell me and pleaded with me to ask another priestess, but I wanted her. I already loved, and I trust her, and I knew Gersius loved her. We worked together to lure her in and maybe went a little too far. Gersius was going to put a stop to it for fear of hurting her, but she joined our love in the end. Now she is my most precious treasure, and I can’t live without her.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet,” Gedris cooed.
“Thayle was a perfect choice,” Gersius added. “She was dear to both Lilly and I already. This was more or less just a natural progression forward.”
Ayawa put her hands over her face in embarrassment. “You could have said something sooner.”
“I tried. You kept interrupting me and refused to let me explain,” he said.
“How did you get her to play along so easily?” Tavis asked, pointing to Lilly.
Gersius smiled. “Did you forget we are bound to each other? She can hear my thoughts.”
Tavis smiled and nodded. “So, while we were yelling, you were setting us up silently.”
Gersius smiled. “It seemed like a good way to deal with your accusations.”
“Speaking of which. How dare you accuse me of sleeping with Gersius behind Lilly’s back!” Thayle yelled.
“How was I supposed to know you had married him?” Ayawa replied.
“I thought you knew him better than that? Why would you immediately assume what we were doing was wrong?”
Ayawa went silent a moment and then lowered her eyes. “I am sorry, Gersius. I do know you better than that. I am sorry to you as well, Priestess Thayle. I was a fool.”
Thayle smiled and nodded. “All is forgiven.” She turned to Lilly and took her hand. “Now, let's finish what we were doing. But don't tie the ropes so tight this time.”
Lilly smiled. “But you always escape when they aren’t tight.”
Tavis burst out laughing again, and Ayawa shoved him over. “I need a drink!” she said as she sat down at the table, unable to stand anymore.
“There is wine in the silver pitcher. The other two are water,” Gersius replied as he called to Lilly and Thayle and bid them remain. They shrugged and came back as he took a seat across from Ayawa.
Tavis staggered over to pour Ayawa a glass, wiping his eyes as he tried to keep his laughter under control. Gedris quickly slapped his hands away as she brought them all wine. Thayle sat down beside him as Lilly next to her, leaning into Thayle with an arm around her back. Ayawa watched the display with confusion before looking to Gersius to explain it.
“Lilly and Thayle enjoy each other's company,” Gersius answered her silent question.
“I can see that!” Ayawa snapped and then took another sip of her wine. “How in the name of the divines did you manage to get a dragon to marry you? And then! Then! Get her to invite another woman to share her bed with you?”
Gersius smiled. “Just lucky?”
“Don't say it like that,” Thayle said. “Luck had nothing to do with it.” She recounted the visit to the nexus and how the divines said they put all this into motion. She was destined to join them as part of their plan and stand at his side as a dragon knight.
Tavis let out a quick chuckle and then struggled to hold it in. “Two wives, that has to make nights fun,” he said.
“It does have its advantages, You should try it,” Gersius said as Lilly giggled into her wine.
“It doesn’t seem very far off from where I am standing,” Thayle remarked with a glance to Gedris.
Tavis followed her gaze to Gedris and let out a sigh then looked to Ayawa, who was red even for her skin. He started to laugh but quickly got control and replied. “I am a one-woman man,” he said hastily.
“No, you're not,” Ayawa sighed. “But you do it for me. I suppose I would relent for the right woman, provided she had a strong heart, and knew how to keep her mouth shut.” Gedris smiled and said nothing, holding the pitcher of wine as she stood behind them.
Gersius noted the strange look Tavis gave her as Ayawa looked into her wine. He took a good long draw of his wine and held it a moment, savoring the bittersweet taste. It was cold, thanks to Lilly, and very refreshing. He focused on Ayawa as he set his cup down, eager to make sure she understood. “Now. I do mean what I am about to say. What happens in my bedroom is my business.”
“I said I was sorry, already. It took me by surprise,” she said defensively.
“If you don’t mind my asking, how did you meet?” Thayle asked, looking at Gedris.
“She is a priestess we rescued on the road. When we told her about you, she intimated she would like a man like you for a husband.”
“She seems to have a bit of fire in her belly,” Gersius pointed out.
“She is unusual for a woman. My people would say she had a wolf spirit,” Ayawa said. “She has a strong heart and mind, and it causes her to act before she thinks. She won't be happy with some simple village craftsman or farmer. She needs a man of character and strength. When she learned about you, she got hopeful that you might be that man. She didn't seem to mind that you were already married.”
“Perhaps there is a woman who is a better match for her,” Thayle suggested as Gedris smiled wider.
Gersius nodded as he savored another sip of wine. “I regret we could never have been a family,” he said, looking to Gedris. “Your name is too similar to mine.”
Tavis looked up as he thought about it. “Gedris and Gersius. You would have to rename her like you did, Lilly.”
Gersius set his cup down and looked up. “How do you feel about the name Rose?”
“Will you fools be serious for a moment!” Ayawa interjected.
Gersius laughed again and nodded his head. “Alright,” he said, waving a hand. “Let's talk about what needs to be talked about. How many of them did you find?”
Ayawa took a sip of her wine. “All of them. They are here tucked away in the walls waiting for orders.”
“We found a few additional surprises along the way as well,” Tavis added.
“Surprises?” Gersius said with raised eyebrows.
Ayawa put her wine down and smiled. “You like to keep secrets from us, so you can wait until a proper meeting is called. I assume you have one scheduled soon.”
Gersius nodded his head again. “Very well, then. Do you have anything else to tell me?”
“Congratulations on your marriage,” she added.
“We should tell her congratulations on hers,” Thayle said silently over the bind, causing Gersius to chuckle.
Gersius nodded and took Thayle's hand. “Thank you. She is a blessing to Lilly and I.”
Ayawa closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. She jumped when a soft hand covered her own and looked up to see Lilly leaning over the table with a smile.
“I never got a chance to thank you for my crown. It means a lot to me.”
“Crown? What crown?” Gedris asked in sudden shock.
“The crown Ayawa gave me,” Lilly replied.
Gedris looked at Ayawa with a sparkle in her eyes. “So you gave her a crown, did you?” Ayawa went wide-eyed and set her wine down at the comment as if suddenly stunned.
Lilly smiled and stood up. “I will show you,” she said and hurried away as Gedris's aura began to glow with happiness. Gersius glanced at Thayle as she glanced back in confusion. A moment later, Lilly returned, holding the delicate little band in her hands and put it on her head.
“Ayawa gave me this so I could marry in it,” she said and looked to Ayawa, then tilted her head in with a strange smile. Gersius, Thayle, and Gedris noted the sudden trail of light that flowed from Ayawa to Lilly, and Gedris turned to Ayawa with a broad smile.
“You gave her your crown. You are her wed mother.”
Ayawa rolled her eyes and turned on her. “I told you to be quiet.”
“What is a wed mother?” Thayle asked, noting the sudden light of embarrassment in Ayawa's aura.
“Nothing!” Ayawa yelled and shrank inward.
Thayle glanced from Lilly to Gersius, who stepped forward.
“What is a wed mother?” he asked.
Ayawa looked between their eyes and then turned to Tavis, who was staring at her in confusion.
“Gedris, what is a wed mother?” Tavis asked overriding Ayawa's orders as he stared into his wife's eyes.
Gedris gleefully answered as Ayawa hid her face in her hands. “When a woman in her culture marries as a first wife, her mother gives her a crown. This is to signify that she is the crown wife. If the woman has no mother, or for some reason, the actual mother can not be there, then another woman who loves her will give her a crown instead. In her culture, this makes her the wed mother. It is a highly honored title, and the married woman will acknowledge her as a mother going forward.”
Looks were exchanged all around as Ayawa kept her face hidden. Thayle leaned back in her chair and folded her arms as the tense moment went on.
“Is this what triggered your crazy behavior?” Tavis asked. “You made her your daughter? No wonder you have been thinking about having a family all of a sudden.”
“I never expected him to marry,” Ayawa said, pulling her hands away. “When it was clear he was about to; it reminded me of what I wanted so long ago. I just wanted to capture a moment of my culture and start a family. She was more than deserving of the gift.”
“So, what does this mean?” Gersius asked, looking between his wives. Lilly leaned forward and looked into Ayawa's eyes.
“Are you my mother now?” Lilly asked.
“It was just a crown,” Ayawa said.
“They often hand down the same crown from mother to daughter for generations,” Gedris said. “It is sacred to them. She has declared her love for Lilly, and claimed her as a daughter.”
“Will you please be quiet!” Ayawa scolded and stood up, walking a few steps from the table.
“What a beautiful tradition,” Thayle said with a broad smile.
Ayawa was speechless as she shook her head, not looking back. She never noticed Lilly circle the table until she wrapped Ayawa in a firm hug.
“Thank you for my crown, mother. I promise to love you and honor your blessing.”
“Awwww!” Thayle and Gedris said in unison.
All eyes went to Ayawa, who was stiff as a board in Lilly's arms. She sighed and turned about, wrapping her arms around Lilly in return. “You are welcome, my daughter. You married a good man.”
“Ohhhh!” the two women replied.
Tavis looked shocked; his face was matched by Gersius.
“Just when I think I understand women,” Tavis said.
“Tell me about it,” Gersius replied. “I can read their thoughts, and I still have no clue what they are thinking.”
Tavis laughed as the hug went on.
Lilly and Ayawa held each other and looked into one another’s eyes.
“So does this mean you you love me as your daughter?” Lilly asked.
Ayawa closed her eyes and took a breath before looking at her directly. “From the day you accepted my crown, you became my daughter, and I love you very much.”
Lilly smiled and pulled her in for another hug.
“I love you too,” Lilly whispered.
Ayawa closed her eyes and struggled not to cry as Lilly held her tight. When at last Lilly let her go, she had wet cheeks.
“So, if Lilly is her daughter, then what is Gersius to her?” Thayle asked.
“Her son,” Gedris replied. “Her culture sees no difference between a son or son in law like the northern people do.”
Gersius looked at Ayawa with a smirk.
“Don’t look at me like that,” she said. “I was trying to help make your marriage a special moment.”
“By claiming Lilly as your daughter?” he asked.
“I saw the love she had for you, and how badly you needed her. She deserved a crown, and I had no hope of having a daughter to give it to. We could never settle down to have a family, but all that is changed now.” Lilly let her go as she paced beside the table, a thought buzzing in her head.
Gersius nodded. “We appreciate your gift, and will honor what you have done.”
Lilly looked sad and reached up to take the crown from her head. “This must be as sacred to you as a hoard is to a dragon. There is still time for you to have a daughter. Please, I can't take this from you, give it to her instead.”
“You are my daughter,” Ayawa said. “I cannot take it back.”
Lilly nodded. “This is too important to your blood. When your daughter marries, I will be there to give it to her. It will stay in your bloodline as it should.”
Ayawa nodded as Thayle stood up. “Does that make Tavis their father?” she asked.
“What?” Tavis asked in shock. “No. No, no, no, no!” he said.
Gedris glanced at Ayawa as the woman smiled and stood beside Lilly.
Tavis saw the exchange and looked at Ayawa. “By the divines, you can't be serious?”
“It is our culture, not yours,” Ayawa said. “But in my lands, you would indeed be their father.”
Thayle burst out laughing at his reaction and had to cover her face.
“What are you laughing at?” Gedris said. “You married under the crown wife. By tradition, you are their second daughter.”
Thayle stopped laughing and looked up. “What?”
Ayawa smiled at her. “No hug for your mother?”
Thayle smirked and nodded her head, then walked up to Ayawa and embraced her firmly. “I love you, mother,” she said as she squeezed the woman.
“You have a responsibility to me, daughter,” Ayawa said.
“I do?” Thayle asked, leaning back.
Ayawa nodded. “I want grandchildren. As I understand it, you have to provide them.”
Thayle's jaw fell open, and she leaned further away. Tavis and Gedris started to laugh, and even Lilly giggled to see Thayle so taken aback.
“I am going to have them when we are ready,” Thayle said.
“I want several, at least three,” Ayawa said firmly. “Close together too. I don’t want to wait until I am ninety to see them all.”
Thayle nodded, still in shock. “I will make sure you have your grandchildren.”
“Good,” Ayawa said. “I am counting on you to be a good mother.”
“So, we're all family now?” Lilly said.
“It would seem we are,” Gersius replied, looking at Tavis.
“I have nothing to do with this,” he said. “I had no idea why she was giving Lilly that crown. Since that day, she has been acting strange like something was hurting her.”
Gersius nodded and smiled. “You want a family of your own.”
Ayawa nodded in return. “I suppose working for you was a way to keep my mind of it. You were always on the march to deal with some problem, so I never had time to think about it.”
“What made that pain come to the surface?”
Ayawa lookedbearLilly with sad eyes. “She did. When I saw how much she loved you, I started to feel a sense of loss. I knew how much you wanted a family, and we shared that pain.
That day she used the lovers mark to find you made it all the more powerful. Then I found out she was planning to ask you to bind her again and I couldn't bare it anymore. I couldn't deny that she was special, and that you and her were meant to be together. You finally had a wife after all those years of talking about it. It made me think of how long I had been with Tavis and we never settled down.”
“We couldn't settle down,” Tavis said. “If we stayed anywhere too long, your people found out. Gersius always being on the march was one of the reasons we agreed to work for him.”
“Tavis, there is something I need to tell you,” Ayawa said and turned to face him. “Two Crows is the man I was supposed to marry.” Gedris gasped, and Tavis lost his smile, the room going silent around them. “He told me a few days ago and asked me why I ran. I explained it, and we had a very intense conversation. He told me I am free. There will be no more of my people coming after us. He bid us settle down and start our family.”
“You still have plenty of time,” Gersius encouraged.
Ayawa nodded. “We do, but I always wanted to have a lot of children, and there isn't time for that unless...” she turned to face Gedris. “Unless I have help having them.” Gedris went white as Ayawa stepped up to her and took her hands. “You have honored your pledge to me and done all I have asked and more. You have been a blessing to my house and my friends. I end your service to me as a rokki with these people as my witnesses. You are a woman now, and you are free to choose for yourself.”
Gedris nodded and spoke in a whisper. “Thank you for being so kind to me.”
“You are welcome, thank you for being such a blessing to me,” Ayawa replied. “But I would like to ask you to continue being a blessing to Tavis and I. Would you honor us and join me as my hunt wife?”
Gedris swallowed hard and smiled ever so slightly as her eyes misted over. “Yes,” she said in a squeak. Ayawa pulled her in and hugged her tight as Gedris started to cry.
“Congratulations, Dad,” Gersius joked.
“Oh, don’t start that,” Tavis groaned.
“I think this calls for a party,” Thayle said.
“Oh, can we dance?” Lilly asked excitedly.
“I am sure that can be arranged,” Thayle said as she looked up, and her heart melted.
Gersius ran his fingers through his hair as Ayawa clutched Gedris. “I planned to be here for two or three days. If you can manage another party in that time, I will not object, but this one is for friends, not the whole camp.”
“That will only make it easier,” Thayle said with a smile as Ayawa and Gedris parted to stare at one another.
“You are sure you want this?” Gedris asked.
Ayawa nodded. “I would never have believed I would take a hunt a wife, but I see so much potential in you, and you need a strong hand.” Gedris nodded slightly as Ayawa leaned in, and they shared their first kiss.
“How did this happen?” Tavis asked.
“I say that every day,” Gersius replied. “But I can assure you. I have never regretted it.”
“You had better not,” Lilly said. “We do all we can to make you happy.”
“I have a sneaking suspicions Gedris and Ayawa are going to do the same for Tavis,” Gersius joked.
“I should have stayed single,” Tavis said. “Life was so much simpler. The women were so straight forward.”
Thayle laughed. “You men never understand us because you don’t pay enough attention. Both of them were probably telling you this was coming weeks ago.”
He sighed as the two women broke the kiss, and Ayawa pulled Gedris's head to her shoulder. “I want you to grow your hair out,” she said.
“Good, because I hate it being so short,” Gedris replied.
Ayawa smiled and looked up at Tavis, then glanced around the room. “If you three don't mind, Gedris and I have something to share with our husband.”
“Aww, our parents are so sweet,” Thayle teased.
“Will you please stop saying that!” Tavis growled.
Ayawa smiled and rubbed Gedris’s arm. “You know he used to take two women to bed regularly.”
“I knew he was the type,” Gedris replied. “He has the making of a scoundrel. Now he can put all that practice to use.”
“Oh, for divine's sake, woman,” he groaned.
Ayawa pulled Gedris along and took his hand. “Come on. You can't deny you're happy about this.” She looked over her shoulder at Gersius. “We will be back for the meeting; we have a lot to discuss.”
“Don't hurry on my account,” Gersius joked as he watched them leave. It was good to see some positive change for once and hoped it would continue.
“Did you ever tell them when the meeting was?” Thayle asked as they left the tent.
“Later,” Gersius said. “For today, the war wait for us.”
Comments
WhiteRabbit
I laughed in a couple spots, not sure what you don't like about the chapter. Gersius giving Tavis a hard time is pretty funny.
WhiteRabbit
I lasted -> It take a hunt a wife -> take a hunt wife
I am not happy with this chapter. I rewrote it four times trying to capture the mood I had in my head, but it never came together. This is the problem with writing chapters bit by bit over days. I need time to sit down and write in one long stretch so the mood I start with is consistent across the whole chapter. Still it is an important moment. We learn the significance of Ayawa's crown and why she started to act so strangely with Gedris. She is hurting for a different life just as Gersius is, but was denied it for different reasons.
