JC: William Redman Carter Noble Savage Chapter 36 By Lazlo Zalezac Copyright (C) Lazlo Zalezac, 2005 Nancy Darnell, Mistress of Ceremonies for the Druids, stood at head of the platform. She had finished explaining the significance of the ceremony that was to take place and now she was waiting for the bride and groom. This was her first wedding ceremony in which none of the individuals involved were a Druid. Oliver had volunteered to perform the ceremony, but she had insisted that she be allowed the honor. It was, after all, her service. A very serene Lucy walked to the platform from the dressing room. She was radiant. She had never looked as beautiful as she did in her white robe. A hush fell upon the people in the stands of the stadium. It was amazing how quiet five thousand people could become. Lucy stepped onto the platform. When she reached a spot just in front of Nancy, she stopped and turned to look back the way she came. William left the door and walked alone to the platform. He looked handsome in his blue robe. While her approach had been serene, William’s gave the impression of being in a hurry. He stepped onto the platform and stopped beside her. They turned to look at each other. The love in their eyes was obvious to even the guests seated furthest from them. William reached out and took her hand. Nancy, using a sword, traced a circle around the platform. When she had closed the circle, she shouted, “Be gone negative energies.” She lowered the sword and traced a second circle around the platform. When she had closed the circle, she shouted, “Protect us from negative energies.” She traced out a circle a third time. Once the circle was closed, she shouted, “Make us invisible to those that mean us harm." By warding the area from evil, the platform had become sacred ground. She went to a covered table and removed the cover to reveal a jar of wine, a silver goblet, and a small knife. She placed the sword upon the table. Upon picking up the jar of wine, she held it up and shouted, “May the Gods and Goddesses bless this wine!” William was sure that he could see an aura of energy settle around the bottle of wine. Nancy returned the bottle to the table. Smiling at the couple, she asked, “Do you swear before the Gods and Goddesses that you enter this union of your own free will?” Together, William and Lucy answered, “Yes.” Nancy turned to face the guests and shouted, “Do you swear by the deity that you hold most holy that this couple has answered yes?” With the roar that only five thousand voices raised as one can make, the audience answered, “Yes.” She shouted, “Then no person may question the decision to be in this marriage!” Turning to the couple, she asked, “Do you swear by the Gods and Goddesses that you enter into this marriage to love and be loved?” “Yes,” the couple answered in one voice. Nancy turned to face the guests and shouted, “Do you swear by the deity that you hold most holy that this couple has answered yes?” With the roar, the audience answered, “Yes.” She shouted, “Then no person may question the motives behind this marriage!” Nancy returned to the table and picked up the jar of wine. She poured a small amount of the wine into the silver goblet before replacing the jar on the table. She picked up the silver goblet and the small knife. She stepped up to William and said, “Hold out your hand.” Knowing that she was about to invoke one of the most powerful acts of magic, William held out his hand. She stabbed a finger with the knife and held the goblet under the wound to catch his blood. She went to Lucy and told her, “Hold out your hand.” Nervous about getting cut, Lucy held out a trembling hand. Nancy stabbed the finger and caught the few drops of blood that escaped from the wound in the silver goblet. She winked at Lucy who was staring at the cut on her finger wondering why it wasn’t hurting. Nancy returned to the table and swirled the mixture of wine and blood. She then poured the mixture back into the jar. She set the silver goblet back on the table and picked up the jar. She swirled the jar so that the contents could mix. Once she was satisfied, she poured a little of the wine back into the silver goblet. Holding the goblet up for all to see, she said, “By drinking the wine in this goblet, you will bind yourselves to each other for a period of one year.” She handed the goblet to William. He drank half of the contents and handed it back to her. She then handed it to Lucy. Looking over the edge of the goblet at William, Lucy finished the contents of the goblet. It seemed to Lucy and William as if a bolt of lightning had blasted through them the moment she finished the wine. A rope of energy tied their souls together making them one. Nancy took the goblet from a stunned Lucy and placed it on the table. When the couple recovered, she said, “Each year, on the anniversary of this date, you will fill this goblet with some wine from this jug. You renew your joining for another year by taking a sip of wine.” Nancy closed the jar of wine and handed it to William. She then handed the silver goblet to Lucy. The young couple held onto their items as if they were the most valuable things in the world. Nancy said, “If either of you chooses not to renew your role in the joining, then you need not drink of the wine. That shall end the bond that has been forged between you.” “Say hello to the newest family of the Clan Carter!” Nancy shouted. The people in the stands went crazy. Shouts of hello and congratulations echoed through the basketball stadium. It was nowhere near as loud as when the Denver Nuggets won a game at the last second, but it was an impressive sound none the less. Walking together, William and Lucy walked out of the arena. Once they were out of view, they put down the jar of wine and goblet. Lucy jumped onto William; wrapping her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. In dire need, she said, “I’m so horny that my nipples are going to burst.” Rather than answer, William kissed Lucy with passion. It was a minute later before they broke apart. In a lusty voice, William said, “We can’t have any exploding nipples. What do you suggest?” “Get out of that robe and take care of the problem!” Lucy growled even while pulling her robe off. A white robe and a blue robe settled onto the ground with Lucy lying atop them. It was hard to say if William mounted Lucy. It was more like she pulled him into her. Frantic with desire, they coupled on the floor. Each time Lucy climaxed, the feeling of lightning shot through both of them. The lightning grew stronger each time. Over and over, she came until he collapsed atop her after having his orgasm. Breathless, they held each other. Finally, Lucy said, “Wow.” “Wow, is right,” William said still breathing heavily from his actions. He struggled to rise and then asked, “Are we still on the basketball court?” “I don’t think so,” she said with a giggle. Truth to tell, she wasn’t sure. “Do you still have your nipples or did they explode?” “You acted in time, they are still here,” Lucy said with a giggle as she looked down at her chest. Her chest was glowing red with an orgasmic blush. William reached over and put an arm around her. They moved together so that they were cuddling. He said, “This is nice.” “We should get out to the reception,” she said. “It’ll take a half an hour for everyone to get outside to the reception.” “How long have we been in here?” William kissed her neck before he answered, “Forever would not be long enough.” “We should get out to the reception,” she said again. “There are five thousand people out there and the only one I want to see is in here with me,” William said and then kissed his way down to her nipples. Lucy sighed at the intense feelings that his kisses created within her. “You win,” she said and reached for him. “Didn’t you say that we should go out to the reception?” William teased. He gave a little nip to her hard nipple. “Screw the reception, make love to me,” Lucy replied. His attention was driving her crazy. For the next hour, he did as she commanded. This time the pace was slow and loving, but the feelings no less intense. Again, each orgasm was accompanied by bolts of lightning that drew them ever closer. By the time they finished, it seemed to them that their bodies shared a single soul. Looking over the crowd, it was hard for Lucy to believe how many people were gathered in one place for a single wedding. The largest contingent present, over 2000, consisted of men and women who were either homeless or sex workers. They came to give honor to Half Feather and Lucy Diamonds. Happy Harry waved to the newlywed couple. Together they walked over to where he was waiting for them. “We came to give you our wedding present,” Bottle Cap said shifting nervously from one foot to the other. As the man running the Pittsburg Homeless Hotel, he had the most exposure to Half Feather and Lucy Diamonds. As such, he had been named spokesman for the group. William said, “You needn’t give us anything.” In a very serous voice, Bottle Cap said, “Many months have been spent arguing over what kind of wedding present we, the poorest of the land, could give one of the richest men in the country. The debate ranged from coast to coast and we despaired of ever finding a suitable present.” ”In the end, it was the Angel of Chicago who convinced us that the one gift that would mean the most to you was our continued friendship. We know that it is not much of a gift, but it is all that we can give,” he said. Pointing to the men and women crowded behind him, he said, “I pledge to you our undying friendship on behalf of all of us. If you are ever in need, afraid, or lonely, come to us. We shall satisfy your need, chase away your fear, and keep you company.” William was silent for a moment while he looked over the crowd. When he was sure that he had their attention, he said, “Kings would honor us with titles. Rich men would give us gold. Of all the gifts that one person can give another, there is not one as valuable as friendship. Let each of you know that we value your gift above all else that we could imagine.” Lucy stepped forward and kissed Bottle Cap on the forehead. In a soft voice that managed to carry across the crowd, Lucy said, “In return for your friendship, we give you our love.” Touched, Bottle Cap stepped back and turned to look at the men and women gathered behind him. He was going to ask if they had heard what Lucy Diamonds had said, but the awe struck expressions told him that they had. He looked back at Lucy and said, “You give us too much, but we shall remember this.” “We have food, song, and entertainment for all. Eat, drink, and be merry for today Half Feather and Lucy Diamonds have married!” William shouted. The crowd roared their approval and dispersed to enjoy themselves. In less than a minute, Happy Harry was left alone with William and Lucy. Shaking his head, he said, “You two never cease to amaze me. About the time that I think you can do no more for my people; you do more for my people.” William shook his head and asked, “What did we do compared to millions offering us their friendship?” Happy Harry embraced the two of them and said, “Accept the blessings of a broken down old Druid.” The young couple hugged Harry. Lucy’s eyes were moist when she finally released him. “Thank you, Harry.” Trying to lighten the mood, Harry said, “They really spent a lot of time trying to come up with the perfect gift. It was even suggested that they should give you the California Kid, but they were afraid that you would return him and they’d be stuck with him forever.” Lucy laughed at the joke. She’d met the California Kid and liked him. He was a romantic at heart. She said, “We wouldn’t have returned him right away.” “Now go mingle with your other guests,” Harry said while wiping his eyes. The couple wandered away to be intercepted by Chief Robert White Feather. Looking over the young couple, he said, “So many have pledged themselves to the two of you this day. Across the courtyard, another group waits to make the same pledge to you.” William looked in the direction in which his uncle had pointed. He saw the representatives of the five hundred tribes waiting for them to come over. Nodding his head, he said, “Thank you.” When they reached the gathering of Native Americans, a man, woman, and child stepped forward from the crowd. William recognized the man as Large Elk. The woman was a school teacher by the name of Talks Truly. The child, a young boy, was named Raven Feather. All three had been selected by the White Buffalo. Large Elk, after handing William a packet of cigarettes, said, “Talks With Animals, let it be known that from this day forth you are welcome in any tribal meeting at any time. As first voice of the White Buffalo, your council will be honored.” Talks Truly looked at Lucy for a minute and then said, “Lucy, let it be known that from this day forth your name among our people is Walks With Wisdom.” Lucy looked over at William thinking that as long as she was beside William, that her name was indeed appropriate. William looked over at Lucy thinking that he had never met anyone who so embodied wisdom. Raven Feather stepped forward looking very nervous. He began, “Talks With Animals and Walks With Wisdom, let it be…” He faltered and looked over at his mother who was standing to the side. She mimicked saying the words and then he said, “known that from this day forth that we name you friend.” The young boy burst into a great smile at having gotten through his little speech. William was impressed while Lucy thought he was the cutest thing she had ever seen. She wanted to pick him up and hug him, but that wouldn’t be appropriate. William turned to Large Elk and said, “You have given me a great honor. Any tribe can call upon me at any time and I will come.” Lucy looked at Talks Truly and said, “You have given me a great honor. From this day forth, I shall name you my people.” William said, “No greater honor can be bestowed than friendship.” “We give our love and friendship in return,” Lucy said. The crowd slowly dispersed, satisfied with the exchange. Gifts of equal value had been exchanged. William gestured to Great Elk. The warrior came over and asked, “What can I do for you?” Pointing to a group of well dressed individuals, William answered, “We have almost four hundred guests from various fortune five hundred companies, two hundred from government agencies, and over a hundred politicians. I thought that you may be interested in talking with some of them. There are some who need to be warned away and others who could be invited closer.” “A warrior’s work is never done,” Great Elk said with a grin. He looked over at the group and said, “I appreciate the suggestion.” Lucy approached Talks Truly and asked, “Could I speak with you a moment?” The middle aged woman turned and looked at Lucy. Concerned by the young woman’s serious demeanor, she asked, “What is the matter?” “I was wondering if you could recommend someone to teach me the ways of our people. I would hate to do dishonor to the name you have given me because of my ignorance,” Lucy said. “You were well named,” the woman said with a smile. She said, “I have just the person for that task. She is undisciplined, but passionate about our history and our ways. You would both have much to teach each other.” “Thank you,” Lucy said. “I will send her to you at the end of summer,” Talks Truly said. William looked around at the people with a sigh. There were so many of them and too many wanted things from him. He shook his head. Raven Feather said, “You don’t look like you’re having fun. It’s your party, shouldn’t you be having fun?” Lucy looked over at Raven Feather and said, “You are right. We should be having fun. Would you like to play a game of Hunt the Bug-Eyed Monsters?” “Oh yeah,” he said with a grin. He looked over at his mother. She gave him a nod that it would be all right with her. With obvious enthusiasm, he said, “I’d like to do that.” Grinning at the idea, William said, “Oh yeah. It’s definitely time for a little game of Hunt the Bug-Eyed Monsters.” Several hours later, Kelly, Ling, Linda, Claire, and Ann stared at the group of kids seated around the basketball court. All five of the mothers were shaking their heads. After the disappearance of the newlyweds, the guests had started asking about them. Concerned, they had sent the husbands off to find them. When the husbands failed to return, they had gone off to find what had happened. There on the floor were William, Lucy, Ed, Leroy, Little John, Susan, Beth, John, and Dan with a group of kids surrounding each one. Kelly asked, “Can you believe it?” Shaking her head, Linda said, “They have five thousand guests and they spend the time playing with the kids.” Claire said, “They look like they are having fun.” “The boys will be boys,” Kelly said watching Ed hold his head in his hands when the kids proclaimed some problem against the bugs. She grinned at the obvious pleasure the adults were having and said, “I’m surprised at Lucy. I though she had more sense than to abandon five thousand guests.” “Don’t be,” Ling said winking at Ann. She grinned and said, “She’s a lot like William.” Looking over at her wife, Linda said, “That must drive you crazy.” “I like her,” Ling said with a shrug. She watched Lucy acting as central control sending ships of bug hunters to different locations in the galaxy. She brought other ships back to the station so that the crews could have snacks up in the stands. She added, “You know, she glows when she’s with William. William actually smiles almost all the time that he’s with her. She’s turned our serious little William into a pleasant young man.” Wiping a tear from her eye, Linda said, “I worried for a long time about William finding someone who understood him. She knows his moods and is there for him when he needs her. I’m so happy he found her.” “Sorry lot of mother-in-laws we are,” Claire said in a mock tone of disgust. “We can’t even think of one catty thing to say about our daughter-in-law.” Ann, Lucy’s mother, said, “Same here. I love William to death. Lucy was so lucky to find him. It takes a special man to appreciate her.” Kelly nodded her agreement and asked, “Do we break up the game now?” “No, let them play. Anyone who wants to talk to them bad enough can join the game,” Ling said. She looked in the direction from which they had come and said, “Too many of the guests want things from them. Let them have fun today. Tomorrow they have the party circuit to make.” “Rather hard to ask for investment advice while William’s piloting a space ship,” Kelly agreed. She shook her head and said, “Let’s rejoin the party and let people know that there is nothing to be concerned about.” William’s mothers left the arena while Ann stayed behind. Ann watched the spectacle for another few minutes with tears in her eyes. She had never seen her daughter play like that. Being three or four years younger than the kids in her classes and four grades ahead of kids her age had robbed her of play pals. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she said, “You’re so lucky to have found William.” The game slowly disbanded and William and Lucy went out to the reception. They were almost immediately overwhelmed by people wishing them luck and congratulating them on their marriage. Their classmates from the university they had just graduated from and William’s classmates from the Native American College and the Druid College gave congratulations and then asked about future plans. Neighbors and friends gave them their best wishes. Business associates and government representatives tended to ask for his help or influence. Lucy spent a little time with Kelly. The older woman pointed out how many of the young women seemed fascinated by William. Lucy had observed that phenomenon in the past, although it was becoming increasingly more frequent. William, with his exotic features, was extremely handsome and it was obvious that other women felt the same way. The pair had a little talk before Lucy went off to stand by William. The crowd was thinning before William got a chance to talk to Derrick. The former bully was leaning against a post smoking a cigarette and watching everyone else. William asked, “Could you give me one of those?” Derrick handed William a cigarette and said, “That was a real nice ceremony. It seems kind of strange to think of a marriage lasting only a year, though.” “It keeps us from taking each other for granted,” William said after he lit the cigarette. “I can see where that would be the case,” Derrick replied. He was silent for a moment and then said, “It took a while, but I’ve decided that I like Ling. At first, second, and third glance, she’s a pretty scary lady.” “Yes, she is,” William agreed. “Still, you know exactly where you stand with her,” Derrick said, “and I like that.” “I’m glad to hear that.” “I guess that’s why I like working for you.” Confused, William asked, “Because you like Ling?” Derrick laughed and said, “No. I like working for you because I know exactly where I stand with you.” “Where’s that?” William asked. Since he had hired Derrick, he hadn’t talked with the man more than a dozen times. “You want a good job done while helping those folks that need a little help discovering their own way. So long as work gets done and people get helped, you don’t interfere. You don’t like to interfere.” Taking a drag off the cigarette, William said, “Well, I do want you to enjoy what you’re doing.” “I love it,” Derrick said. William had asked him for his vision for the place. After Derrick had finished describing what he’d do with it if it were his, William had told him to do it. Since then, he’d been given a free hand in fixing up the ranch. Shaking his head, he said, “I love it more than I’ve ever enjoyed anything. I like the independence you’ve allowed me.” “I’m glad.” Derrick put out his cigarette and said, “Well, I bought you a couple of horses as a wedding present. Place like yours shouldn’t be seen only from a pickup truck.” “You’re beginning to sound like my dad.” Derrick winked and said, “He did help me pick out the horses.” After fishing out some pictures from his pocket, Derrick handed them over to William. He said, “Here are some pictures of the horses. That little mare is for Lucy. She’s a very good natured animal and I think she’ll get along well with your wife. You have a good time on your honeymoon and don’t worry about the ranch.” “We will,” William said looking over the pictures. The horses looked to be of very good stock. “By the way, where are you going on your Honeymoon?” “Oklahoma.” Derrick stared at William in shock. It took him several seconds to recover before he could ask, “Who in their right mind would honeymoon in Oklahoma?”