1. A Journey Home part 2


    Date: 8/20/2015, Categories: Fantasy & Sci-Fi, Author: sirreadsalot10, Rating: 1, Source: LushStories

    elders wanted to give up on finding him a wife, but Elder Haran said he was a good lad and deserved a wife. He announced that if the others wouldn’t help solve the problem he would do it himself. It took him two months but at last, he found a solution. Aerik was surprised at being summoned by the elders, but dutifully reported to their council hall at the appropriate time. “Stay,” he said to Picah and the garg sat down outside the door. Aerik took a deep breath and entered the hall. He recognized the seven elders of his village but there were seven other elders present that he didn’t know. They must be from another village. “Aerik, you have been too long without a wife,” Elder Haran announced. Aerik said nothing. After being with Aubria, the other girls held no interest for him. They were but pale shadows compared to her. He thought of Aubria often and the one incredible moment that they had shared. “The sad truth is that not one father in the village will allow you to wed his daughter. They don’t understand why you hold yourself aloof from them. They find your companionship with the garg you call Picah to be unnatural.” At this Aerik was compelled to speak. “Elders, The gargs are capable of so much more than just being tools for hunting. Picah’s father Unkes taught me that. They have intelligence and feel friendship and loyalty. If the people would realize this, the gargs would add something wonderful to their lives.” “Mayhap you are right Aerik, and in time perhaps the ...
    people will learn this for themselves. But that is not why we are here today,” Elder Haran said solemnly. “Then why are we here?” Aerik asked. “A wife has been found for you. We have found a girl that, like you, is unwanted by any other in her village. These are her elders and they are here to witness your exchange of marriage necklaces.” “I haven’t fashioned one.” Aerik said. “I have one here that will serve,” Elder Haran said and handed Aerik a chain of silver with a milky white pearl held to the chain by strands of silver that looped around the pearl in an intricate pattern. “It is the necklace I gave to my wife Rini fifty annum’s ago” Aerik held the precious necklace as if he were afraid he would break it. He had never seen a marriage necklace so fine. “No, I will go make one of leather and stone. This was your wife’s marriage necklace. I can’t accept such a precious gift.” “Boy,” Elder Haran said, “My wife has been dead for twenty annums. We had no son of our own to give it to so he could give it to his wife. I think my Rini would have been proud to have had a son like you and so would I. Please grant an old man a favor and give this necklace to your wife.” “I am honored,” Aerik said overcome with emotion at Elder Haran’s gesture. “My wife never got to see a summer,” the old man said staring off into the distance. He looked back at Aerik. “You will be married this evening. Your intended awaits you through that door,” he said pointing to the door to an adjoining room. “Go ...