Original: "Twice Lucky." Femslash
It's been forever since I managed to post anything, but it seems like it's been forever since anyone managed to post something here. Life just gets you sometimes, I guess.
Anyway, this is the first thing I've actually had time to finish in forever and a half, and I'll hope that y'all will forgive me that it's a mite bit too long, but...well, I finished it.
For those who have super awesome memories, this is the timestamp for Junabel and Ixe's story. For those who have normal memories, they're from When Luck Smiles Down. elizaben, this is the timestamp you asked for...forever ago.
Summary: Junabel is sure it's ungrateful to wish for more, but she can't seem to help it.
The wagon rocked back and forth, air warmed by the sun drifting through the shaded wagon, lulling Junabel into a light doze. One full moon cycle had passed since she had left her tribe behind, and her luck with it. They had been on the road for about half of that time, and she was sure life had never been so wonderful. They’d visited five tribes that she’d never even known existed and had been treated as an honored guest, nearly on par with the caravan leader.
She didn’t know what Ixe actually told the tribes that hosted them or how she explained Junabel’s presence, as she was decidedly lacking in a husband, despite her condition. She wondered if she should find out, at least to make sure she followed along with the story that was being told. She would hate to upset Ixe or somehow belie her story when she had been so kind to Junabel.
The wagon slowed, finally coming to a halt. Junabel remained where she was, partially reclined on a pile of pillows in the bed of the wagon. She could hear a horse and rider came up next to the wagon, hooves clopping on the hard-packed earth and tack jingling. A moment later, Ixe was peering through the wagon’s front opening, large-brimmed hat shading most of her face but not hiding her soft smile. “Juna?”
Junabel levered herself up slightly. “Yes, what is it? Has something gone wrong?”
Ixe waves her worries away, explaining, “No, nothing like that. It is only one that one of the younger children is starting to lag and his mother wondered if he might ride here in the shade with you.”
Junabel perked up immediately. Ixe, and all the others in the caravan, had been so kind and welcoming and she had been sorry she couldn’t do anything to thank them or help in some way. Her condition really could be bothersome sometimes. “Of course he may. I would be happy to share my wagon. Are there any other little ones who would like to ride? I hardly need this wagon for just myself.
Ixe smiled broadly. “Well, let me see how many happy parents my caravan is about to have.”
In the end, Junabel found herself sharing the wagon with half a dozen children, the two youngest tucked against her sides as she read from a book one of them had brought, a collection of stories the caravan had come across and transcribed into the book. The three middle children were sprawled among the pillows and she couldn’t tell if they listened to the story or merely slept, but the eldest child certainly listened from where she sat by the front opening, using the light of the sun as she mended clothes.
It was a peaceful trip and for several long breaths, Junabel found herself wishing this moment could simply be frozen in time, so they never had to move on. The rest of the afternoon passed in this way until the gentle rocking coming to a half only as the sun started to sink below the horizon. The wagon driver, with some help from the eldest girl, eased Junabel down until she leaned against the wagon, a child on each hip and another clutching her legs, hiding amongst her skirts.
She could hear Ixe further up the line, calling orders and setting the caravan to establishing camp for the night, Junabel more than content to lean against the back of the wagon and watch the camp go up around her. She kept the children close, hoping their parents didn’t’ hurry to get them, for it really was nice to finally be of some help, instead of merely sitting on the side and watching on as someone set up her tent for her.
Too soon though, the camp had been set up, dinners already set to cook over a multitude of fires and the parents returned for their children. She stood in the middle of the group of children and parents, one of the youngest boys propped on her hip as his mother poured out her thanks. Junabel could only laugh and wave it away, having to explain to each grateful parent who came to claim their child that she minded not at all watching them and she’d be more than pleased to do it again.
Finally waving off the last of the parents, she stood somewhat listlessly, moving to lean back against the wagon and contemplate the sudden emptiness of her night.
“No need to look so glum. No doubt you will soon be besieged by desperate parents begging you to relieve them of their offspring for a little while.” Junabel started as Ixe spoke up from inside the wagon, moving from behind her to sit on the edge of the wagon. “I have had an exceedingly joyous group of parents today singing in praise of you to anyone who would listen. I am sure you have garnered a good number of new admirers today.”
Junabel blushed, shrugging it off, saying quietly, “It wasn’t any great feat. I was glad I could be of some help to the caravan, especially when they’ve all been so kind to me.”
Ixe kicked her feet idly, staring off into the distance. “Have you given any thought to what you will do once your child is born, Juna? If you desired it, I have no doubt one of the men would love to take you and your child into his tent…”
Junabel gave her head a simple, sharp shake. “No. I loved my husband, but what we had was unusual. I did not regard him the way other women regarded their husbands, nor did he feel for me as I heard other women were felt by their husbands. I do not wish to join another man’s tent.” She made this declaration softly but firmly, hands clasped loosely over her swollen belly. She turned suddenly to Ixe, eyes alight with curiosity. “What have you been telling the tribes we have been visiting to explain my presence?”
Ixe was abruptly very fascinated with their view of the camp. “I perhaps should have discussed it with you,” she started slowly, and Junabel’s brows drew together in confusion at her tone. “I didn’t want to burden you with anything when you’d only just joined us. I fear I must apologize, Juna. I have been telling them that you…are my wife.”
Junabel could only stare, eyebrows up near her hairline, and completely, utterly speechless.
Ixe glanced at her from the corner of her eye, before looking away quickly, continuing quietly, “I know I should not have, but it was the best I could think of. It ensured that no others would think you bad luck and ensured that no trouble would come to you, if I said you belonged in my tent. I only wished to make life easier for you.”
For several long moments, there was only silence between them. Ixe was staring off in the direction of the slowly darkening camp, but her eyes were unfocused.
“I…” Junabel stuttered to a halt as Ixe’s gaze snapped around to her. She licked her lips before continuing nervously. “They accepted it? The story a-and…and my part in it? They did not take issue with you having a wife when you are a woman as well?”
Ixe could hear the hope in her voice, that this caravan might provide her this world greater than she had previously imagined. “No, of course not. Why -” And then something clicked. “Juna, do you…” Ixe trailed off, unsure of how to ask the question.
Junabel looked toward her feet, staring unseeingly as she stroked her belly gently. “My husband and I were well-matched. He took no pleasure in the flesh of women and I couldn’t find it in myself to feel about men the way other women did. Differences…like us, were not something allowed in our tribe and it was not something we talked about, except sometimes with one another and even then, we did not discuss it as a possibility. It…it never occurred to us that there might be somewhere in the world that it was allowed.”
She fell silent, not seeming to see anything in front of her as they spent several long moment just breathing in the quiet night, the sounds of camp muffled by distance. She jumped slightly when one of Ixe’s hands landed on hers, and she looked up to meet soft brown eyes. “Juna, I don’t know what kind of tribe you belonged to, but this caravan takes in all and sundry and they are welcome here. Whatever your life was, it is no more,” Ixe finished softly, eyes luminous in the darkness.
Junabel stared at the calloused hand covering hers for a moment. “I do not mind the story you have been telling.” She took a deep breath to steady herself. She was tired of never taking chances and missing out on a life that she could have. Steeling herself, she added, “I would not mind if it were no longer merely a story.”
Ixe stuttered out a noise and for a moment, Junabel feared her welcome might have suddenly come to an end, but then Ixe was smiling, a slow smile that started at the corners of her lips and spread, her full smile the only thing Junabel could see in the swiftly falling night.
“Juna,” she started, then trailed off, seemingly unsure what to say.
Suddenly nervous, Junabel started saying the first thing that came into her head. “I know we hardly know each other and certainly my child is a complication more would not know how to handle and even if you had not asked me, I have tried to follow your caravan away from that place and -”
She cut off as Ixe lifted her free hand to Junabel’s cheek. “You suddenly have a lot to say,” she chuckled quietly. Junabel was glad for the dark that hid her blush as she stared unsurely but hopefully at Ixe. “I intend to begin courting you properly tomorrow, but I hope you’ll forgive me this one impropriety.”
Before Junabel could ask what impropriety she was talking about, Ixe had leaned forward, warm, chapped lips to her own. Junabel took only a moment of stunned stillness before she tentatively kissed back, lost in sensations she’s never imagined. Here were the sparks and tingles the girls of her old tribe had talked about, the light and fluttery feeling in her stomach and a warmth that seemed to envelop her.
Junabel blinked slowly, slightly dazed, as Ixe pulled back. “It was the greatest of luck which brought you to me, Juna,” Ixe murmured quietly. “I am glad you have joined us. The caravan has been brighter since, and my own life especially so.”
Junabel’s face felt warm and she suspected she had turned a bright red. “I-I am glad I am here as well. I…” She trailed off, finding herself more than a little overwhelmed with the way her life had changed so quickly.
As if she knew exactly how she was feeling, Ixe chuckled quietly and hopped neatly from the wagon, moving to place a comforting arm around Junabel’s waist. “Come, Juna. Let us rejoin the caravan for its evening. I find myself suddenly quite anxious for tomorrow.” Ixe pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek and slowly, they made their way back to a camp that suddenly looked brand new.
Anyway, this is the first thing I've actually had time to finish in forever and a half, and I'll hope that y'all will forgive me that it's a mite bit too long, but...well, I finished it.
For those who have super awesome memories, this is the timestamp for Junabel and Ixe's story. For those who have normal memories, they're from When Luck Smiles Down. elizaben, this is the timestamp you asked for...forever ago.
Summary: Junabel is sure it's ungrateful to wish for more, but she can't seem to help it.
The wagon rocked back and forth, air warmed by the sun drifting through the shaded wagon, lulling Junabel into a light doze. One full moon cycle had passed since she had left her tribe behind, and her luck with it. They had been on the road for about half of that time, and she was sure life had never been so wonderful. They’d visited five tribes that she’d never even known existed and had been treated as an honored guest, nearly on par with the caravan leader.
She didn’t know what Ixe actually told the tribes that hosted them or how she explained Junabel’s presence, as she was decidedly lacking in a husband, despite her condition. She wondered if she should find out, at least to make sure she followed along with the story that was being told. She would hate to upset Ixe or somehow belie her story when she had been so kind to Junabel.
The wagon slowed, finally coming to a halt. Junabel remained where she was, partially reclined on a pile of pillows in the bed of the wagon. She could hear a horse and rider came up next to the wagon, hooves clopping on the hard-packed earth and tack jingling. A moment later, Ixe was peering through the wagon’s front opening, large-brimmed hat shading most of her face but not hiding her soft smile. “Juna?”
Junabel levered herself up slightly. “Yes, what is it? Has something gone wrong?”
Ixe waves her worries away, explaining, “No, nothing like that. It is only one that one of the younger children is starting to lag and his mother wondered if he might ride here in the shade with you.”
Junabel perked up immediately. Ixe, and all the others in the caravan, had been so kind and welcoming and she had been sorry she couldn’t do anything to thank them or help in some way. Her condition really could be bothersome sometimes. “Of course he may. I would be happy to share my wagon. Are there any other little ones who would like to ride? I hardly need this wagon for just myself.
Ixe smiled broadly. “Well, let me see how many happy parents my caravan is about to have.”
In the end, Junabel found herself sharing the wagon with half a dozen children, the two youngest tucked against her sides as she read from a book one of them had brought, a collection of stories the caravan had come across and transcribed into the book. The three middle children were sprawled among the pillows and she couldn’t tell if they listened to the story or merely slept, but the eldest child certainly listened from where she sat by the front opening, using the light of the sun as she mended clothes.
It was a peaceful trip and for several long breaths, Junabel found herself wishing this moment could simply be frozen in time, so they never had to move on. The rest of the afternoon passed in this way until the gentle rocking coming to a half only as the sun started to sink below the horizon. The wagon driver, with some help from the eldest girl, eased Junabel down until she leaned against the wagon, a child on each hip and another clutching her legs, hiding amongst her skirts.
She could hear Ixe further up the line, calling orders and setting the caravan to establishing camp for the night, Junabel more than content to lean against the back of the wagon and watch the camp go up around her. She kept the children close, hoping their parents didn’t’ hurry to get them, for it really was nice to finally be of some help, instead of merely sitting on the side and watching on as someone set up her tent for her.
Too soon though, the camp had been set up, dinners already set to cook over a multitude of fires and the parents returned for their children. She stood in the middle of the group of children and parents, one of the youngest boys propped on her hip as his mother poured out her thanks. Junabel could only laugh and wave it away, having to explain to each grateful parent who came to claim their child that she minded not at all watching them and she’d be more than pleased to do it again.
Finally waving off the last of the parents, she stood somewhat listlessly, moving to lean back against the wagon and contemplate the sudden emptiness of her night.
“No need to look so glum. No doubt you will soon be besieged by desperate parents begging you to relieve them of their offspring for a little while.” Junabel started as Ixe spoke up from inside the wagon, moving from behind her to sit on the edge of the wagon. “I have had an exceedingly joyous group of parents today singing in praise of you to anyone who would listen. I am sure you have garnered a good number of new admirers today.”
Junabel blushed, shrugging it off, saying quietly, “It wasn’t any great feat. I was glad I could be of some help to the caravan, especially when they’ve all been so kind to me.”
Ixe kicked her feet idly, staring off into the distance. “Have you given any thought to what you will do once your child is born, Juna? If you desired it, I have no doubt one of the men would love to take you and your child into his tent…”
Junabel gave her head a simple, sharp shake. “No. I loved my husband, but what we had was unusual. I did not regard him the way other women regarded their husbands, nor did he feel for me as I heard other women were felt by their husbands. I do not wish to join another man’s tent.” She made this declaration softly but firmly, hands clasped loosely over her swollen belly. She turned suddenly to Ixe, eyes alight with curiosity. “What have you been telling the tribes we have been visiting to explain my presence?”
Ixe was abruptly very fascinated with their view of the camp. “I perhaps should have discussed it with you,” she started slowly, and Junabel’s brows drew together in confusion at her tone. “I didn’t want to burden you with anything when you’d only just joined us. I fear I must apologize, Juna. I have been telling them that you…are my wife.”
Junabel could only stare, eyebrows up near her hairline, and completely, utterly speechless.
Ixe glanced at her from the corner of her eye, before looking away quickly, continuing quietly, “I know I should not have, but it was the best I could think of. It ensured that no others would think you bad luck and ensured that no trouble would come to you, if I said you belonged in my tent. I only wished to make life easier for you.”
For several long moments, there was only silence between them. Ixe was staring off in the direction of the slowly darkening camp, but her eyes were unfocused.
“I…” Junabel stuttered to a halt as Ixe’s gaze snapped around to her. She licked her lips before continuing nervously. “They accepted it? The story a-and…and my part in it? They did not take issue with you having a wife when you are a woman as well?”
Ixe could hear the hope in her voice, that this caravan might provide her this world greater than she had previously imagined. “No, of course not. Why -” And then something clicked. “Juna, do you…” Ixe trailed off, unsure of how to ask the question.
Junabel looked toward her feet, staring unseeingly as she stroked her belly gently. “My husband and I were well-matched. He took no pleasure in the flesh of women and I couldn’t find it in myself to feel about men the way other women did. Differences…like us, were not something allowed in our tribe and it was not something we talked about, except sometimes with one another and even then, we did not discuss it as a possibility. It…it never occurred to us that there might be somewhere in the world that it was allowed.”
She fell silent, not seeming to see anything in front of her as they spent several long moment just breathing in the quiet night, the sounds of camp muffled by distance. She jumped slightly when one of Ixe’s hands landed on hers, and she looked up to meet soft brown eyes. “Juna, I don’t know what kind of tribe you belonged to, but this caravan takes in all and sundry and they are welcome here. Whatever your life was, it is no more,” Ixe finished softly, eyes luminous in the darkness.
Junabel stared at the calloused hand covering hers for a moment. “I do not mind the story you have been telling.” She took a deep breath to steady herself. She was tired of never taking chances and missing out on a life that she could have. Steeling herself, she added, “I would not mind if it were no longer merely a story.”
Ixe stuttered out a noise and for a moment, Junabel feared her welcome might have suddenly come to an end, but then Ixe was smiling, a slow smile that started at the corners of her lips and spread, her full smile the only thing Junabel could see in the swiftly falling night.
“Juna,” she started, then trailed off, seemingly unsure what to say.
Suddenly nervous, Junabel started saying the first thing that came into her head. “I know we hardly know each other and certainly my child is a complication more would not know how to handle and even if you had not asked me, I have tried to follow your caravan away from that place and -”
She cut off as Ixe lifted her free hand to Junabel’s cheek. “You suddenly have a lot to say,” she chuckled quietly. Junabel was glad for the dark that hid her blush as she stared unsurely but hopefully at Ixe. “I intend to begin courting you properly tomorrow, but I hope you’ll forgive me this one impropriety.”
Before Junabel could ask what impropriety she was talking about, Ixe had leaned forward, warm, chapped lips to her own. Junabel took only a moment of stunned stillness before she tentatively kissed back, lost in sensations she’s never imagined. Here were the sparks and tingles the girls of her old tribe had talked about, the light and fluttery feeling in her stomach and a warmth that seemed to envelop her.
Junabel blinked slowly, slightly dazed, as Ixe pulled back. “It was the greatest of luck which brought you to me, Juna,” Ixe murmured quietly. “I am glad you have joined us. The caravan has been brighter since, and my own life especially so.”
Junabel’s face felt warm and she suspected she had turned a bright red. “I-I am glad I am here as well. I…” She trailed off, finding herself more than a little overwhelmed with the way her life had changed so quickly.
As if she knew exactly how she was feeling, Ixe chuckled quietly and hopped neatly from the wagon, moving to place a comforting arm around Junabel’s waist. “Come, Juna. Let us rejoin the caravan for its evening. I find myself suddenly quite anxious for tomorrow.” Ixe pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek and slowly, they made their way back to a camp that suddenly looked brand new.