The Feudal Hand (Closed for Little_Tease)

[MisterChino]

There once was a time of feudal barons, lords, earls, and dukes which saw the division of Scotland – breaking down the sacred lands into individual territories – whilst all paying homage and tribute through the upper class chain to the fief under the authoritarian rule of the various dukes. The isles of Argyllshire were no different. Lying on the western seaboard of the Scottish mainland, Argyll was dvided between the rule of the Cowal and Glencoe Lordships. Beneath each of these lordships, served several Barons which supported the interests of their lord, while having the privilege to own land and serfdom to work the land for them. Indeed, there were many masters in a land that seemingly answered to none.

Consequently, the beauty of Argyll was tarnished by the feud between the Cowal and Glencoe Lordships, whom vied for the seat of becoming the Duke of Argyll. The Barons found themselves in the middle of what seemed to be an endless strife between the two families, skirmishing and battling for their Lords. Meanwhile, their servants and working class ultimately bore the brunt of this conflict, suffering the most. The lands were almost bled dry and ravaged of nutrients as they became over-tilled and farmed to provide for their Lords and the wars they fought against each other, while the dirt became soaked in and replaced by the blood of the men that fought on them. Every last ounce of life and effort from the working class was taken by their ruling Baron, whom then naturally skimmed off the top of the bounty, before paying their dues to their respective Lords.

Baron Cockburn fought for the Cowal Lordship, having direct with familial ties to the Lord. His own mother was of Cowal blood, and married as a gift to the lesser Cockburn family name. Upon the death of his father George, Tywin Cockburn succeeded in title. However, his succession was not unsubstantiated, as his resume as Baron detailed and spoke to his climb to power. From light skirmishes to the massive battles, Tywin had already stacked up a bodycount at the mere age of 11, making a name for himself as a monstrous and menacing swordsman. He was already a towering 6 foots lengths at the age of 11, and his aging saw him grow even taller with each year. Indeed, he was very much feared by both his enemies and those that fought alongside him, alike. So much so that when the land and title was bequeathed to him from his succession, his father’s men immediately pledged their loyalty to them without pause or hesitation out of fear of retribution and retaliation by the young, hot tempered Cockburn.

The territorial land itself was of a quaint size, with the majority of the plot being used for farming potatoes, and a small portion being used for cattle. On this land, Tywin had several peasant families that worked for his title – the Gariochs, Crawfords, Drums, and Blackwoods. In total, there were about 21 villagers of working class that paid homage to him. Tywin was never satisfied with the amount of land his family was entitled. In fact, Tywin had fought valiantly for the Cowals in hopes that he would be generously rewarded with additional lands as a result of his devotion to the Cowal cause. Instead, the Cowal had asked Tywin to double his production of the starch on his lands which was already struggling to produce enough to provide for the troops that were fighting against the Glencoe armies.

This was the current dilemma in which Baron Cockburn found himself. He was hungry for more power and land, and grew furious and impatient when things were not going his way.

 

[Little_Tease]

It was the time that woman did not have much say in things and pretty much just had to do that was told of them. Most of the girls after they reached a baring age, they were wedded off to some man what maybe had enough to trade or pay their families in return. Tamara here she had luck she had been friends with David since they were children and both families had known each other also before the children had been born.

When Tamara reached her baring age, she was promised off to David till his family could pay hers in return and one day it was the time, and she became David’s loving wife. Tamara had luck she had loved her husband before she got wedded off to him and known him way before that as well. Which not very many girls have that luck.

Tamara Blackwood was her name as of the day of her wedding it was not big or fancy as both families did not have much money or wealth to do such a thing, they were happy they were getting enough together for their Baron Cockburn. Which week to week it was getting tougher and tougher to do so but they were hanging on. Tamara turned 20 a few days before today, she had hair red as fire and lightly curly in the sun when she moved they seemed like they were actually on fire like the fire she carried inside of herself, her icy blue eyes showed the calm coolness she could have if she wanted and her little freckles made her look sweet and innocent which she was but was also eager to learn new things, though Tamara wasn’t that tall she made up for her size many times.

Tamara was not also one like many girls in town she had her curves and many of them to say but David loved each curve she had, and she knew in his eyes she was the most beautiful woman here and across the lands, no skinny woman could hold her place in his heart as she did. David knew though she had curves and enough to hold onto for a real man and not easily broken as some would say her beauty of what all her colors also brought with her would make it also difficult for him to hide her and keep her for himself, but he had to try.

Tamara loved helping David on the land and packing the things so he could bring them to where they had to be brought but she was never allowed to go with him there, she always thought because women were not allowed or such so, she then did the cleaning and cooking at home as she waited for him to come back and such and when Tamara was alone, and she knew she was alone she loved singing softly songs. Tamara was a strong woman and a hardheaded one as well and she only really let David, or her father tell her as a man what to do and she had always been told to be careful with that if she ever came across the right man, she might get in real trouble with that hard head of her, but she knew as long as David was near, she had nothing to fear.

It was once again the day that David had to deliver the goods he and Tamara packed together for their Baron Cockburn, he always had a weird feeling in his stomach leaving her all alone in the cottage in the middle of so to say no where when he left to bring what he owed the Baron but he couldn’t take her with him it was to dangerous and he knew it as all the things he has heard of the Baron he knew Tamara might be one of those women he might claim for his to have. Which to David misliking would be his every right to as they lived on his lands and he could do what he pleased, and they were so to say his property. So, he knew the safest place for her was at home so maybe Baron Cockburn would never see her.

David went back inside to find Tamara before he went off to give her a kiss and hug as always before he went on his journey as no one really knows what might happen.

“Mara sweet wife I am off now and ill try to hurry and be back before night fall… “

Tamara smiled and nodded as she wrapped her arms around his neck kissing him deeply as she whispered to him as always.

“Be safe on your journey husband and see to it that you find your way back into my arms as quickly as possible….”

With that he kissed her once more stared in her eyes a second longer and then turned to leave to head to the middle of town to deliver what they had gotten together.

 

[MisterChino]

The cold season was a wretched time, especially this winter, which was incredibly harsh and seemed to overtake all of Scotland in a freezing shroud. The crop were slow to take root, making it very difficult for the farmers to produce their quota. The weathering snow and ice created permafrost conditions over the soil which made the land difficult to till and re-plant after the previous potatoes have been harvested. Likewise, the cold winter weather took its toll on the grazing cattle herds. Many of the calves born just the season prior did not survive, while aging cows and bulls died from the frostbitten conditions. Needless to say, this made life miserable for those in the fiefdom, and more so difficult for the working class peasants that had to produce for their masters despite these obstacles.

As with any feudal caste system, Baron Cockburn, too, had to answer up the hierarchy and pay tribute in the form of harvest to the Cowal Lordship. His title and social status as Baron depended on the doings and labor of his serfs. Tywin grew anxious as he watched the winter months take its toll upon his land. It wasn't until his master of coin reported the failure to meet the harvest quota which was required for submission to the Cowals, that Tywin understood how desperate the situation had become.

The time would arrive for the collection of the second month's harvest. The Baron's masters awaited the tithings from each of the lesser families that had work the Cockburn Lands; the thick, wooden gates of the Baron's compound opened up to rest of the village. It was in the courtyard to which his workers began to cart the collections of the harvest from the center of town. As the masters paced back and forth accounting for each famiies crop by the bushel in the makeshift collection center, Tywin himself kept a watchful eye on the transactions in the courtyard below from his elevated perch.

The Baron retreated back from view of his stony perch into the depths of his cold, gray lair. This abode of his was a modest structure built of stone and mortar, containing a maze of halls and domciles within the architectural wonder. The Baron's keep sat strategically atop a hill, and it dwarved the primitive cottages and huts of the peasant families that lived on his land. To the peasants, the Baron's compound was formidable and intimidating. It was from the inner walls of this compound that came the Baron's dictatorian rule.

Tywin walked across the courtroom to another bay window. From this post, the Baron would be able to see the entirety of his land from end to end on this fogless day. Scattered across the land were the simple and plain homes of the peasant families, ranging in of size. Smoke billowed from the short stacked chimneys signalling their presence and activity. The huts and cottages centered around a town square of sorts which was where most of the social activities on the Baron's land took place. Between the fenced plots and small structures, Tywin would watched his serfs scurry across the cold, damp land like little ants, working to no avail to please his lordship.

By his coronation to become the Baron at the young age of 17 just a year ago, Tywin had already affirmed his grip of all 4 families that served him and had the heads of each family pledge their unconditional oathes to him. Needless to say, Tywin knew most, if not all his subjects on a first name basis, some of which he grew up alongside when his father, George, was the Cockburn Baron. Fortunately for Tywin, he was spared of having to marry a local peasant to solidify his lordship as Baron due to his bloodline. Instead, Tywin was given the hand of his third cousin, Leandra, from the Cowal family, who also happened to be the youngest of his mother's sisters. Within the year, Leandra had already given Tywin his first son and heir to further soldify his rule. In regards to women, they were consider objects - not to be heard or seen unless they were being bedded by the man, and Lady Leandra was no different. Tywin continued to watch from his fortifcation, picking out the names of each individual he recognized.

It was from the periphery of his view that Tywin noticed one individual in particular. It was David of the Blackwood Family. He appeared to be carting his take to the center of town to be gathered for the Baron. Tywin was untrusting of David Blackwood. David's father, before he died, served Tywin and the Cockburn family well and with honor. However, the Blackwood's now only son, David, failed to perform at the level of his father. Often times David would fail to meet the quota, and it was safe for Tywin to assume that this time was no different. Tywin, who had already been frustrated, now had an excuse to dispense his frustrations on the unsuspecting David, rather than beating Lady Leandre. Tywin quickly took to his steed which was stabled by the courtyard. The Baron can be seen on his horse from across the land, emerging from the gates of his compound, riding toward the center of town, accompanied by one of his henchmen.

As the Baron entered the town center, his subjects respectfully bowed at his presence. The thunderous hooves of his horse was muffled by the clapping against the muddy earth beneath. Tywin kept his demeanor as not one single peasant dare to look him in his eyes. From the crowd that gathered in his presence, Tywin spotted David, and dismounted to engage him.

"Blackwood," Tywin remarked, singling out David. "If only you lived up to the family name!"

"I am going to guess you didn't meet this month's quota either," the Baron continued, berating David in front of everyone, while his henchman inspected David's cart, pretending to count the scant take, already knowing that it did not meet the quota. "This negligence will not go unpunished. I will now have to make an example out of you, so that others can see the consequences of not making the keep!"

Tywin signaled to his henchman, who produced a flog that was holstered to his side amongst his other armaments.

"Take off your clothes, Blackwood," Tywin scathed.

 

[Little_Tease]

David was almost there when he heard some noise from others and movement, he then looked up to see the Baron on his horse and then get off with his henchman right before him as the others dropped to their knees David did the same after a second. When he then talked to David his heart raced and feared this would happen one day but would never speak against him not in front of so many people, he would have to ask for permission to speak to him privately another time.

It was then he noticed a young girl that was always very often around Tamara to learn many things from her and then suddenly she took off, he feared where she was heading but knew at the same time where she was off to. It was then the Baron then told him to undress so he did as tell he was not brave enough to speak or do otherwise as he heard the anger in his voice.

Tamara watched David off and she stood in the doorway tills he could not see him anymore. Though it was not different as all the other times he left to deliver what they were able to put together something was different today. She could not help but have this weird feeling in her stomach, though as she started to tasks around the cottage, she tried to ignore it and distract herself with singing, humming and cleaning.

It had been a few hours or such since David had been gone as a young girl ran inside panting calling out for her. She gasped catching the girl almost in her arms as she almost ran fully into Tamara.

“Jessica what’s wrong… why are you hear is something with your parents or brother...?”

She was worried as she had never seen the young girl so out of herself almost about to cry or such but as soon as she girl could breathe again as she must have run the whole way to the cottage. It was a long walk as their cottage had been one of the last on the land and where the girl lived, they lived almost in the middle of the town square.

The girl told her that the Baron was going to punish David as they had once again not enough to give and he seemed incredibly angry more than usual. Tamara knew she could not just let it happen she had to beg him for forgiveness and give them the chance to make it up to him. Though David told her never to come in the town square if it were not necessary, she could not just ignore this and let David take a punishment for something he is not fault of.

Tamara took off running towards where the girl said she had last saw them knowing the Baron would want to make an example of him before all others so no one else would dare do the same. The closer she got the more and more she saw but she first started to call for the Baron to stop to wait. She did not think of the punishment she might be getting for calling out for him to do something as a woman she should not have ever done that, but she saw that David was getting undressed and she feared what he would do.

“Baron Cockburn… Please... wait stop… Please…!”

David looked up hearing Tamara, he gasped looking towards the Baron as if hoping he had not heard her yet or had not looked in her direction yet. He then yelled at Tamara to stop and go back home at this instant and to shut her mouth. This made her gasp as for the fact that she had run so much but she did not stop she ran right up to David as she kissed him as she turned to looked at the Baron falling her to her knees as she panted for air as she then looked up to him as she pleaded to him.

“Please Baron please give him another chance to make himself worthy... please do not punish him…”

David growled some not really that she was trying to help but that she did not listen to him and he feared what might now happen or such and he had to play along and not show that he did not hold his wife as most men did and could not let the others think he was weak. He turned and grabbed her arm as he pulled her up to her feet as he looked at her.

“Woman! Go home right this instant I will deal with you later… GO! Now!”

He just hoped the Baron would not then hear his whisper or for that matter no other soul would other than Tamara his plead for her to forgive him for his hardness, but she had to leave right now before she got punished right along with him and that he could not bear that.

She gasped as she then noticed what she had done, and she wanted to say something as David gave her this look as if telling her to shut up and just go. She held her lips closed and turned to leave again.

 

[MisterChino]

Tywin noticed that he had ruffled up some feathers amongst the gathering peasants when he barked at the male Blackwood. Whispers and objecting remarks were passed quietly between the witnessing bystanders, but none dared to openly and directly speak against the Baron. It was his ruthless and tyrannic rule that Tywin used to keep the working class in check. The Baron treated any blatant objections and criticisms of his lordship with severe punishment immediately, often times exacting this punishment to the entire family as opposed to just an individual. This method would prove effective, crushing any attempts of a lesser family hoping to gain momentum in rebelling against him.

The Baron had suspected that it was only natural for there to be a tight knit community amongst the handful of peasants that lived on his land. In fact, all four families that resided on his land all knew one another intimately. Most of the families have been marrying their children to one another for generations. As with any small community, news and information would spread quickly through the people. Therefore, the Baron wasn't surprised when the peasant youngling fled from the public gathering to most likely inform the rest of the community. It would be in the best interest of the serfs to work together, to keep each other in line, knowing what the Baron would be capable of if they were to rebel against his authority. However, Tywin being the cunning ruler, was already a couple of steps ahead and had a few little birds in the flock - establishing informants amongst the common folk. In turn, these inside men would occassionally report to the Baron and his vassal, of the happenings and sentiments of his serfs, and in return, be rewarded for their service. This would serve to provide Tywin the upperhand against his subjects.

The young Baron Cockburn would tower and loom over the older Blackwood, as David hesistantly undressed at his command. Tywin was indeed taller than the average man, and it was quite easy to see the tall figure of the formidable man amongst the crowd. The Baron was quite slender, somewhat breaking from the status quo of his pot-bellied cohorts whom seemed to overly enjoy and embellish the availability of food. Tywin's slender yet, agile physique was more so befitting of knights who needed to be small and swift to better meet the physical demands of warfare. Tywin was wearing a beige tunic, across which a sash bearing the heraldic colors of the Cockburn family was worn. Meanwhile, a large cape draped around his shoulders, secured at chest level by a copper chain loop and a buckle. Hidden beneath the draping cape, Tywin wore a set of kilts which proved to be quite comfortable for everyday wear, allowing his groin and legs to remain unrestricted from his often active movements. Beside being taller than the rest of the gathered peasants, one would easily be able to identify the Baron simply from his overall outfit which was befitting of his upper class stature.

As Tywin reached for the leather bound handle of the flog, he heard a soft voice emerging from the distance and amongst the crowd, and it seemed to grow louder with each passing moment. To his surprise, the voice belonged to that of a woman, which apparently completely displaced the responding voice of the male Blackwood that was now undressed before him. The woman's plea for the Baron to stop seemed to have caught Tywin off guard. Women usually knew their place and knew better than to speak against the man. Yet, why would anyone, let alone a woman, come to David Blackwood's defense and risk receiving the Baron's wrath? It wasn't until the woman emerged from the crowd and threw herself on her knees between him and the cowering Blackwood that Tywin was able to put two and two together, noticing the subtle but non discreet interaction between the couple.

"Well, well, well," Tywin interrupted the couple right as the young woman was turning to leave. "It appears that the young Blackwood has been quite busy and not so dumb afterall, finding himself quite the wife, I suppose?"

Tywin gestured to his henchman, whom stepped in the path of Tamara, hoping to prevent and disuade her exit.

"Quite the fiery woman you have here, Blackwood" the Baron continued, speaking to David as he continued to ignore Tamara's presence to push his point. "Although, you seemed to have failed to train her properly to allow her to speak up in conversations between men."

It was then that Tywin looked at Tamara Blackwood with much more than a glance. The Baron seldom paid interest to his female subjects; he had no reason to. Lady Leandra was quite the beauty, one of the fairest daughters of Lord Cowal. She was wed and given to the young Baron Cockburn for his service under Cowal, and to strengthen the familial ties between the two families. The dynamics were a bit odd, as Leandra was his mother's sister. Despite this, Lady Leandra was loving to the young Baron Cockburn, tending to his every need, and more importantly, producing Tywin his son and heir which was important for any women during that time. Indeed with such a beauty as Lady Leandra, Tywin did not have a reason to look elsewhere for his needs. However as of late, the passion of the relationship between Tywin and Leandra plateaued. The coitus was rather vanilla, and frankly, Leandra was quite dull in bed. With the growing frustrations of managing his tithe to the Cowals, and the boredom experienced in bed, Tywin soon found himself beating Leandra without cause. It was no way to treat a Lady of her status, and if wasn't for Leandra keeping quiet to herself despite being abused, Lord Cowal would have Tywin's head. Yet, Lady Leandra's beauty remain unchallenged, for which Tywin continued to be attracted to. Until now.

There was something in the way that the small woman's vibrant red curly locks seem to set the cold, barren landscape ablaze. As the Baron continued to look over the woman's features, he caught a glimpse of her icy blue eyes that were like daggers that pierced his own cold soul. The curves of this woman were also quite different than the average peasant, which seem to have peaked the Baron's interest. Lady Leandra was slim in comparison, however Tamara's curves were becoming more desirable with every second that Tywin's eyes remained on her. Something occurred to Tywin in that moment, and it was then that Tywin decided that he must have her.

However, the Baron knew that he must be clever in how he went about this. He knew he simply cannot openly take in another woman. A second marriage, especially to a lesser peasant, would completely ruin his titular status and null his claim to lordship. While it was common for feudal lords to covet and bed with the working class women that lived on their lands, Tywin knew that this would be disastrous for both he and Lady Leandra if these activities were to come to light; one does not simply disrepect a Lady such as Leandra with her pedigree. Tywin would leverage the situation and make it work in his favor.

"It seems that I might have to train your woman for you, Blackwood," Tywin toyed with David, before looking back at Tamara. "This one needs to be taught some obedience."

"Or maybe I should punish your woman instead. It's quite a shame what this will do to a beautiful face and unblemmished body," Tywin smirked as he looked to and waved the flog, cupping the bulk of leathery strands in the palm of his hand. At this point, Tywin was expertly exploiting the young couple, and really puling the strings on their emotions. But Tywin already knew he would not ruin Tamara in this fashion. If any of this is to happen, it would be fully on his terms. The Baron would use this opportunity to extort the couple in the future once this incident has passed.

Tywin tossed the flog to his henchman, and gestured for him to initiate the punishment. As the henchman whipped the flog toward David's back, the momentary sound of the flog cracking in the air caused the crowd to flinch with fear. Without warning, Tywin unhilted a wooden club from under his cape and hammered the weapon toward David's exposed knuckles and hands, hoping to break them.

"You have a weeks time to produce my keep," Tywin issued as he turned around. The Baron mounted his horse without much fanfare and returned to the safety of his stony compound along with his henchman.

 

[Little_Tease]

David took a deep breath as Tamara understood what he wanted of her and turned to go back home hoping that the Baron was so upset with him that he ignored Tamara and it seemed to have worked till his henchman stood in the way of Tamara blocking her from leaving. David sighed some looking down and rubbing his forehead some as she heard the Baron start to talk David feared for Tamara now.

David glanced once to Tamara as he listened to the Baron speak over her and that David was too stupid to train her and all he really wanted to say was something like he was some pig that held his wife in like a pet and truly loved his wife for whom she was but something like that would have meant his death right there and now before Tamaras eyes or maybe even worse than death, so he didn’t even dare say one word.

Tamara held her head low as she tried to fall in place though it was hard for her to do so and each time that the Baron Cockburn talked about her, she wanted to also say something but knew if she would right now speak again, she would make it just so much worse. It was then that the Baron Cockburn told David that maybe he should train Tamara for him that she needed to be taught some obedience. Tamara took a step closer to Cockburn and then looked at David as if telling him to say something he could not just let him talk that way and David gave her this look telling her not to.

So, she took a deep breath and lowered her head once again as her hands rolled up in small fists as she tried to hide her anger with him, but it was what he said next that took Tamaras breath away and made her fear him now a bit more than she had already, but her anger covered. Punish her instead of David, he would not do such a thing would he. David sighed some and tried to think of something to say to get the anger of Cockburn back on himself and get Tamara out of the way and David just said.

“Well Baron Cockburn you shouldn’t have to put up with such trouble ill teach her I promise…!”

Though Baron Cockburn said he would hit her and feared what it would do for her beauty and body he feared it would not be the hitting that damaged her, but other things people talk about that the Lords of the lands loved doing as they could do what they wanted. Tamara bites her lip some as she listened to them, she could not help but look up slightly between her curls of fire to look over Cockburn. It was then that she jumped slightly and gasped as she saw him toss the flog in her direction and then the henchman’s hand reaches out next to her face to catch it.

It was then that he took a step out in front of Tamara towards David as she could not help but let a tear roll down her cheek. She wanted to step in front and take the whipping for him, but she knew she could not, and David would not want her to. She wanted to cover her eyes and cry as she hears David try not to cry out with each whip he got from the henchman. She tried to think of something to say to stop them from keep going it was then that she saw the Baron Cockburn pull out a wooden club and swing it hitting David’s knuckles and hands breaking probably every bone in them.

She screamed out dropping to her knees as she hears David scream as well, she looked angry up at Cockburn as he then told David he had a week time to produce his keep and when the two men then turned away from David to get back on their horses, she crawled quickly over to him crying and saying sorry a thousand times. She helped him up as she gathered his things as she called out towards Cockburn and his henchman which probably were to far away to hear her.

“Monster!”

She looked around as if asking for help but no one dares come close to them till the Baron was out of sight as if afraid if he saw them helping, they would be the next. She finally got him home and cared for him she gave him some herbs and all so he could rest, and she knew it was up to her to do his work on the land and get it together so their keep could be delivered and with his broken hands he would not be able to work anyways.

“David I’m sorry my hear husband and I promise ill make it all better ill do the work and ill deliver it, so you have no more pain…”

David shook his head.

“No Tamara you have to stay away from him you didn’t see what I saw in his eyes when he looked at you and if you can’t keep her temper down around him you might be in more danger than I can save you from…please promise me that you’ll give our keep to someone in town to deliver for us or maybe till then I can deliver it myself but promise me you won’t…!”

She promised him and let him fall asleep to rest from the pain, but she knew she had to deliver it if she gave it someone else, they might not tell him it was from them and keep it as theirs or the Baron get upset because they didn’t deliver it themselves, but she would keep that from David and let him rest for now.

 

[MisterChino]

The cries and screams of David Blackwood echoed and chorused, which pleased Tywin as he returned to the stony keep with the fresh incident replaying in his mind. Cleverly enough, punishing the young Blackwood in front of the townsfolk, to include his own wife, served several purposes. The Baron used every opportunity he had to remind his serfs of the power he wielded, and by punishing David in such a severe and humiliating fashion, Tywin quickly doused any idea of rebellion toward his lordship. Humiliating the Blackwood family by making David strip naked was Tywin’s method of putting the beta male in place to make sure he would never challenge the Baron’s alpha status. The physical beat down of David helped Tywin with his growing frustrations, as the Baron became less edgy and less easy to annoy.

Tywin surely broke the bones in David’s hands when he hammered the club onto it. Tywin closed his eyes with delight and relished at the memory of hearing David scream in pain. Indeed the Baron was the ruthless and heartless lord that his people thought him to be. Tywin’s ultimate plan was slowly playing out to support his motives. What he did to David, surely crippled the capabilities of the Blackwood couple, putting them in an almost impossible situation. Surely, it would be naïve of the Baron to think that the Blackwoods were able to produce the remaining keep within a weeks time, considering the increasingly horrendous conditions brought on by the weather. Tywin knew this, and exploited this to his advantage. This would open up many possibilities that would lead to him having the Blackwood woman for himself.

As his thoughts drifted to Tamara, Tywin s remembered that Tywin in fact had grown up knowing both David and Tamara when they were just all kids. While they were two years his senior, Tywin still commanded the respect of the peasant children, being the heir to the Cockburn lordship. Whilst growing up, Tywin had played with some of the peasant children before being stowed back away from interacting with the serfs by his parents. It was from that point, that Tywin was groomed to be the man that he was today, never to lower himself to the level of the working class. It would appear that Tamara had grown and flourish to be quite the woman as Tywin remembered how she looked earlier that day in his mind; from the tiny unimportant girl that grew up with the peasant families, matured a fiery woman that now occupied his every thought.

Nevertheless, the thought of Tamara ignited the Baron’s libido which had become stale. That same evening, he would take Lady Leandra and make love to her in the Lady’s own chambers. Leandra was no different in bed than any other time, but it was Tamara that Tywin was thinking about as he ravaged the slender frame of the Lady. Leandra was a bit taken by surprised from this invigorated passion of her younger husband, enjoying the newfound vigor that Tywin previously had when they first made love. Leandra’s toes curled in ecstasy, her long slim legs wrapping around Tywin’s toned hips, pulling him inward and deeper into her as the two locked in missionary position. Yes, it was usually boring, as Ladies of the upper class rarely assumed any other position but this missionary position. Leandra thoroughly enjoying this moment of lust, didn’t think much more as to where Tywin’s sudden passion came from, and was on the verge of climaxing. As Leandra moaned with the pleasure of cumming, Tywin, himself, was spent, sewing new seed into Leandra before dismounting from her and leaving the Lady used and naked in her own room. The Baron walked naked, returning to the master chambers with the two firm moons of his pale buttocks striding parallel to each other as he made for his bed before passing out.

The lovemaking continued into the following days of the week. Tywin’s vigor and passion was undulled, however, it appeared that Leandra’s own excitement began to taper off. In her defense, there were days where she was just not in the mood, but Tywin still force himself upon her. Being the classy Lady she was, she did not object and simply laid there as Tywin enjoyed her. Her vanilla showed in her motionless body appearing to not put in any effort in response to Tywin’s thrusts as her slender frame served as and nothing more than a holster in which the Baron would put his cock into. It was not long before Leandra’s suspicion of Tywin’s unsubstantiated passion grew. One day, as Tywin once again force himself into her, Leandra noticed that Tywin had been groping away at her body in ways that he had not behaved before. Leandra was indeed a beauty, but she simply did not have the volume in the areas of her slim body that would beckon for Tywin’s touch. The largest her breasts were was when she was pregnant with child – but even then the tiny mounds were barely noticeable. Yet, Tywin had been groping at them as if they were large globes. Similarly, Tywin’s strong grasp fell around her pale thighs, as if he thought they were large hams. As with any women, Leandra’s sixth sense told her that Tywin’s interest had fell to another woman. As she laid there, mounted by the Baron, the Lady looked away with her glassy eyes, welling up tears to which she did not dare show Tywin. Nonetheless, Leandra remained faithful, but became jaded by her husband’s seemingly scandalous behavior.

As the week came to an end, Tywin’s mood had changed – almost to be a completely different man than at the beginning of the week. However, he was excited to check on the Blackwoods – more specifically, to continue to exploiting them. He sent a henchman to represent him at the Blackwood dwelling, to claim their take and his keep.

 

[Little_Tease]

Tamara knew it was going to be hard harder than ever before as they usually had more time and were together but now, she had to do it this time alone to keep her little family well David safe. The weather has not been playing along at all the last few weeks as well so she prayed this evening to the gods in hope they might change it as of the day when the sun rises to help them.

Though when she opened her eyes and stretched leaving David to rest some more, she went to look outside in her white under dress she wore to sleep in, looking up in the sky she saw now change and felt it even smelled it in the air that it was not going to change as if the gods wanted to test Tamara. Each day that week she did the same thing woke hoping something might change and then drank a hot tea before getting to work. The first few days David tried to help though he could not he sat there yelling to her what to do which was sometimes funny and annoying but also sometime helpful, but she would never admit that to him. And in the evening, she feed him bathed him and slept with him in bed.

She even wished to lay with him though she feared hurting him more than anything, but he did not care. It was the last night before the day of the keep was going to be awaited and she wanted to ease his mind. So that night when she crawled into bed to lay next to him, she could not help herself and crawled over him and straddled him raising her dress over her head so he her husband could see her full glory and beauty as many nights before his punishment.

Though David could not really use his body the way he wished it he knew it would stop Tamara from making love with him this night and he would enjoy it mostly because she gave it to him. Tamara had always been his dream woman and now he had not had to dream about fucking her but had her to fuck. Tamara leaned down to kiss him deeply as she rose her hips and her hand slipped between them to guide his cock inside of her as she lowered herself down on him, she moaned softly as he also groaned. They made love in many ways that night and for a long time before they laid spent next to each other as Tamara laid panting in his arms when they fell asleep.

When the sun peaked over the hills and creeped into their bedchamber and over Tamaras face she got up hoping for a wonder, that she feared would never come. She went to the door looked out this morning though only wrapped in a fabric, but she knew she had no time to waist, so she made herself some hot tea and got dressed in her dark green dress it was tight enough to show her curves in the perfect way said David always.

She knew they did not have enough and if David were asleep, she could try everything to safe them and she knew she would have to do that. So, if Baron Cockburn would not take their sorry and what they have then she would have to offer him something in exchange and she knew if David were awake and there or knew of her thoughts he would disagree and be angry with her. She would offer him her services in his house cooking cleaning or else. She just hoped he would take that and not want other services of her or such. She had known Tywin as a child before his father started to train him for his life as it is now. He had been a kind boy back then, but he had always been a Cockburn and that would never change.

Tamara had her hair half up and was panting slightly as she was getting everything packed and ready as she saw the henchman of the Baron coming closer and closer. Her heart raced and she feared her plan would maybe not work or backfire and then she feared what David might say after he finds out or if he comes out before she could make the deal but seeing the henchman, she feared she would not be able to do such things here and would have to travel to Cockburn herself and alone.

She stood there before the Henchman slightly shivering but tried to stand proud but not to proud as she held out what they could get together on their keep as her breath was getting quicker and her breasts pressing to the opening of her dress some might even say almost trying to burst out so she could breathe freely.

“I am sorry Henchman we couldn’t get it all together but if the Baron Cockburn would just listen… maybe we could pay it back in other terms maybe with other services…”

She was so nervous she forgot to say what kind of service she had in mind as she looked back to the cottage once more as if making sure David would not come out any second now.

 

[MisterChino]

From a distance, the Henchman made out the figure of the Blackwood woman as she worked hastily to prepare their goods for deliverance to the Baron. Indeed, even the Henchman couldn’t help but noticed the curves of this particular woman which was accented by the dark green fabric that wrapped tightly around them. As the Baron’s Henchman approached the Blackwood dwelling, he towered over the Blackwood woman from atop his horse as he brought his steed to a halt before a picket fence made of what seemed to be assorted wood, which itself seemed to be falling apart from poor upkeep.

Indeed, the life of the serfs were very much different than the luxuries and lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the lords. The horse whinnied and snorted, emitting a steaming cloud of mist from its snout and nostrils into the brisk air as the henchman dismounted. The light armor clanked against each other as he braced his landing, while his boots sunk into the wet, muddied dirt beneath him. Without acknowledging the woman, he looked across the pitiful plot, which like the rest of the land, looked worn down and void of nutrients that was once before due to over-farming. He briefly looked over the small cottage dwelling, quickly assessing the surrounding structure as any aware fighter would do. He remember the very likes of this plot from a long, long time ago – the plot that he was born and lived for a short time, changed drastically.

James, himself, carried the Blackwood family name and blood. At the very young age of 4, he was given as a tribute by his father Maron to the Baron George Cockburn. James was the first born of the destitute Blackwood family, after which father Maron Blackwood had 2 more sons, John and David. James’ name was quickly and simply forgotten, abandoned by the Blackwood family after he was assimilated to the Cockburn lordship; his blood family would have never mentioned his name at the table, so his younger brothers probably did not even know of him. Yes, James was the older brother to David Blackwood, however was far removed from his brother, being 10 years senior. Meanwhile, John, the middle brother, had died at the young age of 5 from a common cold, leaving David to be Maron Blackwood’s remaining son.

Growing up in the Cockburn lordship saw James enjoying the spoils of their rule, becoming ignorant and forgetful of his initial upbringing. The Baron George Cockburn groomed James to be a finer gentleman, but more so a fighter. James learned to love the Baron as his foster father, despite the Baron and his family being quick to remind him that he was still a Blackwood. James would soon learn to hate his own surname, and was constantly reminded of his family when the masters of coin would report the earnings from each family. James would develop and grow up to be the personal guard of George, a henchman to carry out the Baron’s deeds.

It was finally then, that James looked at the woman standing before him, looking her up and down as he noticed her panicked breathing. The Blackwood family men did have a thing for women, as James briefly praised his disassociated brother in his mind for finding such a woman. James heard the voice of Tamara speak, but was honestly more interested in her bust which pressed forcefully against her green garb.

“Oh the Baron is not going to like what I’m going to tell him,” James smirked and chuckled, as he pushed pass Tamara, brushing pass her shoulder, to enter the Blackwood plot.

James looked around the outer edges of the building and across the thatched roof top, and then briefly through thin layers of hay that covered the windows. He pushed past the solid, wooden door which creaked slightly, opening up and allowing him to walk through the entrance of the Blackwood cottage. James fit perfectly through the Blackwood home door frame, as it was built to the average height of their men – he was still much taller than Tamara. He looked around the kitchen, dining, and living areas which was all melded into one general space. James noticed the partially drank cup of tea that still had residual steam rising from the top.

He continued to survey the room, seeing the clutter that had piled in the tight space. The Blackwood couple indeed struggled to meet this impossible demand by the Baron, James thought. However, that was usually how James liked it to be – his badge gave him the Baron’s authority and liked to be at an advantage when conducting “business” with the peasants. James watched Tywin grow up to be almost a mirror image of his father George. Whilst growing up, James would be Tywin’s training partner in swordsmanship and battle. When father George died, James’ service would fall to Tywin. Already, James noticed how much colder and vicious Tywin was, both in battle and rule. James glanced back briefly at Tamara, to make sure she wasn’t trying to pull anything fast on him, before he continued his search of the house.

James walked as quiet as he can, his muddied boots leaving a trail of prints behind. His eyes made out several other rooms, as his ears listened intently for anyone else that might be in the house. He noticed a door that was slightly ajar. James unsheathed his blade without a sound, indicating his skill as a tactful swordsman. Leading with the sharp tip of the weapon, James maneuvered the blade between the door and frame and used the side of the sword to slowly push the door open. Peering slowly into the room, James saw David – he was lying there, asleep, none the smarter that James had arrived. Turning back to Tamara, James slyly grinned to let her know that he found the other Blackwood. Looking out the rear window, and then out the back exit, James was satisfied of his visual inspection. Now his attention was fully on Tamara, lustfully enjoying the visual appearance of her curves.

“That is quite disappointing that you two were not able to make the bounty,” James spoke sarcastically.

“I can only imagine what Baron Cockburn will do to punish… David, was it?” James continued, thinking a moment to remember his youngest brother’s name. James was now trying to dig into Tamara’s emotions. His eyes now fell on her set of breasts that seemed to catch most of his attention.

“You speak of services as if the Baron needs anything from lowly peasants,” James remarked. “He’s not going to listen to you if I simply don’t allow it…”

 

[Little_Tease]

Tamara watched him carefully as he got off his horse and stepped closer, she feared him but more nervous of what he might do. She knew he also had enough power to do many things even without speaking with the Baron about it before he did it. So, she knew she also had to be careful, even more so if she did not want David knowing anything about how she is trying to save their stay on this land and keep from getting punished even more.

When he walked past her and nudged her slightly on her shoulder she gasped slightly and quickly walked to follow him. She just hoped he would not go inside and wake David in the process, as she feared he headed for the door. She tried to keep him from it, but he just ignored her in that process, when he walked in, she bites her lip as she followed her eyes darting to the room were David laid asleep and then back at James nervous and afraid for many things.

When he moved around the house, she was only glad he was doing it in a quiet way though she could see he was also a bit nervous as he was making sure no one unsuspected was in the house waiting on him or such. It was then that he moved towards the room where David was that she gasped softly and thought about moving in front of James but knew it would make it only worse and he might hit her or such. When he pulled his sword, she bites her lip hoping David would not be awake and do something stupid or such.

When James looked back at her with this stupid grin on his face, she knew he noticed which room that was, and it was David laying there. But instead, as she feared to wake him, he came back towards her she backed up towards the table almost tripping and sitting on the edge as her eyes locked to his. She listened to him as she got even more nervous than before, as he talked about punishment and David her eyes wanted to well up, but she fought that urge to cry.

She could not let herself look weak not now before James, when he then talked about what she wanted to give instead of goods and that the Baron Cockburn would not be needing any services from a peasant she took a deep breath, but it was the last words he spoke that got her attention.

“Soo... if you allow it, he will listen to my offer?!... but that sounds like it will cost me just as well… “

She looked around and already feared knowing they had nothing there of value what it would Cost her, but could she do that to David. What if he woke up as she was paying for the cost of just getting her words to the Baron which still did not give her any luck of it really getting somewhere with but if she did not try, she would never know, and poor David would have to feel much more pain and maybe even death and she could not bare that.

“As you see Good man, we have nothing really here to pay for your…. Ability to get my words to the Baron…”

She shivered and trembled her thighs rubbed slightly together as she already feared the words that would come out of her mouth and her hands trembling playing with the table edge and her dress slightly as she looked down at his feet first and then back up to his eyes.

“May I also…. offer a service to you so you may allow me to offer my services to the Baron for pay… I am an excellent cook I do many things with herbs and much other things…”

She feared to speak out the services she knew he had going threw his mind knowing he would say it anyways or so to say only want that service as pay which she just hoped the Baron would not be out for. Everyone knew he had a wife he loved and was baring him children so he could not be possibly looking for such services she thought and hoped at least.

 

[MisterChino]

James could sense Tamara’s fear and panic. This is exactly how he liked to play his position every time he was sent to collect by the Barons he served. It had not always been like this. As he served father George when he was the Baron, James was schooled in the manners and behavior of the highborn, despite coming from the serf caste. Likewise, the assimilated Blackwood was trained with privileges that nobles held in battle, negotiation, and respect over the working class. James almost held a squire-like role, observing and being mentored by father George’s more senior guards and henchmen. It wasn’t long before James began to do Baron Cockburn’s bidding.

As a novice militiaman in the Baron’s company, James would be quite tame and forgiving when making demands of the peasants. He often times found himself empathizing with the people, feeling the pains and anguish of their plight. This however was quickly remediated. The wise Baron would never let James go by himself, as he was always accompanied by a senior swordsman. As soon as James made the mistake of showing any sign of mercy to the peasants, the senior would jump in and complete the task. This also did not go without punishment, and as soon as James returned to the Baron’s keep, he was immediately taken to the courtyard and flogged in front of the Baron’s men for his failure to establish the Baron’s authority. It would not take long for James change this behavior of showing any type of weakness, and even remorse. James soon began to lose his common sense of humanity and develop into a cold-blooded collector that the Baron needed him to be.

As a result, James was forged to become one of father George’s most reliable men. The Baron was like a father-figure to him, and James would do anything he could to please father George. James denounced his own biological father and the Blackwood name even though it will forever be in him; he did this while pledging his undying loyalty and life to the Baron George Cockburn. Every task that father George sent James to do, the Henchman was able to learn from the experience, to even improve on it next time he was sent out again. It was good enough to earn the Baron’s seal and badge, which would be James’ greatest accomplishment. James began to develop his own techniques and procedures, to even train the young Tywin Cockburn as he came of age. From this, James knew that it was a lot easier to make demands of the peasants when they have lost any and all bargaining power. When this happens, the peasants will usually say or do anything, impulsively offering things they are not readily able to give. After a while of serving father George, James had learned to take this opportunity to serve his own interests and making a name for himself. This was how he became to be known as “the Henchman.”

James listened to the smaller woman as she struggled to find the right things to say, searching for a way out of this for her and her husband. He couldn’t help but notice that he had almost forced her onto the table when they were shuffling and shifting about the room, which seemed to arouse him. Her blue eyes were quite captivating, while her bosom enticed him to explore his options with the services that Tamara was offering to him to have a chance with the Baron. Tamara’s curves was too much appealing to him, that he couldn’t control himself anymore. James unsheathed his blade once more, but this time he expertly flick the sword swiftly up over her dark green dress, slicing through the fabric without cutting her flesh. Her dress which was already struggling to hold her breasts, would burst open to reveal Tamara’s large globes. James was thoroughly aroused, as his throbbing organ pressed against the fabric underneath his armor. James carefully placed his blade under her tits, lifting each of them up as he gazed lustfully at it with his head canting to each side to enjoy the view of them. James knew that the blade was cold, as he watched Tamara reacted to the freezing steel come in contact with her skin.

Carefully and quietly setting his blade down to the side of Tamara on the table on which she sat, James removed the lightly armored gauntlet and leathered gloves he had been wearing. He could only imagine that the woman would not dare scream to wake her husband, based on her careful actions that he noticed from the time he walked into the house. With this, James braved and pressed further to get a feel of this curvy woman. His rough, callused hands cup one of Tamara’s breasts, kneading and massaging it slowly in the palm of his hand. James gently licked his lips at how amazing they felt. Soon, his fingers followed up to the nipple that had crowned her breast. The large tips of his fingers began to caress the nub, as James began to roll her nipple between the scaly skin of his fingers.

At this point, James cautioned himself to stop. A brief moment of conscience somehow came over him. This was his blood brother’s wife. Although he never once spoke with or met with the young David, James still had a connection to the Blackwood family and bloodline. James had raped and bedded many a woman, but yet the idea of taking the wife of his kin appalled him. While he had every urge to bed this woman, James decided against it. It was the first time in a while where he had shown mercy. James quickly dismissed the thought, while replacing his momentary weakness with the justification of making sure he was following the young Baron’s orders. Perhaps, James would be further rewarded by Tywin, if he were to explain the opportunities the Baron may have with this woman. Indeed, James decided that he would allow the Baron to further exploit this opportunity, if the Baron already hasn’t thought of this. Thus, James reverted back to his cold-hearted demeanor. As fast as he took to Tamara’s chest, James quickly put back on his gloves, and secured his sword, gathering himself quickly before leaving the maiden bare chested and exposed in her own house.

“Yes. Indeed, you will have audience with the Baron,” James smirked, looking back as he made his exit from the Blackwood dwelling. “However, believe me, that you would have preferred that I had you, instead of what the Baron is going to do with you when I tell him of the Blackwood’s failure to make keep.”

The Henchman mounted the waiting steed, and rode back to the keep to the awaiting Baron and report his findings.

 

[Little_Tease]

Tamara stood there leaning against the table as her breath got quicker the closer James got, she did not know what to do but she did not want to move to quickly as he had his sword in his hands. She saw it in his eyes what he desired what he hungered, and he knew she would not scream or make a fuss as she didn’t want to wake her sleeping husband, so he sees them mostly sees her with another man. It was then he moved his sword in a swift movement that she closed her eyes and gasped thinking maybe she was wrong, and she would die now. but as she suddenly felt her breast wiggle free and feel this cool air and then suddenly a cold metal she gasped and opened her eyes to see her dress cut open just enough, so her breast hung freely before James.

She looked to the door behind him as she whispered.

“Please…!!”

She knew she meant more please be quiet and if this must be then taken what you wish I wont fight but somehow it was as scarry as slightly excited, but she would never admit that to anyone and she did not even dare admit that to herself. It was now that James lowered his sword and laid it on the table next to her, she could have easily taken it and swung it to try and kill him but what would that bring. It would not help them, and he would probably take the sword from her before she could do enough harm to him and probably be killed or worse in the process. She was frozen in fear as her eyes were locked to his as she watched slightly also out of the corner of her eyes as he took off his gloves and all.

It was then that she suddenly felt his hand on her bare breast and from the cool metal which made her nipples react and the cool breeze. She held her breath and nibbled her lip slightly as she looked up to him. She felt his large hands knead her breasts and roll her nipples which even almost made her moan which ever would escape her lips she would be admitting what she never wanted that this some what or some how excited her. No other man had ever touched her in this way she had always been David’s and he had been her first and only man in her whole life.

She blushed and was about to plead him again or maybe beg him she was not sure, but it was then she gasped slightly and was slightly disappointed but also grateful that his hands that were so demandingly taking her breasts stopped and put back on their gloves. When he then shifted and got him self together and went to leave, she gasped and breathed still a bit quick as she heard him tell her she would have an audience with the Baron. She was happy but when he then told her she would prefer later that he had taken her and not the Baron. She did not know yet what he really meant with that, but she feared she would soon find out.

He left the house, and she ran after him till the doorway covering her breasts some so no one would notice or see as she then called to James.

“Thank you … I guess…!”

She then watched him ride off towards the keep where the Baron was probably already awaiting him. She went back in and looked at her dress and quickly got undressed and went to hide the dress, so David never finds out and went in the room to get a new dress one of not many she had as David woke while she sneaked around the bed to get her dress and smiled some and she quickly had to think of why she was now naked.

She smiled back at him as he then asked.

“What are you doing their wife…. I mean I am not complaining but isn’t it a bit early for you to be in gods glory dress…!”

She giggled some and crawled into the bed to him kissing him as she straddled him carefully as she whispered.

“Well, the henchman was just there and took our keep of good with him to take to the Baron and he seemed to be happy so I believe you won’t be punished again, and I was so happy I thought I might share that happiness with you my dear Husband…”

She then leaned down kissing him and he kissed her back, they made loved then and there as she tried to forget about James hands on her breasts moment earlier and use that excitement and arousal he caused on David. David was always happy to bed with her as she had always had movement and curves to make him feel more than he could ever wish for. It was later that day she went out to gather some herbs and things for some more tea and all.

She found some herbs that also would help David sleep a bit more and a bit deeper so he could heal faster as she kept looking towards the keep as if awaiting some answer of when she should come to speak to the Baron and hoped to catch the messenger before he gives the message to the wrong Blackwood. David could never find out what happened or what she was doing to save him more pain. She would definitely make sure David drank enough tea before she would head to speak to the Baron.

 

[MisterChino]

The Henchman returned the Baron's compound; the wooden gates parted open, creaking at the hinges to permit his entrance once the guards had identified their own. The keep's court was closed for business, temporarily closed to the peasant class to lawyer their own grievances, as the masters work towards finalizing the total tally and count of the collected bounty. Indeed, the once open courtyard was now packed with piles neatly stacked burlap bags of potatoes and other various goods. The Baron's council and their men were preparing the goods for caravan shipment and delivery to the Cowal Lordship. To the Baron's surprise, the count and total bounty exceeded his expectations, despite the unheeding weather and conditions. The total keep was still short, but the amount was easily covered by the Baron's own private stockpile - Tywin didn't mind taking from his reserve if it meant that he would maintain his titular authority and most of all, his head.

Thus, the Baron was more at ease knowing that they met their goal and his lordship would be spared of Cowal's wrath. On the otherhand, other Barons and their lands would not be so lucky. Surely during these meek times, someone will come up short - it was bound to happen. What that meant was that those lands would now be annexed by Cowal Lordship, and if the lesser Barons were lucky, the land be generously divided to the Barons that had the neighboring lands. However, given the current circumstances and conflict with the Glencoe family, the Cowals were becoming more frugal when it cames to resources. It would be a surprise if the Cowal were to give anything back to their serving Barons, or even put anything into the war effort themselves. The Barons would continue to fight the Cowal's war, bearing the costs of war. The collection of the bounty couldn't have come at a better time, occuring while the Cowals and Glencoes enforced a temporary truce. But this only meant that it was the calm before the storm. Hell will break loose again when the truce is over, which meant more of Tywin's men will die.

However, the war was in the back of his mind, and the keep to the Cowal was an afterthought, now as Tywin caught sight of James from the window outlook of the courtroom. James nodded as his eyes met with Tywins - James knew that Tywin wanted his report. James briefly stopped at the company and instructed two men under his mentorship to return to the Blackwood's dwelling and secure the take from them. James then quicky took to the stone and brick laden stairs that led to the second floor of the keep in which the court room sat. James' boots tapped lightly up the stony path, as he made haste to meet with the Baron. As James entered the court room, he saw Lady Leandra and the Baron's son, Timothy, engaging in child's play. James quickly bowed in respect to Leandra to which she gracefully acknowledged.

"M'lady," James continued to address Leandra, holding his bow, while giving Tywin the opportunity to excuse the Lady's presence from their discussion.

"Leave us," Tywin looked briefly at Leandra, before turning his gaze out the window to allow her time to leave.

Without responding back to the Baron, Leandra quickly gathered her things, along with the young Timothy and made their exit from the room. As she turned, James took a good look at the Lady and noticed that she appeared worn down. The bruises from Tywin's abuse were slowly fading, but was replaced by a cold and saddened aura that surrounded the Lady. Needless to say, the waning relationship between Tywin and Lady Leandra was very noticeable, to all those that interacted with them. Leandra should be bearing another child for Tywin, if she isn't already pregnant. Thus, Tywin's establishment of his lineage with Leandra would be threatened by their failing marriage.

"My Lord," James now bowing toward Tywin after Leandra and Timothy left the room. James paused briefly to gather his thoughts before reporting on the Blackwood incident. The view of Tamara, bare chested and exposed with her globes available for his taking shot through James' mind before he established his composure. "My Lord, as you have suspected, the Blackwoods were unable to meet their goal after the week you have given them. My men are currently returning to the Blackwood land to being back the take that they had prepared. David Blackwood remains bedridden, while the female is the only capable one."

Upon hearing the report, Tywin smirked. "Thank you, James, I have heard all I need to hear," Tywin said looking at James. "You are dismissed. However, I will return to you in a few days time to give you further instructions on how to deal with David Blackwood and his wife."

James nodded, only wondering what the Baron had planned in that sly mind of his. James bowed again, before excusing himself from the courtroom. Meanwhile, Tywin's plan on having Tamara was slowly coming together. The Baron would give the Blackwoods a false hope of security - allowing the Balckwoods a few days to think that he forgot about them. It would already be in the Baron's mind that he would then have James arrest David, and publicly humuliate him by tying him to the post in the center of town. Tywin will the keep David tied there for days and weeks, as needed. Tywin knew that Tamara would not be able to handle David's suffering, and would not be able to handle the land by herself without a man. Tywin would then expect her to come to him for an audience. It would be then that Tywin would make his move on Tamara.

Exactly three days later, James and his men proceeded to the Blackwoods to detain David.

 

[Little_Tease]

Tamara spent the rest of the day worried and scared and somehow weirdly excited. After she had woken David and pleased him as well as herself, she smiled and made them some dinner hoping that he would be feeling better soon. They sat at the table and were eating the little they had but enough for them both as he kept smiling at her and asked her softly if everything was ok, she nodded and giggled some.

“Why what should be wrong… I am here with you husband we are eating, and your pain is slowly dying away and that means soon we will live normal again well normal enough so to say…”

She smiled filling her mouth with one last spoon full of what she had on her plate as David watched her as her eyes kept darting to the door and then to the cupboard where there were stacks of boxes and such, but he shrugged and thought he was just seeing things, or it was nothing to worry about. It was starting to get dark as they then light some small candles they had over as they laughed and talked awfully long in the night and David then told her it was time to go to bed and rest.

When she stood and blew the candles out setting them aside or the next evening, she was stopped by David in the doorway as he kissed her deeply whispering that she was the most beautiful woman alive and he must be the luckiest man alive to have her for himself. She smiled kissing him back though she did feel bad a little though she pushed those thoughts of why away for the night as she enjoyed the night with David once more.

It had been three days since James had been there and David was almost well again Tamara still had to do pretty much everything alone, but he was now there outside with her always helping as much as he could or till the pain got too strong. It was that early morning as Tamara stood in the doorway looking out in her nice dress sipping at her tea as she saw horses approaching their piece of land they took care of for the Baron as her stomach turned and she suddenly felt as if she was going to be sick.

She just hoped it was news on when she could speak with the Baron and nothing else as she had not heard of James for a while, she thought maybe it had been enough for him or that the Baron forgotten them. When James and his men stopped getting off their horses, she set her teacup aside and went out as David was still in bed laying and sleeping as it was still early.

“Good day the men how can I be of help.”

She blushed slightly as she looked at James and then shook her head and tried to keep a soft smile on her lips, but when the men pushed past Tamara and she stood there with James she gasped and walked over to James standing very closely as she gasped softly.

“What is this what are they doing… Why are they doing this I thought we had an agreement…!!”

She whimpered some as she turned to run inside to see what the mean were doing as she then suddenly heard David cry out and start yelling, she gasped and went to run to see what happened as the men suddenly came out holding David so he could not run or such and started to bring him over to James. They passed Tamara as she started to cry, and David told her everything is going to be simply fine and not to worry.

She ran then to James wanting to hit him but did not dare as the other men where there and David able to see.

“you promised!”

She only said to James and then turned to follow the men to see what they were going to do with David.

 

[MisterChino]

James and two other swordsmen road towards the simple Blackwood dwelling, intent on fulfilling their task as dictated by their Lord Baron. James could have handled this mission by himself - his younger brother did not seem like the fighting type although fighting was in their bloodline. Indeed, Blackwood men were both natural womanizers and fighters - they were bred to bed women, and to throw hands when the situation came to fisticuffs. However, once a Blackwood sets their eyes on a woman and lays claim to her, they seem to lose their fighting instinct and settle down as family men.

It appeared that David was no different after he wedded Tamara. It would be this trait that the Cockburns were able to manipulate and use against the peasant class Blackwoods; the Blackwoods would fight as bannermen to the Cockburns, but after the battles, found themselves continuing to labor for their upper classmen. At the young age when James was gifted to his surrogate Cockburn family, James broke from this paradigm of Blackwood service. James would not allow himself to return to being a peasant working the lands, and told himself that serving as a henchman to Baron Cockburn is better than that.

It would be Tamara again, there in front of the Blackwood plot to greet them. However, this time James saw Tamara in a different light. James began to admire the small red-haired woman's courage and duty. Yet as he regained his normal demeanor, he was more so delighted in a superficial manner, as his eyes feasted on her curves underneath the morning dress she had worn. From that moment that James saw Tamara in the flesh before him, he had been secretly lusting for her. James decided he was going to do something about it.

As the men dismounted, James watched as Tamara approach while the swordsmen secure their horses to the dilapidated fence. James couldn't help but notice Tamara blush when she briefly looked at him, offering a polite greeting to the men. At that point, James had already signalled for his men to find and detain David. James simply observed what was expected to be a short and quick raid. As his men pushed passed Tamara, James watched as her attitude change from gentle jest to fear and panic. The swordsmen were tactical in their movements, trained by James himself and briefed on the layout of the dwelling so that they knew where to target and focus. They found David sleeping in the room as described by James, waking David when they abruptly entered the room. The men were able to easily restrain him, pulling and twisting on David's prexisting injuries as they pulled him from the bed.

The men emerged with David from the cottage without much fuss. James made sure his men knew to drag David in front of Tamara to make her even more distressed. That plan would work. Ignoring the pleas of the woman, James instructed his men to bring David to the town center, strip him naked and tie him to the post. The swordsmen nodded, acknowledging James' instructions and carried forth the punishment on the Blackwood man. James quickly grabbed and pulled back on Tamara's arm when she tried to follow the men. Without much effort, James began to drag Tamara back into the cottage hopefully before she creates too much of a scene.

Pushing open the door, James forcefully threw Tamara into the general room against her will, releasing his hold of her arm. Closing the door behind him, James looked back at Tamara with lustful desire. James chuckled as he took towards Tamara, grabbing her hair and pulling her to the floor. James then began to drag her to their own room, before pulling her up onto the bed and bending her over. His hand pushed on the Tamaras back forcing her face into the bed, as he began to tear off the woman's dress and top, exposing Tamara's back.

"Don't worry, they are taking your husband to the town center," James paused from tearing at her clothes, speaking to her gentlly. "You can find and go to him after we are done."

 

[Little_Tease]

David was sleeping when he suddenly heard noises, he felt around the bed noticing that Tamara had been up early once again as she usually is to enjoy some silent moments to gather energy for the day. What straddled David though was that suddenly two men stood in their room and before he could ask what this was or react in any way, they grabbed David and made sure to hurt him slightly as if just to make sure he would not put up a fight. He cried out once or twice as he quickly got up to follow them with fear in his eyes, but he knew he had to fight it away cause Tamara could not see that he was afraid, or she could not be strong enough and worry too much.

It was then that he got scared and wondered where Tamara was, but then the men dragged him outside and he saw Tamara standing by James the Henchman and hear her speaking to him and as she then turned seeing him and came closer to them, he had to tell her everything would be ok. He knew she had to know that or else she might do something stupid and get herself in trouble. The men dragged him away and he tried asking what was going on and where they were taking him, but they did not say anything and the last thing he saw when he looked back one last time as Tamara was that she wanted to run after them, but James held her arm and tugged her inside.

He was worried what James was going to do to her now or what his matters were with her but had to forget that now and worry first about what was going to happen to himself and where they were taking him and why.

Tamara gasped as James grabbed her arm and pulled her back from following the men, she struggled some, but they were quickly inside. When he then let her go, she stumbled a few steps back into the room as he closed the door behind him. She went for the door again as she then said to him.

“Let me go to him…!”

It was then she saw that look in his eyes again like the for three days and wondered how far he would go this time or just ruin her dress again and then leave her there. It was then that he chuckled at her and then grabbed her hair pushing her to the floor she gasped dropping first to her knees and crying out as her hands went to his hand and wrist as if to ease the pain or his grip. It was then that he dragged her to their own room and before she could react or struggle much more, he threw her on the bend facing down as she then went to stand up, she felt his hand on her back pushing her into the bed. She panted and gasped as she tried to wiggle free from his grip but then she felt him tearing off her dress and she cried out some more.

“Pleaseee!”

When she felt a cool breeze on her backside, she shivered knowing she was fully exposed to him now and feared that this time he would not be stopping but somehow, she hoped he would not. it was then the way he talked to her telling her that she should not worry and after they are done, she could go and find David in the town center.

She whimpered softly towards James as she tried to look over her shoulder to him as she then said softly.

“Done…?!”

She knew exactly what he meant but she could not help to play the dumb one maybe he would lose interest in her again as for three days or such though something deep down inside of her hoped he would not. David had been her first only man that had taken her, she loved him dearly and would never stop loving him but something about James the way he touched her the last time and now just was different than David ever had and the way he looked at her with desire. David always looked at her with this desire, but he knew she was his and only his, so he did not have to fight for it, but James had this hunger in his eyes as well what David had not had since after their marriage.