Chapter Thirteen. *

"..first let's eat and you can tell me about the meeting."

He smiled and changed position to be on his side.

" I asked everyone to abandon that useless tradition at least until next year and send nothing but livestock up this Sunday."

" How did that go over? I bet they didn't loved it."

" Well some were against it." - he played with grass a little let his hand caressed by them." ...rattling on about honor this and traditions that. But at the end the all let go of it."

That was more than a surprise.

If it's true, this will be the first time in 10 years no one dies at the hand or claw of Emet.

" How did you managed that? " - I took out some food and placed it a little further careful no to spill.

" I told them, I move out this village and taking my family with me, including Alex and his own family. There are plenty of villages around without a divine monster standing in its shadows."

Hmm..we never considered moving.

It would, mean leaving our land and most of the animals behind. It was unthinkable.

Now..I would move tomorrow if he wants to. I bet he talked to granny before, meaning she agreed to it.

" I see why they agreed now, your presence now looming large in everyone's life." - I took out the cork of our bottle with a satisfied POP and poured some. "Here I brought this wine too. Have some."

He took the cup and smelled it.

Now that I think I never saw him drink any alcohol. Even though I saw Alexander offering almost daily.

Maybe he hates it?

Just then he emptied his cup in one gulp. I guess he doesn't hate it..

" Sunday morning I'll help lead the livestock up and quietly get away. " - he smacked his lips and sat up.

He help lead them?

" Why? There's plenty of others who could fulfill such a mundane job. So why you?"

" Love, I asked them and then threaten them to give up their pride and traditions some kept alive for generations. " - he smiled with his eyes clear.

" Of course it has to be me."

I felt all sweet inside when he called me like that. But, I didn't let myself distracted by this..attractive manipulator.

" Still..it could be anyone else Zephyr. I don't get man and understand why .."

He sat up and touched my cheek..shut me up with a single move.

" Then tell me..what should I do? Assigning someone who is to frightened to even move? - his fingers felt hot on my already burning face. " Or send someone, I just managed to talk off a ledge? Tell me my Lylly..and I will do it."

Crafty sweet talker.. he has good points.

If I tell him not to go, and if something happens he will blame himself and it's gonna be my fault. Despite all my worries, I know he just trying his best with the card he been dealt.

" Very well. I'm sorry for being stubborn."

" Please never apologise for worrying about me."

He kept playing with a lock of my hair. I felt it was time.

" Zephyr..I got you something when, I was in the city. I hope you like it." - I took out his gift from my basket and reached.

I gave him the necklace, my hands shaking.

Calm yourself... pull it together. The more I tried to tell myself to relax the more nervous I got.

He took the necklace and looked long examined it. Slowly and carefully..his smile got bigger and bigger.

" Thank you..this..I treasure it. I feel bad..I didn't get you anything. - his ear to ear smile was infectious.

How silly..he is the reason, I was able buy this and all those nice things in the first place.

" Zephyr please if you fogrmhmp..."

I couldn't finish, he kissed me.

I honestly can't tell, if it lasted a minute or an hour.

But my first kiss was everything I ever dreamed of. When pulled away my head was spinning and felt disoriented.

" I'm sorry.. I couldn't hold back anymore."

Instead of words this time I wanted to...so I kissed him.

Before I knew it or understand how, we were 5 feet away from our blanket. This time I noticed he tasted like grapes and smelled like the grass beneath us. I wondered how I tasted to him.

Along with those useless thoughts we took that leap.

Even with all that mouth moving we didn't end up eating a bite.

---

It was late night as we walked back slowly.

I refused to let his hand go, even though it almost hurt. Despite the late hour everyone was still seemed to be up. Before we walked in he pulled me into another kiss. We were getting really good it at fast.

Just like before the light become a lot brighter once we let go of each other. I felt my face might start steaming.

Walking in the candle lit kitchen, everyone was having a quite chat.

Ilianna and Arnold seemed to be asleep already. Once they noticed us hand in hand smiles ear to ear.. it didn't take long.

Mom was the first to react. She didn't say anything just jumped up and hugged us both.

" Finally.. I see you two had a great talk."

" I'll say.. by her hair, I would say it was a very great talk." - Miranda stood up and picked something out from my hair.

" Mother please!!"

Lucian tried his best to reprimand his mother.

Meanwhile I checked my hair..it was fine. Expect it was full of blades of grass and little leaves stuck everywhere.

" Nothing like that happened.."

I didn't lie.

Zephyr was a perfect gentleman..obviously. He never made me feel uncomfortable or his touch felt like it's to much or going to far. Calling it perfect didn't do justice to how, I felt about it.

" Oh Lylly, what's funny she didn't say exactly what happened. Yet your mind immediately went there..?

" Shut up Eli.."

I would've felt mortified but when, I felt his hand on my waist pulling me close. I forgot why or even what, I felt.

" Please ladies stop teasing her. I feel..responsible for her state."

He laughed as he picked things out of my hair. It didn't seem to end.. you also a 100% responsible.

If not for a nearby tree we probably would've ended up in an river. Hmm, maybe next time we do end up there...hehehe.

" That perverted laughter, really undermine your beloved hard work here sis." - Eli sneaked over and pointed out the my slip up.

I quickly put my usual expression on and promised to stop burying myself like that in the future.

Luckily little Arnold saved me.

He twaddle out looking for her and soon enough Ilianna came out as well.

" Dad..you're late." - she rubbed her eyes.

She went straight to him. Kind of pushing me out the way and climbed Zephyr like a little koala.

He closed his eyes hugging her. He did always looked most at peace when she was there.

" I'm sorry princess.. let's go and sleep. We all had a long day."

He gently guided her head on his shoulder and walked with her towards me. He extended his hand.

It took me a second to understand his gesture but, quickly realized what's happening and took it.

" Good night to you all. Shall we? "

Our first time sleeping in the same bed. Whoa..

I felt my throat drying up. I wasn't gonna hesitate now. I turned to the others with my brightest smile yet.

" We're going.."