Chapter Five: Truths and the Hunt
(Warnings: Sacr!f!ces and sexual content between two consenting women. Also this is a mushy chapter filler!)
Alessia shifted a little and felt an arm holding her close. Alessia could feel her heart racing as she felt comfortable and safe. Gently reaching over to gently rub Lillen's arm as the woman shifted and moved over. Resting her head on top of Alessia's chest. Her breath shuddered a little and wrapped her arms around the woman. Hearing a small giggle as she looked to her right. Seeing the redhead smiling at her. Alessia blushed at this. The young girl stood up and walked over to Christian's bed. She knelt down and placed something under his bed. The young girl then walked back quickly to her bed and crawled into it. She smiled at Alessia and placed a finger against her lips before laying down. Alessia looked back over to see Josh was watching as well before turning over in his bed. She laid her head back down. Rubbing Lillen's back softly before yawning. Falling back to sleep as her body curled up again. Not daring to let go of the woman. She did not know how long she was out since there were voices talking all over in the building. Feeling her cheek traced by gentle fingers as she opened her eyes. Looking up to see Lillen smiling at her before leaning down to kiss her cheek. Alessia sat straight up so quickly as it felt like her brain rattled. Blushing like mad as she covered her face.
"What are you doing? Get the hell out of that bed!" Mark shouted as Alessia looked up. Seeing him storm over to her.
"Stay away from me." Alessia spoke as she stood up. Mark glared at her before taking his leave. Feeling her hand taken as she jumped and sighed a little. "Sorry." She spoke softly at Lillen who took her hand.
"It's alright. Come. Breakfast is soon." She spoke. Alessia nodded and watched the woman take her leave. She sighed with a smile on her face as she watched her go before hearing a sniffle. She turned her attention elsewhere as she walked towards it.
"Dani?" Alessia asked as Dani looked up and wiped her face clean. "Want to talk about it?" She asked. Dani nodded and began to change. Alessia decided to wear something nice. Blushing as she was trying to impress someone. She put on a yellow sleeveless blouse and jean shorts. Putting on her flats as she left her hair down after brushing it. Then following Dani out of the building. Not knowing the flowers that she was given laid on her bed. Feeling the warm sun on her face as she looked up. Feeling the energy from the earth as she felt Dani slap her arm.
"I'm coming!" Alessia chuckled as she followed Dani who was leading her away from prying ears. She sat down in the grass under a nearby tree as did Dani. Seeing her friend frown and sighed.
"What happened?" Alessia asked. Hugging her knee while watching her.
"I had a bad dream last night." Dani sighed.
"About?" Alessia asked as she was rubbing Dani's arm.
"The guys left. Even Pelle. You were still asleep." Dani began as she looked up. "They took the rental minivan and left. Christian didn't bother to look. Mark was laughing while looking out the back window." Dani sniffled as she wiped her eyes. Alessia pulled Dani into another hug. Rubbing her arm again. "You're the only one who stayed. You always do." Dani added.
"You're my best friend." Alessia spoke. Dani smiled weakly and nodded.
"The worst part of it is that I can actually see him leaving me behind." Dani added.
"Dani don't think like that." Alessia frowned. Leaning against her friend.
"It's true. Our relationship hasn't been going well. I know that you know that. He got mad. Over flowers." Dani spoke.
"I received flowers for the first time in my life yesterday." Alessia spoke.
"From Lillen?" Dani asked as she nodded and blushed. Running her fingers through the grass. "I'm gonna take a walk. Thank you." Dani spoke as Alessia nodded her head.
She stood up after her friend and walked across the lawn. Seeing the ashes of the elders being pulled from the pit. She smiled softly as the ashes were taken. Stepping to the side as they walked carefully. Towards a large dead looking tree. Her eyes never left as she was watching. It was the Rotvalta that she heard about the first day they came.
"Hey Alessia." Pelle's voice came as she turned and smiled.
"Hey." She spoke while walking up to him. He handed her a tool.
"I'm picking herbs. Join me?" He asked.
"Yeah!" She smiled while seeing which ones he was getting. She knelt down and began picking them as well.
"So, there's a lot of talk going on." Pelle spoke.
"Oh yeah?" Alessia asked while setting the picked ones into the basket by them.
"Yes. You shared a bed with Lillen." Pelle spoke. Alessia looked up to see Lillen in the distance. Their locked eyes. Lillen waved at her. Alessia blushed and brushed her hair behind her ear while quickly looking down back to what she was doing. Pelle chuckled.
"What?" Alessia asked.
"Oh nothing! Just. I'm happy for you both." Pelle spoke.
"Oh we're not." She began.
"Not official yet?" Pelle asked as Alessia shook her head. "Make it official then." Pelle spoke. Alessia was stuttering her words before going back to the garden.
"Nice garden, fag." Mark spoke. Alessia sighed as did Pelle. Pelle turned to stand up as did she. Putting more in the basket.
"Any word?" Josh asked. Alessia was barely listening as she was watching Lillen again. She quickly looked away again as she was caught staring.
"They said you can do it as long as you absolutely don't use names and the location is never even hinted at and you'll have to sign an agreement to that." Pelle explained. Alessia then caught on into the conversation.
"Oh! Yeah! Okay!" Josh spoke with excitement.
"Split it with Christian because he came to me first." Pelle added.
"Yeah, we will figure it out." Josh added.
"I'm going to take a leak." Mark spoke. Alessia eyed him before looking back towards Lillen. She was picking flowers. Her heart was beating fast now. Smiling softly.
"You're staring." Pelle spoke as she jumped.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"Hey, I found this under Christian's bed." Josh then spoke. Alessia got curious and looked over. Josh pulled out a rune. Alessia giggled at this. Josh raised a brow at her.
"It's a love rune. Casts a love spell." Pelle spoke with a smile. Josh quickly pocketed the rune as Christian came back. Alessia saw in the background that there were animals laying across the lawn being dressed. Raising a brow at this as Lillen had a knife in her hand. Seeing she was helping pour blood from a lamb into a hole. Alessia had a horrified look on her face.
"What's going on?" Christian asked.
"The elders said you can do your thesis." Pelle spoke.
"Holy shit. Hell yeah!" Christian spoke. Alessia was getting rather tired of all the cussing.
"You're splitting it with Josh." Pelle added.
"Yeah, totally fine by that." Christian spoke. Alessia saw that Christian was looking over their shoulders.
"It seems my sister Maja has a liking for you." Pelle spoke to Christian.
"Yeah, I noticed." Christian spoke.
"She just got her byxmyndig." Pelle spoke with a smile. Alessia raised a brow at him.
"What's that?" Alessia asked.
"It means pants license. Once you turn fifteen, you're allowed to have sex." Pelle explained.
"Oh." Alessia spoke as she blushed. Pelle chuckled as Josh and Christian got into it again.
"You know. There are many private places that you and Lillen can go to if you have the urges." Pelle whispered to her.
"I'm good! Thanks!" Alessia laughed nervously.
"Wait, are you?" Pelle asked. Alessia then frowned. "I didn't mean to pry. I'm sorry."
"No. It's alright." Alessia sighed a little. "I really want to. With her. But." Alessia mumbled.
"You are afraid of getting close?" Pelle asked as Alessia nodded her head. "Well you never know. You could be her soulmate." Pelle spoke as Alessia was watching Lillen again. The dark brown eyes caught her again. Alessia looked down quickly again.
"HEJ!" A man shouted. Alessia looked over Christian's and Josh's shoulders to see what was going on. She froze as the man was screaming. Running towards the Rotvälta. Alessia gasped and covered her mouth. Mark was over there taking a leak.
"Oh no." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"VAD GÖR DU? STOPP! BORT DÄRIFRÅN!" The man screamed.
"Pelle. This is bad." Alessia spoke.
"I know! Come!" Pelle spoke as they all began to run towards the scene.
"Stoppa undan din vidriga kuk. Hur vågar du!" The man shouted.
"Poor Ulf." Pelle spoke as Mark was confused about what was going on. He zipped his pants and raised his hands.
"Are you daft?!" Alessia shouted at him. Mark glared at her.
"Det här är våra förfäder! Du pissar på våra förfäder!" Ulf spoke. His face was red as he was angry. Seeing people gathering now.
"What did I do?" Mark asked while still holding his hands up.
"What happened?" Pelle asked to Ulf. Alessia stepped in and pushed Mark away from Ulf.
"You idiot! You are so daft!" She shouted at him.
"Why the hell are you yelling at me?" Mark shouted at her. Alessia felt her eyes sting at this.
"Din lilla Amerikanska vän här, har pissat på Rotvältan!" Ulf spoke. Pelle then gasped at this.
"What happened? What did I do?" Mark was asking again.
"You were peeing on the ancestral tree." Pelle finally answered.
"The dead tree?" So what. I'm sorry." Mark spoke.
"So what?!" Ulf repeated him. Alessia took off her shoe and threw it at Mark.
"Have you no respect?!" She shouted at him. He managed to avoid her shoe. Ulf fell to his knees as Pelle pulled Mark away from the scene. She was following as her inside was boiling with anger. Feeling her arm touched as she looked over. Lillen handed her her shoe back. She put it on and sighed.
"Thank you, Lillen." Alessia spoke.
"You care about us." Lillen spoke. It wasn't a question but she nodded her head anyways.
"Of course I do." Alessia spoke. Feeling Lillen touch her cheek gently with the back of her hand as it trailed down and pressed against her chest for a moment before taking her leave. Hearing arguments again.
"What the fuck? It was a dead tree. What's even happening?" Mark spoke.
"All of our dead are tied to that tree!" Pelle spoke while pointing towards it.
"But it's dead. It's a dead fucking tree. I didn't realize it was special. I just had to pee." Mark spoke while defending himself.
"I know, but it's important to us. It's okay. We know you didn't know. You wouldn't pee on a gravestone, right?" Pelle asked.
"Why couldn't you just use the outhouse like everyone else?" Alessia asked while crossing her arms. Mark was ignoring her as he was watching Ulf crying in the grass. A few of the Hargas were trying to soothe him.
"Fuck. I am sorry. I still don't understand what I did. Do I apologize?" Mark then asked.
"Apologize later." Pelle spoke as the girl Mark likes came up to them.
"Shit. Hi." He spoke. She smiled at him.
"Säg till honom att det ordnar sig. Han fattar inte. Jag ska prata med Fader Ulf." Igna spoke with a smile at Mark before leaving. Alessia shook her head at this.
"She said to tell you it's okay and that she'll explain to him your mistake." Pelle spoke.
"Seriously? What else did she say?" Mark asked.
"Alessia, take these herbs to Lillen. They need them for the next ceremony." Pelle spoke, handing Alessia the basket.
Alessia nodded and took the basket. Watching the guys take their leave. She took a deep breath and started walking over to Lillen who was putting the flowers on the animals. She then looked up and over. Alessia stopped and blushed.
"I uh. Pelle told me to give these to you." Alessia spoke while handing Lillen the basket. She took it with a smile. "I picked some as well." She spoke while rubbing the side of her head out of nervousness.
"Yes you did." Lillen spoke as she traced her finger tips up and down Alessia's arm. Alessia let out a shuddered breath from her touch as her body reacted. The electric sensation she was receiving was driving her crazy. She was blushing like mad again.
"I uh. I have to go." Alessia spoke as she stuttered her words. Stepping backwards. Lillen giggled at her with that smile. Alessia couldn't help but smile stupidly before turning and quickly leaving. Almost crashing into her friend.
"Hey. Careful there." Dani spoke. Alessia rubbed her face in her hands.
"Hey." Alessia spoke with a smile.
"So, what happened with Mark and that guy?" Dani asked as they were walking away from the others.
"He uh. Peed on the ancestral tree. The sacred tree." Alessia spoke.
"Oh he is an idiot." Dani spoke as Alessia nodded her head in agreement. They stopped talking and looked over towards the hill where the animals were. Seeing everyone congregate in the hill area.
"What is that?" Dani asked in a whisper.
"A pillory." Alessia replied. Hearing Josh's pencil scratching against paper. The pillory has extra holes as the animals were in it. Their heads through the holes perfectly. Hearing Dani's breathing get bad again. Alessia looked at her friend who was frowning.
"I don't want to be here, do I?" Dani asked.
"No, you do not want to be." Pelle spoke while looking at Dani who looked at Christian. Alessia frowned. This guy was too excited for his own good. Feeling a presence next to her as Siv then began to sing a long single note. Then the man from last night struck a pose as music began again. There were whispers singing as she looked around. Lillen was watching as she was singing as well. Alessia felt her heart racing not in a good way again. Nine young men all holding a knife walked up to each animal. Alessia for some reason couldn't even look away. All the animals' necks were then sliced as they began to thrash about. Alessia gasped and covered her mouth. Frowning at the sight. Feeling her arm touched and squeezed as the song turned into a snarling noise. Watching the blood drain from the animals through the channels to a larger rune. Alessia was in awe at the rune. Seeing Josh was secretly recording a video.
"Is this weird or is it not weird?" Mark asked while looking round. Alessia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Feeling an arm wrap around her waist. That gentle touch.
"What the fuck did you bring us to?!" Simon then shouted. Alessia opened her eyes and looked towards the voice as the gentle hand squeezed her hip. "What are you smiling about mate?" He asked, looking at Ingemar. Seeing Dani leave as Pelle followed her to the main building. She looked back as Simon and Connie were both distraught from the sacrifice of the animals.
"Are we eating those?" Simone asked.
"Not those ones." Ingemar spoke.
"Why?" Simon asked. Alessia was listening in.
"They weren't killed for that." Ingemar explained.
"So what were they killed for? So we could watch that shit and clap?" Simon asked while raising his voice. Ingemar was smiling now. "What the fuck is that smile, mate? Get it off." Simon shouted again.
"Simon." Ingemar spoke as more people were all starting to look at the scene. "Let's talk over there." Ingemar spoke as he tried to lead Simon away.
"Don't sort me out!" Simon shouted. Seeing another man walk up to him.
"What's offending you, son?" He asked.
"What's offending me? Besides the fact I just saw something I can't ever unsee, I'm offended that you're teaching impressionable kids to sacrifice innocent animals, including a fucking defenseless dog!" Simon shouted.
"We sacrificed defenseless animals yesterday, too! To fill your belly!" Irma spoke.
"Why are they using the word sacrifice like it's a bad thing?" Alessia asked in a whisper. Feeling her hip squeezed again as Lillen rested her chin on Alessia's shoulder.
"It's fucking medieval!" Simon shouted.
"Why are you cursing? We aren't cursing!" Irma asked as her voice was rising. The man was trying to calm her down now before looking back at Simon.
"Are you even aware you're in your body right now? Sacrifice is essential in any relationship. Let's put it in your terms." He spoke.
"What are my terms? You don't even know!" Simon cut him off. Alessia looked down while listening. Feeling her hands ball into fists.
"Say you're entangled with a lover who can't put your needs before her own." He continued speaking.
"What does that mean?!" Connie then shouted while interjecting.
"Say your partner can't part with even a fraction of his own comfort to give you what you need. And show that you're appreciated. Wouldn't you resent them? Wouldn't you start to neglect them yourself? Maybe you'd even want to punish them for taking you for granted. Sacrifice is proof. And without it, I'm sorry, but no union can last." The man spoke. It was deep with what he said. Alessia felt tears fall from her eyes as she wiped them away.
"Alright. Thank you for that. And now we've seen two people kill themselves and nine animals bleed to death, so I think we're leaving." Simon spoke.
"I'll drive you." The man spoke.
"Lovely. Thank you." Simon spoke as he was calming down.
"Need your help to jump start it." He added.
"Why me?" Simon asked.
"Who am I driving?" He asked.
"Go pack our stuff. Be out in five minutes?" Simon asked Connie who nodded. Alessia heard enough. She managed to get out of Lillen's grip as she stalked off from the clearing. Rubbing her face as she wasn't paying attention to where she was going. Feeling her arm grabbed.
"Don't! I just!" Alessia began as her cheeks were cupped. She was forced to face Lillen.
"Stay. Here. With me. Be with me." She spoke while caressing her cheeks. Alessia's eyes were blurry before they focused from being watery. She nodded her head as Lillen pulled her into a tight hug. Holding her close. Alessia returned the hug. Staying there for a moment. Feeling a light sway as she inhaled her scent and sighed softly.
"I need to check on Dani." Alessia spoke. Lillen nodded while cupping her cheeks again. Their eyes locked as Lillen leaned in. Kissing her on the lips. She didn't pull back but pushed for more. The perfect fit with their lips against each other as Alessia felt the electric sensation again as she was smiling now. The goosebumps rose all over her body as all she could think about was this woman. Hearing giggling as she pulled back and looked around. Seeing a few of the Hargas watching them with smiles. Alessia blushed like mad as Lillen cupped her cheek.
"Go see your friend." Her honey words spoke to her. She nodded and took her leave from Lillen with a smile.
She walked up to the main building seeing Dani standing there with Pelle who looked at her.
"Someone's smiling." Pelle spoke with a smile. Alessia then rubbed her face and shook her head to focus.
"Sorry. Um. Dani. You alright?" Alessia asked as Dani nodded. Seeing Connie coming up as she was constantly looking over her shoulder.
"You okay Connie?" Dani asked.
"Yeah. Uh, sorry. We're leaving." Connie spoke before disappearing into the building.
"Connie!" Odd's voice came. Alessia was leaning against the side of the building. Connine came out with all her stuff and Simon's. "Simon told me to tell you. Jan drove him to the train station." He spoke while catching his breath. "After Simon gets dropped off, he's sending the truck straight back for you. and you'll meet him there." Odd spoke as he folded his hands in front of him.
"What? Why would he leave without me?" She asked. Alessia and Dani looked at each other and frowned.
"The truck had room for two." Odd spoke. "The train leaves in ninety minutes. It takes thirty-five minutes to drive there and back. They didn't want to waste time." Odd explained.
"I could have sat on his lap!" Connie shouted.
"He said that but we do not break traffic laws." Odd added.
"They left without me!" Connie shouted while taking her leave.
"Lunch in a bit!" Odd shouted. Alessia looked at Dani who was frowned as she returned the look. They both left the main building while in thought.
"I'm going to talk to Christian." Dani spoke.
"Oh. Alright." Alessia spoke as Dani took her leave again. Watching her friend leave as she was lost in thought again while walking across the lawn. Feeling hands grab her hips as she jumps.
"Hey!" Lillen spoke while smiling.
"Oh hi!" Alessia spoke while watching her.
"You okay?" She asked. Alessia shook her head.
"Simon left without Connie." Alessia spoke. Lillen pulled her close by her hips as they were close face to face.
"I would never leave you." Lillen spoke in a soft voice.
"I." Alessia blushed before her hand was taken as she was led away to another building. It was the kitchen area.
"Help make lunch!" Lillen spoke with a smile. Grabbing an apron and facing her. Lillen was tying the apron around her waist. The last tie was tightened as she was pressed against the woman.
"Oooh." Hearing some of the ladies giggling while watching. Alessia was in Lillen's trance again. Lillen was smiling before pecking her lips and left.
"Come." Another woman brought her back to reality as she nodded.
"Have you seen Simon?" Dani's voice came from the doorway.
"He was driven to the station. Did he not say goodbye?" The woman asked.
"No. It's alright." Dani spoke as she came inside.
"Hey Dani." Alessia spoke.
"Hey. You're helping too?" She asked.
"Yeah, I was lured in here." She spoke while looking at Lillen with a smile. The woman smiled back before cutting the meat.
"What are we making?" Dani asked as the other woman tied the apron onto Dani's waist.
"Meat tarts!" The woman spoke.
"Hon säger att du är så vacker." A woman spoke looking at Dani.
"She says you are both beautiful." The woman spoke.
"Thank you, um?" Alessia asked.
"Ulrika." Ulrika spoke.
"Pretty name." Alessia smiled as the woman nodded.
"Den där damen är Lillens själsfrände, eller hur?" Maja spoke while looking at Alessia.
"Ja!" Ulrika spoke with a smile. Lillen blushed at this. Alessia was nudged.
"What did she say?" Dani asked.
"I do not know." Alessia answered. She was still rocky on her translation of their language. Maja then moves past them with a meat tart with a basil leaf on it. Alessia smiled at her when she turned around and then stopped. Lillen was standing in front of her. Taking her rune necklace off and placing it in her palm in front of Alessia.
"Kommer du att acceptera detta förslag och gifta dig med mig? Yes?" Lillen asked.
"I uh, yes." Alessia spoke. Not knowing what Lillen asked her. Hearing shouting and screams with happiness as Alessia looked around before Lillen cupped her cheeks and kissed her deeply. She was in a daze as she was smiling softly at Lillen who now placed the necklace around her neck. The Harga women in the kitchen were all hugging Alessia and kissing her cheeks. She was now starting to feel overwhelmed.
"What happened?" Dani asked.
"She accepted!" Ulrika spoke. "This is a celebration!" She added before dashing out of the kitchen. Alessia was so confused now. Not knowing that Siv was watching everything happening from the window as she smiled.
She was now helping cut the meat as the crust of the tarts were being made by Dani. Alessia kept getting bumped gently by Lillen who couldn't take her eyes off of her. Siv had come into the kitchen with a smile and raised her hand. All the women in the kitchen stopped to look. Alessia smiled at her.
"Any ladies chasing tonight, please let me know." Siv spoke. Alessia raised a brow as she saw Lillen smile before taking her leave with a few others. Shrugging off as she put some of the meat tarts into the oven. Humming softly as she smiled at Dani who took some out. At this, there was a scream. Alessia jumped and looked in the direction as Dani stopped. They looked at each other before going back to work. Alessia put flour onto the table while kneading the dough out. She was smiling while doing this.
"You like cooking?" Ulrika asked. Alessia shrugged.
"I didn't do much cooking in New York." Alessia spoke.
"New York?" The woman asked.
"It's the state where I am from." Alessia.
"You're not from here?" She asked. Alessia looked at Dani who was just as confused as she was.
"She's from New York. So says her birth certificate." Dani spoke.
"Actually, I've never even looked at it." Alessia confessed. Dani gave her a confused look. Seeing the ladies that left came into the kitchen again. Each wearing different colored belts like ribbons. Lillen's was yellow. "I'll be back." Alessia spoke as she took her leave. She quickly made her way across the lawn and sighed. Rubbing her face in her hands again as she made her way to the main building. Seeing Josh was writing on his laptop again.
"Hey." Josh spoke.
"Hey." Alessia spoke as she knelt down by her bed and pulled out her suitcase. Opening it up and pulling out her documents. She set aside all of them but one. Her birth certificate. She opened it and was stunned. She couldn't read it.
"Everything alright?" Josh's voice came. She folded it back up and smiled.
"Yeah!" She spoke with a smile. "Lunch is almost ready." She added while taking her leave from the main building. Looking around and spotted the one she needed to talk to.
"Fadder Odd?" Alessia spoke as she stopped near him.
"Ah! Alessia. What can I do?" He asked.
"When I first arrived, you said welcome back home. What did you mean?" She asked.
"You look like your mom." He spoke. Alessia raised a brow at this. "Go to Siv." He added while pointing behind her. She turned to see Siv speaking to a few of the men. Odd had taken his leave. Alessia slowly walked up to the woman. The men took their leave.
"What can I do for you?" Siv asked. Alessia handed Siv the document.
"Can you read this?" Alessia asked. Her heart was racing hard against her chest. Siv took it and opened it. Smiling as she read it.
"Come with me dear." Siv spoke. Alessia saw Lillen peek out of the kitchen area as Dani next to her.
She was then led to another building. It was a smaller one. She held her breath as Siv walked inside. Holding the door opened. Alessia went inside and closed the door behind her. She was led into another room. One that had drawings all over the walls and two chairs in the center.
"Please sit." Siv spoke as Alessia nodded and sat down. Watching the older woman take her leave to the back room. It felt for a few moments as she came back. Holding a folder. She took out a picture and handed it over. Alessia took it and looked at it. It was a woman holding a baby.
"She kind of looks like me." Alessia spoke while looking back up.
"We keep documents of our people just in case things like this happen. Also to keep the bloodlines from crossing each other too much." Siv spoke.
"What do you mean?" Alessia asked with a frown.
"My dear, you were born here. Your father was an outsider and your mother was born here. Your father managed to convince your mother to leave us. Manipulated her." Siv spoke as she sighed and sat down.
"My parents died in a car accident." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"I am sorry to hear about your mother. We will mourn for her as we will celebrate her life when her daughter has returned home." Siv spoke.
"How is this possible?" Alessia frowned at this.
"When we heard that Pelle had found you, he told me everything. You and Lillen falling for each other was a bonus for us." Siv spoke.
"Is that why you offered to pay for my ticket to come visit?" Alessia asked. Siv smiled and nodded her head. Alessia was still frowning. "My child, have you ever felt like you didn't belong anywhere?" Siv asked. Alessia thought for a moment. She was not wrong. She had never felt like she belonged in New York. "How did you feel when you first set your eyes on us and our home here?" Siv asked.
"That this is the most beautiful and peaceful place I have ever seen." Alessia replied as Siv nodded her head.
"You belong here my child." Siv spoke while still smiling.
"But I have a home in New York that I share with Dani." Alessia spoke.
"What were you thinking about when you accepted her proposal?" Siv asked while smirking.
"What?" Alessia asked with a confused look. Siv reached over and touched the rune necklace that Lillen had given her. "Lillen asked you to marry her. You accepted." Siv explained.
"I.." Alessia stumbled on her words.
"Tell me, child. How do you truly feel about Lillen?" Siv asked as she looked back at Siv. "You both are an astrological match." Siv added.
"I've never loved someone this much. Every time she hugs me or holds me, it feels like." Alessia began as she smiled and blushed.
"Your souls connecting?" Siv asked. Alessia raised a brow.
"How did you know?" She asked.
"We believe in the term; soulmates." Siv spoke.
"I was to only stay until the end of the nine days." Alessia spoke.
"In order for the relationship to last, we all have to make sacrifices. Tell me child, are you willing to make those for Lillen?" Siv asked. Alessia was deep in thought before giving Siv her answer.
Alessia was sitting on the grass near a tree. She had her eyes closed while thinking about everything Siv had said. She sighed while tilting her head back to feel the sun on her face. She didn't even know if Siv was telling her the truth or not. All she knew was her birth certificate was in Swedish. Hearing several voices as the tables were being set as Alessia sighed. She felt disoriented from everything from the last two days that had happened here in the village. Hearing the music and laughter of the villagers and the love and emotions they share with each other rang through the air all around her. Eyes still closed as she let it fill her up before feeling a gentle hand touch and caressing her cheek. Alessia smiled and leaned into the touch. Her hands reaching up and covering the hand touched her cheek and her other hand pulled the owner close. She smiled when her lips were kissed as she then opened her eyes.
"Hello Lillen." Alessia spoke while receiving another kiss.
"Everyone is saying you went with grandmother Siv to her house." Lillen spoke.
"I did." Alessia replied as Lillen shifted and sat on Alessia's lap. She wrapped her arms around the woman's middle and held her close.
"What did you talk about?" She asked. Playing with Alessia's hair.
"I was actually born here." Alessia spoke. Hearing a gasp as Lillen smiled.
"I heard stories about a child being taken away from here. I'm glad you are back home." Lillen spoke. 'Home.' Alessia thought. She smiled weakly and leaned her head on Lillen's shoulder. "Come come. Lunch." Lillen spoke as she got up and took Alessia's hand into her own. She stood up and followed Lillen. Holding her hand tightly as she heard giggling and smiles from the nearby women smiling at them. Alessia blushed again and kissed Lillen's cheek before sitting down next to Dani as Lillen was across from her. Pelle was on her left side.
"Hey." He smiled while nudging her.
"Hey." Alessia spoke while returning the smile.
"So, you wanna make a rune necklace for Lillen as well?" Pelle asked.
"I don't even know where to begin." Alessia spoke back.
"I'll help you. Meet me in the school building after lunch." Pelle spoke. Alessia nodded while looking at her empty plate. Then the meat tarts were then served. Everyone had taken a seat now.
"Anyone seen Connie?" Dani asked. Alessia looked around as well. Connie was nowhere to be found.
"Mark said he saw her earlier." Christian spoke.
"Pretty sure she was trying out for the sprinting Olympics earlier." Mark spoke as he poked at the meat tart.
"What, where?" Dani asked. Then a Hargan man spoke to them. Alessia looked at her.
"Sorry, but I can say what happened. Her boyfriend called the landline from the train station and calmed Connie down. Then she begged for our pardon and I drove her to meet him." He spoke. Alessia sighed in relief.
"That's a relief." Christian spoke. Alessia nodded in agreement.
"Why would Simon leave without her." Dani then asked again. Alessia looked at her friend and frowned.
"I'm sure it was a miscommunication." Christian spoke as his tone was bland.
"I could possibly see you doing that." Dani then spoke. Taking a small crust off to eat it. Alessia put her face in her hands and sighed. They were going at it again.
"What the hell does that mean?" He asked while looking at Dani.
"Nothing. Never mind." She spoke. She was not wrong, Alessia had a feeling that he would probably do something like that.
"Fuck. Someone is still sore about their ancestral tree." Mark then spoke. Alessia looked up to see Ulf. Then it hit her. It was her ancestral tree as well.
"Yikes." Josh spoke while looking up as well.
"Is he gonna kill me?" Mark asked.
"He might." Alessia spoke as she looked up to the sky.
"The fuck do you mean?" Mark asked her. Alessia shrugged her shoulders.
"Tis a joke." She spoke. Mark glared at her and raised his hand but put it back down.
"Did you learn anything about the Rubi Radr?" Josh asked as Alessia then looked at him.
"Oh now you want to collaborate?" Christian asked. There was annoyance in his voice. Alessia then was staring at Lillen who was smiling at her. Licking her finger with a look in her eyes. Alessia blushed and crossed one leg over the top of the other as she felt a small tingle. She quickly looked down. "I know that one elder gave you a glimpse." Christian added. Alessia rolled her eyes now.
"Sorry for bringing it up." Josh spoke. Christian sighed and took a bite from his meat tart. She was waiting to eat like everyone else. Christian however didn't.
"Dude what the fuck?" Mark asked. The group all looked over at Christian who had a piece of hair between his thumb and finger.
"What is that?" Dani asked while squinting her eyes.
"Is that a fucking pube?" Mark asked.
"Ew." Dani spoke. Alessia covered her mouth to keep herself from laughing.
"It's just a hair." Christian spoke as he ate another bite.
"Yeah, pubic hair." Mark spoke as he was inspecting his meat pie.
"Sh! Calm down." Christian spoke with embarrassment.
"Why are you embarrassed? They're the ones handing out hair pies." Mark spoke back. Christian then took a drink from his cup. Alessia noticed that it was darker than everyone else's.
At this, Siv stood up as everyone looked at her. It then went quiet as Alessia took a drink before focusing her attention on Siv.
"Enjoy the food! For tonight! The Fertility Hunt ceremony will be held!" Siv spoke. There was a lot of excited chattering going on. Alessia blushed and looked at her tart. "The ceremony will take place soon! It is open to anyone who wishes to join. There are two different groups. Chasers and Runners. Chasers are the ones going after the Runners. Runners, if you are caught, you are to submit yourself to your catcher. We hold this ceremony to celebrate fertility at its peak. Now, to keep things from getting confused, there is one chaser per runner. We will have chasers and runners wear matching ribbons. To join a group, both parties must consent." Siv spoke. "For those who want to participate as a chaser, please speak to me before the sun sets!" Siv added as there was cheering going on. Alessia finished eating while standing in line to drop off her dishes. Once done, she saw Pelle waiting for her. She smiled and followed him back to the school building that was not far away.
"So, how do I make this rune?" Alessia asked as Pelle brought the materials out. She smiled while taking a seat.
"Here are some options of different stones." Pelle spoke while setting the stones in front of her. She took a perfectly round disk like stone. "Any idea what you want to put on it?" Pelle asked.
"I do. Yes." Alessia spoke as she pulled out the chart of the runic alphabet.
"Don't forget to put your name on the back." Pelle spoke as he wrote down her name on a piece of paper. Alessia smiled and nodded before she began carving. It seemed like a few hours passed as she wanted it to be perfect. Having a perfect hole drilled into it as she got the leather string tied into the hole.
"Done?" He asked. She nodded while holding it. Holding it tightly as she placed it into her pocket. Hearing the door open as two ladies came into the room. It was Ulla and Ulrika. They were smiling and walked up to her.
"So, we heard!" Ulla spoke. Alessia raised a brow. "Lillen chose you as her runner. She wants to chase you!" Ulla spoke with a smile.
"Oh!" Alessia spoke.
"That is of course, you want it?" Ulrika asked.
"I uh. Well the thing is." Alessia spoke as she was blushing.
"Are you pure?" Ulla asked while touching her elbow.
"Am I what?" She asked with a confused look.
"She wants to know if you ever had sex." Pelle spoke.
"Oh! I uh no." Alessia spoke as the two women gasped with smiles. "Pelle?" She asked.
"That means! Oh Lillen is going to be so happy!" Ulrika spoke as she clapped her hands together and folded them.
"Over the moon!" Ulla added.
"I'm confused." Alessia spoke while looking between the two.
"We believe that two people who are in love, coming together for the first time in the flesh, are soulmates." Pelle explained.
"Very lovey dovey." Alessia spoke with a smile as all three of them nodded.
"We have to dress her up!" Ulla spoke.
"Bath first! Need to make her clean and let the pureness radiate from her!" Ulrika spoke. Alessia was mumbling at this. She was lost for words right now.
"Come!" Ulla then spoke while taking Alessia's arm. She followed as Pelle waved before taking his leave from the building.
"Where are we going?" Alessia asked.
"Bath house!" Ulla spoke with a smile.
She was led across the lawn to a newer house she hadn't seen before. The door was opened and they were the only three inside. The water was already in the large bath steaming. Alessia felt the ladies taking her clothes.
"Hey!" Alessia spoke as she covered herself up.
"Oh stop. You're beautiful." Ulla spoke while cupping her cheeks. Alessia nodded as she was too stunned to even speak. She stepped into the large tub and sat down. Feeling the hot water sting against her skin. Feeling her arms lifted as two sponges were running against her skin. She felt silly at this.
"I feel silly." Alessia spoke.
"Why?" Ulla asked.
"You are bathing me." Alessia spoke.
"You need to save your energy." Ulrika spoke while smiling?
"Why?" Alessia asked.
"She's really fast." Ulrika replied.
"Should I just let her catch me?" Alessia asked. Seeing them look at each other and then shake their heads.
"No. Or it won't have meaning. You want her to chase you. Make her work for it." Ulla spoke with a smile as she started washing Alessia's hair. Once done, she was handed a towel. She wrapped it around her body as they started drying her hair. Brushing it and decorating it. Smiling as she had some braids in her hair like the Hargan women do them. Seeing Ulla pull out one of their dresses.
"This is one of Lillen's dresses. She wants you to wear it." Ulla spoke. It was a pure white dress with blue stitching. There were runes on it as well. Floral patterns alone the end of all the hems. She carefully put it on and smiled. It was a perfect fit. The dress went down to her knees. Covering her knees a little.
"It's very comfortable." Alessia spoke as Ulla was tying a yellow ribbon around her waist.
"Very easy to take off." Ulla spoke as she took a good look at her. Both of them held each other's hands and gasped with a smile and a small sigh.
"You look beautiful in our clothes." Ulrika spoke. Alessia blushed and looked down with a smile. Feeling a touch on her arm. She looked back up. "Are you alright?" She asked.
"Yeah, just really nervous." Alessia spoke truthfully. She grabbed the rune she made and placed it into the dress pocket.
"Well, do you trust her?" Ulla asked. Alessia nodded her head at this. Her hands were taken and squeezed. "Then you have nothing to worry about." Ulla added. Hearing a horn sounded as Alessia raised a brow.
"It's time!" Ulrika spoke. Alessia felt her heart race at this.
"What about dinner?" Alessia asked.
"It's after the hunt. We bed each other, eat dinner then actual bed." Ulla explained. Alessia nodded as her hands were taken as she was led out of the building. They were almost running to the gathering crowd. It seemed there were not very many participating. Mark had a purple ribbon on him. Alessia saw the girl he was crushing on had a purple one as well. Of course he did.
"You look so beautiful." Lillen's voice made her jump. Alessia turned around and blushed.
"Yeah, it's um. Your dress you wanted me to wear." Alessia spoke.
"I know. Don't worry, it won't be on you long." Lillen whispered. Alessia mumbled at this while blushing.
"Then, you better catch me." Alessia replied back. Lillen was smirking at this. This made her weak in the knees as the participants were divided into two groups. Her friends, Dani, Josh, and Christian were off to the side sitting at a table. They were not joining.
"The time has come!" Siv shouted as she raised her hand. "The forest is the hunting grounds! You may stay with your catcher until dawn if you wish so, or join the rest of us for supper once you all have laid together." Siv spoke. A line of the Hargans were walking up to each of them. Wrapping white cloaks around each person. Alessia felt the cloak around her. It was heavy and warm. Like a blanket. She nodded her thanks.
"Chasers! Are you ready?" Siv shouted. Hearing shouts of excitement coming from them as there was cheering. "Runners! Are you ready?" Siv asked. Alessia clapped lightly at this. She was nervous. "Runners! You will have a head start until the second horn is sounded! Ready? Run!" Siv shouted as the first horn sounded.
Alessia was running through the woods as she leaned against a tree to catch her breath. The air was a little cold which was good since she was breaking a slight sweat. The second horn had sounded. Alessia stayed where she was. Hearing laughing and giggling all around her. Hearing a woman shout and thud on the ground meant one thing. Someone was caught. Alessia then leaned off the tree and ran again. Hearing more shouting as more were caught. She stopped and caught a sight of two couples wrestling on the ground. She was giggling and stopped. Seeing the man enter her rather quickly as she let out a moan. Alessia blushed and felt her hip grabbed. She jumped and moved to the side. Lillen had caught up to her already. Alessia quickly turned on her heels and ran.
"Come back!" Lillen shouted with a giggle while chasing her. Alessia smiled while running. Feeling her heart hitting her chest rather fast. Turning down another path way area as she hid behind a tree. "You can't run forever my love." Lillen spoke. Alessia looked past the tree and saw Lillen looking around. Their eyes locked. Lillen sprinted towards her as Alessia turned and made a run for it. Feeling her legs getting tired before feeling hands grabbing her.
"Ofh!" She shouted as she felt the floor as she fell. Lillen was giggling while forcing her to lay on her back and straddled her. Alessia was smiling as her hands were pinned above her head.
"Hi." Alessia spoke with a smile. She was now straddled.
"Hello." Lillen spoke. Leaning in and kissing her deeply. She lifted her head to press more into the kiss. Her wrists were let go as she sat up. Pulling Lillen close on her hips. Hearing a soft moan from Lillen as she felt the heat rush through her body. Alessia pulled back and looked at Lillen.
"Do I disgust you?" Lillen asked with a frown.
"What? No!" Alessia spoke while rubbing Lillen's sides. "It's. I have something for you." Alessia spoke. Lillen gave her a curious look. Alessia pulled out the rune necklace. Putting the rune into Lillen's hand who looked over it.
"Always and forever." Lillen spoke while reading the rune. She smiled and placed it around her neck. Grabbing Alessia's neck and kissing her again. Alessia took the cloak off and let it fall off as she laid back down. Pulling Lillen with her. Gripping Lillen's hips tightly. Feeling the woman grind against her waist. Alessia let out a soft moan as her head started to feel heavy from her hormones taking over. There were many loud moaning coming from the other Hargans in the forest. The kiss was broken as Lillen started kissing her neck roughly. Alessia felt her breaths were short as she closed her eyes. Letting the moment and emotions take over. Then Lillen stopped. Sitting back up and cupping her left cheek.
"We don't have to do this if you don't want to." Lillen whispered. Alessia sat up and pulled the woman close.
"I want this. I want you. I want to give myself to you in every way possible." Alessia spoke softly. Seeing Lillen smile before kissing her again. Alessia slipped her hands under Lillen's now untucked shirt and grabbed her breasts straight up. Hearing a shuddered breath as Lillen tilted her head back and moaned. Her hips moved as she grinded onto Alessia's waist. Alessia knew her cheeks were red now as she removed her hands. Unbuttoning Lillen's top slowly. It seemed that Lillen was impatient and pulled her own off. Alessia was blushing at this.
"Come." Lillen spoke as she got off. Alessia sat up on her knees. Lillen was behind her. Unzipping the dress she was wearing. Feeling it fall off her bare shoulders. Feeling the cold air hit her chest as her nipples now became erect.
She had forgotten she was bare under the dress but she didn't care. Her body was for Lillen's eyes only. She turned to face her lover again as Lillen was looking at her. Up and then down slowly. Her fingertips slowly tracing down her neck to her left breast and stopped. Cupping her breast as Alessia let out another soft moan. Lillen smiled at this. She then grabbed Lillen's skirt and pulled it down. Pulling all the way off her legs. Lillen then laid down on her back as they never broke eye contact. Alessia was gently running her hands all over Lillen's naked body. Hearing the shuddered breaths coming from the woman as she smiled. Leaning in and kissing her softly in every corner she could reach. Lillen parted her legs as Alessia positioned herself between. Kissing up her stomach to her breasts. Cupping one to massage it as her mouth took her other nipple into her mouth. Caressing with her tongue. Sucking and biting gently. Lillen pushed her chest out as fingers tangled into her hair. Pulling her hair as Lillen was now sent into bliss. Releasing her breast with her hand as Alessia caressed her inner thigh.
"Alessia." Lillen moaned softly.
"Yes my love?" Alessia asked. Lillen then gently pressed on the top of her head. She got the hint. Kissing down her body as she cupped Lillen's area. Hearing a louder moan as her hips moved. She positioned her face right between Lillen's legs. Feeling the heat coming from her lover. She leaned in and kissed her. Feeling Lillen's body squirm. Knowing that this was her lover's first time as well, she was going to be gentle. She parted her area and kissed her again. Letting her tongue slide inside as the overwhelming taste hit her. She moaned against Lillen as Lillen's hips were moving against her face. Alessia was loving this. Loving the way she was making Lillen feel. Feeling the sensitive bump as she moved her tongue across. A loud moan came from her lover's throat. Fingers tightening in her hair.
"Please!" She shouted with a loud beg. Moving her hips up. Alessia moved her right hand and slid a finger inside. Feeling how easily it went. Lillen was wet. Oh so wet. "You have to. Need to." Lillen was panting.
"What is it, my love?" Alessia asked as she moved her face a little.
"You need to be rough. Pop me." Lillen spoke. Alessia blushed as her body heated again. Lillen was being blunt and clear as Alessia placed her tongue back against her sensitive place. Adding her second finger and pushing in deeply as she could. Hearing a pained groan.
"I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?" Alessia asked with a frown.
"No. It hurts at the start. Push through it." Lillen explained. Alessia nodded and went back to pleasing her lover. She started with a slow pace. Pushing in deeply as she could. Doing short fast thrusts as she was listening to her lover's sounds. Feeling something pop against her fingers as Lillen then moaned loudly and her body was no longer tense against Alessia. She felt more juices moving down her hand as she used her tongue again. Lillen's moans turned into fast short breaths.
"I'm!" Lillen managed to say before moaning loudly. Feeling the woman's legs wrap around her and squeezed. Her inner walls around Alessia's fingers squeezed as well. Feeling the tightness against her fingers before letting go. She could feel Lillen's walls throb against her fingers. Lillen then relaxed under her. Catching her breath. Alessia slowly pulled her fingers out. She was about to lick them clean before her hand was grabbed. Lillen leaned up and stopped her. Blinking a few times as she saw what was on her fingers.
"Clean them on the cloaks." Lillen spoke. She did without thinking.
"Are you alright? Did I hurt you?" Alessia asked as she cupped Lillen's cheeks. She shook her head with a smile. Leaning in and kissing her lips softly.
"Come. Lay down." Lillen spoke as she moved to push Alessia down on her back. Feeling the woman's hand on her chest. "I can feel your heart. Do you trust me?" Lillen asked. Alessia nodded her head lightly. Lillen smiled and leaned back in. Kissing her neck softly. Alessia was tracing her fingers up and down, around Lillen's body before feeling their bodies pressed against each other. She was blushing from this contact. It was driving her crazy as she felt her area pulsating.
"Lillen." Alessia managed to say through her shuddered breaths.
"Yes?" She asked. Kissing along her jawline.
"Please. Touch me." Alessia whispered. Knowing she heard as she felt a hand pressed against her between. Alessia gasped and moaned. Feeling her hips have a mind of their own as they bucked against Lillen's hand.
"You are dripping." Lillen whispered into her ear.
"I crave you." Alessia spoke back in a whisper.
"Want me to take my time as did you?" She asked. Her voice. It was so beautiful in her ears. Alessia shook her head. Her words were going to fail her. She gasped and groaned as Lillen shoved two of her fingers inside without warning. Pushing in deeply roughly as Alessia groaned and winced. Grabbing the cloak under her into fists.
"You're tense. Relax." Lillen spoke. She was right. Alessia took a deep breath and parted her legs more. Giving Lillen more access. Lillen shifted her position and changed the angle of her fingers. Alessia gasped and moved. Feeling a spot hit inside of her. Turning her mind into mushy bliss. She felt something snap inside. The moaning from the others was sending her over the edge as well.
"There we go." Lillen spoke as the pain subsided as the pleasure now hitting. Alessia was moving her hips against each thrust. Moaning Lillen's name over and over again. Tangling her fingers into her lover's hair. She was so close now. So close. Their naked bodies rocked against each other. Her breasts bounced with each thrust of Lillen's fingers. Feeling the pleasure building up inside of her core as she tilted her head back. Her body tensed up tightly as her core held onto Lillen's fingers tightly and in place. The wave hit her with the pleasure of the orgasm she was longing for from this woman. Moaning loudly as the climax reached its peak. Seeing and feeling the stars from the addictive high that lasted only a moment. Her body then relaxed as she was catching her breath. Feeling a warm sensation inside of her stomach as Lillen removed her fingers.
"Ah. I popped you." Lillen spoke with a smile on her face. Alessia blushed as she saw the slight blood on Lillen's fingers before she wiped them clean. Her cheeks were then cupped. The feelings were flooding her now. She was feeling everything at once. Her eyes welled with tears as they began to fall. Feeling them wiped away.
"Why does my other half cry?" Lillen asked.
"Sorry. Just very emotional." Alessia spoke.
"Yes. I know the feeling." Lillen spoke. Alessia looked at her lover and sure enough, she had tears falling as well. Alessia leaned in and kissed each one away.
"Lillen." Alessia spoke with a smile. Cupping her cheeks. Lillen looked at her and smiled. "I love you." Alessia spoke. Finally saying the words aloud to her.
"I love you." Lillen replied back before kissing her deeply. Wrapping her arms around her neck. Alessia pulled Lillen closed by her hips. Pulling her onto her lap. Holding her close. Never wanting to let go of her. "You're mine." Lillen whispered against her lips.
"I am yours." Alessia smiled before kissing her again. Lillen's stomach then growled. Seeing her lover blush and then giggle a little. "Let's get some dinner? Then I want to sleep with you in my arms." Alessia spoke.
"Just like you told me. You want to hold me and kiss me, my vacker blomma." Lillen. Hearing Lillen call her that, made Alessia hug her tightly again. Kissing her everywhere she could reach. "Come my love." Lillen spoke as she leaned back. She was putting on her clothes as Alessia helped her. Smiling and giving each other kisses as they dressed each other as they grabbed their cloaks and made their way back to the clearing. Alessia held Lillen close to her with an arm around her waist.