Chapter 111: Peace

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After a while of rest and regaining energy in the healing room, Lambert and Narinder finally emerged together, passing through the doors as the cultists approached with faces of joy and relief. Seeing that the lamb was now cured, the adepts shared smiles and words of welcome, revering their god and their companion with genuine devotion.

Lambert and Narinder spent the rest of the day touring the cult, checking every corner and making sure the tasks were in order. However, in all that time, Narinder did not let go of Lambert's hand for a moment. Despite the responsibilities they both had, the god of death did not want to separate himself even a little from his beloved lamb. With each step, he felt Lambert's warmth fill him with peace, and that simple contact was all he needed to remember what really mattered.

Lambert, for his part, enjoyed every second, aware of the depth of Narinder's love. Seeing him so attentive and close was a constant reminder of how lucky he was; after all, being loved and cherished by his god was an incomparable blessing.

They visited the cult's farms, where they chatted with the farmers, a shrimp and a starfish, who bowed in respect. Narinder watched the crops intently, and together they discussed how to improve the quality of the plants. Lambert, encouraged by the calm of the scene, suggested some ideas for better distributing the irrigation, while Narinder smiled, flattered by his enthusiasm. They collected some fresh fruits and vegetables for the storehouse, Lambert commenting on how well they had grown, while Narinder listened with genuine interest, enjoying the cheerful tone of his voice.

Later, they went to the stone mines, where the miners were hard at work, stopping only to greet their god and the lamb. Narinder gave them a blessing for their efforts, and the two of them looked over the resources mined and the tools the cultists used. Lambert suggested that they could improve the working conditions, and Narinder nodded, taking note of everything. Then, they headed to the lumberyard, where trees fell under the precision of the lumberjacks. Narinder noted that the wood stocks were in good condition, and Lambert made some comments about the quality of the logs, laughing at a lumberjack who gave him a small heart-shaped piece of wood as a gift.

They both enjoyed the simple tasks, finding joy in the small details of everyday life and in each other's company.

The rest of the day passed with a peaceful calm, and the cult was filled with a serene atmosphere. The cultists, seeing their god and Lambert sharing such a simple and close day, seemed more inspired than ever, performing their tasks with a silent and respectful devotion. Each understood that, at that moment, Narinder wanted something more than the usual reverence: he wanted the peace and intimacy of being next to the lamb he loved so much.

Narinder, aware of this, decided that he would not give a sermon that day, because he did not want to be in the attention of the crowd or fill the temple with ceremonial words. Instead, he sought the tranquility of spending the day sharing only glances and whispers with Lambert, without needing the titles of god or leader that had always accompanied him. With a barely perceptible smile, Narinder let his surroundings flow without more, allowing himself to simply enjoy Lambert's presence, knowing that this shared time was what his heart needed after the trials and sacrifices they had faced.

As the day began to fade into the darkness of the night, Narinder and Lambert returned home, where, upon crossing the threshold, Narinder intertwined his fingers with Lambert's once again, as if reaffirming the decision to be together. Regardless of immortality or the trials to come, at that moment there was only the desire to preserve the bond that had brought them here. Lambert, seeing Narinder so devoted and close, felt that all his efforts and sacrifices had been worth it; being by his side, in a moment of complete normality, was a reward that no other ritual could offer.

In the soft dimness of the room, the lamb stared at Narinder, his eyes filled with an unusual tenderness. His voice was soft as he asked, "Have you considered having another partner?" The question left Narinder completely baffled; he blinked in disbelief, trying to process what he had just heard.

"What?" he murmured, still not fully understanding.

Lambert smiled calmly and caressed his face, trying to calm Narinder's surprise. "There's nothing wrong with that, love," he explained patiently. "When I was your vessel, I had several husbands and wives. At my peak, I had three partners at once, and we shared this very bed... That's why I made it so big," he confessed with a slight blush on his cheeks, somewhat embarrassed by that last revelation.

Narinder frowned for a moment, contemplating the idea. "Well... it's... an option," he replied slowly, the tone of his voice mixing curiosity and caution. "The gods have had harems in their histories; in fact, Kallamar married fifty people in times before he hated us... But, here in the cult, only you are worthy enough for me," he added, pride evident in every word.

Lambert, who knew Narinder better than anyone, perceived the slight shadow of doubt in his gaze. He knew well that the memory of the goat still resonated in Narinder's mind, even if he did not say so. But far from feeling jealous, Lambert, with his open and generous heart, wanted his beloved to be fully happy. He understood the complexity of divine love, and his knew no limits or possession; if one day Narinder decided to open his heart to another soul, Lambert would be there to support him without reservation.

"I just want you to know that I would be fine with it," Lambert said, his voice firm and full of understanding.

Narinder did not respond immediately, but gave him a deep, thoughtful look before pulling Lambert into his arms, holding him with a sincere and eternal tenderness. Together, they shared the warm silence of the night, each wrapped in different thoughts, but united in the love that sustained them.

And so, slowly, they drifted off to sleep. Lambert slept peacefully, satisfied that he had been honest with Narinder; and Narinder, in the stillness of the darkness, began to consider, perhaps for the second time, the possibility of expanding his world and his heart.

They both fell into a peaceful sleep, knowing that, whatever the future held for them, they would both overcome it.

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