At the door of the great hall, I pause. Valeria and Summer Isle are here beside me. There could never be two better friends on earth. All seven of Conall's sisters are trailing behind us, politely leaving enough room for me to have a few last quiet moments with my favorite companions before the marriage ceremony begins.

Valeria puts a hand on my arm in that familiar gesture of comfort that she has offered so many times. Summer Isle's constant stream of ribald and hilarious mutterings has made it a challenge to keep a solemn face. The seannachie grins, winks, and at the last minute surprises me by taking me into his arms and stealing a long, searing kiss.

"I let too many opportunities go by," he smirks happily. "I couldn't miss the last chance, Briar!"

Valeria chuckles and shakes her head. The heron feather of the Cleite Gorm gleams behind her ear. She catches my glance and one finger goes up to touch the pale plume, the token of her bold spirit. As usual, she knows exactly what I'm thinking.

"I don't know if I will go with them to Dun Scaith," she shrugs.

The three of us stand staring at each other in an unaccustomed and awkward silence. The only thing that's certain is that I shall stay in Dunadd, united at last with my beloved Conall. No matter how hard I wish my two best friends could stay and share in the happiness, I know the time has come for us to part - for now! Our long adventure is over. For the restless warrior and the roving seannachie, the open road beckons to other journeys ahead. For me, there is finally a safehaven of bliss.

And behind us, Conall's seven sisters grow more impatient with each passing moment.

I hug Valeria fiercely, then throw my arms around Summer Isle, freely giving him an extra kiss. He dabs at my eyes with his sleeve. Valeria reaches up to straighten my crown of ribbons and flowers that has tilted askew. Then she gives me a firm nudge towards the door.

Conall's sisters fall readily into step. We enter the great hall to be greeted by a sweetly chiming harp. The huge space is crowded with people but I see no one except Conall. Slowly, enjoying the way the fire of desire flares brighter and brighter with each step towards him, I make my way to the man who holds my heart. Now that I know his deepest secret, the feral gleam in those bewitching dark eyes is even more powerfully seductive, daring me to match his untamed passions as his chosen life-mate.

Yes, I dare! Yes, I promise! Yes, I am yours, always!

Vows are sworn. Oaths are pledged. Blessings shower down on us.

A joyous whirl of feasting follows. I can hardly swallow on sip of wine or taste even one morsel of food. We are expected to dance and then we must witness the praise songs for the heroes of Samhain. The brightest of all the world's warriors are gathered here at the long table, each one a pillar of flame unto themselves. Conall outshines them all.

Finally our obligations are complete. We whisk away to our private celebration, a feast of each other, on which we hungrily sate ourselves until the dawn.