“What? What sort of idiocy is that? Why would they cut you off from half of all people?”
He shrugged one shoulder. “Not completely, no, or at least, not for most monks. We can interact with both men and women within certain circumstances. Some of us seek a hermitage and live away from all people, but most of us become a part of the community we live in. No, the stricture is particularly on… carnal relations with women.”
Clíodhna cocked her head. “So are they all expected to take male lovers? Some men prefer that, but many don’t.”
He coughed at her comment. She helpfully patted his back, but he waved off her help. “No, no carnal relations at all.”
“But… but how do you honor the fertility of your land? It’s insulting to abstain.”
He bowed his head, drawing his hand from hers, and resumed playing with his fingers. “This is becoming a most distressing conversation, Clíodhna. I’m so sorry I’m having trouble explaining it. We are meant to hold ourselves pure, away from the temptations of the flesh.”
“‘Temptations of the flesh?’ You make it sound so… sordid.”
He clasped his hands over his stomach. “In the eyes of our Lord, it is… unless it is within the sanctified relationship of marriage.”
“I don’t understand your god. I don’t think I want to, not with that bizarre belief.”
“Nevertheless, it is my belief. I must abide by it and be true to my heart.”
“Does this mean we cannot have chats? Must you shun my company?”
His eyes grew wide. “Absolutely not! First, I am not yet vowed. Second, I am charged to work within this community, and you are part of this community. Third,” he cleared his throat, “third, I quite enjoy our conversations. You make me consider things I’d never examined before. I enjoy this exercise. Perhaps we can learn more about each other’s beliefs through such conversations.”
Clíodhna took a deep breath. “If that is all we can be, then I shall treasure the friendship and chat.”
Odhrán took her hand again, his skin warm against hers. “Thank you for your understanding. I prayed last night that my weakness in touching hadn’t been a horrible mistake. Your own wisdom and generosity is a balm to my spirit and conscience.”
Her desire rose again, but she must honor his request. “May we talk a little each morning when I bring the children? I would very much like that.”
Odhrán gave her a dimpled grin. “As would I. Some mornings, I might have other duties, but when I can, I shall meet you at the abbey entrance.”
“Abbey?”
“Our name for our community. The leader is an Abbot, though we temporarily have none. One has been sent from Rome, though, and should be here in a few moons.”
Clíodhna rose, casting an eye to the sky to estimate the time of day. “I should leave you to your duties, then. Thank you, Odhrán, for explaining this to me.”
“Safe travel home, Clíodhna.”
Her journey to her house was full of both frustration and chagrin. She’d been so sure he’d make a delightful lover. This new religion seemed harsh, but some of the druidic rules might be just as severe, if not more so. At least she could still enjoy discussions with him.
Adhna waited for her at the viewing rock. He raised his eyebrows as she entered the clearing. “Should I have come later?”
“I apologize, Adhna. I got entangled in a fascinating conversation while dropping off the children. Have you met any from this new religion?”
His eyes clouded with anger. “I have not, and don’t intend to. They label my kind to be some daemon, inherently evil and only good for banishing.”
Clíodhna cocked her head. “They do?”
“Most assuredly. They splattered another of our kind with some water and told them to flee before the power of their god. The Fae just laughed at them, but then he held up a piece of cold iron in the shape of a cross. The Fae departed, but left some surprises for the priest.”
“What sort of surprises?”
“Would you like to hear tales or learn magic?”
Clíodhna bowed her head. “I’m sorry. Yes, I’d rather learn magic.”
“Very well, let’s begin.”
Adhna took her through several exercises like the one yesterday. When she’d finished, her body felt wrung out but vibrant, like she’d just run along a beach at full speed. Her skin buzzed. She rubbed her eyes and scrubbed her fingers in her hair to relieve some of the itch.
“Now that you’ve gained a level of control, let’s try to do something with that power. Draw your tendril back in. This time, pull it in through your arm to your hand.”
She did so and could almost see the blue light with her physical eyes, rather than her imagination. It sparked and twisted within her palm like lightning dancing across the sky in a thunderstorm.
The air grew dark. She glanced up and noticed rain clouds converging above them.
He followed her gaze. “Danú’s paps! Well, I know humans don’t wish to stay out in the rain, so we must delay the lesson. I shall see you again tomorrow.”
“Would you like to come inside and have something to eat? I don’t imagine it’s any more pleasant for you to get soaking wet.” The first drops plopped on the stone beside her.
With a wry twist of his lips, he agreed. “Would you happen to have any cheese?”
Clíodhna laughed as they ran to safety. “I have plenty of cheese!”
They didn’t quite make it inside in time. Shaking the water from their léinte, they crowded into the doorway and the now-dim interior of the roundhouse. The sullen glow of the banked peat fire let off
