Ch 5 Part 3

And so, with a bounce in his step, his father went to work throwing around orders getting things ready for one of the biggest feasts they would have in the village for a while Cedren just shook her head, as she knew that he would most likely announce the fact that they were to have a child to the entire village. But that was fine, they would find out sooner or later anyways. After about three hours of fast prep, one of the biggest feasts the village had ever thrown in a long time was now underway. Cedren walked over to her mate putting her arm around him; she then leaned her head on his shoulder. He smiled and looked to her as he rubbed her arm.

Nuvaro: "Well now, what do you say we head to the baths while father is getting things finished? I am kind of curious about this surprise thing he mentioned."

Cedren: "Definitely. I do not think I have ever felt filthier. Those days in the cage and only a spit bath, yea, I want a good long soak. Besides, we will find out in a while what he was referring to anyway."

Nuvaro: (Chuckling to himself, he smiled as he held her arm.) "I thought you would say something close to that. Well shall we?"

Cedren: "Yes lets, a nice long soak would be great."

We headed off towards the bath more than prepared to enjoy ourselves. A new bath bomb was placed in the room. We took our time enjoying the fresh scent of lavender mixed with lilac. While we enjoyed ourselves, one of the house servants had placed some brand-new kimonos in the dressing room. After around an hour, we got out and proceeded to get dressed in the outfits that had been provided. I looked at my mate puzzled and asked what was up with the outfits.

Cedren: "So what is up with these kimonos? Are they special or something? Or did you have the seamstress make me a new set?"

Nuvaro: "It is the kimono set my parents used when they announced their first child. It is kind of a traditional thing. This set has been used for hundreds of years now."

Cedren: (I carefully picked up the corners edge of the kimono set as I felt the softness of the silk in my fingers.) "That long. I feel so honored to be able to wear something so precious to your family."

Nuvaro: "Well it is a special occasion after all. It is not often that anyone in the mountain villages can boast having children before they are a hundred years old you know. Let alone finding their mate before the age of 50. We just happened to get lucky on both fronts."

Cedren: "I suppose your right. I never thought of it that way. I tend to forget how low our birthrates are at times."

Nuvaro: (Putting his arm around Cedren, he hugged her tightly as a soft growl escaped him.) "So, does everyone at times. Well, let us get to it. I am sure father is more than prepped by now."

Cedren: "Yes, you are right. Best to get your father's "spur of the moment" times out of the way."

We headed back toward the dining hall, dressed in the traditional kimonos that had been provided to us. We entered the hall with my arm wrapped around his. His father even had my parents there. I could hardly believe my eyes; my parents were there. I was so happy and shocked; I did not know what to say. Apparently, they showed up during the time I had been taken due to being overly worried. All four came up to us both. I mean seriously, it was just so hard to believe it. My mother walked up to me and placed an ornate hairpin in my hair. My parents to my side, his parents to his side, we stood in front of the whole dining hall. Everyone in the hall knew this announcement had to be big if all the heads were standing in front like that. Whispers erupted throughout the room as they waited to hear what was going to be said. After a few minutes, Nuvaro' s father raised his hands clapping them together loudly to get everyone's attention. Everyone returned to their seats and looked toward the area they were all standing.

Nuvo Hact: "Thank you all for coming to celebrate with us tonight. There is a special announcement that will be made by my son and his mate. But first things first, welcoming them back after their ordeal."

We looked at each other because it only meant one thing. We softly smiled at each other shaking our heads slightly wondering if any event his father did was a mild one. I looked to my parents and they were just standing there with the largest smiles I had ever seen on their faces. We both knew that this was another famous grandstand event like always. His father really is an eccentric man, nothing ever seems to be a small occasion here.

Nuvaro: "Well once again, father has put us on the spot. Anyway, that is not the point. My mate and I are to announce that we are to expect a child by next year. And with any luck, it will be twins."

Cedren: (OH MY GOD! Why do they have to do this to me every time, my face has got to be as red as the flowers on this kimono I am wearing right now.) "It's true. Before that idiot slaver took me, I had just had it confirmed by the town's midwife and sham-men. I wanted to have my mate know first."

Nuvaro: "I'm incredibly happy that I was first to know. I'm just sorry I couldn't keep you from that horrible situation."

Cedren: "Do not fret my love, you came for me and here I am. And after the overwhelming display we did in the slaver city, I don't think anyone will attempt anything like that for a long time."

Nuvo Hact: "Anyways, you all heard him and his mate. Let us think on the good and enjoy our feast tonight. My son and his mate have returned, and I am to be a grandfather."

Everyone cheered as my parents held me tightly, smiling the whole time. Their happiness for us was so damn contagious, there was not a single frown in the whole room the entire evening. By around midnight, Nuvaro and Cedren insisted on heading to bed, they were beat and just wanted to get some sleep at this point. There was no telling how long the feast was going to last for, Cedren just wanted to be wrapped in her love's arms. They reached their room and set the bed out. Staring at the fire, Cedren had fallen asleep wrapped in her mate's arms and fell into a deep, deep sleep. Nuvaro noticed that Cedren had fallen asleep now. He profusely apologized, he knew he had nothing to apologize for, but it was something he could not stop himself from doing. Softly stroking her hair, he breathed in her scent heavily. He never wanted to forget what she smelled like. He wanted it to be so memorized that there would be no mistaking it from anyone else that would show up, past, present, or future. He knew her scent before being with child, and he was determined to make sure he knew her scent while she was with child. He never wanted to be confused about it again. And he was determined to make an offering to the gods now that they were back home safe and sound. He knew the gods put them through trials, so he was not mad at them for his mate being taken. He just wanted to give thanks for her return.