Centaur Mistress

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth gasped softly as she stared in the semi darkness. Brighid's sex was incredibly slick and shining. Her sex was opening and closing slightly as if winking. It truly was time. "Mistress, I'm going to go very slowly at first. I will touch you, then slide a few fingers in. Tell me if I do anything wrong." Keleth reached out and touched the slicked entrance, her fingers instantly covered in arousal fluids. Keleth had to fight through the heady scent, which was making her swoon. Her finger gently and slowly brushed up and down the entrance.

Brighid nodded quickly, a little too nervous for the gesture to be normal. At the first gentle touch, she braced her rear legs slightly farther apart, biting her lip to hold in the moan she wanted to let go. Her eyes closed, lids flickering in the dim light from the fire. Feeling Keleth's fingers trailing along her heated opening, she slowly shifted her weight backwards, leaning into the touch.

Keleth kept stroking like that for a few moments, feeling the arousal almost dripping down her fingers, then with a deep breath, she closed her fingers together, folding her thumb close to her palm and started to push in. As she pushed in, inch by inch, the flesh became more slick, warmer and softer.

Now the moan came unbidden, and she could no longer hold it in. Near the end of the sound, her voice rose in pitch to almost a low neigh. Brighid's sex spasmed snugly around Keleth, unused to the penetration. She blew out a deep breath and her vagina relaxed, allowing further penetration.

A sudden grip, allowing no movement, then relaxing. Keleth was breathing in Brighid's powerful scent and her own body was reacting, as aroused as earlier and she was squeezing her thighs together as she continued to push her arm in. Soon, she was up to her elbow.

Brighid stamped her foot, pressing back into Keleth eagerly, her body quivering with tension. Her sides were expanding and contracting with her heavy breathing, the sound like a bellows. She slowly but firmly pushed back until Keleth's arm slipped in as deep as her bicep. Suddenly Brighid's head tossed forward, her mane and hair braids slinging forward to cascade over her head, highlighted in the glow of the banked coals. As her head and torso raised back up, she turned, her eyes meeting Keleth's with that half lidded sultry heated stare she'd had during the bath the night before. But this time there was a raw edge of lust to it.

Keleth gave no thought to safety, no thought to anything but the fact that she was her Mistress' stallion now. As her arm sank in almost to the armpit, Keleth draw back slowly, then in, about a foot, penetrating then back, moving her entire body. It was a great effort, but she knew her Mistress needed it.

Slowly Brighid reached back towards the human girl, her friend and now the lover she desperately needed. Her hand was outstretched, seeking to reach Keleth.

Keleth reached forwards and grasped one of Brighid fingers, pulling and driving her arm completely in, just slightly bending.

Brighid lent her strength, pulling her hand to help Keleth thrust into her. Another moan as she was filled incredibly full. Keleth's arm was close to the length of a stallion, but thicker. Brighid hadn't felt anything quite like it before. Despite their conversations discussing it, Cassandra had never done this for her, and usually Brighid tried to isolate herself during her time. This time was going to be different, she felt as Keleth's fist moved within her.

With Brighid's pull, Keleth could thrust deeply, but she wanted to do this herself, so that Brighid could enjoy it. She release Brighid's finger, and drew back. She moved her entire body again, thrusting as much of her arm as she could, fist first, as deep as she could manage. She wasn't going to last long, as this was so new.

Brighid's tunnel was feeling hotter with each thrust as her body sent blood to the area, flushing her arousal. The velvety tunnel clasped to Keleth's arm on each withdrawal. She stamped her front hoof again. Suddenly a loud whistle rent the still air of the camp, and chaos followed. Brighid stiffened, her tunnel tightening around Keleth's arm almost painfully. She screamed in frustrated anguish and surged forward. The tightness of her vagina's grip on Keleth's arm pulled the girl off the stool suddenly, leaving her nearly hanging from Brighid's nethers before the mare remembered to relax herself. She reached for her sword.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth was completely confused, pulled to the side off the stool like a rag doll, Brighid's moaning drowned by a sharp blast of a whistle. With a relaxation of Brighid's channel, she fell to the floor in a heap, struggling to pull herself to her feet, her arm dripping, hearing voices and movements.

Brighid turned back, hissing in a harsh whisper, raw with unfulfilled need and anguish. "I'm sorry, Keleth. Take this, stay hidden! Stay quiet! I'll come for you when it's over!" The cold steel of a long dagger was being pressed into Keleth's slippery hand. There was an edge of fear in Brighid's voice. She paused just long enough to touch Keleth's cheek, then rushed from the tent, no time to don her armor.

Keleth had no time to say anything, with the brush of a warm hand, Brighid was gone into the night, the sounds increasing. Keleth tried to push away her fear, quickly washing her hand and putting on skirt and blouse and boots, holding the dagger in both hands and not daring to stick her head out of the tent.

The sounds of screams, running hooves, confusion and terror edged voices sounded in the night, some near, some far. And then the roar of male voices, raised in battle screams washed over the camp like a wave. The clash of steel on steel rang out, followed by screams of a different sort: pain, anguish, and the screams only made by those meeting their death in horrible fashion. It seemed to go on for hours, but in reality the raid was measured in minutes.

Keleth's fear grew as the minutes passed and she heard the men, the wild Northmen, who had killed Cassandra, who had slaughtered countless humans and centaurs. She trembled as she hid, down between chest and table, hoping, praying that the raid would end and her Mistress would come back.

A horrified peal pierced the night, and something large fell against part of the tent, threatening to collapse or rip through the side for a terrifying moment. Then whatever it was rolled away with a groan. Hooves thundered by and the sounds of battle seemed to move further away.

Suddenly the sound of footsteps could be heard just outside the tent. It seemed as though someone was creeping slowly, trying not to be heard. It took a few terror filled minutes before the tent flap raised, and a figure ducked through into the tent. It was human.

For just a moment, the figure was silhouetted in the lesser darkness of the tent opening, the early pre-dawn light only beginning to lighten the sky a little. The arched 'T' of a crossbow type weapon could be made out in stark relief, held in the figure's hands. The intruder paused just inside the tent, letting the flap drop closed and giving their eyes time to adjust to the darker interior.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth, seeing the shadow move into the tent, drew back further, almost under the table, holding the knife out, trying not to breathe. She hoped that the strong scent of centaur arousal would mask her own fear.

A breath, deeply drawn, then a sigh and a softly hissed voice whispering, "Keleth? Are you in here?" The voice was recognizable as Brennan's.

Keleth gave out a soft cry and came out slowly, still wary, looking out to see if it really was Brennan, clutching the knife, her fingers sweating around the handle.

Brennan let out a relieved cry and rushed to hug her friend. "Thank the gods you're safe!"

Keleth came out fully and hugged Brennan tightly, dropping the knife and crying out softly, tears flooding her eyes.

"Normally we all gather in the dining tent, but the raid was so sudden, there was no time! I made my way there as soon as I could and when I didn't see you there, I thought you'd been caught up in the fighting! Oh, Keleth, it's awful out there! Do you know there is a mare down right by your tent? I couldn't tell if she was alive or dead."

Keleth's eyes flashed, not speaking the fear that had welled up at Brennan's words. "It can't be Brighid, she's too strong. Should we go to the dining tent or stay here?"

Brennan whispered urgently, her voice with a hint of fear. "If the raiders win.....they might search for loot or prisoners. I doubt there is any safe place, Keleth. The other attendants gather together in the dining tent so they will not be alone. But you are the only one I want to be with, wherever you are. Let's stick together until our mistresses return."

Keleth didn't hide her fear with Brennan, quietly sobbing softly into the younger girl's neck. "I'm so strong and able for my Mistress. Why does this scare me so much?"

Brennan clung to her friend, finding herself oddly in the role of comforter when she herself was so scared too. She just held Keleth tightly, shaking her head. "The battle is usually far from camp. There haven't been any raids like this since I've been here. Not until now. There was no time to even prepare. I hope our mistresses are all right." In such close proximity, Keleth could feel Brennan's body shivering with pent up nerves and fright.

Keleth felt the shaking and it steadied her, bringing out her natural guidance and caring, just like with Brighid. She sat up straight, holding Brennan and stroking her hair. "They are all right. They must be."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

"So Brennan, what should we do now? Brighid told me to stay here, and I don't wish to go against her wishes. I don't know if it's a good idea to leave the tent and try to get to the dining tent."

Brennan clung to Keleth tightly, burying her face in the crook of Keleth's shoulder, sniffing. "I think we should stick together. I don't know if we'd be any safer there than here."

Keleth held the younger girl tightly, stroking her back. "You must be worried about your mistress, just like I am. They will both come back to us, I promise. We are together, my friend, and that is something."

"I'm glad. Oh, Keleth, why did this have to happen tonight! I-I...We....were together earlier this evening. Mistress Dyanna and me. It was different this time. She...she did more than just hold me after. It felt so good!" Brennan whispered her secrets, her lips close to Keleth's neck, her breath hot on her skin. She was breathing deeply.

Keleth froze for a moment at the admission, then stroked Brennan's back. Brennan would understand. "Brennan... Mistress Brighid and I… Her time came and we were… I was helping her when the raid started. I had washed her earlier, just on the surface of her sex. She woke in the night from a dream, told me it was her time..."

Brennan sighed a shaky deep sigh, perhaps moaning a little. "That must be why you smell so....so good, Keleth. I know we should be afraid right now, but I....I just think you smell so....good!"

Keleth hoped that Brennan couldn't see her deep flush in the semidarkness of the tent, and continued to hold the girl. In truth, she could smell something new, a deep, earthy musk like Brighid, but slightly different. "You must like how my Mistress smells. I cannot smell myself... My Mistress wanted to explore me too..."

Brennan shivered a little thrill shiver at hearing that. "I'm glad for you, Keleth! Did she....touch you, you know....down there?"

"Yes." Now Keleth's voice was shaky, and she pulled back so she could look in Brennan's eyes. "I like touching the transition between her skin and her horsehair. She was touching a transition on me too. It felt so good, Brennan!"

"Oooooh, yes! I can imagine it. It must have been wonderful! My mistress touched me too. Usually she just holds me afterwards. And I really do like that, but this time...." Brennan's voice lowered to a breathless whisper. "She put her fingers on me."

"I don't think Brighid would ever hold me, she doesn't seem…affectionate enough. Finger's though...yes..." Keleth moaned quietly to herself. "Brennan, I think we know now that we can share with each other."

Brennan's excitement in retelling her story increased the eagerness with which she clung to Keleth, her hands moving over her friend, caressing and hugging her. Her palm accidentally brushed Keleth's breast, but Brennan didn't seem to be embarrassed. "Yes, we can share....anything. I can't keep any secret from you, my friend."

Keleth's eyes sparkled for a moment with thoughts of her Mistress, then she realized that Brennan was a trusted friend, and gently kissed Brennan's cheek, something she had never considered doing before. Just as she did so, there was a commotion that seemed nearby and Keleth was reminded that the raid was still happening.

Brennan jumped a little, startled, her fear returning. She looked towards the tent flap , her hand creeping to the crossbow that her mistress had given her for defense. "Keleth, what do we do if someone comes in? Should I shoot?"

"Yes, Brennan." Keleth searched for and found the knife, gripping it tightly. "Brighid gave me this, but I don't know how to use it. I won't be much help if someone comes in..." Keleth reached out and placed her hand on Brennan's shoulder. "I wish we could keep talking about nicer things, but maybe that should wait until we are safe."

Brennan nodded, her body tense and quivering from the fear. As the seconds passed, turning to minutes when no one entered, she calmed enough to talk again. "Yeah, it's the same with me. Mistress gave me this because I couldn't use a bow like she does. But I can manage to point this and shoot it. And I can stretch the string back and reload it, if I use all my strength. I guess it will do the job. I really wish we both could fight better though. Even more, I wish we didn't have to."

Keleth squeezed Brennan's arm. "I would rather fight than stay here. If Brighid will consent, I want to learn how to defend myself. She fights for her kin and for us. I support her and bathe her and bring her food, but I wish I could show that I would fight for her too." Keleth was surprised at the ferocity in which she spoke.

Brennan could only nod, touching her friend on her shoulder. "Maybe we could ask her to teach us? I'd feel better too, if I could at least defend myself. I don't think I want to fight in the war, but when the war comes here...." After a few moments of silent thought, Brennan asked, "Keleth, do you think we should try to help the mare outside? I couldn't tell if she was dead or only hurt. It might be dangerous to go out there."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth again thought of Brighid's orders, then her brow furrowed. "Yes, we should help. She is half on the tent anyway. Perhaps we could lift it and move it over her, protecting her inside the tent?"

"Let's try. After all, we aren't fighters, but caring for them is what we do." Brennan moved to the side of the tent, giving one more guarded look towards the door, then setting down her crossbow within reach. She nodded to Keleth, ready to lift the tent side.

Keleth pointed to a spot to try, and after several pulls, they managed to lift the tent, walking out, slowly over a mare who's face was tough to discern. "Brennan, stretch a little more there and use the stool there to hold the tent down."

Brennan pinned down the tent just clear of the mare's legs. The whole pavilion was leaning, but still stood. She knelt by the mare's flank, stroking the equine fur softly, crooning soothing words of comfort. The mare took a deep labored shuddering breath. Her eyes opened just a crack. In the darkness of the tent, it was hard to see her wounds. Brennan began extending her caressing hands, feeling for the injury.

Keleth went to the mare's face. She was unknown, not Dyanna, nor Brighid. "Mistress, I am Brighid's attendant, and this is Dyanna's. We want to help you. Can you tell us where you are injured?" Keleth's voice was firm, almost stern, trying to cut through mare's faint.

A raspy whisper, coughing, little droplets of blood splattering on Keleth as the mare tries to speak. Suddenly Brennan hisses a gasp. "Keleth! I found it. A spear shaft under her front leg. It feels like it's going up into her chest."

Keleth felt cold dread run through her gut. "Don't pull it out. If we do, it might do more harm than good. Take some of that cloth and try to staunch the wound. I will try and keep her conscious."

Keleth stayed very close to the mare's head, cradling it in her lap now. "Mistress, stay with us. You are very strong. All of you are so strong. You cannot die yet, you have many more battles to fight, and your attendant needs you." Keleth gently stroked the hair, which seemed very dark brown or black.

The mare trembled, tilting her head up towards Keleth. In the dark of the tent, it was hard to see. But there was no mistaking the light touch of the mare's hand on Keleth's cheek, just once, before it dropped back into her lap. Brennan packed the cloth as tightly around the wound as she could by feel alone. She didn't even know what she'd grabbed. She hoped it wasn't one of Brighid's favorite robes or something. She moaned in despair as the cloth quickly soaked through with warm sticky blood.

Keleth stroked the beautiful head and hair, then with nervous fingers, placed them on the mare's pulse point. It was there, but fading. She couldn't see what Brennan was doing, but the smell of blood was filling the tent, a sickening smell. Keleth prayed that someone would come.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

The sound of sniffing and sobbing came from Brennan. Her voice contained a little whimper as she cooed and soothed the mare. The mare's breathing continued, labored and slow, but still breathing. Someone ran past the tent just outside, armor clanking, followed by thundering hoof beats. A loud scream, a man, screaming the kind of raw guttural scream of a man looking his doom in the eye. A sickening impact sound cuts the scream short, then a loud equine snort, seemingly the essence of disgust in that one sound.

Keleth, seeing the mare in so much pain and at death's door, risked all by calling, "Please, help! A mare is injured in here. She needs help right away!" The hoof beats gave Keleth hope that it was one of the other mares who had just killed one of the wild men. Keleth waited, and heard Brennan go quiet as well.

A tense moment passed and then the tent flap was ripped open suddenly, a looming figure standing silhouetted in the opening. The centaur stepped within, pausing only to let her eyes adjust. It was the captain. "What has happened? How did she get in here? And why aren't you two in the dining tent with the others?"

Keleth did not move, still stroking the mare's hair. "My Mistress, Brighid, told me to stay, and I did not want to disobey. Brennan came looking for me, since I am new and did not know the rules, but I thought it was too dangerous to go across the camp. This mare fell against our tent and we moved it over her to we could tend to her. We didn't wish to leave her in the darkness to die." Despite the stern gaze of the towering centaur captain, Keleth was not abashed. On the contrary, her words were as forceful as before.

The captain knelt to examine the downed mare, running her hands over the flank, muttering. "I should have known it would be Brighid's doing somehow. The attendants are to go to the dining hall for their own safety at times like this. The rules are there to protect you girls." She sighed heavily as her hands touched the broken spear shaft. Addressing the mare, she said, "Sister, it is bad. Your lung is pierced. Do you understand?"

The mare whimpered a little and sighed a raspy sigh. The captain whispered, "I'm sorry." Then the sound of a sudden ripping of flesh, a slight gurgling noise, and then a rattling sigh from the downed mare. Without another word, the captain stood to go. She paused at the tent flap to admonish the girls, "Stay here. There is no point in risking the crossing of the camp. It should be almost over anyway. Await your mistress." Without another word, she was gone.

As soon as they were alone, Brennan collapsed on the mare's flank, sobbing.

Keleth was horrified at the sound of tearing flesh. It made her sick to her stomach, the threat of vomiting took her for a moment, but she knew that for Brennan's sake she needed more grit, and fought it. Tears fell down her cheeks silently and onto the mare's face. She wished she could do more, but now it seemed hopeless. "You were brave, Mistress. You will be taken to the afterlife in honor, to live with the Goddess. You are blessed. We thank you for fighting and for protecting us. I wish I had known you."

The mare's body lay still, no longer struggling to breathe, no longer quivering from pain. In the darkness, Brennan's hand sought and found Keleth's, wanting to feel connected with someone, not wanting to be alone with this awful feeling of loss. Quickly she moved over next to Keleth, wrapped her arms around her friend and cried on her shoulder.

Holding both the mare's head, no longer moving, and holding Brennan to her, Keleth cried freely, overwhelmed, scared, angry, and confused. She had not expected to have to deal with these things, not so quickly. In her heart, she begged, prayed that both Dyanna and Brighid would return quickly.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Further moments passed. Brennan cried herself out of tears, simply clinging to Keleth. Suddenly, another figure burst through the tent flap, hissing in a desperate whisper, "Keleth! Come to me! Are you here? Are you safe, girl?" It was Brighid. Brennan gasped in surprise and sat up.

Keleth leaned over and kissed the mare's forehead reverently, then stood quickly. Forgetting decorum, forgetting Brennan almost completely, Keleth ran over to Brighid and wrapped her arms where she always loved to touch most, the transition. "Mistress, I'm so glad to see you. Is Dyanna safe? Brennan came here to look after me."

Brighid dropped her sword with a clang and scooped Keleth up in a tight hug, lifting the smaller woman off her feet. "Thank the gods! When I saw the tent leaning, I thought the fighting had reached you. Brennan is here? Brennan, come here girl. I'll see you safe as well."

Brennan jumped up and ran quickly to Brighid, hardly daring to believe the mare was concerned for her too. She hoped Brighid had word of her mistress. "Is Mistress Dyanna safe?"

Brighid pulled the younger girl in tightly to hug her too, an attendant in each arm, uncharacteristically affectionate for the warrior mare. "I think so, but in the fighting I don't truly know. I'll escort you to your own tent, you and Keleth will be safe with me. And we'll wait there until your mistress returns."

Keleth was incredibly pleased to be in her Mistress' arms, but knew there were other things that were important at this moment. She did notice that the scent of arousal was strong again in the tent, mixing strangely with the blood of the fallen mare. When Brighid grabbed Brennan, Keleth saw the delighted look on Brennan's face. "I will stay with Brennan, Mistress, I promise."

"I'll not let you out of my sight, Keleth. So if you stay with Brennan, we all stay together." Brighid set the girls down gently, and retrieved her sword, spotting the fallen mare. She looked on solemnly. "Who?"

"She couldn't speak and the captain did not say her name. We do not know who she is, but she did not die alone. We were with her as her spirit passed and I tried to make the passing as gentle as possible." Keleth's voice died to a whisper, tears flowing again at the thought of death.

Brighid nodded, her hand caressing the back of Keleth's head, a gentle gesture of appreciation for the reverence the attendant had shown the dying mare. She approached closer to the body, kneeling to get a closer look. After a moment, she bowed her head sadly. "She was a corporal in my cavalry. Her name was Vistia." Brighid's voice was a hoarse whisper, raw with feeling. "And so this war becomes even more costly. You will be missed, Sister."

Keleth looked for another moment, then couldn't bear to see the dead mare anymore and turned to bury her face against Brighid's body. "Let us go, Mistress, please."

Brighid sighed a heavy sigh and nodded, holding Keleth to her waist with one hand around her shoulders. "Brennan, are you ready?" She gathered the other girl to her in the same way after Brennan nodded, leading them out of the tent. Just outside the opening, a dead barbarian lay, his face caved in where a steel shod hoof had kicked him. Brennan shuddered at the sight before Brighid quickly led her way.

Keleth averted her away until they were out in the main camp. There were still noises, but not angry, battle-like noises. There were moans of pain, the sound of bodies being dragged, fires crackling. Keleth found it difficult to regain the control she felt she needed. For the first time since her childhood, she felt a strong need to be held and comforted.

They reached Dyanna's tent, finding it empty still. Brighid was reluctant to go inside, wanting to respect a fellow warrior's space. The dark of the night concealed most of the grim sights of the battle's aftermath, but the fires that received the bodies of the dead illuminated too much. And the sounds of the dying being summarily dispatched rent the night. Mare and man alike met their ends. The body carts already were creaking their rickety way through the camp, wood groaning under the weight of the bodies. The fallen mares were loaded onto the carts, those with a chance of living carried to the infirmary. Those beyond hope made that final journey up the hill for burial. The bodies of the slain Northmen were simply tossed into the flames.

Brighid waited with the two girls, her arm around each one.

Keleth trembled and reached out to grasp Brennan's hand, and as one, they waited as the battle's aftermath continued. Without a fire, Brighid kept them both warm with her body heat.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Brighid sheltered the two young women in her arms, watching in silent grief as a body cart rolled by creaking under the load of Vistia's body. "Brennan, I'm sure Dyanna will be along soon." she offered as words of comfort. Held this close, Keleth and Brennan could feel the quivering of Brighid's body. Whether it was from nervous energy from the aftermath of the battle, or some other cause, wasn't certain. Keleth knew there might have been another reason, but her lack of experience in that area left her uncertain if it were the reason.

Keleth, without asking, or even bothering to hide it, started to stroke the transition, feeling the trembling and hoping to sooth it. After a moment, Keleth tried to get Brennan's attention, to show this movement, so to use it on Dyanna.

Brennan sensed the quivering too, and cast a curious glance at Keleth to see if she felt it. She noticed Keleth's gentle stroking and felt the almost immediate effect as Brighid shivered noticeably, then seemed to calm, giving Keleth's shoulder a gentle squeeze. Brennan waited until she caught Keleth's eyes, and lifted a brow in a silent question, slowly lifting her hand as if to offer the same stroking on her side of the warrior mare.

Keleth hesitated for a moment, wondering if there was some taboo about touching another's Mistress in this way, but Keleth sensed that Brennan would be secret, and that Brighid wouldn't object, so while still stroking, Keleth nodded to Brennan.

Brennan smiled and slowly began to mimic the way that Keleth softly stroked Brighid's transition. At first, Brighid stiffened, reacting to the unfamiliar touch. But then she smiled down at Brennan and Keleth in turn, whickering low in her throat. Her quivering calmed and she hugged the two girls a little closer.

About ten minutes later, Brennan gave an eager cry, leaving Brighid's side to run towards a familiar figure that stepped into view from between two pavilions just then. It was Dyanna. She was limping slightly.

Brennan slipped under the mare's arm, as if she could support her weight to help her. But it didn't matter. Dyanna welcomed her little attendant gratefully.

Keleth watched, feeling relief at seeing Dyanna, and held Brighid a little more tightly, suddenly concerned that Brighid was injured and not showing it. "Mistress, may I help Brennan with her mistress? I want to make sure that Mistress Dyanna is tended to."

Brighid nodded, moving forward to help her fellow warrior. She slipped under Dyanna's other arm, taking the bow to carry for her. With Brighid's support, they managed to get Dyanna into her pavilion.

Keleth went around Dyanna, searching for her wound as Brighid and Brennan helped her inside, there was a lot of dirt and blood streaks.

Brighid said, "Keleth, you may stay to help Brennan. Dyanna, I don't mind. So long as you and Brennan wish her help, Keleth may remain. She is very good at caring for wounds. Keleth, I'm going to see to our pavilion. Rejoin me when you finish here."

Dyanna nodded. Her right rear hip had a long gash in the muscle. It was bleeding, and needed to be stitched up. Brennan nodded her thanks to her friend as they helped Dyanna onto her sleeping mat.

Just as Brighid was leaving the pavilion, Keleth went up to her, giving a touch to her side and a meaningful look, silent, but full of worry, relief, caring. Then she returned to Dyanna, grabbing fresh cloths to tend to the long gash.

Brighid smiled down at her attendant and friend. It was a bittersweet smile, tinged with sadness and weariness. She paused to tenderly stroke a lock of hair out of Keleth's face, before turning to go.

The simple touch was like a fire in Keleth's belly, energy in the early hours of the morning to help Dyanna, whose wound needed more than compression. "Brennan, get me thread and needle. Stitching was part of my training, and while I do that, you may attend to your mistress' other needs."

Brennan nodded, secretly grateful that Keleth would take care of the part she didn't like to do. She hated to see her beautiful mistress hurt in any way, and caring for her wounds was always upsetting. Instead, this time she fetched water for Dyanna to quench her thirst, and began cleaning the sweat and grime from the battle from her body. Brennan used Keleth's stroking technique to help to soothe Dyanna as Keleth applied the stitches.

Dyanna lowered the jug from her lips, looking at Brennan with an odd look. Her eyes stayed on the young attendant as Brennan cleaned her, working her way around the mare's body. Brennan avoided the right hindquarter as Keleth worked. "Mistress, Keleth is the friend I told you about. She takes good care of Mistress Brighid."

Keleth worked quickly, not wanting Dyanna to lose a lot of blood. She cleaned the wound as well as she could with a little water, and cloths, then stitched the wound tightly closed. She noticed that Brennan stayed away from the area, not really looking at what Keleth was doing. At Brennan's words, Keleth smiled to her and spoke quietly, "Brennan came to get me from my tent, Mistress. She knew that I didn't understand the procedure. My Mistress told me to stay put, so I did so, and I kept Brennan with me. I know that wasn't the proper thing to do by the rules, but I thought it was too risky to cross the camp. I didn't want to lose the one friend I have here."

Dyanna spoke quietly, tense, as if gritting her teeth, "Then I owe you my gratitude, Keleth. During the battle, some of the raiders found the dining tent. Some of the girls are missing. Your obedience to your Mistress' instructions and your friendship for my Brennan might just have saved you both." Brennan stopped her actions, staring in open mouthed horror at what her Mistress had just reported. Dyanna turned slightly so she could look at Keleth directly, reaching out to place a hand on Brennan's shoulder. "Brennan is very good to me, Keleth. I don't know what I would do if she were lost to me."

Brennan stood still, her eyes bright with tears at the shocking news. She wondered which mares would be without comfort after this battle.

Keleth's belly filled with a sickly fear, wondering if the girls taken would ever return. "I'm sorry to hear of the kidnappings. I know that I'm new here, that I didn't know any of them, but I hope they are found and brought back alive." Keleth met Dyanna's eyes, which were full of pain, and worry, and something more mysterious. "In my short time here, I have found two whom I am completely loyal to: my Mistress, and Brennan. That means I am loyal to you also, Mistress Dyanna. Brennan would not give such care and respect to a disrespectful mare." Keleth checked the wound quickly, seeing it properly closed and moved next to Brennan.

Dyanna nodded, but her grim look said that the outcome was not very optimistic. She smiled slightly, the same sort of sad smile that Brighid had. "I appreciate your sentiment, Keleth. I'm glad Brennan has a friend such as you. Thank you for tending to my wound."

Brennan slid an arm around Keleth's waist, hugging her in gratitude, her cheek resting on Keleth's shoulder. "It's a good thing I came to find you. And a good thing we stayed put. Thank you Keleth." Her simple words carried more meaning than just her gratitude for Keleth's attending the wound.

With Dyanna watching, Keleth held Brennan, then kissed her dirty forehead. "Thank you for coming for me, Brennan. I am more grateful than I can say." Keleth released Brennan and guided her to her mistress. "The wound is tended to and it's now time for you to tend to your Mistress alone. If either of you need anything, please call me anytime. I must go to my Mistress." Keleth smiled at Dyanna with a respectful bow, and left the tent.

Dyanna clasped Keleth's shoulder, an affectionate gesture of gratitude. "You are welcome in our pavilion, Keleth." Brennan smiled as she stood by her mistress' side, watching her friend make her way across the camp.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth hurried, not wanting to risk any random wild men coming up to her, and found her own pavilion, quickly going inside. There wasn't much light, but there were sounds of movement. "Mistress?"

"I'm here, Keleth. Just rearranging things so we can sweep out Vistia's blood." Brighid emerged from the shadows into the faint light spilling from the tent opening. Her eyes gleamed in the dim light, a strange shine. She took a tentative step towards Keleth. Then she seemed to stumble and kneel suddenly.

Keleth was shocked, and ran forwards. "Mistress, are you injured? Why did you let me stay with Brennan? I should have taken care of you!" There wasn't enough light to see much, so Keleth depended on Brighid to say what was wrong.

Brighid said nothing, but grabbed Keleth by her arm and pulled her tightly to her body, her strong arms wrapping around her. Her breath shuddered as she just held Keleth, not letting her search her body for wounds.

Keleth's breath was taken away by the embrace, tight as it was. "Mistress…" was the only word she could utter, her arms pinned to her body. "It's alright, I'm safe..."

Brighid's voice trembled, "I'm so glad you're safe, Keleth. I heard what happened to the others in the dining tent. Thank the gods you obeyed me!" Brighid's hands moved up and down Keleth's small frame, hugging her body close. In the darkness, hot droplets splashed on Keleth's shoulders.

Keleth felt the tears, one even touching her lips, which she tasted. No one had ever shown this much affection towards her. "I trusted your judgment, Mistress, and I always will. I'm glad Brennan came to me too, as we kept each other safe. Please let me tend to you. You must be exhausted."

"I am tired, yes. Are you sure you are safe and unhurt?" Brighid's hands seemed at first to be caressing Keleth's body, but now in the context of her question, it seemed that she was searching Keleth to see if she was hurt.

"I'm fine, Mistress, not even a scratch. There is a little blood but that is from tending to Mistress Dyanna's wound. I think there is some water left. I can wash the sweat from you." Keleth still could not move, and with Brighid's breast so close, she just rested her head there comfortably, and let some of the fear and emotion overcome her as she cried softly.

"Well, this cinches it. Tomorrow, as soon as my duties spare me, we begin your training with a weapon. I'll teach you how to defend yourself at least. We cannot risk another such raid without being prepared." Brighid now stopped searching, and let her hands stroke softly along Keleth's back and shoulders. For long moments she just held her like that. Finally she loosened her hug, letting Keleth slip free. "Yes, I suppose we should try to get some rest tonight. I could use a rubdown, at least to get the worst of it off me."

Keleth smiled, and closed the pavilion flap carefully, then stripped off her blouse and skirt, getting a cloth and making it wet, starting to rub down, starting at Brighid's flank. All of what happened before the raid seemed to be a dream now, the exploration, the excitement. Fear had taken it away from Keleth, and she could only think of caring for Brighid and getting some sleep. She felt grimy, sweaty, exhausted, still slightly sick.

Brighid breathed deeply, purposefully letting out the breaths slowly, along with the tension leftover from the battle. Keleth's ministrations were helping her relax, but she really wished for some strong wine. It had been too close. The raiders were coming into camp now, not just taking stragglers like Cassandra. Brighid shuddered at what could have happened.

As Keleth moved forwards, she started to wonder, seeing the deliberate breaths of Brighid, wondering if that would be enough, wondering about wine. "Mistress, there is no wine to help, nor would I feel comfortable giving it to you. But perhaps massaging your transition, or your sex may be distracting and relaxing?"

Brighid blushed at the suggestion, but glanced back over her shoulder, meeting Keleth's gaze. "The need has left me for now, Keleth, slaked with a different sort of lust: bloodlust. But what we were doing before....are you sure you don't mind doing that? The needs will return before long, perhaps as soon as tomorrow."

Keleth took a bucket of cool water and began to wash Brighid's human skin gently. "Mistress, I enjoyed it. Your scent, the feel of you..." Keleth blushed, and smiled, showing her honesty. "It was wonderful to be that intimate with someone."

Brighid smiled shyly, reaching for a nearby cloth and dipping it in the bucket. She began to wipe down Keleth's naked body with surprising tenderness. "I'm glad, Keleth. I've suffered through my time before, without relief. It's hard to get through."

Keleth finished washing Brighid, then stood and enjoyed the gentle wash of her own body. She felt so much better afterwards. "You don't have to suffer anymore, Mistress." Keleth took one of Brighid's large hands in her own, placed it against her face, for warmth, then kissed the palm.

Brighid smiled, pulling Keleth close, her hand stroking Keleth's hair back. She turned to glance at their sleeping pads, moved away from the blood of the downed mare. She stood and reached for a broom. "We need to sweep the blood out. It will draw flies by morning. Then we'll get some sleep. I'll keep you warm. Our fire is nearly out."

Keleth nodded, shivering slightly away from Brighid, but grabbed another broom, helping to get the blood out of the pavilion. Keleth didn't like the smell, knowing that a mare had fallen to cause it.

Brighid worked in grim silence, but made sure to be thorough. She didn't seem to mind working right alongside Keleth to make their home clean again. When they were done, she pulled the sleeping pads over, arranging them near the clay fireplace, but safe enough away. She lay down on hers, arranging the blankets to cover her flanks and still reach to cover Keleth too. Then she offered her hand to Keleth, inviting her down to lay close.

Keleth placed her small hand in Brighid's, completely spent, and lay directly against Brighid's body, shivering for a few moments until the mare's heat warmed her. She breathed deeply, trying to keep fear away.

Brighid sensed her fear, and let her arm curl around Keleth. She whispered, "You're safe with me, Keleth. No harm will come to you while I draw breath. I swear it."

Keleth pressed to Brighid, unable to speak with tiredness, and the inability to find words grateful enough. A few moments later, Keleth was fast asleep.

Brighid was weary, but rested without actually sleeping for a time. The little body lying against her seemed so vulnerable. She wasn't sure if Keleth could learn to use a weapon, but she'd try. Brighid was sure of that. After a while, she found her own peace, enough to doze.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

When Keleth woke, there was light, but it was faint, and she did feel very rested. She slowly got to her feet, looking to see that Brighid was dozing. Keleth quickly dressed in skirt, blouse, and leather halter, putting on her boots. She didn't want to wake Brighid, but thought that water and breakfast would help them both. She started to stroke the transition, knowing this would be a gentle wakening.

Brighid slowly stirred, rising through the fog of sleep. She was having a good dream. In her dream, she was in a meadow in the summer, lying in fresh grass. There was no war, and no need for armor. She was free and nude. She was watching a young human woman approaching her, naked also, smiling. They embraced, the young woman wrapping her arms around Brighid's waist and her legs around her equine body, hugging her with her entire being.

She woke from the gentle stroking, giving a whicker of pleasure. "Keleth, you're awake already. Have I overslept?"

"No, Mistress. I believe it is still quite early. The sun has just risen. I couldn't sleep more than I did. I thought we could get water, and perhaps breakfast. We should see what the camp is like, and perhaps check on Mistress Dyanna."

Brighid nodded. "Yes, that is a good plan. I'm glad you waited for me. I don't want you going for water alone for a couple days. Let's make sure there are no stray Northmen about."

Keleth smiled and nodded, prepared the smaller buckets with a yoke, making sure that Brighid was comfortable with her yoke and buckets. Keleth knew the way by now and led them to the stream, filling her buckets as Brighid filled hers. They returned to the tent. "Mistress, where will the fallen mare be taken?"

Brighid spoke quietly, solemnly. "Those who fell will be taken to the hill today, if they have not already been. The body carts will be busy, as will the grave diggers." Brighid hung her buckets on a stand made for the purpose. They'd have enough water for a couple baths, if they were careful.

Keleth rubbed her shoulders, but then returned to Brighid's side, also looking solemn. Then she remembered something. Keleth fished around and found the knife from the previous evening, and tucked it into one of the pockets of her halter.

Brighid noticed the dagger, and smiled. That answered at least one question. Keleth wasn't going to be the type to shy away from carrying a blade, and hopefully, she'd use it if she needed to. "I'll see if I can draw a short sword for you from the armory. They don’t like the idea of arming the attendants usually, but I'll tell them it's for me. They won't argue. Now let's go check on your friend and Dyanna."

Keleth smiled, then followed Brighid across the compound. It was unusually quiet and grim, the camp bearing the signs of the attack, and the sound of movement already going on towards the hill. They quickly covered the distance to Dyanna's tent, and Keleth waited.

Brighid spotted the carrion birds already circling above. The sky was thick with them. The drone of buzzing flies sounded throughout the camp. In places where blood had been spilt, flies swarmed thick and black, a living mass feeding on death. Brighid closed her eyes as they walked, not wanting to see more of what she'd already witnessed too much of. She brushed against Keleth, her hip to Keleth's shoulder. They could not be seen openly hugging or showing signs of unusual affection, so the brush was intended to convey comfort, and give comfort to Brighid in return.

Keleth felt the contact and understood, returning the brush back in acknowledgment. At the tent flap, Keleth spoke softly, "Brennan, Mistress Dyanna? It's Brighid and Keleth."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

There is a rustling inside the tent, accompanied by suppressed giggling which Keleth recognizes as coming from Brennan. There is a low whicker, the kind that Keleth has heard from Brighid a few times when she seems to be enjoying something pleasurable. A moment later, the tent flap opens, and Brennan stands there, blushing, her hair tussled. "Oh, Keleth, Mistress Brighid, please...my Mistress invites you both to come inside."

Keleth smiles and walks in, getting the heady scent of aroused mare, though different than Brighid's. Her eyes went from Brennan to Dyanna. "Good day, Brennan, Mistress Dyanna. Forgive my directness, but I would like to check your wound. It's important that it's still clean and healing." Despite the veil of the raid still over all of them, Keleth felt herself slip into calm directness and leadership.

Dyanna addressed Brighid in a slightly amused tone. "She doesn't mince words, this attendant of yours, does she, Lieutenant?" Brighid snorted a chuckle, shaking her head. Brennan grinned and gestured for Keleth to follow at her mistress' nod of consent. "I was about to go fetch some water, Keleth. But Mistress doesn't want me to go alone, just like with you."

Keleth nodded and examined the wound, still properly closed and clean. The scent was much stronger as she stood at Dyanna's flank. "I would be glad to accompany Brennan, but if you both think we should go with an armed mare, that might be best."

Brighid's keen hearing perked up, taking an interest in the conversation. "Keleth, neither of you need go alone. I don't want you leaving the camp. But I'll go with you both."

"The wound is clean and should heal without any permanent scarring. Brennan should clean it regularly and let me know if I need to re-stitch it." Keleth returned to Brighid's side, brushing against her Mistress. "Please come with us, Mistress. For the first time in my life, I'm afraid to go around as I need to, but I know that work needs to be done." Keleth went with Brennan to get the buckets.

Brighid touched Keleth's shoulder reassuringly, then waited until both girls were ready. Brennan whispered to her Mistress, "We'll return as quickly as possible, Mistress. I won't be long, I promise." Dyanna nodded and murmured her thanks to Keleth.

Brighid led the two girls to the spring in silence. The somber sights of the aftermath of battle of the night before making them all walk quietly, as if not to disturb the dead.

Carrying the buckets was an effort enough and the two girls didn't feel that conversation was warranted. Keleth helped Brennan fill her buckets and then filled her own. Keleth's eye fell on her mistress who was looking around warily and seemed to be far more nervous than Keleth would have expected. Was it because of Cassandra? Keleth decided not to linger and nodded for Brennan to finish quickly so they could return. Brennan also seemed eager to get back to the safety of her tent and Mistress.

Brighid paced back and forth, her sword openly drawn. She crossed into the stream, putting her own body between the deeper woods and the two girls. This was where Cassandra had been taken. This is where the trail of her captors had begun, and Brighid had followed it to the end. The end of the trail, and the end of Cassandra. That it also became the scene of the end of four of the raiders didn't seem to be enough to make up for what happened. She was taking a risk, exposing her wide flank to the forest. If an attack came from that direction, she would be vulnerable. But her body would shield the girls, and give them time to run. Still she paced nervously, her eyes constantly roving the trees, seeking any hint of anything out of place.

"Mistress…" Keleth called almost in a whisper, as not to startle the vigilant mare. "We're ready to return." The two girls carried the heavy buckets slowly but steadily towards the camp with Brighid protecting their flank. They saw few others, though other mares were out whispering. The only attendant that Keleth recognized was Marissa though it was from a distance.

Brennan whispered softly as they labored under their load. "Mistress told me she thinks highly of you, Keleth. She said she scarcely felt the stitching, you were so gentle."

Brighid followed behind, not relaxing her vigilance until they were all safely back in camp. She saw the Captain across the camp, seeing to the details of the burial squads. Brighid knew that they would soon organize a counterattack, despite that their new battle tactics were not coordinated yet. There would be too little time to practice it now though. This attack could not go unanswered.

"Brennan, I'm loyal to you and I know that you care for your mistress, and she cares for you, so I am loyal to her as well." The girls went into the tent, setting the buckets down. Not wanting to intrude too much, Keleth returned to Brighid's side. She knew that Brighid would soon leave to plan with the other mares, and knew that she had cleaning to do in the pavilion.

Brennan turned to hug Keleth after lowering the water buckets carefully. "Thank you for helping us, Keleth. I'm going to get some food for Mistress, and then keep her comfortable as much as I can."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Brighid waited once again at the entrance of the tent, still not comfortable about entering into another warrior's space. And besides, Dyanna was lower ranked, and hadn't earned as large a pavilion as Brighid and Keleth, and two mares would be cramped in the smaller space.

When Keleth rejoined her, Brighid turned to go back to her own tent, picking up one of the buckets. More than a few looks were sent their way at the sight of a warrior mare carrying water beside her attendant, but Brighid was heedless to them. Her thoughts were on the training she intended to begin for Keleth as soon as possible.

Keleth stayed very close and was surprised that Brighid carried a bucket. She noticed the stares. It was certain that Brighid was unusual, but it seemed Brighid was an extreme case. Keleth didn't mind; it just made Brighid easier to relate to. They returned to their own pavilion and despite having removed the blood the night before, the scent of death still lingered.

Brighid noticed it too. Last night they had both been so exhausted, they'd managed to fall asleep when there was no way not to. But in the light of day, and the growing heat, the smell was getting worse. "Keleth, there is not much you can do to get rid of that smell. In time we can move the pavilion to a new spot, but right now there is too much that must be done. So do the best you can. Maybe there is some fresh hay to be had. I'm going to visit the quartermaster and get a blade for you. Don't go anywhere until I come back, and then we'll get some food."

Keleth nodded, and as Brighid left the tent, she opened the flap to at least get some fresh air. Then she went to a nearby area within the camp boundaries that had a small pile of hay, which she took several loads from. She swept and tidied where the dead mare had fallen in the tent. Keleth paused and could still see the mare laying there, dying, and while sadness crept in, Keleth was at least glad that she could be a presence in the mare's last moments. Would she have to do the same for Brighid one day?

Brighid returned, carrying a wrapped bundle. She glanced around at the changes that Keleth had already made. Brighid was impressed. Keleth was a hard worker, and she never seemed to stop surprising Brighid. "Keleth, stop for a few moments and come to sit with me." Brighid knelt down, pulling the stool near.

Keleth set the broom aside and wiped her brow, wishing it was evening and she could bathe, but moved forwards and sat down on the stool Brighid provided. Keleth's eyes moved over the wrapped bundle, expecting a weapon. Something in her stomach clenched, but she steeled herself. Now was not a time to show weakness.

Brighid smiled uncharacteristically. She was proud of herself for having found what she thought would be perfect for little Keleth. That the necessity for her to learn the use of a weapon at all was the reason for the occasion was something she didn't allow to dampen her enthusiasm for once. When it came to weapons, Brighid was in her comfort zone. She knew she could teach Keleth enough to defend herself, given time. Would they have enough time? She unwrapped the bundle slowly, revealing a relatively short curved sword in a tooled leather scabbard. Brighid slowly drew it out, holding it up in her palms so that the light gleamed on it's polished surface. "Keleth, this is a falchion. It's much like a machete that farmers use. It's use is simple: chop, slash, overhead hacks. I'll be able to teach you quickly. The one thing is, it's heavy. But it's the smallest thing they had that I could get you. I think you can handle it."

Keleth saw the richness of the leather and the scent of it. She took the scabbard, running her fingers over it, then took the hilt and withdrew the full blade. It gleamed in the light that filtered through the tent flap. It was heavy but not too much for Keleth. Placing the scabbard down, and taking a step away from Brighid, she moved the blade, not swinging, but just feeling the weight of it.

"It's not too heavy but it will take some getting used to it. I'll just have to get a little stronger, I suppose. It's beautiful in its way."

"It's designed for efficient use against a lightly armored opponent. The Northmen use heavy furs, but not much metal. The curve of the blade makes for a longer slashing edge than just a straight sword. But it isn't much good for thrusting. Anyhow, thrusting something that heavy would be hard for anyone. I'll show you how to use the weight of the blade in your swing to your advantage, making it work for you, not against you. We'll start later today. But now, let's get some food. You've been working hard, Keleth, and you've done a fine job."

Keleth carefully slid the blade back into the scabbard, and took it to the chest and placed it there next to her bag of coins. She took a strip of leather and tied her hair back and nodded, ready to go get some food. She stood next to Brighid as the mare rose, brushing lightly the transition between equine and human.

The touch made Brighid shiver, her body responding instantly to Keleth. She clamped down on the reaction. She had to control herself! It was not the time for this, she thought. She almost said something; was about to ask Keleth to not touch her, but she didn't. She stepped away slightly and let the smaller woman step out of the tent first.

Keleth felt the shiver, then knew she had touched that spot on the wrong time. She wanted to apologize but Brighid moved away, so Keleth stepped out into the air. The day had warmed, so there was no respite from the musty tent. They traversed the camp, and heard low muttering from the mess tent, nothing pleasant.

The mood was sour. Most of those who had survived had fought. There were wounded, and there were dead. Worst of all were the attendants who'd been taken. Brighid knew all too well how that felt. She moved next to Keleth protectively. She saw the way some of the other mares stared at her jealously. She followed Keleth to the food line. Suddenly there was a voice calling out to her. "Brighid, could we talk to you?" It was another mare, one of her sergeants. Brighid turned to Keleth and spoke quietly, "Get our food. Take it back to our tent. I'll join you there. I don't like the way they are staring, Keleth. Something is up."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth nodded, getting a large tray with stew for her and porridge for Brighid, with a large flagon of fresh water, and left the tent, but not before hearing a derisive snort from Marissa who was standing with three other attendants who also looked mean. Keleth hurried across to their pavilion and prepared the meal, keeping the tent flap closed. Something was indeed up, but not just with the mares. The look on the attendants faces wasn't encouraging.

Brighid returned to the tent, her manner agitated. She knelt next to their little table, reaching for a bowl of the oat porridge that was her typical fare. But she set it down as soon as she picked it up, too worked up to eat. "Keleth, they want to organize a rescue party for the attendants that were taken. They want me to lead them. The Captain has not approved it, but the mares mean to go anyhow. I don't want to leave you. I haven't had time to train you to protect yourself."

Keleth stood next to Brighid, her hands stroking just skin, not the transition. It wasn't time for that kind of comfort. "Mistress, my meal can wait. If you show me a few things now, I will remember and practice in the afternoon. I don't like the idea of you leaving, but the thought of attendants being…. " Keleth shook her head. "If you must go, I will manage on my own. You cannot protect me all the time, nor should you. Your highest duty is to your peers, if not the country. I know that you are too noble to refuse this, so I won't dare stop you."

Brighid looked into Keleth's earnest gaze for a moment, her body quivering with tension. Suddenly she caught Keleth up by each arm, her grip tight as she pulled her to a hug. "Keleth, there isn't time to teach you much. But while I'm away, stay close to Brennan and Dyanna. Dyanna is wounded, so she can't go with us. But she can protect you here. At least she's the best choice I have. Besides they'll need your help. I'll speak with her. She's an archer, but she can wield a blade at least competently. We're not supposed to train you, or even arm you, but I won't lose you like..... Well, I think I can trust Dyanna not to tell anyone else. I'll speak with her."

Keleth was tense as Brighid's arms enveloped her and she was awash in the tremendous heat of the mare's body. Keleth understood that this was less affection than guilt, but the arms were still gentle and soothing. "I will stay close to them, I promise. I will stay with them if you wish me too. I can be of some use I hope." Keleth's face was against Brighid's breast and she could hear the deep rhythmic beating, like a drum.

With Keleth's promise, Brighid calmed a little. Her body still fairly vibrated with the tension she felt. It was like before, that nervous feeling, that desperation. But this time was different in one way. Her attendant was still alive and safe. She held onto Keleth for another moment before letting her go reluctantly. "I'm sorry. I grabbed you again. You told me not to."

Keleth stepped back, slightly sweaty, but then returned, wrapping her arms around Brighid, curving up along the transition and resting on the muscled back. "It's alright, Mistress. I know you mean to protect me and keep me close."

It surprised her, the embrace from the little woman, but on some level she realized she liked it, and she didn't think it was just because of her time coming upon her. In fact, she had been so tense that she hadn't noticed the uncomfortable feelings affecting her in the last several minutes. Slowly her strong arms went around the little form, broad strong hands stroking up and down Keleth's back. "It's true. I want you safe, Keleth. I've never had an attendant quite like you. You always seem so calm and in control. You have a quiet strength that I find myself admiring." She clasped Keleth's shoulder. "Come, I'll show you what I can. They'll want to leave soon, but maybe we have a little time."

Keleth withdrew, with a genuine and warm smile and nodded, but then said quietly, "I will learn Mistress, if you eat before you go. You need your strength." Keleth hurried to get the scabbard, and withdrew the falchion again, facing Brighid. There was another shimmer of fear, of the possibility of having to use the weapon, but Keleth knew it was necessary.

Brighid nodded reluctantly. She knew that it would cut into their time, but she also knew that when Keleth made up her mind about some care that was for Brighid's own good, she was as immovable as a boulder. It was no use to argue. She took up her bowl of porridge, watching as Keleth took out her sword. In between bites, she gave instructions in the basics. "Hold it like so; swing it like that; pretend you're chopping wood, but never use it on real wood, you'll dull the blade." On and on it went, for nearly an hour. Keleth seemed to listen well, and picked up the tips quickly.

The movements seemed awkward at first and the sword became heavier, but Keleth realized the weight issue was part of her inexperience and tiredness. Soon she felt much more fluid and pleased with her progress. At the end of the hour, she ate her stew, now cold and put the sword away. "You should go Mistress. I will take the tray back to the dining tent and then join Brennan and Dyanna. If you wish to speak to them first, I understand."

Brighid was impressed with the progress shown in that short time, and she felt a little better. Of course, she wouldn't want Keleth to face off against a trained and armored warrior, but hopefully the Northmen would be a little busy, if she had anything to say about it. She nodded, "Help me with my armor, Keleth."

Keleth helped Brighid with her armor despite tired limbs, taking great care that everything was in its proper place. Keleth began to fear for her Mistress, but kept those thoughts private. When Brighid was ready, sword ready to be drawn, Keleth stood back. "Do come back soon, Mistress. I hope you find the attendants alive."

Brighid was quiet, her thoughts on the mares she would lead, and on the girl she would leave behind. Soon it was time to say goodbye. She was ready, as ready as she would be. She clasped Keleth's shoulder one last time. "I'll be back as soon as we save those girls. Keleth, be careful. I'll talk to Dyanna now. Go to their tent before dark, and stay there until daylight comes again. Don't take chances with your safety."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

The camp stood almost silent again in the fading afternoon light. With the clandestine raid to return the kidnapped attendants looming, the normal operations of the camp had been suspended, or so it seemed to Keleth. She was having trouble focusing on neatening the tent and preparing for her night in Dyanna and Brennan's tent. It had only been a few days, but Keleth's world had been turned upside down. She had expected a simple two years of servitude, boring, perhaps a bit frustrating. She was now in the center of a dangerous battle area, starting to truly care about her Mistress, and making friends and enemies in the camp.

Trying not to think about the danger that Brighid would soon be in, Keleth's thoughts turned to Dyanna and Brennan. Keleth would be an outsider in their private space, perhaps during Dyanna's time. She sighed as she removed the leather wallet from the chest, and added her change of clothing to it, folded tightly and a few pieces of gold. With the remaining cold water, she quickly washed her face, arms and legs. She couldn't detect the odor of the dead mare on her, and was thankful. It wasn't a first impression anymore; she knew Brennan was a loyal friend. However, she wanted to impress Dyanna as well. There was some vague notion of knowing and gaining the trust of as many attendants and mares as possible, with Marissa as a rival. With that thought, Keleth was tempted to take the small, curved sword with her, but ultimately decided against it. Mistress Brighid had said that attendants weren't normally armed, and with so much unrest, Keleth didn't want any extra attention.

The evening meal was coming up, and Keleth decided it was best to eat there, with others around. She crossed the camp, seeing little movement, and no sounds other than the trees waving in the wind. Inside the dining tent, only a few attendants, all in a huddled mass, ate quickly and spoke infrequently. The capture of many of their number had unnerved them, and they eyed Keleth warily, since she was still an outsider. Keleth took her stew and ate at another table. She was also aware that no mares were present. They must all be preparing for battle again, apart from the raid that was already taking place. It was a grim mood, and Keleth thought longingly of being in Dyanna's tent, with those that she knew and trusted.

She finished and stepped out into the chill evening air. The breeze was from the north, and spoke of colder weather to come. Keleth hurried, and was soon at Dyanna's tent, lightly rapping on the flap. There were motions and whispering, and Keleth decided to announce herself.

"Mistress Dyanna, Brennan, it's Keleth."

The shuffling from within the tent grew still, and Keleth recognized Brennan's subdued giggle. A moment later the tent flap opened to reveal her lopsided grin. "We've been expecting you, Keleth. Mistress and I are happy to have you stay with us for a while. But where is your sleeping pad? Do you want to get it, or would you like to share mine?"

Keleth blushed, though it was hard to tell in the dusk light. “I didn't think of bringing it. I figured that it would be too big to pull across the camp, and too obvious. I can just sleep on the ground with a blanket if need be. I don't want to impose too much.”

"Oh no! We can't have you sleeping on the ground. You can share mine. You're small, and there is plenty of room. Mistress will keep us warm." Brennan's flushed face and tussled hair was hint enough of what the rustling may have been about, but the subtle way that she tugged her tunic closed a little more offered further cause for speculation.

The thought of sharing a space with Brennan was delightful, but would they be so close to Dyanna? Keleth simply nodded in response as she fully entered the tent, seeing Dyanna and performing a respectful curtsey. “Good evening, Mistress Dyanna. I hope you are well. How is your wound?”

Dyanna's carefully controlled smile gave further suggestion of what may have been happening, as she nodded in response to Keleth's greeting. "I am well, Keleth. Thank you for your care and concern. My wound doesn't trouble me too much. Brennan has been, uhm, cleaning it as you showed her." Brennan suppressed a giggle and went over to get her sleeping pad in order, straightening the blankets as Dyanna continued. "We are both happy to have you as our guest for a few days. Your Mistress told us about the rescue mission. I hope that they can bring the girls back. I'm so very glad that you kept my Brennan safe with you that night!"

Keleth smiled again and relaxed. “I was glad to help and to protect Brennan. She is a true friend. I will always protect her whenever you cannot, Mistress.” Breathing in with a slight flare of her nostrils, Keleth detected the scent of arousal, deep and musky, but not heavy. She walked back towards the sleeping pad and set her wallet down, smiling at Brennan knowingly.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

(((( We are about to share with you, our readers, what is to me the hottest scene we've written so far. I'll be posting it later today. Every time I read back over it, it gets me so hot! And I even helped to write it, but still.... I hope you all will enjoy it as much as we did and still do. ))))

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Brennan grinned at the same time she blushed, turning away slightly to suddenly get busy checking the water supply, forgetting that Keleth went with her just that morning to get plenty more. “We, uh, have plenty of water, Keleth, in case you want to bathe or anything. I'll build up the fire a bit for you so you won't get a chill. I've bathed Mistress, but I could use some attention myself."

Keleth looked over at Dyanna, who did seem freshly bathed, and nodded. “I tried to give myself a quick wash before coming over, but the water was so cold. I didn't want to make a bad impression.” Keleth, despite her usual confidence, blushed slightly. “I could help you bathe, dear Brennan, if you wish, and if your Mistress doesn't mind.”

Dyanna replied, "Why would I mind, Keleth? Brennan works so hard to attend me; it would please me to see her receive a little help for a change of pace." Brennan listened to the exchange of her mistress and her best friend talking about bathing her as if she wasn't there to have a say in it herself, and she blushed as it sent a heated tingle through her. With the fire stoked under the cauldron, the water beginning to heat, she had nothing more to busy herself with and her eyes shyly met Keleth's gaze, then those of her mistress, who winked knowingly.

Keleth bowed her head in response, then moved towards the fire, slowly removing her blouse and skirt, her eyes slowly moving over Brennan's young, smooth body, smiling in approval. She didn't really think of being seen by Dyanna. It felt normal, natural, just like being nude in front of her own Mistress.

As her friend began to undress unashamedly, Brennan shyly began to unfasten her tunic, shrugging it off her shoulders, yet holding the fabric to her young breasts until the last minute before letting it drop. She kicked out of her slipper like moccasins, standing near the fire as the orange light from the flames painted her nubile body. Her glance drifted over Keleth's compact but well-made body admiringly, and then she saw her mistress watching her and recognized the slightest sparkle in those large dark eyes. Overcoming her shyness at last, Brennan moved her covering hands away from her breasts, reaching up to put her hair up, standing fully exposed to the eyes of her mistress and her friend.

She turned and swung the iron bar holding the heating cauldron out of the flames, the water warm enough now. Nearby was a wooden box with the necessary cloths and brushes for bathing, and Brennan brought out the items, handing a cloth to Keleth and taking one for herself.

Keleth took the cloth, then found the rough bar of soap. She dipped her cloth into the hot water and moved very close to Brennan. Keleth first moved the wet cloth over the girl’s shoulders, then rubbed the soap onto them. Keleth spoke quietly, but enough so that Dyanna could hear. “You are quite beautiful, Brennan. We should find an excuse to put on our new dresses sometime.” Once Brennan's shoulders were lathered, Keleth washed Brennan's arms, then underneath them.

As Keleth washed her back, Brennan watched her mistress watching the bathing, knowing it pleased her. She squeezed out the cloth she held in her hands, sending the warm water cascading over her breasts. The slightest breeze from the tent flap made her nipples stiffen and her areolae pucker tightly, and her breath caught in a slight gasp. "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. Keleth bought me a dress, Mistress, from money that Mistress Brighid gave to her. I haven't worn it yet. I wanted to keep it nice, for special occasions." Brennan raised her arms up high over her head as Keleth washed under them, then slowly turned to face her friend, knowing Dyanna watched it all.

As Brennan turned around, Keleth was tempted to kiss the girl, but aware that Dyanna was watching intently, refrained from doing so. She contented herself with washing Brennan’s breast and tummy, then squatting down to wash Brennan's legs. She left Brennan's sex for last, but before touching, she looking at Dyanna for approval, feeling it was necessary to touch someone else's lover. Keleth felt herself growing warm, slightly excited.

As Keleth rubbed the cloth over her breasts and belly, Brennan let her eyelids lower, savoring the tender care her friend took in bathing her. It was slow and sensual and she tried to imagine herself as Brighid, wondering if this is how Keleth took care of her Mistress. Without thinking, Brennan began to move her own wet cloth over Keleth's body, circling her breasts and stroking the wet cloth over Keleth's collar bones, then down between her cleavage. She continued washing Keleth's shoulders and back as she knelt in front of her, returning the favor of the pleasant sensations she was experiencing from the bathing.

Dyanna's breathing was heavy, though when Keleth looked over at her, she did not appear to be in distress from her wound. She was enrapt at the vision of loveliness in front of her, and at Keleth's questioning gaze, she nodded quickly, her dark eyes gleaming.

With Brennan almost completely lathered, and having Dyanna's approval, Keleth rose again, wanting to be able to look in Brennan's eyes. It felt natural to be with Brennan in this way; a friend, a confidant, and now perhaps, a lover. She slipped her arm around Brennan, holding the girl's back, and placed her soapy hand against the girl's bare sex. Keleth moved her hand around gently, as if maintaining the guise of a wash, but her fingers slipped every so often in between the soapy folds.

Brennan's eyes left those of her mistress at this first touch, snapping open again from their languorous relaxation to fix upon Keleth's eyes. Her breathing grew heavy and a little ragged and her nipples stiffened to erection. She dared not move, afraid of breaking this wonderful spell she was in. When Keleth's lather slickened fingers slipped inside the folds of her sex, Brennan couldn't hold back the little ‘mewp’ it brought to her lips. Her hand suddenly came up to rest on Keleth's bare shoulder, steadying herself as her knees grew suddenly shaky. Her eyelids fluttered and she blushed deeply at the little noise she made. Under her breath, she whispered, "Oh, Keleth! That feels so....." Impulsively, she brought her other hand up towards Keleth's body, stopped short, tentative, holding back, unsure if she should take the chance.

“It's alright, young one.” Keleth whispered huskily. “There's no need to hold back, unless your Mistress objects. She's in command here, so she can decide. But in all honestly, I cannot resist touching you.” Keleth's fingers never stopped moving, splitting Brennan's lips, moving up to caress that sensitive pearl of flesh. Keleth's other hand rested on Brennan's firm bottom.

At the mention of her mistress, Brennan glanced back over at her, seeing Dyanna nod. "Give in to your impulses, Brennan. It would please me to see you made happy, if Keleth does not mind." Brennan sighed happily and her hand moved to Keleth's body, caressing her shoulder at first, then fingertips tracing lightly over sturdy collar bones and down to the modest breasts, finding it so natural to cup their weight in her palm, her thumb lightly brushing over Keleth's nipple. Giving release to a needy moan, Brennan brought her other arm around Keleth's shoulders, leaning against her slightly as her knees dipped when Keleth's fingers touched an especially sensitive spot in her sex.

Her pussy tightened snugly around Keleth's finger, signaling Brennan's growing arousal. On impulse, she turned her soft lips to brush Keleth's cheek, then more passionately, she gave in to the urge to seek her friend's lips, kissing hotly as her breath left her in a sigh of desire.

The kiss was sweet and soft, but Keleth was feeling her need grow as Brennan touched her, and the kiss became stronger. Keleth's finger was now dipping easily into Brennan's pussy, in and out, over and over, the pad of her finger close to her palm hitting Brennan's pearl. Brennan's mouth tasted like the evening meal, but also something else that Keleth couldn't place. Was it Dyanna's mouth? Her sex? Something else? Keleth didn't care, she loved it. Her own sex was wet, hot, craving Brennan's touch.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Dyanna's voice interceded in that moment. "Brennan, Keleth, come here to me." Her voice was deeper, huskier than usual. Brennan quickly moved to obey, but the look she shot to Keleth showed her disappointment. Dyanna awaited them, lying with her legs tucked under her body, bringing her mostly down to their level.

The girls were both still largely soapy, and not wanting to anger Dyanna, Keleth quickly followed her friend over. Away from the fire, her wet body made her shiver as she gazed at Dyanna. Dyanna was more slender than Brighid, but just as beautiful in her face and torso. Being so close, Keleth could detect the increase scent of mare arousal, and her nostril flared with the heady, dizzying scent.

Dyanna continued as she welcomed the girls close with open arms, drawing them both to the warmth of her body. "Keleth, the last thing your Brighid told me was to care for you as I would my Brennan, but I don't think Brighid knew what she was asking exactly. You see, Brennan cares for me more than is usual for an attendant. She helps me....in special ways....when my season comes upon me. I...I was watching the way you made my Brennan feel so good. And I heard her make a noise that I've never heard from her before. I want you to show me what you did to her to make her do that."

Brennan blushed deeply at the mention of her sounds of arousal, and glanced shyly at Keleth. It was different now that her mistress was holding them both in her strong arms, so close to her bosom. The feel of Dyanna's arms around her made Brennan feel even more aroused, but also made her feel shy again. "Mistress, she....she was touching me....down here." Brennan reached between Keleth's legs and slid her fingers along her friend's nether lips, the slim digit finding heat and wetness and slipping inside.

Keleth moaned involuntarily, and she thought of the best way to teach Mistress Dyanna how to pleasure Brennan. Keleth slowly turned and took one of Dyanna's hands in hers. Keleth could feel the strength in it, so she thought a few words would help. “It's best to be gentle. I am always gentle when I touch myself, so I thought Brennan would like it too. Try touching Brennan like this.” Keleth guided Dyanna's hand to Brennan's sex, pressing behind to make the same motions and thrusting that she had done. Dyanna's fingers were much larger, so she hoped Brennan liked it. “Just move your fingers slowly and gently. We are very sensitive there, so you don't need much pressure. And I understand that Brennan has a special relationship with you. If I may be so free, I think that might be developing between Mistress Brighid and me, though she is… unsure, and a little rough when she touches.”

Dyanna watched Brennan's fingers slip inside Keleth's sex as if it were a magic trick. Then Keleth took her hand and guided it to Brennan's sex the same way. The mare's fingers were larger, but Keleth's skillful touches had aroused the younger girl incredibly, and Brennan's own natural lubrication along with the lather from the bath made it easy for her to take the larger digits of her mistress. She moaned again as they entered her, and her own fingers burrowed deeper into Keleth's snug opening, mimicking the movements Keleth had used on her moments before, even as Dyanna's fingers now moved the same way in her own sex.

Dyanna listened carefully as Keleth instructed her, and she slipped her fingers carefully between the girl's legs, Brennan parting her thighs for the larger hand of her mistress. "Like this, Keleth?" Dyanna asked. "It's not often a warrior is asked to be gentle."

Keleth moved back a step once Dyanna was truly pleasuring her attendant. Keleth enjoyed watching and being a part of this wonderful connection, but she felt now that it was best to let Dyanna and Brennan enjoy each other as lovers, thinking that she might finish her wash and go to the sleeping mat. She was very aroused herself, but she knew that she would prefer her own Mistress' touch.

As she watched the way her attendant responded, Dyanna's own excitement grew measurably. It showed in her voice as she asked, "Brennan, do you like it, this way of touching? Does it please you?"

Brennan's voice moaned in reply, "Oh Mistress! It's wonderful! It makes me feel so.....so good!" As the sounds of Dyanna's fingers squelching in the wet sex filled the small pavilion, Brennan's fingers slipped out of Keleth's sex as she stepped away. Brennan reached up to hold Dyanna's shoulders almost like a baby clinging to its mother.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth withdrew slowly, smiling, and stepped back to the fire, watching intently as Dyanna pleasured Brennan. The girl’s moans were like song, and as Keleth washed the soap from her body, her fingers trailed down to her sex. She couldn't resist. She had to touch. She stood there, watching, the girl and the mare, and slid fingers into her sex, her own moans joining Brennan’s. Her eyes met Dyanna's for a moment.

Dyanna watched Keleth withdraw, confidant in the way Brennan was reacting that she was doing it right and needed no further guidance from Keleth. Still, as Keleth began to touch herself, Dyanna's eyes briefly met hers and then dropped to watch, matching what she did with her hands to what she saw Keleth doing. She seemed enrapt, but her fingers steadily worked at Brennan's sex. There seemed to be a connection between the mare and her human guest as one watched the other pleasure herself.

Sensing the gaze, Keleth spread her legs open a little wider. She moved her fingers in and out slowly, changing angle every so often. She felt as though she were teaching Dyanna in this way, by showing how she liked to be touched. Keleth hoped that Brennan liked to be touch in the same way. Keleth brought her other hand to her breast to squeeze it and she was suddenly lost in her pleasure, her need, growing so much, towards that sweet release.

Suddenly Brennan's moans grew more desperate and urgent. She cried out, "OH, Mistress! I think...... It feels like I'm going to pee!" Her legs minced as the strong arm of the centaur mare held her, supporting the little body while strong fingers moved in her sex. At Brennan's cry, Dyanna withdrew her fingers suddenly. "Well go to the chamber pot then, Brennan! Hurry!"

Keleth's eyes opened wide, and she stepped forward again, speaking in a rasp, “No, it's not… like that. Just keep going, Mistress. Don't stop. Brennan won't pee. It's a release of pleasure. It will feel wonderful. There may be liquid but it is different. It's like a mare's arousal. It's alright.” Her hand touched Brennan's shoulder to soothe and encourage, but Keleth's fingers still played in her own sex.

Unsure, but willing to try, Dyanna pushed her fingers back into Brennan's pussy, stroking a little slower, but when nothing immediately happened, she increased her pace to what it was before. Brennan, whose sensations had eased as her mistress' fingers withdrew, looked trustingly at her friend, and spread her legs wide again for her mistress. She reached out a hand for Keleth's, covering it with hers, grasping it tightly as her feelings built again quickly. In moments her hand tightened on Keleth's suddenly, and her heels dug in, lifting her bottom to meet Dyanna's thrusting fingers. Brennan's voice broke into a keening moan, rising in pitch and volume as her orgasm took her, then breaking into little whimpers as each contraction wracked her young body. She tilted her head to rub her cheek against Keleth's hand on her shoulder, then turned to kiss it.

Dyanna gasped excitedly, seeing this reaction from her little attendant. Her eyes shone in her excitement as she looked from Brennan to Keleth and back again.

Keleth could only smile as she heard and saw Brennan's beautiful release, the shaking, the moaning, and peaked her head to see Dyanna's fingers penetrating the soft, pink folds. That sight along with the sweetest kiss from Brennan sent Keleth over the edge, her orgasm making her pussy grasp her own fingers, and she became unsteady, leaning into Brennan, and locking eyes on Dyanna. Keleth, in a moment of clarity, wished that it was Brighid staring at her, not Dyanna, and a feeling of pure fear stabbed through her pleasure, bringing tears to her eyes.

Dyanna spoke excitedly. "Keleth, she is squeezing my fingers! With her......down there....She squeezes and is much more slippery now! Oh! What is happening to you? You are....it's the same, isn't it! You are feeling the same way, from your fingers!"

She withdrew her fingers from Brennan as it seemed that the girl was beginning to calm. The mare reached for Keleth, pulling her in to her embrace strongly, hugging both girls to her torso. Brennan began stroking the transition, just as Keleth had shown her how to do, and Dyanna made a whickering sound in appreciation.

Keleth, in her mixture of pleasure and fear, reached out and held on to Dyanna tightly. The heat reminded her of Brighid, and knowing Brighid was being strong, she forced her fear away, and returned to the calm, confident self that she knew Brennan liked and needed. Feeling the movement of Brennan's hand, Keleth did the same. To be close to Brennan and Dyanna was a wonderful, beautiful thing. She had no words of thanks that would be enough.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Suddenly Dyanna lifted them both and carried them, turning to gently set them down beside the sleeping pad, settling her body next to them. Brennan reached for a thick towel and began drying herself, and also began rubbing Keleth dry as well. Afterwards, she shyly took Keleth's hand, feeling much closer to her friend now after what they'd shared. Not bothering to dress again, she lay down next to her mistress's body, tugging at Keleth's hand to urge her down beside her. "Keleth, it's never been like that before. I've never felt that way. Mistress has always made me feel good when she held me, but this was so...wonderful!"

Dyanna listened with a smile, cradling Brennan against her, and opening her arms for Keleth too. "Come child. It will be cold tonight. We'll all stay warm together."

Keleth would not say ‘no’, and moved down against Brennan, embracing her as the mare held them both. After some shifting, she felt warm and completely comfortable. She kissed Brennan softly on the cheek, feeling protective and affectionate for her friend. “Thank you both for letting me stay and including me in your pleasure.” Keleth made a note to herself to encourage Brennan to care for Dyanna the next day, hopefully to watch and learn something she could use with Brighid.

****************

Brennan soon slipped into the peaceful slumber of the satiated, and even Dyanna stilled.

However, after a bit, Dyanna's strong steady breathing began to speed up. She appeared to be dozing, but little sounds indicated that she was dreaming. The warm cradle of her arms around the two girls was disturbed by ever increasing fidgeting.

The movement of Dyanna's arms eventually woke Keleth, who was delightfully warm and protected, but her curiosity was a powerful stimulant. Brennan was still breathing heavily, peacefully, with a smile on her face.

At last the mare gave a snort and startled herself awake with a little whimper. Her large brown eyes blinked in the dim light of the tent, and she listened, satisfied that the girl in her arms still slept soundly. She readjusted her hold on them to ease their smaller bodies back against her, then Keleth felt strong fingers lightly tracing over her naked shoulder in the darkness. Dyanna's breathing quickened as those fingers trailed over the swell of a bosom.

Keleth tensed for a moment as she felt the hot hand moving over her skin then squeezing her firm breast. She wasn't sure if Dyanna thought she was touching Brennan, or didn't care who she was touching. Keleth didn't dare move, so as not to give herself away yet. What would Brennan say if her Mistress was exploring another attendant?

 

[Annisthyrienne]

In a surprisingly soft whisper, words came in the darkness after the mare heaved a sigh. "I was dreaming of you, Little One. It was very.....arousing." Her fingers find and circle the soft areola, dipping into the cleavage between.

Keleth flinched slightly in surprise. She would have to be honest now, and try not to embarrass the mare. She couldn't help but moan softly in response to the caress, firm but still gentle. "Mistress, did you dream of me or Brennan? She's still quite asleep, but your stirring woke me."

"Ooooh, Keleth....My need is so great right now. Watching you with my Brennan did something to me. I did not mean to wake you, or her. She works so hard for me. She deserves her sleep. But I.....I can't rest like this." Her hand closed on Keleth's breast, squeezing, a little rougher than before in her need, but not painfully so.

Keleth moaned louder and felt Brennan stirring, though not fully waking. "I would be glad to help you Mistress, if you don't think Brennan would mind. I don't want to cause any issue between us. I have…. helped Mistress Brighid a little, but you might have to teach me exactly what to do."

She moaned at the thought, her hand dipping still lower over Keleth's belly, fingers tracing little circular motions around her navel. "Oooh, would you, Keleth? It would help me sleep in peace. I don't think Brennan would mind. I'll tell you whatever you want to know. I know you can help me, Keleth. Please...help me?"

Keleth turned to look into Dyanna's face. There was need there, great need, and Keleth couldn't deny the beautiful mare. "I'll help you, of course, Mistress." Keleth adroitly slid her body away from Brennan, so that Dyanna could keep holding her young lover and slipped behind the mare. The scent of centaur arousal was powerful and Keleth felt the familiar swoon.

At Keleth's approach, Dyanna lifted her hindquarters, as if rising to her feet, but only on her rear feet. She was shorter than Brighid, and her tail quivered as she moved it to the side. Her scent wafted out from her glistening sex as she looked back over her flank at the small human woman. Large dark eyes under heavy sultry lids stared back at Keleth, blinking slowly in matching time to the mare's winking sex, twitching as it was in anticipation.

Keleth tried to catch her breath, but each breath brought more scent and she almost fainted for a moment. Her hand reached out and stroked the smooth, slick flesh of Dyanna's sex. The winking seemed to increase and Keleth didn't hesitate to slide her hand into the entrance. It was incredibly easily thanks to Dyanna's extreme arousal. The heat was intense, and Keleth was struck with an extreme desire to bury her face in the slot above Dyanna's filled sex. "Is this okay, Mistress? Is my arm enough?"

Dyanna whickered in pleasure, as her head dropped to her chest. A shudder ran through her body as Keleth's hand and wrist slipped easily into her body. Dyanna's snug passage gripped at the young woman's forearm. "Yes, Keleth! That is just what I need. But push in deeper....and close your fingers into a fist." Her rear hooves shifted from side to side, her legs 'mincing' slightly. Each such movement made her tunnel grip Keleth's arm, then release.

Keleth nodded as her hand sunk in deeper, her fingers balling into a tight fist. She was past her elbow now, still pushing, now needing to steel her heels and lean forwards. Her face was approaching the region above Dyanna's sex, and extra musk mixing in the with heady arousal. Keleth tried pulling back and thrusting in again, to add extra movement and pleasure. Keleth's own body was reacting, with her nipples hard and her sex oozing.

The mare pushed back onto Keleth's arm, making it sink into her up to the bicep. She turned slightly and reached back over her body, arm outstretched towards the young attendant. In her other arm she held her little Brennan like a doll, close to her large breasts.

"That's just right! Oh so good, Keleth. Your arm is shorter than my dear Brennan's, but I do believe yours is thicker. You stretch me so good!"

Keleth flexed her muscle with a slight grin, and started rocking back and forth on her heels. The fit was very snug, just like Brighid's, and as she thought of her own Mistress, a slightly feeling of guilt invaded her thoughts. She hoped that Brighid wouldn't mind if she found out about this. As Dyanna reached back, Keleth grabbed and gripped several of Dyanna's fingers. This action turned Keleth's body slightly and made her sex contact part of Dyanna's flank.

Dyanna took her little hand and pulled Keleth in close, establishing a rhythm of penetration. Her head dropped back, eyes closing in bliss. Tremors rippled through her body, little shivers of pleasure as she moaned softly. She held Brennan closer to her bosom, leaning down to kiss the sleeping girl. Brennan's arms moved in her sleep as she smiled, sliding up around Dyanna's neck.

Keleth could see, barely, how Dyanna held Brennan and felt a pang of jealousy. She thought of her own Mistress, raiding the camp of the Northmen for survivors, risking her life and perhaps might not return. Keleth's rhythm faltered for a moment, but she returned to her duty and added more vigor to cover for her distraction.

Without warning, Dyanna whickered and gave a squeal as her snug passage tightened on Keleth's arm rhythmically. Her fetlock brushed against Keleth's sex, and the vibrations from the tension of her passion quivered the short bristly fur against Keleth's mound.

Brennan stirred, moaning softly in her sleep as she clung tightly to Dyanna's body. Dyanna hugged her close in return.

Keleth couldn't stifle the sharp cry she felt when the fur pushed her sex, and she pushed back with equal pressure. She understood that Dyanna had her needed release, so Keleth slowly and gently started to draw her arm back, feeling the flesh around it pulse.

Dyanna's tail twitched and the strands of silky hair switched across Keleth's naked back and shoulder. She turned to look back as she felt the girl withdraw her arm. "Come to me, Keleth. Let me hold you as I do my Brennan when she helps me. I want you to know my gratitude."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth smiled and withdrew her hand, moving her finger to her lips and tasting. Her sex twitched as the strong musk hit her tongue. In several strides she was near Brennan and she knelt and moved next to her sweet friend again, still dreaming, still perfectly contented. "It was a pleasure to do that for you, Mistress. You have a lovely taste." Keleth whispered with a little embarrassment.

Dyanna enthusiastically gathered Keleth up in her arms, hugging her to her other breast, right next to Brennan. She nuzzled her cheek on Keleth's forehead, whispering, "Keleth, may I do something for you? After you showed me how to touch Brennan last night, I was dreaming about it."

Keleth gasped slightly at the thought of being touched and the memories of Brighid doing that flooded into her mind. "Yes, please, Mistress. Touch me as you like." The words were barely out of her mouth before her legs were parting and she was reaching to pull Dyanna's large hand to her sex.

Dyanna groaned at the thought and her strong arm wrapped around Keleth's form, her fingers sliding down the curve of her waist and over her bare hip, then between her thighs, seeking that downy cleft. Her lips took liberties of their own, kissing over Keleth's forehead, then down her cheek, along her jaw and chin. Nibbling her neck as her finger found the slickened entrance, Dyanna moved down more to Keleth's graceful collar bones. The mare's lips nibbled and kissed those structures, then she lifted the girl higher, kissing her breast.

Keleth was overwhelmed with all the sensation. The fingers exploring between her legs felt somewhat familiar, but Brighid hadn't kissed her like this. More than her lips; it was her face and finding other sensitive and wonderful places like her collarbones that had her squealing with delight. She no longer worried about Brennan and was swept along in her own building pleasure.

Her squeals only served to spur on Dyanna's excitement. It was as though the mare was getting pleasure by giving it, now that she knew how to make human girl's squirm and writhe in joy. Her finger sought and entered Keleth's passage, the angle of her penetration making it rub along the top of the entrance as she thrust into her. "Yes, Little One! Let go for me! Give up your body's joy! I want to see it on your face."

Keleth couldn't deny her second Mistress, her eyes widening as she stared up into the shadowed face, rocking her hips as the thick finger slid along her cleft and into her wet sex. Her head moved to the side and against Dyanna's hot breast, firm and wonderful and she gave herself to the feeling of lust getting so close to her release.

As if sensing the growing climax, Dyanna's fingers rubbed and thrust deeper. Her lips brushed kisses over Keleth's throat and chest, nibbling along the hollow just below her shoulder muscles and just above her collar bones. She flexed her arm and brought Keleth close to her, holding her and Brennan to her breasts like little children. Brennan softly reached out to touch Keleth's breast, her fingers plucking her friend's nipple into full erection. "Let go, Keleth. It's okay. Give Mistress what she wants. You're so beautiful!"

Keleth was shocked to find Brennan awake and participating, or at least dreaming the right dreams. Keleth lovingly kissed her sweet friend deeply, as she finally reached her peak and screamed her pleasure, with copious flowing juices around Dyanna's finger. "Oh, Mistress, you are so good to me!"

Brennan slipped an arm around her friend's shoulders, making the three way embrace complete. She kissed Dyanna's breast, then Keleth's lips as she moaned. Dyanna's hissed whisper of excitement sounded throughout the tent, "Yes, Little Keleth! Oh you're so beautiful when this happens to you! Both of you are! I never knew it would be this exciting. Mmm, Brennan, this is a whole new thing we can all do together!"

Keleth was at a loss for a moment, held and holding, being kissed and kissing, all without her Mistress. The guilt was covered by pleasure and contentment as she held Brennan to her, brushing Brennan's small breast and kissing her forehead. "You are both wonderful. I'm so lucky."

As Keleth's orgasm ebbed, Dyanna held them both closely, her excitement at last easing into more comfortable intimacy. As she calmed, she seemed to realize what they had done together. "Brennan, Keleth, you both have given me wonderful feelings tonight. And I hope we can share this again. But you know that we have to keep this our secret. Keleth, your mistress will be back in a few days, and you will go back to the pavilion you share with her. But I want you to know that you are always welcome to come and be with us here, with Brennan and I."

"Thank you Mistress. I won't forget and I won't tell anyone. I know this is something that is special for certain Mistresses and attendants. I care for you both, and I don't want anyone to get between you." Keleth gently kissed Brennan, then, rather boldly, lifted herself up to kiss Dyanna's cheek. Still unused to such open affection, Keleth flushed, a little embarrassed, but everything, to her surprise, felt very natural.

"I feel at last as though I can sleep with the two of you in my arms, girls. I feel so much better now." Dyanna settled in again, still holding both of them to her. Turning to each, she returned Keleth's kiss and offered the same to Brennan. Brennan accepted the kiss and returned the affection with feeling. When she turned back to Keleth, her eyes are wet with tears of joy. She hugged her friend tightly, whispering, "This is all because of you, Keleth. So much has happened tonight that we've never done before, and it was because you were here. I'll never forget what you've done for us!"

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Brennan curled up to Keleth in the night, and by morning they were all together in one big tangle of arms and legs, surrounded by the warmth of the mare.

The sound of birds woke Keleth, groggy, feeling sore in the pleasant, sated way. She lifted her head to see she was in a tangle of limbs with the sweet Brennan, both held by the strong arms of Dyanna. The scent of human and mare sex was deep in the tent. Keleth gently tried to extricate herself, but was too tightly held by Brennan.

Brennan stirred sleepily, blinking her eyes like an owl, rubbing them with her fists. Realizing the situation, she smiled and gave Keleth a hug before slipping free and offering a hand up. "Good Morn to you Keleth. I can't remember when I've felt so good, but....I'm a little sore....you know...down there." she blushed.

Keleth blushed, a rarity, but something she felt comfortable doing around her dear friend. “I am too, Brennan, but I'm glad of it.” Keleth lightly kissed Brennan on the cheek, and then by instinct turned to attend to the mare, Dyanna.

Brennan smiled at the kiss, then turned for the water bucket, reaching for a cloth to wet.

Dyanna's eyes watched each of them as she stretched, then tried to get to her feet. Her face showed the pain as she winced and eased back down.

"I guess I'm not quite ready for that. I'm afraid you both will have plenty to do with fetching things back to the tent for me. I feel like a burden."

“Mistress, you are not a burden; not to me and not to Brennan. Please don't say such things. You will heal; it just takes time. I will do what I can, while my Mistress is away.” Keleth shuddered in slight fear at the thought of Brighid not coming back, but passed by the feeling and brushed Dyanna's transition lightly.

Brennan added as she brought the half full bucket over closer, "Keleth is right, Mistress. We are here to serve your needs, and it's our pleasure to do it. After all, it fulfills our purpose. But that's not all; I like to care for you, Mistress. You mean a lot to me." Turning to wet the cloth, she began to bathe Dyanna's human torso, lifting each arm in turn to wash her. "We'll have to get more water for a complete bath, Mistress. But I can refresh you some with what we have. Then we'll get more water after we fetch some breakfast."

Keleth moved away, so that Dyanna's focus was on her attendant, and then got a brush to brush out Dyanna's horse hair and check the wound. The wound was still clean and healing, but healing slowly, and Keleth frowned slightly.

Dyanna's eyes closed in pleasure as Keleth brushed her while Brennan washed her. "Perhaps there are medicinal herbs that may speed the healing? Maybe someone in the camp follower's bazaar would have something."

“We will go after breakfast, Mistress. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable anymore, whether you return to the battlefield or not.” Keleth stopped, and covered her mouth. “Forgive me Mistress, that isn't right to say. I'm not a general, who would know if you were ready for duty or not.”

Dyanna, bowed her head slightly, then quietly answered, "It's alright, Keleth. We all face the possibility. But as an archer I have a better chance than most. This wound will heal in time, and I'll draw my bow again."

Brennan nudged Keleth quietly, giving her a knowing look. "I'm sure Mistress Brighid is just fine, Keleth. She's strong, and she can take care of herself. She'll bring those girls back if anyone can."

Keleth faltered again, showing her true feeling without saying them out loud, and then resumed her brushing. “Yes, well, she's strong and will bring them all back, I hope. Brennan, we should get breakfast, and then fresh water. Unless you think we should bathe first. We do have an…odor about us, from last evening."

Brennan grinned ruefully, "I suppose we do. But there isn't enough water to bathe right now; this is the last of it. Mistress, we can bring more water, or breakfast first. Which would you like?"

Dyanna whickered. "Girls, I'll be alright. Go and get some water first if you'd prefer. That way it can be heating while you get the food, and you can bathe when you get back."

Keleth nodded and went to find her linen blouse and skirt, pulling them on, along with a leather vest. She gathered two buckets, the largest that she could manage, and waited for Brennan. “We won't be long, Mistress. I'm already feeling hungry myself.”

Brennan dressed quickly, not wanting to keep her best friend waiting. She grabbed the other two buckets after giving Dyanna a pat. Dyanna called after, warning them to be careful, that there may be stragglers around in the woods. Brennan nodded and headed out by Keleth's side.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth led them around the edge of the camps, not wanting to draw attention with their slightly disheveled appearance and scent, though most attendants in the morning didn't look their best. The camp was quiet still, and the morning was grey with a little fog lingering.

Brennan walked by her side, thoughtful and quiet. They reached the stream and she waded in a little, leaving the buckets at the shore. She gasped as the cold water flowed over her ankles and feet, then splashed a little up on her arms. "Keleth, do you feel funny about what we did last night?"

Keleth watched, hesitant to go into the cold water, wary of the wild men, but finally she went in so they could speak very quietly. “Not really. You are my friend and dear to me, and I've realize that I'm attracted to you to, just like my Mistress. It just feels… natural, to be with you.” Keleth shrugged. “I don't like to think too much about such things and just go with them. I need to worry more about caring for your Mistress and mine, and watching out for you, than worry about who I kiss.”

She smiled. "I'm glad. I worried that you might feel strange. I'd like to do it again some time, if you'd like to. But we have to be careful." She held Keleth's hand as they returned to the shore and began to fill the buckets. "I don't know if any of the other girls do stuff like that. I bet some of them do though. Do you think so?"

“I'm sure they do. Without any males her for companionship, I think it's natural to be with woman. But I don't think they always LIKE each other, they way I like you.” Keleth returned a hand squeeze before filling and lifting the heavy buckets. She shivered slightly, but there didn't seem to be a breeze.

"I think it's like how we're not supposed to get close to the mares, but I bet more girls do than ever talk about it. You know, I never thought there was...."

Just then Brennan cut off her words. In the path in front of the pair, Marissa and two of her gang stepped out. Marissa held a short length of heavy wood, like a part of a tent pole. The other two each had a heavy leather strap. Marissa hissed at Brennan, "You'd better get scarce if you know what's good for you, shrimp!"

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth dropped her buckets of water at once, immediately on her guard, but didn’t raise her fists. It was obvious that Marissa and her cronies were looking to fight, but Keleth's mind worked for a way out of it, even running. “Brennan, I would like to protect you, but it's three against two and I'm not trained in combat, not yet.” Keleth hissed at Brennan, eyes focused on Marissa and the piece of wood.

Brennan hesitated, shifting her weight from foot to foot. The hesitation was too long, and one of the girls lashed out with the heavy strap she carried. The motion was too quick to avoid, and the end of the strap cracked against Brennan's cheek, just below her eye. She flinched away and dropped the buckets. Marissa and the other girl spread out to cut Keleth off from Brennan as the first girl swung the strap again.

Keleth growled and tried to reach for Brennan, but found Marissa and the other girl in front of her, ready to strike. Keleth raised her hands, ready for the strap or club to come, gritting her teeth. Brennan's cries of pain were like physical pain to Keleth, and her eyes quickly darted around for something to defend herself, but there were mostly only leaves on the ground. She backed away a step, reaching out for the handle of the bucket.

At that moment, Marissa moved in, swinging the short club in a vicious arc at Keleth. The stout piece of wood connected with her shoulder, sending a numbing shock down that arm. From off to the side, another loud crack of the strap marked another strike at Brennan. Her cry startled the birds in the trees, and there was a crashing in the brush as she fell down the slope of the bank.

The pain in Keleth's arm was severe and she howled, unable to stop the blow from coming. She stumbled to her side, into the path of the other girl, who stuck with the strap, hitting Keleth's face and neck. Her legs were shaking and eyes watering, so she couldn't tell where her attackers are exactly were. Keleth finally bellowed, "Brennan, RUN!”

The voice of the third girl sounded from behind her now. "Don't worry about your little friend, she's gone." The tight binding of the leather strap being pulled around Keleth from behind bound her arms close to her sides. Marissa took it as her clue to attack, and she didn’t hold back. Blow after blow from the club struck Keleth as she struggled. The other girls' mocking snickering provided the backdrop of Marissa's nasty snarls as she showed how hateful she was.

Keleth's cries of pain became whimpers as her body was on fire with pain, her head, her arms, and her chest. It didn't seem to stop. She wanted to pass out but the pain was keeping her alert instead. She felt like begging for mercy, but despite the ferocity of the beating, she didn't ask for mercy. She stopped struggling, accepting her face with as much dignity as she could manage. The coppery taste of blood was in her mouth and it felt like her torso was covered in it.

Marissa paused, breathing hard with the effort of the beating. "Let this be a lesson to you two horse fuckers! Nobody comes into my camp and goes against me. Nobody! You hear me? You'd better learn your place little runt!" With that she gave one final swing, catching Keleth in her temple.

Keleth saw the blow coming, with suddenly clarity, then the world turned into a blaze of lights and extreme pain. She fell to the side, whimpering, “Brennan…”then fell to the ground, unconscious.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Drifting in and out of consciousness, dim fragments of awareness mixed with the pain. A cool cloth, wet, dabbing at her face. Whimpered words, crying, almost incoherent with sobbing: "Oh, Keleth, please open your eyes! Please be okay?" Silence except for the sobbing. Someone covered her. "I have to go...get help...hang on, Keleth. Hang on!" Then nothing. Quiet. Darkness.

The fits of consciousness were filled with the sight of Marissa and the swinging of the club, repeated blows, more pain, shivering, sweating, nausea, wanting it to stop.

Heavy footfalls thumped through the ground, drawing nearer. Hushed voices: "Oh Gods! Brennan! Help me with her! We have to get her back to the pavilion." “Mistress, be careful, she's hurt so bad! And don't tear open your wound." "Never mind that now, Brennan. I'll be fine. Let's just see to her."

Strong arms lifted her; another presence at her side supports her. More words: "No, Brennan, help me lift her."

“Brennan… Mistress Brighid?” In her delirium, Keleth thought it was her Mistress that had come to rescue her. But Keleth was barely conscious and confused, sagging into the arms that were holding her, unable to stand or even balance. “Marissa… she... wouldn't stop...”

Brennan helped Dyanna lift her friend, groaning at the pain her actions brought. But they managed. Dyanna held Keleth against her shoulder like a baby, carrying her back to camp. Her body thrummed with barely suppressed anger. "She's gone too far this time. Brennan, can you make it? You look pretty bad."

"Mistress, it hurts, but I think I can make it. My head is throbbing, but Keleth is hurt worse. I'm worried about her."

Keleth managed to lift her arms and clung to Dyanna, whimpering and crying in pain, getting flashes of the camp, though her vision was severely affected, with strange colors playing. “I tried.... they got to Brennan… I couldn't protect… my fault...”

"Hush now, Little One. We'll take care of you. Brennan is here with me. She came to get me when she woke up. You've both had a bad morning. Just let me get you back to our tent." Moments later, Keleth was being gently laid on the soft sleeping mat in the cool darkness of the tent. "Brennan, stay here with her. I'm going to send someone to find the healer."

Keleth's head throbbed terribly and she felt ready to wretch, trembling terribly with the stabs of pain. “Brennan? Are you there? I can't… see right. I'm sorry. They were… there for me… my fault.” Keleth managed to lift her arm, reaching out for her friend who she couldn't see.

A small hand found and held hers. Hot tears splashed on her face. "I'm so sorry, Keleth. I tried to fight back, but I couldn't! I fell, and hit my head on something. I don't know how long I was out, but when I woke up, they were gone. I tried to wake you but you wouldn't open your eyes. I got Mistress Dyanna to help get you back here. Oh, Keleth, I'm so sorry this happened!"

“Not your fault... Marissa...” Keleth licked her lips, tasting blood and turned to spit. “She will try to… get away with it. Your Mistress must know the truth. Tell her… please.” Keleth couldn't fight the pain and fell into unconsciousness again.