Her Royal Highness and Warrior (PM if interested)

[Blaanid]

Tarlon’s words helped calm her down and with his help and the help of the midwife she was put back to bed so that she could relax at least a little bit. That entire day and into the next, the keep was filled with Morgosis screams of pain from the labor. Any noble who came to court could hear their Queen labor for the next heir, the entire castle eerily silent except for Morgosis’ cries. It took her two days to finally deliver Tarlon’s child, and even the midwife worried if Morgosis herself would survive such labor, but finally she did give her husband a healthy strong son, a son that they would name Cole and would one day rule both Kingdoms under one peace loving King.

Morgosis spent most of her time with their son over the next several months, she not even letting a wet-nurse nurse the young prince. But still she did long to be out on the grounds with the men, practicing her skills with them, event teaching them a little of what she had been taught. And so she asked Tarlon again when they were along in their chambers, she sitting in a chair letting their son sleep in her arms while Tarlon sat by her, touching her, loving her. “Tarlon, now that I have given you a son, may I train with your men, keep my skill in check. I am fully able to care for our son and still take on a little extra duty. After all, I want to be able to protect those that I love, you and now our son and any other children that might come into our lives!”

 

[marauder13]

The petitioning during the morning of the first day was quick, as no one really wanted to conduct business with the sounds of a woman screaming in pain in the background. Normal affairs of business were left unattended as Morgosis' labour continued through the day.

When the labour was still going the following day, Tarlon started to be concerned for his wife and child. All business of the kingdom halted while every held their breath for the young Queen and the child she was bringing into the world.

When the news was passed to the King that his son was born, and healthy, he went to see his wife and child. While the midwife was worried about Morgosis, Tarlon could see that his wife would be fine. Within a day, Morgosis was awake, and her strength was returning. When she was fit enough to walk, the Royal couple introduced their son, Cole, to the Kingdom.

Tarlon delighted in the way that Morgosis looked after their son. He showed his wife affection, carefully taking his cues from her and doing those things he knew she was able to do, and wanted to do. By the time Cole was eating food, Morgosis' body had returned to its prechild state, with the exception of her breasts. They remained a little fuller than before she was with child.

Then, one morning during breakfast, Tarlon smiled and chuckled at the question he had been waiting for since she finished her labour to pass from his wife's lips. Her slight scowl at his soft laughter only made it louder and more hearty.

"My love," he said, holding up his hands, "I have been waiting to see how long with would take you to ask about this. In all honesty, I thought you had forgotten or given up on the idea. As long as you are aware, my wife, that I expect your duties as a mother to be of greater importance than those of a warrior." His voice took on the tone of authority. "Do you understand?"

 

[Blaanid]

Morgosis smiled brightly when she heard her husband’s true laughter and knew instantly that she had won him over in the matter. She kissed him lovingly and called for one of her ladies to request that the smithy begin right away on making the Queen her own set of armor so that Morgosis would once again be able to train with the men in style like she did back home with her father’s army.

Cole began to stir in her arms as though even he felt weary about his mother the Queen holding a sword and possibly leading men into battle, but her father and his captains had trained Morgosis very well from when she was still a small child just how to defend herself, she had great tutors show her how to manage great armies for times of war. But she also understood her place as well, and knew that if the time ever came to war, then she would more than likely have to step back and let the men do their jobs while she stayed home with the children.

But with Cole in her life, that didn’t seem bad anymore, indeed she did welcome such an idea. But then again knowing that the love of her life going into battle without would make it difficult.

 

[marauder13]

The armourer actually approached his King after receiving the request.

"Is it true, yer Maj'sty?" Kashan had been working for the Kings for the past 25 years, and took great pride in his work. With good reason too. His ability to craft fine quality armour made him a valuable person to the Royal family and important nobles.

"Yes, Kashan. I want you to make a suit of armour for Morgosis that is of your normal standard. It is to be serviceable, not ceremonial. Same for her sword. She knows what she needs, and you will heed her advice, like you would any other soldier of this Kingdom."

"As you wish, yer Maj'sty." With a bow, her headed off. But this was the start of some very strong opposition to Her Majesty's desire. Arwan, Marshal of Ramun, made his thoughts known in no uncertain terms.

"Your Majesty, I will not permit Her Majesty to train with the men."

"On what grounds, Marshal?"

"I will not accept responsibility for any injuries she suffers."

"You will accept the same responsibilities you did when you trained me."

"But, Your Majesty, The Queen -"

"Is quite capable, Marshal. Talk to her. Watch her with a sword. All I ask is that you judge her the same way you would judge a man. And do it honestly and without favour."

The Marshal bowed stiffly, but followed his King's wishes. Because he was a much loved King, his people allowed him these little oddities. But he knew what his wife was capable of. And after a few weeks, he would be reaping the benefits in other, much different ways. That thought brought a smile to his face, as well as another equally supportive reaction.

 

[Blaanid]

Those first several weeks, Morgosis made it very clear to all of her husband’s solders that she was more than capable of being able to handle a sword, that she was perfectly able to keep up with hand to hand combat and that she was a very accomplished rider.

And as she continued to train with the men, her body began to get very lean once again, her ass getting nice and tight and her once slightly swollen belly was perfectly flat once again. She was even able to show off to her husband at night just how good she felt, just how full of energy she was from her activities in the morning with the men, making it clear in the bedchamber that she very very thankful for what her husband was letting her do. For she paraded around the bed for Tarlon, letting him touch and feel his wife all over as they made love, she even doing much of the work herself night after night, riding him night after night and in turn getting a very nice treat as his thick cock once again stuffed her full, reminding her of how they had made their son!

 

[marauder13]

Tarlon enjoyed the fact that his wife was feeling more relaxed, and liking herself. That she took to showing off her new exercise maintained body for him was part of it.

But it was the night that his wife decided she would send him to sleep from her lovemaking that she got a surprise. Tarlon had told her that his stamina was good, and maybe even better after the Pox struck. It was not His Majesty that called off the lovemaking from tiredness.

"I must have not settled into the routine yet," Morgosis said the next morning, a cheeky glint in her eye as well as love for her husband. She tried again when she completed the training sessions feeling as she did before she married. Once more, her husband outlasted her. He delighted in her willingness to do such things, and loved her for her enthusiasm for all things in her life.

Tarlon had started receiving several missives from Baron Monzar Dawn of Redhill Point containing disturbing information about the neighbouring Kingdom of Nemeria. Tarlon had several closed door meetings with Arnon and Arwan. Anytime Morgosis attempted to join the meetings, or ask about them, she was politely declined by all three of them. Fortunately, Tarlon was able to keep the news from effecting his other interactions with everyone else.

 

[Blaanid]

Morgosis began to feel very confused, for her husband would indulge her all night long and well into the morning with his wonderful love making, and he would allow her to train with his men to increase her skill in fighting with the sword and in the saddle, but when it came to the closed door meetings that he was having with his advisors, she was shut out. It really was feeling as though her husband was not who she thought she married, as though Tarlon still did not trust her at all.

She would spend more and more time in her chambers with their young son, nursing him and tending to him when she did not have her early morning exercises, showing even Tarlon’s greatest warriors that the Queen could best them anytime. But inside Morgosis was just beginning to feel like some kind of a pawn in some unknown game. It was even getting to the point that her want to make love to Tarlon was lessening, that she felt as though she was making love to a man who acted as though he loved her one moment but didn’t trust her the next.

She would take out her frustrations while practicing, she herself taking long unattended runs on her horse and then come back to their chambers all bruised up from her efforts. She could feel that someone was going on, she hearing whispers all around her, nobles looking at her funny and her husband’s men treating her as if she would break like glass if spoken to in the wrong way or even touched.

 

[marauder13]

Tarlon knew his advisors well enough to see past their facades. He had made his decision known to them both, and they objected strenuously, but to no avail. They were angry with him, and he saw it plainly.

The morning after he made his decision, he stood in his bedchambers, looking on his sleeping wife. She was hurt about being kept out of the meetings concerning Nemeria. Again, they type of information coming out would breach his oath to Arnan. He would speak to her on the matter after his travel was complete.

When Morgosis finally woke, he walked over and greeted her as he had every morning. "My love, I shall need you to come to the main audience chamber with me this morning. There is something important that you need to know about." His face told her she would know later. There was a tear in his eye at the time.

The Royal couple entered the Main Audience chamber together, though the people of the keep could see the tension between them. They sat on their thrones, and the Herald called the attention of all in the hall.

Tarlon stood. "It has come to our attention that our loyal Baron Monzar Dawn has requested a visit of state form the King. I have agreed to his request and will be departing as soon as this audience is complete. During the time of my departure from the keep, all matters of rule will be handled by Her Majesty, and she shall speak as if with my voice. That is all."

Tarlon turned to Morgosis and offered his hand. He led her back to the private audience chamber with Arnan and Arwan. When the doors closed, Tarlon turned to face the other three.

"Which of the three of you wishes to berate me first? Do not take too long, I have little time available to me."

 

[Blaanid]

Morgosis watched as Arwan began to open his mouth, but she spoke first and most forcefully at all three of them, “I may be a woman, I may just be the wife of the King and I may be head over heals in love with you Tarlon, but don’t treat me as though I am some little glass thing that you keep up on your highest shelf as if it’s a treasure too great to risk breaking. I won’t break, and I don’t like these meetings. The only thing that I can think is either there is something that you all fear is getting ready to happen to me, or you fear me doing something traitorous, why else would you exclude me from such meetings, for I am the only variable missing at such appointments.

She kissed Tarlon hotly on the mouth, she not caring that they were not alone in the room and wrapped her arms around her husband, she letting her fingers work their magic on his body as if they were making love with their cloths still on and standing up.

She broke the kiss and whispered into his ear saying, “May my love bring you strength and luck on your trip husband, for our bed will be cold and lonely till you return.”

 

[marauder13]

He smiled at her words, and more so at her kiss. Tarlon looked at his advisors, but they said nothing.

"Very well, gentlemen. Do I have your promise, Arnan, that you will inform the Queen as you would inform me of what your people find?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. You are no longer held to your Oath with Queen Morgisis."

"Marshal, will you work with Her Majesty in the defence of the Kingdom?"

"Yes. Her Majesty will have my complete support and loyalty, as you do, Your Majesty."

"Good. Morgosis, Baron Monzar Dawn has heard disturbing news concerning a rebellion in Nemeria, and the possibility that the rebels will petition to join Ramun. This needs to be checked out quietly, and first hand. While I am gone, you will rule. If there are any objections, then trust in these men fully to aid you if needed.

"Now, I have to make ready for my journey. That is all."

Tarlon and Morgosis retired to their chambers where Tarlon started to change into clothes better suited for riding.

 

[Blaanid]

As if Cole himself could sense his parents uneasiness, he too began to fuss and get upset, Morgosis quickly picked him up from his bassinette she knowing just what it would take to calm their son and Tarlon. She kissed her husband again on the mouth as she helped him dress with Cole in one arm and her other handing him the clothing that he would need and other items that would come in handy on his travels.

She smiled at him playfully saying, “I want you back here soon, after all, Cole needs a little sister to terrorize don’t you think?” She making it very clear what she wanted, and giggled nervously saying, “After all, I do deserve that boon from you, to get back at you for all the stress you have put me through lately.”

She kissed him again and again and then waved off to him, she even waving Cole’s little hand to his father as if to farewell him, Morgosis wanting to be sure that Tarlon had his son and wife on his mind the entire time to give him strength, to remind him that he had a family now to love him!

 

[marauder13]

Tarlon and a small group of 10 soldiers rode off no long after he farewelled his wife. It had been many years since he rode a horse, but he remembered enough of the skills to compensate for the lack of condition of his body. They made good time, and camped in out of the way places on their way to the town of Redhill Point, the home of Baron Manzor Dawn.

Four days riding had them near the town. Before they reached the town, they were intercepted by a band of Nemerian Cavalry. His soldiers were outnumbered, but they knew what they needed to do. Eight of the soldiers from Tarlon's detachment rode off to engage the enemy cavalry, while Tarlon and two soldiers fled to nearby woods and safety. The Ramun soldiers use horse bows to harass the Nemerians and distract them while their King escaped.

Tarlon managed to make the safety of the tree line, and they rode deeper into the woods. Charging head long through the trees the three rode as fast as they would dare. They slowed down when they thought they had gone deep enough. Tarlon turned to one of the two men with him. "Return to the keep, and inform the Queen as to what has happened. Go, Serrik. Bring help. Go." With a salute, the young man turned his steed and headed off in a different direction to the other two.

"Now, we should go this way. It will lead us out of the forest on the far side. We should be able to loose them in the process."

They rode slowly and carefully while Tarlon checked their direction constantly. They were about to make camp that night when a small group of soldiers found them. Tarlon's remaining companion made a good showing of himself killing two of the Nemerians before dying himself. But he bought Tarlon enough time to escape. While Tarlon's body was not as good as theirs, his mind and wits were better. He made good use of the terrain to reduce the effectiveness of their horses.

But for all the thought, and use of wits, luck will even out everything. A simple root protruding out of the ground that caught his foot. His head slammed into the ground, and everything went black.

 

[Blaanid]

About two nights later, Arnan woke Morgosis in the middle of the night to tell her what had happened. She thinking that her husband would find a safe place to hide got herself dressed as quickly as possible, though what she wore none would expect at all. For she put on her fighting cloths and armor, though she herself would not lead the command to find Tarlon and get him out of trouble. Inside Morgosis was panicking, worrying about the worst, worrying that their son would never get to know his father, that she herself would never again know the touch of love that seemed to just emanate from Tarlon when he was around her.

She had no idea that something like this would happen, but she made sure that night and day they would be ready just in case something went wrong, she commanding that 200 men would stay ready, that they would sleep in their armor and bedrolls outside of the keep just in case they needed to move right away. And Morgosis was glad that she had made such a decoction, for they were all awake and ready by the time she herself went down to meet them.

She looked over at the Marshal saying, “Will you lead the men Marshal? Find my husband and bring him home?”

She knew better than to go running off with the men to find Tarlon, she knew the danger of both King and Queen being away from the Kingdom and was willing to stay, even though it would be torture for her.

 

[marauder13]

Marshal Arwan listened to his Queen's commands, knowing full well she was worried for her husband. All of Tarlon's advisors knew exactly how they felt about each other, and they were all happy for the couple.

"Your Majesty, because of the need for us to cover ground quickly, I shall only take the fifty horsemen, and leave the remaining foot soldiers here under your command. We will find he and return him. On that, you have my promise."

The Marshal bowed and saluted Morgosis as he would Tarlon. He shouted orders for the horsemen to mount up. There was a flurry of activity, and within fifteen minutes, the Marshal was leading the fifty horsemen out to find their King. He hoped they would find their King alive.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tarlon stirred in his sleep, and felt a familiar small feminine shape curled around him. He smiled as he drifted further towards waking. He turned his head, and kissed his darling wife on her forehead as a morning greeting. She stirred slightly, murmuring her pleasure at his show of affection. But then, his sleep addled mind finally picked up on a subtle, but important difference. The taste of his wife's skin was not that of his wife.

His eyes snapped open. He was lying on, and under, animal skins beside another woman! From the feel of them both, neither were clothed. He looked about, noticing he was in a reasonable sized tent.

The woman beside him was now awake. She sat up, her raven hair spilled down around her face, covering her breasts easily. Her skin had an olive complexion, and her dark brown eyes lowered as soon as she made contact. She then changed her position so she was sitting on her heels, facing him.

"Where..."

"Greetings, Tarlon King. I am Kasha, your gift from the Chief of Wolf Clan."

 

[Blaanid]

Morgosis never felt more busy or stressed out as she did now. Not only did she have a country to run on her own, but her son to care for as well. And many times she would have to nurse Cole while speaking to her advisors, somehow feeling great comfort in seeing how they treated her as an equal and quickly made rules to protect Cole in case her worst fears would be true. She commanding that her own son be watched at all times by four of the most elite guards, even when Morgosis herself had to nurse him, she only caring for the safety of her child.

She couldn’t help but worry about Tarlon, she constantly fearing the worst had happened, she seeing horrible images in her mind of him laying dead at the hands of one of their enemies, the thought that she would never again be able to kiss his loving mouth, to feel his warm arms surround her and the worst fear of all that Cole would never know his father!

 

[marauder13]

"Wolf Clan? What is wolf clan doing so far within my Kingdom?"

"Wolf clan is not, Tarlon King. Kasha was foraging for roots only found in woods where Tarlon King was lying. Kasha brought clan brothers to bring Tarlon King to safety from Nems. Chief was pleased to offer Tarlon King aid, and reaped much honour from it. Repaid honour by allowing Kasha to be Tarlon King's gift. Chief honours words exchanged, and gift is to show honour still there."

"So, I am in the Wolf Clan lands?"

"Yes, Tarlon King. Tarlon King slept as dead man for five days. Kasha has taken care of Tarlon King while sleeping." She smiled.

Tarlon thought on this. He was at least two days hard ride north of where he fell. At least the nomads stayed true to their word, and they found him to be a friend, rather than an enemy. But the gift... He could not refuse her without dishonouring the Chief. He lay back down, sighing.

"Is there a problem, Tarlon King?" She shuffled closer to him, concern clear on her face as well as her voice.

"No, Kasha. I am tired, that's all. I need to rest." Kasha nodded, but did not move.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A lone rider approached the keep, slowing from a gallop to a canter. Her long golden blonde braid fell to her back, the end just brushing the saddle as she slowed. She kept riding at the canter as she approached the gate. The soldiers on duty snapped to attention as she rode past. She walked her horse straight to the royal stable, dismounting as the stable boy took her stead. She marched purposely through the keep, acknowledging the bows from the servants as she passed.

As she approached the private audience chamber, the guards snapped to attention as she strode into the room. The 5'8" tall, pale skinned young woman paused when she saw Morgosis in the room. Her shapely body was in a form fitting riding dress which left little to the imagination concerning her body above the hips. Her pale blue eyes fixed on the Queen with a look that sized her up and questioned her presence.

"Who are you? And where is the King?"

 

[Blaanid]

Morgosis heard the guards all around the keep suddenly come to attention, something that they normally didn’t do unless their King was coming their way, which made her heard begin to race, only to see this strange woman come at her as though she owned the place, as though in some way she claimed right to be there!
Morgosis could almost sense that there was a connection between this woman and her husband, and so she stood up facing the unknown woman saying, “Please, tell me who you are first so that I may know to trust you or not.”
This woman was good looking, and by the way she just walked in, unstopped and even bowed to made Morgosis herself wonder what was really going on. She getting the feeling that there was a lot going on here that she really didn’t understand, she murmuring under her breath about other meetings that she still hadn’t been invited to yet and then yelled out into the audience chamber for Arwan, suddenly feeling threatened not only by law but her marriage as well. Suddenly images of Tarlon and this woman making love were swimming through her mind, the idea that Tarlon would sleep with a woman like that made her want to just lash out right then and there!

 

[marauder13]

Aristarkis heard word that the Lady Aeryn had returned. The seneschel raced to the private audience chamber in hope of reaching there before Aeryn did. He could tell by the bellowing call of his Queen that he was too late.

He slowed himself to a walk, and entered the room thick with tension. "Your Majesty," he bowed to Morgosis once he reached Aeryn's line of sight. He turned to the blonde woman. "Lady Aeryn, it is a pleasure to see you back. I hope you errand was fruitful?"

She smiled at Aristarkus, and relaxed her pose slightly, still holding herself straight, but without the tension. "Yes, it turned out to be more fruitful that I had planned." She turned her gaze to Morgosis, and she curtsied politely to the Queen. "My forgiveness, Your Majesty, I was not made aware that His Majesty had taken a wife. I am Lady Aeryn, one of His Majesty's advisors. Had I known, I would have awaited your permission before entering. His Majesty always wanted me to enter this chamber without asking his permission."

She stood calmly, waiting to see what Her Majesty did next.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tarlon lay still for an hour, thinking of his options. Wolf Clan were a nomadic people who walked with their herds as they grazed the plains to the north of Ramun. Before they became allies, the Wolf Clan would raid farmsteads of Ramun. Tarlon brought his soldiers into the Wolf Clan lands, and he captured the Chief. He released the Chief after honouring his as an equal, and made he swear not to raid Ramun lands again. They set up some simple trade, and the Wolf Clan flourished.

Now, he was in the camp of their Chief, but he needed to return to his kingdom, because his wife and friends would be worried about him, and would be searching for him. Worse, Given how Baron Monzar Dawn felt about him, it would be easy for him to be held responsible for what happened, even though the man was innocent.

Tarlon stood slowly, his body unused to movement. Kasha started to move to help him, but stopped her self when she saw his expression.

"I need to see the chief, right away." Kasha leapt to her feet, and gathered clothes for him to wear. She helped him dress quickly, before she donned some clothing for herself. Hers covered her essentials, and little else. "Follow me Tarlon King. I shall lead you to Ferris Chief."

 

[Blaanid]

It was as though Morgosis could sense that this woman had her husband’s trust and friendship impeccably, yet he still had failed to even talk about the Lady Aeryn. But Morgosis had been well trained to hide her true feelings, even anger and frustration if that was necessary, and so she let out a good laugh saying, “Well Lady Aeryn, you and I are very much alike in that respect, for the King has failed to tell me anything about you.”

She stepped down from the Dias and talked with the Lady for some time in quiet tones and whispers, they both seeming to get along as if they were long lost best friends. “Lady Aeryn, please forgive my guards as they follow us, someone seems to want to relieve me of my life, so my loving husband likes to make sure that I am well watched and protected at all times.”

They both walked into a more private and less formal sitting chamber and the two sat down and Morgosis got right to the point saying, “Please, catch me up on what has been going on and I will catch you up from what has been going on here at court, after all I am sure you would like to meet our young son Cole.”

 

[marauder13]

Aeryn sensed the discomfort of the Queen, who would have been a little older than her. The Queen carried herself with confidence, but there was also a worry there as well. Aeryn relaxed herself beside the red haired woman. Tarlon must have trusted her to make her his Queen, so that trust would be extended to her.

"His Majesty was right not to make mention of me to you, Your Majesty. Ones such as myself are not viewed in the best light by the common folk. They would call me a witch. I am a spellcaster, but I am not a witch."

When they reached the room and sat down, Aeryn continued. "Tarlon found me five years ago, after some people stoned me, and let me for dead. He did not know what I was, neither did he care. He and his family made me welcome, and not long after I was healed, I told him what I could do, and showed him." She had a faint smile on her face as she stared out into the past.

"Then the pox came, and I was out searching for some crystals I needed. By the time I returned, Tar- His Majesty was the only one left alive of the Royal blood, and then only just. I used what little knowledge of healing spells I had to keep Death from claiming him. Once he took the throne, he made me one of his advisors.

"I had been gone looking for a tome of power, and I have only just returned to inform His Majesty of my discoveries."

Aeryn turned to face Morgosis. "And what of you, Your Majesty? How is it that His Majesty came upon such a fitting woman to be his wife and Queen?"

Almost as an afterthought, Aeryn asked, "And where is His Majesty?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kasha led Tarlon to the largest tent in the camp. Two warriors just watched them approach and did nothing as they entered. The inside of the tent was similar to the one Tarlon had awoken in. There was nothing that made it standout more than any other tent.

Seated on a small pile of cushions was a gray haired man who's mostly exposed body was still fit and hale. His dark eyes met Tarlon's, and he stood up with a broad smile.

"Greetings Tarlon King."

"Greetings Ferris Chief. I see the Wolf loves his children."

"Yes, He does. I see that He has given Tarlon King strength to continue after Death swept lands of Ramun."

"Yes, He was generous. As are his children." He nodded towards Kasha.

"Ferris Chief is pleased Tarlon King likes the gift. It is only fitting that Ferris Chief give own daughter as gift to Tarlon King."

Tarlon's stomach dropped at that news. Kasha was very important indeed, and the honour attached to this gift was high. He knew he would have to tread very carefully from here on. While they were allies, they had strict rules of upholding honour, most of which involved fighting. The more honour at stake, the greater the risk to the combatants lives. This would be a fight to the death challenge if things went bad.

"Tarlon King wishes to thank Ferris Chief for the hospitality of Wolf Clan caring for Tarlon King when sleeping like dead. But Tarlon King needs to return to Ramun quickly. A King, like a Chief, can not be apart from the people for too long."

"Of course, Tarlon King. Ferris Chief will have warriors ready to protect Tarlon King on trek back to Ramun. Kasha has good legs, Kasha will keep up with Tarlon King on trek."

Tarlon suspected that the gift was a permanent one, but now he got the confirmation he feared. But he could not afford to offend his host, even turning her back once he reached Ramun. Ferris would see that as an insult, and matters would get worse.

"Tarlon King is certain that Kasha will keep well during the trek. Kasha is fit and healthy and is indeed a worthy gift."

"Ahhh... good, Tarlon King has enjoyed the gift." Ferris could tell from both of their reactions that this was not the case. "Tarlon King has not enjoyed gift yet?"

"Tarlon King has spent time in sleep of the dead, Ferris Chief," Kasha said. "Tarlon King wanted to speak with Ferris Chief when wakened."

"It will take time for Wolf Clan to make ready for trek. It would be good for Tarlon King to relax in tent."

Tarlon nodded, and withdrew. Kasha followed close behind until they reached the tent.

 

[Blaanid]

She giggled saying, “I had just turned 18 last autumn and my father King Morgan decided that it was time for him to marry off his only daughter to a King that he trusted and respected, so he had sent word to Tarlon letting him know that he was willing to give me to him.”

But then her expression completely changed from upbeat to clearly stressed and worried saying, “Tarlon went off to attack those would threaten us and we just received word that he had been ambushed and the Marshal is right now out there searching for him.”

She made no mention of worrying and fearing for her husband, but it was clear from her face that there was worry there, that she wanted nothing more than to see her husband.

 

[marauder13]

Aeryn's face took on a look of concern too.

"Ambushed?" She stood, and walked to the door, opening it in an almost violent manner. "Fetch me a bowl and pitcher of water. NOW!"

The guard outside dropped his weapon and ran. Aeryn looked out the door, her entire body radiating impatience. Within moments, the guard returned, handing her the items she requested. She closed the door with her foot, returning to where Morgosis sat.

"I shall find him for you, and contact the Marshal." She filled the bowl with water. She sat straight, her eyes closed, and her hands making lazy circles over the water. Aeryn's voice was deep as she spoke words that sent a shiver down Morgosis' spine. When her hands parted, the water was cloudy, then an image started to appear. It was dim, but soon their eyes adjusted...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He didn't really want to do this, but there really was no choice. So, he made it as gentle as possible for Kasha, making it feel like she was not being used. He didn't need to do much to ready her, as she had been expecting, maybe even looking forward to him taking her as a man took a woman.

She was enjoying their coupling, and physically, so was Tarlon, though his heart was not in it. He only wanted one woman, and she was back at his keep, probably worried he was dead. But he continued, taking the third woman he had ever coupled in his life, so that he would return to the woman he loved safe.

 

[Blaanid]

What Morgosis saw made her entire complexion turn white, it looked as though she was indeed on death’s door. Tears began to swim in her eyes as she watched in horror as her husband laid with another woman, as she could clearly see now that he was fucking her slowly and in a manner that seemed to be making love.

She stood by as patiently as she could as she always watched Aeryn also call out to the Marshal, she telling him where Tarlon was. And when that was finally done, Morgosis excused herself, she expressing her apologies through a grief strained voice saying, “I’m sorry, I need to go to my son.”

And as she made her way to her private chambers where her son now slept, she couldn’t help but cry out loud as she relieved those images through her mind, she seeing first hand her own husband clearly making love to another. Morgosis had though she would be ready if Tarlon decided to have a concubine, but the sight that had been put before her made her suddenly unable to stomach the idea. She feared that if Tarlon came home that day that she would never be able to love him, that her feelings for her own husband would suddenly disappear!

And for a while there, she locked herself in her chambers, not letting anyone see her, not even the guards whom were supposed to be keeping a close eye over herself and Cole, it was as though Morgosis herself had gone mad, that even though she could easily fight her way through anything that might try to kill or hurt her, but when it came to emotions she was clearly falling apart!

 

[marauder13]

His diplomatic obligations fulfilled, he readied himself to travel home. Tarlon wondered how he would explain this to Morgosis. Tarlon was having difficulties explaining it to himself. He dressed in the manner of the Wolf Clan when they traveled. Light cloth covering his torso, covered with thick furs that stopped at his knees. Around his feet were leather boots that stopped at his knees, which were tied to his legs.

Kasha was once more in her revealing outfit, but instead of bare feet, she too wore knee high boots.

Chief Ferris farewelled them as they set off at a slow jog. The twelve people left the camp, heading for Redhill Point. It was mid afternoon when they encountered an cavalry patrol. The Wolf Clan warriors prepared themselves for a fight, but they changed their stance when they saw the tabards of Ramun.

Tarlon stepped forward, noticing the Marshal at the head of the column.

"Greetings, Marshal. I can't tell you how happy I am to see you."

"Your Majesty, Lady Aeryn told me where you could be found. Which is why we are here."

The ten warriors saluted the Marshal and the King, then turned and left, returning to their camp. Kasha walked up, standing behind Tarlon, using him partially as a shield. The Marshal gave the King a quizzical look, but said nothing.

"I have your mount, Your Majesty."

"Thank you, Marshal. Let us return home, and let my wife know that I am alive and well." One of the soldiers help Tarlon onto his mount, then looked at the King and then at Kasha. "Yes, help her up behind me." Once they were both settled, they commenced the three day ride back to Ramun.

 

[Blaanid]

Morgosis spent that next few days doing her duty as she normally would, but her worry, anger and jealousy were always in the back of her mind reminding her what had happened, what she had seen in Aeryn’s waters and she knew that what she saw was true.

At night, as she slept in their bed she constantly had horrible nightmares of what would happen, nightmares that sometimes had her thrown out of her husband’s keep to live alone and cold, others had her tied up in a room watching as her husband made love to the unknown woman. She would scream in the middle of the night, some of her nightmares showing her how Tarlon would make it so that this woman would be the one to raise their child, making it so that Morgosis would never see or hold her son again.

She woke up that their day, her mind so rattled that she could barely think straight, yet she made it to court just fine and looking as she normally did, but her mind and body were still not as it should be. She was not feeling well, she was tired from lack of sleep and she hoped that whatever god was out there would bring her husband home to her, that she would be able to forgive him for whatever it was that she saw!