Chapter 14
Seal Islands
Once they reached the Seal Islands, she got out of the skinboat. Two youths about Bale's age ran over. Asrif and Detlan. She dipped her head in greeting. They acknowledged her with a smile. "And who might this be, Bale? Surely she is too young to be you're mate." Detlan teased. "This is Thaliana." Bale said. Asrif reached out to touch her and she bit the air. "She is feisty." He said. "That only matters if you can take it." Thaliana retorted. Both Bale and Detlan laughed. Asrif turned red. "Woman." He muttered. "Don't talk about yourself." Thaliana shot back. He glowered. Bale steered her away from Asrif and Detlan and towards his father. They embraced. There was a celebration and a feast. Thaliana received Seal tattoos. After the feast, Bale led Thaliana to a shelter. They sat down inside. Suddenly, Bale took off his jerkin, came forward, and kissed Thaliana. She wrapped her arms around his neck as she fell backwards. She was on her back with Bale on top of her. She could feel his bare skin on her chest. It was like he had entered inside of her and became one with her. She reached up and stroked his face. They rolled over so that Thaliana was on the top. Bale ran his hands down her back. He kissed her again. It was only a couple seconds, but it felt like hours. "I will love you forever." Bale whispered in the pale moonlight.