Tianna’s curiosity was piqued and she asked, “What kind of skills?”
Kaylee explained, “By just touching a woman’s belly, I could tell if she was pregnant and whether it was going to be a boy or a girl. I could even identify the exact position of the baby as the baby grew larger.”
Tianna was impressed. “That’s a wonderful skill to have in a village so dedicated to family. It could give you the ability to help move the baby into proper position before attempting a delivery. I’ve lost several babies because of being born breech.”
Kaylee smiled with pride as she said, “They say that I’ve saved many babies and their mothers.”
They continued to share stories of when their various skills first emerged. Tianna saw so much of herself in Kaylee and decided to help her start her own wizard book. She even shared with her the spell on how to magically lock the book so others couldn’t open it.
Tianna chuckled, “Just look for the ‘X’ to see if anyone attempted to peek. My wizard master still carries the mark and so does Nathaniel.”
Tianna found that she enjoyed working with a young apprentice and promised to find a way to come back to see her someday to check on her progress.
On the night before they were to leave the village, the mated members of the quest were asked to attend the special blessing meal on the full moon. Nathaniel couldn’t wait to attend this meal with his mate on his arm.
Chapter 19 - The Dance
Nathaniel arrived at the special meal with Tianna, acting as if they were a happily mated couple. Gabriel and Marcus also attended; Gabriel was allowed to attend even though his mates were no longer living. Seth, being unmated, was sent off with the children and all of the young adults that hadn’t yet taken a mate.
As the mated couples walked into the gathering place, they were led to a large open area which was surrounded completely by draped colorful fabric with trees towering behind them. There was a large fire in the center of the room that was already in full blaze, and low tables were positioned on the ground at a slight distance from the center fire. Around these tables were pillows and rugs for people to sit or lay on. The only light, other than the fire, came from torches that were scattered throughout where people would be eating.
The mated males as well as the females expecting a child or nursing mothers were directed to sit around each of the large, round, wooden tables. The tables were only a couple of inches off of the ground so some chose to lie on their sides. The mated females and the males of the mothers sitting down were ushered away. Tianna fit this description so she followed in their numbers. She assumed they would be serving the meal, and she was right.
Throughout the meal, the servers were constantly busy getting more food and drink. Even though they seemed to never have time to rest, they were enjoying themselves as much as those sitting. Everyone was laughing and having a great time.
Nathaniel was enjoying himself most of all. In the spirit of following the local customs, he continued to mimic the actions of the other males as they responded to their mate’s service. Every time Tianna gave him food or drink, he would tell her what a good mate she was and blow her kisses. He touched any part of her that got within range of his roaming hands. Luckily for Tianna he was lying down so, most of the time, he was only able to touch her legs. He did manage to pinch her on her backside a few times as she passed.
Tianna, also trying to match the other females, attempted to look pleased with her mate’s reactions to her. Although she tried to smile and tease him back, Marcus could sense that she was about ready to dump Nathaniel’s meal on his head.
Marcus leaned over to Nathaniel and warned, “You better watch it, young Draak. You’re starting to play with fire, which might get you burned.”
“After what she put me through in the previous villages, it’s only fair I pay her back in kind,” he said with a pleased, smug look on his face. “What do you think she’s going to do to me? She’s just a tiny thing. I can handle anything she can do.” He leaned back with a satisfied expression. “I’m going to enjoy this night.”
Gabriel, shaking his head, joined the discussion. He added to Marcus’ warning, “I’ve been mated three times. Don’t ever underestimate a female of any size. When they choose to wield it, their power is unmatched by any warrior.”
Nathaniel just gave out a loud laugh saying, “I can handle Tianna.”
Both Gabriel and Marcus stared at each other. They decided that he was going to have to learn the truth the hard way.
The main meal was coming to an end and elderly ladies went to work separating out females that wanted to have children. Given their make-believe mating, Tianna matched their criteria. She looked to her Draaks for guidance and Nathaniel motioned for her to follow, so off she went with the group into a nearby tent.
The servers that were left behind cleaned-up all of the tables and brought out a dark liquored drink. It reminded Gabriel of Fire Wine, except without the fire. He corrected that thought after he drank a full cup. He started to feel extremely relaxed and couldn‘t hold back a smile. He actually had to resist the urge to giggle. Warriors don’t giggle. Given the glassy looks in the room, it looked as if everyone was having the same reaction.
The mates to those that were escorted out were asked to sit around the large center fire. Nathaniel moved as instructed with a grin.
A small group of Faerdi gathered in a corner and started to play a wide variety of instruments. Marcus wasn’t sure if it was from the drink or the volume of the music, but he was feeling the rhythm of the drums within his chest. He leaned over to the man closest to him and lifted his goblet. He asked unsteadily, “What’s this we’re drinking?”
He gave Marcus a glassy-eyed look and a big smile. “We call it Blood Wine. It’s the nectar of the gods.” He let out a long, deep sigh and closed his eyes. Obviously he was feeling very happy and relaxed.
Marcus wanted to know more about what was going to happen, so he tapped him again. “I’m sorry to bother you again. Can you tell me what’s about to happen?”
He explained, “The mates to the males sitting by the fire will come out and do a dance. They’ll be asking the gods to make them extra fertile tonight so that they may conceive a child.”
Gabriel and Marcus quickly glanced at each other, however, before they could say anything, the explanation continued. “Those of us here without a mate dancing can only stay for a short time, just long enough to help ask for a fertile night. We’ll then be asked to leave so the gods can do their work.”
Gabriel became concerned and leaned into Marcus and whispered. “Should we be concerned for Tianna’s safety?”
Marcus responded with as much confidence as was possible given the situation, “Nathaniel took the Draak oath that he wouldn’t take advantage of any situation while he’s pretending to be Tianna’s mate. As you know, a Draak oath isn’t broken lightly since there are dire consequences. I know Nathaniel will do what’s right.” When he shifted his gaze away, his expression wasn’t nearly as certain.
The music became louder and they all turned to see the missing females return to the eating area. They were dressed in what seemed to be beaded material in the shades of fire, a mix of yellows, oranges, and reds. The skirts were made of long stands of beads and strips of sheer material. They also wore a band of beaded material that covered their breasts and swirled up to their shoulders. Marcus couldn’t see how the top stayed attached to their bodies.
The females were directed to go stand between their mate and the fire. Given the glassy look in their eyes, Marcus knew they had been drinking some of the same liquor. He squirmed uncomfortably remembering how Tianna’s Faye nature reacted to liquor.
Once Tianna reached her spot around the fire, Gabriel’s mouth dropped open. Like all of the dancers, she was naked from the waist up. It wasn’t cloth that lay on Tianna’s chest but paint with embedded shiny beads. She was covered in elaborate swirling snake designs that appeared to slither across her skin when she m
oved. The skirt was nothing more than multi-length strands of beads attached to a beaded rope that hung very low on her waist. The sides of her legs were bare other than the same painted swirl patterns and a few beaded strands that hung in graceful loops from her waist down to mid-thigh. She had thin strips of material cascading down her arms, from her shoulder to her fingertips. The various bead strands and thin strips of sheer material were the only thing covering her body, which left little to the imagination.
Her hair was let down with just a few stands of beads braided within it. They had painted her face with the same swirl patterns on her cheeks and around her eyes. Her eyes glowed silver blue like cat’s eyes at night when they reflected light.
Gabriel thought she was breathtaking. Nathaniel must have thought the same thing because he was now sitting up as straight as an arrow with his eyes practically sticking out of his face.
The females all started to dance. They must have practiced together because initially they were all making the same moves. Tianna was no exception. She moved with cat-like grace, her unbraided silver hair moving softly in the breeze. The painted swirl patterns on her body seem to coordinate with her snake-like body movements.
Soon the music changed and each dancer did their own unique dance designed just for their mate. The firelight reflected off Tianna’s hair and all of the beads which made her body appear to sparkle.
Marcus, who was also mesmerized by the sight, spoke to Gabriel without moving his eyes from Tianna. He said, “Tianna’s birth mother was Faye.”
Gabriel made a breathy response, also without looking away from Tianna, “You know she was. Why?”
Marcus answered in an even lower tone. “Female Faye are most noted for their power to seduce males, especially in dance.” They both sat in silence for a moment. “I think our little Tianna has just uncovered another gift.”
The two Draaks said in unison as if it was practiced. “Damn.”
Marcus put a concerned look on his face. “Should we try to save her?”
Gabriel‘s face lit up in a big smile as he remembered his kiss with Tianna. “My dear friend, it isn’t going to be Tianna that needs saving tonight.”
When the music shifted again, all those present not with a dancer were asked to leave. Marcus tried to give Nathaniel a word of warning, but Nathaniel was lost to the dance and heard nothing. He was too busy enjoying Tianna swirling material around his neck.
When Marcus started to walk away, he noticed that Gabriel hadn’t moved from his position. He was still sitting at the table staring directly at Tianna, appearing to be in a trance.
Marcus walked over and tapped Gabriel on the shoulder saying, “Time to go, brother.”
While Gabriel continued to stare at Tianna, he growled and brushed Marcus’ hand away like he was swatting at an annoying bug.
Marcus knew that his brother was lost in the spell of the Faye. He also knew he had to get him away from Tianna’s influence before he succumbed further to her charms. He put his hand back on Gabriel’s shoulder and, this time, held it firm as Gabriel tried to swat him away again.
Marcus shifted himself so that he stood in front of Gabriel, breaking the eye contact he had with Tianna’s body. Gabriel tried to shift himself to the side of Marcus so he could continue to watch the dance. His eyes were glassy and didn’t seem to really notice Marcus.
Marcus, being mated, wasn’t as influenced by Tianna’s Faye nature so his mind was clearer. This allowed him to keep a step ahead of Gabriel. He grabbed Gabriel’s other shoulder and shook him hard. “Warrior, snap out of it,” he commanded.
Gabriel jumped as if he was awoken from a deep sleep. He growled very low and glared into Marcus’ eyes. With his eye connection to Tianna broken, his mind started to return to him. He slowly realized where he was and his face softened.
Seeing reality coming back, Marcus chuckled. “Let’s go brother. I think you need a little fresh air.” He was grateful that he didn’t have to fight Gabriel. He wasn’t sure that even if all the unaffected males present banded together, they could’ve stopped Gabriel if his mind was set on getting to Tianna.
As they walked out of the area, Gabriel kept sneaking a peek back at Tianna. Pangs of jealousy sprang into his chest. For once, he truly longed to be Nathaniel.
Once the gathering area had been cleared, several elderly females walked around carrying a burning stick that gave off a lot of smoke. They waved it around each dancer and encouraged them to breathe the aroma in. Tianna followed their direction without a second thought, not that she had much coherent thought left in her head. The dancing became more intense, and Tianna’s eyes actually started to glow.
When the music stopped, each female ended their dance and walked over to their mate. They held out their hand and encouraged them to take it and follow. Nathaniel took Tianna’s hand and would have followed her into the fire itself.
The happy couple was guided to a small tent of their own just outside the eating area. They walked in and the opening to the tent was closed behind them. They were now alone.
In the middle of the tent, which was open to the night sky, was a rock circle enclosing a small fire. The walls of the tents were draped in silky materials that matched the colors of Tianna outfit. The rest of the tent floor was covered in brightly colored rugs with blankets and large pillows scattered everywhere. The colors of the room and the firelight caused the room to almost glow like it was on fire.
Nathaniel shook his head, trying to clear his mind, which was slowly coming back to him now that the dancing had finally ended. When he glanced up at Tianna, he noticed she was drinking from a cup that he hadn’t realized their guide had given her. Before he could warn her not to drink it, she dropped an empty goblet, giving him a look that could have melted stone. Nathaniel realized he was in deep trouble.
With slow, graceful movements, she untied her beaded skirt and let it drop to the ground. There she stood naked in front of him.
Nathaniel froze.
Tianna gazed deep into his eyes and motioned him toward her. When he didn’t move, he was almost knocked off his feet by an assault of her scent that was now rubbing up and down the length of his body like a big cat. He had taken a step toward her without even knowing that his feet had moved.
With great effort, he managed to stop his forward momentum. He tried to use his powers of persuasion, but it hit a mental shield as hard and solid as a rock wall. He took another step forward. “Stop it mate!” he yelled.
When Tianna saw that he stopped moving again, she attacked him with a full-frontal assault. This time she used her mind powers. Although Nathaniel knew she had some of this power, he had no idea that she possessed the level that she was demonstrating now. Nathaniel could hear her in his mind commanding him to come to her. He wanted so badly to obey, and he took another step closer. He had never been on the receiving end for mental powers this strong. He used it so often on humans and never truly considered what the humans felt. He was starting to understand.
At that moment, he wanted her more than he wanted air to breathe. He must protect her from herself. He had sworn an oath to this. If she was to win the battle of minds and he bedded her, he knew they both would lose for she would be doing it involuntarily.
His internal battle was becoming physically painful, and he had to get his mental shield up now. With as much determination as he could find within, he glared at her and shouted. “I’m your protector. I won’t do this!” This last thought helped him focus, and he was able to put up his mental shield and block her out. He staggered. To maintain this shield was going to cost him dearly in physical strength as he could already feel his energy starting to drain.
Tianna wouldn’t listen. She decided to try a more direct approach and dropped to her hands and knees and slinked toward him like a panther about to pounce on its prey. When she was dangerously close, she crawled up his body and stopped only when her hands were on his chest. As she caressed his skin, she leaned in and gently kissed wherever
her fingers had just touched.
Nathaniel, trying to keep his sworn oath, grabbed her hands firmly and backed away. This isn’t what Tianna had in mind and in a move that Nathaniel never would have thought possible from someone her size, she swept his legs out from under him, taking him down onto a pile of pillows.
Once Nathaniel recovered from the sudden jarring, he found Tianna straddled on top of him with her thighs tightly hugging his hips. She was holding him with incredible strength. She giggled and began playing with the strings of his pants saying, “You said something to me once about chewing on your stick.”
Nathaniel, knowing where she was headed, quickly grabbed her hands again. She didn’t fight him. Instead, she guided his hands to her mouth and began kissing each knuckle. Between kisses, in a soft voice that sounded more like something you would hear in a dream, she said, “Nathaniel, I’ve been practicing controlling my fire. Look what I can do now.”
Unquiet Slumber Page 26
