Month Four
The games were upon them; a thing they had spoken about for months, planned for even longer. The village was alight with activity, as bees hastily foraging for nectar. Gannicus, Agron, Nasir and other men from neighbouring settlements saw to the construction of miniature primus. In no way near the grand scale of old, the small arena suited their purposes none the less. For weeks, wooden swords were carved, bows and arrows prepared for skilled contest. All the students from Gannicus's school would partake; excited at prospect of honouring their fallen heroes, and possibility of standing as victorious at battle's end.
The women were busy too. Baking and cooking, preparing for the feast at the close of the games. Days continued to warm, not so hot that it was uncomfortable, but warm enough to bring flowers to bloom and children to the fields to play.
It was also the month, Gannicus mused, that he had married Sibyl. Taking a moment from examining quality of wooden swords, he stood temporarily lost in thought. It had been two years. Previous year has seen her birth their children without him, his return close to a year since their departure for battle. They had celebrated their reunion but had both been remiss in recalling their hasty wedding amidst the misery of war. And now day was almost upon them again.
"You are lost in thought brother? Quality of timber not to standard?"
Agron walked over, Vitus at his side. The other man had spoken and Gannicus nodded in greeting to both. Vitus was of this land, not part of their rebellion, nor met when they had stood as slaves. They had found him when they had settled. Over time he had formed a part of their community, all but swallowed by widening circle of friends until he stood as one of them. Truth most likely that one reason in particular made it easy to call this place his home.
Vitus had bearing of a gladiator, although he never fought a day upon the sands. He was tall with broad, sturdy shoulders. Tawny hair curled in the nape of his neck, slightly unruly, his temples kissed with barest hint of white, reminding of tentative flakes of snow. He was a blacksmith by trade, his torso and arms defined from many hours spent bending metal to human will. He also had skill with carpentry. He had whittled most of the swords they were to use in the games. He had also carved toys for Oenamaus and Kore; building blocks coloured with dyes in vivid reds, blues and yellow. And a horse that rocked back and forth – favoured by Oenamaus.
"They are more than adequate," Gannicus said to Vitus. "I but consider where I stood last year at this time."
"Barely returned to us," Agron said but was distracted by loud crash. "For fucking love of Jupiter, can nothing be completed without constant supervision? Apologies brothers, I see my flock require its shepherd."
Words were absent anger and had only loving exasperation. Agron went over to his sons, breaking words on proper way to construct stands for spectators.
"You look well rested. Day of importance arrives soon," Gannicus said, turning back to the swords and winking at Vitus.
The other man chuckled, picking up a sword of his own and testing its balance. "I would have it over, truth be told. So life may return to some semblance of fucking normal. Women of my household drive me close to madness." Gannicus's laughter rang throughout the clearing and Vitus grimaced. "I would not break such delighted laughter. Another year and combination of loving wife and daughter will stir similar sentiment. I shall wait patiently to return mocking favour."
Gannicus scowled. "Already the men take wagers on whether my wife carries son or daughter. Kore will be the death of me." Uttered with most loving intent.
"All women are, my friend. And yet life without them is thing not to be contemplated."
He nodded. "In vein of current conversation, I would request favour."
"If it is within my power to command, anything."
Sibyl grimaced a little, rubbing her chest. The past few days had brought a burning discomfort upon breast, usually after taking a meal. Nasir had advised that she eat smaller portions and drink a lot of water. His advice seemed to be working. Discomfort was all but alleviated.
She looked over at Laeta who stepped into the room. "Oh Laeta," her eyes filled immediately. "You rival Venus."
Laeta smiled, a blush upon her cheek, even though she was no longer a maiden. She turned a full circle slowly, coming to a stop, her gaze questioning.
"Be honest. What do you think?"
Sibyl took in the sight before her. Laeta wore a white tunic, woven in one piece, long enough to reach her naked feet. The bottom was embroidered with flowers in a delicate, deep red thread, the same design around the long sleeves and scooped neckline. The dress skimmed her curves, making her pale skin seem more delicate. Around her waist was sash, the design in the same thread, accented with the barest trace of gold filament.
"Do not shed tears, please," Laeta said. "You shall make me do same and then where would we be? You have excuse of pregnancy."
"And you are to be a bride." Sibyl said. "The gods bless you. You look magnificent, truly."
The sash was tied loosely, but on her wedding day, the knot would be intricately tied in the knot of Hercules. It was belief that he was the guardian of wedded life. Knot could only be undone by her husband before consummating their marriage.
She did not think she would wed again. When she had married Aedile, she imagined it would be until the gods took one or both to the afterlife. But her husband was wrested from her by a man she once hated, but learned to love and respect.
Spartacus. Her heart contracted a little. She would always share tender regard for the rebel leader, but in the two years since his passing, she was happy he had found peace in the arms of the only woman he had loved.
And then she met Vitus. She had not expected to love him. In fact, they had shared many heated arguments most days. A widower himself, his wife had passed on many winters before. She had fallen in love with him when she had witnessed the care he lavished upon his two young daughters. Aged 8 and 10, they were beautiful girls who had stolen her heart as swiftly parched earth absorbed nourishment.
"Your husband will swallow tongue when he lays eyes upon you," Sibyl said.
"If my husband loves me half as well as yours does, I will stand as lucky as Jupiter himself."
The next day passed in a blur. Sibyl rose early, needing to make last minute preparations for the gladiatorial ceremony. But before attending to anything, with the children still abed, Gannicus watched as she lit her candles, wafted incense and offered blessings to the gods. Silently, he rose from bed and kneeled beside her.
She turned to him, surprised. He had only ever participated in ritual once, after he had returned to her.
She touched his thigh as he kneeled beside her, her gaze questioning. "They were my brothers. Whatever my beliefs, I would make offering."
"You miss him."
"Always."
She offered him some salt, gesturing towards the flame. Gannicus burnt the spice, bowing head, closing eyes. She did not know what he asked, but for a little while, their home was silent as they prayed to the gods, giving thanks for their family and making offerings for the wellbeing of those who awaited them in the afterlife.
The peace did not last much longer however. Kore awoke first, greeting the morning with persistent temprement, waking her brother in turn. They needed to be fed, there were last minute foods to prepare. Gannicus aided in feeding the children, more food across the floor than in their bellies; a boiled egg in their hands as he offered their cheeks for a kiss before taking them to Diana who would watch them till preparations were complete.
At days end, Sibyl was exhausted. By midday, competition was fierce. Amidst loud cheers, a woman from a neighbouring village was victorious gladiatrix and Agron's eldest son had stood similar with bow and arrow.
In the final contest, Agron, Gannicus and Nasir lead the charge, but had no desire to win. The honour they left to those who had not tasted it upon the sands. At days end, Vitus defeated another, his wooden sword drawn to neck. The missio was offered.
Gannicus cheered, his smile as bright as the sun. "You still miss it, do you not?"
"I always will, he conceded. But this is enough. More than enough." She kissed his naked shoulder. "Come wife. The feasting is done, the games are complete. I would take rest with my family."
Oenamaus and Kore did not even stir when they were bathed, both drowsy from excitement and the sun. Gannicus placed them in their beds and both rolled onto their backs, only content when their arms were flung out wide.
"It has been a long day." In their bedroom, Gannicus came up behind her, pulling her against his chest. His arms came around her, hands rubbing the gentle swell of her belly. Sibyl sighed loudly, the pleasure of being idle bringing forth a purr to rival a tamed cat.
"You have been working too hard," he reprimanded.
She turned in his arms, almost as drowsy as her children. She linked her arms at his neck. "It was a special day."
"Yes," he said seriously and she frowned. "It was."
"Knowing glint in eye tells that I should know something… and yet I do not."
"It is a special day," he repeated.
"Yes. The games," she confirmed.
He laid a kiss to the patch of skin where her shoulder met her neck and her knees went weak. Gannicus chuckled, holding her upright while she regained sure footing.
"Beast," she whispered.
They held each other in silence a moment before she felt the deep rise and fall of his chest. "Today is also the day we were wed," he said softly.
She raised her head, her eyes going soft. Her lips formed the delightful O that always gave him immense pleasure.
"Gannicus," she breathed. "I had not remembered. It is usually the woman who remembers such things."
"My wife is with child. Fathers in my company warn that mind and memory does not perform to usual standard."
She laughed and swatted his shoulder. "You do become more charming with every day that passes husband." She leaned in and kissed him softly, love overwhelming her. "Happy anniversary."
He reached into a pocket sewn into the inside of his cotton shirt and withdrew a simple band, the ring fashioned from iron.
"Upon my travels," he began, taking her left hand in his. "I learned that Egyptian magicians held belief that a nerve ran directly through this finger," he stroked the fourth finger of her right hand, "to the heart. The circle is the symbol of eternity, with no beginning, nor end," he continued, his voice dropping to a mere whisper, the moment intimate. "Hole in the centre stands as gateway; leading to things and events both known and unknown." He slipped the ring onto her finger. "This ring signifies never-ending and immortal love."
Tears spilled from her eyes as jewels in pirate's chest. She could not help a breathless giggle when he kissed at them. The ring glinted as she moved her fingers, feeling its heavy weight, the comforting weight upon her finger.
"I do love you," she said simply, resting their heads together. "You have become quite the sentimental," she teased, running her left hand down his cheek, unable to stop her eyes from gazing upon the steely band.
"Fucking Agron reminds constantly."
They chucked and her breath caught, her hands going to her midsection. "Oh!"
"What? What is it? Sibyl?"
She took his hand and moved it to her belly; gently rounded surface one he was intimately familiar with.
She gasped again and smiled. "You cannot feel it?" He looked to be concentrating but shook his head. "It might yet be too early. Our child moves."
He stepped closer and caressed the firm mound. "What does it feel like?"
"Gentle fluttering. As if a butterfly rests just inside the surface and flaps delicate wings."
Gannicus leaned down and placed his lips on her belly. Like the gentle fluttering, it left her breathless.
Month Five
The day was beautiful, surrounding mountains clear of ominous cloud, breeze gentle and offering cool respite towards climbing temperature.
The village had come out to celebrate the union of Vitus and Laeta. The clearing in the centre of the settlement would host the ceremony. Beneath canopy of trees, wooden benches were placed in rows where witnesses could watch.
In the absence of her mother, Sibyl had assisted Laeta in morning preparations. The Herculean knot at her waist was tied, its intricate looping an ancient symbol of the bond between the married couple. Over her tunic wedding dress, Laeta wore a long, flame coloured veil, the light fabric cascading down her back, a trail of fire as she moved. Atop the veil was a wreath of flowers which the she had picked and gathered herself.
In the front row, Sibyl sat beside her husband, trembling as she watched beloved sister. Laeta looked glorious, her hair the perfect complement to her fiery headdress. At their feet, Oenamaus and Kore play in the sand, Sibyl having had foresight to bring their wooden blocks as distraction.
"Vitus looks as though his nerves might get the better of him," Gannicus whispered beside her.
Behind them, Agron chuckled, indication that he had heard and shared sentiment. "Gone is fucking master of primus. He stands as man who has never stood as husband before."
Nasir rolled his eyes. "He lost wife. I do not think he imagined being wed to another."
Vitus looked handsome in a white woollen shirt and leather chaps. Laeta had made mention of wearing a toga, but when Gannicus and Agron caught wind – uttering fucking Romans - thought was dropped completely.
"She looks radiant," Nasir said.
Sibyl just nodded, unable to get words past lips. Gannicus chuckled and dropped a quick kiss to her temple. She too had flowers braided into her long plait, as did most of the women in attendance.
On a small raised platform, the couple sat upon stools facing one another, a priest stood before them and asked them to join hands.
"Ubi tu Gaius, ego Gaia," the bride said in Latin.
"Ubi tu Gaia, ego Gaius," Vitus replied.
"Roman customs?" Agron asked.
"She was once Roman. It is her customs too," Nasir said, throwing a cautionary look in Agron's direction.
An offering of cake was made to the god Jupiter, a piece then given to the couple. Then the formalities were over. Everyone moved to their home where food and cakes had been prepared. Tables lined the grassy area, heaped with delicious treats.
"I wish you every happiness," Sibyl said, hugging her friend.
"Oh!" said Laeta, pulling back to touch Sibyl's bump. "There is something between us!"
They both laughed and Sibyl said, "Kore always said we should make plans. You recall words before she rode to her fate?"
"I do. And we have both done so."
"I still miss her. She would have loved to meet my children. She might have birthed them."
Laeta squeezed her shoulder. "She waits for us. When our time here is done, we will be reunited."
Sibyl smiled. "No more of this. At my wedding we were also waylaid with darker thoughts. Congratulations."
Laeta caught her left hand and fingered the iron ring. "Vitus told me about Gannicus's gift. It is lovely."
"I can scarcely believe it has been two years."
"With another blessing on its way."
"I must find my current blessings. Kore is with Agron. I fear he will feed her anything heart desires."
"Where is Oenamus?"
"With Gannicus at the stables. His affection for horses continue."
"Find your family. I will find mine." Laeta looked to her handsome husband and their daughters.
Sibyl heard Oenamaus and Gannicus before eyes set upon them. Oenamaus was shouting, "HORSE", except words upon ear sounded more like, ors. Gannicus in turn repeated and patiently sounded, HORSE. Their son responded, ors. Cycle continued. Outside the stables, her husband sat astride his horse, their 17 month old in front of him, holding on to the reigns. His cheeks were flushed with excitement, his green eyes bright with glee.
"Mama," he called when he saw her, his smile flooding breast with love. Gannicus laughed as the boy began to wiggle, throwing self towards his mother.
"Slowly Oenamaus. Slowly," his father cautioned. Sibyl reached for him and he reached back. "Only you could wrest him from beloved horses," Gannicus said with wry amusement, jumping from the saddle to stand beside them.
The toddler babbled excitedly, his words making no sense to anyone but himself. His mother listened attentively though, nodding as if she understood the infant's language.
"I know you love horses," she said. He babbled excitedly. "Yes, more than your sister does." She spoke with a lilt to her voice, as if she sang a song. He said, da da. "Like your father, yes." She laughed when he scrunched up his face, his little mouth splitting in a huge grin.
"And unlike your sister," Sibyl said. "I cannot believe that Kore stands a little intimidated by steads," she said to Gannicus.
"Thank the gods. I began to wonder if she stood fearful of anything at all."
"She is truly mirror image in look and manner."
"I am not afraid of horses. I have feeling, Sibyl. You carry a girl." Sibyl raised an eyebrow and he just grinned back, his eyes crinkling attractively in the corners.
Month Six
Gannicus lay on their bed, sprawled upon back. His hair had grown longer than usual – it was time to have it tamed. But she was exhausted and did not have energy for task at present. She could not believe how quickly time seemed to be moving. And how her body was now so different from mere weeks ago. While not her first pregnancy, she did not think she would ever become accustomed to rapid changes in her body. While she loved feeling of being with child, it took getting used to - the way movement became restricted, body felt heavier with weight of the child and inevitable feeling that she was not as desirable to her husband. Gannicus never gave such impression, but she felt it none the less.
"Sibyl?" she turned from folding the children's little clothing, lost in her own thoughts.
He was propped against the pillows, staring at her curiously.
"Yes?" she asked, suspicious.
"Let me look at you."
Heart jolted, a little surprised, a little afraid. While they had a level of intimacy which surpassed a physical connection, they had not made love in a few weeks, a thing that made her increasingly uncomfortable. While she knew it was not because his eye roved to another, mind whispered that perhaps her swollen body was no longer attractive to him.
"I gaze upon you now and feel as though changing body is a thing I had not fully noticed."
"I have grown heavy, and will continue to do so," she said softly.
Looking down, she missed his softened gaze upon her. "Let me look at you."
She blushed and did not know how it stirred his blood. She was as beautiful to him now as she had been the first moment he had laid eyes upon her.
She was nervous, she realised. Leaving the clothing, she turned, standing in only a light, linen shift. She had already bathed for the evening, so her hair was tied loosely, spilling over her shoulder.
"Drop your gown," he said, moving to sit on the side of the bed.
She swallowed, nervous. It was utterly ridiculous; they had been together for so long. He knew every inch of her body, just as she knew his. But he had not seen her this swollen, round… pregnant before.
Reaching for the ties at her shoulders, she took a fortifying breath and pulled. The shift fell to the ground. She was naked. And slightly terrified.
Gannicus felt his eyes widen in wonder. Her pale skin glowed with health as her body nourished his child within. The thought sent a primal possession coursing through him, feeling similar to the rush he felt upon the field of battle. She was Venus, and he was overcome with love for her. Her skin glowed - everywhere. Whether because she had recently bathed, or whether, he suspected, as result of her confinement, every inch glowed with health and vitality.
"My body has changed, it continues to do so," she admitted, her eyes searching his. Gannicus frowned, leaning forward and drawing her to stand before him.
"What is it?" He asked, unconsciously rubbing the ring on her finger.
"Do I... does condition," she flushed, her skin deepening to crimson. "Has desire waned in light of…" she shrugged, forced indifference hiding true feeling, "…encumbered self? I have lost the curve of my waist." Irrationally, tears filled her eyes.
Never had he imagined such a thing. Without words, he reached for her, running his hands over the now large swell of her belly. The mound was simultaneously firm, but soft, a shiver running down his spine at the thought that their child nestled safely inside of her, cocoon its home till the babe was ready to greet this world.
Down the centre of her belly, a dark line divided the bump in a perfect half. Seeing his frown, Sibyl said, "it disappears after childbirth. At least, it did after the twins." Her tone was defensive, embarrassed.
He leaned down and laced his lips there, kissing all along the line, softly, lovingly.
"Gannicus," she breathed.
"You are beautiful. You have never been lovelier. You nourish our child within. Thought inspires tender regard, need to protect, but also," he admitted, eyes darkening, "desire."
Her eyes widened. "I thought you found me unattractive with swollen body," she admitted. He chuckled, drawing her closer, cupping his hands to her breasts. They now positively spilled from his hands, so full were they.
She moaned softly, her hands automatically moving to cover his, gently grinding his palms against her sensitive nipples. His mouth replaced his hands and she bit down onto her lips. Gannicus pulled her down onto his lap, her legs straddling his thighs. She gasped as cool air brushed against her folds, already starting to moisten with desire. His hands now found her behind and massaged, guiding her to a rhythm as she moistened his naked thigh, grinding her sensitive bud against him.
Her breath came in short bursts and he raised his head, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. "You are a goddess," he whispered, looking deep into her eyes, his own pleasure rising as he saw her lids droop, her gaze glazed with mindless pleasure as her hips continued to rock against him, insistently, with purpose, pushing towards release.
In a moment of wickedness, Gannicus took her nipple between his lips and gently raked his teeth across its surface. She climaxed immediately, her hands fisting in the overlong stands of his hair, her breath short bursts in his ear, doing nothing to alleviate the tightness in his groin.
He kissed her again, their tongues wanton in a frenzy of want and passionate need. Her hands left his shoulders and raked across his chest, her nails scraping across his torso in the way she knew he loved. Unconsciously his hips trust upwards and she chuckled, the sound almost his undoing. Deep and throaty, he knew it well. His wife was thoroughly aroused. But so was he.
Her hands roamed everywhere, continuing its downward decent. She shifted, lifting off him and pulling him down onto the bed with her. With her large belly, it was impossible for him to lay between her thighs, so they lay side-by-side, her hands already working at freeing his cock. He was hot and hard, her hands warm as she pumped his shaft, squeezing the girth, massaging the shaft.
He groaned and captured her lips again, thrusting his hips in unison to her stroke, as slave to a master musician.
"Sibyl," he groaned, feeling the familiar pleasure converge in his groin. Fuck, he felt need to roar his pleasure. But he could not. Knowledge only served to bring him closer to the edge. Before he spilt his seed all over her hands, he gently rolled her away from him, bringing his chest against her back, his cock against her lower back. With a knee, he separated her thighs, his lips biting down on the shell of her ear as he thrust forward, slowly pushing into her damp feminine passage. Her moan of pleasure rushed out, her arse pushing back onto his groin. Gannicus felt the delightful haze of unimagined pleasure cloud mind.
Slowly, mindful of her condition, he gently, but purposefully, rocked into her, his free hand finding her sensitive nub and stroking. She turned her head into the pillow and screamed. He felt her convulse around him and he let go then, spilling his hot seed inside her, sure that he had never been so satisfied in his life.
When breath returned, Sibyl lay on her back while her husband lazily caressed her belly.
"I cannot believe you would imagine I had lost interest in your form," he said. "Pleasure soars higher than ever before."
"You did not touch me for weeks!" she exclaimed. He raised a brow and she amended. "You did not make love to me. You touched me." She could still blush.
I did not want to force amorous intent upon you." This time she raised her brow and he chuckled. "Nor cause you any discomfort."
"Did I seem discomforted?" She asked.
He chuckled and kissed her. "Quite the opposite." His hand froze on her belly and his lips wrenched from hers.
He looked to her and she nodded, watching as his eyes went to her belly, his hand frozen in its place.
"You feel it?" She asked.
He leaned down and placed his lips over the spot where the movement still continued, his arms going around her swollen midsection.
Slowly, he nodded. In that moment, Gannicus said every prayer he knew. Humbled. Awed. More afraid than he had ever been. He would kill with his bare hands to protect his wife, their babies and the child he was yet to meet.
"I feel our child move."
A/N: Weddings and Rings and Babies and Gannibyl sex. This makes me happy :)
Thank you for the reviews. You guys are awesome
xxx