Winds of Change Chapter 23
Title: Winds of Change (23/?)
Chapter 23
Pairing: Jane/Maura
Rating: M
Disclaimer: I don’t own Jane or Maura or their counterparts from the TV show or books…I only wish. I am going to be adding a few of my own characters however.
Summary: Jane and Maura reach Hecation Province and begin their journey to their new home. Again italics denotes mind speaking in body of story.
Thanks to everyone who has taken the time read and review. I now have over 200 reviews for this story and I really appreciate it. Your words are a real boost to my motivation. Also a big thanks to those of you who have favorited and followed. It really makes my day to receive feedback from my readers. Now on to the story. Happy Reading!
Previously… Laird Raven turned to her wife. “Well my lady, shall we also go prepare for departure?”
A grin split the smaller woman’s face. “Why yes, my handsome Laird. I think we should.” She took her King’s arm to do just that.
Behind them the Captain yelled. “Hoist the Royal Flag!”
The couple watched as a large flag, half black, half white, rose above the ship to fly over the sails. Standing together on the flag was a large black wolf with golden eyes and a gold Royal band on its front leg, and a white wolf, a little smaller than the black, with emerald green eyes and a silver Royal band on its front leg. The smaller wolf leaned against the larger. The black wolf was on the white half of the flag as the white wolf was on the black half.
Cheering, howling, bell ringing, and horn blowing rose from their ship before more of the same was heard coming from other vessels in the harbor area. Many were excited to see the flag. A standard that hadn’t flown since the days of the first King and Queen of the Lycans.
Soon the couple was packed and ready to go. They each wore the same outfit they wore upon their arrival to Undrehiel except now a bit better armed. They stepped out of their cabin climbing up to stand by the Captain as they headed into the harbor to dock, it was time for the next part of their adventure to begin.
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CHAPTER 23
The couple watched as their now three large Royal traveling trunks were rolled out to the main deck for offloading. Their two smaller trunks were stacked with them. The two additional large trunks and the one additional small one had been stored aboard ship awaiting their arrival. Maura had no problem filling them. She found things she loved at every stop the Raven’s Lady made.
They could see a large crowd had gathered at the harbor. Their fourteen guards from Wolfe Security were all armed and on alert as were Nina and a contingent of another ten guards. They were all going to be travelling with them to their new home which was in the middle of the Hecation Province. Their future home was simply known as King’s Manor and was outside of a village known as King’s Place. No hard or elaborate names there.
The large harbor town was Hecate City. Once they docked the women saw warriors in blue and black uniforms lining the street keeping the crowd out of the street and on the walkways.
Jane turned to Cookie, Maddy, Millie, and Bo Miller, who was Cookie’s husband, and Richie Mason who was engaged to Maddy. The family and a few of the other crew besides Nina’s squad were traveling with them to King’s Manor. They would be driving the wagons, helping to set-up camp, and cooking. “I want you five to keep a close watch on Jeremy and Emily.” Jane ordered.
Looking down at the children. “I want you two to stay closely attached to your guards here. If Cornelius and Jarvis make good time we should be meeting up with them soon and they too can help watch out for you. I have a feeling this is going to be a slow journey with lots of fanfare along the way. So please be careful and stay with the Miller family especially when the crowds get large.”
“We will take good care of them Highness.” Bo promised.
Jane nodded twisting back to watch the Raven’s Lady dock at the harbor. Captain Donovan’s crew worked like a well-oiled machine.
The Royal couple and their guards waited until the wagons were loaded with all the cargo and crew that were heading to King’s Manor. Jane sighed in relief when both the children were seated on the front bench between Cookie and Bo on one of the wagons.
“They will be okay dear. The Miller’s will watch them like they were their own.” Maura whispered in her mate’s ear. Her love only nodded in agreement.
The four wagons were held in place awaiting departure. Jane and Maura faced the Captain. The dark haired woman offered her hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you Captain Donovan. It may be a while, but we will be seeing each other again. You take good care of The Raven’s Lady for us. Please take the crew out for a hearty dinner and drinks on us. They made the journey an enjoyable one.”
The Captain shook the King’s hand. “It has been an honor meeting you both and I look forward to serving you further in the future. And rest assured your ship is in good hands. I also thank you both on behalf of myself and the crew.”
Jane and Maura didn’t tell him about the letter Jane left in his cabin with instructions for bonuses for everyone who had traveled with them on the ship. He would find it soon enough.
The man bowed to Maura. “My Lady, it has been a pleasure.”
Maura smiled nodding. “Yes it has Captain, and thank you again for such a delightful journey.”
The Royal couple moved as one to join those left to depart the ship. Half of their Wolfe Security contingent was in front of them along with half of the ship guards. The other half of both parties were behind them. The large group slowly made their way off the ship. Once on the large dock guards moved to stand beside the couple as well as before and behind. Jane felt Maura holding tight to her as they entered the street and the crowd pushed against the uniformed warriors.
Many called to them, some were happy to see them, some wanted proof of their identity, and some even called out comments about their beauty and things. The couple smiled and waved to the crowd as Goddess Vivienne had told instructed in their last training session.
Before they made it to the waiting horses a large man in a suit with several warrior around him approached. Both groups came to a halt.
“I am Charles O’Halloran, Mayor of Hecate City. With me is General Poledio of the Hecation Army. We are here to test the validity of your claim, to make sure you are the ones we have been waiting for. It is told in the history of Lord Raven that the King of the Lycans can push back the combined force of wills of fifteen strong Alpha warriors. We would like Laird Raven to do so, as proof of her identity.”
Jane and Maura moved up among their guards. Jane slipped off her jacket as she walked, her Royal band gleaming on her well formed bicep. Maura took the jacket laying it over one arm. She squeezed her loves hand. “You can do this easy and we can be on our way.”
“Thanks for the support sweetheart. Do not step out from behind the front guards please. I can handle anything that comes my way, but I will be able to focus better if you are protected.”
“I will love. I don’t want to do anything to distract you in this situation.”
Jane lifted her Queen’s hand and kissed it before stepping away, and in front of Marcus and Zeon, who led the group.
Laird Raven stood proud and tall before her guard. Several magic imagers were going off as they captured the first clear pictures of the new King. A legend in the making. “How many Alpha warriors do you have with you?”
“Myself, the General, and thirteen others!” The Mayor’s voice rose to be heard over the crowd.
“Do you have five more strong Alpha warriors who can join you? I don’t want to leave any doubt as to who I am.”
The Mayor looked stunned, but the General smirked as he picked five warriors from the ones holding the crowd back. The remaining warriors shifted to fill the gaps.
Raven stepped closer to the group of warriors wanting none to think she had any help from those at her back. “You may begin anytime you are ready.”
Laird Raven felt it as all the warriors banded together bringing their wills to the forefront. The General was their conduit or focus. Without a focus their combined wills would lash out at everyone around them. The General made sure all of their combined force was directed solely on the woman in black.
They were strong, but not stronger than facing Maura at full capacity along with five other warriors. Raven smiled at them when she felt them peak. Her will flew from her surrounding the warriors, slowly taking them all to one knee before her. She held them there as she moved closer to the General and Mayor.
“Do you have your proof?”
In answer the General bared his neck. Jane blew across it before taking a few steps back then releasing them.
All twenty warriors bowed to her with fists over their hearts. “It is an honor to have you in Hecation you’re Majesty. I have warriors waiting near every town and village your party will pass through on your way to your home. I and the now eighteen warriors with me would like to join your party as escorts and additional security.” General Poledio stated.
“I will accept your offer. Alphas Marcus and Zeon of Wolfe Security are the current heads of our guard detail.” She waved them forward and Evie and Alexi moved closed ranks before Maura.
She introduced the three warriors. “Marcus, Zeon you will coordinate security and travel with the General. He and the eighteen warriors with him will be joining our party for the remainder of our journey.” It didn’t take long and soon Jane was walking back to her Queen.
“You were awesome, love. I really liked how you topped the old King’s number. It was a nice touch.” Maura stood on tiptoe as she pulled her warrior down for a quick kiss that received whistles and cheers from the crowd, as well as a few ‘Ahs’.
“Thank you love. Now let’s be on our way. I can’t take this crowd much longer.” Jane slid her jacket back on as they made their way to their horses. Maura would be riding a beautiful white gelding and Jane a large pure black stallion.
Laird Raven easily lifted her lady up onto her horse holding her easily aloft as Lady Snow got her skirts in place before gently setting the Queen in her saddle. That casual show of strength was not missed by the crowd. The King easily bounded up into her saddle from a flat footed position without using the stirrups showing agility and skill. The black did not skitter or shy under King Raven, but stood proud and answered the slightest of touches from his rider. The white gelding doing the same for Queen Snow.
Soon the entire procession was mounted up and slowly made their way through Hecate City and out the city gates.
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It wasn’t long before the Royal Caravan, as it began to be called, met up with two lone riders who said they were expected by the King. General Poledio sent a man back to speak with Laird Raven.
Jane smiled when she heard who they were. She turned in her saddle. “Nina!” It wasn’t long before the woman rode up beside her. “Cornelius and Jarvis are here would you please ride up with this warrior and verify it is indeed our friends. If all is well please escort them back here.”
“Yes, you’re Highness.” Nina saluted with fist over heart and rode away with the other warrior to the front of the procession.
“You doing okay love? Is it bothering you that everyone seems to be directing their conversations and questions towards me?”
“Honestly Jane, I am glad. No offense, but I like being the woman behind the King. There can only be one leader dear, and you are it. Besides I have a really great view from my position behind you.”
Jane snorted a laugh that had a few people looking at her, but she didn’t care. “I love you. I can’t say it enough. And having you behind me, supporting and sharing this adventure with me, means more than I can possibly express.” The Laird waved to some kids who had come up to the roadside and were waving frantically at her. They cheered when she waved to them. “I am really glad we can talk like this or I might go mad.”
This time Maura stifled a giggle. “I love you as well sweetheart. My daily expressions of love hardly seem enough to convey how much. Sharing the journey of our lives will always be a gift I will cherish close to my heart.”
“That was very poetic Maura. It is a good thing no one else can hear us being all sappy together, they might doubt my badassedness.”
Maura laughed again. “Badassedness isn’t really a word, dear.”
Jane grinned. “It is now. I am a powerful King and I declare it so.” She sent a mental hug to her wife as she focused her attention on the two men riding towards them.
One of the riders was a large warrior with shoulder length light brown hair and lots of muscles, while the other was a smaller man with a much leaner muscular frame with blond curly hair that hung over his collar. They reminded her of Herc and his sidekick on an old television show. That thought almost had her laughing aloud again.
“Your Majesty, I would like to introduce you to Cornelius and Jarvis.” Nina pointed to each man as they gave a slight bow from their mounted positions. Cornelius was the large warrior and was Fae. Jarvis was the smaller of the couple and an Elf.
“It is a pleasure to meet you both. Nina and others aboard the Raven’s Lady have spoken highly of you. I look forward to getting to know you both myself.” Jane indicated her wife. “This is my mate, Lady Snow.”
“It is our pleasure to meet you both and Nina also spoke highly of the two of you. We also look forward to getting to know you and to getting to know the children as well.” Jarvis smiled at both women.
The Laird nodded. “Nina can take you back and you can ride beside the kitchen wagon and take the opportunity to talk with the children and see how things go. With Cookie around I am sure all will go smoothly.”
“We hope so.” Cornelius wished.
“Nina, please escort them back and make introductions. Tell the kids Maura and I will be seeing them later when we stop to make camp.”
“Yes, you’re Highness.” Another salute which the men copied, and the trio turned their horses to head towards the wagons following them.
The women wanted to help set-up camp, but soon found that most of the Hecations showed them to much deference for them to actually be useful.
Evie laughed as the two women who were so used to getting in the middle of things and helping out, accepted a blanket offered by Cookie, and sat under a nearby tree to watch until their tent was ready. She knew they could easily force the issue, but that would have made the Hecations highly uncomfortable.
Evie and Ashley were assigned as the Royal couples personal guards for the evening. “You will get used to it. There will be plenty of times when you will be expected to be in the middle of things. Setting up camp is a simple thing they want to do for you.” Evie assured them.
“I get that, but I still feel weird sitting here relaxing while they work. Even little Emily is helping out.” The Laird leaned back against a tree with Maura using her King as a backrest.
The woman in white patted a black clad thigh. “You will get used to it my King and they will also get used to you. It is a learning experience for everyone.”
“You are a wise Queen, my love.” Jane kissed her lady’s neck and pulled her close.
Jane and Maura were a bit surprised by the comfort within their tent. The tent was fairly large. The back half was a sleeping area. It held the one large traveling trunk they had packed specifically for the journey and one smaller one packed for the same purpose. The couple’s other trunks would stay in the wagons. The sleeping area held a thick cushion up on a wooden platform laid out on a rug that covered the ground of the back area. A few colorful pads were thrown on top of the cushion with blankets, throws, and pillows. It looked like the most comfortable bed the couple had ever seen in a tent. A tall table sat in the corner holding a large wash bowl and pitcher.
A heavy curtain like divider could be dropped to separate the sleeping area from the common area of the tent. The common area also had thick colorful rugs covering all of the floor except for a small rock ring in the center of the space with black crystal type stones piled within it. Cookie explained to them it was for heating purposes and that the black stones were called fire rocks. They were mined and made in Hecation and anyone with a little magical talent could activate them and easily heat spaces. Some even made ovens of the stones. Cookie taught the women how to spark the stones and dampen them.
Four wooden folding chairs sat to one side of the space with a table between them. On the other side of the common area was another raised platform only smaller with a cushion and several large pillows that could be used to prop up on or moved onto the floor for additional seating. White globes hung from the beams of the tent. Cookie also showed the couple how to magically work the Fae light spheres. Both women were fascinated by the stones and spheres.
Instead of eating in their tent that evening Jane and Maura joined the others at one of the fires that had been built. They sat together on a log with plates in their laps like everyone else and ate, talked, and laughed.
Seeing how at ease those from Wolfe Security and the Raven’s Lady were with the Royal couple slowly drew in the Hecation warriors. One such warrior finally got the nerve up to ask Jane about her fighting ability. Her ability to use her sword in particular. “King Raven we all know you are mighty in will, but how are you at wielding the sword at your side?”
“I do alright. I have been practicing with our guards and the crew of Raven’s Lady, but I am willing to practice with others. If one is smart they learn from every opponent they face and from the knowledge and experience of those around them.”
“I am one of the most skilled with a sword in my company. Would you cross blades with me Highness?” The large man respectfully challenged.
Raven inclined her head and stood. “First I would like to know your name. Let’s not cross swords as strangers.”
“I am Sargent Gilbrate Masdone, but my friends and family call me Gil. You may call me Gil as well, Highness.”
“Thank you, Gil. And while we are relaxing among friends you may call me Raven.”
The blushing man nodded in agreement.
Everyone moved to the clearing. All those not on sentry duty that is. Most were curious to see how the new King fought against one of the best swordsmen in the realm. The Srgt. had been being modest when he said he was only one of the best in his company.
The fight started off slow each feeling one another out. Gill was very good and nearly disarmed Jane a few times, but as with all of her previous training and practice she picked up fighting skills almost instantly upon seeing them and the more the pair fought the more skilled Jane became.
Jane saw a moment where she could have defeated the warrior, but he was a very skilled swordsman and she had learned a lot from him in a very short amount of time and she did not want to make him look bad in front of his peers. She brought the bout to a draw clapping the warrior firmly on the shoulder. “Thank you for the lesson Gil. You are a very talented swordsman. I can learn a lot from you and I hope we can spar again.”
He bowed to her. “It was my honor. I don’t believe I have ever met anyone who has ever learned so quickly. You are a very observant fighter. I would be honored to spar with you again.”
That started a nightly routine of warriors sparing with the King and occasionally the Queen as well. They were all impressed with how quickly the King absorbed knowledge and fighting skills. There were equally impressed with the Queen’s skill with a rapier.
Jane and Maura also spent time each night with the Jeremy, Emily, Jarvis, Cornelius, and the Miller family. It seemed that the children got on well with Jarvis and Cornelius, but a bond wasn’t forming between the four of them. The children seemed to be more attached to Millie, as she was to them. Cornelius and Jarvis also noticed and spoke with the Royal couple about it. It was decided that they would continue traveling with the children to see if the situation changed. But if not, Jane stated she and Maura would come up with a solution to keep the children with Millie in some way, if that was what Millie wanted. They spoke with Cookie who was also aware of the bond developing and she agreed with the Laird’s decision.
Halfway through their Journey the Royal Caravan came to a large forest. Some trees were very tall with trunks easily three to four foot wide, but what really caught their attention were the trees about the height of a fully grown oak tree. The trunks of these trees ranged from thirty to fifty feet across.
Dwellings were carved into the still living and thriving trees. Well-manicured yards and gardens were around many of the tree homes and children were playing in several yards. A horn sounded as the first of the Caravan entered the forest. Doors flew open and homes emptied to watch as the King and Queen rode past.
No adult who exited the homes stood over five foot tall and they had pointed ears. Evie rode close whispering. “WoodElves, cousins of the ForestElves who dwell in the higher canopies of trees and who are slimmer and taller.”
The couple smiled their understanding. They waved to the Elves as they passed. The forest was like a city in itself with many dwellings in the large wide trees and also areas with homes built in the dense canopies of the skinnier, yet much taller trees. Bridges and walkways were built around and between the treehouses and ladder and pulley systems ran from treetops to ground level. ForestElves waved from the canopy and bridges. It was all breath taking. In the very center of the forest they found the actual village. A clearing with a few more traditional style buildings were found there, however most shops looked to be carved out of the trees that surrounded the clearing. A very tall and wide tree that dwarfed any they had yet seen was located in the center of the clearing and village. The whole area looked to be set-up for a fair of some sort.
General Poledio and Marcus rode back along the column to join Jane and Maura. “Laird Raven the village Elder of Elfwood has invited you and your Lady to stay in her home and to join the festival in honor of your return.” General Poledio informed.
Marcus smiled. “It would be a good opportunity to let the horses rest up and for the both of you to get to know some of the citizens of Hecation. Though only about half of the Province is of Lycan blood, all of Hecation considers themselves members of Laird Raven and Lady Snow’s pack. They were when the first King and Queen of the Lycans dwelled here and they have remained loyal to the memory of their leaders and have looked forward to the Heirs return for many generations.”
Jane looked to her wife. “I could use a little time out of the saddle and this would be an interesting place to explore for a day or so.” Aloud she spoke. “What do you think, dear?”
“I think it would be nice and a festival sounds fun.” For Jane only she sent. “I too could use some time off of a horse. I am not used to riding for so long.”
“I could always let you practice on me if you wish.” The dark haired woman teased as she spoke aloud to the men. “Tell the village Elder we would be honored to stay a bit for the festival and explore their inviting village.”
Marcus and the General both saluted before riding off.
“You may find me taking you up on that offer, sweeting.” The woman in white sent erotic images of how she wished to pleasure her mate and chuckled when Jane’s stallion danced a bit as the warrior’s body tightened.
“You are a naughty woman and I really enjoy and love that about you.”
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Jane and Maura rode up to the front of their party to meet the village Elder. A woman with long white hair who stood taller than a WoodElf, yet shorter than a ForestElf stood by the front gate of the large tree dwelling in the center of the clearing. A male ForestElf stood a step behind her, also with white hair, but had a short well-trimmed white beard to go with it.
Laird Raven dismounted and helped her wife to do the same. They approached the elder couple together.
The white haired couple bowed to them baring their necks acknowledging the Royal couple as their sovereigns. The greeting was becoming familiar to Jane and Maura and they responded naturally, accepting the show of loyalty.
The older couple stood smiling at the acceptance. “I am Niani Pineheart, Head Elder of Elfwood and this is my husband and mate Omar Pineheart, also a village elder.”
“I am Laird Jane Raven and this is my wife and mate Lady Maura Snow. It is a pleasure to meet you both, Mistress Pineheart.” She smiled at the woman, then the man. “Master Pineheart. We look forward to exploring such an interesting place and attending your festival.”
“I will make sure you get a tour of our village if that is your wish. Our festivals are attended by many Hecation citizens from our woods and beyond. It is one of the largest in the area and we have one of the most popular warrior tournaments in the Province.” The woman waved towards the variety of colorful tents set-up in the clearing.
“As you can see many have already arrived. We marked off an area for your party to make camp.” Mistress Pineheart pointed to a large space with little flags in the four corners marking the borders. Other tents and camps were set-up around the area, but none crossed the marked off borders. “You may stay in your camp if you wish, but we have the rooms available for you in the Eldertree that your predecessors used before. Although they are larger now with the growth of the tree.”
Maura squeezed Jane’s arm lightly. “We must stay in the Eldertree dear, it would be rude not to and I am honestly very curious to see inside one of the tree dwellings.”
“I agree and am equally curious.” “We would be happy to stay with you, but are you prepared to have a few of our guards in your home as well? Our security team is very protective.”
Niani laughed. “Yes Laird, we are prepared and have three small rooms around yours available for them. A room on either side of your suite and one across the hall. They will have to share the privy at the end of the hall though. There is no private bath in the smaller rooms as there is in your suite.”
“I am sure they can handle it. It has to be better than a latrine in the woods and a camp shower.” Jane teased.
Marcus chuckled. “Evie and Alexi will be very pleased.”
Niani waved towards the house. “If you would please follow us we will show you inside.”
The group followed after the General and Marcus gave instructions on where to make camp. Zeon, Alexi, and Evie joined General Poledio and Marcus as personal security. Marcus and the General entered before Jane and Maura with the other three following.
The inside was all curves and arches and gleaming wood with large age rings throughout. “Maura I know it’s a tree, but I still feel like I have entered a fancy hobbit house. This is incredible.”
“You are really hung up on the hobbit idea dear. This place is a little similar, however I see several differences.”
“I do too, but a hobbit house is the only thing I have ever seen remotely close to this. And besides it is kind of fresh in my mind, because I sat through all the Lord of the Rings movies with Frankie and Frost not long before we left.”
“Ah. That explains a lot.” Maura turned to Niani. “Mistress Pineheart this is a lovely place. My wife and I have never seen anywhere like it.” She ran her finger along the grain of an arch as she walked under it. “The tree still lives and grows even as you live within it. We would love to hear how this is done.”
The elder woman’s mouth split into a wide grin at the fascinated and curious faces of the young Royal couple. “I will be happy to explain it sometime before you leave.”
The suite they were shown to, was on the uppermost floor and had a spiral staircase in a corner that led up to decks and walkways in the canopy. The inside walls were square, but the outer was curved with the contours of the tree. The furnishings were all part of the tree as well. The posts of the large bed ran up into the ceiling of the room as the base of the bed grew out of the floor. Sofas, chairs, dressers, tables, even the sink, tub, shower, and toilet in the bathroom were all part of the tree. It was truly incredible.
Jane and Maura both found the place amazing and couldn’t wait to check things out closer when they were alone. “This is a lovely room and I look forward to sleeping and bathing indoors once again. Our tent and even our bathing tent are great compared to any camping experience I could have imagined, but I still prefer indoor living if given the choice.” Maura smiled as she looked around the room.
While Mistress Pineheart showed the group the three smaller rooms for the guards and the privy they would share, Master Pineheart led Ashley and a few of the Hecation Warriors from their party into the suite Jane and Maura would share as they carried in the King and Queen’s trunks. The group also delivered the few packs that belonged to the Alphas’ that would be staying in the house.
“Camp is being set up and the Royal tent is being erected as well in case you wish to relax some while you are out for the day during the festivities. We are putting out your weapons and other gear Laird and making sure all is polished and prepared for tomorrow and the next day. Lady Snow won’t have to worry about it. All she needs is to wear her usual weapons since she isn’t going to be challenged. No warrior of the tournament would ever challenge a healer. It simply isn’t done.” Ashley informed them.
“Why does Jane need her weapons ready for the tournament?” Maura asked the question that was uppermost in the Laird’s mind as well.
“It was always tradition for Lord Raven to compete in the tournament of the festivals he went to. It allowed the people to see him and to see what a great warrior he was. He was a warrior King and everyone believes that Laird Raven will be too. The Hecations want to see what type of warrior the new King of the Lycans is. They most likely have already added the Laird to all of the challenge lists in every category. This being your first showing and you so new to your role they won’t be expecting you to win the tournament challenges, but they will expect you to place within the top 10 of each category.” Master Pineheart explained.
“What are the categories?” Jane had been looking forward to some relaxing time off of her horse. Looked like she was going to spend the next few days having various types of beings try to kick her ass. Oh joy!
“There are a few different sword categories. Light blades like what the Queen carries, heavier blades like you carry, fighting with two swords at once, and also a sword and dagger. There is archery with long and short bows. Staff fighting, knife and axe throwing, hand-to-hand combat. There is a test of strength as well as one for strength of personal force or will. The last day there is an obstacle course that puts all of these things together along with agility and quick thinking. It should be lots of fun to watch.” The elder man sounded very excited.
“It might be great to watch, but how am I supposed to do all of that? I know I have been training on most of that with Lord Fenrir and some of the other gods and goddesses every night, all night for a while but is that enough to keep me from getting my ass handed to me on the tournament field?”
“You will do fine dear. You are really very good and you learn new skills like no one I have ever heard of. Watch the other bouts as you wait and I am sure Lord Fenrir will give you more training and some helpful coaching tonight and tomorrow night.”
“I sure hope so, because I have to make a good showing to help gain respect from the beings of Hecation. I hope you are ready to help heal my bruises sweetheart, because I have a feeling I will have a good deal of them tomorrow night and the following night as well.”
“I will be there for you sweetheart.”
“We don’t have the space for it or we would also have jousting and fighting from horseback, but you will get to do that in a tournament in a few months coming up in King’s Place. They have to biggest, most popular, and most extensive tournament and festival in all of the Province. Many of us travel there to see it and with the King actually competing in the King’s Tournament and with you both presiding over the whole Royal Festival it will most likely be the biggest gathering the Province has seen in many a year.” The more Master Pineheart spoke the more sick Jane felt at her stomach.
Mistress Pineheart noticed that the dark haired woman wasn’t quite as excited as her husband was and steered him off down the hall. “We will leave you to get settled. There will be food available for you out at the festival. Please try the different offerings of the many cultures that have set-up stands along the fairway. We will see you there.”
Maura put her arm through her wife’s leading her into their room. “We will get settled in and cleaned up and meet you all in about an hour to find something to eat and check out the first night of the festival.”
Evie grinned understanding that Jane wasn’t too happy with the turn of events, she couldn’t really blame her. They weren’t expecting it either or they would have warned her. “We will be ready whenever you are.”
Once inside Maura simply led her mate to the bathroom and began stripping them both down. Being clean and sexually sated would help them both think better and she knew Jane needed to be close to her at that moment, as much as she herself needed to be close to Jane. The next few days would be trying, but if her love did well it could gain them much with the citizens of Hecation.
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Some of you might be upset that I ended it here, but I ran out of time to get the chapter out in a timely manner. I didn’t get to write as much this week as would have liked, but this chapter isn’t too short. I got in over 6000 words. Please read and share your thoughts with me. I love to hear from my readers. It looks like a little action will be going on in the next chapter. So Until Next Time…