The Bonding (20 page)

“And you'll never come near Davin or me, or our friends again will you?” Kaeli nodded obediently, “Say it!” Kiri growled.

“I'll never come near Davin, or you, or your friends again. I swear it.”

“Good.” Kiri hauled the hysterical woman to her feet and shoved her hard, right into the arms of Dane, who was standing nearby.

“I want this woman prosecuted,” Kiri said loudly. “Using magic against defenseless people is a crime in Koral. She needs to be locked up.”

“Don't worry,” Dane said grimly, “she will be. I'll see to it. And Kiri? Thanks for not killing her.” Kiri nodded and he escorted Kaeli away. The crowd began to dissipate.

“My lady Kiri?” She pivoted sharply, still in attack mode. Ven, the police chief who had interviewed Davin stood beside her.

“How did you do that?” He stared at her golden claws, and Kiri released her magic, letting them disappear.

“Davin told you I was a swordmaster.”

“Can you…teach other girls to do what you did?” he pleaded.

“Yes. I've taught girls to fight before.”
And I'd love more than anything to do it again.
“Why?”

“We need you in our community. There's a rapist. My daughter, others…Farmers are busy. They can't always be home to defend their wives and children,” the man babbled, looking stricken.

“I understand,” Kiri said softly, laying a hand on his arm. “Davin and I will come, as we said, the day after tomorrow.” A warm hand ran softly down her arm. She stepped back into Davin's waiting arms. As Ven walked away, Davin whispered in her ear, “You are magnificent, Kiri.”

“Don't encourage her,” Jaya shrieked, “How could you, Kiri? How could you fight? Don't you care about your baby at all?”

“Of course I do,” Kiri snapped, stung by the accusation. “That's why I had to fight. I can't have that woman sending energy bolts at my back. I might not react in time next time. And did you notice I never was actually in any danger?”

“You could have been killed!” Jaya insisted.

“No.”

“There was no need for you to…”

“Jaya,” Soren said sternly, “Shut the hell up. Thank you, Kiri. You saved us all. That was absolutely amazing.”

“Come on,” Davin said, “let's get out of here. People are starting to stare.” With his arm still around Kiri's waist, he led her back towards their apartment. Soren and Jaya followed.

Once they were safely inside, Davin made tea and Jaya, still radiating fury, began healing Soren's burns. Kiri sat on a kitchen chair as the adrenaline began to wear off. She felt weary and wanted these other two to leave so she could make love with her man and go to bed. She accepted a cup of tea (plain, the way she liked it) and took a sip. As the soothing heat ran through her, obliterating the last of her battle lust, she realized what Jaya had been saying. She tried to stay calm, not to break down with her friends in front of her, but it was too much. Fat tears blurred her vision and began rolling down her cheeks. Davin noticed first. He scooped her into his lap and ran his hand over her back in soothing circles.

“Hormones again, baby?” he asked softly.

“No,” she said, her voice choked, “not only.”

“I know what's wrong.” Soren said. “It's Jaya. She hurt Kiri's feelings by yelling at her when she was only helping us.”

“Well,” Jaya said defensively, “I'm not wrong. There were police all over that party. Someone else could have handled the problem.”

“Jaya, Kiri just saved all our lives,” Jaya's lover explained patiently. “If she hadn't reacted the way she did, we would all be dead. I know the healer in you hates violence, but sometimes it's necessary. Tonight was one of those times. I'm actually impressed with her cleverness and skill.”

“You too, Soren?” Jaya wailed. “Does everyone fall under her spell? How can I compete with a warrior queen?”

He chuckled. “You don't need to. I admire her skill, but it's you I want to go home with at night. And Jaya, I feel much better. You have wonderful skills too. Thank you for taking care of that burn.”

Kiri pulled herself together. Rising from Davin's embrace, she walked over to her friend. “The thing is, Jaya, you're a healer. It's what you do, and you're really good at it. If I need medical help, I trust you completely, and I've benefited from your skill many times. I'm a fighter. It's what I do and I'm really good at it. In an emergency, you can count on me to guard your back. I'm happy to do it, because you're my friend. When that energy bolt came at us, oh gods,” Kiri shook her head. “I was afraid I was going to lose you. It made me so angry that she would put you all at risk to get to me. I had to go after her. Not to mention dealing with situations like this is something I've been training for since I was a child.

“Jaya, it's fun to be your friend, and I really like girl talk, and having someone to confide in. I was looking forward to having you deliver my baby, too. Now we may have to leave, and I'll miss you so much, but at least there was this that I could do for you. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to return some of the kindness you have shown me. I'm sorry if I frightened you, but I swear there was never any danger to me or the baby.”

“Well, in your professional opinion, that fight was necessary,” Jaya said flatly, giving in with an ostentatious sulk. “I guess I have to take your word for it, since this is not my area of expertise. However, I want to scan you right now, and be sure you don't have any injuries. You fell pretty hard, and falls in pregnancy can be tricky.”

“Of course.”

The scan was long and thorough, but Kiri stood perfectly still for all of it. She felt wrung out like a sponge.

“You're both still fine. You have such luck.”

“My luck is terrible,” Kiri said, too tired to chuckle. “Fortunately, I have skill. And friends?” She begged with weary eyes.

“Yes, and friends.” Jaya hugged her. “I was afraid for you. I didn't want to see you hurt.”

“You wouldn't have.” Kiri returned the hug. “Jaya, Davin and I are going tomorrow to ask about getting married. Do you still want a double wedding?”

“Yes.” Jaya agreed, clapping her hands together. “I want to be there to see you two get hitched up. Maybe then you'll stay out of trouble. Shall we meet midmorning at the elder council meeting hall?”

“Agreed,” everyone said

“Now,” Jaya added, “we should go. One thing you do need, Kiri, is a good night's sleep. You used a tremendous amount of energy tonight, so take care of whatever you need to do together and turn in. Don't worry. I should stop being mad in the morning.”

“I'll make sure of it.” Soren grinned. “I know what to do with that excess energy.”

“Please Soren,” Davin said in mock-protest, “don't say such things about my sister!”

Both men laughed, and Soren and Jaya left.

Kiri washed her face and cleaned her teeth in silence, then took off and carefully hung up her borrowed clothing. Finally, she loosened her hair, removed the iron striker from it, and climbed into bed, exhausted.

Davin slid in beside her, pulling her against him. She turned in his arms and he began to kiss her. “Gods, baby, you're amazing. I'm still in awe. I knew you were good, but how did you do that without getting a scratch, without even getting out of breath?”

“Practice,” she said succinctly. “Years and years of practice.”

“Well, it was still amazing. Are you tired, or can you take a little loving?”

“I want you, Davin.”

They kissed long and sweetly, running their hands over each other's bodies. It was not a wild embrace, like some they had shared, but rather a tender sharing of love and affection that bound them together even more tightly than the magic between them had ever done. When Kiri lay drenched and panting, Davin knelt between her legs and slid himself inside, and they were one. Kiri cried a little more as Davin made love to her, filling her, thrusting into her, caressing her sensitive flesh, but her orgasm felt amazing and when he joined her in oblivion they both knew that no matter what the elders said, they were really already married.

The next morning, Kiri woke early, feeling a little green. No, more than a little. It was all she could do to get herself out of bed and hurry to the toilet before she began to retch and gag.

Davin heard the commotion and raced to her side just as the spasm passed. He pulled her hair back from her face. “Are you all right?” he asked. “Are you nervous about today?”

“No, I want to get married. I'm not nervous…in fact I've never been so sure of anything in my life.” She gagged. “I think it's the pregnancy.”

“Oh right, morning sickness.” He pressed a cool cloth to the back of her neck. “Damn, what do we do about that?”

“Could you please get me…something to eat?”

“Sure, baby. What do you want?”

“Something mild, maybe cooked grains?”

“I'll be right back.” Kiri sat miserably on the bathroom floor, trying to distract herself from her nausea by brushing the tangles from her hair.
I don't like this at all
.

By the time Davin returned, Kiri had been sick again, but as her stomach was empty, all she could do was retch with no result. Davin gave her a glass of cool water and carried her to the table. The hot cereal was exactly what she needed, with just the tiniest drizzle of honey, and it settled her guts tremendously. Then it was time to clean their teeth, get dressed, and meet Jaya and Soren at the hall of elders.

“Are you all right, Kiri?” Jaya asked, “You look exhausted. Didn't you sleep well?”

“No, I slept just fine,” Kiri replied, though her eyes felt a bit swollen. “I've had my first brush with morning sickness is all.”

“Ugh. Sorry to hear that.” Jaya patted her. “If you keep a little something bland to eat at your bedside, and eat it first thing, it can help. The good news is it usually only lasts the first couple of months.”

“Good.” Kiri's stomach was churning again and Jaya insisted on buying her a piece of bread from a restaurant they passed. Chewing it did prove helpful, but Kiri feared all this snacking was going to cause her to get very fat.

The elders were gathered in the hall, waiting to hear the day's petitions. The couples were third in line after a request to build a restaurant near the city park (which they approved) and a request to raise pigs in a residential district inside the town (which they rejected). When it was their turn, and the request was made for a double wedding ceremony, the elders declared their need to meet in private, and asked them to take a seat and wait.

Inside the discussion chamber, Miranda spoke. “Well, shall we deal with the easy one first? Jaya and Soren. Are we all in favor of marrying them today?”

“I am,” Dalwyn said.

“As am I,” Kyla seconded, “they've waited too long already.”

“Agreed,” Joran concurred.

“And I agree as well. Very well, Soren and Jaya shall be wed this afternoon. Now as for Kiri and Davin?”

“I oppose it,” Kyla said, “They haven't known each other long enough.”

“Oddly, I agree,” Dalwyn added. “They're going to be married anyway, but what's the big rush? Leave the relationship to ripen before it is committed.”

“Oh,” Joran said, “I don't know. I'll abide by the decision of the elders.”

“Well friends,” Miranda intoned in her most serious voice, “it is rare for me to disagree with my colleagues, but I think making Davin and Kiri wait serves no positive purpose. I have consulted the oracle, and he has assured me that there is no reason for delay. They must be wed immediately or there will be grave consequences to their future. As I see it, the only outcome of them waiting is that their child will be born either before they are married or before they have time to settle into marriage. Additionally, you may not know this, but they will be leaving the capital almost immediately, never to return. This is meant to be, and is best for them both, but they must be married before it can happen. Normally, my friends, we discuss and debate and arrive at a consensus, but today I intend to use my right to overrule the council. If you will not agree to the marriage, it will take place anyway. That is my ruling.”

Grimly the others nodded. Everyone had grave doubts about the wisdom of marrying a couple who had barely known each other six weeks. They didn't like it, but Miranda used her right to overrule so seldom, and so judiciously, there was no cause for argument, so they offered none.

The council of elders filed out of their chamber and Miranda addressed the couples. “Your petition to marry has been granted. The wedding will take place this evening at sunset at the chapel of the lady of the hearth. I will officiate. May these unions be blessed.”

As the couples filed out of the hall, Jaya whispered excitedly, “I can't believe it, we've been approved. Thank the gods.” They stepped into the bright autumn sunlight.

“Well, what do we do between now and then?” Soren asked.

“Kiri and I need to go shopping. Why don't you two go and figure out where we should go for our wedding trip.”

“I know just the place,” Davin said, and he and Soren hurried off.

“Shopping?” Kiri whined, clutching her unsettled belly.

“Yes, for our wedding dresses.”

“I don't need a fancy dress.”
And I might just complain until you give up.

“You can't get married in trousers. I'm sorry, but that's just not acceptable. You need to dignify the solemn occasion by dressing correctly. Come on, I know a great shop, right near here.”

“I don't want to spend the money, Jaya. What if Davin's new job opportunity doesn't work out? We might need it for the baby.”

Jaya rolled her eyes. “Kiri, I saw how excited that Ven fellow was to meet Davin and you also. I think if you two can stand the town, getting the job is not going to be an issue. I hate the thought of you two moving so far away, though.”

“You'll have to visit often,” Kiri said, her eyes misting a little.

“Don't cry, Kiri. You can't get married with your face all red. Come on, let's go look for dresses.”

Kiri grimaced but allowed herself to be pulled along.

* * *

As the sun faded behind the horizon, Kiri and Jaya, dressed in their wedding finery, with elaborate hairstyles befitting the occasion, met their husbands-to-be outside the chapel of the lady of the hearth. Both men had changed into formal black clothing, and looked very dashing. Jaya appeared radiant in an amethyst colored gown that hugged her generous curves before softly sweeping to the floor. Kiri felt absolutely naked with her hair hanging down her back, unbound except for a small sweep upwards at the crown that ended in a knot into which flowers, not weapons, had been braided. Her dress was emerald green to match her eyes and fitted like a glove to every inch of her body from the high neckline to the knees, where a slit had been cut to the ground so she could walk. It was no dress for a warrior, as it restricted her movement to almost nothing. She had to admit it looked good, but that didn't mean she felt comfortable. The admiration in Davin's eyes as he took her arm and escorted her over the threshold into the chapel helped somewhat. The couples walked together towards the altar, in front of which Miranda, in her robes of office, was waiting for them.

“Welcome, children. Take your places, back to back, and we will begin. All ready? Good. As you know, we are here today in honor of your marriages. But what is marriage? Marriage is the beginning of a family, and family is the building block on which society is founded. When marriages succeed, all of society is strengthened, and when marriages fail, all of society is weakened. Since marriage is so vital, it is important that we understand the basis of marriage. I believe the foundation of marriage consists of three parts. The first of these, and the most important, is love. But then, exactly what is love? Many people think they know, but they are often mistaken. It is not how happy you feel with your loved one, or how much pleasure you experience in bed together. These are good things, but real love is nothing less than sacrifice. It is what you do for your loved one when you would rather do something for yourself. In fact, if you truly love, you would withhold nothing from your loved one, not even your own life. If you do not believe, in your deepest heart, that your loved one would give up everything for you, even his or her own life, then leave now. The embarrassment of a cancelled wedding is nothing compared to the misery of an unhappy marriage. Additionally, if you would not give up everything for your loved one, even your own life, leave now. Do not make the one beside you miserable by loving selfishly. Think for a moment whether, if you were called upon to do so, you would be willing to give up everything you are for your loved one. If not, leave now.”

The silence stretched out, but Kiri felt confident. She had already given her life for Davin, dying to save him from harm, and he had already given his life for her, taking an action to save her that he knew would alter every part of his existence forever. Sacrifice was something they had already mastered.

“Well, then, if you are ready to proceed, husbands, turn towards your wives and take them in your arms.”

Kiri was glad Jaya had warned her not to move. The desire to turn in Davin's embrace was powerful, but she held still while his arms slipped around her waist.

“The next vital element of marriage is duty. Husbands, you hold your wives this way symbolizing your duty to her. A husband's responsibility to his wife is to protect and provide for her. She will have work to do, caring for your children, and it will be up to you to be sure she is able to do that. Husbands, if you are willing to fulfill your duty to protect and provide for your wives, then say now, 'I will to the best of my ability.' ”

The men repeated the vow.

“Now, wives, turn to face your husbands and put your arms around them.” Kiri turned and slipped her arms around Davin's neck. Behind him, she could see Jaya standing on tiptoe to embrace Soren.

“Wives, you hold your husbands this way to symbolize the need they have for your kindness and nurturing. Husbands seem strong and self-reliant, but the best of them realize that their need for softness can best be met in their wives. Your duty to your husband is to provide him with affection, gentleness, and trust. It is vital to the survival of your marriage that you refrain from speaking disrespectfully to him, but handle disagreements with maturity and forbearance. You must also not hold onto grudges against your husbands. They will make mistakes, and so will you, but women have a much longer memory of grievances. Learn to let go of what hurts you so you can find joy in your man. If you are willing to make this vow, say 'yes, to the best of my ability.' ”

Wow, Kiri thought, that hits hard. She repeated the vow, feeling the weight and importance of it sink into her soul.

“Now, since you have both vowed to do your duty to each other, seal that vow in the manner of all vows, with a kiss.”

Davin and Kiri pressed their mouths together softly. Kiri wasn't sure, but she thought Soren might have lifted Jaya off her feet in order to reach her lips better.

“The third necessity of marriage is joy. You stand, holding each other, to symbolize the joy of your union, which is expressed in physical intimacy. You are to be each other's only lover, only partner, for the rest of your days. This trust is most sacred. Those who violate it suffer greatly and cause great suffering to their spouses. Enjoy each other often and passionately so your spouse will want to be with you and will not become frustrated. When women fail to live up to this, it is usually due to letting the stress of life steal your desire, but ladies, you do so at great risk to yourselves. A man who is not well bedded quickly turns either frustrated or unfaithful. Be willing often. Men, you most often fail to fulfill this vow because as the years begin to tell on your wife, other women seem more appealing. Guard your heart and thoughts against such attitudes. Remember your wife pledged you her body and love it, no matter how it may change over time. If you are willing to vow to find your joy only in each other, for the rest of your days, then say, 'I will.' There will be no discussion of ability here.”

“I will,” Kiri said unhesitatingly. She wondered fleetingly whether Davin would one day regret restricting his choices only to her. Fiercely she reminded herself such thoughts were pointless, and he had given up moving freely from bed to bed years before he met her, because he wanted this for himself someday. This day. He had chosen her and she would strive to be enough for him.

“Now, since you have both vowed to find your joy only in each other, seal that vow in the manner of all vows, with a kiss.”

Kiri kissed Davin again, harder this time.

“Finally, children, at the end of this ceremony, we return to the beginning. You cannot know at the start of a marriage where life will take you. No matter what arises, you must vow today to walk that path beside the person in your arms. If they become ill, care for them. If they are angry or hurt, comfort. If some great tragedy befalls, be present and help. This person is your other half, a part of yourself. Love them as a member of your own body. Be willing to sacrifice with generosity and accept their sacrifice with thankfulness. That is the nature of love, and if you do this, your marriage will become a strong building block for your community and you will be a blessing to each other and all around you. If you are willing to love your spouse sacrificially every day for the rest of your life, say, 'I will.' ”

“I will,” came the vows from the four of them.

“Now, since you have both vowed to love each other, seal that vow in the manner of all vows, with a kiss.”

This kiss was not like the others. Long and deep and passionate, it seemed as though the fierce, grave joy of the occasion passed between Davin and Kiri through their mouths.

“Now, children, you have vowed to love, fulfill your duty to, and find your joy in each other. You have sealed each vow with a kiss. Therefore I declare before the gods, and to the community, that you are married. Go forth as one.”

Davin took Kiri's arm in his and led her out the door behind Soren and Jaya. Outside, the meager warmth of an autumn day was rapidly cooling, and the leaves on the trees in the city shone in shades of red and gold. Jaya had her face buried in her husband's shirt and was weeping while he stroked her back. Soren himself looked stunned, as though he couldn't really believe what had just happened. Kiri turned to her husband…her HUSBAND. He was smiling, not hugely, a little private smile that warmed his whole face and made his eyes sparkle…or maybe that was a hint of a tear sparkling? Kiri, for once, felt no urge to cry. She was overwhelmed. She took slow deep breaths and shifted her weight from one foot to the other, determined not to faint.