They continued to reminisce while they watched it grow completely dark outside. That somehow added to their feeling of togetherness. Eventually, they went into the bedroom and leisurely made love, each showing their soulmate how much they meant to them. This transcended the physical act to become a profound expression ofemotional fusion, deep vulnerability and ultimate trust.This was not mere sex for them, only focused on the physical release. It was an act ofoneness, spiritual connection and heartfelt intimacy. It created a sacred space where their two souls once again merged and became one.
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Saturday, June 25, 2022
Rather than going down to the hotel dining room for breakfast, Mike again ordered room service. They ate in the privacy of their wonderful suite while admiring the breathtaking view of the lake and the mountain outside.
Since this was the start of winter in New Zealand, the temperature during the night had dropped to zero. The forecast for the days which they would be there was for it to be cold and crisp with the temperature only rising to about fifty degrees. Of course, that was down where their hotel was located.
Mike told Missy that his plan for that day was for them to go skiing up at the Coronet Peak which was only twenty minutes away. That mountain had gotten plenty of snow recently and at the summit it was fifty-four hundred feet high. It was about four thousand feet at the base and they would be able to rent some excellent ski equipment there. He had made sure before they left that she had packed some appropriate clothing for this.
Mike said, “You know, it was right after we had gone skiing on Mount Washington that you first revealed to me that you were a werecat. I think it only fitting that we take advantage of this opportunity to go skiing once again.”
“And, it’s up in a mountain where I can feel right at home. You sure know how to treat a werecat-woman, Mike! Let’s go!” Missy laughed as she went into their bedroom to get dressed for this adventure.
An hour and a half later, Missy was happily racing down the slope and had pulled ahead of Mike. Although he was an expert skier, it was impossible for him to keep up with her. He loved watching her graceful movements as she sped away. She was wearing a bright green ski outfit with matching hat. Her dark red hair was sticking out and just the sight of her made his heart race. Yes, that was his wife up there, having a great time doing something physical. Oh, how he loved her!
When Missy arrived at the bottom she turned and waited for Mike. He wasn’t all that far behind her and when he reachedher location he pulled her into his arms for a big hug and a kiss. Then, they made their way over to the lift area and soon were being carried up to the summit once again.
By the time they finally returned to their hotel that night, they were completely worn out but had truly enjoyed themselves to the maximum amount possible.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Sunday, June 26, 2022
Mike woke Missy up at seven-thirty and insisted she pull on something warm to wear and join him out on the balcony. Since it was only a few days past the winter solstice (the latest sunrise), it would remain dark until a few minutes after eight a.m. Mike explained, “I brought along this telescope which we can take turns looking through. According to my research, the Matariki should be visible any moment now from right here. It finally sets in the west in May but a month later, it reappears on the eastern horizon just before dawn.”
Missy asked, “What’s the Matariki and why should watching its rising be significant?”
“Well, Matariki is the Maori name for thePleiadesstar cluster. Its rising marks the beginning of the new year in the Maori calendar. This begins the first month and many here refer to it as ‘thestarof the year’ because it signals thestartof the year. Pleiades is an open star cluster located about 440 light-years from Earth. It’s one of our nearest constellations and contains over 1,000 stars, although only a few of them are visible without a telescope.”
In an eager voice, Missy said, “Ohhh, tell me more! I think I’m getting whyweshould be interested. It’s because it also signals a newbeginning, right?”
“Absolutely!” exclaimed Mike. “Look there!” He handed her the telescope and pointed in the direction where he’d been looking. While Missy then gazed at the stars which had nowrisen and become visible, Mike continued to explain what he’d learned about Pleiadesand why he considered it to be most appropriate for the two of them to examine it. They were married now which was a new beginning for their relationship.
They took turns using the telescope until the sun came up. Then, of course, they enjoyed seeing that sunrise as well. Missy was impressed that Mike had obviously given their honeymoon so much attention, thoroughly researching things for them to enjoy and appreciate.
Later that day, she was further impressed. Mike had arranged for them to cruise on a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. This was a round-trip half day event and included a gourmet barbecue lunch.It was a beautiful way to see majestic mountains while listening to a piano playing in the background.
They got to sit back on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and savor the delicious aromas of local produce, sizzling away on the grill. The lunch menu had plenty to choose from with salads, vegetables, local cheeses and succulent meats cooked on the outdoor grill. To finish their meal there were scrumptious desserts to choose from. Mike was too full but Missy couldn’t resist having their pavlova, which was meringue based with a crisp outside and a soft, marshmallow-like inside, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. They also got to see a sheep shearing demonstration along with some showmanship by the farm’s sheepdogs.
As they were snuggling together during the return ride from the island, Mike said, “I wanted us to spend today doing something relaxing like this after that crazy day of skiing we hadyesterday. I know you can do physically demanding crazy stuff twenty-four seven but I need to pace myself.”
Missy giggled and said, “I only do the really crazy stuff when I’m not with you. Yesterday was perfect and I want us to go back and do all that once again before we leave.”
“Okay, I knew you would say that. I already reserved the same skis and equipment for us again on Wednesday. For tomorrow, I thought we’d go bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge, where bungee jumping first got started. I know that’s a bit tame for you after all the HALO jumps you’ve made in the army but it will give me a chance to experience a little of what those might be like. I like the idea of sharing some of what you get to feel, even though I know it will probably scare the hell out of me.”
“Oh, I like that,” exclaimed Missy. “I think we can do that together, right?”
“Yep, that’s called tandem jumping where we are strapped together facing each other. The drop from this bridge is more than one hundred and forty feet and we can choose to get our hair wet in the river which you probably might enjoy.” Mike had booked for them to do this twice, figuring Missy would surely get a kick out of that.
They continued to discuss plans for the days ahead and Mike explained what the many options he had researched might involve. He told her he wanted her to decide on which adventure they’d be doing that Tuesday.
“Okay, I’ll have to think about it,” agreed Missy. “Now, when you first suggested we come here for our honeymoon, you not only mentioned our going on the cruise we’re doing todaybut you also said something about some private frolicking at Onsen Hot Pools. Is that still on the agenda?”
“It certainly is and I’ve made reservations for us to go there right after we finish this cruise. Since we’ve already had such a huge lunch, we won’t need to eat a big meal again. They have snacks and drinks there and I’ve read that the views from their hot tubs of the mountains and valley below are absolutely stunning. We’ll be there for the sunset which everyone says is the best time to go. The place is high above the Shotover River right near here.”
“And can we really be completelynakedwhen we’re there?”
