The Divine Shallows

Chapter 21Offering

21

Offering

Emerging from the moongate with Draeden, Elowyn found herself standing atop one of Orwyn’s magnificent burnt-orange rocky hilltops. It was a location far removed from their previous surroundings; even from this summit, she couldn’t spot the familiar landmarks of the market square or the grand arches of Darkmaw castle.

“Where are we?” Elowyn asked.

“I wanted to show you one of Orwyn’s hidden oases,” Draeden replied as he ran a hand through his hair. “I stumbled upon this place while riding Orix across the badlands.”

“Orix?” Elowyn’s head tilted.

Draeden brought his thumb and index finger to his lips and let out a sharp whistle. In response, a piercing screech echoed from below the rocky hilltop, and soon a majestic feather-winged gryphon emerged into view. The chestnut-hued creature soared gracefully before landing a short distance away from them.

“Orix, I want you to meet someone. This is Elowyn,” Draeden addressed the gryphon, reaching out to pat its massive beak. He then motioned for Elowyn to approach. “Elowyn, meet Orix. He’s my father’s divine animus . Orix is quite gentle and sweet-tempered.”

Elowyn took a tentative step forward and extended her hand for Orix to inspect. Her words carried a mixture of nervousness and wonder as she addressed the divine creature. “Hello, Orix. You’re quite the handsome gryphon.”

Orix took a deliberate step towards Elowyn and sniffed her outstretched palm. Chittering, he nudged her hand playfully, eliciting laughter from Elowyn as she stroked his sleek feathers. The texture was remarkably soft, smoother than silk to her touch. Orix squawked with delight, standing on his lion-like hind legs to flap his wings cheerfully. Their powerful beats created gusts strong enough to require Elowyn to ground herself firmly, so as not to be swept away by the wind.

“It seems Orix has taken a liking to you,” Draeden remarked happily. “That makes things much easier.” With another whistle, Orix turned to Draeden, approaching him obediently and lowering himself to offer his back. Draeden effortlessly swung his leg over Orix’s spine, mounting him with practiced ease. Extending a hand towards Elowyn, he offered her an encouraging smile. “Now comes the best part.”

Elowyn’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she accepted Draeden’s hand and mounted Orix with his assistance. Positioned in front of Draeden, she felt his strong arms securing her from both sides, a warmth spreading through her as she resisted the urge to lean back into him. Sensing her reaction, Draeden leaned forward, which caused her cheeks to flush even more. He whispered something playful in her ear, rousing laughter from her in response.

Straightening his posture, Draeden let out a low whistle, signaling Orix to take flight. With a triumphant screech, Orix propelled himself into the air with powerful beats of his wings. Soon, Draeden and Elowyn were airborne, soaring through the sunset sky. Elowyn couldn’t help but notice how different flying on Orix felt compared to riding Bane or Stryx. While the firedrakes’ flights were rugged and vigorous, flying on Orix felt graceful, effortlessly fluid.

Elowyn lifted both hands to the sky as she let her fingers dance in the wind. Laughter bubbled from her lips like a playful melody as Orix glided across the orange hilltops.

“Just a few more hills and we’ll reach our spot!” Draeden shouted, joining her in laughter.

Orix continued to glide smoothly over the badlands until he reached a grassy hill covered in verdant greenery. Tucking in his wings, he descended towards a niche in the burnt-orange landscape, aiming for a smooth stretch of ground just above it. With precise movements, Orix landed, his talons and paws finding purchase on the solid ground. He lowered himself, inviting Draeden and Elowyn to dismount.

Draeden hopped from Orix’s back first, landing on the grassy terrain. Extending his arm, he assisted Elowyn as she slid from the gryphon’s back, murmuring her thanks, and affectionately brushing her fingers across Orix’s feathers. Draeden then rewarded Orix with a piece of jerky from his cloak pocket, which the gryphon eagerly devoured before letting out a contented chitter. Draeden chuckled and gave Orix a final pat before the majestic creature took off, soaring into the sky.

“Where’s he off to?” Elowyn said, watching the gryphon take flight.

“He’s hunting. There’s plenty of small game in the recesses of the rock formations. He’s always thrilled to be out here,” Draeden explained. “Now, close your eyes. I’ll guide us to the oasis.”

“I have to close my eyes?” Elowyn asked skeptically, but she complied, as she took hold of his hand.

“I won’t let you fall.” Draeden guided her carefully down the grassy hilltop and into an open clearing. He positioned her into a specific direction before covering her eyes with both hands, his fingers closed. “Are you ready?”

“Yes,” Elowyn replied eagerly, a laugh escaping her lips. “The suspense is driving me mad.”

Draeden removed his shielded hands and dropped them to his side. “You can open your eyes now.”

Elowyn’s delicate eyelids fluttered open, and she gasped in awe at the scene before her. It was a hidden paradise, a glistening oasis nestled within the cavity of the rocks. Tall palm trees surrounded the serene waters, their fronds creating a canopy of shade. To the right, a blanket was spread out with a cloth-lined wicker basket.

“Did you set this up?” Elowyn asked, astonished. “This is one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me.”

“Surprise,” Draeden chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “I wanted to show you one of the hidden gems in Orwyn. It may not be as grand as your mountain castle or as ethereal as a kingdom in the clouds, but there’s a serene beauty here, too.”

“It’s perfect,” Elowyn turned to him with appreciation shining in her eyes. “This is something I’ll remember forever.”

“That was the idea,” Draeden grinned. “Now, let’s enjoy lunch.”

Draeden led her to the plush blanket and helped her settle onto one of the cushions placed atop it. Taking his own seat, he began unpacking the contents of the wicker basket. Setting out a place setting for each of them, he poured a sweetened fruit drink into two glasses, handing one to Elowyn. She accepted it gratefully, relishing the taste. Draeden continued to arrange sandwiches, fruits, and sweets on a tray, then raised his glass in a toast to her.

“Here’s to your first time in Orwyn,” Draeden smiled warmly, clinking his glass with hers. “And cheers to your first time riding on a gryphon.”

“Here’s to more firsts with you.” Elowyn lifted her glass to him. She couldn’t deny the happiness she felt with him. Perhaps she had more in common with Lyra than she realized.

As the day passed, Elowyn’s fondness only grew. She studied the contours of Draeden’s face, committing every detail to memory. His golden eyes held her gaze, more precious to her than any treasure. The claret-red strands of hair framing his face were both charming and alluring all at once. Her eyes wandered over his body, no longer cloaked, clad in a simple loose tunic and pants. She admired the cord of his muscles, visible with his animated explanations. She found herself lost in the sound of his voice, unable to focus on anything else.

“I have one more surprise for you,” Draeden said, his tone nervous yet eager. “I know how much you love dancing and music. So, before you came, I crafted an enchanted bell for you.” He produced a small silver bell, no larger than a button, and extended it to Elowyn. “It’s charmed to capture any sound and replay it indefinitely. However, it can only capture a sound once—I recorded the song we heard in the music house together. Simply ring the bell, and the notes will play for you.”

Elowyn opened her mouth, but no sound emerged. She struggled to find her voice, her heart pounding with overwhelming emotions. With trembling hands, she reached for the silver bell, holding it delicately in her palm. The air seemed to still, holding its breath in anticipation.

Elowyn closed her eyes and rang the bell.

The ethereal notes of Aunora’s song filled the air, wrapping Elowyn in a cocoon of emotions. She listened intently, every note resonating within her soul, stirring memories and feelings she couldn’t quite articulate. Tears threatened to spill from her silver eyes as she savored the bittersweet melody until it faded into silence.

“I wanted to give you something special to remember your first time in Orwyn,” Draeden began, but his words were abruptly cut off.

“Swim with me,” Elowyn interjected suddenly, surprising Draeden.

He stumbled over his response, taken aback by her unexpected question. “I... I didn’t bring a change of clothes.”

“It’s all right, we won’t need them,” Elowyn said hoping to sound nonchalant, already making her way towards the tranquil oasis.

Throughout, Elowyn struggled to contain her emotions, but her heart swelled with gratitude. Never had she experienced such genuine care and affection from a lover before. Each step she took was accompanied by the pounding of her heart, overwhelmed by the need to express her appreciation for his kindness. With trembling hands, she began to undress. Her thick cloak lay discarded nearby, leaving her only in a simple dress. Casting it aside, she stood in her undergarments, hesitating briefly before discarding them as well, too apprehensive to glance back and see if Draeden was watching.

Yet, she felt the weight of his gaze upon her, piercing through her like golden arrows. Banishing the thought from her mind, she stepped cautiously into the oasis. The water enveloped her calves in its comforting warmth. As seconds passed in silence, Elowyn summoned the courage to glance back, finding Draeden’s gaze on her.

He remained in his loose tunic and pants, yet his attention was solely fixed upon her. She observed his unmoving figure, uncertain if he even drew breath. Doubts gnawed at her, questioning if this was a mistake, but then she felt the intensity of his gaze upon her bare form. His golden eyes traced a path from her flushed cheeks to the curves of her body, igniting a fire within her. Elowyn held his gaze as his breaths quickened, his hunger evident in its golden depths. Then, in a sudden surge of desire, Draeden shed his own garments and closed the distance between them.

His hands found her face, capturing her lips in a fervent kiss. Elowyn melted at his touch, her fingers greedily exploring the contours of his muscled back. Draeden’s kiss grew more demanding as he tightened his grip on her, his touch igniting a passionate response within her. A soft moan escaped her lips as she surrendered to his embrace, kissing him with equal fervor. With a gentle yet possessive touch, he cupped her breast, sending waves of desire coursing through her veins. The sensation of his touch elicited a primal longing within her, a hunger for more.

Draeden’s palm fell from her breast and brushed down her waist until it hovered below, to a part of her that was aching for his touch. His other hand gripped Elowyn’s waist tightly as he continued to kiss her. Elowyn moaned, nearly hysterical from the teasing. Draeden smirked at her pining and gave into her desire. He brushed a finger along her heat and began rubbing it in slow, sensual circles. A gasp escaped from Elowyn’s lips as a wave of pleasure struck through her from the all-consuming, slow-burning spark that Draeden was kindling within her.

Her mind cherished this moment, savoring a choice that was finally wholly her own.

Elowyn’s breaths began to hasten as Draeden pulled his lips from hers and began trailing sultry kisses along her neck, quickening his circular movements, his bronzed fingers now slick with her. Draeden began vigorously rubbing her heat, adding fuel to her fire, letting Elowyn’s moans command his pace. The flames within Elowyn grew wildly, seconds away from bursting aflame. He could sense her nearing her peak. Elowyn felt something inside her rupture from inconceivable pleasure and she finally collapsed in Draeden’s arms.

Draeden’s smile widened as he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead before cradling her entire body in his arms. There, Elowyn allowed the soothing warmth of the water to calm her senses, her body still tingling from the waves of pleasure that had coursed through her. Nestling into his embrace, she traced gentle circles on his chest, and basked in the tranquility of the moment.

“You have no idea how beautiful you are,” Draeden whispered.

“You should definitely do that again,” Elowyn murmured, eyes twinkling with affection.

“You’re quite insatiable.” Draeden teased. “Have you always been this difficult to satisfy?”

“I might need seconds or thirds,” she said, leaning into his touch. “But in truth, you’re the first fey with whom I’ve felt this way with.”

Draeden’s playful demeanor softened, and he gently spun her around to face him, her waist submerged in the warm water. Catching the serious tone in her voice, he regarded her with a considerate expression.

“Are you serious?” he asked .

Elowyn nodded, her gaze dropping to her fingers as if suddenly captivated by them. Draeden reached out, cupping her chin tenderly and lifting her gaze to meet his own. His golden irises shimmered with warmth and affection.

“Thank you for trusting me,” he said softly. “And if there’s ever anything that makes you uneasy, I want you to let me know. I care about you.”

“I will,” Elowyn reassured him with a soft smile. “Every time you say something lovely, I feel like I’m melting. You’ve completely enamored me, you know?”

“I hope you’ve realized that I’ve been enamored by you from the beginning. I’m just glad you’re finally catching up,” Draeden chuckled, closing the distance between them once more. “Have I mentioned that you’re the most beautiful fey I’ve ever seen?”

“Once or twice, maybe,” Elowyn laughed. She ran her fingers through her ivory braid, unraveling it, anything to distract herself from the heat rising in her cheeks. “But I must say, you’re incredibly handsome. It’s hardly fair.”

“Is that so?” Draeden leaned forward to place a soft kiss on her lips. “Tell me more.”

Elowyn felt that burning heat start to bloom within her again. “I find everything about you arousing. From your golden gaze that makes my knees weak, to your skin that makes me want to touch and taste you everywhere.”

Draeden’s eyes scoured over Elowyn as he seized her waist after she spoke. He lifted her up from the oasis’ shallows and held her firmly against him and kissed her deeply, as if he could never have enough of her. Elowyn wrapped her legs around Draeden’s torso and slid her arms around his neck, her unbound snow-white hair falling to her waist in waves. Draeden gripped her backside coarsely, supporting her as he carried her out of the shallow waters. Elowyn felt the hardness of his length pressing against her and it made her breaths jagged. Draeden’s sure-fire steps carried them back to the plush blanket as he continued to kiss her passionately, tossing the earlier contents off the fabric.

He bent down to rest Elowyn’s head on one of the cushioned pillows, setting her body down carefully. He was crouched over her, both of his hands resting on her thighs as he stared at her unclothed form. His golden eyes tore into her as she bared herself before him. Draeden planted an arm next to her head and leaned forward to kiss her again. With his free hand, he licked two of his fingers as he led them down the plane of her waist and found her heat again. He rubbed it sensually, reveling in the moaning aches coming from her. Elowyn arched her back as the feeling of pleasure began to build at her core in towering heights.

Draeden bent down to taste her, licking the pebbled peaks of her breasts with seductive strokes of his tongue. Elowyn’s pleasure intensified and Draeden’s eyes turned wild. He plunged a finger into her and relished in her wetness for him. Elowyn lifted her hips at his touch, letting him know that she savored his new endeavor. He added another and continued to stroke his fingers. Elowyn gripped the blanket’s fabric and focused on nothing but the incomprehensible gratification she was feeling. She became unbound and a ripple of satisfaction carried her to her climax.

When she quieted, Draeden moved to rest beside her on the blanket. Both laying on their backs, their lungs rose and fell with hurried breaths. Turning her head, Elowyn looked at him, still reeling from her fading climax.

“I want all of you,” Elowyn said sincerely. “I trust you.”

Propped on his elbow, Draeden turned to her. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Elowyn affirmed.

Draeden hovered himself above her and Elowyn reached for his neck, lowering him into a soft kiss. She ran her fingers through his claret-red locks, savoring the warmth from his closeness. Elowyn’s heart unfolded, yielding to a newfound emotion in her. She didn’t believe this was love just yet, but it was looming that line. A sense of bliss unfurled inside her, spreading through every fiber of her being. It felt undeniable, precious, and unmistakable. In this moment, she knew without a doubt that this was everything she wanted.

They shared a deep kiss, bodies intertwined. Elowyn felt his hardness press against her, slick with desire. Draeden’s hips worked in rhythmic movements and his kisses became more urgent. Elowyn beckoned him to her entrance and Draeden became undone as he gripped her breast and thrust himself inside her. Elowyn gasped sharply, feeling his hardness inside her pulling and pushing tenderly. He began trailing his lips along her neck and to the side of her face.

“Are you okay?” Draeden whispered, nipping her ear.

“Yes,” Elowyn breathed, pulling his face into a kiss.

Draeden returned her embrace, gripping both his hands around her hips, burrowing deeper in her. Her body demanded him, tightening around his length and he sensed her climax approaching. The thought of it sent him increasing his pace to match her need until pleasure overwhelmed them both, careening them over the edge.

He slumped beside Elowyn, reaching for her body and pulling her close to him as he wrapped his arms around her. The two of them nestled into each other, delighting in each other’s company and the intimate moment. Draeden gently toyed with a strand of Elowyn’s snow-white hair, twirling it between his fingers as he spoke softly.

“Dusk is approaching,” he murmured. “The sunsets in Orwyn are breathtaking. I’d love for you to watch it with me, but I worry you’ll be late returning to Eriden before the Fifth Day begins.”

Elowyn lifted her gaze to the sky, watching as the clouds transformed into a palette of rich amber, luminous gold, burnt orange, and crimson red. This moment held such significance for her that she couldn’t help but smile.

“Let’s stay here, together, for the Fifth Day,” she declared, her eyes filled with affection. “We can make our offerings to Caena from this oasis. We can participate in the Offering from anywhere.”

Draeden hesitated for a moment. “What about your kingdom? Would they mind your absence from the Fifth Day?”

“There will be more Fifth Days. Right now, I don’t care. I just want be with you.”

Eventually, he nodded and replied, “All right, let’s do it.”

Elowyn’s eyes sparkled with delight as she showered Draeden with kisses, expressing her gratitude. She playfully pushed him onto his back and straddled him, feeling nothing but affection for him. Their passion ignited once more, and they made love under the setting sun, then again in the shallow oasis.

As moonrise approached, they summoned their magic, each projecting their own celestial creation from their palms. Draeden conjured a waning gibbous moon, brilliant and luminous, while Elowyn crafted a perfect crescent moon, radiant and breathtaking. Together, they released their magical projections into the sky, watching as their moons ascended, leaving behind trails of shimmering feylight.

Observing the celestial display, Elowyn marveled at the thousands of magical offerings floating above Orwyn, each one a tribute to the Fifth Day. She wondered if Ora, Bane, Stryx, and Nerys were witnessing the phenomenon in Eriden as well. In that moment, she felt a profound connection with every fey in Neramyr—each soul cherishing the sky above with wonder.

They gazed upwards, their eyes brimming with wonder. The celestial display above symbolized the conclusion of the Offering, magic newly replenished in the feylands once again. With contentment, Elowyn nestled into Draeden’s arms, watching the glimmering skies.

In that moment, her heart overflowed with bliss, knowing that this memory would be etched in her soul for the rest of her life.