Winds of Change Chapter 24
Title: Winds of Change (24/?)
Chapter 24
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: It is tournament time in Elfwood. How is Jane going to do in her first real tests of her fighting ability? We find that out some in this chapter. Again italics in body of story denotes mind speaking.
Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read and review. 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…“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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CHAPTER 24
Hours later Maura and Jane returned to their lovely ‘living’ suite. It was still early, but Maura had put her foot down on staying out late once she saw the list of events on the large board near the tournament field and that Jane was ranked at the bottom of the bracket with the other untried warriors. Maura was getting her mate to bed early so she would have plenty of rest as well as the extra time to train with the Gods while they slept. Both women were worried about the day ahead.
After cleaning up for bed they climbed together under the soft sheets. Jane unable to not respond to having her sexy naked mate skin to skin with her. Their satisfying interlude in the shower had been hours before.
The tall dark beauty rolled over above her wife pressing her long body against the smaller warm one. Both women sighing in pleasure at the full contact. Jane kissed her first mating mark moving up the soft neck to nibble on a small earlobe. Her mate seemed to love that particular move very much.
The smaller beauty’s hands came up capturing Jane’s head, her fingers tangling in dark locks pulling her warrior’s mouth up to hers. The kiss was long, deep, and full of the love they shared. “You are not over exerting tonight, but I’m not denying either of us.” Without breaking the kiss Maura applied pressure.
Jane allowed her wife to roll them over where she was now on bottom. She pulled her wife hard against her loving the feel of her weight pressing into her.
Maura’s mouth closed around a firm breast and hard nipple as her hand mimicked the movement on the other. She loved having her strong mate under her. She switched breasts for loving minutes until she felt the tensing in her wife’s strong body. Jane had incredibly sensitive breasts. Maura made a trail of hot open mouthed kisses down a taunt stomach and through trimmed curls to the full wet petals of her wife’s core. Her tongue and lips caressed and laved, driving Jane closer to the brink with every touch and stroke. Maura let out a little shriek when Jane sat up and used her incredible strength to flip her wife around where the smaller woman was facing the warrior’s feet with a wonderful view of endlessly long legs.
“You may want me to take it easy during our lovemaking tonight, but I won’t be idle.” The Laird sent her lady as she pulled a fully erect clit into her hungry mouth and suckled.
It took Maura a few pleasure filled moments to get her mind to clear enough to go back to her enjoyable task. It was a race together to the summit, both women caught in the pleasure of their bodies as they gave and received ecstasy. Their holds tightened on one another as they crested, each drinking deep of the fruits of their labors of love.
They lay panting for long minutes before Jane helped bring her spent wife back up to her side. They kissed and it was a marvelously intimate experience when they each could taste themselves and their wife as their lips and tongues devoured and caressed.
“God, I love you. I will never get enough of you.” Jane clung to Maura.
“I feel the same. It is like I need you to live as I need air to breathe.” Maura pressed even closer to the love of her life.
Jane eventually pulled back smiling at her wife. “You love are very poetic. I like getting to be the only one who sees that side of you.”
“You are the one who brings it out in me. I have never been particularly poetic before.”
“That even makes it more precious.” Jane kissed her wife one more time before sliding out of the bed to retrieve a glass of water and a damp towel to clean-up. She knew her wife would prefer to do so before they fell asleep.
Once done Jane flung the towel so it landed on the back of a nearby chair and sat the empty glass on the nightstand.
Maura snuggled close loving how well her mate knew and cared for her. No one had ever loved and taken care of her the way Jane did. No one knew her so well. Sighing in deep contentment she clung to her soulmate as they drifted into the land of slumber together.
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The warbling of birds outside the window finally woke the dark haired warrior. She opened her eyes taking a moment to focus before she actually saw four beautiful purple birds perched on the windowsill. They looked like finches although she had never heard of a purple one, but then again they weren’t in Kansas anymore.
Jane kissed the top of her wife’s head before slipping out of bed and heading to the shower. Her mind racing with all she had learned through the night and with thoughts of what the day would bring. She and Maura did not train together that night. Usually Jane would be receiving training in one area and she could see Maura not far away working with Goddess Vivienne or another ethereal being. However, that night Maura and the Goddess disappeared into a vast library that caused an excited gleam to appear in her love’s eyes. She had not seen her again until she returned to her sleeping body. Jane herself had been taken to an arena where she faced off with fighters expert in each event she would be competing in and also received more lessons on how to use her enormous force of will to increase her speed and physical strength. She had to channel it where she wanted it, how much she needed and when. It was harder than it sounded, because she had to do it while fighting at the top of her game. The Gods and Goddesses she fought were relentless and never gave quarter. Jane was glad the bruises and scrapes she earned on the ethereal plane did not follow her or she currently wouldn’t be able to move.
The thing the constant fights in the arena had instilled in her was more confidence in her ability, because if she could stand her ground against the heaven’s fighters she could against Hecation warriors. She only hoped that she didn’t find her ass in the dirt and a sword to her neck during her fights with them as she had with the gods and goddesses in the arena. Lord Fenrir assured her that one day she would be the victor against those great heavenly warriors. Jane wanted to believe that, but felt it would be a long way in coming.
Once dried off she combed through her hair and towel dried the thick mass once more. Back in the bedroom she smiled at her lovely wife still sleeping in the wonderfully crafted bed. Jane loved the fact that her wife’s hair was beginning to fill with red and auburn highlights, it practically glowed in the morning sunlight like deep honey mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg. She laughed to herself for her utterly sappy poetic thought, but Maura brought out that side of her. A part of her that was for Maura alone.
Walking over to their opened trunk she grabbed her robe off an inside hook and donned it before moving over to the window to get a better look at the purple finches. It seemed like they sang to her as they sat up and preened focusing on her. Jane briefly thought of opening the window to see if they would fly away and decided against it. With her luck they would fly inside and she didn’t think Maura would enjoy being woke up by birds flying over her head.
A knock sounded at the door and Jane made sure her robe was firmly belted before opening it a crack. Mistress Pineheart and a young female Elf she had met briefly the night before stood in the hallway with trays laden with delicious smelling food and coffee. Jane glanced to the bed assuring herself her wife was well covered. Whispering she opened the door to allow them in. She saw General Poledio was on guard duty in the hallway and nodded to him.
“Please ladies, come in. Place those on the table there. I was about to rouse my wife, but I believe these delicious aromas just may do it for me.” Both women smiled and blushed at the King’s praise.
“We weren’t sure what you liked, but we made some of our specialties and kept in mind your requirements of energy food for your coming day, Laird.” Mistress Pineheart began setting the table for them.
Maura began to stir and Jane moved to the bed with her robe. Her wife wasn’t really modest around women who assisted them, but Jane still preferred her to have a robe on.
A smile spread across Maura’s face as she looked up at her lovely wife. She truly was beautiful, but usually always carried a roguish gleam in her eye that she loved. It was no wonder men and women were so drawn to her. Still unbelievable to her was Jane’s cluelessness to the true impact she had on others. “Morning love, looks like you have been up for a while.” Her warrior smelled of clean skin and hair and a scent that was all Jane.
“A little bit.” Jane leaned down for a quick kiss. “Mistress Pineheart and Lori have brought us a wonderful breakfast. I thought you would want to eat while it was still warm.”
“It smells wonderful.” She sat up accepting her mate’s help in slipping her robe on. Jane did not care for others seeing her completely naked even if they were maids sent to help her dress. She could hardly argue though, she had a similar feeling when it came to her wife.
Lady Snow briefly greeted the women before excusing herself to the bathroom. The other women were gone when she stepped back into the room. Jane stood and held her chair helping her settle at the table. Her gallant mate did things like that for her often and without thought. Jane was a true gentlewoman. “Thank you, love.”
They shared another quick kiss before settling into the morning meal together. It was all delicious and Maura was happy with the nutritional value of the meal. It was an excellent meal for a warrior to eat before an active day of fighting. “Eat till you are full dear, but not stuffed.” Maura advised her warrior.
“Yes, dear.” Jane smiled, if her Ma had said that to her she would have rolled her eyes and ate too much on purpose. However, with Maura it only made her feel warm and fuzzy inside that her wife cared so much. All things were different, more, and better with Maura.
They ate and talked of their nights. Maura had read books and visited with healers. Goddess Vivienne thought that other than practicing daily Maura’s skills with the rapier, knives, bow, and martial arts were at an acceptable level for her and that she currently did not need any more ethereal training in that area and she would begin to learn more about the healing arts.
Jane smiled at the excited chatter of her wife. Maura laughed and crooned sympathetically when Jane told her of her night gaining hard and painful lessons in the arena. Soon the meal was done and Maura escaped back into the bathroom to shower and prep for the day.
Jane set their trays outside the room and took the time to perform a routine very similar to Tai Chi as she practiced focusing her will and stretching and warming her muscles. The routine also helped to settle her mind. It was one of the first things Lord Fenrir had taught her.
The birds had flown away earlier when the knock on the door came, but had returned and sat watching Jane intently throughout her entire routine. They continued to do so as Maura came out of the bathroom followed by a myriad of alluring scents. Maura spotted them and cooed over how precious and beautiful they were. The little birds seemed to understand and preened for the woman.
“We will have to ask Mistress Pineheart about them.” Maura said as she turned to the trunk to pick out her clothing for the day.
Jane slipped on comfortable pants and shirt before putting on her new sneakers. It was a nice change from the boots she had been wearing so much of lately. She would be changing into her fighting gear later in the Royal tent in her caravan’s camp. Maura didn’t know about the very minimum outfit that was worn in the tournaments. Jane had been introduced to it during her time in the arena. It took some getting used to.
Maura was dressed in a beautiful forest green dress with white and gold accents. The sleeves were three quarter length and her silver Royal band gleamed.
“You are breathtaking.” Jane stepped to her kissing the gorgeous woman.
Another knock at the door forced them to part. “Come in.” Jane called. She knew it was Mistress Pineheart returning this time with her husband.
All five of the Royal couples bodyguards were now also in the hall dressed in their security uniforms. They would not be competing in the tournament as many of their other warriors were. Their full attention would be on the Royal couple. Nina would be joining them in their bodyguard detail. Each woman would have three guards at all times. Jane had stipulated that they were not to be to close or obvious. She and Maura needed to be approachable. They needed to get to know and be known by the beings of Hecation. Both women would be armed and were skilled in protecting themselves, they needed someone to watch their backs.
The couple began getting their weapon’s in place after Evie came in with the Elder couple. “Morning, Laird, Lady. I hope you are both ready for the day ahead.” Evie smiled as Jane rolled her eyes.
“We’re as ready as can be. Are the others of our party up and ready as well?” Jane helped Maura slid her knives into her fashionable boot before turning to the others.
“Yes they have broken their fast and are preparing as we speak. Your things Laird are ready for you in your tent.”
Maura smiled at Mistress Pineheart. “Niani, I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of birds those four in our window are. They have been about all morning. Jane said it almost seemed like they were watching and listening to her.”
That drew everyone’s attention even those still standing in the hallway outside the open door.
The Head Elder’s hand went to her mouth. “Oh my! It is very rare to see a Royal or what is commonly called King Raven’s birds. They only live in two places in all of Undrehiel at present, though long ago they dwelled in many places in our world. They live on the property of King’s Manor and in the forest surrounding the Palace of the Lycans. A being is lucky to hear them sing and even luckier if they ever catch a glimpse of them. They have the ability to hide well and some believe become invisible. Long ago Lord Raven saved the ruling pair and they were devoted to him and his lady from then on. The birds have been scarcely seen since the first King and Queen left the realm.”
Jane finished strapping on her weapons before walking over to the window. She unlocked it sliding it up. The birds sat still staring at her. “You are welcome to come in my friends.”
They chirped and flew in. Jane instinctively held her arm out before her and the four small birds perched there so lightly she could barely feel them. The largest bird of the four hopped up her arm and pecked once at the gold band on her bicep. “Yes little one I am Laird Raven King of the Lycans.” The quartet warbled together and actually bowed their heads to her.
Jane continued to follow instinct and blew across the tops of their little heads and stroked each one with her finger. “It is an honor to have such loyal creatures as friends.”
The four preened and the larger turned to the others and made a few chirps and two of the birds flew to Maura perching on her offered arm.
“I do believe dear that those two were just assigned to you. We have gained four more bodyguards.” Jane smiled as Maura stroked the fascinating creatures.
The others simply stared at the Royal couple as they interacted with the rare birds. “The sight of the two of you with those birds will greatly reassure many in our world.” Mistress Pineheart stated gaining agreement from those around her.
Jane turned to them. “Well I suppose it is time I make my way to my tent and prepare for the tournament.” She held her hand out to her wife who took it gladly. The birds moving up to perch on one of Maura’s shoulders as the ones on Jane did the same.
The others nodded, many smiling as they all departed from the Elder Tree.
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Jane looked into a long mirror as she adjusted what amounted to a leather sports bra. It had incredible engravings on it. She had on clinging shorts of the same color, but of a slightly different material and over the shorts was a skirt type garment that was barely longer than the shorts and stopped a good four inches above her knee. The skirt was thick leather split many times so that one could easily move in it. It reminded her a bit of the skirt garments she had seen in old movies of Roman times. Jane had on sturdy leather boots that came to just below her knee. She also had leather gauntlets fastened around each wrist to mid forearm. Her hair was in a very tight French braid down the back of her head and her Royal arm band stood out on her bicep. Her knives were in place at waist and boots. Her sword was at her hip and she also had a special rig on her back that held two crossed swords. Her staff and unstrung bows lay on the bed behind her.
Maura had yet to see her dressed as she was. She knew the other female warriors’ outfits were the same as hers and the men’s also except they didn’t wear a bra. They were completely shirtless. Most of the warriors’ outfits would be varying shades of browns, greens, and blends of those colors. Hers would be the only black outfit on the field.
“Are you ready Laird?” Marcus’ voice came from the other side of the closed tent flap.
“Yes, Marcus. You may enter.” He did so followed by Jeremy. The boy was in sturdy brown pants and matching shirt with a blue vest over it. He and his sister had went through marked changes since she saved them from a mad hog. “You are looking mighty handsome this morning Jeremy.”
The boy blushed before putting fist to chest and bowing to his King. He was smiling when he stood. “Thank you Laird Raven. I am to be your page for the tournament. I will carry your weapons and get you food and drink when you need it and carry messages too if you wish.” He was very excited about his position for the tournament.
“I am honored to have such a loyal page at my side.” Jane smiled at the boy. “My staff and bow are on the bed.” She opened a weapons trunk and drew out a carrier with three throwing axes inside and offered the carrier to the boy. He took it putting it over his shoulder and head so that the carrier laid across his back. She then handed him a sheathed rapier hanging from a belt. He hung it over his opposite shoulder so that it would lay on his back crossing over the axes. Jane was glad he was stronger than your average human boy, but was still worried about the weight of his burden. However, didn’t say anything to hurt the lad’s feelings. She would have her warriors watch out for him. Marcus helped Jeremy strap the staff and the unstrung bows together to make them easier to carry.
Jeremy stood proudly by the tent flap with his burden ready to follow his Laird were ever she went. Jane left the tent and the area fell silent as the obviously strong and powerful warrior King emerged. Maura stopped talking in mid-sentence and ogled her amazing mate. She had never been one to put posters on her wall growing up or in college, but if she had posters of Jane as she was at that moment she would have used them as wallpaper. A few magic imagers went off and she made note to talk with Evie and Alexi about getting copies of the images.
The warrior sauntered over to her wife, her unconscious swagger evident.
“Jane you are so wearing that outfit in private for me sometime. You look amazing!”
“I will gladly do so. I am still waiting to see you in that overall outfit you promised me when we entered the depot station in the human realm.” Jane teased.
Maura laughed aloud as her warrior reached her and they shared a very pleasing kiss. Lady Vivienne had reminded them they were no longer in the human realm and should not be shy about public displays of affection. It was good for the citizens of Undrehiel to see them in such a way. It reinforced the power and strength of their bond. Many felt a happily mated pair made for stronger rulers than a single being or unaffectionate couple.
Jane and Maura had no trouble with that and would probably take the Goddesses advice about doing the same when they returned to the human realm.
They pulled apart and Jane settled Maura’s arm through hers as she looked down at little Emily in a pretty dress the same color blue as her brother’s vest. “My, aren’t you pretty. I love your dress.” She could see the heads of Emily’s bear and doll sticking out of the backpack the girl wore.
“Thank you Laird Raven.” The girl quickly bowed to her. “I am going to help Lady Snow like Jeremy is going to help you. I promise to take good care of her while you fight in the tournament.”
Jane reached over running her hand over soft blond curls. “With you at My Lady’s side I have no doubt she will be well looked after.” She tweaked her nose causing the girl to giggle. Looking over Jane smiled at Millie. “You are looking pretty too Millie and are doing a wonderful job with the children.” Even though Millie was older than Jane and Maura by twenty years she was still very young for a Fae.
“Thank you Laird Raven.”
Jane looked around, it seemed most everyone who was not on the current shift to guard the camp was ready to go and some had already left. “I guess we better be on our way.”
Continue to Part 2 of Chapter 24