Chapter Seven

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My feet root themselves to the ground. The enormity of what I've gotten myself into gradually sinks into my skull. Meanwhile, the villagers continue celebrating, unaware of my inner turmoil. Their incessant cheering barely registers inside my head.

No, no, no. What have I done?

Gah, I am so stupid. How else can you explain it? Look at the evidence. First and foremost, I accidentally sent myself backwards through time and ended up in the Age of Using Leaves as Toilet Paper. That's bad enough. So, you'd think I would be extra careful and not do any more dumb shit, right? Nope, not me. I dressed myself up for a supposed "craft" festival, picked an eligible bachelor, and tied myself to him for seemingly forever - all without realizing what I was doing!

What an idiot I am. Only I could get married by mistake. I keep digging myself into a deeper, darker hole.

How will I ever crawl out of it?

Through the muddled mist of my thoughts, I spot Ewar. He once again motions for us to enter his hut as a couple. His ardent gaze knocks me back to my senses. It's technically our wedding night. What must he be planning? I seriously doubt it's merely my friendly company he desires.

With widening eyes, I shake my head and step backwards. He wants me to go in there with him? No way! He better not be getting too excited about tonight. Married or not, he won't be getting lucky with me.

As I attempt to inch away to safety, I discover that true escape is impossible. A dancing mass of people, behaving much like revelers at a music festival, are packed tightly around me. They are having such a good time, no one seems to notice how I am hyperventilating to near the point of passing out. Someone even nudges me forward, encouraging me to join Ewar and begin married life. The unexpected movement interferes with my balance, but another's hand steadies me before I fall. I look over at the good Samaritan who caught me and gasp in recognition.

"Ehmay!" I grab her by the shoulders, barely holding back tears. "Oh, thank God! You have to help me. I didn't mean to get married. It was an accident. Please tell them it was all a big misunderstanding!"

My hysterical outburst has Ehmay puzzled. Her thoughtful gaze travels over my face. After a momentary pause, she gathers me into a half-hug. I'm frozen at first, but gradually I thaw and lean on her for further support. Her motherly affection came as a pleasant surprise. Up until now, I thought she didn't like me very much. Guess I was wrong. To be honest, nobody has mothered me in ages - not since my own mom's immaturity forced me to grow up fast. I hadn't realized how much I've missed it. This aspect of Ehmay combined with her soothing words, I find myself feeling a tiny, microscopic bit better.

I relax and close my eyes as Ehmay handles the situation. She will help; she will know exactly what to do to save me. But when my eyes reopen, I receive a shock. She escorted me inside the hut. There's Ewar, standing only a few steps away.

Oh no. Ehmay brought me into the metaphorical lion's den. She doesn't understand my problem. She isn't going to help at all!

Uttering a final whisper into my ear, she walks away and closes the hut's doorway behind herself. My new spouse and I are left completely alone. We stand unmoving, each eyeballing the other. The atmosphere is thick. I'm drowning in the awkward tension. I'd give nearly anything to know what he's thinking right about now. At least then I would have a heads up on what to expect.

During our stalemate, the lump in Ewar's throat quivers. It gives him a touch of vulnerability I hadn't anticipated. Suddenly, I recall that in all the time I have known him, he has never once hurt me. And, he doesn't seem like a crazed beast in heat. He looks like the same innocuous guy who found me lost in a forest and brought me to live with his people. So, perhaps I misjudged him. If our past history is any indicator, it's unlikely he would do anything against my will.

But there's an old saying I can't shake off. "Looks can be deceiving." Keeping that in mind, it's best if I stay vigilant until I know for sure.

I take a moment to orient myself with Ewar's hut. Scratch that. Since the villagers brought all my stuff here, this is apparently my home now too. Dried hay beneath my feet works as both insulation and carpeting, a common feature in every hut in this village. One area of the dwelling has a few rock flakes scattered on the ground. I suspect Ewar does his art and weapon-making projects there sometimes, probably when poor weather keeps him indoors. One area houses some of his artistic creations, from carved miniature trinkets to hand-sized statues. Overall, the home is neat and orderly. Everything has its place.

A small fire blazes in the exact center of the room. Unfortunately, the warmth it produces does nothing to smooth my suddenly goose-fleshed skin. The reason? I just discovered a potentially worrisome drawback to living here.

There's exactly one bed in this entire hut.

How will we handle sleeping arrangements?

As I ask myself this nagging question, Ewar follows the direction of my gaze and stares at the bed along with me. Something flashes in his eyes. With newfound confidence, he dares to move forward. My survival instincts kick in. I immediately shrink away. It makes no difference. He covers the distance between us in three quick steps.

Oh no. It's happening. Here he comes!

I take off running. The chase is on. Round and round the fire we go. In my desperation to get away, I search for a hiding place. But how can I hide in a single room dwelling? There's nowhere to go! And based on the noise level outside, the villagers are partying close by. They'd probably send me back inside if I were to attempt to leave.

Can my life get any worse? A horny caveman is on the loose and thinks I'm his fucking mate! He's taller, stronger, and can probably take me down no problem. However, he's about to get a big surprise. I'm sure as hell not giving up without a fight!

I look all around as I run from him. When he starts gaining on me, I grab something to defend myself.

"A-ha. Get back!"

He slams his brakes and cocks his head, sending me a weird look. By reflex, I glance at what is in my hands.

No wonder he's looking at you like that, moron. An empty basket isn't going to scare anyone!

I'm quick to drop it in exchange for something else. A large piece of firewood lays within reach. Wielding the wood like a baseball bat, I eye him warily.

"Look, Ewar," I pant. "I'm sorry but this isn't going to work. I didn't mean to marry you. I thought I was judging a craft competition. I didn't know I was the prize. So, as you can imagine, this was all one big mistake. Understand?"

His furrowed brow hints that he does not.

"Anyway, I wouldn't make a good Stone Age wife," I confess in a trembling voice. "I suck at cooking unless it's done in the microwave. A-and I wouldn't be able to - uh - keep a primitive man like you happy. You probably like doing it like a wild animal, but I prefer more intimacy with lots of cuddling afterward. Hell, I've watched The Notebook on at least five separate occasions and it still makes me cry. See? We're too different!"

For a time, he seems affected by my plea. Then, he surges forward again. He's so fast, he almost swipes the weapon from my hand. "Bella?"

I squeak like a dog toy at his surprise attack. By sheer luck, I dodge him - but his next move captures my entire hand. He seriously underestimates my strength, however. I am able to wrench it away.

He has left me with no choice. I raise the weapon in strike-mode. "No! Do not touch."

He goes statue still.

Breathing heavily, I begin backing away. "Just... keep your distance and no one gets hurt. All right?"

Ewar watches unblinking as I retreat to the other side of the room. Eventually, my back meets the wall. I'm as far away from him as I can get. Not a second later, my legs give out from under me. I slide down the wall, still gripping my weapon, and crumple to the ground.

Stagnant silence smothers the room.

After an eternity, Ewar moves with intended slowness. He places a grass-woven mat by the fire. On this he sits and stares into the dancing flames, outwardly ignoring me. His expression is an empty shell, though his fists are clenched tight enough for veins to bulge.

For a moment, my fear is put on hold. I place myself into his position and imagine how he must be feeling. It's his wedding night too. I'm sure he expected to gain a loving wife who would welcome his amorous attentions. Instead, he got stuck with an insane woman who threatened to beat him up with a stick.

Even I feel sympathy for the guy... but not enough to give him the proper honeymoon treatment. He'll have to find himself a real wife for that job.

As time ticks by, changes take place. The noise level outside calms to a murmur. The party must be ending. I sneak a peek at Ewar. He stretched out on his mat a good while ago and hasn't moved a muscle since. He appears to be sound asleep.

A great weight lifts off me. Finally! I can relax a little without worrying about an ice age Romeo making a move on me.

I pry my numb fingers from my makeshift weapon and set it within easy reach. My fingers aren't the only things numb. My butt feels exactly the same. It's no wonder, either. Finding a halfway comfortable position on the ground is a continuing struggle. Through experimentation, I get the idea of folding my legs to my chest and laying my head on my knees. It's better in many ways but the position does little to curb my exhaustion. My eyelids droop, and my thoughts grow foggier by the minute. But as much as I desperately need sleep, it's looking like I won't be getting relief any time soon. I have to remain on guard. Ewar could wake up with the urge to start Round Two of chasing me around the hut. I'll have to be satisfied with merely resting my eyes on occasion.

Yeah. As long as I blink them open after a few seconds, everything will be...

The next thing I know, day light is leaking through the cracks in the doorway. More disturbing than that, I am no longer sitting against the wall.

I'm laying flat on my back in bed.

I rocket up into a sitting position. Heart beating double time, I fling off the blanket covering me. My breathing resumes only when I confirm I am fully clothed and not suffering from any unusual soreness.

I'm fine. Nothing happened.

My first instinct is to wonder how I ended up here. It's a stupid question, really. The obvious answer is Ewar did it. He must have carried me to bed sometime after I passed out asleep. It was nice of him, I admit... but I hope his chivalry doesn't have any unpleasant strings attached.

I look around the room warily. The mat Ewar slept on is rolled up and out of the way, yet the man himself is nowhere around.

Since the coast is clear, I decide I should take advantage of the situation and clean myself up. First, I scrub off the symbols Alie painted on my skin yesterday. Next, I locate my basket of belongings. I pull out a simple tunic and leggings. However, the primitive wedding dress I'm wearing is tied in the back. I have to perform a contortionist trick to reach the damn knot. And even when I manage to untie it, the dress proves to be a bitch to remove. It's too tight. I can't slide it past my hips. I decide to pull it over my head instead. And wouldn't you know it. Right as the dress is crumpled around my neck - leaving me at my most vulnerable - I discover I am no longer alone.

Ewar decided to show back up unannounced.

He drops the bundle of firewood he had been carrying and stares open-mouthed. Considering how he was raised in a minimal clothing community, his reaction to full-frontal nudity is puzzling. Of course, it's not like I have the time to ponder this idiosyncrasy of his. I'm too busy screaming my head off.

"Ewar!" I grab my tunic and hide behind it. With my free hand, I stab a finger toward the door. "Out!"

My yelling finally gets through to him. He blinks, spins around on his heel, and leaves without uttering a sound. I cover my face in embarrassment once he is gone.

Argh! I just can't catch a break. I can't even change clothes without a disaster taking place.

Before anyone else can barge in to gape at my nakedness, I finish yanking off the dumb dress and throw on my other clothes. Ah, that's better. The tunic and leggings are a much looser fit. Plus, they're a lot uglier than the dress. Surely Ewar won't be sexually attracted to me while I'm in this outfit. It's reminiscent of something Davy Crockett wore while fighting at the Alamo - all that's missing is the racoon skin cap. I like to think of this strategy as reverse Viagra.

As I am now properly attired, I start wondering where he went. Curiosity gets the best of me. I tiptoe to the doorway and peek outside. Kids are playing. Adults are working. It's as though yesterday's festival never happened.

If only that were true...

I glance again at what I had been wearing and purse my lips. A thought enters my head. I borrowed that dress from Ehmay. She probably wants it back.

With that in mind, I neatly fold it and tuck it underneath my arm. I open the hut's flap and step outside. My foot bumps into something. A few baskets are blocking the hut's entrance. Who left these out here? They're a tripping hazard. I push all of them to the side before leaving.

As I walk, some of the other villagers give an odd look when they first set eyes on me. I don't take offense. They soon smile in greeting and go about their business.

Ehmay is by herself when I appear at her home. Her eyebrows lift in surprise, but she quickly schools her features and welcomes me inside. I present her the dress she loaned to me. She shakes her head and gently pushes it back. I conclude she wants me to keep it. I force a smile and try to act grateful. In reality, I am disappointed. I wanted to get rid of the damn thing. Having a physical reminder of my accidental marriage only pulls me into a deeper depression.

Ehmay gestures for me to take a seat. I do so and we begin breakfast together. We haven't eaten much when Ewar bursts through the door, pale as a ghost.

"Ehmay! Bella kark..."

His frantic gaze lands on me. Words trail off into nothing. I blush as his eyes scan me, still conscious of how much of my bare skin he saw today.

Ehmay clears her throat. He awakens from his stupor and joins us. I go stiffly straight when he sits beside me. His face droops. He doesn't touch a morsel of the food set before him. Not a minute passes before Ehmay says something sharp. Ewar nods in response to whatever she said and starts eating, but I notice his gaze has shifted away from me.

Arl enters the hut next. He's speechless for around three seconds. Then, he smiles like normal and joins us for breakfast. His presence is a godsend. The chilly atmosphere defrosts thanks to the warmth he exudes. Even I relax a little.

The men leave for the day after the meal concludes. It's the reprieve from marital duties I had been hoping for. In exchange for the hospitality, I help Ehmay wherever I can, mostly by handling the chores fit for a village idiot. I don't mind. After worrying myself to death for hours last night, the work I'm doing today comes as a welcome distraction to my problems.

Around noon, Ehmay and I set off to retrieve water from the river. This is when I notice the Wolf People are no longer around. They must have left the gorge early this morning. For that, I give a prolonged sigh of relief. Yes, the tribe was a peaceful bunch, but I don't think I'm ready to deal with one member in particular any time soon. Akob was a bit too friendly to me yesterday. But maybe I'm being too hard on him. I'm sure one day he will wed someone more appreciative of his phallus-making skills. Then, he'll be less inclined to show them off to random strangers such as myself.

One can only hope.

The day passes by. And in all that time, Alie doesn't show up outside even once. I can guess why. She's probably still sucking face with Jas in their hut of love. Well, more power to her. I'm glad at least one of us is finding contentment with married life.

As darkness approaches, Ehmay heats up water meant for a stew. The men return to the hut before any ingredients are added. Stone-faced, Ewar motions for me to stand next to him.

His intentions are clear. He wants us to leave.

My stomach starts doing somersaults. I knew I couldn't seek sanctuary in Arl and Ehmay's home forever, but I was hoping for longer than this! If I go with him, it's unlikely I will escape his unwanted attentions for a second night in a row.

A part of my soul crumbles to dust.

Ehmay glances significantly between the two of us, probably noting our mutual unease. Speaking softly, she takes my hand in hers and places it carefully into Ewar's care. She thinks I should go with him, and I have no way to communicate why I think that's a bad idea.

He bids farewell to his relatives and guides me outside. Now that we are by ourselves, I slip my fingers from his grasp and wrap my arms protectively around myself. He frowns but does not force me to continue with the hand holding.

The aroma of warming food seeps from Ewar's home. A roaring fire has already been lit. He sits down first, leaving me to hover in the doorway. I search our surroundings with only my eyes. Every single item that even remotely could be considered a weapon has been removed from the premises.

Damn it. Score one for Ewar. He planned ahead. How will I fight him off now?

Lost in my thoughts, he waves a hand, signaling for me to take a seat by the fire. Hunger pains force me to comply with his wishes, but I make sure I am more than an arm-reach away from him.

"Bella."

I gather the courage to meet his eyes. The empty mask he wore earlier has been removed. He looks back with no animosity.

"Esta tarant kā. Edani sami parn kinun."

While I cannot determine the exact meaning of his words, his tone is what truly baffles me. It is a purr, neither harsh nor threatening. Is this the same guy who was chasing me last night? I don't know what to make of him.

He stops speaking to check the progress of our meal. It must be cooked to his satisfaction because he serves it immediately. We eat quietly. Our gazes often cross before we glance away at nothing.

The last bite of his dinner is tossed into his mouth. Still chewing, he hops into a standing position and stretches his arms over his head. He strolls casually over to the bed and slowly pulls back the blankets. His eyes lock with mine. They seem to say, "It's time, Bella."

Dread eats me up inside.

But as he stalks closer to where I sit, anger brews within my heart. How dare he act like my friend one minute, but in the next, he demands more than I'm willing to give! I thrust up my chin and give him my iciest glare. What he doesn't know is that I've also balled up my fist. He's about to find out why bruised balls are far more painful than blue ones.

Still holding my gaze, he stoops to my level and drops something into my other hand. My eyebrows jump when I look down. It's the comb he gave to me yesterday evening. I forgot all about it. It must have fallen out of my hair while I was asleep last night.

"Thank you," I whisper, too confused to say more.

A ghost of a smile appears on his face. He plucks the comb from my palm and slides it into my hair. Once it is secured, he wags his finger at it.

"Stay." His stern command is directed at the comb - not at me.

A breathless laugh escapes me. He remembered a word I mentioned more than two weeks ago. And not only did he use it correctly, he even made a joke out of it!

I'm still somewhat stunned when he straightens to his full height. Leaving me to sit as I please, he goes about doing a few nightly tasks around the hut. The very last task is the most perplexing. The same mat he slept on last night is laid down. He settles onto it and stretches out on his side. An arm placed strategically underneath his head acts as his pillow.

Ewar peeks through one open eye slit. "Bella." He points at the bed once he has my full attention. "Ses."

Following that, he well and truly goes to sleep.

Minutes pass. I remain motionless while attempting to make sense of this enigmatic man. He didn't chase me, grope me, or anything. The tyrannical caveman-husband (the one bent on having his wicked way with me) was nowhere to be seen tonight. Instead, this Ewar was on par with being my celibate roommate. It was like sex was the last thing on his mind...

Hold up.

I think I understand what's going on. What happened between last night and right now? Simply put, he saw me naked this morning. The free peep show must have repulsed him to such a degree, he lost all the attraction he had for me.

I'm not sure if I should rejoice or be insulted.

What's wrong with my body? Is it the weird way my hip bones poke out? My unremarkable boobs? The fact I haven't shaved my legs in like two whole weeks?

Yeah, it's probably all of it combined.

Heaving a sigh, I put a pin in my self-criticisms. They can be readdressed tomorrow. For the moment, I am grateful to be left unmolested. I climb into bed and bury myself underneath the blankets. Rest, however, eludes me. I peek down at the man on the floor and wince. Here I am with the decently cozy bed while Ewar has restricted himself to a thin mat. He doesn't even have anything to keep him warm except for the fire.

My guilty conscience nags until I correct this imbalance.

I take one of the many blankets from the bed and creep over to where he lays. Carefully, I spread it over him, hold my breath, and wait.

He doesn't stir.

My good deed has been accomplished successfully. I should go back to bed, but something makes me linger. I continue watching... for what, I couldn't say. As his body heat warms the blanket, his facial muscles relax. He looks much younger when he sleeps.

This inevitably leads to more questions. How old is he? I swear, if I married a minor, I'm really going to be sick.

Stress levels start climbing. As I nibble at a fingernail, I notice Ewar's mouth pops slightly ajar. I can even see some of his teeth.

A light bulb flicks on. I just got a crazy idea... and it just might work.

I nudge Ewar on his back. His mouth opens wider. I lean over him and peer inside, squinting an eye as I do so. I just barely make them out in the back. Wisdom teeth! He has them, which means he's probably at least eighteen - and I couldn't be charged with a crime even in modern times!

I'm still giving silent prayers of thanks when Ewar adjusts the way he is laying. I freeze, too afraid to move. Did I wake him? I soon get my answer. He lets out one soft snore. The excess air makes his cheeks puff out for several seconds, reminding me of a chipmunk with a face stuffed with acorns. I have to clamp my own mouth shut to suppress my amusement.

This is the guy I was afraid of? Right now, it doesn't look like he would hurt a fly.

Feeling lighter, I crawl back into my own bed. I don't know what tomorrow may bring, but for now, I am at peace.

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A/N -

Just a heads up. The next chapter is going to be a roller coaster ride. You are going to be flung and flipped around until you won't know which way is up or down. So, you might want to tighten your safety harness and grab your complimentary barf bag before boarding, please.

Married life is hard, especially when your spouse doesn't speak your language. People who review can help teach Ewar and Bella the Language of Love. For instance, why use words when your body can speak for you?

Thanks for reading. :-)