I cast him a sly glance. "Seems only fair, since you're the one that got me sticky." He reachedfor me, but I pulled back. "But if you help me, we will never get out of the water."
He quirked his mouth. "I fail to see the problem, Warprize."
I laughed, and he caught me, kissing me soundly. I let my soapy hands trail over his chest. Hetook the soap, and soon we were laughing breathlessly as we teased each other both above andbelow the water.
Finally, he growled low, and pulled me toward him for a hard kiss. "Know what is even betterthan this, Lara?"
I kissed his nose. "What?"
"Food." He released me and headed for the shore, looking back over his shoulder with awicked grin as I laughed.
I plunged deep into the cool water determined to get every inch of my skin and hair squeakyclean. Bathing from a bucket in a tiny tent is no easy task. Of course, the Firelanders all justjumped nude in the water, any water they could find, every chance they got, and washed eachother. Maybe if I bathed under the bells? I broke the surface of the water, laughing at the ideaof waterlogged bells.
Even as I washed my hair, I cast several glances Keir's way. Firelanders have no realunderstanding of modesty, and while it embarrasses me, there are times when I can appreciateits benefits. Keir was letting the sun dry his skin, not bothering to dress. The light through theleaves played over his strong back, and distracted me from my chore. I watched as he dugparcels out of the saddle bags, and laid them on the blanket. I returned to the task of rinsingmy unruly locks. I didn't really pay any attention to what he was doing until I got a whiff of afamiliar odor.
I was twisting my hair, trying to wring as much water out as possible. "Keir? Do I smellbread?"
"Come and see," he called. He was standing by the shore, with a spare blanket and dryingcloth. I splashed through the water to the bank, shivering in the air that now felt cold. Hewrapped me in the blanket, stole a quick kiss, and then carried me over to the 'nest' he hadprepared.
"It is bread," I breathed, as I settled on the blanket. I took the drying cloth and wrapped itaround my hair. "Where in—"
"Sal was buying stock for supplies, and the farmer's wife asked if you were with us." Keirreached for the loaf of bread and tore off a piece. "Apparently she was worried that youweren't being fed properly." He handed me the piece of bread, and a small crock of butter. Mymouth watered, and I took the offered knife, and smeared the bread thick with butter and tooka bite. I closed my eyes and chewed. The familiar food filled my mouth, and my senses with thetaste of home.
"There's more."
My eyes popped open to see a baked chicken, bright apples, and a sweating jug. I grinned atKeir, and tore a leg off the chicken. Keir grabbed for the other one.
For many moments, we just ate, licking fingers and sharing the jug. Keir used his dagger to cutapples into crisp slices. They crunched in my mouth, tangy and sweet. The ale was light, coldand bitter. It didn't take us long to strip the carcass to the bones, and consume every bit of themeal.
I gave a great sigh of contentment as I padded to the edge of the water to wash my hands. Ireturned to the blanket, and dug through my bag to find my comb and a small bottle of vanillascented oil. Combing the oil through my thick hair would help with the tangles. Ken-tossed thecarcass off into the bushes, along with the apple cores. There wasn't a bit left of the bread, orthe butter. He washed his hands in the water, and returned to pull fresh trous from the bags. Iknew that was more for my comfort than for his.
He rejoined me on the blanket, and lay back on one elbow to watch as I combed my hair. It wasstill damp, and I took my time working through the snarls. The light was still filtering throughthe leaves, but there was less of a breeze. The miseries of a few hours ago suddenly didn'tseem so important. I smiled at my fears. Amazing what a real bath and a good meal can do foryour spirits.
"Marcus told me that you spoke to Joden under the bells. All is not well with you, Lara."
I didn't look at him. "I'm fine. I just had some questions—"
"Look at me." Keir's voice was firm, and I obeyed, slightly resentful of his order.
"This has been hard on you." His voice was quiet, and he gave me an intent look. "Marcus hastold me that you are trying to cope as best you can." Keir rolled his eyes. "I got an earfulabout the abuse I am putting you through."
I smiled, knowing very well the sharp edge of Marcus's tongue. "You're not abusing me. I'mdoing fine."
"I'm sorry for this." Keir shifted to lay flat on the blanket, his hands on his chest. "I'd slow ourpace, but I can't. We need to arrive at the Heart of the Plains as soon as possible."
"Joden tried to explain, but I'm not sure I understand."
Keir turned his head to look at me with his blue eyes. "I sent messengers to the Elders at theHeart of the Plains the very night I claimed you. They will have sent messengers of their own,summoning the other elders and warrior-priests. The ceremony will start when we arrive, underthe open skies for all to see. If we hurry, the ceremony will be held before all can make thejourney. There are some I would prefer to avoid."
"Can they deny my confirmation?" I leaned forward a bit, and the blanket that I had wrappedaround me dropped slightly.
Keir's eyes fixed on me, but not on my face. "I don't want to talk about the future, Lara." Hiseyes grew sultry, and his voice roughened. "I don't want to talk at all." He rolled back on to hisside, and reached over to tug on my blanket. "I'd rather talk about the way the sun is dancingon your skin. How you smell like vanilla. How the light is being caught in your hair, and keptprisoner."
I flushed up, put the comb down and moved toward him, letting him pull the blanket away frommy body. His eyes were half-closed as he pulled me in close, wrapping me in his arms. Henuzzled my neck, and his hand drifted down to my buttock. "Too long apart, Lara. I've missedyour touch, your heat, your—"
I opened my mouth in a jaw-cracking yawn.
Keir pulled back, looking into my eyes. I blinked at him, my vision suddenly blurry and tired.
