MIASMIC Place Of Pendants 1

Chapter Thirty Two

Wedding Beneath The Sun And Moon

Conall and Dougall returned a short while later with pieces of meat they had cut from the deer to set on the fire. Conall dropped a fair size piece beside the wolf. Silver picked it up in his already bloodied mouth and disappeared outside.

While we sat waiting for the meat to cook I asked Dougall what the Druid was going to do with the parasite he had taken out of my back. Having seen him pocket it after it had been removed. I nearly spat my water out when he told me the Druid would probably take it home and cook it for dinner. A delicacy he made sure to mention. The three men broke into laughter at the sight of my horrified crumpled face. The thought that the Druid was going to eat it made my stomach roil. I wasn’t sure if Dougall was pulling my leg or if he was serious.

After supper, I washed up in the basin of the waterfall, followed by the Druid, Conall and Dougall. Dougall laid his blanket on the ground for the Druid, his own plaid nearby.

“Lass will ye come outside with me fer a wee moment?” Conall asked quietly taking my hand.

Conall led me outside and around to the meadow still holding my hand. The glow of the moon shone enough to light the way. It was a beautiful clean night but there was definitely a cold crisp to the air. I didn’t mind though, the heat I had felt when the beast was removed from my back had been insane.

Conall stopped and took both my hands in his. “Lass I want to ask ye something.” He looked nervous.

The things that crossed my mind at the flash of lightening had me asking myself a mass of questions, so insane and ridiculous.

I wasn’t sure what Conall had to say, but whatever it was he evidently felt it needed to be said away from the others. The intense look on his face with furrowed brows had me a little uneasy thinking there might be something wrong.

“What is it Conall?” before i could utter another word he got down on one knee. For a moment it was as if I had turned into a statue, my breath hitched in my throat.

“Morgan, I love ye with my heart an soul. I want to ken if ye will be my wife?”

I stood transfixed in a moment in time gazing down at his face in surprise. I felt my heart take a resounding thump. I had not thought of marriage, sweet mercy this was not what I was expecting. Scanning his face there was no mistaking the gravity of love etched into his eyes. I thought about how I had felt when we were wrapped in each other’s arms. We were already soul joined.

I had heard him during the kissing session say, as he put it, he would not take my maidenhead. I doubted that he would marry me simply to resolve that problem. I also heard him when the octopus thing was being removed from my back, that he loved me. I could feel my hands shaking and sure my brow was beading up with sweat again.

The question I have to ask myself is do I love him? That was an effortless answer.

Even though we hadn’t spent that much time together, and had several arguments, the truth was he set my skin on fire.

More importantly was the question could I live the rest of my life without him? That thought brought an emptiness to my stomach and a tightness to my chest. The answer was a definite no. I did love this man with every beat of my heart. I think that I have been in love with him from the first day. It had just taken me this long and Conall on his knees in front of me for it to finally hit home.

“Aye Conall.” I said as a grin spread across my face.

Conall got to his feet and slanted his lips over mine. Once again plunging his tongue into my mouth and holding me in a crushing hug. He kissed me with passion and desire that left my legs feeling weak. When he finally broke the kiss, we were both panting.

“Morgan the Druid has agreed to marrying us at dawn. When tha moon an tha sun shares the sky.”

Surprise number two. “Conall don’t we need a marriage license, a ring, a church?” I gasped still panting from the kiss, and hanging onto him, lest I fall flat on my face.

Conall took my face in his hands. “Nay lass we just need the Druid. When we return to tha castle or to yer time if’n ye like we can have another service in a kirk, if it makes ye feel better, but if tha Druid marries us it is before God, Mother Earth and the realms of Gods past and future. I have nay ring to give ye at this time, if ye can wait?”

“I can wait.” I said as I brought my lips back to his. “I love you Conall.” I whispered. He whispered the same to pulling me tighter against his body.

I really don’t know if we kissed for minutes or hours before finally coming up for air. Walking back into the cave hand in hand, a little more composed the Druid looked to be fast asleep.

The fire in the hearth lending a soft glow throughout the interior. Dougall laying on his blanket on his side wearing a mischievous smile scanned Conall’s face, then mine before returning to his brother.

“Milady said aye then?”

Conall nodded tamping down his smile. I smiled wide giving Dougall his answer.

“So, the lass no thinks ye are her bràthair after all.” Dougall said as he rolled onto his back.

“Haud ye wheesht!” Whispered Conall with as much fervour as he could in a whisper. I snapped my head to Conall. He had obviously shared some of our previous conversation of whether he would like me as a sister. I hid a grin behind my hand. Dougall chuckled.

I shook my blanket out and laid it down on the other side of the stone seat. Conall did the same placing his side by side with mine. As I settled myself Conall laid behind me and pulled me into him. I felt safe, but perhaps a little nervous of the coming event at dawn, it all felt so quick. I heard the wolf pad in and expected him to lay in the entranceway. Instead, he came to lay beside me.

Conall leaned over me whispering to the wolf. “This be tha only night ye will share our bed wolf.”

The wolf huffed. I held back a giggle but went to sleep with a smile on my face, sleeping between my two loves.

Conall woke me just before daybreak with a kiss to my cheek.

“Lass tis time ye were up. We are to be marrit this morn.”

Where all men so eager to get married? I had a feeling perhaps not as much as Conall seemed to be.

He helped me to my feet, one thing Conall was not, that was a nervous groom. It was still dark with only the softest glow coming from the embers. Both Dougall and the Druid were gone. I panicked for a moment thinking Dougall had taken him back to his time.

Conall must have seen the worry on my face. “They are outside lass. Do ye wish to wash before the sun rises?”

I washed my face in the waterfall basin, untied and brushed my fingers through my hair. I was a little sad that I had not brought a dress with me to be married in. I only had on my shirt and pants. I brushed my hands down the front of me in an effort to clean any dirt and grass off.

I caught Conall with his arms folded staring at me with a smile on his face. “Morgan ye are beautiful.”

Then I noticed he had a clean kilt on and a new white shirt. His smile deepened as he motioned with his chin to where Dougall had been sleeping. There sat a bundle tied with string.

“Mine?”

He nodded. “Dougall made a quick trip home fer ye, an clean clothes fer me”.

I could barely contain myself, moving quickly to undo the package. The wrapping was a piece of fabric, cream with tiny lilac flowers. Inside was an ankle length muted tartan dress with white lining and pieces of netting attached on top from beneath a corset and laces at the back in black. Long tartan sleeves with white lace edging. It was beautiful and in the Sutherland colours. I held my breath holding it up, it really was beautiful. Quickly removing my clothing, the dress slipped on...perfect fit.

Conall as if on cue came up behind me and began lacing the back as if he had done it a hundred times.

" Morgan no shoes for the ceremony we connect to the earth under the moon and sun.” He said smiling and turning me by the shoulders. He took a step back scanning me from head to feet.

The look though, I shall never forget. A single look making me feel loved, beautiful and wanted all wrapped together. I could live in that look. I simply nodded, caught in the moment.

He held out his hand as if I was a queen, bowing his head slightly as I gave him my hand. “This is the dress my màthair was married to my da in. She would be verra happy to see you wearing it, an proud.

I took an intake of breath; the fit was perfect. I was honoured to wear her dress. Thoughts rounded my head. Here I was getting married at dawn to Conall, by a ninth century Druid. It was positively something to be telling our children. Children, I had not thought about that either. I took a deep breath hoping I was doing the right thing. No, I was doing the right thing, it felt as if it was the first right thing I had done.

As we approached the cave entrance I remembered the pendants. “Conall I want us to wear our pendants.”

He looked at me a little confused before he realized I was talking about the half pendants. He smiled and nodded to me before retrieving the box from my bag. hurrying I sat down on the blanket as he placed the box before me. I held out my hand.

“Are ye sure lass?” He asked as he reached for his dirk laying close by.

“Yes quite sure.” I smiled reassuring at him.

He caught the tip of the blade to my index finger causing a drop of blood to whelm. Placing the finger to the box it clicked and the lid formed. I took out the pendant and holding my hand above the box, unsure whether it would lock as it had done for Agnes, I was relieved when it did.

He put the pendant round my neck and clasped it. Retrieving his own half pendant from the saddle bags, I clasped it for him. Conall bent to kiss me before taking me by the hand again and leading me to a waiting Dougall and Druid.

The Druid and Dougall were standing chatting to each other in the Druid’s strange language, stopping at our approach.

“Ye aye a bonnie sight tae behold Lady Morgan, he smiled at Conall, Morgan does our màthair proud.” Conall nodded to him then bowed to me. The Druid nodded to each of us.

The four of us walked further down the track so we had full view of the sky. Conall continued to hold my hand, more so I think to stop ne falling walking on the rocky and stoney ground. We stopped just as the first hint of sunrise began. As the sun began its assent we could still see the moon as well.

“This be tha sky at at our birth.” Conall smiled. As the sun rose it was like standing on the dais to heaven, so peaceful and majestically beautiful.

Conall turned me to face him holding both my hands. I caught the wolf out of the corner of my eye standing close. I was so happy to see him here, whether he realized what we were doing or not. The Druid stood before us, waved his arms speaking in his native tongue.

After speaking for only a few moments he nodded to Dougall. Dougall wrapped a long cloth around my arm and Conall’s. Tying it loosely. The Druid began his chanting once again. When he stopped he looked at Conall with a questioning look.

“Speak now.” Urged Dougall

Conall looked into my eyes.

Tha mi a toirt dhuibh mo chridhe agus anam anns a bheatha seo agus an ath Cridhe mo chridhe Anam mo anam Bheir mi mo bheatha dhuit, mo fhuil Is mise a-mhàin leatsa tha mi slàn.

Not having any idea what Conall was saying the look in his eyes told me, if I had a thought that he was marrying me solely to take my virginity it was a silly thought.

His face and his eyes while he spoke glowed with the intensity of love he had for me, I felt it, perhaps more so, to my very soul.

The Druid turned his eyes to me. I hadn’t even thought of what I was going to say. My mouth went dry I couldn’t think. Conall continued to look at me waiting. Then I thought of something. Elizabeth Barrett Browning. I knew I was going to devastate her words as I couldn’t remember them all but here goes.

I love thee to the depth, breadth and height my soul can reach

I love thee to the level of every day’s most quiet need by sun and candle light

I love thee purely

I love thee with passion

I love thee with the breath, smiles, and tears of all my life

I shall but love thee forever

I held my breath hoping the words were ok only to receive a wide smile from Conall.

Watching Morgan’s eyes and lips move to her words urged a need to take her in my arms and kiss her before we had completed the ceremony. My heart skipped a beat every time she spoke the word love. I thought she was struggling in the beginning as I had forgotten to tell her that she would need to say something. I should not have worried. The words she spoke and the way she said them was evident her love for me was real and heart felt.

The Druid stepped forward and motioned for us to kneel. He placed his hands on our heads, and once again began to speak. This time Dougall interpreted what he was saying.

Go forth today under the power of the heavens,

Light of sun, radiance of moon,

Splendour of fire, speed of lightning,

Swiftness of wind, depth of sea,

Stability of earth, firmness of rock.

From the heights to the depths,

Two hearts are now one. Conall your heart and soul lives now within Morgan. Morgan your heart and soul lives now within Conall. May you both be encircled in love and safety always.

The look on Conall’s face was as identically stupefied as mine at the Druid’s words. In one passage, he had put an answer to the questions of our two half pendants, and the words of the Cailleach.

“Ye can kiss ye bride tha noo bràthair.” Dougall said grinning from ear to ear.

With that Conall leaned forward and slanted his lips over mine holding the kiss for as long as he thought respectable in the presence of the Druid. As he helped me to my feet Dougall removed the binding from our arms and then took me in a massive bear hug.

“Welcome piuthar to our family. Conall, Morgan is my piuthar now so ye will be taking good care of her.” Dougall winked at me. “I be takin tha Druid home now. I..err..may be gone for a day at least.”

“Aye Dougall, be sure tae knock next time ye pay a visit.” Conall retorted.

I took the Druid’s hand and kissed it thanking him for his blessing. Conall did the same. After we made our farewells to Dougall and the Druid Conall picked me up in his arms so fast I may have given out a slight yelp, to Conall’s wide eyes of surprise.

I could hear Dougall saying the words to transport he and the Druid. I didn’t turn to see them enveloped in grey mist and disappear I could take my eyes from Conall’s eyes, watching me.

Entering the cave the wolf moved to the entrance to lay down.

“Stay wolf.” Conall directed at him as he sidestepped him with me still in his arms into the cave.

Conall gently placed me down on the blanket. Taking my hand brought me up to stand in front of him. He wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me to him. “Wife” He breathed into my neck.

“Husband.” I murmured back.

He pressed his body hard against me. There was no doubt by the feel of him he was ready for what would come next.

I had to admit that I was ready as well, at least I thought I was. The only knowledge of sex I had was what I had read in books or seen in movies. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I was shaking with both fear and anticipation.

I slid my hand under his shirt to rest on his stomach, sweet mercy I had wanted to do this for so long. Muscles twitched at my touch. Taking my face in both hands he kissed me softly but passionately as he done in the meadow last night.

“I need to feel yer skin against mine lass.” He whispered. Not waiting for my reply, he undid the lacing to my dress with expert speed and competence. Slowly he slid the dress over my shoulders causing it to fall to the ground and leaving me totally naked.

“I want to see all of ye.” He growled in a low husky voice as he took a step back. I was embarrassed and went to cover my breasts, but he caught my hands, holding them away from my sides.

His breath hitched. “Ye are tha most beautiful creature in the world.”

I smiled nervously looking up to the ceiling, at the fire, the wolf anything but his eyes.

“Lass look at me.” He moved a step closer.

I tried to think of one scene from a movie or something I had read in a book for direction. My mind was blank. I couldn’t remember a single thing. I was stood in front of him shaking like a nervous virgin. Damn I was a virgin.

I moved my eyes to look at him. He had sweat beads on his face.

He didn’t look as one should who was in control a moment ago, and as nervous as I felt. An inkling of courage took hold of me.

“And you.” I said nodding to his shirt. “I want to see all of you too.” He removed his shirt and kilt with the same speed as he had removed my lacing, to stand in front of me. I took a step back to look at him as he had done to me. His legs, arms and torso strong, toned and powerful, my gaze lingered on his manhood before raising my eyes to his.

“I see you my beautiful Hercules.” He had many scars covering his body, but they only added to the magnificence of him. I touched a scar across his midriff, running my finger the length of it, again he twitched.

“Sloane.” He said as he followed my finger with his eyes.

“Sloane did this to you?”

“Aye, and this one to.” Pointing to one that ran from his right shoulder across to the midline of his chest.

“Oh, wait until I see him, I’ll give him a scar or two to remember.” Conall laughed.

“And this one?” A wide scar ran down his left arm, again following with my finger taking a step closer.

“Aye well tha one belongs to the Queen.” By my questioning look he added. “When I was riding tha dragon she threw a vase at me, well at the dragon really, it hit me.”

“When you rode through her bedroom riding the red dragon, screaming your war cry and swinging your sword?”

Conall shuffled his feet, a flush creeping up his face. “Aye.”

“I wish I could have seen you. I expect it was a sight to behold.” I was happy we were talking even though we were both standing bare naked. The talking though was helping to relax me a little, which I think it was doing the same for Conall.

“I wish ye could have as well. I would have swept yer beautiful body up in my arms.”

“So, I could shield you from the vase?” Conall looked at me his eyes wide, before we both broke out into a fit of laughter.