35
(Vasanaday - Solstice)
Felida - Atrua
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“See my hair garland?” Tarja asked excitedly, showing Yewan and Marosio. It was a vibrant, almost gaudy ensemble that she had been working hard on all morning. “I can’t wait to see who picks up my garland!”
The group took the family hoverbil. Tarja sat between the A’mara in the back seat.
“This doesn’t look like the main activity,” Yewan said as they reached a quiet park along the river.
“I know. Father doesn’t like the crowds. So, Mother takes me for the hair garland toss and then we come back here,” Tarja explained. “You must come and watch, Marosio!”
“I...I,” Marosio stammered.
“It’s okay,” Yewan said. “I will help set up the picnic. I doubt it’s even a job for one!”
Marosio went somewhat reluctantly to the city park where dozens of young single women and girls lined both sides of the bridges over the lazy river.
“It’s not fair if you’re on the wrong side of the bridge, Marosio!” Tarja scolded. Her mother stood with her, laughing.
“Sorry,” he said, understanding now that she wanted him to try to catch it. He wasn’t sure about that, he realized. She was crazy for him already and he had to go back to Irola. Not to mention her age again.
Maybe it wouldn’t hurt anything. She’d forget about him soon enough.
The announcer shouted for the girls to throw their garlands into the water.
Marosio watched Tarja throw hers. He tried to get to the water, but dozens of young men – more than there were girls, he was certain – crowded the banks, grabbing garlands as quickly as they could.
Girls shrieked with laughter and delight as their sweethearts presented their garlands to them with passionate kisses and promises of more to follow. Marosio laughed at the merriment.
He remembered what he was supposed to be doing, but he couldn’t see any more garlands.
Tarja joined him a few moments later. “Did you see mine?” she asked.
“No. I had a hard time getting to the water at all. I haven’t seen yours. Sorry,” he said genuinely. He felt her tears before they filled her eyes. “Let’s go have our picnic.”
The picnic was ready when they got back. Yewan and Tarja’s father sat there quietly. Marosio walked over to the river while Tarja’s mother explained why the girl was so upset. Suddenly, Marosio saw something floating in the water. He walked into the river and picked it up, recognizing Tarja’s work.
“You found it!!!” Tarja screamed as he returned, his feet wet where his boots had started leaking.
To Marosio’s surprise, Tarja kissed him on the lips. “Thank you!” she cried.
Marosio’s cheeks grew hot before he could regain control. He felt Yewan’s laughter even before it hit his ears.
He sat at the picnic table and took off his boots. “I need waterproofing,” he said to Yewan who was helping pass food around.
“Or to not walk in water,” Yewan retorted. “Yes. Leaky boots aren’t fun.”
“You tease me, Maqla,” Marosio complained, taking some meat and some homemade rolls.
“Only because you’re there. I tease all equally, I promise.”
“That makes me feel better, how?”
They continued eating quite happily as Tarja’s parents went for a walk along the river.
“Marosio, I want you to try something,” Tarja said, reaching into a bag in the hamper.
The small packet smelled even before it was opened. But when Tarja opened it, the stench was strong.
“What is that?” Yewan asked, gagging.
“Gærre. Fermented butterfish paste. It’s a local delicacy,” she said, spreading some on a cracker and handing it to Marosio. She spread another cracker with some more and ate it. “You have to get past the smell.”
Marosio wrinkled his nose, but gingerly tried it. It was strong and sour, but it wasn’t all that bad, he realized. He reached for another one.
“It must not be too bad,” Yewan laughed. “Every culture has its stinky food!”
“She’s right. You get past the smell and it’s quite good, really.”
Yewan tried a bit too.
“See?” Marosio said.
Tarja handed him another cracker as her parents returned. Her mother’s mouth gaped open as she approached. She used some sharp words on the girl.
“My mother thinks I should not feed you gærre,” Tarja said to Marosio. “She is superstitious.”
“About what?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Tarja replied in a way that made Marosio wonder.
“I had some too,” Yewan said.
“Yes…,” Tarja replied in a way that indicated a difference between the two events.
♥
Towani City
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“Don’t you have to go back to your vessel today?” Brona asked Samek, bringing in a tray of food. The sarong she had wrapped around herself wasn’t doing much good, he noticed. His passion began to heat up, almost making him forget the unpleasant subject of his wife.
“I will go back tomorrow. I need more time with you,” he crooned.
“I will be here whenever you need me,” she replied.
“That can’t be right! I thought you were just for the solstice!” Samek replied, unable to believe his ears.
“I’ve been given to you – with my permission, of course. Talina wouldn’t have done it otherwise. You may use me as you see fit. If you wish to have a second vessel on the go, then I will submit myself to your wishes. I only ask that you don’t injure me, otherwise I will leave. But barring that, I’m here as long as you want me.”
“Why would you agree to these terms?” Samek asked, pulling her to him and running his hands down her delicious body.
“Because I know what it’s like to be alone,” she replied cryptically.
“Sounds good to me,” he said, tugging at the string that held her sarong until it fell apart and to the floor. “You’re not ready yet, but I definitely like the idea of you being my vessel!” He pulled her onto his lap and relieved his desire.
♥
Felida – Atrua
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“Now, we must head back to Irola,” Yewan said with obvious regret. He caught the attention of his hosts. “Tarjan!” he thanked.
The hosts said something in return that Marosio could not understand.
“They said to come back soon,” Tarja said as she accompanied him to the hoverbil. “I wish I could come with you,” she said.
“You have to take care of your parents,” Marosio said, looking into her brown eyes. “They waited a long time for you. You can’t leave them alone now! It would break their hearts.”
“You are right, Marosio,” Tarja said. Then she leaned in and kissed his lightly-bearded cheek. “Don’t forget me.” She stole another kiss from his lips. He avoided the blush this time as he gave her a firm hug in return.
“I won’t forget you. I promise you that,” he said.
Finally, after Yewan got into the hoverbil, Marosio sat in the driver’s seat and with one final wave to the family, they set off. Marosio was grateful to sit behind the wheel as they flew along. It freed him from feeling that he needed to make conversation, when all he wanted to do was think. He thought about everything that had happened, the conversation with the Governor, the festivities… but most of all, he thought about an 11-year-old girl who had all but bound herself to him. No. He would never forget her and he had a suspicion that she would never forget him either. He didn’t know what that could mean for the future though. He was unlikely to have cause to be in Atrua again.
When he glanced over at his maqla, he noticed Yewan was asleep. Just as well. He didn’t really want to discuss what was on his mind and heart anyway. There would be another time.
♥♥♥
If you have enjoyed this book, I would be grateful if you could put your thoughts as a review on Goodreads for me.
Other Chapters of this set
Birth of the Neví - coming soon on Whaleshares - otherwise, scroll way back on Steem (like summer 2018.)
Name of the Neví - Chapter 1
Maps and Guides
- Terrenden Atlas Pages (six maps of Almara and Kranisis.)
- characters, pronunciation, glossary and image credits
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Brighid's Blood 2006 and 1200 B.T.C.E. Katja and Rachel are so desperate for love that they cast two love spells one night. But the Guardians do not consider spells "fun", but rather as cries for help from the very depths of your soul. Certainly Katja and Rachel could not have possibly imagined where these spells would take them! |
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Birth of the Neví 829 T.C.E. It is a tumultuous period of Terrenden history. As is all too common, there are those who wish to profit from the misfortune of others. Some of these come together in a new "charitable organization" and step on the toes of the notorious Uugli. Combine this with draconian new measures to combat pollution and Terrenden has a situation ripe for a power struggle. Book 1 in the Rise of the Neví series. |
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Rebound of Power: 850 T.C.E. Collection of Romance Terrenden is being terrorized by a previously underestimated Neví who, through the mysterious “Curator,” have been controlling elections all over the planet. In this collection, we meet some interesting women. Iyva - a homeless teenager in Irola whose untrained power leaves her close to death in Rebound of Power; Marc’la - a breeder of prized caballus in Kasago whose heart lives in the past in Friendship on Fire; Zukie - an abused widow whose heart is afraid to try for future happiness in Courage to Trust; Jenna - an elections assistant manager and masseuse who has a prejudice against A’mara in Elect to Change; Kami - a chola student in Varkevand who has been assigned to protect Ardin, a man who has his own reasons to distrust A’mara in Ocean of Empathy. |
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Acting the Part - 851 T.C.E. Collection of Romance The Neví have infiltrated the Terrenden Freedom Party. Dr. Jarly is on the run and the Curator still dominates the Terrenden stage. Famous actor, Derick Aiden has released his Neví expose film and now the Neví want him dead... In this collection, we meet more interesting women. Kauri - a simple receptionist who doesn’t realize one of her wildest dreams has come true; in Acting the Part Tirry - an elections manager who is always the bridesmaid and never the bride; in Building on Promise Zara - a chef who has all but given up on finding love for herself; and D'zani - who isn’t even looking, but has to chaperone her more vulnerable roommate; in Spice of Strength Soala - an heiress who is expected to marry, but refuses to marry someone she doesn’t love; and Moxara - one whose past griefs have locked away her heart in Sands of Survival. We also get updates on some of the lovely ladies we met previously. |
| COMING SOON | TO AN EBOOK STORE NEAR YOU!!! |
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Rise of the Neví - 830 T.C.E. In this series, the Neví begin their rise in power with the completion of several large housing projects that seem totally charitable, but also hide a great evil within. The draconian measures brought in the previous year has caused major distress throughout the world, perfect for giving the Neví a further foothold on the Terrenden stage. Will the A’mara, now removed from the Council of Peers, be able to shut down the Neví? Titles to include: Name of the Neví, Mind of the Neví... |
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**(To be Named)** - 852 T.C.E. Collection of Romance... It's confirmed that the Neví are now in all three houses of Parliament and most assemblies throughout Terrenden. Additionally, some are threatening to introduce legislation to severely cripple the A'mara of all their privileges.
In this collection, we will catch up with our fugitives (Iyva/Zilan, D'zani/Elíaz). We will also meet Celna Dellan in X'lea; Peri Harmon, a Peer Councilor in Irola; Janys Tyne, an elections team leader in Atrua; meet a nice (as of yet unnamed) woman in Kasago; and revisit Vissia and Catalia in Towani. |
Writing and artwork copyright myself 2005-2019 – all rights reserved.
If you are interested in helping me publish these works, please contact me on Facebook or Discord, viking-ventures#2883.
Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
verified author on Goodreads
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blogging on: Steem, Whaleshares, WeKu, Hyperspace, Publish0x
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