The Voyager and the Rogue

Chapter 32

For the next few days, Eyarr went over basic Gaelic phrases with me so that I could easily exchange with one of the villagers. I wanted to learn more, but Eyarr said the pronunciations were a tad complicated, and he didn't want to overwhelm me.

Leaving it at that, I worked on an easy way to introduce myself, especially when we met with the Druid, Eir, and his apprentice, Morgan.

The second evening of being in the village, I returned to the house and found what appeared to be a shawl spread out on my bed. It was a rich, deep blue, with quilt-like stitching and delicate knotwork embroidery lining the hem. And I could see faint light blue outlines of swirls patterning the fabric. I almost didn't want to take it, but I couldn't just leave it out.

I showed it to Eyarr when he came back after sunset.

"Look at how beautiful this is... I don't know who left it here. But it's so generous of them." He didn't look directly at me, but I could see a smile on his face.

"Maybe it's their way of saying welcome." I decided to wrap it around my shoulders to get a feel for it. It had weight to it, but it was well-made and rather comfortable. The wool was finely woven and soft to the touch, and it didn't irritate my skin.

I loved it.

"Whoever brought it to me, I'll thank them personally. It's wonderful."

With this gift, I felt more comfortable. Maybe Eyarr mentioned I get cold easily? I had to guess he had something to do with it.

Either way, Eyarr and I could now go see Eir and Morgan. I had no idea what to expect, but Eyarr assured me he'd do what he could. He did encourage me to try introducing myself in Gaelic, though.

I promised I'd give it a try. But before the meeting, I wanted to spend some time with Riptide. We found our way to the beach down a rocky path on the cliffside. The rock was creamy white and sort of crumbly to the touch. The sand was the same color as the rock, but upon removing my boots, it was soft. The feeling of soft sand under my feet always reminded me of home.

I left my boots and socks on a pile of rocks and approached the shore, listening carefully to the lapping water. I let myself walk further to feel the cold water touch my toes. I expected the cold shock, and I didn't mind it.

Riptide stood beside me, and I just guessed he was waiting to see if Ocean would interact with him. I encouraged him to go for a swim for a bit. And while he did that, I let my body feel...

Out of instinct, my arms and legs guided me into a dance, and I closed my eyes to savor the feeling. A dance that great Gramma Tala taught my mother, who then taught me and Aihe. A dance to the Ocean. Reminding us that the ocean is a guiding force in our lives and we're meant to listen.

With every movement of my arm, it was like I could feel the water moving in sync with me. My heart pounded in rhythm with the waves. I slowly opened my eyes and was taken aback to see the Ocean having surrounded me, swirling intensely.

"Ocean?!" I exclaimed. I held my arms out, letting my fingertips graze the surface, and instantaneously, the water released the tension and exploded around me. I turned around and saw Riptide's head peeking out from the surface not too far away, he cocked his head in curiosity in noticing my shocked expression. I just shrugged. I didn't know what to say.

I'd done that dance many times before, and Ocean had never done that. It didn't feel threatening, but it was so unexpected. I shook it off at Ocean just being weird, and took it as a sign to head back to the village.

I was just glad I wasn't soaked or anything. I didn't need anyone asking me what I was up to.

When I returned, I grabbed the shawl, wrapping it around my shoulders, just in time for Eyarr to come in and tell me Eir and Morgan were waiting. I didn't need to ask what he was up to. My focus was now on wondering what this meeting would be like.

We made our way up to a house covered in various symbols and assorted objects. Religious stuff, I had to guess. As we entered, I was surprised upon noticing how expansive and cozy it felt. The main room was the center of attention, with a fire pit in the center, like the main gathering hall with the Chief. Benches were placed between posts connected at the top, and wrapped around the posts were various floral arrangements. Some of the plants appeared to be dried. And golden decorations were everywhere. Some were intricately decorated with faces and symbols of animals. Others were simply made, like some of the pots and cups.

Morgan appeared, greeting us with a smile on her round face. She offered us a place to sit and gave us a warm drink while we waited. She stirred the fire, grabbed some of the dried plants, and tossed them in.

A few short minutes later, we heard a scratchy voice in the other part of the house. Upon turning to see who it was, Eyarr stood up immediately and greeted Eir. He then started an extensive conversation with Morgan and Eir, both of whom would send glances my way as they occasionally nodded. I had no idea what they were discussing, but I waited until I was personally addressed.

Finally, Morgan and Eir began softly talking to each other. While they did that, Eyarr turned to me.

"What's going on?"

"I gave them the lowdown of your situation. How you ended up here in the north mysteriously, and want to know why... and if you'll be able to see your family again." He said that last part with a tinge of hesitation. I awkwardly half-smiled, knowing he talked about me.

"And what did they say?"

"That's what they're discussing now. They are interested in helping in whatever way they can. Eir did mention that he was suspicious of godly interference."

"Godly interference? From...?"

"Possibly my pantheon of gods."

"Like, Odin and Thor? What would they have to do with me?" Eyarr shrugged.

"That's what we're going to find out." I couldn't believe it. If that was the case, I would have to find a way to talk to Maui and let him know. Before the winter hit, I knew he would be in the realm of gods to talk to them anyway, but this was important.

After our meeting, I returned to the shore and asked the ocean to pass my message to Maui and ask him to come as soon as possible. After that, all I could do was wait.

I told Eyarr about it, and he was supportive.

"It would be interesting to know what he's learned. Especially if he was hanging with the gods over the winter."

While we waited, Eyarr worked with me on my Gaelic. He was patient with me, and I found myself loving my moments with him even if we weren't going over basic phrases.

And I told him how much I enjoyed spending time with him.

I swore I saw him blush.

"Did I just make you blush?" I exclaimed, poking his shoulder to tease him. He grinned at me.

"Don't tell me you're surprised you enjoy being around me!" He joked, pulling me in and beginning to tickle me.

"Eyarr! Stop!" I squealed, flailing my limbs around as I attempted to squirm from his hold. Much to my amusement and surprise, he immediately stopped. But he had a huge grin plastered across his face.

"I really enjoy my time with you, too." He said, "I've been waiting to hear you finally say you like being around me."

"Well, today's your lucky day." I chuckled, sitting up beside him, "You know, I feel like I haven't thanked you enough." I ran a finger through his blonde hair, parting a strand behind his ear. He glanced over at me in confusion.

"Thank me for what?" I shrugged.

"For taking care of me during the winter... and teaching me how to fight. I'm grateful to have learned from you this past year." He turned to face me and gave me a huge smile. A genuine smile.

"That means a lot. And geez... has it been a year?" I nodded.

"It has been; pretty crazy, huh?" It was safe to say we were both equally shocked to realize all of our traveling and the chaos we'd endured had been going on for a year. And somehow, even after being here for maybe a few days, I could already tell that being in this village would change things.