Nimue heard an undertone of sarcasm in Laana’s tone. She was making what sounded like innocent chit chat but was really having one of those earthy women’s conversations inquiring about secret matters between a man and a woman. They had reached the pasture and Laana’s horse had been saddled for her. They stopped, Laana with her hand on the gelding’s pommel.<br/>Nimue tilted her head like a small bird and smiled.<br/><br/>“I’m enjoying my marriage very much, thank you.” She answered. “Maric is very sweet and tender. For some reason he was a little hesitant at first, Perhaps you had soured him on the arts of love.” Her voice was kind and gentle but her meaning was clear. “Maric is my husband, in every sense of the word. Our marriage has been consummated in every part of our cottage and on every bit of furniture we own. He does take good care of me. He brings me pleasure and he makes me feel loved. We are happy. That is all you need to know about us. Maric is a man, a strong man and a gentle man, but I do believe he would die for his family. That family I’m talking about is me, Faren, Layla and the horses. So think twice before creating problems where there are none. You were friends with Maric long years before I came into his life. He honors you with his memories. Laana, you will always have a refuge in our home, please respect that.”<br/><br/>Laana opened and closed her mouth three times before mounting her horse. Nimue stepped back, giving her plenty of room to maneuver the creature. She waved her hand in farewell and went back to her love.