Centaur Mistress

[Annisthyrienne]

The next time she woke up, Keleth was lying on the pallet cushion of Brennan's bed, in the tent that the younger girl shared with her mistress. It was night. Brennan was at her side, and Dyanna was close by. Brennan was wiping Keleth’s brow with a cool wet cloth. "Mistress, I think she is waking up."

Keleth opened her eyes, her vision blurring slightly. But she could make out Brennan and Dyanna, vaguely. Her brain wasn't working right, and there were flashes of the attack. Her lips were dry, but not tasting of blood as she licked them. “Brennan? Mistress Dyanna?” Her body was throbbing almost everywhere, but she tested herself and found she could move everything normally, although wincing.

"Shh, Keleth, don't strain yourself. I'm here. We're both here. I was so worried about you. Can you see? Your eye is so swollen, and it’s red where it should be white. If you're able, I can help you drink a little." Brennan’s badly bruised face showed her concern as she spoke softly to her friend. Over Brennan's shoulder, Dyanna's concerned face came into view. "Go easy, Little One. You're hurt pretty bad. The herbalist was here and gave us some poultices to treat your wounds with."

Keleth tried to get up, but her head started swimming, and she lay back down. “I shouldn't just lie here… I have to get the pavilion ready for my Mistress.” Keleth was a little confused, but mostly she was stubborn and didn't want to admit that she was really hurt. Then anger burned in her gut as she remembered more pieces of the attack, thinking about Marissa. “Someone has to be told about Marissa.”

Brennan's hand supported her back as she tried to sit up, then realized what Keleth said and tried to push her gently back down, a hand lightly on her breasts. "No, Keleth, you cannot try to do so much yet. You have to stay here and rest. Let me get you some water."

Keleth could see through the dim light that Brennan was covered in bruises and had a pretty nasty cut above her eyes as well. Her forehead was bandaged.

Dyanna shuffled nearby, moving closer. "Don't trouble yourself about Marissa just now, Keleth. She will not get away with this. But that is a matter for later. Let Brennan help you for now. You will stay with us until Brighid returns."

Though it was painful, Keleth curled her fingers into fists and released some angry tears at the thought of not being able to deal with the situation in her normal way, taking charge and leading people. She tried to focus on Brennan and Mistress Dyanna instead, forcing herself to be calm.

Brennan turned away a moment once she got Keleth to lie back and stay still. Then she held a gourd dipper full of cool spring water to her lips while she sipped. "Easy now. Slowly, not too much at once."

“I will… do as you say. I can barely move without a lot of pain.” Keleth moaned. She sipped a little at a time, pausing to lick her lips, then sipped more, until the whole gourd was empty, and it made her feel significantly better.

Brennan changed out the wet cloth for a fresh one, cooler and reviving. Just then there was a soft knock on the post of the pavilion. Brennan looked at her mistress with surprise, then, hesitant to leave Keleth’s side, she reluctantly tended to her duties and went to answer. Dyanna reached out to stroke Keleth’s hair from her face with her strong fingers. Keleth could tell from her touch that, even though she was gentle, those fingers were made strong pulling a bowstring all her life.

Brennan softly called, "Mistress we have a visitor."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

A young blonde girl stepped just inside the pavilion tent flap, closing it behind her. She reached up and pushed back the cowl covering her head, her eyes widening at the bruises covering Brennan's face. Then she moaned sympathetically when she looked past Brennan and saw Keleth lying there with her eye almost swollen shut and obvious wounds covering her body.

She bowed quickly to Dyanna. "Mistress Dyanna, my name is Allison. I came when I heard the news. I....I wanted to see Keleth. May I sit by her side?"

Keleth tilted her head enough to see the blonde girl askance, her confusion enough to make the girl a little unfamiliar. The strong fingers of Dyanna were very comforting, but reminded Keleth more and more of Brighid, and her wish for her own Mistress became rather strong. Fear flooded through her thoughts of what Brighid might be doing. The thoughts swirled as Allison came over and knelt beside her.

“Allison? What are you doing here?” Keleth was trying very hard to think clearly and place the girl, but pain and fear kept getting in the way.

Allison knelt by Keleth's side in what was now getting to be a crowded pavilion. She reached out to touch Keleth's hand, but Brennan took it from her and held it, absently patting and stroking it as if that would help Keleth get better. Allison looked a little chagrined and then spoke. "Keleth, you don't know me. We haven't really met, though I've seen you around the mess tent now and then. But I was attendant to Vistia. She was the mare who died in your arms during the raid. I heard the account of how you comforted her in her last moments, and tried to help her. For this I am grateful to you, Keleth. I wanted to come to you to give my thanks to you. And then this happened. I just heard some of the girls talking about it."

"Marissa has gone too far this time. She has always been a bully to most of the girls, until they either give in to her and follow her ways, or leave the service of their mistresses. Now that my Mistress Vistia is no more, I will be reassigned. But until then, I owe you for what you did for my Mistress. My service.....and my friendship, is yours."

Keleth had to think hard to remember the night of the raid, then felt the horrible dead feeling in her stomach again that she felt from watching the mare die. “Allison, I'm so sorry about your Mistress. I could tell she was kind and strong just from dignity of her death.” Keleth took Brennan's hand and placed it on her own stomach, then took Allison's hand in friendship, squeezing as best she could. “Allison, I have been helping Brennan care for her Mistress. I know there is not much room in here right now, but your help is welcome.”

The presence of Allison, a stranger, yet a friend too, steadied Keleth, and some of her normal confidence returned. “We will need water, but you should not go out alone. Marissa isn't completely stupid and if she knows you are here, she might attack you. We can't have any more attacks.”

Allison nodded and glanced at Dyanna, bowing her head respectfully. "With your permission, Mistress, and of course with Brennan's consent, I will help out as I can. I have water in the pavilion I shared with my mistress. I can get it and bring it here. I won't have to go all the way to the spring. I don't think Marissa knows I am here yet. I can fetch the water and bring it back discreetly."

Dyanna nodded in response to Allison's offer. And Brennan, reluctantly accepted. "It would help. And we would need food too. My Mistress is wounded, and is not supposed to leave the pavilion. I can't stay with Keleth and tend my Mistress too. "

Allison smiled when Keleth squeezed her hand. "Leave that to me, Brennan. You have your hands full with your friend and your Mistress. I will help, at least until they assign me to a new mare. And then I will do what I can for you. I don't think they will give me a new mistress until the party returns. Only then will we know which other girls they were able to bring back."

Keleth nodded, and watched as Allison left the pavilion. Her head was throbbing again and she lifted her hand to touch the poultice on her head. “Brennan, I know I have been helping you with your Mistress, but you are strong and can take care of her without me. I'll be able to take care of myself soon, I promise. I'll recover quickly… I…" Keleth foolishly tried to get up again, but got very dizzy. "Damn the Goddess, why did this have to happen now?” She wanted to slam her fist against the floor of the pavilion but she knew that it would do nothing.

Brennan and Dyanna both held Keleth down gently until she stilled and the mood passed. Brennan answered softly, "Keleth, don't trouble yourself. There is nothing you need to do, no where you need to go. Your Mistress will be back before long, and you will need your strength then. But for now, just rest as our guest."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

She rose and tended to Dyanna's wound while Dyanna caressed Keleth's forehead. "I will tell Brighid all that I know when she returns, Keleth. Rest assured, knowing that Marissa will answer for this."

Keleth finally calmed at Dyanna's words and lay still, closing her eyes, trying not to feel all the pain. “I'm not very good and sitting still, being tended to. I have always had chores and responsibilities, even before I was indentured. I don't feel like I have a purpose if I'm not serving someone.” Keleth opened her eyes again, and looked at Mistress Dyanna, realizing that Dyanna could not go out and fight, so perhaps she might have felt something similar, though Keleth didn't say so.

Dyanna nodded understandingly. "It is not easy for anyone to lie abed hurt. I chafe at the inactivity too. Not that I'd crave a battle to get into, but to stay in this pavilion all the time...." She shook her head. "Well, I think we have that in common, Keleth. I am just so sorry that this happened while you were in my care. Brighid will never forgive me."

“It is not your fault, Mistress.” Keleth reached for and held Dyanna's strong fingers, and smiled weakly. “It's Marissa and her cronies who are to blame. I cannot understand how the Commander doesn't see what Marissa is.” Keleth pulled slightly and kissed Dyanna's fingers, remembering for a moment where they had touched before.

"Marissa is the Captain's attendant. And she is always careful not to misbehave in front of her Mistress. People have complained of her actions before, but the Captain does not believe the rumors." Dyanna smiled at the tender gesture of Keleth's kiss, and cupped her cheek with the palm of her hand. She glanced over her shoulder as Brennan moaned in pain, losing her balance and falling against Dyanna's flank. It was obvious that Brennan was in quite a bit of pain of her own, but was keeping it to herself as much as possible.

Dyanna's voice was stern as she admonished her attendant. "Brennan, that's enough now, my wound is fine. Come over here and lie down next to Keleth. I'll watch over both of my young girls to make sure you both rest." Brennan straightened and nodded obediently, coming over to sit next to Keleth with a sheepish half smile. "I'm sorry, Mistress. I should be able to care for you at least."

Dyanna shook her head. "You sound like Keleth now. Just rest. You'll be back to normal soon enough. I can get along until then."

Keleth lifted her arm enough to pull Brennan close and embrace her. “Brennan, I'm so glad you are my friend. I will forever be in your debt because of what you have done for me. If I hadn't met you, I would have rotted on the ground after Marissa's attack.” Keleth pushed aside her confusion about Marissa, but wasn't surprised that there had been other attacks. “When we're better, I will buy you another dress to wear, and we will find a reason to wear them.”

Brennan smiled and hugged Keleth very tenderly and carefully. The slight wince in her own eyes answered the twinge of pain that Keleth felt as well. "You are the true friend to me, Keleth. I would've fought Marissa myself if I could have. I wish I could have pounded her face for what she did to us."

Dyanna shook her head sadly. "This is possibly the worst thing she did to you both. You have always been so sweet and innocent, Brennan. And I can't think that Keleth is eager for violence either. There are better ways to solve problems. I know it sounds crazy coming from a warrior, but I hope it won't change you two. You are too wonderful to let her change you."

Keleth lets those words digest for a moment. During the attack she had thought about defending herself, but not attacking. She wanted to get Brennan to safety and that was all. Would she do the same for her Mistress? Yes. Defend, not attack. “Mistress, I would only raise a weapon if it was to save my Mistress, or you, or Brennan. You are the only family I have now. I never thought I would return to my family from a battlefield.” Keleth managed to give Brennan a slight squeeze. “I would protect you with my life, but I never thought I would be attacked by someone like Marissa. Warriors, wild-men, or other creatures; but not a bitch like her.”

"Defending another is a noble thing, Keleth. But do not let revenge harden your spirit. That is all I'm saying." Dyanna resettled around Keleth and Brennan with her body, creating a warm nest of flesh to surround the girls. There was a sound at the door and Allison entered with two buckets of water. She set them down near the fire, and turned to Dyanna. "Mistress, is there anything I can do for you this evening?"

Dyanna shook her head. "Allison, I think we will just rest for the night. But if you could bring food in the morning, I would be grateful."

Allison, nodded and offered a smile to Keleth and Brennan. "Thank you again, both of you, for what you did for my Mistress. I'll never forget it, Keleth, Brennan. If you wish anything from me, just ask. My friendship is yours."

Keleth felt weary, but also better. She waved to Allison and nodded, unable to speak how grateful she was, and realizing that simple gesture could mean much in a dangerous place such as a battlefield or war camp. The cocoon of flesh, between Brennan and Dyanna, so similar to the same one the night before was comforting to Keleth, though she wished that it was after the sharing of pleasures, instead of the sting of pain..

Brennan's hand came to rest on Keleth's tummy as she settled in, weary with the day's troublesome events. Dyanna stroked one finger along each girl's arms, hoping to soothe their minds to sleep as her own breathing deepened. Soon the quiet snoring of the mare and the crackling of the fire were the only sounds to be heard as the camp settled down into night.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

The Dream

The trees pushed back against Keleth with heavy branches that refused to give an inch as she rushed through them. Brighid had to be nearby. The clash of sword, the heavy grunting of warriors filled the air. Where were they? Brighid needed her help. If only Keleth had a sword, she could slash through these branches and get to her Mistress.

Suddenly, at the speed of thought, a heavy hilt was in her hand and the swinging of her arm resulting in branches crashing to the ground. She waved the sword wildly, but it worked well enough that she was making more headway. The crashing of the battle became louder and suddenly, Keleth burst into a small clearing.

Brighid was in the middle of a dozen Northmen, wailing in fury as her broadsword cleaved then in half. More seemed to come from the edge of the wood as if from nowhere. One passed by Keleth close enough to swipe at her, but with a swish, Keleth's sword cut the man down. She felt strong, much more than she ever had. There was no vestige of being a servant. She was a warrior, powerful and able.

Keleth ran to Brighid's side, and when the centaur saw her attendant, there was no hesitation. Brighid pulled Keleth up to her back and nodded. Keleth turned around to face back and swung and any Northman who came close. She had some effort to avoid cutting off Brighid's tail. Within minutes, they had utterly destroyed the attacking men, and there was silence in the clearing except for the heavy breathing of the centaur and human.

"Turn around, little one. You no longer need that sword." Brighid's voice was husky, and the centaur dropped her sword as well. Keleth did turn and wrapped her arms around Brighid's torso. Her heaving chest was covered in sweat, and Keleth's small hands slid easy over Brighid's breast. A low whicker escaped Brighid's lips and she reached back, putting a large hand on Keleth's thigh. Keleth suddenly realized that she was completely naked and had been the entire time.

They walked, or rather Brighid walked and took them deeper into the trees, until they came upon a rock outcropping, with a cascade of water. Brighid walked right under it, and with a soft laugh, Keleth was drench in cold water. She shivered but quickly rinsed herself, then resumed her embrace of Brighid's torso. Brighid rinsed herself, which gave Keleth another dousing. They walked slowly on, as they both dried, and neither spoke. The quiet was wonderful after the din of the battle. Keleth felt at peace. Her Mistress stroked her arms as they walked.

_____________

In the pavilion, as Brennan wiped Keleth's sweating forehead, Brennan heard Keleth whisper, "Mistress," then became quiet again.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Brighid chafed and fumed at the delay. She wanted to urge the others to get moving again, but she knew they needed their rest. And she knew that her feelings were not troubled only because of the slow pace of their travel.

She was sure of it now; her time was fully upon her. She knew the symptoms; knew that she couldn’t give in to her urges, and couldn’t take her frustrations out on those who were depending on her. Her frustration stemmed from her physical needs, but not all of her current mental state could be attributed to it. She felt their mission had failed, and she blamed herself for it as usual.

They had asked her to lead them, but they were determined to go whether she agreed or not. The Captain had been against it, but Brighid agreed to lead them anyway. She didn’t care about the Captain’s wishes or the possible consequences. She was a paladin of Epona, and that meant that there must not be another ‘Cassandra’, no matter what that cost her. But they had not been in time to save all of the girls who had been taken. Eleven attendants were abducted by the Northmen raiders; only eight were returning with the centaurs alive.

From where she watched beneath a tree, Brighid’s eyes stared at the limp pale bodies covered under someone’s trail blanket. One pale arm and hand had slipped out from under the covering. Her eyes stung with unshed tears as she stared at it. That little arm should be moving, shivering in the cold, perhaps hurriedly pulled back under the blanket to stay warm…any sort of the natural movements of life would have been beautiful to see. But Brighid knew that little arm could only lay there, stiff and still, unfeeling of the chill.

Not only had they failed to save all of the girls, but they had sustained several injuries as well. One mare was unable to walk, and two more were dragging her on a makeshift travois. Not many of the twenty mares who set out on the mission of rescue and revenge would be returning without at least some injury or hurt to show for it. And the attendants had been taken in the middle of the night; they were not dressed for travel and were not prepared for the cold. The party had had to make many stops on the way back to light fires to ward off damage to the girls from exposure. At night the mares all formed a circle against the wind, sheltering the girls with their own body heat. These were a few of the reasons they were traveling so slowly.

Brighid herself was limping. Besides the pain from the foreleg she had injured in practice the day before the Northmen had attacked, her legs were cut in many places from the blades of the Northmen they had finally caught up with.

The centaurs had exacted their revenge, killing every Northman where they’d found them, even going so far as to leave their heads stuck on poles in the clearing where they met their end, as a warning to the others that abducting their girls would not be tolerated. Added emphasis came from the way that the three girls who were not walking back with them had met their end. They had been used and abused in the most horrendous ways imaginable. The Northmen had been cruel and merciless in their depravity; the centaurs even crueler in their vengeance. Some of the Northmen had no heads left to impale on poles, their skulls having been pulped under the angry hooves of the warrior mares until naught was left but a greyish stain in the snow from their brains. What was left of their bodies was impaled in place of their heads.

As she stared at that lifeless little arm and hand, her mind flashed back to a similar scene. She’d seen the battered face of the girl who belonged to that hand, but in her mind, she saw Cassandra again. She shuddered as she watched one of the mare’s pick up the lifeless body, making ready to set out again on the trail. The movement made the little arm flop and move in a lifeless mockery. Brighid gasped. It was Cassandra! It was happening all over again! She moaned as the image in her mind changed to a sturdy short girl with a calm and steady tone of voice. The tears spilt over her long lashes. Not Keleth! Never that for her!

She realized she missed her little attendant more than she would have imagined she could. They had only known each other a short time, but already the small human was an important part of Brighid’s life. Brighid shuddered and blinked away the vision.

The mare who had approached wanted to believe it was the cold that made her leader shiver. But the mares weren’t as susceptible to the chill as the humans were. Once more she spoke loudly to get the attention of her lieutenant. “Lieutenant, we’re ready to go. They are waiting for you.”

Brighid brushed away the tracks of wetness on her cheeks, not trusting her voice to respond; she nodded and made to put on her crested helm. The mare stepped in closer, concern in her eyes, misinterpreting the reason for the tears. In a softer voice she said, “Hey, Lieutenant, it’s okay, we were successful. You did well leading us.”

Again Brighid nodded, murmuring as her voice cracked with emotion, “Let’s go home, Sergeant.”

 

[Annisthyrienne]

The ground was trembling as Keleth woke, vibrating with dozen of heavy footfalls that were coming closer to Dyanna's pavilion. Keleth opened her eyes and tried to lift here head. The severe pain and dizziness was gone, but her head felt very heavy, and she wasn't sure that getting up was a possibility. She turned her head from side to side, but neither Brennan nor Dyanna were close by.

She instead heard them whispering to each other in the opening of the pavilion. The tone of the whispering was tense, even fearful. Keleth slowly rolled herself over, and tilted her head back. In this way, she could look at the mistress and attendant; the former had her arm around the latter, holding tightly. Keleth was struck by how they looked; like lovers, not like friends, not like their stations would suggest. Dyanna was not just holding and comforting. She was clutching and protecting her young lover.

Suddenly, the pair stopped whispering and listened. From across the camp, a loud female voice was heard, but Keleth, straining as hard as she could, didn't make out what the female, a centaur from the lower register, was saying. Dyanna and Brennan froze in place, trying to listen, but there was no sign that they understood either. After a few moments, a familiar voice sounded from near the entrance. It was Allison.

"The rescue party is returning, but they are very slow. They managed to rescue many attendants, but they were unclothed and needed to be kept warm. They are also carrying a severely injured warrior. The runner didn't say who. I sincerely hope it isn't Mistress Brighid." Suddenly, her voice became a hushed whisper, and she was speaking only to Dyanna as Brennan stayed very quiet. A few moments later, Allison was gone.

Dyanna moved back in the tent. There was a flurry of activity, with Brennan gathering the bow, a quiver of arrows and light armor. Keleth didn't speak, though her instinct was to help. She only heard Dyanna tell Brennan to stay and care for Keleth and do nothing else until Dyanna's return. Dyanna was quickly away, wearing a cloak over her armor, and Brennan was kneeling at Keleth's side, with a bowl full of water.

"Try to drink this, Keleth. Allison is going to bring us a meal. You need to get your strength up. My Mistress has forbidden me from leaving your side; not that I would. She is gone to help the rescue party if she can. They are at least a day out yet. "

Keleth tried to process everything, but her thoughts were muddled, not just by exhaustion, but also fear. Was her Mistress injured, perhaps dying? The idea made her start to shake, and she couldn't sip from the bowl of water. Brennan saw this and perhaps understood, because she shifted her position and laid Keleth's head in her lap, stroking her hair.

"I'm sure Mistress Brighid is well, Keleth. She's so strong and brave. She's probably leading the group back." Brennan seemed to know her words were empty, because they trailed into a whisper. Keleth shut her eyes tightly and wished that sleep would come back to her and she could avoid the fear, but now that she was awake, she could not forget it. It grew into a heavy weight in her stomach. Not even the smell of fresh stew and broth could make her feel hungry. Allison brought in a small tray with several bowls and Brennan was soon encouraging Keleth to take spoonfuls of broth. Keleth ate the broth, despite not really wishing too, and she found that it melted away some of her fear, and made her feel somewhat stronger.

After she finished her broth, Keleth turned herself over, and gazed at her two friends sitting together, eating their stew and watching over her. She wanted to say something confident, with strength and be her normal self, but she hesitated. How could she be herself when she was battered, tired, and unable to sit up on her own? That was no excuse, Keleth told herself. She was an attendant, she was strong, and she needed to get better. Gathering all her energy, she lifted herself up, moving her body enough so that she could lay against a nearby chest.

Brennan and Allison both saw and gasped, smiling, but still looking very nervous and protective.

"Don't worry about me so much, you two. I will mend. I have to be ready for my Mistress' return, don't I?" They nodded. "Good. Our pavilion is clean enough, but we will need water and food when my Mistress returns. I hope I can count on you for assistance, which I will repay in kind when I can. I would ask you to bathe me tomorrow morning so I'm fresh for my Mistress."

The energy to sit up and speak so much drained Keleth of the benefits of the meal of broth and she groaned. Allison came over quickly, helping Keleth lay back down, and Keleth soon was asleep again, with the last thought of fear, and of wishing to be in Brighid's arms again.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Allison watched her two newest friends as they slept. Brennan, the youngest of all the attendants in the camp, slept peacefully with her arm cradling her friend, Keleth, the newest, and among the smallest of all the girls. They looked so much at peace together lying there. Allison recalled the night she had first approached them. She remembered how she had reached for Keleth's hand in sympathy, and how Brennan had quietly but insistently took Keleth's hand away from her, to caress and stroke it soothingly. Allison realized with a sudden epiphany that there was more to their relationship than mere friendship. Her eyes widened slightly at the realization, and she looked at the two girls asleep in each other's arms with new eyes.

There had been times when she'd overheard Marissa's accusations, especially about the things young Brennan supposedly did with her Mistress. 'Horse fucker' they had called her. It had always been just rumors of course; no one would admit to such a thing, and so there could never be any certainty. But Allison had seen the two of them together here in Dyanna's own pavilion. And while she hadn't witnessed any contact between Brennan and Dyanna that she would deem 'inappropriate', she could tell that they were close. But unlike the venomous accusations that Marissa often spewed, Allison had witnessed no behavior that she would consider depraved or disgusting. Quite the contrary; Brennan cared for her Mistress with devotion and affection, even as sore as she was from the beating, and Dyanna returned the affection warmly. It was a beautiful relationship to see.

And it was clear that they both thought highly of Keleth too. They each cared for her with a tenderness that Allison wasn't used to seeing displayed by the mares of the camp, or from most of the attendants either. And from what she'd come to know of Keleth, she couldn't think of anyone more deserving of such devotion and care. Keleth seemed to be dedicated to serving her Mistress Brighid, and very respectful of all the mares. From what Allison had seen, Keleth revered Dyanna every bit as much as her own Mistress. And of course, Allison had heard more about the night her Mistress Vistia had been killed.

She reached out and stroked the hair back from Keleth's brow in a tender gesture. This small woman had held Vistia's head in her lap as those last few moments of life had ebbed away. The wound had been a fatal one; there was no hope of surviving it. The captain had only made the end quick and merciful. But it had been Keleth and Brennan who had tenderly cared for Vistia in her last moments of life. Allison would never forget that.

Allison caressed the small woman's cheek again, wondering about the intimacy between Keleth and Brennan. What would it feel like to know that kind of tenderness with another girl? She had not really been close with anyone in camp in her year and 2 months of service. Mostly she stayed to herself, didn't ruffle any feathers. Marissa essentially left her alone as long as she didn't cross her. And Allison had been good at keeping a low profile.

Her mistress, Vistia, had been only a corporal in the cavalry, not an officer. So there had been no particular notice paid to her or her attendant. She had been simply a good mare who did her job as a soldier well and lived a simple life when she could. Allison was well suited to be her attendant, satisfied to mind her own business and be left alone most of the time.

But lately Allison had wondered what she had been missing out on. What might it have been like to have friends here in the camp? What would it have been like to have a friend like Brennan, or Keleth? Being close to someone meant possibly being associated with the wrong side if someone like Marissa decided to take a dislike to your friends, Allison thought. But maybe it was worth the risk.

She found herself musing on these thoughts as she watched the other two girls sleeping in each other's arms. Even though both of them bore the signs of Marissa's wrathful attack, and no doubt suffered the pain as well, still they looked happier to be together than Allison had ever remembered feeling on her own. Suddenly she shivered, feeling not only the chill of the night, but also the chill of being outside of the warmth of any friendship.

Allison sighed as she snuggled down beside Keleth, turning to drape an arm around the smaller girl. She made sure the blankets were pulled up around all three of them, and pressed her body close to Keleth's in a spooning position. She felt Brennan stir a little and saw the sleepy eyed look of the girl as she raised her head up, regarding Allison's new position. Allison met the gaze and offered a smile. She warmed considerably when Brennan smiled in return and lay back down, wrapping an arm over Keleth's body between them, and caressing her hand along Allison's arm in acceptance and welcome. Allison felt the warmth they all three shared under the blanket, but the greatest comfort came from the feeling of warmth that blossomed within her.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

When Keleth opened her eyes again, she was very warm and drowsy. The smile faded quickly when she felt her arms restrained, and she thought for a moment about fighting before she realized that she was being held tightly by Brennan, and by Allison. The tension immediately relaxed, and Keleth sighed. Her lips were dry, and her stomach grumbled a little. She was finally feeling hungry, and the pain was a little less than before.

Seeing both girls, both friends holding her like this touched Keleth deeply, and she placed a delicate kiss on each forehead. Allison immediately opened her eyes, giving away that she wasn't asleep. Allison smiled warmly, and kissed Keleth's cheek.

"Allison, I'm very glad that you are here. Brennan has been caring for me, and doing it so well, but she needs a rest and she was injured by Marissa as well."

Brennan woke at the sound of her name and sat up. Both she and Allison looked down at Keleth, and Keleth took each of their hands, squeezing.

"Brennan, Allison, we are in this together. I know it isn't my decision to make, but without a mare to care for, I think Allison should stay with us. Since I cannot do much yet, Allison can help prepare Mistress Dyanna's and Mistress Brighid's pavilions for their return."

Allison flushed with color, though Keleth could tell there was still some grief over Vistia's death. Keleth wondered how close Vistia and Allison had been, guessing that it wasn't as close as she and Brighid were becoming. Brennan nodded, and was about to speak, but with a squeeze of Brennan's hand, Keleth stopped her.

"We can finish talking about this later, when our Mistresses return. We all need food and water. Water we have enough of, but I would like both of you to cross the camp and get dinner. Go straight there and straight back, in open view of those that remain. Do not speak to Marissa or acknowledge her if you see her."

Keleth was glad to hear the command in her own voice. Though her body was still weak, the shock of the attack had faded some, and her will was returning. She even sat up a little, though Brennan immediately gasped.

"Please don't get up yet, Keleth! You'll get hurt again!"

Keleth smiled weakly, but sat up anyway. Her body resisted, aching terribly, but she didn't get immediately dizzy, and Allison, seeing that Keleth wasn't going to lay back down, helped proper her up on several cushions.

"Once we have eaten, we should wash. I'm not going to be much help, but I feel very unkempt at the moment, and I don't want to be that way when my Mistress returns." Keleth did her best to sound hopeful, but she could hear the slight anxiety shake her voice slightly. Brennan immediately hugged her tightly, saying without words her hope that Brighid would return.

Keleth's eyes turned to Allison, who gazed at them with something like longing in her eyes, and Keleth reached out, with a warm smile. Keleth managed to give Brennan a squeeze with her arm, though she winced, then whispered, since her strength was ebbing again. "Go now. I think I can manage some stew, if that is what the cooks have. I need more than broth if I'm going to gain my strength."

Brennan and Allison stood, looking reluctant to leave Keleth alone, but they turned and finally left the pavilion. Keleth let out a groan of fatigue, and closed her eyes. She didn't want to tell Brennan and Allison that she was still very weak and was having difficult moving her legs. The healers hadn't found any significant back or leg injury, so it must just be general weakness. Keleth wanted to be able to move. This necessity to stay still was driving Keleth a little batty.

Next to her, several bowls, now empty of healing salves and potions were scattered, and leaning over to the side, Keleth managed to stack them together, though at the very end, a stabbing pain in her ribs forced her to stop and lay still. Her anger at Marissa bubbled to the surface, and for a few moments, she though about exacting a revenge, knowing she had allies now. She could get Marissa back, perhaps do a little damage of her own. But Keleth knew she couldn't exact violence in the same way, so she gave up the idea.

Dyanna and Brighid would deal with Marissa, probably though some official action, and that would have to be enough. Keleth closed her eyes again, and tried to imagine seeing Brighid's head pushing through the flap of the pavilion. Her eyes flowed open when that very sound hit her ears, but it was just Allison and Brennan returning with two trays of food.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Dyanna raced headlong through the darkness, trying to make as much distance up as possible before her wound in her flank began to ache too much. It was risky, trotting along in the dark of night like this. She could step in a gopher hole or some animal burrow and break her leg on top of her other injury if she were not careful. But she felt it important to reach the returning rescue party. She had to know who the injured mare was. She felt that she owed it to Keleth to protect and help Brighid in any way she could if it turned out to be her who was injured.

Luck was with her, and the ground under her feet was hard packed with the winter cold. She traveled nearly half the distance that first evening. She thought that if the returning party was still traveling towards the camp in her direction too, they should meet by mid morning of the next day. As she kept her pace, she processed what she would tell Brighid about the attack on Keleth and Brennan.

There would be no easy way to break the news. Dyanna felt guilty that she hadn't gone with the girls to fetch the water. Brighid had asked her to keep Keleth safe, and in fact had been particularly worried about them going after water alone. With the raid fresh in her mind, the cavalry lieutenant had been keen that the girls not be allowed to go anywhere outside of camp by themselves. And after the night the three of them had spent in pleasure together, Dyanna had been lulled into a sense of peace and security that she shouldn't have. She blamed herself for what happened to the girls, even though the attack had not come from Northmen raiders, but from a bratty bully instead.

She decided that she'd have to face Brighid and tell her the truth, and accept whatever blame Brighid held for her.

+++++++++++++

Allison set the tray containing the bowls of porridge down next to the sleeping pallet where Keleth lay. Brennan knelt beside her friend across from Allison. "We had no trouble, Keleth. We didn't even see Marissa. The camp is buzzing with the news, and it is hoped that the rescue party will make it back 'ere nightfall. Everyone is wondering which girls will be returning." Allison reported.

Brennan helped Keleth sit up and propped some pillows behind her back, then took a bowl and spoon to feed her friend some of the warm porridge. "The final numbers of casualties has come in." she said in a somber tone. "All together there were six losses among the mares, and eleven girls abducted from the mess tent. Depending on how many the rescue party will bring back, there may be a mismatch between the number of attendants and mares. In that event, some of the girls who have been here the longest might be allowed to go home to their families. But it's almost certain that several will be reassigned to different mares, those who may have lost their attendants in the raid."

As Brennan fed Keleth slowly, putting off her own meal until her friend had been cared for first, Allison stoked up the fire and put on water to heat for their bathing. She listened with interest as Brennan told of the rumors in camp. As she returned to her place at the other girls' side, she added, "I didn't realize it, but I am one of the girls who have been here the longest. I've not completed my two years of service; I've eight months left to go. But if it turns out that among those not reassigned I have been here the longest, they may decide to send me home." She dropped her gaze, her voice growing quiet and reflective. "I've always thought about what it would be like when that day came that my service was done and I could go home. But now that I've met the two of you and we've become friends, I'm not so sure I want to go. I'm hoping they will reassign me to another mare so we can stay together."

Brennan paused to look at Allison thoughtfully. She didn't know much about the girl, and at first she hadn't liked the idea of Allison horning in on her friendship with Keleth. But she'd finally come to understand that Allison meant no harm, and Keleth didn't like her any less for having befriended Allison too. So rather than compete for Keleth's friendship as rivals, Brennan thought it better to become friends with Allison too, thereby doubling her friends. She asked quietly, "Where are you from, Allison? Do you miss your family?"

Allison glanced up, startled out of her musing by the question. "Oh, I'm from the village of Glastonbury Dell, near the seacoast. It's a small fishing village, and not really much to go back to that is very exciting." She looked around as if able to see the whole of the camp instead of just the walls of the pavilion. "Nothing as exciting as all of this, that's for sure. I don't really have much family to go back to; just my uncle. And he is often out to sea on his fishing boat. I don't even know if he misses me."

Brennan reached over and squeezed Allison's arm, offering a smile of support. "I'm sure he does. Who wouldn't miss someone as pretty as you are?" Allison blushed and lowered her gaze as the thoughts came back to her of the sort of relationship that existed between Keleth And Brennan. Young Brennan was teased for being a 'horsefucker' by the bullies of Marissa's group, but what if her real affection was for other girls instead? 'Could she be interested in me?' Allison thought. And deep inside she felt a warm flush of excitement. What would it be like? What would it feel like to kiss her, to touch her, to be touched by her? Would Keleth join in?

Allison flushed with heat, her cheeks coloring pink as she murmured, "I suppose we should help Keleth get cleaned up now. The water should be just about right by now."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Dyanna galloped through the early morning mist as it hugged the hollows of the wild places. Her hindquarter was damp with blood from where she'd torn open a few stitches and opened her wound. She chided herself for ruining Keleth's fine work, but she would not have slowed down if it hadn't been forced upon her by the pain. She knew she shouldn't have pushed herself so hard so soon, but she needed to reach the returning party. She had to know which mare was injured.

Her breathing was heavy as she topped a small rise. She paused just for a moment to try to catch her breath, and there, on the horizon, a half mile distant, was the lead mares of the returning party, making their way down a hillside. From this distance, Dyanna could make out the two travois being pulled by a couple of the mares. One held the body of a centaur mare; the other was covered. Even from this distance, Dyanna could see something was wrong. The group seemed to be trying to hurry. Most of them were actually carrying the scantily clad attendants in their arms or even on their backs; something normally out of the question for a centaur. But it was clear they were trying to move more quickly than the girls could travel, and as she watched more and more of the mares coming into view, many of them were casting glances back over their shoulders.

The archer muttered a curse and started down the rise towards the group, pushing herself to reach them quickly. The lead mare spotted her coming and galloped forward to meet her. Dyanna recognized her as a sergeant of the cavalry, under Brighid's command. She gasped, her flanks heaving for breath. "Dyanna! I didn't expect to meet you out here. Thank the Goddess you've come! They are after us. One of the girls was hit by an arrow, and Hellena tried to get her, but they also shot Hellena before we knew they were there. The Northerners were trying to cut her off from the group when the lieutenant ordered us to get the girls as far away as possible. Then I heard her say something like, 'No more, no more!' just before she charged them. Dyanna, I'm worried about her. I think she's out of her mind. She hasn't been acting like herself."

Dyanna's blood ran cold as a lump formed in the pit of her stomach. She had a flash in her imagination of having to tell Keleth that her mistress would not be coming back. Her voice took on an edge as she replied, "Where are they, how far back? How many Northerners were they facing?"

The sergeant stammered, "The barbarians attacked just about twenty minutes ago. We haven't come but a league at most. Dyanna, there were at least ten of them, perhaps even a dozen coming out of the brush around Hellena and the girl. There is no way Brighid could fight them all, not even as good as they say she is. She's buying time for us with her life, that's all. You can't help her now."

Dyanna unlimbered her bow, cursing again under her breath, "Damned if I can't at least try!" She broke into a run, ignoring the pain in her hip as she thundered past the rest of the party, only now catching up and straggling by. Over her shoulder she shouted, "Get those girls back to camp as soon as you can! Stop for nothing!"

The sergeant could only shake her head as she watched the archer disappear over the horizon, wondering if she'd ever return.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Allison gently lifted Keleth's arm, mindful of the bruises that criss-crossed the smaller girl's breasts and ribcage. Brennan sponged the warm water delicately over her friend, supporting her with her other hand as Keleth sat up slightly. When she'd reached as much as she could, Allison took the sponge from her, continuing to wash Keleth's other side. The warm water trickled and ran down Keleth's ribs as Allison moved the sponge over her shoulder and under her arm, then tenderly washed her breasts and down her ribs. She handed the sponge back to Brennan to rinse it out and refresh it as she gently lowered Keleth's arm to her side again.

As Brennan re-wet the sponge, Allison eased Keleth back to the sleeping pad, then began to dry her with a towel while Brennan continued to wash her friend's belly and hips, and worked her way lower. Allison couldn't help sneaking glances, watching Brennan's actions carefully for any sign that she was taking a stronger interest in Keleth's body than merely bathing her. It certainly seemed as though it was taking a long time to wash her groin, Allison thought. Brennan seemed almost to be lingering there, rubbing the sponge over the same area several times. Suddenly Allison wondered if she ought to make up some excuse to leave the two other girls alone for a while.

She cleared her throat, smiling at Brennan. "I think I'll go fetch us all some food. That is if you can manage to finish up Keleth's bath by yourself, Brennan?" There was the hint of a knowing twinkle in her eyes as Allison glanced at Keleth before rising to leave the tent.

Brennan nodded, seemingly lost in her task. Even after Allison left, the sponge traveled over the delta of Keleth's sex once again.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Keleth wanted to enjoy the bath far more than she did. It wasn't just her injuries, or the fear of the unknown about the raiding party that kept her sexual excitement at bay. With Allison watching, she wasn't sure how far Brennan would go in exploring, or how Allison would react. They had shared a wonderful night sleeping in a heap together, holding on for warmth, but was there affection there as well?

With Brennan spending some extra time washing and watching Keleth's sex during the bath, Keleth did feel some stirrings, and just as Allison rose and opened her mouth to speak, Keleth uttered a soft whimper of pleasure. Keleth was snapped out of that delightful feeling by Allison's words.

"I think I'll go fetch us all some food. That is if you can manage to finish up Keleth's bath by yourself, Brennan?"

Brennan didn't respond, still washing Keleth's inner thighs, seemingly in a trance. Keleth's eyes met Allison's and there was a new understanding there. Allison suspected a deeper attachment between Keleth and Brennan, and Keleth had no reason to deny it, so she smiled and nodded knowingly.

"I think Brennan will be fine, and we would both appreciate some food. Thank you very much, Allison, you've been a great help so far."

Brennan moved the sponge back over Keleth's sex and Keleth found herself moaning now that they were completely alone.

"Brennan, dear friend, if you keep rubbing there, my pearl of pleasure might fall off!" Keleth teased, and Brennan looked up, a little embarrassed, but she also smiled.

"I just like seeing your flower like this, Keleth. It's so beautiful!" She then turned red and looked at the tent flap. "Do you think Allison suspects something? I guess she left rather abruptly."



"I think she does, but that's not a bad thing. Remember, she's lost her mare, and although I don't think she was as close to her mare as we are to ours, she's still craving some friendship. I don't think anything we do will upset her, so don't worry." Brennan still looked a little concerned, so Keleth reached out and took Brennan's hand with a slight wince.

"Dear friend, we have more important concerns now with our mares returning to us. We will likely have to tend wounds, and it may be Brighid's time when she returns. I would ask your help with that if Dyanna doesn't need as much tending to. If she does, I will ask Allison." Brennan at first looked delighted, then a little upset. Keleth expected this reaction and stayed firm.

"Your first duty is to your own Mistress, Brennan. I know you have always wished to spend more time with Brighid, and I hope that you will. But you should remember what it feels like to have your Mistress' arms around you. I remember how you told me about that when I first met you. We both have that now, and I'm very happy."

Brennan nodded and dried Keleth quickly. She sat for a moment at Keleth's side, then leaned over, kissing Keleth's lips softly. It wasn't a chaste kiss, though still a little tentative. Keleth's lips responded eagerly, the feeling of friendship and pleasure soothing away her pain. There seemed to be something in loving pleasure that was healing. Perhaps helping with a mare's time would increase healing for an injury. Maybe having it be a mare's time wouldn't matter.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Allison strode across the quiet camp, aware that there was little movement or loud chatter. Any human or centaur that was visible to Allison was either standing guard, quickly moving across the camp on some task, or having a whispered conversation. Outside the warmth of the tent with Brennan and Keleth, the camp was grim.

Not wanting to give into the cold, Allison entered the mess tent, finding a small group of attendants, Marissa among them, eating and talking quietly. They didn't pay any attention to Allison, but few people ever did. She had a quick conversation with the nearest cook, got a tray with three bowls of stew and a flagon of water, and left the tent.

The sky was gray, and the scent of the air threatened a snow storm. Allison thought immediately of spending a cold, snowy night in the arms of Brennan and Keleth, and her body suddenly warmed completely through. A tingling between her legs made the image in her mind shift to one with naked skin and lots of caressing.

With this thought, she held the tray and managed to get the tent flap open with her foot. Allison saw Brennan kissing Keleth deeply, not in chaste friendship, but with the passion of lovers.

Allison's heart pounded and she froze in place, the pair of attendants in full view of the camp behind Allison. The kiss was broken and Keleth was staring at Allison.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

The tent flap opened, revealing Allison with a tray of food, and the kiss was broken. Allison's mouth was open in surprise, and she was in danger of dropping the stew for each of them.

"Allison, please come in and set the meal down on the table." Keleth's voice was firm, and Allison did come in quickly.

"While I don't mind you seeing how close Brennan and I are - and we are much closer than friends as you have likely guessed - I don't want the general camp to know." Allison still looked surprised, and didn't meet the eyes of either of the other girls. Keleth, studying Allison's reaction, detected something else in her look and how she stood. Allison was jealous and felt a little left out.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Dyanna hadn't galloped far when she topped a rise and beheld a scene that brought a groan of despair to her lips. In the valley below, a centaur mare was down, holding the body of an unconscious human girl to her torso. Even from this distance, Dyanna could make out the feathered shaft in the girl's body, and another in the front hip joint of the mare. Surrounding the two were no fewer than ten Northmen, warily keeping their distance from the final player in the unfolding drama. Those on one side would dart in, feigning an attack to draw the remaining mare over to counter, only to withdraw again, staying out of the reach of her greatsword. Then the barbarians on the other side would dart in, forcing the warrioress to wheel and bound to meet them. Occasionally, one side or the other would score a hit, and the warrior mare was bleeding heavily from no fewer than half a dozen fresh wounds. Her chestnut coat ran red with her blood.

Dyanna could see the intent of their tactic. The Northerners knew that the last remaining mare could not stand against them for long. She was already weary and weakening further with each charge, yet she could not risk not responding to each of their attacks. It would only take one breakthrough to end the scene horribly. If they reached the downed mare and her human charge, there would be no saving them. The struggle would soon be over for all of them.

Already Dyanna could see the sides of the remaining warrioress, lathered with sweat, steaming in the chill air as her lungs worked like a bellows to meet the demands of her body's exertions. Her movements betrayed her dire condition as she stumbled, nearly faltering, only to lunge at a Northerner who'd ventured too close. Dyanna heard the metallic clang of their weapons clashing as she reached for the arrows in her quiver, taking half a dozen in hand. It was past time to even the odds a bit.

From her vantage point on the crest of the hill, she had yet to be noticed by the barbarians. She nocked an arrow and bent her bow back with powerful muscles in her shoulders and back. Aiming carefully, she loosed her first shot, then repeated the process in rapid succession. The archery skills of a trained centaur was second only to those of their sylvan cousins, the elves, and Dyanna was known for her prowess. Before the first yard long shaft found it's intended target, two more shots were arcing their way through the chill air. But she did not hesitate to see the results. Draw, aim, and shoot. Draw, aim, and shoot, over and over until she had no more arrows in her hand. The Northerners on one side of the surrounding circle dropped in quick succession, suddenly finding themselves transfixed with a feathered shaft longer than their own arms before they even knew there was another enemy in the area.

It took a full minute and another lunge in their direction, mistaking their sudden death movements for another attempt at attacking, before the warrior mare realized the threat from that side was lessening. She hadn't time to search for the cause, and instead wheeled about with the last reserves of her strength and charged down upon the remaining foes. Her huge sword flashed in the sun, catching the light and casting it back in glinting reflection as she harvested heads, limbs, and blood on her right flank and then her left. Screams of dying men echoed off the hills around the little hollow, punctuated by the thunder of steel shod war hooves. Those whom the sword did not dispatch met their fate in vicious kicks that crushed their skulls, or pulped their bodies. For the warrior mare, it was a bizarre dance of death.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Dyanna galloped down the hillside, determined to reach the side of the wounded mare and the human girl she held in her arms. Hellena looked up, her face alight with relief at the sight of an ally come at last to change their fate. She'd thought for sure that it would only be a matter of time before the Northmen wore Brighid down and came for them afterwards. "Dyanna! Thank the Mother! We thought it was over for us."

Dyanna knelt by the side of her fallen comrade, checking the condition of the unconscious human girl in her arms. The attendant had an arrow in her shoulder, just above her breast. She was pale and cold, but she was breathing. Dyanna turned her attention to Hellena. "Can you walk, Sister?"

Hellena nodded, though the pain in her eyes was obvious. "I think so, but only slowly. The arrow is in my front hip. I'll need a shoulder to lean on." Dyanna nodded and then looked to the third member of the little party. Her eyes darkened as she rose to approach the warrior mare cautiously. Sometimes the blood lust remained upon them and they could not tell friend from foe.

Brighid's head hung low on her chest, eyes unseeing. Her shoulders were slumped in exhaustion. Her sides billowed in and out with the raspy wheezing of her breathing. Her arms hung limply at her side, sword point drooping to the ground. She didn't look up as Dyanna approached. Dyanna spoke quietly. She'd seen mares like this before, when their life was nearly at an end. "Brighid, it's me, Dyanna. The Northmen are gone or slain. You did it. Hellena and the girl are safe. Now we need to get them back home, Brighid. We all need to get back to camp."

The blond-tressed head slowly stirred, lifted as if it took supreme effort to do so. From this close, Dyanna could see the stream of crimson that flowed from the several cuts and gashes on Brighid's human torso and equine flanks. She could detect the pink spray from the blood that expelled with each heaving breath. To her alarm, Dyanna watched as Brighid's eyes took several seconds to focus on her. The dim gleam of recognition finally shone in her eyes.
Brighid's voice was a raspy wheeze as she barked out, "Dyanna..........here? Keleth? Safe?"

"She is with Brennan, in my pavilion. They are safe enough now." Dyanna wondered how she could bring up the attack and her blame in it. In the next moment, she knew she had to find the words.

Brighid rasped, "Tell her......am sorry. She.....was good.....for me." Dyanna replied, "You'll tell her yourself. We'll get you back to her." Already Brighid was shaking her head in denial. She didn't think she'd make it, but Dyanna had to make her believe it.

She blurted out, "Brighid, Keleth needs you, she's hurt badly. She and Brennan.....they were attacked, on their way to get water from the spring. She needs you, Brighid; you've got to come back to her." Brighid's head lifted, the hurt in her eyes showing, the glint slowly changing to a fire of anger.

"Who? Those savages?"

"No. It was Marissa. I take responsibility, but Brighid, you have to make sure she doesn't get away with it. Marissa went way too far this time. The Captain will only cover for her again, like always, unless you are there to back up the girls. You were a paladin of Epona before all this. Have you forgotten your vow? You swore to defend and uphold the weak, to seek justice for the oppressed. Well there are two girls who need you to do that now, and a whole camp full of others who might be Marissa's next targets if she gets away with this again."

Brighid lifted her head, and met Dyanna's gaze. The archer could see the fire of determination in the eyes that met hers, and she felt relief flood her core. She slung her bow over her shoulder and moved quickly forward to slip under Brighid's arm, helping to support the exhausted mare. Together they moved over to Hellena and helped her to her feet between them, each offering what support they could to each other. All three mares were wounded, and the girl they carried was hurt as well. But they slowly began to make their determined way back to their camp. Back home.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Brennan looked up, startled at Allison's unannounced arrival, but quickly waved her in. She stood up and took the tray from Allison's unsteady hands, setting it down on a nearby table. Turning back to the blushing blonde attendant, she chimed in with Keleth. "So Allison, now you know about us. I'm sure you must have suspected something. But do you think it's really so bad? We aren't hurting anyone, and it feels really good to have someone like Keleth as a friend, and even more than a friend."

Allison shrugged shyly, uncertain of where she stood with the other two girls. So far they had been welcoming and accepting of her, but this was quite a bit to take in all at once. "Well, I did wonder about the two of you. But it's not really any of my business, only...."

Brennan noticed the hesitation, she knelt by Keleth's side, slipping her hand over her friend's. "Only what, Allison? You can speak freely around us. We're your friends too." She reached out across Keleth's body to Allison, offering a gesture of friendship and reassurance.

Allison smiled and knelt by Keleth's side, reaching out to take Brennan's hand. "Well, it's just that, with Mistress Vistia gone, I have nobody in camp that I really know that well. These last couple days with you and Keleth have been the best days I've ever spent in this camp in all my time here. And when I saw you two kissing, I felt....well, I felt left out. I wondered what it would feel like to be kissed that way, to have someone who liked me enough to kiss me like that." She trailed off shyly, blushing deeply.

Brennan glanced at Keleth meaningfully, one eyebrow lifting in an unspoken question. At Keleth's nod, Brennan turned back to Allison. She smiled and leaned over Keleth slightly, using her grip on Allison's hand to pull her closer. She spoke softly, "Allison...."

Allison lifted her eyes to meet Brennan's and found herself caught by her gaze, leaning in slightly. Brennan slowly leaned in closer, bringing her lips to meet Allison's softly, parting slightly as she kissed her. The kiss was gentle and soft, sensual, and it sent a thrill through Allison that made a warm feeling blossom and spread in her belly. As Brennan broke the kiss at last, she smiled and continued, "It looks like someone likes you enough to kiss you that way, right, Keleth?"

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Sundown.

The camp seemed to be holding its collective breath, waiting for an outcome that was improbable, yet fervently hoped for. As the minutes turned into hours, and the last rays of the sun faded from the sky above, the collective mood began to darken. Expectations of a successful and safe homecoming of the rescue party and the abducted attendants were beginning to diminish. Morale was being affected, and nerves of both the centaurs and humans in camp were strained to the breaking point. But the most notable symptom was the unnerving quiet that had settled over the camp.

Suddenly a shout broke the stillness of the evening, and the sound of voices raised in excitement echoed throughout the camp. Faces appeared in the parted flaps of personal pavilions, eager to see what the excitement was about. From the direction of the northernmost gate, a gathering of curious onlookers began to form around a rag-tag string of bone weary mares entering the camp. The eager crowd slowed the progress of the returning party as mares who had stayed behind rushed forward to gather their retrieved attendants, and equally eager attendants surged in to catch a glimpse of the returning mares, looking to see who's mistress was wounded, and who would need tending.

Before the scene could devolve into chaos, the camp guards moved in to provide a clear passage for the returning party. An astonished hush fell over the crowd as the condition of the returning party became apparent. The mares that were less wounded carried some of the attendants, in some cases even upon their backs. It was a shocking thing to see under normal circumstances.

But the circumstances were far from normal. If anything, it emphasized the desperation of the situation. The human girls were suffering from frostbite and exposure. Many of the mares were limping and wounded. Human and centaur alike were completely exhausted. Near the end of the line, two mares pulled a travois containing their fallen sister behind them, unable to walk on her own. Another two pulled a second travois containing the covered bodies of three young human women, limp and lifeless.

The cost had been high, but the mares had returned with the abducted girls. But not all of them had returned. Twenty mares had set out to rescue the eleven girls who had been taken. Only eighteen mares and ten girls were accounted for.

As they made their way slowly through the camp, their pathway lined with onlookers, the silence suddenly was broken by a single pair of hands clapping. That pair was joined by another, then half a dozen more. The mares looked up, their faces showing their surprise at the sound. The attendants in their arms and on their backs - those who were able - joined in on the applause. Soon the entire camp was applauding and cheering as the party wound its way to the mess tent where the whole thing started.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Sasha's Post

Keleth felt her strength waning, and wanted to at least manage her meal, so she hushed her two friends and motioned for Allison to serve them. After she did, and after Keleth had managed a few bites on her own, she looked at Allison and spoke.

"Brennan and I are close friends now, and we are intimate friends. We have shared each other’s company at night and given each other pleasure as well." Allison looked a little surprised, but didn't say anything. Brennan blushed and smiled, nodding to confirm Keleth's words.

"It is difficult to accept these circumstances; to live side by side with a warrior and to see death every day. I've only been here a short time and I hate every minute of it. But I have made friends: my Mistress, Brennan, Mistress Dyanna, and now you to, Allison. You need not feel pressure to join us, to find your own friend or lover, or worry that you might get in between us."

Keleth took a few steadying breaths and a few bites. Her energy was ebbing, but this was important. Her thoughts were also turning towards Brighid; wondering if she would return, and what state she would be in if she returned. Keleth didn't feel strong enough to face the possibilities yet.

"I need to sleep for a while, both of you, so while I sleep, I want you to get to know each other. We've seen now that we need allies among the humans in camp, as well as the mares. Marissa and her friends won't stop at just a beating, if it doesn't get them satisfaction. I don't want to force it, but I think you two, and I, could be very good friends, pleasuring or not." At the last few words, Keleth closed her eyes. She knew she should eat more, but rest seemed the easier option. She reached a hand out, and Brennan took it. She reached out her other hand and Allison took it. Then she brought them together, smiled and fell asleep.

Brennan and Allison held hands and gazed at each other, then moved away to talk. Brennan quietly and shyly shared what she and Keleth had done together. Allison was very curious, and the image of the two girls naked and embracing made her body tingle and become warm, especially between her legs. After they ate, they spoke some more, but about their lives and histories. Allison was feeling much closer to Brennan, and at a pause in their conversation, their eyes met and Allison leaned in for what would be her first initiated kiss of a girl, when suddenly there was a loud call from across the camp.

At once, from the commotion and the voices they could hear, the three humans knew that the raiding party had returned. Brennan looked hopeful, and joined Allison who had gone immediately to the tent flap to look out. Keleth awoke, groggy and sore, and instantly had an ominous feeling.

Although there was clapping and cheering, other sounds filtered in. A call for a healer went out. The commander’s voice demanded drink and food for the mares, and blankets for the humans. The cheering faded very quickly, and whispers and muttering replaced cheering. Brennan and Allison looked at each other, frowning.

"Allison, go and find out what has happened. It's time for a meal, I think, and I could eat some more. Brennan, stay with me." Keleth was fighting back a wave of emotions and did not want to be alone. Brennan was someone she could confide in, and even crying with.

Allison nodded and left. Brennan watched Allison go, then returned to Keleth's side. Brennan tried to speak several times, but could not. Through the tent flap, it was difficult to make out the faces of all the mares who passed by. It was possible that Dyanna and Brighid had been elsewhere, engaged in some other duty, but Brennan had not seen her Mistress, or Keleth's. She could not bring herself to tell Keleth this, but Keleth had closed her eyes.

Keleth, now that she was alone with Brennan, gave into silent sobs, with tears streaming down her cheeks. She knew, somehow, that Brighid was likely injured, and might possibly be dead. Brighid had made some strides towards control and understanding since Keleth had arrived in camp. No longer dependent on wine, opening up to Keleth and even beginning a connection with Brennan were all good signs. But Brighid was still headstrong, and slightly reckless, and those traits could have made her do something rash during the rescue effort.

Keleth's tears brought tears from Brennan, who had her own fears about Dyanna. The two wept together; Brennan holding Keleth. Their anxious crying was interrupted by Allison, who ducked into the tent and looked very upset. She carried a tray with only bread, cheese, and a flagon of water. She opened and closed her mouth several times, placed the tray onto the wooden table, and then looked at the floor and whispered.

"Several mares are injured, and several girls are dead." Allison paused, then continued without lifting her face up. "Mistress Brighid and Mistress Hellena are both missing. And there were mutters that Mistress Dyanna has suddenly disappeared. No one is sure if they will return." She then added, "I'm so sorry."

Keleth felt Brennan bury her face in Keleth's shoulder and give into more sobbing. Now that she had heard the news, Keleth's fears and tears stopped. Missing did not mean dead, so there was a sliver of hope in the news. Allison finally looked at Keleth, and Keleth's eyes asked for more information. Allison gave a slight nod.

"If the missing mares are on their way, they might not arrive for hours. A girl is still missing and they might have her." Allison shrugged.

"Then we will just have to wait and see. Let's eat and rest. We won't be..." Keleth had to swallow and take a breath before continuing, "…needed tonight, I suppose."

Dinner was slow, but silent. None of the three had much stomach for food, but they finished the bread and cheese anyway. After the meal, Allison and Brennan kept busy by checking Keleth's bandages. Her wounds were healing well, but she was still very bruised. It would likely be another day or two before she could stand and perhaps walk around a little outside the tent.

They curled up together on the sleeping pads much earlier than they normally would have, but there was nothing else to be done. Keleth fell into a fitful sleep easily, but Brennan and Allison both lay awake for a long time, still hearing talk and motion outside in the main camp.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

((ShireWolfe's Post))

The sun was just starting to rise as Kaya approached the outskirts of the camp. She could already sense that familiar, comforting, scent of centaur mares on the wind that blew into her face, which helped ease her tense nerves somewhat. Her front hoof stomped the ground slightly, betraying her anxiousness, as she watched the camp ahead of her, those dirty white pavilions turned golden red by the early morning sun, the wooden stakes around the perimeter seemed as if tipped in blood. It was an ominous feeling for the young recruit.

With a deep sigh, she shifted the pack on her back, and heard the arrows shift in her quiver. It was Kaya's first time away from her homeland, which was enough to make anyone nervous, but she was there to join the force of mares fighting for the humans as well. It wouldn't be any good to wait any more. As she moved closer to the camp, she swallowed heavily, trying to keep the nerves and anxiety which wriggled and squirmed like a knot in her stomach from showing on her face as she approached the two mares guarding the entrance to the camp, steeling herself.

“Eh? What've we got here, Ardra?” The burliest guard mare queried, her coat, hair, and tail all the shade of midnight black, while she smirked over at her compatriot, a mare with a blonde, almost golden coat. “Looks like a little lost filly, Eppa. What are you doing here, filly? Commander needs a new errand girl? We need fighting mares, not fillies barely off the teat.” Kaya frowned at the words of the two veteran soldiers. She had admired and looked up to the example they set when they had galloped north, off to fight for the human kingdom. To have them now treat her as a child when she had finally been chosen to help in that cause was infuriating. But she wouldn't give them the satisfaction of becoming angry and throwing a tantrum like a filly.

“There are no more fighting mares,” Kaya replied, fighting to keep her voice even and her temper under check. “There's just foals and nags left now. The Herd Elders sent me to fight, so let me pass or summon your captain, please. I have my orders with me.” The young mare replied, patting the laden saddlebag on her flank opposite her quiver. The two guards exchanged glances before the dark mare, Eppa, sighed and moved out of the way. “Well, on you go then, filly.”

Trotting forward as the path into camp was now clear, Kaya's tail flicked and twitched with irritation, but soon that irritation gave way to excitement as she moved around in the camp, her pale blue eyes darting around, watching everything curiously. There were mares moving around, clearly off duty or doing certain odd chores, as well as a veritable horde of human mares carrying firewood, pieces of arms and armour, arrows, trays of food, and buckets of water. They all seemed to be running from tent to tent, all of which were marked with ribbons and standards that seemed to mark the owner of the tent. She absently noted how similar it was to the stallions back home weaving feathers and river beads into their manes and tails.

As she wandered across the outer camp, a frown began to form on the face of the young mare. She didn't know camp protocol, nor the location of its commander. She didn't even know if she'd be given a pavilion of her own. Sighing softly, she reached out to grasp the arm of a passing attendant who didn't seem to have any current duties, stopping the girl in her tracks.

“Where is the captain and the quartermaster?”

 

[Annisthyrienne]

The mousy-brown haired girl's eyes locked on the strong hand that caught her arm, then followed it up the slender but strong arms to the pronounced shoulders of an archer centaur female. This was a mare the girl had never seen in camp before, if 'mare' would even be the proper term. This one didn't look to be any older than she herself was, Julia thought. And judging by the request she made, she must have been new in camp. Well, Julia thought, after recent events, they could use some new blood.

Julia had been one of the lucky ones. She'd been trying to make her way to the mess tent to join the other girls during the raid, but had been trapped hiding near some hay bales next to the farrier's tent. She had hid there, not daring to come out while the wild Northmen were running through the camp. She'd seen bits and pieces of the battle carnage as is raged all around her, and it was not something she ever wanted to see again. That was six days before.

The mares had sent a rescue party after the girls who had been taken by the barbarians, and the party had only returned late the night before, bone weary and with many wounded mares, seven half frozen girls, and three girls who would never worry about the cold again. Julia shuddered at the thought. It could have been her just as easily had fate not been so fickle that night. Now she awaited a new assignment, since the mare she'd been assigned to had been wounded so badly in that same raid that she was not expected to survive. Her mistress was laid up in the infirmary tent, receiving better care than she could have provided.

Now this young mare was asking her for directions, and it reminded Julia that life in the camp would go on. The war would go on, and she would be assigned to another mare, perhaps even this one, and her duties would go on, until her two years were up and she could go home again and forget that somewhere, lives were spent and lost on behalf of her king and country.

Julia met the eyes of the young mare, and nodded. "I will show you, Mistress. Follow me, this way." As she led the way, she pointed out a few of the features that any newcomer would need to know: the mess tent, the farrier's tent, the quartermaster's supply tent, and finally, moments later, Julia pulled back the tent flap to the command administration tent. "Right inside here is the camp Commander, Mistress. All new arrivals report here first. You'll be given your billeting assignment, and perhaps even be assigned an attendant to help you, like me. Just go on inside and they'll help you from here on out."

As Julia held open the tent flap, the sounds of intense conversation could be heard from inside.

"They should have been back by now."

"I agree, if they are coming back at all. But you heard the sergeant's report, Commander. The Lieutenant went back to buy them time to get away. She couldn't possibly have held all those Northmen off by herself. It's exactly this sort of thing I was worried about when I ordered her not to go."

"We both know Brighid has surprised us before; surprised everyone. If anyone could get them back, it would be her. Still, you're right. They should have been back by now if she'd been successful. The scouts reported just yesterday that the entire party were only a little more than a day out of camp, and that they would return by nightfall last night. They were a little late, but they made it back. Brighid couldn't be too far behind them. She is overdue."

"Commander, Brighid has not been herself lately. She's been....well, different...withdrawn, moody. There are rumors...."

"I've heard some of them, Captain. I know what they are saying about her. But I knew her before all this, and I cannot believe she is that far gone. We cannot simply abandon them out there somewhere without knowing for certain what their fate was. Remember, it's not just Brighid alone that we're talking about here. There is Hellena, and the other attendant girl. Not to mention Dyanna, although why she went out after them when she should have been recuperating in her quarters is beyond me. She's not even a member of the cavalry." The voice of the Commander paused before continuing. "We need to know what happened to them. We need to know for sure. All this guessing is getting us no where."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Sasha's Post

The next morning, Allison awoke first, and knew immediately that it was very early. Inside the tent was still mostly dark, and the camp sounded eerily quiet. Normally, guards were getting their morning meals before going on duty, and the sounds of the scullery, of the armory, and the rousing of other mares and humans could be heard. No doubt the majority of the camp was exhausted after the return of the rescue party, after caring for the wounded and tending to the dead.

After using the remainder of the water from the flagon to wash her face, Allison slipped out of the tent to get breakfast. Her stiff legs and arms needed some movement, so she decided to walk around the outside of the camp, behind most of the tents for a little exercise. She rubbed her arms for warmth, hoping that the sun would finally peek over the trees.

Two new tents had been quickly erected to tend to the wounded mares and humans. The typical sounds of healing and care came from them.

She heard quiet conversations from tents where the occupants were awake, but none of the talk was worth listening to until she passed by the largest tent, the administrative tent. She immediately recognized the Captain’s and the Commander's voices. She heard them directly discussing Brighid, Hellena, and Dyanna.

Still alive? Fighting for survival? Should be back by now? The situation sounded dire.

Allison stood stock still, wondering what would be done to find out about the three mares. No decision was made, but a new voice joined the conversation, a new mare. The conversation became quiet and very difficult to hear, and Allison didn't dare get closer and risk being discovered.

She crept awake, shaking, unsure what to do. She decided quickly on going to the mess tent, getting her own breakfast, then taking breakfast to the others. The mess tent was very quiet, with few healthy attendants up and so many others being tended to in the medical tents. Allison ate her porridge alone, then request porridge, water, and an herbal infusion for Keleth for her recovery. All was provided, quietly and quickly, and Allison walked back across the camp directly. Her stomach churned at the thought of telling her friends more bad news, but she had to say something.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Allison crossed the camp, preoccupied, trying to figure out how she would break the news to Keleth and Brennan, or even if she should. They had been on the edge of their nerves, hoping that their mistresses would come back at any moment and be safe once again. But the news from last night had not been promising, and the overheard discussion she had to report this morning was even worse news. Or at least it was rife with uncertainty and would strain their nerves even further. How was Keleth ever supposed to heal under so much strain, Allison wondered.

Still, she admired the small statured girl for her inner strength and self control. Even in the midst of her anxiety about her mistress, she was in control, lending what strength of will she had to young Brennan and even to Allison. Keleth might be small in height, but she was a giant in composure and will, and sheer determination to carry on. For Allison herself, there was no question. Her Mistress Vistia had died the night of the raid. She had taken time to grieve for a night or two, but there had not been the deep connection that she sensed there was between Brennan and Dyanna, or between Keleth and Brighid. But even Brennan had seen her mistress alive and mostly well only two days before. Keleth had no such comfort. Allison wondered how the small woman would react. Would she seek comfort in Brennan's arms? Would she accept comfort from Allison's arms if it were offered?

At last she slipped through the opening in the tent flap, trying not to open the gap to let any more of the morning's chill in than necessary. She set the tray of porridge on the wooden table, then stoked up the fire a bit, putting some water on nearby to warm up in case the other two girls felt like freshening up. Although she tried to be quiet, she realized her shuffling around must have awoken Keleth when she heard the quite controlled voice speaking low and softly behind her. She must be trying not to awaken Brennisen, Allison thought. But she could detect a quaver in Keleth's voice as she asked a simple query, "Any news?"

Allison sighed heavily. There would be no easy way to say it, so all she could do was be truthful. She composed her face before turning back towards Keleth and crossed the tent towards her, bringing a bowl of porridge on the way, as well as the herbal infusion. "I brought you some breakfast, Keleth, and some water infused with healing herbs to help you get better. I can help you sit up to drink it if you'll let me."

Allison could see the look of impatience on Keleth's features, but she insisted on coming over and helping the other girl sit up, bringing the cup to her lips. After a moment's stubborn hesitation, she sighed. "Look, I will tell you what I overheard at the administration tent if you drink this first. Deal?"

After a moment's hesitation, the anticipation to know what was happening became too much to bear for Keleth. She nodded and complied as Allison held the cup to her lips, patiently waiting as she drank the infusion as best she could. When she'd come up gasping for air the second time, Allison figured that she'd done what she could, and set the cup down, then eased Keleth tenderly back to the sleeping pallet. She took Keleth's hand in hers, and gently shook Brennan awake as well. When the younger girl was finished rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, Allison began.

"This morning I was headed to the mess tent to get us all some breakfast. Brennan, there is a bowl of porridge for you on the tray over there. But I felt like I wanted to take a bit of a walk around the camp to stretch my muscles after the tense night we had. Well, while I was passing the Administration tent, I overhead a conversation between the Commander and the Captain of the cavalry unit that your mistress and mine both served."

Allison heard the quick gasped intake of breath Keleth gave as she took note of the use of the past tense of the word 'served'. Her eyes widened in alarm as she realized her mistake and she quickly hurried on, giving Keleth's hand a squeeze. "I heard them talking about the missing members. The Commander said they were overdue, and should have been back by now, based on the scout reports from the day before yesterday."

"But the Captain said that they ought to have been back if they were coming at all. The Captain even said that she ordered Mistress Brighid not to lead the rescue party, and that she went anyway. She said this was exactly the sort of thing she was afraid of happening. She said the sergeant's report indicated that Mistress Brighid was only buying the rest of them time to get away, with her life. Keleth, they said there were at least ten of the Northmen that she was facing! The Captain said that there was no way Mistress Brighid could hold them all off."

"But the Commander disagreed, saying that Brighid had surprised them all before, and could do it again. But even she said that the Captain could be right, that they should have been back by now if Brighid had been successful." Allison felt and saw the hitch in Keleth's breathing that betrayed the sob, and squeezed her hand gently. She saw the tears begin to well up and fall in both girls' eyes, and she hastened on with her report.

"The Commander still didn't want it give up on them though. She said she knew Brighid, and if anyone could get them home it would be her. The Captain tried to point out that it was probably a lost cause, because of the rumors going around camp that Mistress Brighid has not been herself lately, and that she's been troubled and ill, and notably reckless. But the Commander would not give up. She said that she knew Brighid before the war, and knew what she was like then, and still had hope. As I listened, it seemed like the Commander was in favor of sending someone out to find out for sure what became of them. She said it didn't do anyone any good to stand around asking questions; that they had to know for sure. They owed it to all of them to find out."

Allison paused for breath, having practically gushed the last part out hoping to offer some sort of hope to her two new friends to ease their emotional pain. "I think they are planning to send someone out to find them."

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Dyanna was worried. She was supporting Hellena's wounded side with her arm around her shoulders while the wounded attendant was draped across her back. Her flank wound was aching and bleeding from where she'd popped a few of Keleth's fine stitches. Even supporting Hellena, she was limping from her own injury. The cold was biting all of them as the wind whipped across the grasslands. She didn't know if the wounded girl on her back would make it back alive. The arrow wound in her shoulder was making it even harder for her to breath with the cold.

But as bad as all these problems weighed on her, Dyanna was most worried about the warrior mare who walked slowly along nearby. Her head was hung low on her chest. Her breathing was labored, her sides heaving with the effort. Blood still flowed from at least half a dozen wounds on the warrior's body and legs. There had been no time to bind them back at the scene of the battle; they'd needed to put some distance between them and the possibility of other Northmen still lurking in the area.

Dyanna knew something had to be done, and soon. She'd only managed to get Brighid to respond before by holding out the notion that Keleth needed her protection, and Marissa needed to be brought to account foe her deeds. It had brought Brighid back from believing she was finished, and waiting to die. But now, as Dyanna stole yet another concerned glance over at the cavalry mare, she noted that the trudging steps had begun to falter. The limp had become a pronounced stumble about every third step, and the great body swayed as if reeling from drunkenness.

But Dyanna knew that Brighid had not been drinking since Keleth became her attendant. She knew that the sheer stubbornness to go on could only take Brighid so far. The warrior had spent herself completely. It was pure willpower that drove her to place one hoof in front of the other. But Dyanna knew she couldn't make it back on determination alone. She bid Hellena to stop for a rest break, gently lowering the wounded mare to the ground, and laying the wounded human girl next to her in the soft grass. She watched as Brighid continued taking a few more faltering steps, seemingly oblivious that the others had stopped. Was she just being stubborn, Dyanna wondered?

She approached the warrior mare cautiously, coming up beside her, slipping an arm around her waist to help her. "Brighid, you need a rest. We have to stop now."

Brighid slowly turned in the direction of the soothing voice of the archer mare, as if in a daze and unsure of who had spoken to her. Her eyes slowly focused as she continued to stagger along. After a few long moments, she spoke, her voice breathy and raspy. "Dyanna.....can't.....stop. Don't think....I....can....get up....again."

Dyanna felt a cold sinking dread in the pit of her stomach.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Sasha's Post

"I would go to find them if I could." said Keleth, with as much steadiness that she could manage. She couldn't let herself fall apart for Brennan, as she looked into her younger friend's eyes, seeing fear there. She understood immediately that Brennan was much closer to Dyanna, than she was to her own Mistress Brighid. Keleth tried to force her fear into the back of her mind and away from her chest and abdomen, and she was largely successful. She had her emotional moments the night before after Allison had returned with dinner.

Now was the time to forget about pain and start DOING something, Keleth told herself.

"Since I cannot go, I must at least try to get on my feet again. Brennan, Allison, help me up so I can at least sit at the table." Allison came over quickly, but Brennan was frozen in place, lost in her thoughts for her Mistress. Keleth reached out and touched Brennan's cheek.

"Dear friend, there is nothing we can do for our mistresses right now. We can only hope and prepare for their return. You will need to stay here in this tent and clean up. Allison can help me get back to my mistress' tent, and we can clean up there." Brennan shook her head, then looked like she was going to protest.

"No," Keleth said with a wry smile. "Don't say no. Your duty is to your mistress until the Goddess takes her." Brennan's lip trembled, but she nodded. Brennan and Allison then helped Keleth get to the table. It was a great effort, but Keleth was glad to be on her feet, even if for a moment. Her head wasn't throbbing any more, though she did feel very heavy still. She sat and drank some water, then ate breakfast. She did so very slowly, testing her arms, fighting her own body, which still wanted to be laying on the ground. The other two ate, but quickly. Brennan immediately began to tidy up, though she seemed very distracted. As soon as Keleth was finish, Allison helped Keleth up and out of the tent. It was slow going, because Keleth's muscles simply did not want to move properly, so sore and bruised. She winced with each step, and nearly stumbled several times.

About halfway to Brighid's tent, Keleth turned her head and saw the Captain and Marissa watching them. Marissa looked rather surprised, but there was a satisfied look in her eye. The Captain's expression was inscrutable, and she stood still, her eyes locked on the pair of humans.

"Allison, wait. Turn around." Allison had not yet seen the Captain and Marissa, so she was surprised at the command. She helped Keleth turn, then gasped. Though Allison wasn't present at the attack, she knew enough to know that this was a tense moment.

Keleth looked Marissa directly in the eye, with a look of defiance, but said nothing. Keleth then looked up at the stern, stately visage of the Captain, and bowed in respect, as much as she could manage. She wanted to show that she did not blame the Captain for what happened, even if the Captain had no idea what had happened, yet. Marissa looked back and forth between Keleth and the Captain several times, confused and angry.

"Let's go, Allison." Keleth sighed, and they completed the journey to Brighid's tent. Allison did not ask any questions, but she was very confused. Keleth didn't feel up to explaining her actions. She didn't exactly understand why she did what she did.

Keleth sat on the table in her own tent, glad to be back in more familiar surroundings. There was a staleness to the air inside and Keleth wrinkled her nose. She needed a slight rest before doing anything else.

"I wonder if I will be reassigned today, since several of the other attendants... didn't make it," Allison muttered to herself as she built a fire in the hearth. No one had occupied the pavilion since the evening the rescue party set out, and it was a bit chilly, even though they were out of the wind. Afterwards, she began to tidy the sleeping pallet, taking the blankets outside to be aired out. Keleth knew that Allison was talking to herself, and didn't comment. Keleth wondered the same thing, not sure if she could manage her Mistress' return still barely able to stay on her feet. The herbal infusion had given her a little energy, and took away much of the pain, at least in the short term.

Keleth stood again, warmed by the porridge and the journey across camp, and looked at her body. She then removed her shirt and skirt, frowning at the numerous bruises. The cuts had largely closed up, and weren't really smarting. She looked far worse than she felt.

Allison came back inside the tent, and gasped at seeing Keleth nude. Keleth chuckled.

"It's just my body, ugly as it is right now." Keleth sighed, then with great effort, pulled on her shirt and skirt. She needed a good, hot soak, not just a sponge bath, but she knew that wasn't possible in camp. Any spring or river would be far too cold this time of year. Every time the tent was opened, a hard, biting wind blew in.

"Keleth, you shouldn't strain yourself. I can do most of the cleaning this morning." Allison came over to support Keleth, but with a determined smile, Keleth waved her away. Keleth walked towards the fire, and added a log, but winced as a bruise on her side throbbed terribly after she did so.

"Maybe you are right, but I need to do SOMETHING." The last word came out as a loud, exasperated grunt.

"Well," Allison began, with a slight blush, unsure how to ask what she had in mind. She needed a bath, especially if she was to be reassigned. She would want to make a good impression on a new mistress, since she was largely a nobody in the camp so far. "If we could do it sitting, could you bathe me? It would give us both a way to pass the time, and I think I need to be a little more comfortable with being naked."

Keleth was a little surprised at the bold suggestion, but then was reminded of Allison's reaction to the kiss between Keleth and Brennan that Allison had seen. Keleth smiled. Being in her own space again was comforting and strengthening. She felt a little of her usual control and confidence returning as she gazed at Allison.

"I think that would work. I could sit comfortable against a pillow, or kneel and you could hand me the sponge. I'd like that very much." Allison smiled brightly and went to warm some water as Keleth sat down to become comfortable. There was no sexual desire in this, at least on Keleth's end, because what was looming over them. But she felt like it would be a good diversion. Once sitting close enough to the fire to be warm, she slipped her clothes off, and watched Allison do the same.