Love is a many splendored thing
🌹Thorny Thursday for December 5, 2024💗
Have I told you how wonderful you are? Not only did you give me a week off, but you made
feel right at home. Everyone who contributed and read it rocks.Our first piece is
’s throwback chapter ofMan was to write about the first kiss in space. Here is his response:
I don’t know about you, but I think she nailed it.
Our next story comes from
. It’s aptly titled: “I just come here for the view.” It’s the lastest chapter in “Radiance.”
If you are like me, you’re wondering how Aeneas was introduced to Galatea.
has thoughtfully provided us with the answer in his prequel story:
Isn’t young love grand?
Am I wrong, or am I right?
Romance drops into my stories in the strangest places, such as in the excerpt from my revised Voyage of the Dawn Breaker (Soon to be The Draoidh’s Cearcall.) Just before this scene, Rhyslin and Ria had been talking about her marriage to the Ciad-Ghin King, Garion.
Rhyslin’s heart melted as he listened to her earnest wishes. He knew that he couldn’t deny her what she wanted, but she had to want it. “Were you bonded to Garion?” When she nodded, he inquired, “Do you remember the bonding ritual?” Ria nodded, waiting for him to say the words she wanted to hear. “Perform the binding ritual, my Ria.”
Even Ria didn’t expect what she did and was just as surprised as Rhyslin was when she scrambled out of his lap and retreated. “I’m sorry, Rhyslin.” She whispered. “I don’t think I’m ready for this.’
Instead of feeling hurt, Rhyslin gave her a careful smile. “It’s okay. I said whatever you wanted, you could have.” He sat there, watching her. “If we need to wait, we can. We won’t reach my home for another week.”
Ilyriatri, now Ria, peered at him, trying to figure out if he was deceiving her about not being mad. “You’re not mad?”
Rhyslin shook his head, his arms still resting loosely in his lap. “I’m not mad.” He flashed her a playful grin. “How could I be mad at my Ria?”
Ria’s heart beat faster as he gazed at her. “You’re mean,” she complained as she tried to cover her blush. She looked at him, “If it were just me, I’d perform the ritual right now,” she sighed, “but I have to think about Rana.” She was surprised at how easily she started calling her daughter by her new name.
“I understand completely,” Rhyslin nodded. “Family is very important.” He chuckled as something crossed his mind. “Not that I’ve had a family until now.”
Feeling curious, Ria took a couple of steps toward Rhyslin. “What do you know of Despoina’s prophecies?”
Rhyslin shrugged, “Only what she tells me. Why?”
“Because she has a prophecy for Rana,” Ria admitted with a hitch in her voice. “Could you ask her and find out?”
Rhyslin raised his left hand and stroked his chin. “Me, calling down the diviner of the Gods. You’ll have to make it well worth my time.”
Ria gave him a mock glare and a fake pout, and of course, he saw right through it. “Fine, fine, I’ll talk to Despoina the next time I meditate.”
Ria graciously nodded, “Thank you, Rhyslin.” Then she looked at him. “What are our plans for today?”
Rhyslin shrugged, “Other than breakfast, I don’t have any plans. I thought we could enjoy the day.” He glanced at the water clock on the bedside table. “The girls should be back with breakfast in a few minutes. Until they get back, what would you like to do?”
“Could you hold me? It’s been so long since I just got to cuddle.” She watched him with hopeful eyes.
“Come here, cuddle-cat,” he chuckled and held out his hands. In a flash, Ria was in his lap with her head on his shoulder.
“I’m not a cuddle-cat,” she complained, “Besides, Flur was the one purring last night.”
“Are you telling me that you never purr?” Rhyslin whispered in her ear.
“No, and you can’t make me purr,” she replied, challenging him. When he tenderly brushed his fingers behind her ears, she made a liar out of herself by purring softly. “Okay, you win.”
For the first time in years, Ria felt safe and, if not one hundred percent happy, at least happier.
Rhyslin closed his eyes and relaxed in the moment. “Is your cabin acceptable?”
Ria laughed, “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t spent much time in it, but I don’t think Rana has any complaints.” She glanced up into his eyes. “Why are you asking?”
“Can a host not check on his guest’s needs without it being something nefarious?” Rhyslin inquired.
Ria chuckled, “Where would you like me to sleep, Maighstir Darkblade?”
Caught by surprise, Rhyslin blinked and then slowly laughed. “Caught red-handed, like a raw recruit.” He looked amused. “Well, what would your answer be?”
Ria’s nose wrinkled as she leaned against him. “I promised Flur that she’d have time alone with you.” She listened to his heartbeat. “I promise you’ll have my answer by the time we get to your home.”
With that being the second time she’d made that promise, Rhyslin took her at her word.
Phew made it in time, but damn being placed at the top of so magnifique a list! What an honour!