After the Ceremony (PG-17)

Writers: Suzee, Avery
Date Posted: 22nd October 2014

Characters: Bryvin, Zelah
Description: A private moment for the new couple before the reception
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 9, day 5 of Turn 7
Rating: PG-17

Bryvin

Zelah

Bryvin led Xeladrie into the room prepared for their short break. Then
he closed and locked the door. There were flowers and refreshments and
a small divan, the purpose of which was unmistakable.

He smiled at her with an undeniable possessive mien. They could hear
voices as people passed by on the other side of the door and went
toward the reception. "Well," he said. "Are you thirsty?"

She nodded, licking her lips. "All those important people looking at us
made me nervous."

He picked up a glass of water and opened a container to see ice. His
brow lifted in surprise. Xelfin had spared no expense in sending his
daughter off in style. He plopped a cube and a slice of citron into
the glass with a pair of tongs and then brought it to her. "Have a
seat my dear. You did very well, I don't think anyone would have known
it."

She took a sip, sitting as he requested and smiling at him. Her scalp felt
painful from the hair arrangement but she knew she wasn't supposed to let
it down until later. "Thank you, my lord. I never expected to be married
in front of quite so many dignitaries."

"Neither did I," he shrugged and sat down next to her with a
refreshing glass himself. "How are you feeling? That dress has to be
uncomfortable."

"It is a little," she admitted. "At the same time, it's the nicest
material I've ever worn, and I enjoy that part."

"It is lovely," he smiled. "And you shall have more. Sunstone is very
well positioned as a major trade center. There are many traders
bringing their wares to us. You shall have your portion." He didn't
speak the 'if you behave' part of his thoughts. Instead he set down
his drink and reached down for her foot. "Are your feet tired? We
still have much standing ahead of us. I can rub them for you if you
wish."

"These shoes are uncomfortable, and I would appreciate that very much,"
she told him.

Considering his earlier statement, she wondered what to respond. Well,
inquiring about him surely wasn't a bad choice... "To be Lord of a port
Hold is indeed useful. Have you always lived near the sea?"

"No," he shook his head and pulled her feet into his lap. Removing
both shoes and setting them next to him he began to massage one of her
feet. "I was born and raised at Amethyst Cliff. I'm sure you've heard
of the earthquake that devastated it turns ago."

His hands really did relieve the pressure that the
uncomfortable-but-beautiful shoes had put on her feet, and she sighed
slightly at the sensation change.

"That's quite far away, and close to the mountains was it not?" she asked.

"Yes," he said while one hand strayed up her leg slightly resting on
her shin while the other continued to massage. "It's north of Amber
Hills in the mountains. My cousin is Lord Zathris' Steward there."

"I hear Amber Hills is very lovely in the summer. And they have runner
races. Do you think we could go to one, the next time?" Perhaps he'd
like to visit his cousin.

"It is beautiful there," Bryvin leaned a little closer as she seemed to be
relaxing into the foot rub. "I'm sure we can visit a gather there which is
when they usually have runner races." He smiled and captured her
lips in a warm kiss.

"That sounds marvelous," she said before he interrupted her. She was
startled by it at first but let herself give in. This was different then
the perfunctory one they had shared in front of everyone, his lips warm
and stirring feelings within her.

He felt the tentative response and deepened the kiss though not
aggressively. He pulled back after a moment with a smile. "Lovely," he
said and caressed the side of her face.

She leaned her cheek into the pressure of his hand, feeling her face flush
slightly. "I see why people write about kissing."

He smiled more than a little gratified by her response. The gentle
rise and fall of her breathing also drew his eyes. **All mine** he
thought possessively and leaned in again. This time he pulled her into
his lap easily handling her small frame. "It can be quite
pleasurable," he said before kissing her.

She shifted slightly so she kept her balance, leaninginto the next
kiss with more enthusiasm though still a lack of skill.Her breathing
changed and her pulse quickened, new feelings stirred inside her.

"So it's always this way?"

His hand had moved slightly up her leg under her dress and caressed
the warm flesh of her outer thigh. "Better," he breathed against her
lips. The delicate blush on her cheeks told him of her stimulation but
he was also quite aware of the time. His lips met hers again gently
deepening the kiss and moving his hand higher.

It was his right and he was making her feel good. Xeladrie shifted in
place and hesitantly brought a hand up to run her fingers along the back
of his neck, feeling that his skin was warm, hoping he didn't mind the
contact.

Her skin was silky smooth and flesh firm as his hand traveled under
her dress. More importantly her inexpert response to his kisses told
him she was the innocent he expected as his bride. He cupped one soft
rounded cheek of her bottom and squeezed it slightly as his tongue
danced with hers.

She arched slightly as he touched her rear when she wasn't expecting.
"Oh," she said softly as his lips seperated from hers. Goosebumps were
raising over her skin. "What are you planning?" Her voice was higher
than normal, breathless.

"Pleasure for both of us," he said smoothly. His hand skimmed over her
thigh as he watched her body react. He was reacting as well yet he
knew there wasn't enough time to do it properly and this woman was his
wife no matter how young and unawakened. She had no clue what was in
store so rather than take anything in that moment he simply cupped his
hand over her underthings and the heat that emanated between her legs.
"Tonight."

As if to punctuate the moment he heard a soft scratching at the door.
"One moment," he called and pulled his hand away and smoothed her
skirts down. "Ready?" he asked though he knew she probably needed
another moment or two to collect herself for the reception.

She shivered as his hand skimmed over sensitive places, wanting to let him
continue - and then the interruption. She made a little sound of
frustration. But the break in the moment gave her a chance to remember
herself, that she should be proper and demure, the perfect model of a
proper woman for the reception.

Xeladrie stood up slowly and rearranged herself, petting at her arms to
try to get the goosebumps to fade. "Yes, I am."

Bryvin smiled gratified at her reaction to the interruption. Then he
picked up her hand and brought it to his lips. "You are perfection my
dear," he said before crossing to open the door. They had hours yet
before the promise of pleasure could be fulfilled. He held the door
for her with his arm open for her to lead the way.

His words were flattering, but oddly reassuring. She drew the compliment
around herself to wear confidence like armor as she stepped out into the
hallway to face the guests.

Last updated on the December 18th 2014

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

After the Ceremony (PG-17)