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Nolwenn slumped forward, convulsing, the rhythmic contractions of her release clamping him tightly within her. Tristan grasped her hips and thrust hard, erupting with pleasure as he filled her depths with his abundant seed.

He lay quivering, panting, sweaty and breathless.

Nolwenn kissed him and murmured against his lips.

“Welcome to the Tribe of Dana, Sir Tristan.” Disengaging her thighs, she lay down beside him, placing her head against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her in a protective embrace.

His body sated, his spirit content, Tristan fell asleep cradled in the arms of the Goddess, the roar of the bubbling stream Her soothing lullaby.

When he awoke, several hours later, the light of dawn and the fresh green scent of pine greeted him.

Nolwenn was gone, along with her blue robe, vials of oil, and silver cup.

Tristan sat up, noting that the enchanted mist still enshrouded the clearing.

After seeing to his needs, he washed away the lingering traces of Nolwenn’s welcome, smiling and feeling his body respond to the memory.

If only she were still here. I would love another welcome , he mused greedily.

He donned his clothes and strapped on his sword, shaking out the white cloth which belonged to the dark-haired beauty who had embodied the Goddess Dana last night.

He folded it carefully and retrieved the crystals she had placed on the ground around them.

He tucked them into his pocket, grinning at the chance to see her again when he returned them.

Strolling over to the bubbling spring, he cupped his hand and quenched his thirst. The rich taste of minerals rolled over his tongue; the effervescence tickled his nose.

As Tristan strode away from the clearing, the mist dissipated, revealing the mossy bed that he had shared with the goddess Nolwenn in the sacred Forest of Brocéliande.

When he arrived at the campsite, the fire had been extinguished and several members of the Tribe were sleeping on bedrolls nearby. Lancelot emerged from the woods, grinning from ear to ear. “The welcome is without a doubt the best part of the initiation ceremony, wouldn’t you agree?”

Tristan raised his face to the sky, closed his eyes, and moaned with pleasure. “Without a doubt.”

Lancelot slapped him on the shoulder and laughed deeply.

“Water the horses in the stream while I wake the Tribe. We’ll head back to Landuc, break our fast, and return to la Joyeuse Garde .

We’ll arrive late this afternoon.” He paused to face Tristan, his eyes sparkling in the early morning light. “She’s indeed a beauty, isn’t she?”

Tristan answered with a bright, expansive smile, his entire being alight with pleasure. The glittering eye of the sea raven winked on his left hand.

They rode through the verdant forest back to the imposing castle of Landuc.

The members of the Tribe of Dana were loading up their horses, preparing to depart, bidding goodbye to the Lord and Lady of the Fountain.

Kirus, Dagur, and Solzic welcomed Tristan once again, turning to say fond farewells to the brotherhood of the Tribe.

Esclados and Laudine thanked Tristan for defending the sacred spring and slaying the wretched dwarf who had attacked the chateau .

“It was a great honor to fight by your side,” Esclados said as he shook Tristan’s hand. “May the gift of l’herbe d’or grant you the protection of the sacred spring. May the Goddess Dana bless your return to La Joyeuse Garde. And your voyage across the sea, all the way back to Britain.”

After he and Lancelot bid adieu to Esclados and Laudine, Tristan spotted Nolwenn standing near the door, as if waiting to say goodbye.

He fetched the white cloth from the tabletop where he’d placed it and removed the stones from his pockets.

His heart thumping wildly, Tristan strolled briskly across the room toward the lovely priestess.

She smiled at him, her alluring amethyst eyes glowing like the magnificent amulet gleaming upon her breast. He swallowed a huge lump in his throat.

“I brought these back for you,” Tristan whispered, handing her the cloth and the gemstones.

“Thank you,” she hummed. She raised her beautiful eyes to his, dazzling him with violet light. “May the Goddess grant you a safe return home.”

She rose to kiss him softly on the lips. Tristan inhaled her fresh herbal scent, his body responding at once. Nolwenn smiled gently and walked away. Tristan watched the sway of her slender hips, the train of her deep blue robe softly brushing the cold tiled floor.

Lancelot approached, with a smirk on his face. He joked, barely able to restrain from laughing. “Will you be able to ride, Tristan?”

Tristan grinned, adjusting his breeches. “Give me a few moments, and I’ll be fine.”

Unable to contain his mirth, the First Knight of Camelot burst out laughing and slapped Tristan on the back.

Nolwenn smiled as the two knights went into the courtyard and mounted their horses. As they rode away, Nolwenn blew him a kiss farewell.

Tristan flashed her his most dazzling smile.

Accompanied by Lancelot and his loyal knights, Tristan rode southwest through the forest of Brocéliande, back to the castle of La Joyeuse Garde .

The rich scent of the forest reminded him of Nolwenn’s exquisite embrace, welcoming him to the Tribe of Dana.

Lancelot was right, he mused . A woman’s body does indeed transport you to the stars!