33
(Terraday)
D’zani awoke in a strange bed and wondered how she got there. Her head was pounding and she was terribly thirsty. She was still in her crinkled dance clothes from the previous night. She stood up, drank the water sitting on the stand and crept towards the door.
“Elíaz?” she called softly.
“Darling?” he replied.
“Thank you,” she said approaching him.
He sat up, and indicated she should sit next to him. “I only did what anyone should,” he said, pulling her close to his bare chest.
“I don’t like to think I need defending. My A’mara training is supposed to kind of ensure that I’m the one doing the rescuing, not the other way around.”
“But sometimes, things happen. You weren’t responsible for what happened I’m just glad I was there for you last night.”
“I’m glad that you were too,” D’zani said leaning against him, accepting his kisses. “Breckan…?”
“He died,” Elíaz replied. “You threw him against my shaze.”
“I didn’t mean to kill him,” D’zani said, the tears coming to her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“He attacked you. You were only defending yourself. You have nothing to be ashamed of,” Elíaz said.
“But he was your friend.”
“I thought I knew him – I thought he was my friend,” Elíaz said sadly. “But everything in the Balan is a mirage.”
“I’m sorry,” D’zani said. “But I’m glad you’re with us now, especially with me.”
They kissed again.
“I passed the test last night,” he said.
“What test?” she asked.
“Breckan left you half-naked and unconscious. Yet, I didn’t even think about taking advantage of you. I just wanted you to have your dignity back,” he said. “Even when I brought you here.”
“Of course you didn’t. You’re not Balan – I don’t think you ever were – not deep inside,” she replied.
“All the same, I think from now on, you need to have a weapon on you – no matter what,” Elíaz said gently.
“I know you’re right. I was more worried about being able to dance than I was about my safety. That was foolish of me,” D’zani said.
“You’re marrying a man with a Death Edict. It won’t be a peaceful life with me,” Elíaz warned.
“But I will be with the man I love,” she replied, kissing him.
“How are you feeling?” Elíaz asked.
“Headache, very thirsty,” D’zani said.
“Then let me get you some caff – it might be a good remedy,” he said going into the kitchenette and boiling some water. He prepared two mugs and then poured in the hot water.
“Can you manage the ceremonies today? I understand that we are going to watch two weddings today and we could be the third if you wanted,” Elíaz said, bringing the mugs back into the living area, handing one to D’zani.
“Maybe,” D’zani replied with a mischievous smile and taking a cautious sip of caff.
“You’re going to leave me hanging?” he asked.
She just grinned.
Zukie was humming as she examined her gravelly seed trays that had been planted the week before, and connected to the running water aquaponics system that she had learned to love so quickly. She could just see little bits of green poking up.
She felt the flutters in her growing belly and rubbed the child back to quiet.
The strong arms of her husband joined her a moment later, catching her in a hug and the tickle of furry lips on her cheek. “I love it when you do that!” she said enjoying every second of his affection.
“That’s why I do it!” Akeld whispered before giving her a kiss.
“I can hardly believe that we have Other World plants growing in here now!” she said excitedly.
“Well, the seeds were in the best hands, now. If they were going to grow for anyone, it would be for you!” he said, kissing her again, then looking at the tiny plants. “I’m sure between you and Kinokei, we will soon know all we need to know about them!”
“I hope so,” she replied.
“Today’s the big day?” Akeld said to Emeric when he saw the man enter the greenhouse.
“Yes,” he replied. Zukie realized he was both excited and frightened.
“It’s normal to be scared,” Zukie said to him.
“You would know – it’s your sister!” Akeld teased.
“I meant getting married!” Zukie said. “Weren’t you a little scared? I know I was!”
“I guess I was a little. I was more scared of not being what you needed,” Akeld admitted.
“That’s how I feel,” Emeric said. “I love her so much that I am worried I won’t be enough for her.”
“You’ve both grown so much since you met each other,” Zukie said. “Zara is happier, less snappy, and… well, did you notice that she sings now? She never did that before!”
“You too, Emeric. You have so much more exuberance than you did before. I think that’s a great sign that both of you are really suited for one another,” Akeld said.
“I couldn’t ask for a better brother-in-law!” Zukie added.
“I think that praise is a little too high,” Emeric replied. “But thanks. I can’t imagine a better sister and brother-in-law either! How are Ory and Artem, by the way?”
“They are both doing well, should be out of the hospital in time for your wedding. The boys were lucky, that’s all I can say. Things could easily have gone the other way.”
“I hope Cyanus gives each of them a bronze shaze badge. They held their own about as much as could be expected,” Emeric said.
“I guess we’ll find out later. What do you think about Elíaz?”
“Interesting guy. I wish we knew the rest of the story – how he came to get mixed up with the Balan in the first place,” Emeric said. “But he has certainly proven his trustworthiness in his defense of D’zani.”
“You know he only barely beat her in their shaze duel? Cyanus wanted to see where he stood, so he pitted him against the woman he loves – and the best shaze in Towani. Reminds me of Saraca and Ja’tel’s story,” Akeld said. “They had never met until their maqlas decided to see who was better. Neither had ever been defeated by someone of a similar level. The rest is history, as they say.”
“How romantic,” Zukie said.
“So, Elíaz beat D’zani, but then asked her to marry him, right there – the day after you did your thing, Emeric,” Akeld related.
“The guy has class, that’s for sure!” Emeric replied. “Are they saying their vows today too?”
“I’m not sure. I know Catalia and Murin are. So it’s already two for the price of one.”
“Where’s my favorite sous-chef?” came another voice.
“Coming, Chef!” Emeric said, moving towards the door of the greenhouse where he met Zara with a kiss.
“Lunch service must be done before we can have fun,” Zara said with a wave to the others, then left with her fiancé.
“They are so funny!” Zukie said with a giggle.
“I think they’re sweet,” Akeld said.
“Elið,” Tasp called outside the man’s door. “Your son has now survived three attempts on him. I also hear that he intends to enter a life-bond with the woman he defended.”
The door opened. “I’m glad to hear it,” the gaunt man replied. His hair was disheveled and his room smelled of uncleanliness.
“Can I get you anything?” Tasp offered.
“Besides poison?” Elið asked.
“I refuse to kill you,” Tasp replied.
“You already have in passing judgment against my son. I know I don’t deserve to be his father, but he is still my flesh and blood.”
“What if I find a way that we can watch his ceremony?” Tasp offered. “It may happen this afternoon.”
Elið nodded weakly.
“Let’s get you cleaned up then,” Tasp said, entering the apartment and closing the door.
Other Chapters of this set
Acting the Part - chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Building on Promise - Chapter 1
Acting the Part, part 2 - Chapter 10
Spice of Strength - Chapter 1
Maps and Guides
- continents of Alacantis and Kranisis (five maps)
- continent of Almara (five maps)
- countries of Kri'enden and Yezi'im (four maps plus "other places")
- characters, pronunciation and glossary
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Brighid's Blood 2006 and 1200 B.T.C.E. Katja and Rachel are so desperate for love that they cast two love spells one night. But the Guardians do not consider spells "fun", but rather as cries for help from the very depths of your soul. Certainly Katja and Rachel could not have possibly imagined where these spells would take them! |
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Birth of the Neví 829 T.C.E. It is a tumultuous period of Terrenden history. As is all too common, there are those who wish to profit from the misfortune of others. Some of these come together in a new "charitable organization" and step on the toes of the notorious Uugli. Combine this with draconian new measures to combat pollution and Terrenden has a situation ripe for a power struggle. |
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Rebound of Power: 850 T.C.E. Collection of Romance Terrenden is being terrorized by a previously underestimated Neví who, through the mysterious “Curator,” have been controlling elections all over the planet. In this collection, we meet some interesting women. Iyva - a homeless teenager in Irola whose untrained power leaves her close to death; Marc’la - a breeder of prized caballus in Kasago whose heart lives in the past; Zukie - an abused widow whose heart is afraid to try for future happiness; Jenna - an elections assistant manager and masseuse who has a prejudice against A’mara; Kami - a chola student in Varkevand who has been assigned to protect Ardin, a man who has his own reasons to distrust A’mara. |
| COMING SOON | TO AN EBOOK STORE NEAR YOU!!! |
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Acting the Part - 851 T.C.E. Collection of Romance The Neví have infiltrated the Terrenden Freedom Party. Dr. Jarly is on the run and the Curator still dominates the Terrenden stage. Famous actor, Derick Aiden has released his Neví expose film and now the Neví want him dead... In this collection, we meet more interesting women. Kauri - a simple receptionist who doesn’t realize one of her wildest dreams has come true; Tirry - an elections manager who is always the bridesmaid and never the bride; Zara - a chef who has all but given up on finding love for herself; D'zani - who isn’t even looking, but has to chaperone her more vulnerable roommate; Soala - an heiress who is expected to marry, but refuses to marry someone she doesn’t love; Moxara - one whose past griefs have locked away her heart. We also get updates on some of the lovely ladies we met previously. |
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Lori Svensen
author/designer at A'mara Books
photographer/graphic artist for Viking Visual
verified author on Goodreads
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