First Forest - Viola Grace Page 0,17
have the right to explore the territory that belongs to you. If he objects to your exploration or says you don’t have to, tell him that you are learning, and the village is all about education.”
Ledana giggled.
Abiha kissed her sister’s wrist again. “Above all, trust him if he is trustworthy and relax to enjoy what your body is trying to communicate. This will be the baseline that will be altered to one side or the other, but it will be where you start, and I hope for a successful start for you.”
The approach of the ceremonial bells was becoming more obvious.
“How did you face Kiloh for the first time?”
“I didn’t fight him. I let him put me where he needed me and wanted me. Mother saw the bruises the next day. He isn’t human, but now, he knows how strong to hold. There is a learning curve.”
“She said he had punished you.”
Abiha laughed. “He punishes me in ways that make me nervous for the next sexual encounter, but I am not afraid. I tease back. It is rather nice to be with someone who sees an intimate opportunity when they look at you, and you can make that chance a reality.”
Ledana smiled. “So, it isn’t something to be feared.”
“It is something to learn, and you are not afraid of studying.”
Ledana grinned. “No, I am not. Thank you. I am feeling much better than just doing my duty.”
Abiha patted her shoulder. “Good. You can ask me about anything, and I will try and give you the best answer I have. Even if it makes me flinch a little.”
Her sister laughed, and Abiha was relieved. They had had the talk about sex as teens, but the theory and the practice were very different things. She doubted that Ledana would have to worry about waking up in a tree, though.
Abiha got up and opened the door to the gardens. Tables were in place. Food was there, and the dais was ready for the couple to take their seats. The village would bring more food and beverages as the day went on, and family would serve the couple.
She closed the door and brought the gauzy fabric to cover Ledana’s features.
“Take my hands, Leddy. He is almost here.”
Leddy got to her feet, and their mother stepped into the room. Her eyes teared up before she gave a satisfied nod. She took Ledana’s hand and led her to the front entryway where the door was standing open. The bells got closer, and the family gathered outside to await the groom and new head of the family.
Abiha left for a moment to retrieve the sword, and then, she stood in her father’s place next to her sister as the groom closed the last few meters.
Jimon bowed to Abiha and then bowed to their mother and, finally, Ledana.
Abiha smiled when he straightened. “Jimon, will you accept your new position as head of this family?”
He looked at her warily. “I will.”
“Will you take Ledana, guide her and guard her, making sure that she can become her brightest self?”
He smiled slowly, his dark hair reflecting the morning sun and his dark eyes dancing. “I will.”
“Ledana.” Abiha looked at her sister, who jumped at the word.
“Yes?”
“Will you take, Jimon, guide him and guard him, making sure that he can become his brightest self?”
Ledana smiled behind the gauze. “I will.”
“Excellent. Then, Jimon, I give you my sister as your own and the Alwe family blade. You are now the head of the family, Jimon Alwe.”
She extended the sword to him, and he gripped the sheath, taking it from her. “Welcome to the family, Jimon.”
He held the sword and bowed. She stepped aside and let her mother lead the new couple into the house. Her job was done. In the normal course of events, she would be leaving in the morning.
Kiloh and the villagers were starting to move into the home, and he paused next to her. “What is it?”
She looked inside where Jimon was folding back the gauze and looking at his bride. “It is very sweet, isn’t it?”
“Yes. It is what they both looked forward to, but you are not suffering from jealousy. Why are you upset?”
She looked up at him with a slow smile. “Perceptive. This was my last duty to the village. I am completely at your mercy now. No social protections. No purpose.”
He stroked her cheek. “We can discuss your purpose, but you have my protection for the extent of your lifetime, fifty years or five thousand, if