Chapter 11: Love binding

A large fire was burning, turning the sky to a purple hue. The glade was decorated with glowing lights, both magical lights as flowers that glowed in the dark. Small bonfires marked the border of the glade and those who could pick up the scent, could smell herbs coming from the fire, creating a soft mist that lingered over the glade ground.

In the middle of the glade, the adults had gathered, forming a circle with a couple standing in the middle. While the rest of the tribe had decorative attire, one more revealing than the other, the pair in the middle were wearing pale colored robes. Their hair was free from braids or any decoration, except for a crown of Moon flowers. 

Before them, add the head of the circle with the large fire in her back, stood Ly’Kalyn, Priestess of the Tribe, wearing the same white robe, with that difference that she wore a silver chain around her middle. 

When she spoke a few words, her silver eyes started to glow. To the Tribe, a sign that she was in communion with their goddess. But the pair before her didn’t look at her, only at each other. The remaining Elves were holding each other's hands, softly rocking from side to side while they were softly singing, like a chant. 

The Priestess raised her hands towards the full moon that shone brightly above their heads, casting her light into the glade. Again she spoke words, words that you could hardly understand, words that were passed on from Cleric to Cleric, like a secret language.

“Lady of the Moon, Dancer of the Night, Mother to us all. Bless this couple with your gift, for you have chosen for them to be together until the end of time. Watch this binding and make it firm!”

With a single movement of her hand, a fine glowing white robe curled around their held hands before Ly’Kalyn picked up two cups, each holding a black colored wine that reflected the stars of the night. She gave one to each and asked them to drink, while looking at each other. When they had taken their sip, they gently kissed each other, while the rest of the Tribe was still chanting, their voices slightly raising.

Pulling at one of the strings, the priestess removed their robes, making that the newly married couple was standing naked and pure before the Tribe. But not only to them, but also for their Goddess. The Priestess removed her clothing as well, gently took the hands of the pair and lead them into the center of the circle. She started to dance and the couple followed. First they danced with the priestess, a symbol of dancing with their patroness before they started to dance with each other. 

Soon the rest of the Tribe started to join in the dance, still singing and chanting, slowly turning into a trance from the herbs scent. The couple danced with each other, their hands caressing each other’s skin, discovering each other’s body like it was the first time they laid eyes on the other. Soon other dancers undressed themselves, joining into the dance with their mates. The chanting of the Clerics, who stayed on their place brought everyone into a trance. Hands were covering each others body, hips swinging from side to side, that until the married couple closed into each other, their lips embraced while their passion was shown as an outer glow. 

“What are you doing here!?” An angry whispering voice said.

Fa’ni’en spooked and almost yelped, but was quick enough to cover his own mouth with his hands while one of his friends fell aside and the other whispering a soft curse.

“Come on sis, it’s unfair that we aren’t allowed to attend!” The young boy said, supported by some nodding from his friends. Fae rolled her eyes and picked up the arm of her younger brother, to pull him up from the ground.

“If mother would find you here, you would be in for a nice knock on your head. You know only those who have passed their Mha’Eso are allowed to attend.”

Fa’ni’en gave a disappointed huff, folding his arms.

“Why is that?”

One of his friends asked.

“The Love Binding is a ceremony where only adults can attend. And therefore you have to pass your trial. Now, turn around and go back home before anyone discovers you are here!”

Noticing the serious glance in the girl’s eyes, the children knew better than to argue and turned around to go back home. 

“And don’t be seen by the Elders!!”

Fae huffed, relaxing a bit now that at least two of them were going back.

“If we are not supposed to be here, then what are you doing here?”

Ni’en said, in an attempt to make his own sister feel guilty. But his attempt was futile.

“To find my brother who had left his bed while instructed to stay at home!”

Valid reason, the boy thought, but he was still curious. An element that had already brought some trouble or weird situations for the boy. A sudden noise pulled his attention back to the ceremony.

“What are they doing there?” He asked, but before he could peek between the foliage again, his sister had already pulled him away, turning him around and give him a push back to the Tribe grounds. She perfectly knew what was going on. She only had to listen to the moaning and whining sounds of pleasure. Her mother had once told her what the ceremony held … and what could happen if the love was high between the to be married couple.

“Some things are … only to be seen by adult eyes.” Fae her golden eyes shifted to her pouting brother.

“And therefore you need to pass your trial!”

Fa’ni’en pulled an irritated expression before he started to walk in the direction of their hut. Fae followed him, careful that he wouldn’t slip from under her arms again.

“I know they are married.” 

He suddenly said, having a mischievous grin on his face. 

“And who told you that?”

“Fil’raen. Who heard it from his older brother. I know what happens.” Ni’en teasingly lifted his eyebrows, a small smirk on his lips.

Fae couldn’t ignore that glance in her brother’s eyes, knowing he was up to something. And she could have known that one of the older brothers of his friends would act as a tattletale. It was probably not done with any bad intent, some of the kids could really be … bothersome when they wanted to know something. Certain that that was kept a secret from them.

“Soon you will be standing there too.” Ni’en said, hopping a few steps away from his sister to stay out of her reach. He knew how … fiery she could be.

Yet Fae was not surprised by her brother’s teasing actions and only tilted her head, giving him a grin.

“Only when I pass my trials, which won’t be until winter has passed.”

“But then it won’t be long. I heard dad saying that he is looking to find you a good mate. Heard him talking about the Tsaluthan’s son.”

“You little liar!” And Fae lashed out, just as her brother had predicted, but he was sleek enough to pass under her crawling arm.

“Sis is gonna be married!!” The boy kept teasing, playing a cat and mouse game with his sister, who only became more furious each time she missed her aim. Their game was cut short however when they reached the edge of the Tribe, seeing one of the Elders waiting for them.

“And what do we have here? Two children sneaking out? Was it fun?!”

The two quickly lowered their gaze, knowing they were caught right on the spot. Denying it would only make it worse.

“Be sure your parents will hear of this. Being the Akthan’s children does not give you more rights than another. Now, back to your home and stay there until the Tribe returns!”

“Yes, Elder Dhaunea.” the two said in unison when they passed the old female. 

“Thanks, Ni’en.” Fae huffed in a whisper in anger.

“I’m sorry.” Her brother was sincerely sorry.