Chapter 4
Machias stirred slightly, feeling warm for a change. He didn’t remember much of what had happened, but he remembered being cold for a long time. It almost seemed as if the cold had settled in his bones and refused to be removed. But then the other shaman had come, and reminded him of what needed to be done. He would have liked to drift off to where the spirits were calling, but they’d stopped calling when she’d arrived. Now they soothed him and strengthened his body.
He’d awoken briefly before, but only long enough to drink the tea that Shana provided. Each time there’d been someone else in the room, giving the room a different feel. This time, he awoke slowly. His body wasn’t fully healed, but the only things left were bruises, which would fade away on their own soon enough. The spirits had helped him heal thoroughly.
Machias was surprised at the concern in the other man’s voice. If he’d expected anyone to be there when he woke it was Ranae, not Teagan. Still, with the strong arms circling him, he didn’t mind at all. “Sore,” he said, his voice a little harsh to his own ears, “but otherwise well.”
“Are you hungry? Can you make it into the kitchen?” Machias suppressed a sigh. Even though he didn’t want to end the embrace, his stomach told him that he should eat something. Slowly he swung his legs around the side of the bed, bracing himself on the bedpost as he stood up. His muscles protested the sudden use. Thankfully he managed to stay upright, though he wasn’t sure if he could walk without falling. His body might have healed, but it was still weak.
Then Teagan was there, supporting him again. Machias looked at the ground, sure that he would be blushing. It felt nice to be in such close contact with the carpenter, though he doubted the other man would appreciate hearing that. Teagan would probably think it weird if Machias told him that he liked him. Looking down, he noticed something different. “These aren’t the pants I was wearing…” He met Teagan’s eyes as he spoke.
Surprisingly, the other man blushed. “Your clothes were wet,” he said, his voice full of embarrassment. “I changed them for you.” Without waiting for any further comment, Teagan opened the door into the kitchen.
His father was the first to notice him. He was standing, gazing into the fire when the entered. Lasair noticed him next, as Teagan led him to the kitchen table and settled him down in the empty chair. Lasair’s smile was warm as he greeted him softly. His twin’s arms were around Ranae, who seemed to be sleeping against his chest. Machias started to tell his brother not to wake her up, but she stirred anyways, blinking at him sleepily. Noticing where she was, she blushed a deep red, but didn’t move.
“How long was I asleep?” Machias asked curious. He nodded his thanks to Teagan as the hunter handed him a large roll. After a few moments a bowl of broth was set in front of him as well. His stomach growled, letting him know that it was hungry. Despite his stomach’s encouragement, he ate slowly. The last thing he wanted was to get sick.
“About a week,” Teagan answered from behind him. “Shana came to check on you a few times. She told us that you were likely to wake today.” The carpenter’s hand brushed his shoulder. It traced the thin fading line of the scar that had been an open cut. “It’s amazing how much you healed. There’s barely even a scar here.” The surprise in Teagan’s voice made him laugh, though he tried to suppress it.
“Healing is what I’m good at, I suppose.” He relaxed when he saw the smile on Teagan’s face as the other man filled his bowl again. “Thank you all for taking care of me.” His smile was soft and hesitant. The smiles of those around the table were enough to let him know that there were no thanks needed.
“You would have done the same if one of us were hurt,” Ranae said softly. She was dressed less flamboyantly than normal today. He wondered if she’d been the one who’d stayed with him the night before. She certainly looked like she hadn’t slept much lately. Looking around the table, he noticed that no one seemed well rested.
“I think now it’s time for all of you to rest,” his voice was firm as he spoke. “No, don’t argue.” His father closed his mouth slowly, still looking as if he would argue. “I’ll be fine. Really.” When no one looked convinced, he continued. “The lodge is protected. No one could get in unless I let them in.” He sighed softly, shaking his head. “It’s not like you’ll be that far anyways. I’m sure the chief can spare a room for you, father.” The last statement seemed to weaken his father’s resolve a little, though it still seemed like he didn’t want to leave.
“If it makes you feel any better,” Teagan said warmly. “I don’t mind staying here with him. The cot in the front room will hold me alright.” Machias started to protest, but knew that it would be the only way to get his father to rest.
“Alright,” Karek said, smiling. “I concede.” He raised his hands in acquiescence. His father stood slowly. “Come on you two.” He patted Lasair on the shoulder. “You love birds can go be sickening elsewhere.” There was no bite in the words, just amusement.
Machias waited until his father had left before speaking again. “You don’t have to stay, you know.” He didn’t look at Teagan when he spoke. Really, he wanted the other man to stay, to hold him until he fell asleep. The carpenter had become his friend over the last few days. Machias wasn’t sure why they hadn’t spent more time together before, but he regretted it now. He enjoyed spending time with Teagan. If anything, he wanted to spend more time with him. The affection he’d been shown while recovering must have gone to his head. Several times he thought he’d seen the other man glancing at him with the same look of longing that must be in his own eyes. Machias wanted to be held and loved, like Ranae and the other young people in the village were. He thought maybe Teagan would accept that the shaman liked him. Perhaps he’d even share the feeling. Machias wouldn’t bet on it thought. It would be best to keep his feelings to himself, rather than risk loosing one of the few friends he had.
Drinking the rest of his broth, he rose. He didn’t even wobble much as he set his bowl on the counter. The only problem with having eaten was that the food made him tired again. “I think I’ll take a nap for a bit.” Machias headed for his bedroom, trying not to look at Teagan as he passed. He didn’t think he could handle the rejection right now. There was no reason to expect the carpenter to stay. They weren’t even really friends.
Sighing, he curled up in the bed that was too big for him. It had never seemed as empty as it did now. The extra space only reminded him that he didn’t have anyone to share the bed, and his life, with. He was sure that the ache of his bruises would keep him awake, despite the growing warmth in his stomach.
“That bed really is too big for just you,” Teagan’s voice whispered softly for nearby. Machias didn’t stir as the carpenter’s weight settled at the head of the bed. He closed his eyes as he felt callused fingers brush his hair away from his face. The fingers ran through his hair, slowly pulling him deeper into sleep.
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Machias was surprised that the sun was up again the next time he woke. He’d expected to wake up sometime during the night, but miraculously he’d slept through it. Looking around, he found himself alone in his room. A quick glance into the kitchen showed that empty as well. Suppressing a pang of disappointment, he pulled off the pants he’d been wearing. He blushed when he remembered that Teagan had been the one to change his clothes. The blush grew deeper when he realized that the carpenter had undressed him completely, even his underwear. Machias tried to get the thought of Teagan undressing him out of his mind as he pulled on a full set of clean clothes.
It seemed to be late morning, though he wouldn’t have been able to tell without more than a quick glance outside the window. His schedule had been completely thrown off by the trip to Lasair’s village. If nothing else he should probably visit the spirits once to thank them for healing him. Opening the door to his workroom, he stopped. There, sleeping on the cot in the corner, was Teagan. The carpenter looked peaceful and relaxed. Machias didn’t want to disturb him. All he wanted to do was watch the sleeping form, but his legs protested. He needed to sit down soon, before he fell down.
Silently he crept across the room until he was closer to the door. Nearby was the pile of cushions he used when going into the Trance. He moved as slowly as possible as he settled himself, so that he wouldn’t make any noise that would wake Teagan and so that he wouldn’t strain his weakened muscles. It took only a thought to enter the Trance. In one blink of an eye he was in the meeting place, with the spirits who had been waiting for him.
“Thank you for healing me,” Machias said after he’d greeted the spirits he recognized. “I am grateful for your help.”
Jiath’s spirit shook his head. “It is your right as shaman to be protected by the spirits. Healing you is part of our duty to the living.”
“The healing wouldn’t have been necessary had those three boys of your tribe remembered that the shaman has due respect,” the Founder said. If his voice could have conveyed feeling, it would have been awash with anger. Machias was surprised to pick up so much emotion, though it was barely a whisper to his own senses.
“You know who attacked me?” Machias shouldn’t have been surprised. The spirits of the forest could easily have seen what had happened, though they were powerless to stop it. Had the men attacked him in the forest, within reach of a tree, rather than on the wide path, it might have been different, but they hadn’t.
“Yes, we know.” There was something ominous about him as he rose, as if there were something he was planning. Machias didn’t flinch as the spirit approached him, drifting across the empty void. “It has been ages since I’ve had to teach the tribe a lesson in obedience.” The spirit reached for him, encasing his body and mind. “It seems the time has come again.”
Machias gasped as he returned to his body. He was standing, though he wasn’t sure how he’d managed to rise during the Trance. The world seemed blurred somehow, as if he were viewing it from farther away. He felt his body begin to move on its own accord towards the door, but he was unable to regain control. Without hesitation, he fought the force controlling him. An evil spirit shouldn’t have been able to enter the lodge, shouldn’t even have been able to approach it.
“Be still,” the Founder spoke through Machias’s body. He stopped struggling, letting the spirit take them both down the path to the village. He shouldn’t have been able to see where they were going. Never before had the spirits allowed him even remote control of his body while they used it. He was somewhat glad they’d hadn’t. It felt strange. Sights were further away, as if he were looking at things through a pool. Sounds reached him as muffled echoes. He didn’t have to concentrate on where he was going. At the moment he was only a passenger in his own body.
A hand grabbed him, halting the movement of his body. Teagan’s face loomed into view. Worry and frustration filled his face, though it was ruined by the way his hair was tousled, giving him a playful and gentle look. “Where are you going? You should be in bed,” Teagan chided softly. “Didn’t you hear me calling you?”
“The shaman can rest later,” the Founder answered. Machias’ voice sounded strange to his ears, almost like the voice of another person. “I have business to attend to at the moment.” The spirit pulled his body out of Teagan’s grip. “Either come along or leave, but do not try to stop me.” Teagan’s eyes had widened at the unfamiliar voice, but they narrowed now. His gaze was serious as he watched the spirit, following along beside them.
The village came into view quickly. Oddly, there was no one to be seen, though he could hear the faint whisper of voices ahead. The voices became soft chatter when he saw the crowd gathered in the square. In the center of the crowd were several figures. Towards the back of the group were Ranae, Lasair and Karek. In the middle were the chief and the village elders. On the ground in front of them were Sen, Koern and Iryn, their wrists bound. The entire group was circled by almost all of the tribe’s fighters and sentries. As the Founder moved his head, he spotted the families of the three boys. They all looked ashamed and frightened. The crowd parted before them as Machias and Teagan approached the chief.
“Machias,” the chief said softly. “These three just now returned. They’ve been unable to explain their absence.”
“We did nothing wrong,” Koern shouted, his voice crackling with fear. Machias wondered if the boy truly believed what he said.
“You have done wrong, child,” the Founder spoke, his voice causing the crowd to grow silent. Few people in the village had ever seen him directly channel a spirit. Not all of them would fully understand what the change in his voice meant. “The three of you have attacked the shaman of your tribe.” The Founder’s gaze raked over the three bound hunters. Only Sen showed any sort of defiance at the gaze. “You have attempted to end the life of the one who lives to protect the tribe from harm. Had you succeeded, there would be little keeping me from raining down punishment upon all of your village.” Gasps from people in the crowd drew his attention, but didn’t hold it for long. “We spirits favor this one, and it is only because of the nature of this one that we do not kill you outright.” A spark of anger showed in Sen’s eyes. The man tried to rise, but spear points drove him back to his knees. “You have hunted this one for most of your lives, tormented him, and failed to understand him. Now, you three shall be hunted until you understand the pain you have caused and are truly repentant. The spirits do will it by their combined powers.” Machias hand rose. It wove into a pattern that Machias couldn’t make out. The spirit made the pattern three times, summoned the same spell three times, but Machias knew he’d never be able to remember it. This spell was not meant to be known by a mortal.
Slowly, light rose around the tied men. Light seemed to be pouring out of their skin, emanating from them. The light rose in brilliance until he couldn’t stand to look anymore. Thankfully the spirit left him, allowing him to avert his eyes. When his vision cleared, he took in the captives with wonder. No longer were there three boys kneeling in the square. Their bindings had fallen away, as had their clothing. Where Sen had sat there was a large deer. The deer was colored like no other, though. It had markings to match the clothes the Leader of the Hunt had worn. Movement to the left caused his eyes to fall on a hawk slowly flapping its wings. The hawk had Koern’s coloring, through and through. The hawk’s slow rise caused the deer that was Sen to spring into motion too. The crowd parted for him as people drew away in revulsion. No one wanted the same punishment enacted on them. The only one left was a small streaked rabbit that had been Iryn. The rabbit looked around at the crowd, a hint of intelligence left in its blue-green eyes. It too fled from the crowd.
For several long moments there was silence. All eyes were focused on him. Even he was amazed by what had happened. He couldn’t imagine how the boys’ families were feeling. Without thinking, his gaze turned towards the three sets of parents gathered outside the now relaxed ring of guards. Sen’s mother had fainted. The only thing keeping her off the ground was her husband’s arms. Iryn and Koern’s mothers were both crying, one a bit more hysterically than the other. The three fathers all looked sad, but met his gaze with looks of understanding. They knew what had to be done for the tribe, even if it meant sacrificing their children.
“Why?” Iryn’s mother cried hysterically, her voice growing louder by the minute. “Why’d you take my son from me? He’s too young to leave.” He gaze focused on him, reproachful. “It’s your fault this happened.” The crying woman glared at him. “You’re unnatural.”
“Silence woman!” the chief barked. He watched her until some of the other women started to pull her away. “Your sons brought this upon themselves by acting against the will of the spirits.” The chief turned back towards his house. Slowly, the crowd began to disperse. Machias waited until there were only a few people remaining before turning away from the square and heading back to his lodge. As he left, he was certain that there would be no one challenging him again for quite awhile. The villagers’ view of him had forever changed.
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“Machias,” a voice called from outside the door. “Are you in there?” Setting aside the mixture he was working on, he wiped his hands clean on a rag. He made sure everything was neat before blowing out the candle he’d been working by. Slowly, he opened the door of the dark room until he could barely squeeze through, not wanting to let too much light into the room. He was surprised to see that the sun was already setting. It didn’t seem like he had been in the darkroom that long already.
“I’m here,” he called, closing the door behind him. He wasn’t surprised when Teagan entered the kitchen. The carpenter had been stopping by more often lately, checking to see how he was doing.
“What were you doing?” Teagan asked, curious. Machias sat down at the table, waiting until the carpenter was seated as well before answering.
“Making a healing salve,” he said, looking out the window. He’d been making a lot of salves recently. There were still a few more to make before his stock was full again. He’d have to find something else to work on then. Perhaps he’d make some candles to replenish his stock.
“You know,” Teagan started, his voice cautious. “You haven’t been in the village more than once this week.” Machias could feel the other man’s eyes on him, though he didn’t want to meet them. He feared what might be there. Would Teagan’s eyes be the same as some of the villagers’? Would he be looked at with hate and resentment again?
“There hasn’t been any need for me in the village.”
Teagan snorted. “Since when were you only allowed in the village when you were needed?” A hand tilted his head up to look into eyes full of warmth and sympathy. “The shaman is part of the tribe, whether or not the people appreciate that.” There was kindness and reassurance in Teagan’s voice. It pulled at his heart, bring up the sadness and loneliness he’d tried to suppress. He pulled his face away, standing. His bedroom was a merciful haven. There he could hide his tears from those that would laugh at him.
“Machias,” Teagan’s voice whispered against the back of his neck. Strong arms circled him, turning him around to face the other man. The carpenter’s embrace was warm and comforting as he relaxed into it. A hand stroked his hair, coaxing out all of the fear and sadness that he’d held inside himself. The other man waited until Machias’ tears had stopped before speaking again. “Even if no one else does, Ranae and I will welcome you into the village.” The hand that had stroked his hair caressed his cheek, tilting his head up until their eyes met. “Even if no one else does, I will always love and protect you.”
For one moment, he stopped breathing. He searched the eyes of the man who held him. “You’ll love me?” His voice was hesitant. He didn’t know what to think, not sure he could trust that his ears weren’t telling him what he wanted to hear, rather than what Teagan actually said. Machias’ head swam as doubt, happiness, and wonder filled him, hoping to hear those wonderful words again.
“I’ve loved you for years,” Teagan said, his face drawing closer. “The more I get to know you, the more I love you.” He could feel the taller man’s breath against his lips. Teagan’s face was both too close and too far away. Tears threatened to spill over again, but Machias fought to keep them at bay.
“I love you too,” he whispered. The more he thought about it, the more he realized he’d slowly fallen in love with the man over the last few weeks. He didn’t want Teagan to think badly of him. He wanted the carpenter to understand him, to care for him.
Their lips were together before Machias realized what had happened. The kiss was warm as he melted in the taller man’s arms. As the kiss continued his knees became weak. His mind swam with so many thoughts. For once he felt truly happy, knowing that there was someone who cared for him as no one else did. The thought that he was loved, wanted, needed, made his heart swell in his chest and sent his mind reeling. He gasped when they broke apart. Teagan’s mouth trailed down his neck. Machias moaned softly. His arms wrapped around the taller man, trying to keep himself upright despite the overwhelming emotions inside him. The problem was quickly solved for him as he was gently pushed backwards to sit on the bed.
Teagan’s mouth continued sucking at his neck as his hand traveled over the shaman’s chest. Machias moaned again, running his hands through Teagan’s hair. He didn’t protest when his vest was undone. The carpenter’s hands were everywhere, leaving warmth wherever they touched. He kissed the other man’s shoulders and chest, anything to touch him and be touched in return. A hand gently caressed between his legs, causing him to cry out. The touch made his need to be touched greater. Shamelessly, he rubbed against Teagan. The carpenter moaned as Machias rubbed against his erection. The shaman fumbled with the taller man’s clothes, needing to feel bare flesh against his own.
Machias started to protest when his hands were pushed away. Teagan silenced him with a kiss so fierce it left him gasping. Before he had time to recover the carpenter was on top of him, kissing his chest. He cried out again as a warm mouth closed over one of his nipples. His hands ran through Teagan’s hair. The carpenter growled softly, holding him down firmly as Machias squirmed beneath him. The mouth left his nipple briefly, but only to attack the other. He cried out again as strong hands began to pull his pants off, stroking his erection softly. A warm mouth encircled his member. Machias cried out again, his back arching. His vision blurred as warmth filled him, expanding out from between his legs.
Gasping, he tried to regain his thoughts when the mouth moved away. A slick finger sliding inside of him drove those thoughts away again. Another finger entered him, stretching his insides painfully. He whimpered softly, trying to ignore the pain. All he could think of was the pleasure that was filling him with each stroke. Soft kisses rained down on his face and neck as Teagan whispered words of comfort to him, telling him it would stop hurting. As the other man promised, the discomfort soon turned into immense pleasure. Machias moaned, certain nothing else could feel this good. “More,” he said softly, his voice rasping between gasps. He pulled Teagan closer to him, needing the contact of flesh against flesh. He cried out again in pleasure as the fingers thrust into him again and again.
One moment the fingers stopped, the next Teagan was inside of him. The feeling of the other man’s slick member inside of him was wonderful. He gasped with each thrust. Pleasure filled his entire mind as every inch of his body seemed alive with fire. He clutched at Teagan, not wanting the moment to end. His lips trailed up and down the other’s neck as he was thrust into again and again. The pleasure built in him more and more until his senses exploded. He called out Teagan’s name loudly as he came, his body stiffening and shuddering. Pleasure wracked through him at the sound of his own name being called from above him.
With a sigh, the carpenter collapsed onto him, his energy spent. Machias had to use all of his self-control to push the other man off of him. If nothing else, he didn’t want to forget the feeling of having Teagan inside of him, but the responsible part of his brain told him that he also needed to clean them before they both fell asleep. Slowly, he reached for a cloth, using it to wipe both of them clean. For once he was glad that the bed in the lodge was large. There was enough room for both of them to spread out. Not that Machias would use that space. He curled up against Teagan’s chest, resting his head on the other man’s shoulder. The blankets he had were more than enough to keep both of them warm, though just being next to the carpenter’s body was warm enough. A smile curved on his lips as he began to drift off to sleep. “I love you,” he whispered, though he didn’t think Teagan was still awake.
“I love you too,” the other man whispered. “Always.” Machias smiled, sure that he would never have to face the world alone again. Stroking Teagan’s chest softly, he drifted into sleep, content knowing the other man would still be there when he woke up.
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