A Nymph Without Mercy
XXVIII

As soon as the rain had commenced Callum had alreadybegun the short walk to the small stable that made up his home while Garrickmade use of the cottage. In truth, the stable was newer and in bettercondition than even Garrick’s lodging, something that at the time had seemedfitting. Garrick did not care if his home was old so long as there was a warmfire and no leaks in the roof, but he did want to provide what he could for hisonly friend.

Garrick found him at the stable door, his ears turned low as the rainpelted them relentlessly. “My apologies, old friend. Let us get you settled.”

Other than a fine layer of dust having settled upon each of the exposedsurfaces and a rather musty smell that spoke of disuse, everything was much asit always had been. The hay was no longer the freshest but it would pad hisstall well enough, and there was a warm blanket to be had to rub Callum dry so hewould be content for the night.

And although it seemed almost absurd to face the storm outside to replacethe long forgotten well and draw water to quench Callum’s thirst, it was stilla necessity.

“You know, some day I shall expect you to return the favour. I willremain warm and dry and you shall bring me apples and water even in the worstof weather.”

Callum merely blinked at him.

They had ridden through worse and both survived the experience, butneither of them truly enjoyed prolonged bouts of cold and wetness. Perhaps theywere becoming spoiled in their advancing years, but there was somethingappealing about warm shelters and hot meals and, perhaps most importantly, someoneto share them with.

For the first time in his remembrance, Garrick felt an almost urgentneed to return to the cottage.

“Dream well, Callum. Our mistress requires settling also.”

A low huff of breath was his only reply.

Garrick barely felt the cold. The rain however was impossible to ignore,and for a moment he allowed himself to feel grateful that he no longer wasforced to wear the mask. In summer the heat made the confining leather nearlyunbearable, but rainwater leaking and smothering could be equally troublesome.

But no more.

And it was all due to the little nymph that awaited him just inside thedoor.

To his relative surprise she had succeeded in starting a fire. It was asmall one to be sure, but she looked immensely pleased with herself and thehappy domesticity of a wife waiting by the hearth with a welcoming fire besideher was not lost upon him.

Perhaps it was not the building itself that signified a home.

Perhaps it was wherever he could be with this lovely creature.

He shed his sodden cloak and placed it on a hook by the door, installedthere precisely for that purpose. “That is a fine fire you have made, Mairi. Mycongratulations.” His first impulse had been to tease as he did so appreciatethe colour that would rise in her cheeks as her indignation increased in equalmeasure. But not now.

Now he removed his armour as efficiently as he could, wanting nothingmore than to feel her embrace and receive her kiss of greeting like a properhusband and wife.

“Will Callum be well? I do not like to think of him shivering in thecold.”

Garrick chuckled, knowing that Callum would never submit to suchtreatment in any case. Had he no shelter of his own he would likely haveprodded his head against the window of the cottage seeking entrance before heallowed himself to face the elements alone. “There is a small stable nearby.Callum has stayed here with me many times and his comfort was of equalimportance.”

Mairi eyed him dubiously, still kneeling before the hearth. “Somehow Ithink you paid greater attention to his comfort than to your own. You are verygenerous, Garrick, whether you choose to acknowledge it or not.”

He shifted uncomfortably though he tried to hide his embarrassment byremoving his breastplate. He placed it down with the rest of his armour,enjoying the feeling of lightness that always accompanied being free of theheavy coverings. “Are you going to come kiss your husband or shall he be forcedto go to you?”

Other than her unearthly beauty and grace that was so obvious in herevery movement, there were few occasions that truly reminded him that she wasindeed a nymph. But as she leapt from the floor and hurried to his side so veryquickly, he was reminded of the brief showing of her skill in the forest rightbefore his arrow had struck her.

But now instead of falling and gasping in pain, she was reaching up ontiptoe to place a kiss upon his cheek, her fingers seeking his to entwine andstroke as she pleased. “Welcome back, my bond-mate. I have missed you.”

He did not know if he fully believed her as he had not been gone so verylong, but the sentiment still warmed his heart and made him hold her closer,burying his face in her lovely, lovely hair.

Before he shivered.

A wonderful first attempt or not, he was still chilled and a larger firewould heat them both much better.

But the way she held him close it was impossible for her not to noticeand to his relief she laughed, a bright cheerful sound that would never ceaseto make him think she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

“I appreciate your praise, sweet Garrick, but maybe you should tend toit. I will not be cross.”

He kissed her cheek briefly noticing that she too was slightly chilledbefore doing as she had bid, trusting that she would not in fact be insulted ashe stoked and prodded until the flames leapt higher and the largest of the logsalso entered into the fray.

His body shuddered as the heat met him, his hair slightly damp fromwhere the cloak had not quite managed to shield him completely. Soft handsreached up, a stolen linen from Drostan’s fortress taken from their saddlebagas Mairi wiped at his hair as thoroughly as she could. “You will not become illwill you?”

He smiled, and though it went against most of his instincts, he wentdown upon one knee so that she could more easily reach him. Having her deftfingers stroking through his hair was worth more than his fastidious protectionof his dignity.

“Nay, dear-heart. Not when you take such excellent care of me.”

Although he could not see her face, the subtle thrum of theirever-present bond told him she was pleased.

Soon however his hair was fully dry and while she maintained thepretence for a bit longer, stroking and caressing wherever she pleased,eventually she leaned forward and whispered in his ear. “I should like to seeyour lyre now, Garrick. If you are amiable.”

As if he would refuse her anything.

That was the only object he had taken any true care in concealing. Thedoor held a mechanism that would dissuade many from entering, but even thatcould have been averted if a determined soul would have simply broken throughthe window, shuttered even as it was.

He rose and took her hand, leading her off of the carpet before thehearth. He might have not exerted much effort in the upkeep of this dwelling,but even he did not care much for cold feet.

She watched him curiously as he pulled back a corner and revealed aslight discrepancy in the flat stones that formed the floor of the cottage. Heremoved a small blade from his boot and with practiced movements, he used thetip to lift the stone, aided by the invisible hinge he had installed.

The opening was not overly large. He had intended it that way, as therewere few keepsakes he would take the trouble to hide, and he did not like thenotion of a large hiding spot barely filled—a tangible reminder that so littleof his life held meaning.

So instead there was only a rectangular space, large enough to hold hislyre, carefully bundled in soft cloths and leather to keep it clean anddry.

As he pushed away the coverings he felt a part of him settle back intoplace, the familiar wood fitting perfectly in his long-fingered hands, craftedespecially to suit them.

He had expected her to admire the instrument, but instead she watchedhis face, a soft smile playing at her lips. “I think you neglected to tell meof another friend. You were not quite as alone as I had feared.”

He smoothed his fingers over the strings, unreasonably shy at herobservation. “It was always so quiet here. Mostly I relished the silence, thesolitude, as it meant I was free from people and their inanities. Butsometimes...”

Garrick felt her hand settle upon his shoulder, and she gave it a gentlesqueeze of understanding. “Sometimes you wanted for more. And then when youwent looking for it you were once again met with nothing but disappointment.”

He glanced up at her, never ceasing to be amazed at how well she couldunderstand him. But then, she had said they shared their very souls, andperhaps an ability to know, even when words failed, was a glorious result ofsuch a bonding.

“Until I met you. You changed everything, Mairi. At times I lie awakewondering if you truly comprehend how much.”

She pressed another of her kisses upon his cheek, and she smiled at himsoftly. “I am beginning to.”

The fire was comforting, but eventually his knees, although used to ahard day’s ride, began to protest their prolonged position against the stonefloor. He closed the hidden enclosure and replaced the rug, ready to serenadehis wife.

The issue of seating became immediately apparent. He had only one chairbefore the hearth, the presence of an ever empty addition too depressing evenfor him. There was the hard backed one that he would force himself to eat on tomaintain a semblance of civility, but it held little appeal.

Mairi’s eyes flitted amongst the available options before she went totheir bags and pulled forth the bedroll, appearing unbothered as she settledamongst the furs and looked to him expectantly. “I believe you owe me a song.”

He felt a twinge of guilt as he settled in his chair as his wife wasforced to content herself with the floor, but as he watched her it was evidentthat she truly was pleased. She fluffed and positioned until she had createdquite the little nest that even looked appealing to his own sensibilities.

He plucked at the strings thoughtfully, his ear carefully listening forany twinges that would indicate a slight adjustment of the little pegs thatheld the lines taut, and with only a few small corrections he was pleased withthe result.

No one had ever heard him play before.

He waited for a wave of nervousness to overtake him as Mairi watched himso intently, but it felt somehow right withher. As if this part of himself was meant to be shared and exhibited, for itwould mean growing closer with the one who meant everything to him.

He began softly, testing his fingers that had not played in so long. Buteventually they seemed to recall the melodies that had long been ingrained inthem and his fingers flew over the strings as he beckoned forth the pieces thathad been his companions for longer than any other.

Garrick had not anticipated Mairi’s gasp, her eyes widening as tearssprang forth.

He stopped immediately. “What is wrong?”

He wondered if somehow her people’s ears were different, that somehowthe gentle refrains could pierce tender tissues and he was causing her pain.

But she shook her head furiously, a smile growing. “My adar used to play something similar. Theinstrument itself looked very different, more curved and delicate, but thesound...” She sniffled, wiping her tears away hurriedly. “I am sorry, I did notmean to interrupt. Please, continue.”

He hesitated, not at all certain he wished to carry on if it meantforcing her to relive obviously cherished memories with a man she was forbiddenfrom seeing in the future. But his fingers did not seem to share his reticencefor they soon resumed their dance, more cheerful and exuberant than anything hehad ever composed before.

For how could he play of his melancholy and despair when this lovelynymph was staring up at him with such affection in her eyes?

And his breath grew short and finally they stilled when on the secondcircuit of the melody, new and unexplored even to him, Mairi began to sing.

Theirs were clearly a musical people.

Or maybe their bond merely allowed her to sing the notes that werebarely formed within his own mind, but as her sweet voice mingled with hisinstrumentation, joining and teasing in ways that sent a shiver of pure delightthrough his entire being, he knew that she was beyond anything he could haveever dreamt.

Before long however he ceased his playing and sat back in his chair,relishing the little songbird that had unknowingly taken residence in his lifeand heart.

She seemed lost in song for a moment, obviously relishing the return ofsomething that had once been a great joy, when she realised he had ceased hisaccompaniment and she had drifted to ballad of her own kin’s.

Mairi blushed deeply. “Forgive me, you did not ask for me to join you.”

He shook his head, carefully wrapping his lyre into its protectivecoverings and placing it on the floor. Then he reached out a hand and beckonedher forward, and it took only a moment’s coaxing before she abandoned her nestof furs in favour of settling upon his lap.

Garrick kissed her throat softly, marvelling at the talented creaturethat he had so been blessed to call wife. “Never apologise for singing,dear-heart. Had I known what talent you possessed I should have asked for asong every day since our meeting.”

Her cheeks never quieted, and she tugged at one of the laces of histunic shyly. “You play very well. My adarwould have complimented you also, and he has practiced far longer than youhave been alive.”

His eyes narrowed. “Are you saying that I merely play well for a youngman? Or that you truly enjoyed it?” He did not know why it troubled to him—hisonly concern should be that he was pleased with his compositions, the opinionof another mattering little.

But it did.

There was so little in his life that should recommend him to her.Despite how childish it might have been, he wanted to impress her—to offer upthis talent, the only one of which she might approve. She would nevercompliment his skills as an assassin, nor should he wish her to, but this was somethingentirely different.

Yet true to her character, loving and so knowing of his everyinsecurity, Mairi hurried to assure. “Oh no, Garrick, I did not mean that atall! I have rarely heard anything as beautiful as your playing. My adar is regarded as one of the mostesteemed musicians of our people, and I meant to praise your ability.” Shetucked herself more fully against him, her hair tickling the skin of his neckas she finished her nestling. “Please do not be cross.”

How could he hope to be so when she was so warm and pliant in his arms?

“My apologies, Mairi. I suppose my music is a sensitive topic, of courseyou meant well.”

She hummed, the action sending little vibrations against his throat asher lips paid special attention to it. “Someday you shall not be so quick tothink I intend to criticise. You shall know that I think you of great worth,with talents and qualities beyond what I could have hoped for in a mate.” Shefound a particularly sensitive spot that sent a jolt of heat through his verycore, and it took a great deal of willpower to keep silent. “But for now Ishall simply have to offer what assurances I can.”

At that he could not help but chuckle. “That is hardly an incentive forme to think otherwise—not if this is your balm to soothe accidental wounds.”

Mairi pulled back quickly, and he silently cursed having spoken aloud asshe blinked at him, his words evidently proving too reasonable for her to deny.“You are right, I should...” Her head tilted and she nibbled on her lip—thevery lip that had only recently been stirring a great many of his passions.

He wanted to nibble it himself.

“What would you have me do instead?”

Garrick brushed his fingers along the flesh of her tender neck, so softand pale. He revelled in the knowledge of how pink it would flush when hekissed her, or when he proved his husbandly devotion again and again. Only heknew such things, and that was the way it should always be.

“I would never dream of telling you to touch me less. Such an orderwould be the most absurd instruction to ever pass my lips.”

She grinned at him. “You are not very good at forbidding me fromthings.”

He smiled, indulging in a gentle kiss before answering. “Nor should Ihope to be. I am your husband, not your minder. You are free with me.”

His little nymph sighed so very sweetly as she threw her arms about him.“I know. Some might think being sealed a burden, but ours is the most wonderfulbondage I could ever have imagined. I would wish for no other life. Not now.”

And though it still amazed him even now, when he was given evidence ofher sincerity at every turn, he did believe her. For she was kissing him andshifting clothing to meet her whim, and he was helpless to resist her—it didnot even occur to him to deny her long enough to suggest they make use of hisnarrow bed before flesh met flesh and they were once more one.

It was only after as he supported her full weight as she draped herselflazily against his chest that he realised they might have some difficulty withsleeping arrangements. “Mairi,” he murmured, pushing away a lock of her tousledhair as he searched for her features. “You may sleep in the bed tonight, and Iwill make use of your very fine nest. I wish for you to be comfortable.”

Her grip about him tightened. “You speak nonsense, my sweet Garrick. Iwill sleep with you, whether that is in my nest as you call it or the bed inthe corner.”

He chuckled, not yet fully used to her endearment. So few would considerhim sweet and yet she did. Andperhaps it was not the most masculine of names but still he loved it, for itcame from her.

“Dear-heart, it is too narrow. If you would like either of us to haveuse of our limbs come daybreak then I suggest we do not attempt it.”

She sighed, her chin coming to rest upon his chest as she peered up athim. “When shall you learn that it is useless to deny me?”

He should have bristled. He should have reminded her that he was notsome child to be bullied about, his opinion discounted. But as he stared ather, so gentle and yet vehement when necessary, he knew only amusement.

For all she sought from him was more time, more contact. She desiredsoft words and gentle caresses—the kind of accord that led to fondness and lovebetween spouses, no matter how difficult their beginning.

It made it all the easier to concede.

“If my sword arm is unfit for use I shall blame you.”

She nodded languidly, settling even more fully upon him, and he couldnot help but roll his eyes in mock exasperation. So trusting, so absolutelycertain that she would only have to lie there in his arms and he wouldeventually carry her to their bed, tucking her in and ensuring her comfortbefore succumbing to his own sleep.

And he could only kiss her temple before doing precisely that.

Yet despite her assertion that both would fit on his small bed, hisconcern proved well founded. She made more use of him as a cushion than the beditself, and it took him a few disgruntled moments to situate their limbs in anysemblance of relief. To his absolute bemusement, she only lay there, pliant andyielding and allowed him to work, so certain was she that he could manoeuvrethem both to the most comfortable position.

His wife was such a helpful creature.

Finally he managed to subdue the bed adequately until it was forced toaccommodate them, and only then did his wife show signs of consciousness. “Why is your bed so small? I should havethought you would like to move about unhindered.”

He was silent for a long moment, staring instead at the wooden beams ofthe ceiling. How many night had he laid here, cold and alone as he listened tothe sounds of the rustling forest about him? So many times he had read orplayed until he could barely keep his eyes open, better to be utterly exhaustedas he fell between the bedclothes than to feel alone.

But now the bed was almost too warm, their entwined bodies a vividreminder of how things had altered drastically in such a short period.

“So I would not have to remember every night that I had not yet foundyou, little nymph. Your tree might not have been empty of my presence, but Idid not relish the reminder that half my bed had yet to become yours.”

At first she made no reply, but soon he felt a wetness against theexposed bits of his chest that she rested upon, and she tried valiantly toquiet her sniffles, as futile as it happened to be.

“My tree was empty too, Garrick. I may not have known it then, but now Icannot envision another life than what we are creating.”

He held her tightly, trying to maintain his own emotions, so rampantwhenever she expressed the very words he so longed to hear.

“You are my dearly beloved. I hope you know that.”

He placed a kiss upon her temple, welcoming whatever deadened limbs methim come morning, so long as he could hold her close in this moment.

“As you are mine, my beloved Mairi. Now sleep and dream of pleasantthings.”

And for once she obeyed without protest.