Sharpe's Exploits

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

Owen was a relatively devout and pious Presbyterian, although acknowledging he perhaps (no, more than perhaps, certainly) had a number of faults, he conducted himself with gentlemanly aplomb, made sure to properly worship once a week, gave what he could to the church in Cardiff, and was certainly better off than the Irish Papists or the French atheists and regicides who had started this whole unfortunate mess back when he had still been a youth. Owen was certain he was one of the chosen who would rise into Heaven when his time came to leave this Earth.

That certainty that he was one of God's select was what made him wonder if perhaps the inn might have been hit by French artillery, or if perhaps the assassin had killed him as well as the Spaniard, or if perhaps the food had been bad and led to his demise. Heaven was said to be a place where the just were rewarded with delights beyond those of Earth, and the woman between his thighs, ever-so-painfully-slowly drawing his manhood into her wet, small mouth, was certainly making him feel things that he doubted could have been experienced ever before. But Owen doubted that oral pleasuring by a young girl was the sort of reward Reverend Whitefield would have had in mind, and Susannah did not fit the archetype of an angel. At least, not when she was naked, kneeling between the legs of a man such as himself, performing such miracles with her tongue and mouth.

Owen let a quite undignified whimper as his member was slowly taken into her mouth, Susannah quietly accepting his hands' guidance. He lessened the pressure as she took in a few inches, not wanting to overwhelm her, but she continued downwards even further, further than he would have thought possible for such a petite, inexperienced girl. Oh, what a treasure she was. His hands remained on her head, no longer pushing down but rather stroking her cheeks and hair, wanting to touch her but not knowing how else to do so, and to be honest far too lost in the feelings of her attentions to him to be able to do anything more complex.

Then, Susannah began to pull out, and a full-blown groan of ecstasy as his member dragged along the soft bed of her tongue, clamped by her tight lips, catching just at the tip of his sensitive crown, before returning to lowering down. Oh, God, where had she learned something like this? Was it truly possible that an innocent like her could have such innate knowledge of how to please a man? Perhaps it was a sign of their destiny with each other. Surely the fact that they each could pleasure the other so well with no foreknowlede could mean nothing other that their joining was part of the supreme being's plan?

His hands ran through the long red curls that were draped along his thigh, curling them around his fingers, brushing them along his skin, as Susannah's head continued to move up and down, tantalizingly slowly, her tongue and lips and mouth so tight and warm and wet along his member. He could feel the precursor fluid leaking from his tip, and he hoped that she was not too disgusted - though the fact she had not yet stopped was a good indicator. His member felt almost impossibly tight, and he knew that, if he did nothing, within a few minutes, he might...expend himself. And he did not want to do that, at least without giving her a warning - and a choice.

"Susannah," he spoke, his voice coarse, his hands slowly and regretfully pulling her from his member, tilting her chin up to look at him. "If you keep this up, within a minute or two I'll...climax. If you, ah, wish to continue that is fine, but, ah, if you, um, wish to...to...take me elsewhere..." Owen trailed off, even now finding it difficult to ask what he wanted to, and knowing that, innocent that she was, Susannah probably would have little idea of what he was saying.

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

Susannah was finding it hard to remain as she was, the tingling and throbbing sensations within her body were growing almost overwhelming as she made love to Owen with her mouth. She was certain that was what was happening, even with her extremely limited knowledge of such things, what she was experiencing felt nothing like the sordid tales she had overheard in whispered corners. She felt feelings almost akin to pride, something else she had rarely experienced, as she heard Owen's sighs and sounds of pleasure. Everything she was doing she was doing from some kind of unfamiliar instinct. Susannah found her hips swaying slightly as she knelt before him, sighs of her own being muffled by his flesh.

The touch of his hands upon her face, within her hair, all serving to add to the surging of emotions within her veins. She wanted to kiss him, a desire to kiss him and kiss him the way her romantic novels hinted at but never actually described rose up inside her, causing her mouths' pressure to increase around him for a stroke or two. Her brow furrowed ever so slightly as a new taste crept across her tongue, it wasn't unpleasant, but it was different. She became aware of a vague pulsing against her tongue as it stroked Owen's member, could feel his muscles tensing slightly beneath her, around her.

"Susannah,"
She was so absorbed in her actions that his horsely spoken word almost shocked her, coupled with his guiding of her mouth up and off of him, her eyebrows arched, questioning what she had done wrong...had her actions displeased him somehow? Was this not what he had asked her for, and appeared to enjoy...?
"If you keep this up, within a minute or two I'll...climax. If you, ah, wish to continue that is fine, but, ah, if you, um, wish to...to...take me elsewhere..."
Her relief at hearing he was close to reaching his peak of excitement and was therefore more than appreciating her actions was tempered by confusion.
"I...I am not sure I understand..." Susannah's voice was slightly breathless, her eyes sparkling and lips still parted, an eyebrow quirking as her mind ran his words through it again. "...how could take you elsewhere...?" Her eyes flicked from his face to the swollen flesh beneath her, the curious taste that she had experienced suddenly coming back to her.

She blushed a little as she smiled shyly, realising what would follow would more than likely be something similar. "...Where would you like to climax, Owen...?" Her voice sounded far more naive that she intended but her words were genuine. She assumed he had done this before and so she would follow his advice, he would know what would be the best for them both, she didn't believe him capable of acting selfishly in that regard. Even though their relationship had been brief, she already felt something for him that was deeper and more intense than she could explain. She rubbed her cheek against the fingers that were cradling her chin, kissing his thumb as she awaited his response.

 

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

Owen moaned slightly as Susannah spoke and nuzzled his hand - a mixture of the desire her simple actions evoked, a desire to protect and guide her through her tenderness and naivete, slight disbelief that she could be so, and yet a reluctance to remove even the smallest part of the innocence that so became her. Nevertheless, to stop now would clearly displease both of them, and it was not as if either of them seemed to wish to avoid finishing their lovemaking, something he was certain they would both find absolutely fantastic - her as well as him, Owen vowed.

Owen sat up, pulling Susannah into his arms so she was sitting in front of him, his front against her back and his member - which he had used the extra time to reexert his selft control over - very conspicuously pressed up against her lower back. Owen kissed her neck, his tongue licking its base as his hands cupped her bosoms, thumbs strumming her nipples, before he finally responded, kissing his way up to her earlobe which he suckled on, before whispering into her ear.

"This is slightly embarassing for me, love," Owen murmurred, one of his hands trailing down her chest to rest on her red-curled mound, the tip of a finger stroking her hardened bud - but trying not to do so in a manner too stimulating, lest she lose focus on what he was saying. "Most lovers prefer that the man climax within his woman's...feminine parts." His finger darted lower, the tip just barely entering her cleft. "As you are a maiden, perhaps you have heard it may hurt, which is true, but I assure you, that is the worst part, by far...especially in my hands."

His finger returned to strumming her bud in a slow, circular manner, as he suckled on her neck before continuing to speak. "Or, if you prefer to keep your innocence, you can, ah...take my climax within your mouth, or use your hands. But you should know that a man's climax produces...um...somewhat copious amounts of seed, the taste and consistency of which you may find...well..."

Owen broke off, embarassed to procede down that line of thought any further. He hadn't known how innocent Susannah truly was, or how much she knew of the basic mechanics of copulation, and hoped he hadn't shocked, offended, embarassed, or disgusted her.

"Whatever you chose, I will of course not contest, love," he added, burrying his face into her beautiful hair.

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

Susannah shivered with aboslute delight as Owen held her close, his lips against her neck causing her back to arch, pressing her breasts into his waiting hands. The warmth of his skin, the pressure of his member against the small of her back, his kisses, it all felt so very right, so very good. Her nipples hardened and thrilled beneath the attentions of his thumbs, drawing a delicate whimper from her lips as his own reached her ear. The sensation of him suckling on the lobe just as he had suckled on her breasts and she had in turn suckled upon him made her squirm back against him, unintentionally rubbing his hardened flesh between their bodies.

"This is slightly embarassing for me, love,"
Susannah opened her mouth to speak but found a quiet groan her only response as his hand moved to rest over her sex, finger stoking that swollen bud of tingling flesh.
"Most lovers prefer that the man climax within his woman's...feminine parts...As you are a maiden, perhaps you have heard it may hurt, which is true, but I assure you, that is the worst part, by far...especially in my hands."
"I...I have heard that laying for the first time can be...be uncomfortable..." She whispered back, her thighs relaxing after tensing during his finger's brief penetration of her lips. She knew how the act of love was carried out, the very basics rather than the details, but to have Owen explain it in such considerate terms served to ease any nerves that might have risen within her under other circumstances.

"Or, if you prefer to keep your innocence, you can, ah...take my climax within your mouth, or use your hands. But you should know that a man's climax produces...um...somewhat copious amounts of seed, the taste and consistency of which you may find...well..."
Susannah focused on his words, not only to better understand what would pass between them...if not today then another, of that she was certain...but to also prevent her from losing herself in the delicious feelings growing in intensity within her.
"Whatever you chose, I will of course not contest, love,"

Susannah smiled as he called her 'love'. That was truly what this was, an act of love and one that she wanted to experience fully with him, with Owen. Although she felt a pang of concern, should things continue between them now...who knew what would happen should Major Sharpe return with her mistress. Susannah felt guilt adding to the slightly uncomfortable feeling inside as the worry for Miss Kate returned. Susannah prayed that her mistress was not harmed and that Major Sharpe had found her before anything could happen to her.
"I am certain, Owen, that I want to be with you in every way a man and woman can be..." Susannah replied after a pause, her hand rising to reach back and stroke through Owen's hair. "But I...we...it should not be here, like this..."

Susannah turned slightly, to bring her lips to Owen's. Once more feeling the smooth, warm of his mouth against her own.
"I...I would like...I think I would like to try and continue as...as I was..." She paused to kiss him again as she tried to find the words to convey her desires without sounding wanton or brazen. "...I know it is not the proper thing to say, even in this situation but...the taste of you so far has been, well...I have liked it...and I think I should like to taste more..." She smiled shyly before adding. "...if that's agreeable to you...?"

 

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

The feeling of Susannah squirming in his arms was simply delightful, the young smooth body a contrast to his own, and knowing that she did so for the first time, and because of him...it made him feel young and virile again. Her plump bottom gyrating so slowly against his member was perhaps foiling the reason he had stopped her oral ministrations in the first place; instead of calming down, he felt himself growing even firmer, more eager to spend himself, and the wetness he felt beginning to lubricate his member's tip spoke to her skills, intentional or otherwise. He had earlier compared himself to a Roman Emperor or a Mahometan sultan; surely, even they could not experience pleasures at this scale, let alone beyond it.

Owen felt a slight pang of disappointment at her words that followed. He had been reasonably sure that she was as eager as he to consummate their coupling in the most time-honored and traditional way, and despite his words he had felt certain she would agree. To be turned aside like that hurt him, even if slightly, and reminded him once more of Meredith and of the last time he had ever felt this way towards a woman - and part of the reason he had never again felt that way, or at least acted on those feelings, until now. But he had given her his word, and even if he hadn't, the thought of compelling Susannah by words or force into such a course would be the action of an utter cad, to put it mildly.

However, Susannah turned to run her hand through his short hair, her lips meeting his in another passionate kiss, and Owen felt his misgivings fly away instantly. It was not that she was rejecting him, after all, quite the opposite by her words and deeds. And hearing her speak of future rendezvous, in settings more apropros and planned, set his heart fluttering with the knowledge that she desired him as much as he did her. Truly, he had been utterly foolish and selfish, moreso than anything else he had done this night, to feel so abandoned at her words.

The tips of their tongues met and danced, their shared musks intermingling - his with hers, hers with his, producing a subtle taste, of combined sexes, that was not unpleasant at all, arousing to the extreme and providing a perfect compliment to an act of loving union such as this. When at last they broke and Susannah finished, Owen returned her smile, shyness and all.

"I cannot think of anything that I would agree to more, my dove," he said, stroking her cheek again as he lost himself in her eyes. "And I would not worry about the propriety of such a statement. I did suggest it, after all, and I do believe that lovers are allowed to say such things to each other." He leaned in to kiss her again, first on the lips then working down, pausing to suckle on her collarbone, and then give a quick nip to each tip of her breasts, before he lay himself down again, his member regaining its former stength already as Owen looked at Susannah's naked visage above him.

"Oh, Susannah," he said softly, reaching up to toy with the end of one of her strands of hair. "I don't know how I lasted so long without having the joy of knowing you."

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

"I cannot think of anything that I would agree to more, my dove,"
Susannah's shy smile became steadily brighter and her eyes wider with obvious excitement, meeting his loving gaze and finding herself sinking into the depths of his eyes.
"And I would not worry about the propriety of such a statement. I did suggest it, after all, and I do believe that lovers are allowed to say such things to each other."
She sighed as he kissed her, his mouth working down her front making her fidget in his embrace, smiling wider than ever as her eyes slipped shut for a moment. Lovers. That's what he had called them and that's truly what they were. Susannah had been told that a young lady's innocence was almost to be regarded as a prize, to be given to the most worthy...Owen was the most worthy candidate she had ever met, and believed she would ever meet. He was learned and kind, charming and witty, handsome and, in his own ways, she thought him brave. She knew that when the time came for them to consummate their budding relationship she would feel no qualms about awarding something so cherished to him, for she increasingly found the thing she cherished the most, was Owen.

Owen's lips brushed her breasts before he returned to his former position, laid before her, his sex erect and almost straining for her attentions. Susannah knelt beside him, her hair spilling over her shoulder to almost entirely hide one globe of her chest from his eyes.
"Oh, Susannah...I don't know how I lasted so long without having the joy of knowing you."
Susannah felt as if she might simply cry at his words. No one had ever expressed such feelings towards her, and certainly not with the heartfelt desire, passion and love that his words carried. She moved a hand to his face, tracing her thumb across his lips before running the tips down his front, glancing across a nipple, her well trimmed nails catching ever so slightly upon his flesh as they grazed his side and then ran up to encirle the base of him once more.

"I think I could read all the books...in all the world...and never find a better man in any of them than you..." Susannah whispered, her voice low and slightly husky, although this time emotion was adding the edge to her voice, not just desire. "A man with such integrity and intelligence, compassion...and passion..." She added, her lips curving into a smile. "...was never created on the page and never will be, you are too wonderful for words...I am so very lucky and priviledged to have you call me yours..." Susannah leant down to kiss him once more, feeling as if she could kiss him forever and still find it as exciting as their first had been.

Mimicking his actions she kissed her way along his body, following the trail her hand had taken before reaching his member, kissing up it's length and around the tip before taking it back into her mouth. Her actions still held a slow almost tentative quality although now there was a kind of confidence within them, she knew now unquestionably that Owen was enjoying her mouth's ministrations as much as she was enjoying performing them. She stroked and caressed him with her tongue, her mouth once again sucking gently upon his firm flesh as she slowly began to lower her lips around him, taking him deeper into her mouth. Soon Susannah's mouth was rising and falling slowly but steadily upon him, her body knelt beside him, breasts pressed to his thigh, her entire being focused on bringing Owen the climax he had spoken of.

 

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

As far gone as he was in his haze of sexual excitement, the undertones of Susannah's words were not lost on him, and certainly the words themselves were not, and Owen was genuinely touched at Susannah's exceedingly kind sentiments. He could tell she was forming a close bond to him, one that he also felt, but he was not sure just how strong her feelings were, and had a hunch they went beyond simple affection. Owen was not quite sure how he felt about that, Meredith's scarring still quite present, but he could cross that hurdle when he reached it. Too far to go back now in any case, even if he had so desired, which he most assuredly did not.

Susannah's mouth slowly worked its way down his body, resuming its earlier engulfment of his member. No, engulfing was not the right word, that implied he would be entering a cavernous space. Susannah's mouth was as small and tight and warm as her feminine parts, and shamefacedly, Owen found himself wondering if this might not be perhaps even more pleasurable. Her nether regions lacked a tongue that could so deliciously massage the underside of his shaft and crown, and he doubted her fingers would be manipulating his base in conjunction with the rise and fall of her sealed-shut lips...

Owen's face and chest were beaded with sweat, even worse than when he had been sent to retrieve his surgical tools and hurry back, or at least so he chose to believe in testament to Susannah's skills and devotion. He no longer made any effort to restrain the moans and groans his long-deprived body were making; they were beyond such trivialities as proper societal conduct, certainly beyond a desire to hide them from her for fear she might become afraid or disgusted, especially since he was second by second being immersed in the full measure of her carnal conduct.

Nor did Owen try to hold back his climax, at least not now, after he had been strung along for so long, through their foreplay and her own climax and her early ministrations to him capped off by their talk, which had come just before he would have peaked earlier. He had more than earned it this time, had more than hold back long enough to ensure they had both enjoyed themselves fully, or as fully as could be expected under such circumstances.

And so he allowed himself to be carried to a higher and higher state of sexual energy until, as her tongue flicked over just the right spot as his member lay fully absorbed by her tight lips, Owen grunted, his body stiffening as, for a second, he lay on the edge, feeling the inevitable slowly creep up, before, gasping, his fingers curling into the bed, Owen climaxed, his member finally divulging its months and months of seed, pent-up from long nights of frustration and loneliness and self-withholding.

"Oh, Susannah...Good God..." he muttered as he was carried over wave after wave of orgiastic delight, his eyes wrenched shut and back arched as he felt himself finally empty, and collapsing back down onto the bed, breathing heavily, utterly exhausted and utterly sated, for a selfish second or two not even worrying to find out what state Susannah might have been sent into by such a powerful emission.

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

Every moan, every groaned sigh that left Owen's lips spurred Susannah on to pleasure him as much as was humanly possible. The sounds of his enjoyment filled the air around them both, the air growing steadily warmer. Her movements became a little more certain with every stroke her lips and tongue against his member, the taste of him, the scent of him, everything arousing her body more and more. Her entire focus was on Owen and the intimate act she was performing, she wasn't entirely certain that the entrance of her mistress or even the king himself at that moment would be enough to make her stop.

She could almost sense the edge of almost desperation in Owen's voice as his body began to glisten with perspiration. A part of Susannah's mind almost wished they had begun their encounter before he had bathed that she might be able to help wash him. Her cheeks blushing with excitement as her imagination began to race at the thought of running her hands over his skin, lathering him with soap...along with many other things they might be able to share in the future that, until that moment, she had never even thought of or considered doing before.

Owen's face and chest were beaded with sweat, even worse than when he had been sent to retrieve his surgical tools and hurry back, or at least so he chose to believe in testament to Susannah's skills and devotion. He no longer made any effort to restrain the moans and groans his long-deprived body were making; they were beyond such trivialities as proper societal conduct, certainly beyond a desire to hide them from her for fear she might become afraid or disgusted, especially since he was second by second being immersed in the full measure of her carnal conduct.

Suddenly, as Susannah lowered her mouth down upon him, pressing her tongue against the tip and massaging it softly, Owen's body tensed. Every muscle becoming taut for a moment before his hips suddenly jerked, sending his member deeper between her lips. As Susannah was about to lift her head away in surprise, she felt something warm and slightly viscous land upon her tongue. The taste similar to the one she had experienced earlier but this was stronger. As another shot of seed was expelled from Owen's shaft and struck the back of her mouth she instinctively swallowed. Again and again his sex pumped it's emissions into her waiting mouth, striking her tongue, the roof of her mouth, even the back of her throat on occassion.

"Oh, Susannah...Good God..." Susannah heard Owen almost grunt as his shaft continued to expend his seed, swallowing time and again as he did so. She could see out of the corner of her eye his fingers gripping the bed, his back raised from upon the sheets before he collapsed. Susannah moved her mouth up and off of him, slightly breathless, her mouth still full of the taste of him, it wasn't unpleasant, far from it in fact. She smiled hazily as she looked down at Owen, clearly overwhelmed by what had just occurred and Susannah felt rapturous waves of pride running through her veins.

Shifting, Susannah lay down beside him, resisting the urge to touch him, in case he felt the same tingly delicacy she had felt after her climax. She watched him as he recovered, waiting until his breathing had slowed a little before leaning closer and kissing his cheek, almost chastely considering what had passed between them.
"So...Did I live up to your expectations...?" She asked teasingly, repeating his question to her, nuzzling his neck softly, pressing her body against his side.

 

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

Owen stared at the ceiling, the stars before his eyes slowly fading as his body relaxed, the tension in his muscles slowly fading away. He was dimly aware of Susannah pulling off of him as his climax died down, his member feeling suddenly chilly in the cooler, drier air of the room after so long having been cradled in her mouth. It had lost much of its hardness and was drooping considerably, although still maintaining a slight elevation, as if reluctant to fully loose its virility after such amazing stimulation. Owen finally noticed his sweat, making the rest of his body feel somewhat cool as well, although not unwelcome after the burning passion he had just felt.

His thoughts were suddenly brought back to his lover as Susannah lay beside him, kissing his cheek and cuddling against him as she asked her question. Still feeling slightly glazed, Owen turned to look at her, smiling as he kissed her forehead. He again did not wish to kiss her mouth, and for the opposite reasons of last time: as much as he felt fond for her, he had no desire to taste himself or his emissions, and hoped Susannah would not take offense. But as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking, the dying fire flickering (he dimly made a mental not to rekindle it, but he just couldn't force himself to rise up, not now, perhaps not ever) Owen did not think she would find anything amiss in their renewed tenderness.

He reached an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer against his body and leaning his head into hers. "Susannah, I can honestly say that you surpassed every expectation I could possibly have, and if you'll forgive me my impudence, I look forward to many such couplings in the future. I am very lucky to have found you, Susannah, and I am so glad that I will be spending time with you, and not only in the bedroom. I do mean that." He squeezed her shoulder, bringing his face into her hair again.

"Have I told you how beautiful your hair is, my dear?" Owen asked, before resting his head back down on the pillow. It had been a long day, a very very long day for him, and he had not gotten much sleep the past few days either - and certainly not in as comfortable accomodations as he now found himself, or with such a beautiful and warm companion nestled against his naked body, or in the hazy afterglow of such passionate, rare lovemaking. He knew that he needed to stay awake and ready at a moment's notice for Sharpe's return, one way or another, and he fully intended to do so. However, the major hadn't arrived to interrupt them yet, and surely he could not be begrudged a few moments of rest before resuming his duties. Yes, Owen thought, just close my eyes for a bit, rest my head against Susannah, my she is soft and warm...

And soon, 'a few moments' became considerably longer for the exhausted surgeon.

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

Susannah let her arm restupon Owen's chest as he drew her closer, his own curled about her shoulder.
"Susannah, I can honestly say that you surpassed every expectation I could possibly have, and if you'll forgive me my impudence, I look forward to many such couplings in the future. I am very lucky to have found you, Susannah, and I am so glad that I will be spending time with you, and not only in the bedroom. I do mean that."
"Thank you, Owen...although I am sure this would not have been as wonderful as it was were it not for you and your giudance..." Susannah smiled against his skin, feeling a thrill as he admitted he wanted to be with her again, wanted to do this again...do this and more.

"Have I told you how beautiful your hair is, my dear?"
"No..." Susannah sighed, her finger trailing lazy patterns across his chest, enjoying the closeness and the warmth of lying beside him, she felt so very comfortable. Adding to her belief that, somehow, this union was meant to be. "But I am glad that you..." Susannah lifted her head to look at Owen's eyes only to find them closed and his breathing slowed. She smiled, biting her lower lip against a giggle, he looked so peaceful and clearly tired.

Part of her wanted to wake him, to nudge him to consciousness so that they might talk more but the bigger part of her wanted to let him rest, for now at least. The previous day had been a long one and their exertions had made Susannah feel more than a little drowsy herself. Reaching back, without moving so much as to disturb Owen, Susannah's fingers took hold of the top sheet and drew it across, covering them both, taking a little of the unusual chill out of the air that Susannah felt skipping across her skin. Because of the position in which they were now laid across the bed, the definitely rumpled looking sheet only just covered their intimates and a little of their chests but it was more than nothing Susannah reasoned. Glancing to the clock mounted on the wall, Susannah made a decision to lie with him, and let him rest, for no more than half an hour. After all, he may very well be needed to help Major Sharpe and to sleep for longer might make him drowsy and less attentive.

Smiling unstoppably, Susannah snuggled back down into the crook of Owen's arm, her head upon his chest. She felt herself yawn once, or twice, but couldn't say afterwards when it was exactly that her own eyes drifted shut. The exhaustion of the fever combined with the overwhelming events she had enjoyed with him were swiftly combining to conquer her rather tired body. Soon enough, the young maid was slumbering in the arms of her lover, dreams of their encounter filling her head as she shifted closer to him beneath the sheet, her auburn waves trailing out across the bed over her bared shoulders.

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

"Surgeon Llewelyn?!! SURGEON LLEWELYN!!"

Sharpe was back home, back amongst the army and feeling far more comfortable than he had been before. He helped Kate down from the horse and virtually carried her over towards the Inn. He'd make his report after he saw her safely into Owen's hands.

"By christ, Corporal, if you don't get that bloody sawbones out here in five minutes flat I'll tear this building apart plank by plank until I find him myself. But not until after I've finished making you the unhappiest Private in this god cursed army. Move!"

Sharpe fumed at the delay, watching as Kate seemed to fluctuate between shades of green, grey and white as he held her. He tried to comfort her, tried to jolly her along, but it was clear that shock and light injuries had just worn her down.

Most of all, though, he was angry at himself. He'd allowed this woman to be hurt like this whilst she was under his protection. The fact that he'd also had the Field Marshal to protect didn't excuse this failure in his own eyes. He'd let her down. Let Justine take her and use her as a shield.

He tried to imagine what even the relatively tame task of searching Avellanos's body for his pistol and sword had done to her...

"OWEN!! GET YOUR BLOODY ARSE DOWN HERE, MAN!!"

 

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

"Surgeon Llewelyn! Surgeon Llewelyn, sir, are you in there? The Major needs you!"

The incessant pounding of the soldier on the door brought Owen back to life, a brief few seconds of confusion passing over him as he realized there was a woman at his side and a bed beneath his back, before he realized where he was, what had just happened, and why he was being summoned. However, those few seconds had been crucial, and in the amount of time he could have at least pretended to hide Susannah, the soldier pushed opened the door, entering.

"I swear, I thought he was in here," a corporal was speaking to a friend, "but he..."

The two soldiers entered, froze at the sight of the naked surgeon sitting up in bed, an equally naked woman beside him. Owen took the opportunity to reassert at least some smouldering segment of his authority.

"Go back to the Major, tell him I'll be there in an instant," he said, the soldiers nodding before leaving, one hurriedly closing the door behind him. "Christ Christ Christ, how bloody stupid of me," he muttered, jumping off the bed to worm his way into his trousers and sling his shirt on, buttoning just enough for modesty's sake before jumping into his shoes. He was a surgeon and knew he was going to be needed soon, and this was how he acted? Letting himself fall asleep, ignoring calls for duty...He shuddered as he thought for how long he had dozed through Sharpe calling to him, and what his reaction would be when the reason for it was found. Which wouldn't be hard to guess, not when he was looking like this and when the inevitable soldiers' gossip caught up with them.

Finished 'dressing' inasmuch as he was able to do, he turned back to find Susannah staring at him from the bed. Leaning over, he kissed her forehead. "The Major's back and needs me, I'm afraid I must go. I'd suggest getting dressed, it might be a bit, ah, hectic here soon. I'll see you again as soon as this blows over." He wished he had time to say a proper goodbye, but duty did call and he was already beating himself up mentally for dallying as long as he had.

With that he was out the room and down the stairs to where Sharpe was waiting, giving him a nervous greeting. "Major Sharpe, sir, I, um, apologize most...Good lord," he finished, seeing Miss Kate and the fantastic array of colours she was presenting. "Come, bring her in here," he said, having her be deposited upon the dining table he had prepared before his liaison with Susannah. "Was she shot or stabbed?" he asked Sharpe before looking her over himself.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

Kate was still a bit dizzy from the fall and while she hurt it did seem a bit overmuch to call for the surgeon. Awkwardly getting on the table but refusing to lay down as she squinted at the Welshman.

"I'm quite alright Doctor Llewelyn, a bit bruised to be sure but nothing that needs attending. I'm sure Susannah can be just as helpful as you sir."

If she was to be honest she knew she was in a bad way but at the same time she didn't look forward being examined by a strange man like this. She pleaded wordlessly with Richard but it seemed he was intent on putting her through this and while she normally might have protested, she was far too weak to mount any serious resistance at this point.

"Oh fine then!" Kate snapped as she glared belligerently at Dr. Llewelyn "Do I need to remove my clothing for your examination sir? In such case I would be grateful if you clear this room. I am not partial to undressing for each and everyone to see. And where is Susannah? I would be most obliged if you could inform me as to her whereabouts Dr. Llewelyn. She is in my care as you may recall, and while I let her give you a hand I do not take kindly to the prospects of her being left all alone among the common ruck of soldiers"

She leaned back and massaged her temples. The searing pain had increased and she could feel her heart starting to race again. Looking up at Richard and silently reaching out as she felt tears running down her cheeks. The delayed reaction to her ordeal hitting her with full force.

Turning to Dr Llewelyn again and whispering an excuse as she once more sought Richard's hand.

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

"...Go back to the Major, tell him I'll be there in an instant,"
Susannah awoke suddenly with a jerk, noticing the two soldiers in the doorway moments before realising the state of her nakedness and hurriedly gathering the sheet around her body. Owen's voice was tense and almost commanding in tone as he leapt from the bed and began to dress, muttering to himself as he did so. Susannah's heart was thundering in her chest, the panic of being awoken so suddenly speeding it up along with the slightly delayed embarassment at being seen as she had by two strange men. She frowned a little as she shifted to watch Owen finish hurriedly buttoning his shirt.

Susannah opened her mouth to ask what was happening when his expression and fleeting kiss to her forehead stopped her.
"The Major's back and needs me, I'm afraid I must go. I'd suggest getting dressed, it might be a bit, ah, hectic here soon. I'll see you again as soon as this blows over."
"Go...go you have work to do..." She said with a weak smile as he shot out of the room. Susannah got up, dressing as quickly as she could, thankful that he had taken the time to place her clothes so carefully over the chair during their encounter allowing her to do so with considerably more ease and grace than Owen had experienced.

She paused before the looking glass, her eyes bright and cheeks undeniably flushed. Her fingers teased her hair quickly, pulling some pins from her petticoat pocket to fix it up and out of the way, praying that her mistress was not harmed. While working in the surgeon's tent had shown Susannah she had a stomach that was stronger than she would ever have believed, the idea of having to assist Owen in an operation upon Kate was enough to make Susannah feel incredibly nauseous.

Satisfied that her recent activities with Owen were not so obvious as to be noticed straight away, Susannah left the room, heading towards the dining room and gasping as she saw her mistress upon the table, her complexion less than healthy, clearly distressed and her dress and skin obviously marked from a fall of some kind. She entered to hear her name being mentioned by Kate.
"...And where is Susannah? I would be most obliged if you could inform me as to her whereabouts Dr. Llewelyn. She is in my care as you may recall, and while I let her give you a hand I do not take kindly to the prospects of her being left all alone among the common ruck of soldiers"
"I'm here...I am here...Miss Kate...Please...how can I help...?" Susannah said, her voice trembling slightly as she moved to hover near the table. Unaware she was avoiding looking at anyone, especially the brooding Major and her mistress, as if she believed that should anyone look into her eyes, they'd know what had kept Owen from meeting Major Sharpe directly upon his arrival.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

Susannah seemed to materialise even before the assailed Dr. Llewelyn could reply to neither the berating nor the the half-hearted excuse.

"So it takes your fancy to re-appear now Ms Smythe? I daresay that you must be quite the nurse given your promotion from battalion to divisional HQ."

Kate tried to sound scathing but she was too weak to make it sound like a proper chastising. Besides she had never really consider herself to be a proper mistress, and she had been rather pleased with the fact that Susannah had not assumed the role of the cowed domestic servant. To be perfectly honest, Susannah was more like a younger cousin and the tart remark carried with it the worries that had assailed Kate as to her whereabouts.

"Perhaps you could be so kind to explain why my maid is doing here Dr.Llewelyn. Surely there are few injured soldiers laying around if not Milord Wellington has fallen ill since last I saw him."

She glared at the Welshman again trying to look haughty but guessing that she only managed patethic. Her head hurt like the very devil and so did her shoulder. She turned to Llewelyn again, trying for a softer tone this time

"Could we please get this over with?"

 

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

Owen flushed a deep crimson at Miss Savage's words, both the query as to the need for her to disrobe and the question as to Susannah's presence. Fortunately, he was spared the need to reply at least to the former when his lover appeared beside them, asking her mistress what she could do. This only made Owen's flush deeper, and he was unable to even look in her general direction, avoiding her gaze as much as he could without looking totally away from the woman.

"Miss Susannah is here to, ah, ah...Well, there is no one else who is, um...All right, everyone out!" he finally barked, coming around, even the ability to speak about Susannah throwing him into somewhat of a fit that he was sure made his shame even more apparent to all. He spent the next few moments shooing everyone save Miss Savage, Susannah, and Major Sharpe out of the room, closing the doors, before returning to the table. Even the Major he couldn't look in the eyes, between having let him down and now having to touch his woman in ways that, althogh not as intimate as what he and Susannah had just done, were certainly not appropriate for casual acquiantances.

"Now Miss Savage, no need to get fully n-naked, just please, ah...down to your slip, if you would not mind," he said, glancing down at the floor and muttering. Sawing off soldiers' limbs was one thing, serving as a bedside medic to a pretty young woman who was also his commanding officer's mistress, while he was watching, was quite another. He kept his eyes down as she did as he said, before getting to work.

Asking where she had fallen on and what, if anything, hurt, he probed her skull and shoulder with his fingers, carefully and taking note of how she winced when he put which pressure where. She turned her head from side to side and up and down, reporting no nausea. He similarly checked her other shoulder and arms, slipping the slip down just enough so he could observe them unfettered, testing their range of motion as well, before doing a similar check of her legs. He cajoled and begged and finally with Susannah's help got her to lay down so he could ensure that her ribs were not cracked or broken; she would likely know if they were, yet on occasion such injuries could go unnoticed for some time. Finally came the part he dreaded.

"Miss Savage, could you...ah...pleaseremoveyourslipformeforjustasecond?" he blurted out. "I assure you it is necessary, I draw no personal pleasure from this." That much was certain; no matter how attractive she was, the fact he was doing this under the gaze of both her lover and his was more than enough to eliminate any feelings of lust he could feel. His gaze was extremely quick, looking for any signs of subcutaneous bleeding or bruising that might indicate injuries to the internals. Not that he could have done much in that case, but it would be nice to know. He would have gotten a better idea by palpating, but he saw no indications as it were and he would be thrice-damned if he was to get that personal with her.

As she got dressed, Owen turned to face away from her, glad he could finally do what his instincts had been begging of him. "I see no permanent injuries, no signs of concussion, broken bones, or dislocations. It's all just shock I would say, shock and minor scratches and bumps. A good night's rest, perhaps some laudanum if you are in a greater deal of pain, and you should be fine soon." Unless of course you do have a concussion I didn't find, but in that case you'll just slip away into a peaceful coma.

It didn't seem very likely, and there was nothing he could do in that case anyways, so Owen found little reason to bring it up. He awaited the Major's dismissal so he could return to his room and remove his shame from general view.

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

Susannah had found herself at something of a loss for words when Miss Savage had asked about her reason for being at the Headquarters, her cheeks felt hot with embarassment and she merely lowered her gaze to the floor, her hands clasped behind her back so as to hide the nervous wringing of her fingers.

Susannah assisted as and when she could, helping her Mistress with her disrobing for Owen's examination. She winced at the scratches and cuts as they were but felt a strong sense of relief when Owen announced he could find nothing serious.
"I see no permanent injuries, no signs of concussion, broken bones, or dislocations. It's all just shock I would say, shock and minor scratches and bumps. A good night's rest, perhaps some laudanum if you are in a greater deal of pain, and you should be fine soon."

"I shall arrange a bath for you, Miss, if you would like...?" Susannah offered gently, helping fasten Miss Kate's dress, fighting another blush as she recalled making a similar offer to Owen in the not too distant past.
"Perhaps that might help soothe...?" Susannah was desperate to help, desperate to make amends for...well, for what she wasn't sure. She hadn't abandoned her mistress or gone against her explicit instructions, as such, but she felt an almsot overwhelming amount of guilt inside that whilst Miss Kate had been being bundled away on horseback and suffering all manner of undignified actions, she was experiencing things a good young woman should not be.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

The hinted prescription of laudanum almost made Kate wince as much as she'd done when Dr Llwelyn had been prodding her bruises. She had taken it on occasion, to sway the nightmares after the horrible events at the Douro, and even though the tincture had left her blissfully free of the haunting dreams, the after effects were enough to make her decline.

"With all due respect Dr. Llewelyn but I think I will try and make do without it. Horrible stuff and thoroughly incapacitaing at that. Seeing as there are important issues to address I must decline."

She slowly got of the table and looked closely at her maid. Seeing how Susannah was blushing and guessing that it was more to it than merely having left battalion for HQ. Well that could be addressed at a later stage, right now the bath sounded like the perfect medicine.

"If you'd be so kind Susannah, and further I would need a new dress seing as this one isn't even fit for dusters."

She tried to smile reassuringly as she nodded to the Welshman. Perhaps it was the fall and the pain that made her act tartly, usually she wouldn't much care for the familiar term that Dr Llewelyn had employed but now, as the suspicion began to form in her mind she deemed that there was no call for such intimacy.

"And for future reference it's Ms Savage, Dr Llewelyn. Now Susannah if you please."

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

"If you'd be so kind Susannah, and further I would need a new dress sending as this one isn't even fit for dusters."
"Of course, Miss..." Susannah found her eyes refusing to rise to meet those of Miss Savage, certain they would betray at least some of the events that had passed during her capture. "I shall arrange a room and a bath and then send for your trunk from the camp..."
"And for future reference it's Ms Savage, Dr Llewelyn. Now Susannah if you please."
Susannah winced as her Mistress corrected Owen, feeling once again the stab of guilt that somehow it was her fault. She swiftly moved towards the door, risking a brief glance at Owen and smiling ever so slightly as their eyes met, before disappearing through it to find someone to make the necessary arrangements, hot water and a bath and a strong back to run to the camp and fetch Miss Savage's personal baggages.

Determined to aid as much as she could, Susannah even poked her head into the kitchen and asked if they could spare any herbs she might be able to use in the water to help relax and soothe her mistress. After a small hunt, a rather pathetic bundle of rosemary was produced but it was better than nothing and Susannah's mother had sworn by herbs for almost every ailment although she wasn't certain Owen and his training would necessarily agree. Herbs in hand, Susannah almost ran back up the stairs towards her mistress to inform her that the room and bath were ready.

 

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

"Uh, yes, of course, Miss Savage. Please forgive me." Owen couldn't stop a small flinch of embarassment at her rebuke, no matter how mild. He was certain she would give a much stronger one later, but it was as if even the preliminary was as stinging an indictment as any.

Needless to say he did not return her small smile, finding it rather contradictory to the accusatory tone that, if she did not in fact make, Owen found it hard not to hear. He kept is face stoically still and polite, giving only a small glance even to his dear Susannah before they left, wishing that he could give her anything more concrete of his feelings of sympathy and...other things.

With that, he was left alone in the room with the Major, and for the first time since the ordeal began, he turned to Sharpe.

"Is there anything else, Major, or may I return to bed?" he asked, of course suspecting that he was due for a lashing - verbal, if indeed not physical - yet hoping that the man would consent to his dismissal.

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

Richard stood by the bedside holding Kate's hand as he'd done a hundred times or more in his career. Of course, normally, the hand was a calloussed paw belonging to one of his men, not the fineboned fingers of a lady.

Kate was acerbic at times, being almost difficult to Owen despite her outwards compliance. Richard frowned as Owen gave up one or two of the more tricky examinations rather than attempt to cajole Kate into submitting to them. At least his examination of her stomach and head had been thorough - that was where most of the dangers lay, he knew.

The whole time he was watching, trying to smile to reassure Kate, he was fuming at his own poor performance earlier. At least she hadn't been seriously hurt, from what the Surgeon was saying.

As the examination concluded and Kate turned to speak to Susannah, Richard turned to the pair of women. "Ladies, when Kate has been made comfortable, the pair of you will return to the South Essex lines, if you please. I have a report to make to Lord Wellington, so I'll catch you up there."

Having addressed the ladies in as pleasant a tone as he could muster, he turned to the surgeon. "Doctor Llewelyn, if you're finished I'd like a little word with you in private..."

He tried to keep his tone even, but he knew that the words came out dourly and even a little threateningly. Without waiting to see if the man followed, Sharpe dropped a final kiss on Kate's brow and disentangled himself, before leaving the room. Turning to the sentry he barked "Get a message to the Officer of the Day at the South Essex lines, and make damn sure you stay away from here for 15 minutes doing it."

It had been pretty clear to him why the Surgeon had not been ready upon his arrival. It had also been fairly clear who the surgeon had been with. Owen was a good man, and a fine doctor, and many in the Regiment had him to thank for their lives. Richard wouldn't flay the man over this, but he'd make damn sure that Owen took better care next time.

 

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

Uh-oh, Owen thought at Sharpe's words, here it comes. His heart dropped at the thought that he might not see Susannah again before she left - and perhaps never again, if Sharpe and Miss Kate (Miss Savage, he corrected himself automatically, flinching again) took too much of a discliplinary view. By this point it was clear that they knew what had happened, and the way Sharpe spoke to the sentry made it clear he was angry, and that Owen could look forward to a quarter-hour of scolding.

Poor Susannah, he thought. Miss Savage seemed every bit the counterpart to Sharpe and he could only imagine what she might be going through now. His heart dropped again. He wouldn't even get a chance to say goodbye to her, to tell her all the things he now wanted to. All they would share would be that night of passion, and while it was as plesurable a memory as anything could be, he wanted it to be more, to tell her how he viewed her beyond a simple tool for his enjoyment. She probably knew anyway, of course, but it was best to leave no questions over this sort of thing.

When they were at last alone, Owen stiffened once more while speaking to Sharpe. "Again, my apologies, Major Sharpe, sir. I am sorry about my tardiness. It was poor conduct, extremely poor conduct of me, Sir, my assurances it will certainly never happen again, Sir."

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

Richard stared evenly at Owen as he attempted to head him off at the pass by enumerating his faults and asking forgiveness before hand. When the man had run down to silence he spoke himself.

"Do you know why my men don't go whoring when we're deployed forward in the field, Doctor? I could tell you that it's because if we don't do our duty then people important to us suffer and die. I'd even be telling the truth. But you and I both know that my men would take any woman offered - even at the front. And yet. And yet, they don't. Do you know why? Because my officers and I don't bloody well let them, man, that's why!"

He paused, letting this sink in.

"It happens anyway, of course, even though the punishment for deriliction of duty is a striped back. But you know, as Surgeon, that the number of striped backs I give out to my men is not very high at all - and do you know why THAT is, Doctor?"

He waited for the shake of his head.

"It's because I teach my men that if they're going to break the rules, they do it somewhere that I can't see and they do it intelligently, so that they aren't caught. And you're supposed to be an educated man, Owen. Now look at you. I could have you cashiered for bedding that girl while you were on duty. You broke the rules and you were too bloody stupid to make sure that you wouldn't get caught. You could have paid a sentry to warn you and delay me. You could have laid everything out before hand and had her in the next room. You could have prepped someone to cover the early parts of the examination for you. You didn't bloody think, man. I don't give a damn if you disobey some point of army regulations, but don't you ever insult His Majesties army or ME by thinking you can do so stupidly, or no matter HOW good a surgeon you are, I will break you."

He was genuinely tired, genuinely worried about Kate. Genuinely not looking forward to reporting back empty handed to Lord Wellington.

"Just be smarter about it next time, will you? And make sure you don't monopolise the girl's time when Kate needs her. I'm sure you and I can work something out that ensures that the maid has enough time free of her mistress that she can spend it with you..."

His voice wound down in a tired drawl and he blinked owlishly at Owen. He was injured, dog tired and stressed out. The hours had definitely worn away at him.

 

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

Owen's voiced trailed off at the look Sharpe was giving him. No, this certainly was not going to be easy. Stiff as the proverbial ramrod, Owen stood, staring straight away, as Sharpe bore into him.

As a young child, Owen has once broken an old mantlepiece, a carved dragon that had been his father's father's father's, a family heirloom that legend said had dated back to Malcolm the Tall. Ridiculous superstition, of course, but no doubt it was old, and when his horseplay had broken it, Owen's father had wasted no time in tanning his backside with a birch switch. He could hardly sit down for a week afterwards, but what had hurt more than the physical blows had been old Arthur's invections that he had dishonored the family name, dishonored him, shamed his ancestors, disappointed him. Owen had cried like no other time in his life at his father's angry shouts.

Owen was of course much older, mature, more in control of himself, yet even he felt the need - reflex, no doubt, or so he hoped - to blink rapidly a few times and ward off any hints of moisture that might be forming. Perhaps even worse was the fact that Sharpe wasn't even yelling, just speaking as calmly and evenly as he had any number of dinners he had shared with the man - more evenly, probably, given that he wasn't even swearing or cursing the French, which did happen on occasion at dinner with him.

In fact, Owen would have even preferred the striped back to this. Every word the man said only drove home his shame at having failed the Major and dishonored both the Regiment and the woman he had bedded. Owen didn't care much one way or the other for His Majesty; he was the King, true, but he was also stark mad. Owen did care about Sharpe's opinion of him; a soldier and commoner, perhaps, but a more decent and respectable man Owen would be hard pressed to find, especially in the Army. Owen truly was stupid and foolish to have acted the way he had. Perhaps it was a sign of his gentlemanly conduct and until-then honorable actions that he wasn't even sure how to arrange a liaison properly, but surely any honor he had had been swept away by today's actions.

However, Sharpe's finishing words did give him a flash of hope. Perhaps this wasn't going to end in a full disaster, at least it didn't seem that he would be court-martialled or otherwise punished, and the comment about working together to make time had him very curious indeed. Again experiencing childish feelings, if from a different end of the emotional spectrum, Owen wanted to ask Sharpe about it, but could tell the Major was drained, likely wanted to return to his mistress, and definitely was not in a conversational mood.

Instead, he merely said, "Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir. I do apologize, Sir. I admit what I did was very stupid and foolish to say the least, and I do mean it won't happen again. Is that all, Sir?" Even though he did have the renewed sense of hope, Owen still felt like the scolded little boy and wanted to get away from the man who had punished him like one as soon as possible, somewhere private so he could get his emotions under control.

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

Richard nodded at the penitent doctor.

"Yes, of course, you can go. Just... Please... Try and be more circumspect in future. Oh, and well done, Owen - she's a bonny lass and you deserve a little joy."

Sharpe dismissed the man, waiting until he was out of sight before sagging back against the bannister of the stairs. Owen WAS a good surgeon, and being good at your job generally got you a bit of slack in Sharpe's eyes. He'd seen the care that the man lavished on the wounded and knew that he was lucky not to have a drunkard or incompetent.

Pulling himself together a little bit, Richard went in search of The Peer, to make his damnably negative report on the the capture of Justine de Villiers.