Author's notes: Fair warning, and please heed this. This is very much a lemon. LEMON. L-E-M-O-N! If you do not like graphic sex, look elsewhere, however I truly enjoyed writing this, and I hope that you'll enjoy reading this.

~ The Authoress - Cat AKA Aryun

~*~*~*~*~*~

Aryun was nervous as she plucked at the soft white gown that enveloped her. It was a meager gathering for such a happy occasion. Well, not really meager, but the few who granted to attend where likely the most powerful people created.

All her fears and doubts melted as she glanced at Erdric across the Circle. He was standing tall and proud dressed resplendent in white. The shirt was trimmed in silver as it flowed out and gathered at his wrists. The soft white leather pants clung to his hips, molding to his body. The softly silver toned boots laced to his knees, and a delicate silver circlet adorned his head.

She was pleased to note that Thanatos held Erdric's sword for him, and Elysian held a sheaf of paper in his. They cared about him enough that they acted as his kin. She was proud of that. Ever since Erdric had fought Thanatos to a standstill, they had been the best of friends.

Tyral stood with her, her own sword in his hands acting as her father. KimVay and Thera were still recovering from their ordeal. Cerith stood to her left holding the delicate ring that she was to give Erdric, as Ashitare held her own sheaf of paper. She knew what those were. Properties, dowry, bridal price, all the normal things brought in weddings.

There were only three men upon her side that she considered kin, the rest were standing with Erdric. All the women were upon her side, and she grinned slightly.

Master Dragon stood in his human form, dressed in the robes of resplendent blue, perfectly matching the bronze hair that tumbled to his hips. A golden circlet sat upon his head. Within one hand, he held a slender silver staff and waited before an altar of marble. Upon this altar, Aryun noted a drinking horn and an opaque bottle.

He turned, making the sign of a Hammer, and spoke to those assembled.

"Gods I hail and goddesses all, Ases and Wans, alfs and idises here.  Look well upon us, this wedding bless. Hail to Frija frowe of the home. Holy Mother, hear us!  Keeper of keys, keeper of distaff, keeper of Wodan's cares, highest of wives and holder of vows, bless the work wrought this day." He turned to look at Erdric with a smile. "Who stands for the groom?"

Thanatos rose to his full height, placing his hand upon Erdric's shoulder. "I do." His voice was still the deep darkness of the earth, and it flowed over the crowd.

Master Dragon then turned to Aryun's side with another smile. "Who stands for the bride?"

Tyral stood proudly, his long silver hair trailing upon the soft spring grass. His slender left hand came to rest upon Aryun's shoulder. "I do."

Master Dragon then turned his gaze to Thanatos, asking simply, "What is the worth of this man, and what bride gift is paid?"

Thanatos stood straighter still, his hand gently squeezing Erdric's trembling shoulder. "Erdric Cathaoir Media Hieme is a wise warrior, strong and steady as the rocks that surround us, the earth that holds us. He is the air that has given life to those less fortunate, and has entered hell and beyond. The Lord Erdric has chosen to fight on the side of Light, foregoing all relationships, all friendships and trust until they found him and refused to let go." Thanatos smiled at that. "He has been in mortal combat between the Ancient and the Current, and has championed over the Lord Necros in single combat after the full transformation. He has provided for half of these gifts, half of the money, half of the care and love used to create this circle." Thanatos dropped gracefully to his knees, smiling up at his young charge. "This I do swear."

Elysian stood, still clad in his delicate robes of green, and placed a free hand upon Erdric's vacant shoulder. "This I do attest to, though I not be kin. The Lord Erdric is wise beyond his years, compassionate, and loving. He is tender to all life, save for that which destroys that which he loves." Elysian fell to his knees on the opposite side of Erdric. "This I do swear."

Master Dragon waved the staff, and then turned towards Aryun. "What is the worth of this woman, and what dowry does she bring?"

Tyral shook his ice blue robes out, his long fingers squeezing Aryun's shoulder. "Aryun Narice KimVay has proven herself in battle. She is the water that flows over the land and falls from the sky that allows us to live, and to thrive. She is the water in the heat of the sun, and she is the fire of the sun herself. Through her reigns power untold, and untested. She is the fire that warms the land and infuses it with life. She has fallen before to the darkness, but has recovered. She has treaded through Hell and has found her soul within another. She has few that would call her friend through the pains and toils of life, and we few who are friends have seen beyond to the soul. The purity of the snow is she who is in my care. She has faced her father, and destroyed all who oppose life. She has been a harbinger of truth, of loyalty and justice." His hand rose off Aryun's shoulder and motioned around him to the clearing. "She has provided for half of these gifts, half of the money, half of the care and love used to create this circle." He fell to his knees in the dew-covered grass. "This I do swear."

Cerith and Ashitare stood together, hands in each other's. They spoke as one to the assembly. "Aryun is kind, tender, and a flower in the darkened winter nights. She is wise beyond youth, and values all life. These truths we do hereby swear." Together, as one, they fell to their knees upon Aryun's left side.

Master Dragon nodded satisfied. Turning to look at Thanatos, then at Tyral, he addressed them. "Are both clans satisfied with the terms of this wedding?"

Both Thanatos and Tyral nod, and spoke simultaneously. "We are satisfied."

Master Dragon smiled, motioning to Erdric and Aryun with the silver staff. "Then nothing may stand in your way! Now speak your wedding vows!"

Both Erdric and Aryun stood forward, and raised their left hands. Their fingers ghosted each other, lightly brushing before they pull back. Erdric turned and took his sword within his trembling right hand.

Holding it out to Aryun, Erdric searched her eyes before lowering it slightly to her, hilt out. His silver ring to her was tied around one of the silver ribbons upon hilt that was proffered to her.

Aryun retrieved her own sword from Tyral, and slipped the ring Cerith gave to her and tied to her own sword. Hefting it up, hilt out towards Erdric's, she allowed the rings to touch gently.

Erdric smiled slightly, his voice soft as he intoned the sacred right. "I bring you this sword, the soul of my line; bear it well, my bride! In battle and firth to be by your side, as shall I stand by you aye. On these rings my oath I swear: Love and worship to my wife."

Aryun brought up her left hand, and grasped his sword. She brought it to upwards, towards her forehead for several heartbeats, and then lowered it again so that Erdric could grasp the blade once more.

With a soft smile, her own voice soft in love, she spoke loudly her own oath. "I bring you this weapon, wield it mightily, and hold it well, my husband! In battle and firth to be your strength, as shall I stand by you aye. On these rings, my oath I swear: to my husband, hallowed love."

Erdric repeated her gesture, offering the sword back and both slit their palms on the other's blade. They offered their blooded left hands, letting their blood mingle as both Thanatos and Tyral bound them together.

Aryun took his sword, and slipped the ring off his ribbon. Kissing it she held it out to him as he slipped it over her left hand finger. His fingers tightly clasped hers.

Speaking softly, Erdric looked within her eyes. "For a year and a day, for evermore, and as long as love shall last, my bride." He then took the ring from her sword, kissing it, slipped it to her.

Aryun held their bound hands tightly, and slipped the silver band over his own finger, intoning softly, "For a year and a day, for evermore, and as long as love shall last, my beloved bridegroom."

Master Dragon wiped a silver tear from his face and touched their bound, and newly adorned hands with his staff. "Now Frowe Var to witness I call, who keeps all contracts made, and Sjofn, sweetest maid that law be held by love. Frija's handmaids hold your oath all, and aye give joy of it. Now let bride-gift and dowry be given."

Elysian and Ashitare come forward, handing their respective side the sheaf of papers. Erdric and Aryun in turn, hand over the papers to the opposite. Ashitare takes away Erdric's papers, and Elysian the papers to her dowry.

The elderly, yet young looking Master Dragon poured the first horn of the mead, and consecrated it with the sign of the Hammer. "Hallowed for bride-pair this horn shall be, I deem your days shall be good.  Frith be in this ale and fruitfulness great, when you have drained the draught." He held forward the horn, and motioned Erdric to take it.

Erdric took the horn and, not taking his eyes from Aryun's, drank half of the horn. He then offered the last half to her, which she took and quaffed.

Aryun held the horn back to Master Dragon, and he refilled it, once again consecrating it. "Hallowed to bride-pair this horn shall be, speak all your wishes for weal!" He raised the horn high, praising the union. "May your life be filled with joy and understanding." He took a drink, and then passed the horn on to the assemblage.

Everyone present toasted the bridal pair, their future children and their life before taking a small drink. The horn is returned again to Erdric and he held it to Aryun, who in turn held it out to Master Dragon.

He poured the mead into a small bowl; he refilled and blessed it again. "Hallowed to the bride-pair this horn shall be, and to gods and goddesses all! Holy ones hear! Here blessing we ask, for a wedding filled with weal." He put his lips to the horn again, drank, and then passed it back to Erdric and Aryun who both drink.

The horn was once again returned and Master Dragon poured the rest into the bowl, and then raised it upwards towards the heavens. "Frija, Frowe, Fulla, Sjofn! Var and Vor, Syn and Hlin, Snotra, Gna, Lofn! Lif and Hlifthrasa, Throdhvarta, Bjort and Bleik, Blithe and Frith, Eir and Aurbodha! Thunan, Sif, and all ye others, gods, goddesses, and whights, who look well on the Middle-Garth's weddings, alfs and idises of the clans of Erdric and Aryun. I hallow this bowl to you all." He once more made the sign of the Hammer. "Cast friendly eyes on the marriage of Erdric and Aryun: Grant that it be fruitful, filled with joy and firth and that their children be worthy of the best of their line, might in luck, wisdom and main. Hail!"

Everyone with the parties raised their hand, save Erdric and Aryun. "Hail!" Their voices echoed within the clearing, and the newly wedded pair smiled.

Master Dragon sprinkled the harrow, the ættir, and Erdric and Aryun with the mead; he then poured it out onto the earth before the harrow. He smiled. "Hail Erdric and Aryun!"

Everyone cheered, "Hail Erdric and Aryun!"

Master Dragon's smile widened. "Hail the gods and goddesses!"

Again, the whole clearing shakes with the vehemence of the cry. "Hail the gods and goddesses! HAIL!"

A weeping Lethe and Tyral come and unbind them before hugging Aryun then Erdric tightly in their arms.

Tyral grinned before kissing Lethe. "You'd best be ready to run, love. I promise that we won't use extra powers." He winked before dragging a protesting Erdric away.

Aryun smiled and waved but joined her own side as they hiked up their skirts.

Master Dragon raised his staff high, waited for a few seconds at the eager faces, and then dropped it sharply to his side. "Go!"

Both men and women rushed forward, running the half-mile back to the hall. Lethe and Housai were leading from the pack before Thanatos swept forward, his long black robes billowing as he hefted up his life-mate and sped off.

Muslim and Mead were running hand in hand, not really caring about the upstanding tradition, while the twin sisters Valvis and Varissa were now hedging up upon Thanatos, and they wanted to make sure they would not have to serve.

Both Erdric and Aryun ran side by side for a while, casting glances at one another before Erdric winked, and upped his speed, leaving her behind. Aryun couldn't help but laugh at him. Loving his speed and beauty as he ran

Alena, Mara and Nara were putting up quite a fight to beat Eridanus, Charis and Maretheos. With a startling cry, Maretheos, his blue hair fluttering and Elysian who appeared from nowhere, tackled Mara, tumbling with her in the grass.

Lethe was running for all her worth, her blond hair streaming behind her before there was the sudden feeling of being air born, and Tyral caught her deftly, still running after the low sweep he did. "Shame, love, that you're out of the race." He ducked his head as she lightly boxed his ear in indignation.

Deraja ran for all her worth, using the gifts that she was born with, which, besides her chosen place, was swiftness. With a sudden burst of speed, as sometimes love can take, she crossed the threshold of the hall, and started to dance happily.

"Yes! For the first time in only Grandfather knows, we've won this little game!"

Her happiness didn't last too long, however, as the normally woman-hating God of the Hunt took a flying tackle and knocked her off her feet. They were sent sprawling, Charis on top of her as he looked down into her lavender eyes. He was positioned quite inappropriately between her thighs, and in the grip of some emotion, an emotion he'd never allowed himself to feel, bent down and captured her slender lips. His pale blonde hair fluttered down around them mingling his blonde with her pale red.

When the remainder, save a few, of the wedding party arrived, they were greeted with the site of a virgin twined in the arms of Erotic Love.

Lethe, caught in Tyral’s arms, laughed. "I guess Deraja got here first. Poor Charis didn't have a chance!"

They left the kissing couple where they lay, and took their places at the tables.

Erdric grinned as he waited by the door knowing that he had to beat Aryun there. He saw both Aryun and Master Dragon walking his way, Aryun's hand held to her side.

When she tried to pass, Erdric intercepted her, blocking her path. With a slight frown she looked up at him. "What?"

She was startled as Erdric swept her off her feet carrying her past the still madly kissing couple to set her at the head table.

"Can't have you fall, bad omens and such." He smiled at her, his voice still soft, and his body still trembling. He brushed his lips across Aryun's ear. "Just a little more to go, and then we shall have the night to ourselves."

Aryun wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him, her cut palm stinging as she pressed it into his soft hair.

He set her on her feet beside the table, and slowly sat down at the head, watching her with calm eyes.

Aryun picked her dress off the floor; bowing deeply to the man she could now call 'lord,' and went to fetch a horn of mead. She offered it to him upon her knees, holding it aloft for him to take. Her voice trembled softly as she spoke her last words for the evening of the right. "Mead I do bring thee, apple of battle. Hallowed be horn we share."

All assembled cheered as Erdric hauled her up into his lap and they shared the horn until it was empty.

Master Dragon walked up beside them, hallowing Erdric with the sign of the Hammer, and then gave the silver staff that, in their eyes took the place of the Mighty Hammer to him.

Erdric in turn, made the sign over Aryun's head, and then touched her belly with the staff. His words were soft and warm, hopeful and clear. "Hammer hallow your holy bride, bear men and maids of might!"

He placed the staff upon the table in front of him, watching Aryun's face turn a beautiful shade of red. He leaned forward to kiss her, but was interrupted as Xristis brought forth a cake in the shape of a horse.

Soon, all the feasting was finished, and Lethe, Alena, Mara, and Nara handed Aryun a large cup of mead, to which she drank without a qualm.

Tyral, Thanatos, Xristis, and Elysian came forward, and offered Erdric a large cup of mead as well. Like Aryun, he quaffed it without qualms.

Both were pulled apart, and Aryun was led one way, and Erdric another.

Aryun sighed, knowing that she wouldn't see Erdric for a little while. It was all . . . perfect, and hopefully this would go perfectly as well. She only hoped the heckling would only go so far.

Mara grinned at her as they opened the door to their new chambers for the night. The three other women ushered her into the room, and she looked around with wide eyes.

The room was exquisite in beautiful detail. The bed was a large, ornate four-poster bed with the curtains drawn back, exposing the soft silken sheets that awaited them. There was a fire that raged in the opposite wall, a wolf-skin rug in front of the fireplace, and a soft silk rug hid the rest of the stone floor. The colors were all a muted silver, black or cream and the use of the colors was breathtaking.

The one window was opened slightly as night started to descend over the land.

Lethe took the initiative, taking Aryun's long hair into her hands and brushing it out quickly from the ornate braiding, and Mara and Nara started in on the buttons of her dress. Alena grinned happily at Aryun, as all five of them chatted to one another once Aryun was stripped down to her shift and nothing else.

"Aryun, I take it you know Erdric's body well?" Lethe asked casually, when she started to brush the soft red-gold hair, but not removing the bridal crown.

Aryun blushed a bright red. "Actually, we do."

"That's the least of your worries Aryun," Alena laughed, watching the window for the sign of Erdric's procession. "I mean we heard you that one night, before that last battle a month ago. Wasn't hard to decipher the non-pained moans."

Aryun flushed a brighter red. "But . . . I . . ."

Lethe laughed. "No need to worry, Aryun. We're not telling, so you can have your perfect wedding night if you so wish."

Aryun looked at her, the question clear in her eyes.

"There's a nifty little spell that I like to use after Tyral and I have our worst fights. Want me to give it to you?" Lethe winked at her confused 'daughter'.

Realization dawned in Aryun's eyes. "You . . . you can restore that?"

Mara and Nara placed their hands at her shoulders. "Yes, she can," said Nara with a smile.

"Worked for me,” Nara’s twin sister said with a grin in her voice.

Aryun, tears nearly making their way down her face, nodded her head happily.

Lethe reached out, her fingers brushing against Aryun's lower stomach, whispered a few words, and then it was over. She smiled at Aryun and hugged her. "Just remember to tell him. I know this probably caused you agony."

"Hey! I see them!" Alena hustled forward, pushing Aryun onto the bed, hugging her tightly before walking back.

They waited a few intense minuets until the door opened, and Tyral, Thanatos, Xristis, and Elysian walked in with torches, lighting the path for Erdric.

Aryun's eyes grew wide as she saw her love, standing within the circle of light the torches made.

The firelight made his hair shine and shimmer as it hung past his shoulders in gleaming waves. His thin chest was uncovered, it's golden hue enhanced by the soft light. The light white colored pants still stayed on, but he was barefoot upon the stone.

A shy smile curved his lips as he walked forward, away from his escort, and stood in front of her. His fingers ghosted her face before they rose, taking off the crown of flowers and handing it to the four maidens that stood beside to wait.

As Erdric leaned forward, finally taking her lips in a very chaste kiss, their company retreated.

Both were oblivious to that fact as the soft kiss deepened, their lips opening and their tongues exploring one another. Neither one of their bodies touched as the kiss progressed.

Erdric pulled back, his lips lightly brushing against hers as his hands, trembling, lightly fell upon Aryun's shoulders.

"Aryun," he whispered softly. "I've missed you, and I am so glad that I can now call you my wife in truth."

Aryun trembled herself, allowing her arms to wrap around his waist. "Erdric, love, lord, and husband. I've… a gift for you. One that has been yours since I saw you."

Both trembling, Aryun pulled away to turn her back to Erdric, slowly unlacing her shift and letting it slip off her body.

The golden phoenix emblem glittered in the light as the gown slipped completely off her body, revealing the soft curves. She started slightly as Erdric wrapped her arms around her waist, his fingers gently touching her stomach.

She sighed softly as his soft hair caressed her shoulder when he bent forward, his lips softly kissing her cheek. Aryun felt his warm chest settle softly against her back, and she ran her hands down his arms, interlocking her fingers with his.

Erdric softly kissed the base of her neck, fluttering kisses up the side until she arched back against his touch. His teeth gently gathered some of her skin, and tenderly bit down, causing her to gasp.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Tyral's not easily mistaken voice filtered through. "Bend her over, and have your way."

"No, no, no, no! Don't do it that way! Have her ride him. That might be better." This was Lethe's.

"Better yet, he could just jump her, and have it fast and furious." This was Xristis' unmistakable tenor.

"Hey!" There was a smack. "Why don't you just like Erdric take the lead here? He's not quite a virgin you know, and boy do I know!"

Erdric groaned, resting his head on Aryun's shoulder.

"He was quite fiery when I had him in my bed."

There were startled gasps from the hall, and Erdric clutched Aryun tightly around her middle.

"What? Did you think our relationship was simply friendly? It was, but not in the way that you seem to think. He needed comfort, I offered, and hence, he became my lover for the time against Necros. We've been friends since. Nothing funny!"

"So, what kernel of ribald advice would you offer?" Tyral's dry voice asked.

"Well, let them have fun whatever way they want."

Xristis's voice again: "You know, he should hook her legs over his arms. That's pretty fun."

"Xristis!" Another smack resounded. "Don't give away our secrets!"

Aryun was shaking, slightly in humor at Erdric's horrified body language, but also in slight frustration at the situation. This night would never happen if this continued.

Gently pulling away from Erdric, she picked up one of her shoes that her bridal escorts had neglected to take with them, and marched to the door.

Sticking her head out, Aryun glared at the assemblage of people.

"I'll have you know, Erdric is quite the capable lover, and he has all things under control. Now you either shut up, or I'll deal with you later. Go and get drunk somewhere else!"

"But it's just a bit of fun." Xristis placed his arm around Alena who was shaking in mirth.

Aryun's face set stubbornly. "I will repeat, Erdric is quite a capable lover, he has things well under control, and you're ruining what little sex drive we posses! Now LEAVE!" With that, she threw the shoe, smacking Tyral straight in the face, and turned around, slamming the door.

After slamming the door, and hearing the people inside the hall grumble then leave, Aryun leaned against the door, giggling hysterically. Calming herself down, she looked around the room and noticed Erdric sitting patiently upon the bed, their bed, with his hands tightly clasped together.

"Erdric?" She murmured softly as she approached, and knelt at his feet, her hands coming to rest upon his. "Everything's taken care of. I think I nailed Tyral in the face with my shoe."

There was a slight tremor to his body. "Shoe? You hit Tyral, the Rex of the gods with a shoe?" His voice was still soft, and it was obvious he was trying to act deadpan. He was succeeding, but wouldn't yet look at Aryun.

"Yes. Is there a problem in this?" Aryun tilted her head, not quite getting the game he was playing. "Sometimes, Tyral needs his face busted in, only this time, Lethe didn't do it. I did." Aryun stroked his hands. "And I couldn't relax with them being vulgar."

Erdric tilted his face up, his eyes full of possession and fire. "Really?" He arched an eyebrow as he slipped down onto the floor. He was slow in his movements, doing his best to be utterly seductive. His knees came down beside her hips as he pushed her forward, his hands holding hers above her head.

He pinned her easily beneath him, holding her hands tight while he knelt over her. "You don't seem to mind a little dirty talk. In fact, I believe you have the more vulgar mouth between us."

Aryun watched his eyes filled with fire as he bent forward, his lips grazing the corner of her mouth. "That's different," she nearly purred. She turned her head, trying to capture his mouth.

"No," he breathed softly, his lips stealing to the other side of her face. Erdric fluttered kisses down her cheek to her ear, and then started softly kissing her neck.

Aryun whimpered and let her head fall back, her hands struggling uselessly. His soft kisses were setting her aflame, and the only place he touched her were where his hands held her wrists, and his warm mouth. She didn't even contemplate moving from under him, but wanted to wrap her arms around him, make him touch her like she wanted.

Erdric's voice was still quavering soft as he softly brushed his teeth against the pulse in her neck, causing her to gasp. "It's not different, love. They just irritated you because they would be able to hear us again…"

Aryun sighed as his tongue traced its way back up to her ear, gently flicking it before taking the lobe into his mouth. "I guess so," she whispered, still trying to loosen his grip upon her hands.

He chuckled softly before he pulled back, allowing his grip to loosen slightly. "They might've had some interesting advice for we newly joined."

Aryun grinned up at him. "But haven't we done everything?"

"Maybe, maybe not. I've ideas for this night, as I bet you have as well, my fair virgin." He bent forward, kissing the hollow of her throat. "Now, what is this gift you said is mine? I must admit," he whispered into her flesh as he nipped at the tendons of her neck. "You've got my curiosity piqued."

Aryun smiled slightly, raising her left leg and letting her thigh brush against his, causing a sharp tremble in Erdric's frame. He sank down on top of her, his knees against her flanks as he kept up the delicate teasing of her neck.

Taking a breath and making her breasts brush very lightly against his chest; she strained upward, snagging his ear with her teeth.

With a startled gasp, he pulled away, looking down into her eyes that were inches apart from his own.

Gazing into Erdric's warm eyes, Aryun smiled. "For this night, and only this night, I have been restored to what I once was. For you and only you, I truly give myself with a pure body. For you and you alone, Erdric Cathaoir, I am a virgin."

Erdric's eyes widened considerably. "Aryun," he breathed softly, his right hand releasing her wrist to caress her face. "Aryun, who gifted you with this?" His face held a slight wonderment, but a slight fear as well.

"My foster mother," Aryun stated as her free hand came up to cup his cheek. "I wanted to give you more than what little I control, but something that is me. Something that you can look back on this night and realize I truly gave all of myself to you." Her eyes glittered with tears yet to shed. "I would never be complete without giving my purity to you, and Lethe knew this."

"Aryun," he breathed again, tears in his own eyes. "Aryun, you need not have done this for me. I accept you as you are, and I was the one who tamed your soul. I am the one who is now joined with you in the eyes of every god. I need no other assurances of your love than what you yourself state." He saw a tear slip down her face. "Since you have offered me your all, I can do no less." His thumb traced her lower lip. "I accept your gift with a warm heat, and love to erase the pain held within your past."

Aryun blinked and another tear rolled down the side of her face. "So you are not angry at this?"

"Dearest love, why would I be? I am flattered to do what you wish of me." Erdric bent forward and delicately kissed her lips. "I am honored to show you how a true gentleman takes care of his virgin lady," he joked lightly.

Aryun smiled, wrapping her free arm around his neck, snuggling him close to her. "Thank you for accepting my need for this," She whispered against his neck, and she laughed to hear his soft voice murmur, "delighted"

He rose, looking at her lying beneath him. "Now where were we? Oh yes, I remember." Erdric smiled as he swiftly grasped her hand, forcing it to the ground again. "I believe I was about ready to bite this luscious neck."

Aryun groaned as she felt Erdric’s soft lips brush across her neck, and nuzzle his nose into the warm area behind her ear.

“Do you . . . wish to have another child?” His hand withdrew from hers and gently traced her cheek.

Aryun smiled, bringing her freed hand to Erdric’s cheek. “Did you prepare?"

Erdric smiled and tapped her nose. "If I didn't prepare, why would I ask?" He rose, taking Aryun's hands in his and led her to the wall.

She finally looked down, seeing the altar there draped in a beautiful red cloth that was sheer and seemed highlighted with silver.

Upon this altar stood several candles carved with runes and symbols. The soft, tangy scent of myrrh, mixed with that of Frankincense and patchouli, peppermint and apricot, and magnolia. Each scent corresponded with a specific color upon the altar, and she knew that each candle, they had cleansed, dressed, and consecrated together for another event like this one.

Strewn around the candles at the four corners were several herbs; Gardenia for peace, opening, and harmony around the blue candle; Rosemary around the red candle for passion, sexual passions, love and power; Sunflower, and hazel around the green candle for fertility, and around the white candle for sanctification, valerian.

In the center of this was a slim silver dagger, a small branch of a flowering oak tree, a small bowl of scented water and several acorns.

While Aryun was taking in the altar, Erdric had pulled off many of the comforters and pillows, fanning them on the floor. He stepped back behind Aryun, gently laying his hands upon her shoulders.

Aryun turned her head to kiss one of his hands as he gently squeezed her shoulders. “What will Thera think?”

Erdric snuggled his body close to hers. “I don’t know. He’d be nineteen years older than this new one.”

Aryun sighed and leaned back into him. “I know.” She picked up his hands and wrapped them around herself. “I honestly don’t think he’d mind. There weren’t too many children around here for him to play with. Only Leda’s daughter was here, and she, as you well know, doesn’t age as fast as humans.” She sighed again. “But he won’t age past where he is now. That was my genetic gift to him.”

Erdric gently whispered a kiss across her ear. “I am glad, Aryun.” He paused a moment, remembering his last thoughts before his spirit was wrenched into another plain of existence. His son, not yet born but still protected within his mother’s womb, which he would never touch nor hold. He watched as Thera grew into the man he now was, and he was very proud of him. “I would never change it though, Aryun. He grew into a fine young man, and I am indeed proud of him. He knows this, and he also knows that no one will ever take his place within my heart.”

Aryun stood looking at the altar, and slowly nodded her head. Slowly, she stepped out of Erdric’s embrace and walked a circle around the pillows and blankets to the altar and back around, closing her circle. When that was done, she walked forward and knelt in front of the altar.

Erdric smiled and watched her as she walked her circle, closing out anything not of her own invitation. He walked up beside her and gently knelt behind her. His knees were placed outside of hers as he tenderly took her hands into his own.

Aryun trembled slightly as Erdric took her hands and led their hands towards the first candle.  In their left hand, they picked up a few pieces of the valerian, and tossed it into the bowl of water. At the same time, their right hands fed power to the other, making it surge out and light the white candle.

“Lady Goddess of Purification, of the Moon, and of calmness, be with us now as we create this rite, this holy act that needs your protection and guidance. Heed us in our endeavor, Lady Goddess Lethe. Protect us as you do all your creations. Protect this act from prying eyes, and the wiles of evilness. Lady Goddess, be with us.”

Both of their voices melded into a harmonious creation of sound. Erdric and Aryun closed their eyes, allowing the ritual to begin the way it would end.

Their hands moved as one to the next god to be invoked. Picking up some rosemary from around the red candle, they threw that also into the water. Their right hands once more allowed their power to flow through one another to light the next red candle.

“Lady Goddess of passions and love, of sexuality and of power, heed us in our time of need. Grant to us the power to attain our goal, and to make the most of this night. Grant to us your blessing for this union of souls, and of bodies. Lady Goddess Deraja, protect us and give us your blessing. Lady Goddess, be with us.”

Their hands moved as one, picking up the gardenia around the blue candle and throwing it into the water as well as lighting the candle with their softly intertwined voices.

“Lady Goddess of healing and opening, of peace and harmony, consider our plea to you in our wish. Lady Goddess; open our hearts, our minds and our bodies to each other, and allow us the power to over come that which is before us. Allow us the gift of your harmony and your opening to heal us with your light. Lady Goddess Iraina, protect us and give us your blessing. Lady Goddess, be with us.”

Picking up the hazel and sunflower around the green candle, they threw the offerings into the bowl before lighting the green candle and again invocating the gods.

“Lord God of fertility and children, of the joys of birth and parenthood, hear our plea to your ears. Lord God, open us and allow us to receive your power. Let us create a new life, a new hope for the future. Lord God Elysian, give us your blessing and protection in this act of creation. Lord God, be with us.”

Together they picked up the oak branch, and pulled off a few of the blossoms. These they cast into the pool along with an acorn.

“Lord God of life and rebirth, hear our plea. Lord God, open us and allow us to bequeath and create life with your divine help. Allow us to bare a child, and allow us the glory of your gifts. Lord God KimVay, give us your blessing and protection within this act. Lord God, be with us.”

Erdric and Aryun switched hands, left to right, and Aryun’s left hand along with Erdric’s right picked up and gripped the haft of the silver dagger. Aryun’s right and Erdric’s left placed their palms upon the blade and pressed inward as their opposing hands jerked the dagger up, cutting the flesh and allowing the blood to drip steadily into the bowl.

“Blood of blood, flesh of flesh. Soothe the great gods that look upon us, and allow them to bend their ear to our request.”

There was a taught silence before the contents of the bowl flashed in a pale green flame, completely engulfing their hands.

Slowly, they pulled their joined hands back and apart, smiling slightly at the site of completely healed flesh.

The gods had given them their answer, and the fire in the bowl steadily burned within the water.

Erdric’s hands fluttered over her body before resting on her cheeks and pulling her hair back. With extremely gentle hands, Erdric brushed his fingertips down from her temples, across her cheeks and neck, over shoulders and down to the insides of her wrists.

Aryun shuddered lightly, taking in a slow, deep breath as her own hands slipped up Erdric’s knees, glided past his thighs to settle upon his hips.

She felt Erdric’s hands gently glide up her own thighs, settling upon her waist. With sure and placid movements, she was deftly turned so that she straddled his lap.

Their eyes were soft in love as they brought up their right hands, gently stroking the other’s cheek. With their right hands upon their left cheeks, they brought their noses to brush against the right cheek. Finally, their noses nudged the other’s ear, their own near the other’s mouth.

Erdric tightened his left hand upon her waist as he felt Aryun’s soft breath flutter across his ear. Taking a quiet breath, Erdric waited for her exhalation before he released his own breath, synchronizing their breathing.

Aryun closed her eyes, leaning her face against his as she felt his own breath flutter over her hear just as she inhaled. As she exhaled, Erdric inhaled. She knew that soon they would not need to concentrate upon their breathing, as it would be perfectly aligned without thought.

After a few minuets, Erdric gently turned his head, capturing her mouth with a sweet, chaste kiss.

Aryun pulled back, her lips still gently brushing his lips as she brought up her other hand to cup his cheek.

Soft kisses were traded like spring rains before Aryun turned slightly, trailing her soft lips across Erdric’s cheek to softly kiss his closed eyes. She fluttered kisses all over his face, so soft that they seemed made of a spring wind. They were delicate and sure as they fluttered down to whisper against his neck.

Erdric tilted his head back, his hands holding on gently to her waist, his lips parting slightly in a whisper of gentle persuasion.

Aryun, in truth, needed no urging to continue her soft exploration. Her hands gently caressed his arms and shoulders before slipping behind him to gently stroke his back.  Small, white teeth gathered a small portion of his flesh and closed gently, making the flesh tingle with desire.

Erdric’s hands glided up and down her back, his fingers kneading the column of her spine. They lightly swirled around the dip just before her sacrum, and ran delicate fingernails across her flesh, teasing her.

Aryun gasped, her hands seizing Erdric’s upper arms, but she did not stop her slow, sensitive laving of his flesh with her mouth. She continued further, her tongue tracing the curve of his jaw before bestowing kisses upon his collarbone. This she gently bit before brushing kisses down one shoulder, lingering at his inner elbow to trace her tongue around the flesh, then kissed further down. She came to his wrist and brushed a whisper soft kiss there before gently licking at the soft skin.

Her lover and now husband trembled at the sweet attention she was giving him. His hand flexed when she trailed her kisses to his palm, ghosting across the cut that bound them in marriage. His whole body shuddered when Aryun nipped the tip of each finger before gently kissing her way back to his shoulder, across his chest to repeat the same gestures to his other arm.

Her fingers trailed across his chest, lightly stroking the flesh before they slipped lower, rubbing the smooth skin of his abdomen. She felt the quivering of the smooth muscles under her fingers, and she softly kissed his collarbone once more.

Aryun slipped off his lap to nudge the laces of his silvery-white pants with her hands. Her mouth trailed gently down his body as her fingers slowly released the laces of his pants.

Erdric’s head fell back slightly, arching his neck as he felt soft fingers reach in between the leather and his flesh. He felt her hands slip between, touching his skin as she pushed them lower so that they rubbed the area just above the swell of his buttocks.

He felt Aryun’s gentle hands push him back, and he uncoiled his legs to lower himself, with Aryun above him, to the blankets and pillows. He slid his hands deftly around Aryun’s waist, as she straddled him, burying her face into the crook of his neck.

Aryun lifted herself to her knees, straddling Erdric’s hips. Her hands slipped light fingers along his chest, going further until the rested upon the edge of his silvery leather pants. She rose slightly further upon her knees as she slipped her fingers underneath the material.

Erdric raised his hips slightly, allowing Aryun to slip the offending material away. He lowered himself back down, his eyes fluttering closed as his wife’s fingers bestowed gentle, fluttering caresses.

Her fingers played in the gentle hollows of his scars, remembering each one when they were laid upon his flesh. There was the mark when he was thrust through with a spear, and there, the wound where he lost his life.

Other than the scant few upon the front of his body, and the twin parallel gashes across his back, he was flawless. Aryun smiled, knowing that even with these ‘imperfections’ he was perfect. She lowered her face, her tongue striking out to trace one scar upon his thigh. Her hair fluttered down to fall upon his velvet-clad sword before she brushed her cheek against the underside of his shaft. She tilted her head; her partly opened lips brushed against the junction of his head before her tongue snaked out and gently teased the soft underside.

Erdric’s eyes closed before he raised a hand to brush his wife’s golden cascade. His fingers threaded through the shimmering tresses he always found so attractive. His other hand gently rested upon her shoulder, slightly kneading the soft flesh there. Erdric’s throat tilted back and soft noises issued from the arched neck.

Aryun for her part was gently lapping at the soft, velvet. Her teeth scored the ridge on the underside of his head, causing his hips to arch. She pulled away, and smiled up at him, her cheek gently pressing against him. Her lips gently brushed the scar that graced his hip, her tongue darting out to trace the closed wound.

She laughed slightly as Erdric tugged gently on her shoulder until she had wiggled up to his side, leaning over him and letting her hair shroud their faces.

Erdric ran a hand tenderly through her hair and hooked it behind her ear before he cupped her cheek in his palm. His thumb traced the silver scar upon the high cheekbone as he took in her face. “You’re so beautiful, Aryun,” he murmured as he leaned forward, kissing the offending scar lightly, almost like a brother would to a wounded sister. His soft hand slipped behind her neck, softly kneading the slender column.

Aryun’s eyes closed as she leaned into the soft touch of his warm lips. She slid her cheek along his, her lips finding a safe harbor against a jagged silvery wound. Her lips gently traced the silver at the base of his throat to where it ended, just under his collarbone.

“You are as well, my lord.” She looked up, catching his shimmering sea-green eyes with her dark blue ones. “So very beautiful.” Her fingers traced the contours of his face with delicate fingertips.

They met each other for a gentle kiss that quickly progressed to something more. Erdric rolled her gently over; his lips gave soft kisses across her face and down her neck. They gently fluttered over the pulse in her throat, his tongue snaking out to give a soft touch before gently sucking on the skin.

Aryun gave a soft moan, feeling his teeth gently teasing a mark into her skin, marking her as his. Her hands rose to tangle in his sea colored hair, and she arched her neck allowing him better access to her flesh.

Erdric gave a soft smile against her neck before he fluttered kisses along her collarbone, gently nipping the protruding bone before he breathed soft kisses upon the curve of her breast. After he let his tongue trace the edge of her areola, he finally took the nipple into his mouth causing Aryun to arch and cry out, her hands clenching in his sea colored hair.

Aryun felt her body tighten, her stomach muscles going into a spasm. Her mouth parted in a soft cry, and she shifted her legs, feeling Erdric oblige her and slip one of his thighs over hers, gently rubbing himself against her.

His free hand gently kneaded the other breast, rolling her nipple between his fingers as she gave soft murmurs of appreciation. He deftly kissed another line across her chest to take the other nipple in his warm mouth.

Aryun was trembling underneath him, her fingers combing through his silky hair. “Thalata,” she whimpered, when he pulled away, placing a soft kiss between her breasts before he shifted lower, his warm lips bestowing ardent kisses and gentle licks upon her belly.

Erdric’s hands ran across her body as he sat up slightly, his palms gently gliding down her arms, over her palms, across her shoulders and breasts, down the sweep of her flank and the long line of her legs. His fingertips caressed the silver scars he saw, gently touching them with reverence.

He leaned forward, catching her eyes with his own, and placed a tender kiss upon a vicious scar across her left belly. He felt Aryun shift beneath him, and her long left leg came up to wrap around his waist, pulling him closer to her body.

“Aryun,” he whispered softly against her belly, his tongue twirling around her belly button. He brushed his lips against the curvature of her hip, making her sigh and shift against the soft sheets. His long hands slipped between her slightly parted thighs, fingers making delicate patterns upon the soft skin.

Aryun trembled, her legs shifting to allow Erdric’s hands to part the soft skin. Her breath caught in her throat, her back arching slightly as she felt Erdric’s slender fingers run against the soft crease of skin where her thigh joined her pelvis.

Erdric’s fingers were teasing, gently stroking closer then darting away. He heard Aryun’s voice whispering, begging him to touch her. He felt her hand tangle in his longer hair as he placed another soft kiss upon her belly.

She felt his warm breath fan against her womanhood, and she tensed, waiting to feel his touch upon her again. Aryun felt his fingers hover above her before he bowed his head, placing a kiss upon her heated flesh.

Erdric was slightly startled by her cry that came from her throat when he kissed her. He smiled to himself, vowing that she would cry like that again before the night was out. Erdric opened his mouth, his tongue snaking out to gently lick at her before he captured one of her lips within his own.

Aryun cried out, her back arching as she felt Erdric’s mouth on her womanhood. She treaded her hands through his silky hair, one holding his head closer while the other fingers kneaded his scalp. Her breath caught in her throat as she felt his tongue twirl against her, her back bowing as he flicked against the center of her desires.

“Erdric!”

He pulled back, smiling at her gently before he bent back down, his teeth nipping the warm, wet flesh. His fingers gently stroked the wet folds while he fastened his mouth onto that small hardness, sucking it gently before he slipped a long finger inside of her.

Her throat arched, moans tumbling from her lips while her hips shifted, trying to keep Erdric’s smooth sliding finger inside of her, begging him for more.

He hooked his finger, the tip gently touching her upper wall and he nearly laughed when Aryun let out a soft cry, her hips rising and arching into that small touch. With gentle care, he slipped another slender finger into the warm tightness, gently separating his fingers, stretching her to accept him.

Aryun felt a pain when he added a third finger, and slowly the pain eased to allow her to relax, enjoying the feeling of his fingers.

Erdric stilled, and he raised his head, looking at Aryun’s closed eyes and sharp breathing. With his right hand, he gently stroked her thigh and belly, murmuring softly to her. “Does it hurt much, Aryun?”

Her eyes flew open, catching his and holding them. “Nothing that I cannot handle and nothing that will still hurt in the long run…” Her head fell back, moaning as his fingers touched that spot within her again. “Keep… going, Erdric, before I must beg yet again.”

He smiled at her softly, his fingers gently pulling out of her warmth to crawl beside her, his hand settling upon her belly, his lips brushing against her ear and cheek before claming her mouth in a eager kiss.

Aryun returned the kiss, her hands wrapping around his shoulders to hold him in place. She could taste herself upon his lips, the soft musk of her own scent, and she could taste him beneath it all, soft, gentle and cool like spring rains.

“Erdric,” she whispered against his lips before she felt his tongue flick out, begging entrance. She tilted her face, allowing their tongues to dual, a wet sliding of flesh that mimicked future activities.

His hands cupped Aryun’s flushed cheeks, carefully kissing her fluttering eyelashes, her forehead, her nose, and then he descended to her pale rose colored lips.

“Do you think yourself ready, love?” he asked as he brushed his lips against hers.

Aryun shifted her hips, feeling the empty aching of her loins, and groaned in slight frustration. “I… think I am ready to feel you inside of me,” her lips whispered against his before she took his lower lip between her teeth to gently bite him.

Easily, he slipped his legs between Aryun’s own, making her slide them further apart, feeling himself press gently against her. He shivered before he tugged a pillow from behind her so that Aryun could support her neck rather than lying back on the sheets.

He gave her another long, lingering kiss. “Are you ready for this, Aryun love?”

Aryun placed both hands upon his flushed cheeks. “My Soul… I have never been more ready… than tonight to feel the pleasure I only wish for you to give me…” She arched under him, making him slide seductively against her wetness. “Please… Do not make me wait any longer than I must, my angel…”

Erdric nodded, slipping one of his arms behind her, holding her firmly while the other reached down to fit himself to her. He watched her face intently as he slowly pushed, drawing his hand back up to wrap the other arm behind her.

He sunk easily for a few moments, then he felt her new maidenhead press around his head at her entrance, wrapping snugly around him. Watching her face, he saw her eyes flutter closed, a slight concentration crease marring her forehead.

Making up his mind, he slanted his lips across hers in a passionate kiss before he jerked his hips forward, impaling her with his manhood.

Aryun let go of a low cry against his lips as he slit through her maidenhead, her hands curling into claws, digging into his back. Her legs trembled against his hips, her eyes shedding tears from closed eyes as she turned her head away, taking trembling breaths.

Erdric held very still feeling her trembling against him. With unbounded tenderness, he slipped his arm free to run his hand through her cascade of hair, soothing her before he stroked her cheek with his fingers.

“Love… wife, I didn’t hurt you badly, did I? Aryun, dear one, have I hurt you?”

Aryun let go of a trembling breath she had not been aware she was holding. “Erdric… Husband, I… feel far less pain than what I thought I would… I… It feels… right.” Her eyes opened and they were a dark blue, almost the color of a winter night sky. With a soft smile, she tangled her right hand in the hair at the back of his neck, and pulled him down for a passionate kiss.

Her lips still against his, she opened her eyes to catch his. This time, there were volumes spoken between them where as there used to be tension, uncertainty; now there was only love.

“Love me, Chosen, and make me yours truly…” Aryun’s breath caught in her throat at the exquisite feeling of being filled completely by the other half of her soul… her other half that she very nearly lost… “I want to feel you within me… knowing that you will now never leave me.” A tear fell down her cheek. “Make love to me, beloved angel,” she whispered softly before she wrapped her legs around his slim waist, her body arching up into his even as she pulled his face down to claim him with a searing kiss.

Erdric sighed softly against her lips, pulling away to brush kisses across her jaw line, the soft skin behind her ear, finally to gently suck on a bit of her skin before he started to move within her. Her warm wetness surrounded him, hugging him and he shuddered, holding up his weight upon his elbows above her.

Aryun let out a moan that was laced with pain as she felt him gently withdraw only to return to fill her fully again. She felt like she couldn’t take a full breath as she felt his slow, gentle thrusts into her, and she arched up into him when he withdrew.

He trembled as Aryun started to writhe underneath him, her hips pushing up into his as he felt her body loosen slightly, accepting more of him within her. She shifted beneath him, and he felt her legs raise, slipping to secure his waist between them.

Erdric let his left hand cup her cheek while he softly kissed her upturned lips. He tilted his hips with a soft cry, sliding into her body, the new angle allowing him to sink in deeper. His hips kept a slow and steady rhythm, finding Aryun’s mimic his own, making him tremble.

“Love,” he whispered against her lips, his body trembling against hers, feeling her pleasure as well as his own burst over his skin.

Aryun did not know whether or not her body wished to tremble, to writhe, or to just lay placid beneath Erdric’s thrusting body. She whimpered underneath Erdric’s mouth, her body tightening with the combined pleasure and pain that his thrust brought.

Her hands curled into his shoulders, her nails piercing his skin and mixing sweat with blood. Her breathing sped up, breasts heaving in exertion and she let her head slide to the side of the pillow, her eyes closed and tears shimmering upon the lashers.

She felt Erdric’s lips brush over her offered throat, biting gently at the salt slicked skin. She trembled, caught in a whirlwind of passion, and she lifted her face to Erdric’s, their noses brushing the cheeks of the other, while the soft pants of air brushed against their ear, making their bodies tighten all the more.

Their foreheads touched, their mouths a hairsbreadth apart.

Erdric’s lips curved in a soft smile, his fingers cupping Aryun’s sweating cheek. “Will you cry, love?” he murmured the question against her lips, and he gave a soft chuckle when she did cry softly. He let his fingers tangle in the fine long hair that was spread out beside her head, his thumb stroking her cheek. He kissed his way to the other side of her face, his lips teasing and nipping at the curve of her ear. “I will make you cry,” he spoke softly into her ear. “I promised myself I would…” He chuckled softly again. “And I know you will…”

Aryun gave a soft mewl against his ear, earning another chuckle from his throat. Her head fell back, showing the smooth expanse of flesh that Erdric loved to place soft kisses upon and bite. Aryun felt herself clench around his manhood, tightening herself and feeling the sensations themselves constrict.

Erdric knew he was coming to the end of his endurance. The slow pace he set only served to arouse them more, and he knew that his beloved was nearly at her peak… She was normally much more articulate than what she was being, and he smiled against her neck, his teeth taking the soft skin and suckling on it.

He felt Aryun’s body shift underneath his weight, her body rubbing itself against his to urge him without words to speed his thrusting. Uttering a small laugh, he continued at the same pace, making Aryun cry at being denied her release.

Erdric’s sweaty cheek brushed against Aryun’s, his lips dancing along her ear again. “Tell me, Aryun. Tell me what you want… otherwise,” he bit back a groan as he slid nearly all the way out, and then pushed himself ever so slowly back inside of her, making her back arch in a cry. “I’ll keep this up… and I’ll have you writhing beneath me the whole night.”

His mouth opened, snagging the lobe of her ear between his teeth, tugging on it gently while his breath fanned across it, making her shudder within his embrace.

“Erdric,” her voice came out as a strangled whine.

He brought himself up, one arm holding his body off of hers while his free hand cupped her cheek. He smiled down at her passion darkened eyes and chuckled. “Tell me,” he whispered softly to her. “Tell me what you want, Aryun, and I will give it to you…” He leaned down, bowing his back to still be able to thrust within her slowly. “Tell me, my angel… or you will be denied your release… at least until I decide so.” His tongue flicked out, tracing the curve of her lower lip before snagging it with his teeth.

Aryun cried out again, letting Erdric suckle at her lip before she turned her head away, her eyes closed as she panted. “You,” she ground out, arching beneath him. She opened her mouth to speak again, and then swallowed, catching Erdric’s sea-green gaze with her own winter night blue. “I want you… hard…”

She saw Erdric’s eyes blaze and he lowered himself on her gently, fanning kisses across her face. “As you wish, my angel,” he whispered softly, pausing for a second in his thrusting, pulling out nearly all the way so only his head was caught within her warmth.

With a hard thrust, he pushed back inside her, making her head fly back and her voice wavering a pleasured cry. He secured his lips on hers, catching the sharp moaning from deep within her throat, his body shuddering as it neared his peak.

Aryun cried out into his mouth, her body arching and twisting underneath her loves, trembling in passion too great to contain. Her body arched one last time, and with a loud cry, her bloodied fingers clutching to Erdric’s back, she convulsed within his arms, nearly screaming out her passion.

Erdric laved ardent kisses across her throat, her shoulders, any piece of skin he could reach before he too groaned at the faster pace, making his hips jerk ever harder into her before, and with her name upon his lips, he reached his peak in a scalding wave of pleasure.

He trembled, lowering his body down upon hers as he watched her face, seeing the crystalline tears that fell from her eyes and sparkled in the light from the sacred candles. With shaking fingers, he brushed the backs against Aryun’s flushed and tear-streaked face, gently taking away the tears and sweat.

“Love,” he whispered, his lips brushing against her swollen ones. “Aryun Love?”

Aryun’s breasts heaved in exertion, her breathing shaking within her throat as her tears fell down. Her right hand curled around Erdric’s neck, pulling him down so that his cheek brushed her own, and held him to her tightly.

She turned her head, her lips brushing against his face. “I love you,” she whispered softly against his ear, her voice sounding shy and vulnerable. “Stay here… please…”

Erdric smiled gently, his fingers brushing her temple as he burrowed his face down into her neck, his lips tenderly brushing her neck. “Of course, Love,” he murmured, wiggling slightly to snuggle closer and get more comfortable.

Aryun shivered underneath him, the sweat cooling on her skin making her feel cold, and she gave a soft groan at the feeling of Erdric move still within. Her right hand gently tangled in Erdric’s sweaty sea-green hair while the other caressed the curve of his shoulder and back, fingertips kneading into the flesh and enjoying the feel of his slick skin under her hand.

When Erdric felt her shiver, he pulled one arm away from holding her to securely grab the edge of one of the many comforters that lay around them, and with Aryun’s help, they were both covered by the warm black sheets. Erdric’s left hand stayed beneath her head, cradling it against him as his left hand gently caressed the curve of her own shoulder, dipping down to ghost over the curve of her breast before going down further and took her hand into his own.

Aryun twined her fingers in his and she brought them to her face, gently kissing his slender ones. “Erdric,” she whispered as she nuzzled his ear. “Did I hurt you?”

He let out a soft chuckle, his fingers squeezing hers. “Love, no. I must admit, I like your nails digging into my shoulders… it tells me I’m doing something very right.”

Aryun felt her face blush, and continued to kiss his fingers.

“What about you?” Erdric murmured against her throat, softly kissing the pulse that had slowed. “Did I hurt you?”

She thought for a moment, her hands stilling. “I honestly do not know… at the moment, it hurt… then it faded in the wake of pleasure… however I’ve the feeling that I will be sore tomorrow,” she chuckled slightly.

“Do you think you bled?”

“Yes, I think I did.”

Erdric laughed gently. “Then we can claim that Thera was a miracle.”

Aryun smiled softly, her fingers stroking his hand. “He was... but not in that particular way and I will not simply say that that extraordinary night never happened…”  She let go of his hand when he tried to pull it away.

“I’m glad you find such expressive words for our unions…” He watched his finger gently trail down her shoulder, sliding around the curve of her breast before stroking the slender waist she had.

“In a few months, I won’t have that waist, so enjoy it while you can,” Aryun smiled, her hands gently tangling in his hair.

He slipped over her thigh, finally withdrawing from her body with a wet sound, settling down beside her so that his hand could run his fingertips over her smooth stomach. “I cannot wait to see your belly swollen again,” he said softly, his fingertips gently running along the area right under her belly button.

Aryun laughed gently and kissed his forehead. “You missed it when I was so large with Thera that I could not see my feet. It was a humorous situation all around because I had Ashi fetch me shoes and had to help me put them on, when I could fit shoes on my swollen feet that is. Finally, near the end I resorted to just walking around barefoot, which upset Xristis and Nara to no end.”

“I can imagine. Thera was so small… yet you looked so large…”

Aryun sighed, her hand that was not tangled in Erdric’s hair slid down his arm. “It was mostly the water. It shocked me how delicate and small he was and how he fit in my arms…”

“I’m sorry I was not there, Aryun,” he whispered softly, his fingers gently stroking her belly.

“Things happen, Erdric love, and I knew… I knew that last time I saw you in the gardens that it would be the last time I saw you alive… I knew, somehow inside of me, I knew that you would not be here to see Thera born.” She let her fingers gently stroke his damp cheek. “Yet I knew you watched over me… That is all that matters in my mind.”

His fingers still gently stroked Aryun’s belly, and Aryun laughed. “You know it’ll be a while before my belly swells out.”

Erdric smiled, and placed a kiss on the curve of her neck. “I still cannot wait to see your body change; the way your breasts will swell, the way your belly grows, how you will glow.” He sighed, his face snuggling into her neck. “I love how you are when you carry a child… you’re so… beautiful that I cannot place it into words.”

Aryun felt her cheeks grow red, and she turned in his arms, snuggling into his embrace and putting her head on his shoulder. She slid one of her legs across his waist, pulling him close to her. She sighed as she snuggled closer to him, trying to wrap him around her.

“Well, we have until the candles burn down… and I know they’ll last till morning…”

Erdric’s hand came up to cup her face, his thumb gently stroking her cheek. “Aryun love, we can wait till you’re ready again… I don’t want to hurt you without need.”

Aryun smiled softly, turning her face to kiss his palm. “You won’t hurt me, love.” She laughed slightly as she gently pushed him on his back and slid over him. She leaned forward, her nose touching his. “Besides, I want to make the most of this night, since it’s probably going to be the last time we’ll have uninterrupted ‘us’ time.” She dipped her head, her lips brushing across his throat. “The question is: can you keep up with me?”

Erdric started to laugh, a full sound that echoed in the chamber, making Aryun laugh as well as she sat across his hips. His hands wrapped around her waist, holding her above him as his laughter quieted.

Aryun sat up, her eyes sparkling as she shifted her hips, forcing her body into his, sliding against him.

Erdric’s head fell back on the pillows and he sighed, pushing his hips up into hers. Thought narrowed eyes, he watched Aryun move against him, her body enticing his to rise again to their passions.

Aryun felt him stir against her, hardening as she slid herself against him, and she laughed. She leaned forward, brushing her lips against his, her hands fluttering down his chest.

He arched underneath her, his hands stroking the curve of her hip, smiling up at her from his prone position. He shifted his legs, drawing them up so that his feet laid flat upon the floor, his thighs supporting Aryun’s lower back.

Aryun tilted her head, watching Erdric’s face. She trailed her fingers across his throat, running down his chest to hold onto his waist. “Now, love, how do you want me?”

He arched an eyebrow at her and smiled, sitting up. Erdric wrapped his arms around her, one around her back, the other cupping her cheek. His thumb brushed against her lips, and he felt a grin tug at his own when he saw Aryun open her rose colored lips to take the pad of his thumb between her teeth to nip at him.

She chuckled as she drew his thumb into her mouth to gently suck on it, running her tongue around to make him shiver. She gently pulled his thumb free as she felt him straining tightly wedged between her legs. “How do you want me, Erdric?” She arched her own eyebrow, her hand brushing back his hair.

Erdric’s eyes closed slightly, leaving only small slits of his eyes showing. “That, my dear, is your choice…”

Aryun shook her head, sending her hair flying around her face. Her eyes sparkled as she leaned forward, giving him a passionate kiss, hard enough to bruise his lips.

“Then…” Aryun thought aloud. “I want you behind me.”

Erdric’s eyebrows arched and he looked at her with slightly wide eyes, his lips parted a little.

Aryun laughed slipping off of his lap and kneeling beside him. “Why is that so shocking, Thalata?”  Her hand slipped through his slightly stiff hair at his temple. Her lips brushed his ear, gently whispering to the delicate curve, “I like it.”

Erdric shivered slightly before rising upon his knees, facing Aryun’s impish smile. He reached forward, wrapping one hand around her neck as he kissed her roughly before turning her so that her back faced him. His hands fluttered down her back, fingertips pressing into her spine as he pressed kisses against her neck.

Aryun trembled as she felt Erdric gently brush her hair over her shoulder, his teeth scoring her skin. She felt him slip forward, pulling her body back against his. She sighed as she felt his hardness snuggle between her cheeks, before she felt Erdric’s hand settle against her neck, gently pushing her forward.

She shuddered as she complied, her hands sinking into the pillows as she shifted her knees further apart. She tossed her head, her hair flying over her other shoulder. She bit back a moan in anticipation as she felt Erdric’s hand squeeze the base of her neck, his thumb caressing the side of her neck.

Erdric gently pushed himself against her, the head of his manhood slipping into the warmth of her passage, his left hand convulsing upon her hip as he slipped all the way in.

Aryun let out a breathless moan as she felt Erdric slip all the way into her body, his lower stomach braced against her bottom. She arched her back, lowering her head onto one of her forearms, and let out another moan as Erdric’s thrust hit a spot inside of her.

Erdric saw her head arch back as she rocked back against him, trying to keep him inside of her. He gave a soft moan when he felt Aryun’s hand take his right hand as she brought herself slightly upright to rest it upon a swinging breast.

Aryun arched her back as she rose further up, feeling Erdric’s hand slip down to lay upon her taut belly. She let her hands slip back, resting upon her husband’s thighs. She rested her head against Erdric’s shoulder and moaned when she felt his lips brushing against her vulnerable throat.

Erdric brushed his lips across his love’s speeding pulse before he moved up her neck, snagging her earlobe between his teeth, running his tongue along the edge. His breath hitched in his throat when he felt Aryun clench her muscles, clenching her wetness around his manhood. He let his hand slip further down, his fingers gently circling the small little bud at the apex of her thighs, making her legs tremble as they pressed back against his.

Aryun’s fingernails dug into Erdric’s thighs as she felt his fingers of his right hand circling and gently rubbing the small roundness, making moans tumble from her arched throat. Her hips shifted with his and she cried out as he bit her neck, gently suckling on the skin while his left hand gently kneaded her breast before slipping down her sweaty skin to grasp her waist.

Erdric gently pulled back from her throat, noting with a smirk at the red mark that blossomed upon her neck.  With a gentle hand on the back of her neck, he pushed her forward so that she was bent forward, her forearms resting upon the sheets.

Aryun gasped at the feeling of Erdric pushing deeply inside of her, rubbing against the front wall of her passage. Her head fell so that it was braced upon her forearms as she moaned into the sheets feeling one of Erdric’s slender hands stroking the center of her desire, the other holding on to her waist.

She couldn’t stop the helpless sounds that came from her throat at the feeling of Erdric’s hand that slipped to hold her neck, and the hard thrusting that was pushing her ever closer to the edge. Her fingers clenched into the cream and black sheets beneath her as Erdric’s thrust rocked her forwards, her breasts swinging gently.

Erdric’s breathing was harsh as he felt Aryun’s body clench, trembling as she came closer to her peak, and that made him thrust into her harder. He pulled back his hands, taking her waist between his hands to be able to hold her more upright as her legs trembled uncontrollably.

Aryun pushed back against him, moaning, little noises coming from her throat as one of her hands took the place of Erdric’s between her thighs.

She tossed her head, her hair flying as she arched her back, crying out as she felt the hardness within her almost viciously stabbed at her. She felt sweat slipping down her back as she teetered upon the edge of her climax.

“Erdric,” she whined softly, her voice deserting her as she felt her insides tense.

“Phoenix,” he whispered softly as he sped his pace, thrusting into her body almost ruthlessly, his hands tightening upon her waist.

He watched as Aryun tossed her head back, her throat arching as she cried out, his name rippling on her voice like water before he spilt his seed within her, leaning over her back to hold her shuddering body upright.

Aryun could barely hold herself up, and was grateful as Erdric slipped his arms around her waist, holding her upright, her body convulsing as he pulled her up and into his arms. She trembled, her breath coming out shaky as she felt the last thrusts of Erdric’s body into hers, his lips breathing harshly into her ear.

Erdric let out a shuddering breath, letting it fan across her ear. He placed soft kisses along her neck, his hand placed along her sweat-slicked sides.

Aryun sighed, pushing her face against him, brushing her cheek against his. “Now I know I’m going to be sore tomorrow…”

He laughed weakly as he pulled them both down into the sheets, nuzzling his face into the back of her neck. “And a lovely bruise upon her neck.”

Aryun’s eyes fluttered open wide as her hand flew to her neck, covering the mark. “Erdric, why’d you go and do that now?”

He gave a little laugh, gently catching her hand to nip the fingertips. “Simply because that smooth neck of yours was too much for me. I must admit, even I have my limits.”

Aryun sighed as Erdric gently withdrew to turn her over in his arms. She smiled gently at him before she wrapped her arms around his neck, pushing her forehead against his as he pulled the covers around them.

He loosely wrapped his arms around her waist, wrists casually crossed behind her lower back as he looked into her satisfied and sedate blue eyes. “Do you know your eyes lighten after we’re joined?”

She smiled slightly, freeing one of her hands to gently caress his cheek. “No… Did you know that yours lighten as well and turn almost a silvery blue… there’s no trace of the green within…”

He smiled as well. “No…”

Aryun leaned forward to gently kiss his lips before she pulled back, slipping closer to him before she rested her cheek against his damp one. “I love you, Regent… I love you more than I can voice…”

Erdric pulled her closer, letting his head snuggle closer under the red-gold fall of her hair. “My Phoenix,” he murmured softly. “I never realized how much I loved you until I was gone… in that place…” He shivered slightly. “I love you, Phoenix…”

Aryun held him close, her fingers sliding through his damp hair. “Erdric love, I’ll always be here… and now you will be as well…” With a soft kiss against his neck, Aryun snuggled closer, her legs tangling with his as she settled down. “Let’s go to sleep love,” she whispered into his ear. “Let’s forget all this talk about the past and start tomorrow as one once again like before. No more talk of the past…”

She felt tears sting her eyes. “For a year and a day, for evermore, and as long as love shall last…” She whispered as she felt him wrap her tightly within his arms.

“For a year and a day, for evermore, and as long as love shall last,” he murmured against her shoulder.

They fell asleep entwined in each other’s arms, their soft breath mingling with the cool air that came from the window as night changed to dawn, dawn into day in all her glory.

The sleeping couple did not notice the soft knocking on the door, nor the squeak of the hinges.

Tyral smiled gently at the pair within the circle, noticing that his daughter laid halfway on her back, his son curled around her, his head upon her shoulder, buried in her neck.

Someone poked at his back. “Well, what is the matter?”

“See for yourself,” he whispered gently as he stepped inside the room, opening the door for his nosey mate.

Lethe grinned, one of her hands clasping Tyral’s. “Are they not lovely?” Her eyes traced the curve of their bodies, not quite sure where one started and the other began. “They truly belong to one another, do they not?” she asked softly as Tyral gently pushed her back out into the hallway.

“Indeed they do, beloved; however, I would like to let them rest until they awaken naturally. I would rather not disturb such a peaceful sleep.” Tyral gently took his mate’s hand and walked back to the hall where the makings of a feast were to begin as soon as the bridal pair made it down stairs.

“Well?” quarried Nara as she stood beside the chairs that were set at the head of the table and draped in red and gold cloth.

“They lie asleep in each other’s embrace. We did not wish to wake them,” Tyral said, a soft smile curving his lips.

“You should look at them Nara, before they wake up. They are so… so… beautiful curled together… It is hard to believe that they have ever been separated…”

Nara smiled softly before walking up the stairs to do as Lethe bid her. After all, Nara mused, it’s not every day that she could watch her Regent and his mate sleep soundly and peacefully.

She watched the curled couple for a few minuets before she saw Aryun stir, her hand fluttering against Erdric’s back. With a grin on her face, she shut the door with a soft click and hurried down stairs to await them.

Aryun stirred, her fingers flexing against Erdric’s skin as her eyelashes fluttered. With a slight moan, she pulled an arm from around his waist to rub at her eyes.

She sighed as she opened them, taking note of where the sun shone on the wall. “It’s past dawn… almost noon…” She closed her eyes again, just basking in the feeling of lying beside Erdric once more.

Erdric felt the shift in her breathing as he laid his head against her chest, and he too stirred, his fingertips deciding to gently trail against the curve of her waist.

“I don’t want to leave…” he murmured against her neck as he felt one of her hands start to thread through his hair.

“I don’t either, but we must wash and get dressed and go downstairs… The wedding feast is this morning…”

Erdric groaned slightly, his fingers starting to idly tracing patterns against her belly. “It won’t start ‘till we get there, so let’s take our time.”

“Within reason, Erdric love, within reason.”

With a heartfelt sigh at having to move, Aryun slipped out from underneath Erdric to stretch, her hands rising above her head, pulling her muscles. As soon as her stomach muscles gave a twinge in pain, she stopped, resting a hand on her upper stomach as she pulled her knees up. She felt the soreness of her stomach, and a more dull and insistent throbbing between her thighs.

Erdric stirred, rising to lean upon his arm over her, his free hand touching her face. “Do you feel well, or was I too rough with you?”

Aryun smiled gently at him. “I suppose it’s the plight of a virgin who was well taken care of.”

He sighed, brushing an apologetic kiss upon her lips. “I am sorry, Aryun love.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers sliding into his hair as she pulled him down for a deeper kiss. “No need to be sorry. I asked for it hard,” She said against his lips. “Now, we’ve got to get down stairs, and I’ve got to walk this circle open.”

Erdric obediently rolled off her, lying back in the covers, snuggling the warm sheets around his body as Aryun rose to her shaky feet.

He watched her through half-closed eyes, watching as she walked the circle backwards, unsealing the power held outside. He sighed as he felt the cool breeze waft through the open window before he too decided to stretch, feeling Aryun’s passion marks upon his back ache as they touched the sheets.

Sighing, he rolled to his knees, slowly rising upward, standing in the middle of the circle. He felt his lips pull up in a smile as he watched Aryun’s body tremble. As soon as she was through opening the circle, he caught her against him, wrapping his arms around her waist as he placed his head upon her shoulder.

Aryun sighed, leaning against him gratefully, wrapping her arms around his neck as he held her against him. With a startled ‘eek’, she was swept up in Erdric’s arms and he walked towards the small bathroom to find a warm bath already drawn for them.

The cold seeped through the soles of his feet, making him shiver slightly as he walked in, holding Aryun close to his chest, after he decided he did not wish for her feet to touch the cold stone

Although this one had a quaint charm about it, the bathing room was much smaller than their shared one at Zenthia. The room was made of the same grey stone, and one side had a fireplace, the other a small window that looked upon the courtyard. A small wooden tub took up most of the floor room.

He smiled gently at Aryun’s face as he lowered her within the warm water of the smaller tub. Erdric laughed when she let out a soft moan. He gently brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead. “Wait one moment and I’ll get you your gown…”

Aryun watched as Erdric padded out of the room, sighing as the warmth eased the pained muscles. She shook out her hair, wanting to duck under the water, but quite willing to wait for Erdric to help her brush the tangles out so it wouldn’t be that much of a mess.  Instead, she sunk slightly in the water, letting it lap at her breasts, her arms lying across the edge.

Erdric chuckled as he laid their clothes upon the small chair before taking the comb that was left by the fireplace. He sat down behind the tub, gently gathering her hair in one of his hands before running the comb through the copper tresses.

Aryun’s eyes snapped open as she felt Erdric start to comb through her hair. “Thank you,” she murmured as he leaned forward, brushing a kiss across her closest cheek.

He happily combed through her hair until it was completely untangled, and then gently urged her to slide further down so that he could wash the long tresses.

“Erdric,” she murmured softly before complying, shifting her legs so that her head could dip beneath the surface.

He smiled at her face. “Trust me, Aryun love.” With that, he gently poured some of the liquid upon his hands before making her rise again, fingertips gently kneading into her scalp.

Aryun moaned softly, feeling his fingertips against her skin, letting him wash her hair for him. She allowed herself to be lowered back into the water, his slender fingers combing through her hair and kneading her skin to allow the soap to wash out.

After washing out her hair, Erdric coerced her to sit further up, leaning against the edge before he decided to slip into the water with her.

She laughed slightly pulling her legs further up to allow him more room to sit. “You think it’ll be comfortable with you in here?”

He looked at the small tub as he sat down in the water. “Sure. I mean, you fit into it,” he said with a smirk.

“Hey!” Aryun splashed the water at him in mock anger.

They both dissolved in giggles, clasping their hands together.

Aryun rose up on her knees, wedging herself between Erdric’s thighs as she gently tilt his head back, cupping her hands in the water and letting run over Erdric’s hair. With her fingers, she kneaded his scalp like he did for her, washing the sea-like tresses.

Erdric for his part wrapped his arms around her waist, leaning his head against her full breasts when he could, enjoying the feeling of her wet fingers in his hair.

When she was finished rinsing his hair, she sat back on her heels, wincing as she did so.

A look of concern flashed across his face before he gently pulled her up out of the water, parting her thighs by making her put one foot on the edge of the tub. With extreme gentleness, he let his fingers travel across her skin, feeling the slight swelling.

Aryun laughed slightly, gently taking his hand away before leaning forward and kissing him. “I’m just sore. It doesn’t hurt.” She slipped back down into the water, her arms slipping around his neck as she kissed him again.

Erdric pulled back, his wet hand gently cupping her cheek as he gazed into her eyes. “You are beautiful, Aryun… so very beautiful.”

She laughed, pushing her cheek against his, holding him closely. “So are you, love.”

He pinched her side, causing her to pull back and squeak. “Come, love, we’ve got to get downstairs, as you said. We must make our appearance some time today for our feast.”

Aryun sighed as she pressed her forehead against his. “Must we?”

He laughed. “You’re the one who said we had to leave our nice warm nest of covers. So since I was deprived of sleeping longer, you’re going to be coming with me to this feast… after all, it is to celebrate our union, so you would be lax in coming… I suppose you could always fake sickness… of course, the nausea will start any day or so.”

Aryun pouted slightly as she rose from the water, taking a towel from the edge before she felt a sharp sting. She whirled around to look at a grinning Erdric.

“It was there.”

She shook her head, wrapping the towel around her body before she stepped out onto the towel Erdric had thoughtfully placed down to warm her feet. She watched Erdric towel off as she did before donning her new gown that was a red silk with golden trim, the sleeves hanging to her elbows. The silk clung to her wet curves as she slipped the sleeveless tunic of golden threads over it, belting it loosely around her hips.

Erdric had slipped into the black pants, a loose fitting black shirt and a red tunic with golden threading. He slicked back his dripping wet hair, grinning at Aryun who was braiding the wet tresses into a single plait.

With a smile, he walked up to her and took her hand within his. Pulling open her palm he handed her a ring with three different keys upon it. “I give you these keys: my house is yours to rule. Hold them well, my wife.”

Aryun smiled back, almost laughing at completing the wedding ritual well after the deed. “I take these keys: well and wisely shall I use them ever,” she said with a laugh as she tied it to her belt.

Gently taking Aryun’s hands in his, he kissed them softly. He looked at her smiling face and swept her up into his arms, laughing at her face. Kissing her, he walked back into their shared bedroom for the night before walking out.

Pulling back only before they reached the banquet hall, Erdric whispered softly into her ear. “I love you, my wife, my love, my Phoenix.”

They smiled at each other before walking through the doors to greet everyone as husband and wife.