The Sibyl

Chapter 4 Reading

The ride home took forever, my brain kept flashing in and out of the conversations I'd had today and then flashing forward to the ritual I would be preparing for.

There was something odd about the twins and their apprentices, but I couldn't tell what. Now that I meet the other Sibyl I wish I had never gone to Lilly at all. They made me uncomfortable and I don't know how I'm going to perform the ritual with them. Not that I have much of a choice, a chosen had asked for the blessing. It was my duty to comply. It was what would continue to grant my village their protection.

I'd been trained for this. I can do it. I have to.

Finally, just as the sun was setting I arrived home. I walked the horse upto my own hut just as Soren walked out. Without saying anything to me he began to unload the horse. I just stared down at him, lost in thought about the upcoming days.

I guess I sat there for too long because before I realized it he was standing at my right knee and looking up at me expectantly.

"Wha-What?" I asked as I looked down at him again.

"Do you want help down?" he said slowly. My eyes connected with his and I was once again lost in the golden depths of his gaze.

In my defence he seemed lost in my own gaze as well. A peal of thunder broke the spell we seemed to be under and he suddenly reached up and plucked me off the horse before unceremoniously plopping me down beside him.

"You should go inside. It's going to rain soon, I'll take the horse back."

I stared up at him, my eyes wide. I didn't know what to say. This was the second time he had ever spoken to me.

"Go." He commanded as he gathered the horse's reigns in his hands and started to walk it back home. I just stood there, watching him walk away.

A fat cold rain drop pulled me out of my reverie, and I hurried to bring all the herbs into my home and began to prepare dinner for the both of us.

Soon the fire was stoked, and the herbal scents of a lovely vegetable and beef soup filled the room. I'd bought some bread when I was in town and set it on the hearth to warm up. I'd pull the butter out of the cold cellar when it was closer to time to eat.

I lit the candles around the room, and pulled out the books I would need for the ceremony. It was supposed to be a well choreographed dance meant to bind the two people together but yet to send the one off on their way. But I hadn't looked at the full ritual for a while, so I pulled some pillows up by the fire and started to read again.

And just like that I sunk into the language of the Sibyl. I poured over the steps, the motions, and herbs that needed to be used.

I had to flip to the chapter of the Virgin Night, because for me this would be a double ritual. I knew it would lend additional power to the blessing, but I wasn't sure what needed to change or be modified.

I was so engrossed in my reading that I did not hear him enter, nor did I hear him gather the butter, or the bowls and spoons for the soup. It was only when a cold drop of water dripped off his long wet hair and slithered down the back of my dress.  I twisted myself around to find him kneeling behind me, reading over my shoulder. I could see where on the page he was looking and I could feel my face heat up.

"You really haven't known a man before have you?" his deep voice rumbled beside me.

"N-no sir." I mumbled, as I looked back down at the book.

"You can read Sir? I mean you can read this language?" I asked as I gestured to the book laying in my lap.

He smirked, and tucked a strand of hair that had fallen forward over my face, behind my ear. I could feel goose bumps ripple over my neck and arms. I could not look him in the eye. He was so close, and although I knew he would have to get closer in two days, I didn't feel ready for this closeness tonight.