Kyran and Rhyanna

Rhyanna Cairn worked in the herb garden behind her apothecary shoppe. She enjoyed spending time in the garden every evening to offset any negative energy she may have encountered throughout the day. Besides grounding her, working with plants satisfied her need as an earth element to connect with her primary element.

Everything about the garden called to her senses. The warmth of the soil beneath her hands, the heady scent of the herbs she harvested, and the view of the sun setting on the river calmed her soul in a way nothing else could.

A smile crossed her face as she heard footsteps behind her.  A pair of well-muscled arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her back against the chest of the man who claimed her heart and a strand of her soul. His lips grazed her neck and the sensation of his stubble against her skin made her lean her head against his shoulder, giving him better access.

“I’ve missed you, my lady.” Kyran whispered between kisses.

“‘Tis only been an hour since ye saw me last, me laird.” Her voice was a throaty purr as she rubbed her cheek against his.

“Much too long to be apart,” he said, nipping lightly at her chin.

Rhyanna laughed at his playful tone.

“Are you finished? I have a surprise for you.”

Turning in his arms, her lips met his for a quick kiss.  “I loves surprises.  Lead the way.”

Kyran led her to the island’s portal and waited for her to step inside.
        “Where are ye taking me?” she asked, looking down at her dirty hands and skirt. “Am I dressed appropriately?”

He palmed her neck and took his time kissing her before setting their destination and activating the portal. “You’re always beautiful to me.” His lips distracted her from the weightlessness of portal travel. Moments later, a bell sounded, indicating their arrival, but it took them a moment to finish what he’d started.

Stepping back, he took in the flush on her cheeks and traced his thumb over her bottom lip. Fingers laced, he led them down the ramp and onto the shoreline near the Court of Tears. “Do you see that island?” He pointed straight ahead at a small rock cropping where a white lighthouse kept vigil.

“Aye.”

“Can you teleport us there?”

“Course I can. What be waiting for me there?”

“Be patient.”

Kyran wrapped himself around her and a moment later they stood in front of the small lightkeeper’s house. He led her to a blanket waiting on the sand. Large shells and a picnic basket anchored the corners.  He sat, then pulled her down between his legs so they could watch the last of the sunset.

“Thank you for me surprise, Kyran. ‘Tis a beautiful way to spend the evening.”

Popping the cork on a bottle of wine, he poured them each a glass. Gently, he tapped his glass against hers.  “Here’s to many more evenings her with you by my side.”  

From the basket, he produced smoked meats and cheese, soft buttered bread, and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Behind them lanterns came on outside of the house, and as Rhy turned to look, hundreds of candles lit, illuminating the inside of the little cottage.

“Who does this belong to?” she asked. “We must thank them for letting us use it.”

Kyran took her hand and pressed a skeleton key into it. “It’s yours, my lady.”

“Mine? I can’t accept this.” She tried pushing the key back, but he wrapped her fingers around it.

“Neptune gave it to me when I came of age, but I’m giving it to you to do with as you wish. We’ll set the wards before we leave, and you’ll have the power to keep me out if you wish...” His lips brushed against hers. “But I hope you’ll allow me to join you here.”

“Course I will, don’t be daft.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Oh.” Her face fell, and her eyes filled. “I’m sorry, I don’t have anything for ye. I’ve never been with anyone to acknowledge the day and I forgot...” Her voice floundered as she tried to apologize.

“Hush. You give me a gift every single day just by loving me.  That’s all I’ll ever need.”

His gaze calmed her, but then her eyes narrowed as she glanced at the adorable cottage behind them.

“So, we have a li’l love shack now.”

“Aye, we do.” His chuckle was a deep, gravelly sound.

Her emerald eyes darkened as she stood and extended her hand. “Ye best give me a tour then. I’m sure I can come up with something to make up for lacking a gift.”

Kyran laughed as he stood and swept her into his arms.  “I’m sure ye’ll more than make up for it.”

As the door closed behind them, the sound of the crashing waves was the perfect backdrop as they made love, and eventually drifted off—sated, happy, and loved.