Eileann dances with Iomar in Ch 11/Sc 3b of RAGING SEA by @KimHeadlee #amwriting

Overlay graphic (c)2016 by Kim Headlee.

Have you ever watched the beginning of a TV show or movie when the characters are having a party? You just KNOW something awful is about to happen because they're all acting way too happy.

Today's excerpt is kind of like that for me, since I've written far enough ahead to know exactly what's coming for Eileann and Iomar. And it's no party.

However, I'll not let my knowledge spoil the experience of this tender moment for you—or for them.

Previous excerpts of Raging Sea 
Chapters 1–6 in Raging Sea: Reckonings

 Chapter 7: Sc 1 | Sc 2 | Sc 3 | Sc 4 | Sc 5a | Sc 5b |
Chapter 8: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 2 | Sc 3a | Sc 3b |
Chapter 9: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 1c | Sc 1d | Sc 1e |
Chapter 10: Sc 1a | Sc 1b | Sc 2a | Sc 2b | Sc 3a | Sc 3b | Sc 3c |
Chapter 11: Sc 1a |  Sc 1b | Sc 1c | Sc 2 | Sc 3a |

Raging Sea Chapter 11, Scene 3b

©2016 by Kim Headlee

All rights reserved.

A priest’s blast on the aurochs horn signaled the end of the dance. Eileann halted in front of Iomar of Clan Rioghail. Another year, this might have been considered a surprise; virgins deeming themselves ready to transition to the next phase of life at Belteine were free to choose their mate, who often had no advance warning.

No surprise registered in Iomar’s gaze, of course, only intense desire.

He gathered her into his strong arms and fastened his ravenous lips to hers, stealing her breath and making her crave everything he had to offer.

Gently she disengaged. “We must greet the mothers first, and partake of the blessing of new life,” she murmured.

“I know.” He nuzzled and nipped at her neck, making her arch and gasp. “By this time next year, you shall be one of them.” His confident prophecy sent a wave of heat sweeping through her body.

He slipped his arm around her waist and guided her toward the line of pregnant women who had formed nearby. Every woman, mother and virgin alike, was regarding Eileann, who as àrd-banoigin held the honor of being the first virgin to greet the mothers. She smiled at the man she had chosen to receive the gift of her virginity and become her life partner, ensuring the continuity of Clan Tarsuinn by bearing many heirs.

Iomar’s lopsided return grin reminded her of another, one whose outcast status made him forbidden to her as a mate.

Eileann stumbled and might have fallen against the first pregnant woman if Iomar hadn’t lunged to steady her.

“Are you all right?” Concern throbbed in his tone, mirrored in his fingertips grasping her arms.

She apologized to the woman and flashed Iomar a shy look. “Aye. Mayhap a wee bit nervous.”

The woman giggled. “I’m thinking your husband shall have the remedy for that, my lady.”

As Eileann nodded agreement, she hoped with all her heart that Iomar possessed the remedy for her thinking about Angusel overmuch too.

***

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