Page 64 of Feral Gods
"Refreshing change from magical workings requiring precise astronomical alignment and dimensional manipulation," Thane observes dryly, referencing our resurrection ritual with characteristic irreverence that masks deeper feeling.
Preparations proceed with efficient harmony that characterizes our shared life. While Zephyr and Ravik arrange the ceremonial space before our dwelling—a natural stone circle overlooking the valley's central pool Thane accompanies me to gather required components from our garden and surroundings.
"Second thoughts?" he inquires as we collect sacred herbs beneath deepening twilight, his perception missing nothing despite casual demeanor.
"None," I assure him, reaching to trace the strong line of his transformed jaw. "Only wondering what twist of fate or divine intervention brought me to that specific temple on that specific night, when all other paths led to continued slavery or likely death."
His powerful hand captures mine, pressing my palm more firmly against his face.
"Not fate," he counters with surprising certainty.
"Choice. Your courage seeking freedom despite overwhelming odds.
Your resilience surviving wilderness journey that would have defeated lesser beings.
Your compassion awakening something in us beyond vengeance and rage.
" His crimson eyes hold mine with fierce intensity.
"Never doubt you earned this happiness through your own strength, Kaia. "
His words penetrate layers of lingering insecurity I hadn't realized still existed—remnants of slave conditioning that whispered I deserved nothing, earned nothing, existed only through others' tolerance.
The truth in his assessment washes through me like cleansing flame, burning away final vestiges of that former existence.
"Thank you," I whisper, stretching upward to press my lips briefly against his. "For seeing me even when I couldn't fully see myself."
His answering kiss contains no restraint—passionate claiming that would have frightened me once but now feels like coming home. When we finally separate, both slightly breathless, his crimson eyes gleam with promise for later celebration.
"We should return," he suggests reluctantly. "Before Ravik sends a search party."
Our companions await at the ceremonial circle, the space transformed through simple yet powerful arrangements.
Four stone pillars mark cardinal directions, each adorned with symbols representing our individual natures Ravik's protection sigil, Zephyr's knowledge glyph, Thane's warrior emblem, my transformation mark.
Between these pillars, magical lights hover like captured stars, illuminating the circle with soft radiance that mimics twilight's glow while providing necessary visibility for the ceremony.
At the circle's center burns a small sacred fire in shallow stone bowl, fragrant herbs releasing purifying smoke that spirals upward in patterns too precise for natural air currents.
Beside this fire waits crystalline vessel containing water from our valley's central pool—living water charged with the location's unique magical properties.
"Perfect timing," Zephyr greets us, scholarly robes replaced by simple ceremonial garment of deepest blue that complements his slate-colored skin. "Celestial alignment approaches optimal position."
Ravik stands opposite, similarly attired in ceremonial garment of rich amber that matches his intense gaze. His transformed features hold unusual softness as he observes our approach, commander's authority yielding to partner's appreciation.
"The circle awaits completion," he says simply, extending one hand in welcome gesture that contains no command, only invitation.
As Thane and I join them at the circle's edge, perfect quadrangle forms between us—four points of balance creating stable foundation no triangle could achieve. The magical lights respond to our positioning, brightening slightly as energy begins flowing between our positions.
"The binding ceremony requires no external officiant," Zephyr explains, scholarly knowledge providing framework for emotional experience.
"We four stand as equal participants, each simultaneously giving and receiving commitment according to ancient pattern predating hierarchical relationship structures. "
"Each speaks personal pledge according to individual nature," Ravik continues, amber eyes moving between us. "Order matters less than authenticity—speak truth rather than formula."
"I'll begin," Thane offers unexpectedly, our typically action-oriented warrior volunteering for verbal vulnerability with characteristic courage. He steps forward, entering the circle's center beside the sacred fire, copper-hued form illuminated by dancing flames.
"I pledge protection without possession," he declares, voice carrying through the evening air with resonant clarity.
"Strength without dominance. Passion without demand.
" His crimson eyes meet each of ours in turn, holding gazes with fierce intensity.
"Before I knew you, I existed only for battle.
Through knowing you, I discovered purpose beyond conflict.
In loving you, I found completion beyond imagining.
" He kneels beside the fire, drawing small copper dagger from ceremonial belt.
With quick, precise movement, he cuts shallow line across his palm, allowing three drops of blood to fall into the flames.
"My life force freely shared, my essence freely given, my soul freely bound to yours through time and beyond. "
The fire flares copper-bright as it receives his offering, magical energy pulsing outward to connect with each of us standing at circle's edge. The sensation resembles physical touch but deeper, more fundamental—essence recognizing essence across conventional boundaries.
Zephyr moves forward next, scholarly composure temporarily abandoned for emotional authenticity rarely displayed so openly. He stands where Thane knelt moments before, turquoise eyes luminous in ceremonial fire's glow.
"I pledge knowledge seeking understanding rather than control," he begins, voice steady despite evident emotion.
"Observation embracing participation. Analysis enriched by feeling.
" His gaze holds the same intensity as Thane's, though expressed through different temperament.
"Before you, I studied life without experiencing its fullness.
Through you, I learned participation exceeds observation in both knowledge and satisfaction.
With you, I discover integration of mind and heart previously deemed impossible.
" From his ceremonial garment, he produces small crystal blade, using it to create precise incision across his palm.
Three drops of silvery blood join Thane's in the sacred flame.
"My knowledge freely shared, my discoveries freely offered, my consciousness freely merged with yours through dimension and beyond. "
The flame shifts color again—turquoise mingling with copper in mesmerizing dance that reflects their combined essences. The magical connection strengthens, energy flowing between all four positions with increasing intensity.
Ravik approaches the circle's center, transformed features solemn yet suffused with emotion typically kept carefully concealed beneath commander's mask. In the ceremonial fire's illumination, his indigo form seems to radiate power held in perfect, deliberate restraint.
"I pledge leadership through service rather than command," his deep voice resonates, carrying authority even in moment of vulnerability.
"Protection through partnership rather than control.
Strength through connection rather than isolation.
" Amber eyes burn with intensity that rivals the sacred flame before him.
"Before you, duty defined my existence—rigid, unyielding, solitary.
Through you, I discovered duty best fulfilled through love freely given and received.
In you, I found family worth protecting above all other considerations.
" With deliberate precision, he draws obsidian blade across his palm, contributing three drops of midnight-dark blood to the ceremonial fire.
"My strength freely offered, my protection freely extended, my spirit freely joined with yours through battle and beyond. "
The fire responds dramatically to his contribution—amber light weaving through existing copper and turquoise to create complex pattern reflecting their distinct yet harmonious natures.
The magical energy connecting our positions intensifies further, creating visible threads of light between the four points we occupy.
My turn arrives with both intimidating significance and perfect naturalness—culmination of journey beginning that desperate night in blizzard conditions when I first stumbled upon their sanctuary.
With steady steps, I approach the circle's center, standing where my three mates consecrated our union with blood and pledge.