Spice of Strength - Chapter 5 - A'mara Books

Previously...

5

(Rinday, cont.)

After the first dance, the tempo changed to a slow song.

“I would keep dancing with you if you don’t mind,” the young man said to Vissia.

“I’d like that,” she replied as she moved closer to him, putting her arms around his neck.

“And who might you be?” he asked. “Since we can hear each other now, anyway.”

“Vissia,” she replied.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Breckan. You’re A’mara?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“I don’t know why I’ve not seen you here before. I am sure I would have remembered your beauty,” Breckan said charmingly.

Vissia blushed. “It’s been awhile since I have been able to come. But I come whenever I can manage it,” she said.

“I’m glad you’re here tonight,” he said, holding her close to him.

She felt warm and secure. She was glad he was here tonight too, she thought.

Nearby, D’zani was in the embrace of the other man.

“I’m Elíaz,” the man introduced. He was only a couple inches taller than her, a novelty in a country where the citizens were notably shorter than her native Kri’enden.

“D’zani,” she replied.

“Nice to meet you,” he said. “You’re from Kri’enden?”

“Yes,” she answered.

“I’ve always found the Kri’enden peoples to be particularly attractive,” Elíaz said.

D’zani was glad of her dark skin to hide her uncontrolled blush.

“How long have you been in Towani?” he asked.

“I came as a chola,” she explained.

“You are not a chola now, I warrant,” he said.

“No, I finished that path last year,” D’zani replied.

“So, you’re, what, 19?” he asked.

“Spot on, she said with a smile.”

“I’m 21,” he said in turn.

“That’s nice,” she said, thinking about how perfect it was.

<You weren’t looking!> Vissia’s thought came to her.

<Maybe you were right,> D’zani replied.

Elíaz held her into the next song.

D’zani relaxed enough to lean her head on his shoulder, but she watched Vissia whenever she could see her friend.

As the slow song ended and the tempo of the music increased, he suggested into her ear, “Let’s go get some refreshments and just talk for a few minutes.”

D’zani nodded and let him take her hand as they did so.

“Let’s go sit for awhile,” Breckan suggested to Vissia.

“I need a drink first,” she replied.

He took her hand and they went first to the refreshments table, seeing that D’zani and the other guy had got there first. She smiled at her friend.

D’zani smiled back.

Breckan handed the first drink to Vissia, then took one for himself. He led her to a particular corner where couples liked to sit.

Vissia was grateful for a breather and finished her drink. She was slightly surprised when Breckan put his arm around her, but she snuggled into him, enjoying his warmth.

Then, he kissed her cheek. She looked at him as he brushed his lips to hers. “I’ve never been kissed before,” she said quietly.

“I can’t believe that! A pretty girl like you should have plenty of kisses!” Breckan replied.

Vissia felt beautiful and wanted as Breckan returned to kissing her, gently at first, but then hungrily, deeply, his tongue working its way between her teeth.

“You’re good at kissing,” Breckan said regaining his breath. “It’s hard to believe this is your first time!”

Vissia didn’t say anything, just wanting more of those kisses that were setting her whole being on fire.

As they finished their refreshments and the tempo of the music dropped again, Elíaz Kalvår resumed dancing with D’zani.

He could feel through the leya that Breckan was doing very well in his pursuit of a pliable young woman. He didn’t need to look towards the corner to know that the only thing protecting the young woman’s innocence was the fact it was a public place. He hoped Breckan wouldn’t push her too far. There were other A’mara in the room, so they must not attract attention beyond that of would-be suitors.

Elíaz felt a level of distrust in D’zani. Rightly so, he knew. She was a cautious and wise woman, he could tell, every bit the opposite of her friend. He didn’t push her, but kept her close to him as much as he could, stroking her hair and her back to try to break through her wall.

He shared with her enough to keep her talking. She was guarded, but she still told him a lot about her. She was a special young woman, he realized. His Balan training was chafing him.

As the night grew later, he felt her tiring. He wished he could take her back with him, but knew not to push it. He wanted her, but not like a Balan. Yet, he was committed to securing her if she would allow it.

“We should be getting back,” D’zani eventually said to Elíaz. “We have to work in the morning.”

“I could walk you home,” Elíaz suggested.

“Only if you can withstand the scrutiny of the abári’s wife,” she replied.

“You’re a grown woman,” Elíaz replied.

“Don’t hold it against Nina. She means well. Her own children are off being cholas here and there, so she has to mother us instead,” D’zani said affectionately. “I do need to find Vissia first.”

< Bring her back.> Elíaz instructed mentally to Breckan.

“Maybe she’s near the door, waiting for you,” Elíaz suggested.

D’zani followed him towards the door.

“Vissia!” she exclaimed, clearly relieved.

Vissia’s clothes were a bit disheveled and she wore a smile on her face. “I’m fine,” she reassured.

Elíaz could feel his roommate’s leya imprint all over her and realized there wasn’t much he hadn’t touched on the young woman. He worried that the young woman was too vulnerable, but she seemed to be happy enough. Perhaps, there was no more impropriety than hormones and charm at work. He hoped he was right. At the same time, he could admit to being slightly jealous of his friend’s progress compared to his own. He wouldn’t push D’zani too far though – he wanted more than a vessel!

Elíaz and Breckan walked the two women back to the A’mara Complex opposite the Refuge.

Elíaz pulled D’zani into a hug. He stroked her hair and kissed her gently, making the young woman’s heart sing, he could feel it. He wondered whether he should tell her that she needed to work on that aspect of her A’mara training more… but if he did, she’d (rightly) ask him how he knew such things…

Then, the women went inside, each heart singing songs full of their kisses.

Elíaz couldn’t wait to see D’zani again. He found her charming and found he started feeling something he’d never thought he’d feel – the need to protect this young woman’s heart. His training had not prepared him for such feelings.

NEXT CHAPTER

Other Chapters of this set

Acting the Part - chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Building on Promise - Chapter 1

Acting the Part, part 2 - Chapter 10

Spice of Strength - Chapter 1

Maps and Guides

continents of Alacantis and Kranisis (five maps)
continent of Almara (five maps)
countries of Kri'enden and Yezi'im (four maps plus "other places")
characters, pronunciation and glossary

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Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
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