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.He was beginning to worry, wondering ifhe had done something to cause Quan unrest, if Quan hadperhaps decided that there was another person to desire, towant.If the idyll in the forest had been just that a gift fromthe winds to prepare them for a lifetime of unrest and worry.As he arrived at his tent, he could hear Quan. Just go! The flaps parted and Naki came out, eyes widening as theysaw him.Then she smiled, pressed close and looked up athim. Did you have to come back so soon? Your ba'chi is quitepleasant between the furs. His lip curled, stomach clenching in fury. Di'ben sur,Naki, he ground out. It sounded as if Quan found you lessthan pleasant, however.Perhaps oft-used and ill-kept is notas appealing as it sounds. She slapped him, hard, and Quan came out of their tent atthe noise.His ki'ita's eyes widened at the sight of him, butthen turned to Naki. I asked you to take your poisonous half-truths about my hi'icha and leave. He is no hi'icha, laughed Naki, anger flashing in the eyeshe had once found so pretty.125 Where Flows the Waterby Sean MichaelQuan drew himself up, stiff, fingers curling primly togetherin front of him. He is my ki'ita and I am ba'chi that makeshim hi'icha. He will not survive a single challenge.He is no hi'icha. She was a wasp, dripping with venom. I will survive what I must. Jael met her eyes, exhaustedall through. I will meet any challenge for him. Just go, Naki.You are not wanted here. Quan's voice wassharp.She looked as if she would argue and Jael growled,showing his teeth, shoulders tightening.The eyes of the tribewere on them, and he would protect and provide.She wouldleave or be removed to her tent.She glared at them both, butleft without saying anything else. Infuriating woman, muttered Quan at his side beforeturning and going into their tent.Jael watched as Quan disappeared, sighing and watchingthe fire.They needed wood.They needed supper.He neededa nap. Jael? Are you coming? Clipped and short, he could hearthe strain in his ki'ita's voice.He nodded, tearing his eyes from the fire, and headed intothe tent. Are you well, Quan? I thought we could bathe together wash each other'sbacks and.well I have need of you, Jael.It feels like it hasbeen days since you touched me. Jael felt the horrible tension inside him dissolve with analmost audible pop, making him sway.He met changing-water eyes with a smile, weak, but true. Yes.Please, Quan.I.I have need of my ki'ita's touch, his kisses. 126 Where Flows the Waterby Sean MichaelThe smile he was given in return was beautiful, Quantaking a deep breath. Oh.yes, Jael. To the river? It will soon be too cold to bathe there. Hereached out, touching Quan's face with a single finger. Oh.I had thought you would prefer the bath here so thatwe would be assured our privacy, but I must admit that myskin cries for the river. He smiled.How could this man dissolve his fury, hissorrow? It was unreasonable, but so true. There are.private.spots on the river. Quan's smile was part pleasure, part seduction and entirelyhis. It would be most wonderful, Jael, if you could show meone of these private spots. He felt his cheeks heat. If I did not know better, Peacock,I would think you were attempting to lure me into a trap. Quan flushed as well. Only the most pleasurable of traps,my hunter, I promise you. Oh, Peacock, you are a joy to me.Shall we bring somefurs and a basket with food? The night promises to be mildand I have had my fill of company today. As have I, Jael.That sounds wonderful. Quan began tobustle about the tent, pulling down his pack and neatlypacking it with a few things that Quan considered essentials.Jael gathered up a bundle of furs and his tinderbox, worriesand doubts eased by the warmth and pleasure of his ki'ita.It was exactly what he had needed.* * * *Quan leaned over the tub, hair dripping with water andsoap, working the pure suds through the long mass of hair.127 Where Flows the Waterby Sean MichaelHe had meant to do it in the morning, but it was so mucheasier to do with Jael's help and his hunter was expectedhome today from the hunt.When dusk had not yielded hishunter to him, he had decided to do it himself.It was a taskthat he usually had no problem with, one that felt good toperform, but he found himself strangely unhappy to be doingit by himself this night.Jael should have been home already,should have been helping him.He dunked his head in the water, trying to get rid of thesoap.It was proving stubborn though, dripping into his eyesand stinging and he was cold and frustrated, hair hopelesslytangled and soapy.He sat down, tears threatening.He wasgoing to start crying in a minute, but he couldn't quite bringhimself to care.He didn't care who heard or saw, the tribe,the elders, that stupid cow Naki who used every opportunityto make him miserable and doubt his ki'ita.Careful hands cupped the back of his head, arching himcarefully over the tub, rinse water sliding through his hair. Di'ben nor, ki'ita. Oh! He gasped quietly, tense muscles relaxing, lettingJael's hands hold him and guide him and make things right.When the soap was gone and Jael had righted him again, hesmiled up at his ki'ita. Di'ben nor, ki'ita.Thank you. Jael nodded and smiled.His hunter was filthy coveredwith black, clothes torn. My turn, I think. He gulped and nodded, and, judging that there was justenough of his hunter's lips that were not dirty, stole a quickkiss before backing away.128 Where Flows the Waterby Sean Michael Are you hurt? he asked, worried at what so much dirtmight be hiding. A scratch here and there, nothing worth comment. Jaelstarted stripping, tossing his leathers to the side. We'll haveto see if they're mendable. Jael's stomach was covered inscratches, a few brambles still caught in the skin.There was adarkening bruise on one hip, but Jael spoke the truth.He wasnot seriously hurt, just banged about. We'll have to see if they'll clean first, he suggested,pushing them aside. What happened? We met a boar who introduced me to a briar patch. Jaelrolled his eyes, then shook his head. Harit was carried homelame.So I will not complain. Oh, Jael! His heart was beating so fast at the thought ofJael being hurt like that.He went forward and slid his handsover Jael, not caring about the dirt that still soiled his hunter,needing to feel for himself the solid heat and wholeness of hiski'ita. I'm fine, Quan.Just a boar.It happens. Jael's voice waswarm, fond, unconcerned as he stepped into the tub. Well it has never happened to my ki'ita before, Jael. Hecupped his hands and gathered water, rinsing Jael's skin.Jaelpurred, stretching and offering more skin to his sight, watersliding down in rivulets.He took his soap and sudsed up hishands, sliding them over the muscled back. I'm glad youwere not seriously hurt, my hunter. Jael leaned forward,moaning.The mud washed away, leaving the long line ofdeeply tanned skin.Quan moaned softly. I wish to love you,Jael. 129 Where Flows the Waterby Sean MichaelGreen eyes turned, looked at him. Do you? Love me,Quan? He blinked, realising he had never said the words but theywere true, he could feel it.Feel it in his heart, in his gut, inhis soul. Yes, Jael.I do. That is a good thing, my One. Jael's eyes twinkled. Because you make my heart sing. Oh. He met Jael's look with a smile, his earlierannoyance and upset entirely gone. Come out of the tub,ki'ita, and let us share our hearts songs
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