Fierce Love is one
of the offerings in this year's Torquere Press Charity Sips Blitz, a fundraiser to benefit
the It Gets Better Project. In keeping with the theme of "getting
better," Christopher West gives us a glimpse into a brief but important
period in the lives of warrior Erim, and his lover, Adair, who might possibly
be a descendant of fairy kind.
Though Erim's own traditions don't include honoring the dead,
he journeys to his lover's village to meet Adair's family and join in their
observation of Samhain. I was caught up immediately into both the world building
and the easy interaction between these two men. The author gave vivid descriptions
of the landscape and surroundings, transporting me to a fantasy world, perhaps
much like our own in the past.
This little jewel of a story is slowly paced, and though
just a snippet of this couple's life, it marks a turning point for them. The
simple act of lighting a candle for the departed opens Adair's heart enough to
let someone out, and Erim's enough to understand how fiercely he loves Adair.
He shows that love in tender intimacy.
What particularly tugged at my heart was that while Adair
loved Erim unquestionably, he still mourned another. Rather than be jealous or
demanding, Erim understood that Adair's heart was large enough for two men.
Taking someone to bed to "prove" love is one thing, showing that love
out of bed is another, and made Erim a hero in my eyes. He showed his love in
every way imaginable.
Though this story is short, it captures, in gorgeous detail,
the moment when two souls go from being lovers to being so much more, and I can
see forever stretching out before them. Erim and Adair have so much more to
tell, and I'd love to see a novel. What a fitting contribution to this worthy
cause. Highly recommended.
***
Christopher West lives in central Illinois. His love and his inspiration are the men in his life, especially the ones that have helped him grow as an independent gay man and an author. His blog can be found at http://christopherwesterotica.
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