Annis often helped her, trying to create a sturdier needle, and Elysia had been pleased with many of her efforts. If Annis was only half as successful in finding the witch in the hills as she was with creating stitching needles, Bliss would be saved from the curse.
“That is quite a skilled hand you have there.”
Elysia almost jolted, caught by surprise with Tavish’s sudden appearance and offered a pleasant smile with her response. “Skilled from many years of experience.”
“Many years of dedication,” Tavish corrected and sat on the bench opposite Elysia at the table outside her cottage.
That was one thing Elysia did not like about warriors. They never requested, they did as they pleased. She had not invited Tavish to join her, he simply did as he pleased. That was a good indication he would do as he pleased once wed, with no regard to his wife.
“You are an accomplished woman, Elysia,” Tavish said. “Your stitching is sought by many and you also have healing skills.”
“I am no healer,” she said, wondering over his scar that ran partially through his beard along the right side of his face. No doubt it was from battle and while battle seemed to be inevitable with disputes and claims among the clans, she did not want a husband whose sole purpose was to take up a sword in endless battles.
“I believe you are, and both your skills would serve a warrior well.” He rubbed his scar. “Your fine stitching skills would probably have spared me this scar.”
She almost cringed at the thought of stitching flesh, though she had seen Bliss do it, though only to very deep wounds, never to other wounds.
“I know this cannot be easy for you, Elysia, having to choose a husband from men you barely know.”
He sounded sincere, but was he? His features were pleasant enough, his long, dark hair well-kept and he cast no odor. He was of good size with broad chest and shoulders, though not overly thick, and he was tall, but then most men seemed tall compared to her wee size. None of the three men, she realized, were as tall as Saber.
“I do not wish to wed,” she said, though it did not seem to matter to anyone no matter how often she said it.
“Sometimes we do not see what is best for us so others—wiser ones than ourselves—make the necessary decisions for us.”
A bite of anger fell along with her words. “You think me unwise?”
He shook his head, though smiled. “Nay, but when it comes to marriage you need some guidance.”
“And I suppose your wife will need guidance as well?” she asked.
“It is a husband’s duty to guide his wife wisely and to protect her. I will do well by you and guide you in your wifely duties and I will always keep you safe.”
She asked what she asked Bram. “Will you be a faithful husband?”
“I need only one woman… as long as she gives me no reason to roam.”
Elysia chuckled. “And, of course, you will decide if your wife gives you reason enough to roam.”
“A wife would not know, would not understand, and some women do not mind if their husbands roam.”
Elysia recalled something Bliss had told her and Annis once. “That is true. It would be a great relief to some women since some men fumble and lack the skill to pleasure their wives.”
Tavish’s eyes went wide. “How would you know something like that?”
“You should understand since you said it yourself. I am a healer and a healer hears and sees much with the women and men she heals.”
“You will be healing no more men once you are my wife,” he ordered.
Elysia shook her head. “I do not think Chieftain Emory would agree, especially if he took ill or if his warriors needed tending. You might want to think twice about your offer to marry me.”
He leaned closer, causing Elysia to lean back away from him. “Chieftain Emory offered fine coin to a warrior who would wed you and take you in hand and help get your sister Annis wed when she is found and returned. Bram, Rory, and I were the only ones to step forward. No others wanted to deal with Annis when she returned. I want that coin and it is obvious you want no demanding husband. I will strike a bargain with you. Wed me and I will leave you be to do as you please within reason, and I will see that Annis is free to choose her own husband.”
That he offered a bargain gave Elysia thought.
Tavish stood suddenly. “What do you want?”
Elysia did not have to turn to know who Tavish spoke to. There was only one person who could put a touch of fear in someone—well maybe two people but Annis was not here—it had to be Saber.