Page 200 of Tiger's Dream
When we finally broke apart, we looked in each other’s eyes, and there was a knowing between us that hadn’t been there before. We were more than married then. We were grafted together and undoing one would undo us both.
Congratulations came then, and both of us were surprised to see the trees of the Silvanae had woven their roots together. They’d exploded from the ground, fashioning a great wedding arbor over us. Flowers sprung from the wood and rained petals down upon us. Skimming my hands down her waist, I picked Ana up, spinning her as she threw her head back, lifted her arms, and laughed in delight.
That night we feasted with the Silvanae, dining on sweet honey cakes, rich cream, lemon and lavender tarts, stewed fruits, and salads sprinkled with edible flowers. Kadam was delighted with the fare, and I laughed when I saw he’d asked for a bag full of treats to take home with him. Ana and I sat as close together as two birds in a nest, and we took turns feeding each other succulent berries and rich bites of pastry.
When I became more interested in nibbling on her ear than on the food, she stood, reaching for my hand. “Thank you, my friends, you have favored us with this meal and your company. We must take leave of you now, but I promise that we will visit again, often.”
“But where will you go?” the queen of the Silvanae asked.
“It’s time we began our honeymoon,” I said, kissing Ana’s fingers and smiling at the quiver in her delicate limb.
“Ah, of course. But you do not have to leave,” the queen said.
Ana looked at me, eyebrows raised in question.
I answered, “The Grove of Dreams is comfortable, but I don’t want to be focusing on anything except the goddess.”
“We understand,” the queen said. “That is why we’ve prepared a bungalow for you. It’s hidden away in a lovely part of the forest. The fairies have been working tirelessly to make it ready for you. There is plenty of food, a waterfall with a large pool to swim in, and the loveliest garden. It would honor us to have you remain for a time. We promise you will be left alone unless you summon us.”
“This is a gift we did not expect,” Ana said.
The queen replied, “And you have given us a great gift by marrying here. Our lands now heal and nourish us. Any being that steps foot in this part of Shangri-La will feel the power of the goddess wash over and refresh them. Please accept our small offering in exchange.”
Ana looked to me.
I don’t care, I said.I just want you. I could feel the shiver of excitement and nervousness that ran through her and rubbed my thumb gently over her knuckles.
She turned back, inclining her head graciously. “Thank you. We will accept your generous offer. If one of the fairies could guide us?”
“There is no need. The stones will mark the path.”
“Stones?”
They pointed and sure enough the stones that lined the dirt trail leading west from the village glowed a soft green color in the darkness.
We rose and Kadam stood also. He clapped my shoulder. “I’ll see you soon, son.” He hugged Ana, kissed both of her cheeks, and said, “I’m so happy to have you officially join my family.” Then, he added, “Take care of one another.”
“We will,” I promised him.
Together, Ana and I started down the path. With my tiger eyes, I could see her clearly even in the darkness. I played with her fingers as she led the way and allowed my eyes to rove over her lovely form, admiring the curve of her hips, her small waist, and the way her long hair brushed against my arm.
The Silvanae were true to their word. The small house they’d built for us was lovely. Ana was delighted by the garden, dappled with moonlight. I was personally more enraptured by the woman. The night-blooming flowers had opened, wafting their scent, but they were not nearly as intoxicating as Ana.
Now that we were alone and our minds were open to one another, I sensed her sudden shyness. The last thing I wanted to do was remind her of the terrible things that had happened to her in the past.
“Can we sit by the waterfall for a while?” I asked. “That is, if you aren’t tired.”
She agreed and I called upon the power of the scarf to make a thick blanket and dozens of fluffy pillows. After I sat, I drew her down to me and kissed her softly but briefly. “You look beautiful,” I said, then frowned. “We didn’t get any pictures.”
“Pictures?”
“Yes, remember? They’re like paintings but created instantly.”
“Ah, yes. Do you mean like this?”
She twirled her hand and threads stitched together, fashioning a tapestry of the two of us kissing as flower petals rained down upon our heads.
I laughed. “I suppose that will work,” I said.
