Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,20
rolled from tents and placed on long wooden tables. Many fires have been lit, although smaller than the sacred fire in the center of the standing stones. As far as I can see, people mingle around the fires, laughing and chatting. It fills me with a warm glowing sensation.
Or that could be the mead. I’ve never tasted anything like it. At first, it made me grimace, the gathered tribespeople laughing at my expression, but I find the taste is growing on me. Like the warm fuzzy feeling that’s spreading through my limbs. On some level, I’m aware this must be what it’s like to be drunk, or at least tipsy. However, as I feel more at ease than I have for the first time that I can remember, I can’t find it in me to care. When I lift the wooden tankard to my lips again, a little sloshes over the edge and dribbles down the side of my lips. Giggling, I wipe it away, aware of several sets of eyes watching me keenly.
“I think that’s enough mead for one night.” Vaeril’s smooth voice cuts through my happy buzz as his cool hand wraps around mine and takes away the tankard.
“No,” I protest, my hands following after the sweet, sweet nectar of the goddess, but he holds it just out of my reach, although I’m not really trying that hard to get it back. There are some light chuckles from the others sitting on the low benches around the fire we’re gathered around, and my cheeks heat a little as I look up. Four benches surround this fire, and directly opposite sits Revna and Arne, who are deep in conversation. I’ve not missed the casual touches between the two of them as the evening has gone on, reinforcing my theory that there may be something between them. Vida and a couple of Tor’s other friends who reside here at the meeting place have joined us, and there is a comfortable atmosphere between us all. Throughout the evening, several people have come up to congratulate me from many different tribes, and at first it had made me uncomfortable, but after having some food and mead in my system, I felt a little looser and more comfortable around my own people. Especially the Golden Hawk Tribe. I need to get to know them after all. I’d gotten to know the wood elves, so how are the tribespeople any different?
“You spoil all my fun,” Naril grumbles from my right, leaning across me to scowl playfully at Vaeril before handing me his own tankard with a grin. “Here you go, chosen one.”
He’s taken to calling me that since the goddess used me as her vessel today, and he may be a dick, but right now, with alcohol warming my veins, I’ll let him get away with it. “Oh,” I hum appreciatively, cradling it between my hands. Turning to face my mate, I take in his amused frustration and give him a smile. “A little mead never hurt anyone.”
“He said no more.” Eldrin’s voice comes out of nowhere as he stalks over, plucks the tankard from my hands, and shoves it towards Naril with such force that he’s pushed from the bench. Naril barks out a protest, but his brother pays him no mind as he stares at me with a deep frown.
“Eldrin.” Vaeril’s tone holds a warning as the elf continues to stare down at me. Then, finally, when I feel like I’m going to combust if he keeps looking at me like that, Eldrin turns away without another word.
What in the Mother was that about? He nearly misses the ceremony, then he shows up only to disappear, and I don’t see him all day. When he does finally decide to show his face, he dictates what I can and can’t drink? My thoughts are a mess as I watch him stalk away. The tribespeople move out of his way, almost like they know he’s dangerous. These people are some of the most deadly in Morrowmer, yet even they have the sense to avoid Eldrin. Anger ignites inside me, hurt and alcohol fuelling my actions. Pushing up from the bench and ignoring the sigh from Naril behind me, I stumble after the elf.
“Eldrin,” I call out as I hurry after him. His shoulders stiffen as I speak, so I know he heard me, but he doesn’t stop. With his supernatural speed, he could easily lose me if he didn’t want me to catch up