About Fierce Love

by Christopher West
20 pages / 5600 words
Ebook zipped file contains - html, lit, Adobe and Sony optimized pdf, prc, epub

In the late 5th century, Erim Owenson and his lover, Adair, are making the journey across South Wales to Adair's hometown. Erim is meeting Adair's family for the first time and doing his best to be respectful even though he doesn't share their religious beliefs. For Adair, returning home to observe the pagan rites of Samhain means he has to face painful memories he has tried to forget, and he's relying on Erim's love and support to help him through.

Sample

Feeling clean and refreshed, Erim turned toward Adair, who was bathing not far away. Adair had tied his hair on top of his head to keep it dry as he poured clear water over his lithe body. He didn't have much in terms of muscles, but that hardly detracted from the youthful beauty of his smooth, flawless complexion. As he bathed, Adair hummed a soft melody to himself. It sounded in the style of Adair's people, a light tune that danced on the forest air as naturally as a sparrow song, though it was one Erim had never heard before.

Erim waded against the current until he stood behind Adair. He filled his cupped hands with water and asked Adair to lean forward. The water poured from Erim's palms and branched into shimmering rivulets flowing down Adair's back. Erim's hands followed the cold streams, soothing over Adair's skin with a gentle caress. Adair shivered slightly from the touch, then released a small exhale of breath and relaxed against Erim's hands.

"Old memories?" Erim asked. His hands slid up Adair's spine and began to massage the tension out of his shoulders.

"Yes," Adair said. The word was only partly spoken, escaping amid a sigh of relief. "It's been a long time since I bathed here. Or listened to these trees rustling in the wind. There are many memories in this place." His head rose, and his posture straightened up once more. Adair turned and placed his hands on Erim's naked hips. He clutched Erim's skin gently and looked deep into his eyes. "I often wonder how it is that happy memories can cause so much sadness."

Erim cradled Adair's cheek in his palm. He wasn't learned enough to take away the pain in Adair's eyes with philosophy, so he tried a tack he understood well enough. He joined his lips with Adair's in a tender kiss, and in this simple display Erim tried to convey everything he felt for Adair -- all his love, his loyalty, and his strength. It was the best he could offer.