Before her astonished eyes the little pool did indeed seem to boil as though heated by a fire beneath. Surely such a thing was impossible, not natural.
"I do not think... oh!"
Gunnar had already started to undress. Mairead gaped as he dropped his belt, complete with sword, to the ground, then tugged his black leather tunic over his head. He ignored her startled gasps and his boots were soon unlaced and dumped beside the tunic. He glanced at her as he started work on his leather trousers. "You will not require the cloak, Mairead."
"But—"
Her words died in her throat when the tall Norseman peeled his trousers down to reveal his cock, erect and proud and jutting at her. Gloriously naked and utterly unashamed Gunnar grinned wickedly at her.
"I have seen your body, and now you have seen mine. This is fair, I think."
"Fair...?" Mairead's tenuous grasp of the Norse language failed her. "I do not understand..."
Gunnar appeared to have not the slightest interest in what she might or might not understand. He ignored her and strode across the flat rocks which surrounded the pool then lowered himself until he sat on the very edge, his feet dangling in the water.
"Have a care, you might burn yourself." Mairead was confused and anxious. The water he had scooped up did notseem unduly hot, but there might be other parts of the pond which were. Who could possibly know with such a bizarre phenomenon? Her every sense urged caution. "Perhaps we should move further away."
"These hot springs exist all over our land and my people have enjoyed bathing in them for centuries. There is no danger, just pleasure. Join me, Mairead." He extended his hand to her but she was rooted to the spot.
"I would prefer to return to Gunnarsholm, if you do not mind."
"We shall, soon. But first I shall require you to trust me once more. Come, Mairead. Leave the cloak there and come into the water with me." His eyes were soft, dark as midnight and utterly compelling. The command was softly spoken, but obedience was required nevertheless. And he had promised the waters were safe.
Slowly, cautiously, Mairead lowered the wolf's pelt, baring her body to him again. Was she mistaken or did his eyes darken yet more? His hand was still outstretched and she stepped forward to take it. He smiled at her, his even white teeth flashing as he pulled her to him.
"Sit beside me and put your feet in, as I have."
Mairead did as he instructed, and almost laughed out loud at the warm, tingling sensation in her lower limbs. "It tickles," she exclaimed. It is like... like..."
"Like the caress of a thousand elves, or fairies as you Celts would say."
"There are no such things as fairies, or elves." Still, she kicked her feet and giggled.
"No? I disagree. Anything is possible when you immerse yourself in the magical waters. Like this."
He shoved himself forward and sank into the bubbling pool. As his dark head disappeared under the surface Mairead at once started to panic.
"Gunnar? Jarl? Where are you. Stop this, you are scaring me."
He did not re-emerge and she peered anxiously into the depths. She could see him shimmering beneath. The waters were perfectly clear and he seemed to hover just a couple of feet below the surface. Perhaps if she were to?—
Gunnar broke the surface in a shower of glittering, warm bubbles. His grin was infectious, and despite her recent alarm Mairead laughed. He seemed to be standing on a ledge as he remained quite still, the water at chest height. He reached up for her.
"Come in, I will hold you."
Without another thought she leaned forward, dropped into the water and his outstretched arms. At once he wrapped her in his embrace and turned her so her back was to his chest. He looped his arms under hers and she allowed her feet to drift upwards until her toes broke the surface.
"H-how deep is the pond?"
"In the centre? Perhaps twenty feet or so. Do you swim, Mairead?"
"No. I am sorry..."
"Perhaps you will learn, as you have learnt our tongue. For now we shall stay at the edges. There are ledges and rocks to stand on, or to sit if you prefer. Or I could simply hold on to you like this."
"Do not let go. Please."
He chuckled into the shell of her ear. "Do not fear. I have already gone to considerable trouble for you. I have no intention of letting you drown in a hot spring." He leaned back against theside and drew her with him until just her head remained above the surface. "How do you like your bath, my Celt?"
