Ch 2 Carnal Knowledge

XxX Nuada XxX

I took a deep breath reaching for Nuala's hand as she approached, almost fearing that she would turn and run, exhaling when she didn't.

Through the entire ceremony I barely acknowledge the words of the sagart. My eyes were locked on my bride. A vision of a goddess stood before me yet her mind was cast somewhere else. So deep in thought she didn't acknowledge my thumb brushing against her matching stained wrist. She closed her eyes and I was swept in the shadows of her past where I saw the world again through her footsteps.

Those days were dark and the battles were long. As I saw the attempts of the humans to destroy the army, they were helpless pitiful creatures, my heart would fly back to Nuala. With each fair vision I had of her a twinge of distress would grasp at me. Slowly over time it began to rot my soul. I knew it was impossible for the them to find her but the more I dreamt of her, her loving smile, the way her golden eyes would reflect the light of the day, how her hair would match the falling snow in winter, it gripped me harder until it chocked my very breath. In the end I saw no other relief but to hide my sister away.

There is no such thing as Light without Darkness. Creation without Destruction. Love without Fear.

Fear is what drove me to it but love is what kept me fighting. My soul begged to be reunited with its other half, but I knew if I did, to comfort both our loneliness I knew I would never be able to leave her side. When it was finally time to bring her home my heart became overwhelmed with excitement.

I dressed in my finest uniform and began to button the silver cuff links of the dark uniform when the muscles of my wrist sparked a small twinge of pain. Looking down I examined the dark colors entwining itself around my wrist like a snake. The pain was nothing but the sensation of seeing Nuala was replaced by regret.

When we had returned to Bethmore and I told of her of my desire, as well as the peoples, for us to marry. She did not seem surprised nor did she reject my offer, but neither was she happy.

"I pronounce you both man and wife, may the kings of our past bless you both and give you the wisdom and strength to guide your people as you watch over this land."

Smiling I drew back Nuala's veil so I could see her eyes. She peered up at me, I could sense her uncertainty. Taking a step closer I sent all the love I had in my being to her as our lips met and with warmth of our mouths I felt both of our hearts flutters. She tasted like spice and sweet fruit. It wasn't until we began to pull away that I heard the hall echo with applaud and cheering. My men drew their sabers and saluted along the aisle. Taking Nuala's hand in mine, I placed it on my arm leading her to meet our subjects as we, the prince and princess began our life together no longer as brother and sister but as husband and wife.

The crowds were immense as creatures of all ages cheered for Nuala and I. We smiled and waved as the gates to our home opened, the people came rushing in, eager to begin the celebration.

The banquet hall was decorated, the long table tops were layered upon layered with golden plates of delicious roasted meats spiced with rosemary and garlic, smoked fish with lemon, steak and lamb stew, salted vegetables and potatoes. There were sweet trifle's and fruit pasty's. Chocolates and peppermints, yellow cakes with creme and strawberries. It was a feast that could fill any beast belly and it was sure to be a celebration that would last for days.

The evening grew late but the festivities were in high spirit's with no signs of ending soon. Laughter filled the hall as the people danced and rejoiced. Servants helped fill goblets with rich red wine, which were consumed before they could pour to another. Everyone ate their fill and more. It seemed the celebration had only started but it was time for Nuala and I to bid them farewell as it was elven tradition for the bride and groom to leave before the guest.

With the servants departed I locked the door to our new suit behind us. Nuala sat at the edge of the bed looking frightened.

"We should change our clothes." I said still standing by the door. Nuala remained still.

"Nuala?" Silence. I could do nothing but sigh as I placed my crown safely away.

I shrugged my boots off and began to untie my red sash feeling the sensation of the warm wine run through my body when I caught Nuala flinch in the corner of my eye. Removing my sword and spear I called out to her

"From this day on I am no longer your brother." I never felt as if I were her kin. She looked distressed "I am neither your king." I never felt superior to her. She turned to me with a questionable look in her eyes I wanted something more with Nuala and I wanted her to relish and be happy in my company.

" I am your spear." She was all I wanted to protect. She looked at me as if the wine had gotten to me.

I walked over to her holding my spear admiring the beautiful intricate designs from the handle to the tip, the way the light reflected off the pure silver. Its magic allowed it to never go dull. It was her that request the forgers to create this masterpiece, just for me.

"You had this marvelous spear forged to protect me. To fight with me and more than once has it saved our lives."

I sat down beside her, she was more relaxed as she listened with honest interest.

" Like this spear, I want, and will, protect you." She remained silent when gently she whispered

"I never thought you would go to war." her fingers tracing the heart like design on the tip of the spear " I never wanted you to go." she whispered so quietly I had almost not heard her.

I gently brushed my hand through her silk like hair, cupping her cheek only for a moment and then I leaned in.

"Why?" the word escaping from her lips. I had done everything for her, my whole life was hers and yet I could sense she was perplexed. I couldn't help but chuckling as I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her.

Facing her I softly whispered against her lips before pressing them together " Because I love you."It felt endless until she began to kiss me back placing her hands on my chest, my hand began to run up her back until they were entangled in her hair. Uncertain of what to do I took control deepening our kiss we tumbled over and I pulled her underneath me. "Nuala. . ." I whispered, I could feel the heat growing inside both of us and yet she was still unsure of what to do or what she wanted to do, I carefully took advantage of that unwrapping her from her gown until she was bare beneath me, whimpering. She was more beautiful then I had imagined. In my eagerness I had left her only for a moment to remove my vest and tunic but I was too excited as I only unzipped my trousers, closing the canopy around us.

The heat scattered through us, our exposed skin became sensitive to each others touch. She wrapped her arms around me, rubbing my arms, shoulders, back. I traced kisses along her neck while my hand snaked between her legs.

"Nuada. . .I don't know if I c- ." A gasp escaped and her hips automatically pressed into my hand as I fondled the tender flesh. I could feel the excitement build up in her. It became to much for her and she began to moan crying out my name. I felt the delicate flesh between her legs begin to swell and her own heat began to resonate in me. My breath becoming heavy she opened her eyes searching and our lips met again. I felt how far on the edge she was and pulled out. I spread her legs settling myself in between. Nuala panicked understanding my attention. "Nuada, please. Stop" she begged with tears in her eyes. The heat left me as I saw how terrified Nuala looked but something inside urged me to continue. Something I couldn't control "Please, Nuala don't ask me to do such a thing." I whispered "Its too painful." Nuala let out a gasp, squeezing as I entered her in a less then gentle thrust. I could feel the pain, almost as if we were impaled by a small dagger but it faded quickly as a fire began to rush through our veins. I had dreamt of this moment for centuries to feel this inferno burn us together in which no pain could match.

"Relax" I growled, but she only cried more. I felt ashamed but the animal inside me could no longer hold back and I thrusted harder and faster biting her ears, neck, and rose tipped nipples, forcing the guilt ridden from my mind. Nuala's nails dug into my shoulders breaking both our skins, I licked the blood away as she continued to sob her resistant slowly fading and soon she opened up responding to my touch. I felt relentless as I continued harder, her hands clawing desperately at the sheets on either side of her. The warm walls of her body tightening around me pleading for me not to leave as I pulled out and then pushed back in causing her to tremble all over again in a relentless cycle. The tension between us was soon too much and we exploded in a indescribable sensation, sending us both over the edge. I hovered over her attempting to regain my breath. I wanted more. I was still panting when I heard Nuala begin to whimper. Tears fell and tenderly I leaned over her kissing her deeply as I began to move again. Though I knew she couldn't forgive me for everything I had done to her over the centuries I selfishly prayed that everything could be forgotten and that morning would never come again. I thrusted in again causing her to cry out in pleasure.

xXx Nuala xXx

The hour between night and day I awoke to the pain of my sore thighs, back and legs yet I felt strangely warm and satisfied. Easing out of Nuada's embrace I sat up examining my arms as they were covered in bruises, feeling the bite marks along my neck. Nuada had wrapped himself around my waist the same bruises on his body. Peering down at him, his expression was tranquil, I couldn't help shake this desire to hate him. Over the many years I have tried to hate him but as much pain as he had brought upon me I couldn't. The very action would be the same as despising my own soul. I thought about the days of when we were younger and happier. Nuada was a much gentler soul and we both relied on each other to take care of the other.

I wanted to forget everything more than anything, but here I found myself caring for him once again as I took the covers tangled at the end of the bed tucking him back in. Sleep had left me and all I wanted was my books. I reached over to my side table when I found they weren't there. It was then that I remembered I was in a completely different room. The suit itself seem to be a house all on its own. Through the canopy I could see the decorated walls, lavished furniture and the open balcony. I was ready to explore when I felt a warm hand on my shoulder. His touch was intimate but as I turned down to gaze into his eyes I saw the same fear I felt in myself linger in him.

He sat up to face me

"Are you all right?"

"Im fine" I whispered, my throat was sore and I blushed at the reason. He knew I was but I suppose he needed the reassurance, afraid, that if he held me again I would break apart like delicate sea glass. Neither of us spoke in the dark and the silence only made it more uncomfortable for us. I was even more red at the thought of being over exposed, quickly I covered myself.

"I wont do it again." He said noticing my actions, leaving him feeling ashamed "I know you don't love me, the way I love. You probably hate me, but maybe one day you could, but until then I wont touch you."

There were rare times when our soul truly connected as one being more deeply than any physical way possible. It relied on pure intentions, and trust. I believed his words as he confessed them and suddenly I felt no longer scared.

Over the years I felt the need to protect myself afraid to be consumed by a ravenous beast that only I could satisfy. Thats when I realized I was protecting myself from something that I had created leaving Nuada alone. I may not love him the same way Im not sure if it was even love I felt just now but I knew the fear was gone.

"Nuada" I whispered my hand cupping his cheek. I did the only thing I knew I could do and with that we kissed. My eyes remained closed but I could feel Nuada's face in shock. Eyes wide, heart racing. The shock settling in he gently embraced me and I stumbled on top of him and was dragged back underneath. A wave of relief washed over me as I finally gave up no longer afraid to fall. The remaining embers of the night had been reignited and for the rest of the day I lost track of how many times Nuada made me cry out in pleasure.

The next few days we spent together horse back riding, lake swimming, and picnicking.

During those moments Nuada wasn't shy of taking me in the tall grass, under the cool waves of the shore line or behind the arching branches of the weeping willows. We both would climax gasping for air, Nuada would rest himself in the cradle of my neck whispering in between kisses "Only you matter."

and I would find myself smiling, returning the expression of love.

Gaelic dictionary

sagart - priest