XV

"We should be safe here by the night." Naevnir entered an abandoned shack in the woods after kicking the door open and slashing an invisible resistance.

Rain was pouring hard. Kzel immediately followed inside.

"Start a fire." Naevnir tossed a flint and steel at Kzel, which he caught with ease.

The Rzir took some pieces of wood to the already collapsing walls and started to work. When the fire in the furnace steadily burned, Naevnir kicked a wooden bucket that skidded across the room and stopped infront of Kzel. "Husband, fetch me some waters. I don't want to bath outside with prying eyes."

Kzel frowned but went outside. After a minute, he came back and dropped the bucket beside Naevnir who was starting to remove her leather armor.

When Naevnir started to take off her clothes, Kzel immediately went to a corner and started studying it like it was the most artistic work that he had ever seen.

A silence ensued after a dozen splashes of waters. Kzel knew that it was safe to turn around now. When he did, he saw Naevnir lying on the straw bed, eyes locked at him.

Without her leather armor that stifled the real form of her body, Kzel could feel his heartbeat quickening. He could see her devastatingly seductive large breasts pushing her lose shirt that caused it to rise up and reveal her thin waists. He did not dare to look further down. For a woman that moved the way she did, he never thought that she carried such destructive weapons that could set fire in any men.

Naevnir stood up and went to the fire while fixing her wet purple hair. She then took an ember using two sticks and proceeded to a corner. After skinning some woods, she put the ember, careful not to make a fire but only smokes. Then she retrieved a necklace on her pocket and started to chant.

Kzel's who was watching the whole time couldn't help but scratch his head during the entire process. Something emanated from her that is somehow connected to him. A few minutes later, a glow appeared on his left forearm and left a purple mark.

>>You have received the blessing of Eneera.<<

After Kzel finished reading the notification, he looked around and found Naevnir standing to his fore that almost startled him.

Naevnir inspected the mark and with a satisfied smile, she went back to the bed, "The goddess of Love had blessed our union."

Kzel stared at the mark before he sat down.

"Why do I not sense any joy from you?" Naevnir rolled to her side and faced him, "You should be happy to have a formidable mate."

Kzel was silent for a moment, unable to put together the right words, "Well, my people don't have the same practice as yours."

"Ho? So you're not from Hiris.." Curiosity filled her eyes, "So what kind of practice does your people do before choosing their mate?"

"Well.." Kzel pondered for a second, "It requires both parties to agree for union after getting to know each other. Trust each other."

Naevnir let out a laughter, "Who cares about such stupid things. All I know is that you're strong, Kzel. And whether you like it or not, you must abide to our traditions."

Kzel sniffed and laid on the wooden floor. Seeing this, Naevnir frowned and said, "If you won't let me have you, then at least embrace me for the rest of the night under the goddess' eyes."

"My customs won't let me." Kzel teased, finally having the courage after he was enlightened.

"Lay with me on the same bed then, as a proper mate." Naevnir softened her voice.

Kzel did not respond.

Naevnir sighed, "Where were you going anyway? You seemed to be in a hurry?"

"To a town due south." Kzel responded this time.

"You mean White River Town. We  should go there so you could finish what business you have there while I'll try to recruit some men and we will rob bigger caravans." A smile appeared on her face.

Kzel's face turned ugly. His life as an adventurer would be limited if he became a bandit. He stood up and willingly walked to her and sat. Naevnir was a bit surprised as she stared him directly in the eyes. When Kzel removed his mask, her eyes widened.

"We shouldn't rob any more merchants" Kzel's voice suddenly became caring.

"Huh?" Naevnir sat up and faced him, "Neither selling wares or planting fields will suffice for a living. Our kingdom is at war and soldiers will take the crops and the unreasonable taxes will kill profits."

"There are many ways to make money." Kzel said. He gently clasped her hand with both hands. Naevnir was definitely affected because she suddenly trusted him as she laid down, "Then sleep on the bed, husband. And I'll reconsider it."

Kzel happily obliged, but suddenly realized that it was a mistake. Without soaps and perfumes, her natural scent was so sweet in his nostrils.

After about half an hour, Naevnir mildly protested with their back against each other, "I can't sleep."

Kzel laid motionless and didn't respond.

Naevnir called to him once more, "It's cold. Put your arms around me, will you?"

With a sigh, Kzel turned and wrapped an arm around her. Her warmth and soft breathing was all he felt throughout the night.

-----

Morning came as Kzel woke up and started a fire, while casting a few glances at the sleeping figure of Naevnir. This game had stimulated some alien feelings inside him.