“It is doubly exhausting for the Host, and isn’t done casually . . . but the power of temporary separation was granted unto our Goddess, Dark Ana, so that She could enjoy the delights of being husband and wife with Her beloved Darkhan. Most of the time They are the Dual One, two Gods in one form . . . but sometimes They are the Dual Ones, and we rejoice whenever They appear side by side,” he said.
She blushed at the thought, then paled at the implication . . . then blushed again. In the light of the Moons . . . say in the Grove . . . with just Aradin and Teral, and me . . . oh my.
Clearing her throat, she muttered, “I wouldn’t think you’d, ah . . . That is . . .” Gathering her wits, Saleria asked, “Teral, why did you tell me this? Why not earlier than now, I mean?”
“Because before, you were not open to the idea. Now, you don’t seem to object to my presence anymore,” he stated. “And because if things keep progressing as they have between my Host and you . . . well, Aradin’s a bit of a romantic deep down inside. He’s been thinking vague thoughts about you and him restoring the Grove well enough that the very first new wedding to take place within its walls would be yours and his. And vague thoughts of raising children, should you be amenable.
“You see, in this place, with you,” Teral said, gesturing with one hand at the Bower, the Grove, and her, “he has all of the great loves in his life combined. The man is besotted with the idea of spending the rest of his life here, working on this place, the ultimate Hortimancer’s dream task . . . and with you in particular. The more he helps you with the Grove, the less likely you are to ‘burn out,’ as you once said all Keepers do, within an average of ten years—I think you will find that the rift now tied to you will make all the magic you have been marshaling and expending that much easier to manage. You will be able to last for scores of years as one of its Guardians. So will he. And so will I, as his Guide.”
“Yes, I’ve already noticed the boost to my powers, though now I’m worried about accidentally sneezing while walking through the Grove, leaking a burst of magic, and creating some new blend of species,” she agreed dryly. “So you’re telling me this, about how you and Aradin can become two separate men, because . . . ?”
“It is an option, nothing more,” Teral stated, refolding his arms.
She couldn’t quite believe him. She was ignorant of other lands and customs, not naive. “With no personal agenda, or ulterior motive?”
Leaning over, he gave her a direct look. “So long as you keep Aradin sexually satisfied, I will feel no physical pressure while I’m in control of our shared flesh. And so long as you do not hate me . . . if you can, in fact, feel and express some level of kindness and caring toward me . . . then my emotional needs will be met. That, above everything else, will satisfy me.” His brown gaze softened. “Do you feel some small affection for me?”
It was a wistful question. Despite the gray streaking his dark hair and his beard, Saleria could see for a moment the younger man he had once been. On impulse, she rose up onto her toes and kissed his cheek. “I feel a lot of affection for you, Teral. As much as you are technically two separate men . . . you are a package deal, and you are very much a part of what makes Aradin the man he is today. And I do care for you as you, yourself. As Teral.”
Unfolding his arms, he wrapped them around her, embracing the young woman. She returned it, gripping his ribs with a snuggle of her cheek against his collarbone. Teral rested his own on the top of her head, enjoying the soft strength of her body. That was when he felt Aradin return from the Dark.
(What the . . . Teral, is there something I should know?) Aradin asked, his mental tone amused by the situation in which he found his Guide and the woman he loved.
(Hush, or you’ll embarrass the woman. I explained and reassured a few things for her, then asked if she has any emotional affection for me. She stated that she does care for me, and I hugged her for it,) his Guide calmly stated. (And I am quite enjoying this hug, thank you for asking.)
Rather than take offense—or worse, feel jealous—Aradin instead laughed. (Marvelous! I’m glad she’s taking to you so well. I suppose you’ll want the body for a little bit longer?)
(Yes, please,) Teral decided after only a brief moment of thought. (She smells wonderful, feminine without being overpoweringly flowery, and she feels . . . ! You know how she feels in our arms. So, yes, please.)
(No worries. But eventually I’ll want to explain what I found out about reverting all these magical mistakes.) Aradin let his inner laughter fade. (I’m afraid there’s not much we can do to separate the animals from the plants . . . and that over seventy-five percent of whatever’s in the Grove in this day and age is too dangerous to let loose on the rest of the world. On the bright side, somewhere between thirty-five and forty percent of it will be useful. Particularly the saps, when added to potion bases. We just have to be extremely careful about not letting certain plants out of our control.)