Snippet #2404557

Al'Kaera's eyes shifted briefly when Maree spoke words of love to him in his own language. She seldom spoke in it, but when she did it was always a pleasant surprise. It was more meaningful, especially now that so few were left who knew it.

Her hands wandered his body. It was a strange sensation, but not unwelcome. She spoke again, and he wished that he could look into her eyes. They both anticipated this evening. Al'Kaera looked upon it with mixed excitement and worry.

When she pulled away, he took her hands in his own to stop her leaving him entirely. "Do not fret over our child, love," he said to her. Bringing her back to him, he wrapped his arms around her waist and back. Softly, he brushed errant strands of hair away from her lips before he kissed her once more.

Then, he stood and lifted her into his arms. "Let us... make our union at long last true." There was no longer a ritual or rite for him to perform, no family or council to request askance of. Only Al'Kaera and Maree existed in that moment, so far as he was concerned.

He took her from the dining chamber, holding her as if they were newlyweds. He had made sure that one of the bedrooms was cleaned and prepared earlier in the day.