Centaur Mistress

[Annisthyrienne]

Allison suppressed a little shiver as she slipped the last of her clothing off and sat down with her back partly turned to Keleth. It was not so much a shiver from the chill as from the anticipation of the bath and the wonder of what Keleth's hands would feel like on her naked skin. Despite the uncertain situation with their mistresses, Allison's curiosity about the relationship between Keleth and Brennan was filling her mind with questions. Since discovering their relationship, and experiencing that first kiss, the young blonde wanted to know and experience more.

The first trickle of warm water from the sponge surprised her, making her gasp and jerk in a start. She laughed nervously to cover her embarrassment, then the laugh faded into a smile as she felt Keleth's other hand soothing her nerves in a light caress on her shoulder. The shorter woman's calm assurances were muted by the blood rushing through Allison's ears. She sighed wistfully, letting her eyes close at the sensation of Keleth's touch and the warm caress of the sponge on her body.

For a few moments, she simple enjoyed the contact, keeping her eyes closed and following the progress of the bathing by feel alone. Occasionally she would accept the sponge from Keleth and re-wet it in the warm water from the kettle. Allison drew in a tremulous breath when she felt Keleth's hands move over her bared breasts, the rough sponge wetting her aroused flesh. Despite the warmth of the water, her nipples puckered into tight little raspberries and seemed to throb with arousal. Her nervous voice stammered, "K-keleth? Do you mind...if I ask a question?" Allison needed the distraction to keep some semblance of control as her body responded to the touches she was not used to getting from another girl.

Without waiting for an answer, she hurriedly continued. "I know that you and Brennan...I mean, you two are close; closer than friends usually are. I know you kiss each other. D-do you do anything else together?" Realizing how rude it must sound to just blurt it out like that, she amended, "I-I didn't mean to pry. I'm sorry. I'm just nervous. And worried about your mistress too." She turned more squarely to face Keleth, opening her eyes as she looked into those of the other girl, reaching out to tentatively capture Keleth's sponge wielding hand with her trembling fingers. Her lips shyly lifted in a blushing smile, and her heated flush followed the path she guided Keleth's hand, over her breasts and up her body, lifting it at last to place a tentative kiss on the back of it before looking up into Keleth's eyes again.

"I-I didn't mean to....I mean, I know you aren't feeling like it right now, and that you belong to Brennan too, but I just.....I wanted to....." She sighed, realizing she wasn't making much sense. Determined to try again, when she spoke, it was in a hushed, almost reverent whisper. "I really liked when Brennan kissed me in her tent, Keleth. I've never felt the way it made me feel before. And she told me about some of the things you two had done together. I thought we might...."

Just then a cold draft preceded the excited voice of Brennan as the younger girl burst into the tent. She stopped short, tear tracks staining her cheeks, making them glisten in the dim light from the fire. Her hands were balled into tight fists, and her breath hitched in a sob as she breathlessly exclaimed, "Keleth! I just saw one of the scouting parties leaving." Brennan paused, visibly trying to make herself go on. Her eyes flickered from one of the nude girls to the other, then back again. Finally she blurted out as her voice cracked with emotion, "They were taking the body cart with them!"

 

[Annisthyrienne]

The archer rubbed her throbbing temples, hoping to relive some of the ache from the stress she was feeling. Oh, if only her little Brennan were here to help, she thought. What she wouldn't give to be able to relax under that little one's ministrations and let all these cares and worries be forgotten. Dyanna found herself longing to hold the little human girl again, and feel those little hands on her hide, rubbing or brushing in long soothing strokes.

But the strain of the reality of the moment intruded once again, making her feel bone weary and heartsick. Beside her lay Hellena, fitfully stirring in her slumber, what few snatches of it she could catch between suffering the pain of her wound. Dyanna could sympathize. Her own flank throbbed and ached to match the pounding in her head, given in to too much abuse before the wound there had had a chance to heal. The stitching job that little Keleth had done to fix her up had long since been torn loose, and the blood from the reopened slash had dried crusty and uncomfortable. But that was the least of her worries. She at least knew that she had a good chance of getting back to camp okay if she only had herself to worry about.

Unfortunately she was the luckiest one of the little group that huddled for shelter in the small copse of trees on the lee side of the prairie rise. It had been the only shelter she could lead them to in their ragged condition. None of them could have gone far, her companion on the other side of her least of all of them. Well, save for the human girl, perhaps. There were just enough trees to shelter them a little, but not so many as to provide cover from which the Northmen could approach them.

The archer had finally persuaded Brighid to relent and stop. Persuaded might have been too optimistic a term to use. More like the stubborn cavalry lieutenant had kept staggering onward until her vision began to tunnel and darken, then finally relented to stopping. Without the driving objective to keep moving, it was mere moments before those once strong legs that would have led her in thunderous charges against her enemy could no longer even support her weight. Brighid had collapsed onto her side with little more than a groan of pain and protest.

Now her finally bandaged sides rose and fell in great heaving gasps for breath, marked by the pause in between which Dyanna expected at any moment to lengthen into a permanent end. But still the warrior in her fought, somehow. Maybe, like me, Dyanna thought, it is visions of being with her little attendant in happier circumstances that is keeping her going.

She cast a glance back over her shoulder to where the little human girl lay between her and Hellena's equine bodies, shielded from the wind and warmed by their body heat. It might be enough, if she can keep breathing around that arrow wound, Dyanna thought. It would be nice to get her home to join the other attendants that had been rescued. At least that might make this night of hell and fear worth it all. She could just make out the small pale form in the gathering gloom, and thought she detected the slow rise and fall of that fragile bandaged chest.

She turned her gaze back out onto the dark of the prairie, her keen eyes normally used for targeting precise arrow shots now searching for any hint of movement or sign that their enemies might be creeping up on them once again. Her fingers nervously fidgeted over the taut string of her bow, tactile reassurance that the fletching she felt there marked the deadly missile she had knocked and ready. She thought...hoped...that the Northmen were too superstitious to move to attack in darkness, but she knew the vulnerability of their own little group made for a tempting target. Especially if they were out to avenge the carnage that had been wrought on their comrades by the warrior mare at her side.

Of course she also searched for any sign of her own kind who might be coming back to help them. It was worth the hope if it gave them a reason to keep going. The others should have made it back to camp if they had been able to keep moving. As long as they hadn't run into any trouble, they should all be safe by now, she thought. Perhaps the commander would send someone after them if they were not given up for lost. She prayed to the Mother it would be so, and soon, as she felt the shivering tremble ripple through the hide of the cavalry mare beside her.

Brighid's body gave one more racking shudder and then lay still.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

((Sasha's Post))

The distraction of giving the young and beautiful Allison a bath was a welcome treat for Keleth, who did not enjoying being completely laid up and idle. She was able to move, without too much pain, to work the sponge slowly over Allison's body. That would have been enough for Keleth, but Allison began to speak with the soft, husky voice of a woman who was curious and aroused. Keleth didn't mind the questions, even though she was sure that Allison was going to ask them regardless of Keleth's feeling.

It was no a surprise that Allison sensed that Keleth and Brennan were very close, even lovers. That Allison knew did not bother Keleth in the slightest. She adored Brennan and would not think to hide what they were from others. She wanted to volunteer to Allison that she and Brennan were by no means exclusive, but it seemed now that Allison's tongue was loosed, she wasn't going to stop until she spoke all her thoughts. The slow bath allowed Keleth's mind to forget most of her soreness, and as the pain receded, arousal took it's place. Her nipples, larger and darker than Allison's, puckered and she felt warm wetness between her legs.

That arousal only increased as Allison then surprised Keleth by taking her hand and kissed the back of it. On the surface, it would seem a relatively chaste gesture, but the blushing cheeks and twinkling eyes of Allison told Keleth that Allison was more than curious. Allison was excited and aroused, and wanted more, perhaps more details about Keleth and Brennan alone together, to even experience some of that physical intimacy on her own. The idea was very pleasant to Keleth, but before she could speak the thought and ask her own questions of Allison, Brennan's voice broke thought the sexual tension, and the tone of that voice froze Keleth's insides.

"Keleth! I just saw one of the scouting parties leaving."
"They were taking the body cart with them!"

Keleth allowed herself a moment of panic as all thoughts of Allison and their bath were forgotten. The young attendant knew that she couldn't let herself be swallowed by fear for long. She had to take control of the situation, and guide Brennan and Allison. She began to stand up before Allison thought of helping, and when Allison did offer a hand, Keleth pushed it away.

"We cannot think about ourselves anymore, Allison, Brennan." She nodded to each of them. Allison had a look of shock and disappointment on her face; no doubt her thoughts were still on the bath and on Keleth and Brennan together. Allison had no Mistress to worry about, so her mind could linger on the intimacy of two women. Brennan's eyes were wide and watery. Keleth limped over, starting to shiver in the cool air away from the fire. Brennan's eyes widened even further upon seeing Keleth managing to walk on her own. Keleth placed her hand firmly on Brennan's arm.

"Go back to your Mistress' tent and continue to get it ready. We must prepare as though our Mistresses will return at any minute and expect our attention." Keleth turned to Allison, whose face had changed to grim resolve.

"Allison, I can move a little now, but I won't be able to lift much. We need to get dressed and start working." Keleth grimaced with a twinge of pain and stood still for a moment until it passed. She would have to will her body to move through the pain.

After waiting a moment, and a slight sob, Brennan left again, leaving Allison to help Keleth into her clothes, with Allison to follow. Keleth insisted that she pick up the debris from the tent while Allison lift the heavier objects, and they both did some scrubbing. Keleth had to frequently take breaks, sitting at the table, but she persevered through the worst of the pain. The physical labor allowed herself to ignore the grow pit of fear in her stomach.

When it came time for the next meal, she walked on her own to the mess tent, without any support from Allison. The met Brennan on the way, who was again astonished at seeing Keleth moving about so well. Keleth's head was throbbing by this point, but she felt it was more from hunger than from her healing wounds.

In the mess tent, the tension was palpable from the attendants, but there was little talk. Meals were finished quickly, and various members of the tent came and went as they ate. Even Marissa came in, seemingly with her mind on a task, but she stopped suddenly when she saw Keleth taking her empty bowl up to be cleaned. Keleth gave Marissa a look of triumph, before leaving the mess tent with Allison and Brennan. She left Marissa looking shocked and angry, and several others in the tent who knew of the assault looking confused and nervous.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Hellena started, subconsciously disturbed by Dyanna's desperate lunge to twist around to lay a hand on the fallen mare's flank. Sensing what had to be the cause for the archer's alarmed reaction, she queried, her voice hesitant with concern and worry, "What is it? The lieutenant? Is she....?"

"N-No! No..." Dyanna moderated the urgency in her voice, trying to hide the fear and dread of what could happen that caused the little tremoring quaver in her voice. In a more even tone, disguising her worry, she continued, "No, she's just unconscious. She's still breathing, although it's shallow and weak. We have to hope they come for us soon. I don't think we can get her up again, and we can't stay here too long either. Let's just hope our own people find us before the Northmen."

Hellena sighed. "With the chill of the night, I'm not sure I can get up very well either. I feel so stiff and this wound hurts terribly. Remind me never to get on the bad side of one of you archers if this is a taste of what you can do."

Dyanna smiled at the grim humor. "If you were on my bad side, Hellena, it would either hurt much worse, or you wouldn't be feeling anything. But let's just be glad we are sisters and keep our fighting limited to the enemies it is intended for. We may yet have to fight our way home if they don't send he....." Just then, Dyanna stiffened into alertness.

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

The scouts moved as quickly as they dared, cautious of the possibility of an ambush by the Northmen, but also afraid of what they might find if they were too late. It was not yet dawn, and they made their way in the grey pre-light of the coming day. The main rescue party had returned the night before, but two mares and a human attendant were still missing. Another mare had come out from the camp to assist, but she had yet to return as well. The returning sergeant's report was that the archer mare had gone on to help the others, but that the odds were heavily stacked against them. As a result, the scouting party expected to find only bodies.

But hope burned strongly in the centaur scouts, and their keen eyes scanned the back trail of the main party, following it back towards where the missing mares had last been seen. The lead scout began to climb a low slope, slightly ahead of the others just before the sun rose.

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

Dyanna stretched her bow taut, sighting down the nocked arrow at the crest of a low rise. She hated trying to sight into the coming sun, and she prayed that the enemy she could hear coming would show itself before she would be blinded by the dawn. Hellena stiffened beside her, sure that their fate was sealed as the motion of the first attacker's head and shoulders drew her gaze to the top of the rise.

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

The dust from the body cart could be seen long before the mares accompanying it came into view. The guards at the main entrance into camp gave a shout, then blew a blast on a horn. The sound pierced the tense atmosphere of the camp, instantly alerting everyone to the return of the scouting party.

Allison looked to the front gate, then back to Keleth and Brennan, her eyes wide in excitement and concern. "It must be the returning scouts! They haven't been gone very long, I wonder what it could mean."

Brennan's hand tightened around Keleth's in alarm. Moments later, the thunder of hooves marked the passage of the returning scouting party. The rattle and squeak of the body wagon came close behind. On it lay the limp forms of two mares. Brennan choked back a sob as another mare trotted quickly past, carrying a naked human girl in her arms, a wicked looking arrow shaft protruding from the girl's shoulder. Then she uttered an inarticulate cry and broke from Keleth's side to run towards a dust and blood covered mare who approached the girls with a limp.

Dyanna stopped, receiving the exuberant welcome of the young human girl with tears in her eyes. She held the slight form close to her, hugging her tightly. Even from a distance, the tears could be seen glistening on the mare's cheeks as she looked up and met Keleth's gaze. Dyanna gently but firmly disengaged Brennan's arms from around her legs so she could make her way closer to Keleth and the little blonde girl comforting her.

"Keleth, she's alive. I didn't think we were going to make it, but thank the Goddess they brought that wagon. Go to her, she needs you badly! Hurry, Keleth! Let her know you need her to get better. She needs every reason she can get to keep fighting!"

 

[Annisthyrienne]

((Sasha's Post))

Though Keleth knew that it would better in the long term for Brennan to stay in her own tent and finish preparing it, Brennan's look of anxiety as they recrossed the camp convinced Keleth that the three girls should stay together, in Keleth's tent, and sleep together for warmth and comfort. By now, Keleth was feeling very tired and sore, and she longed for the comfort of her sleeping pad and a warm fire.

The three girls gathered some brush and firewood from behind the pavilion and though they all knew it was dangerous, Brennan and Allison went very quickly to get some fresh water. There was really no other way to get water, and Keleth wanted to have it if Brighid returned and needed a good, long bath.

Now that the nights were quite cold, it would have been prudent to keep some clothing on to sleep, but a shy, but excited look on Allison's face when Keleth suggested they sleep bundled up together, made Keleth decide to sleep nude. No doubt, Allison's mind was still focused on intimacy, and learning about what it meant for two women to be together as more than friends. Allison had no Mistress to be concerned about, so her mind was free to focus on other things. Keleth didn't feel up to any more bathing or love making, though she wished she was. It would be a welcome distraction while the scouting party was out.

Once the fire was kindled, they removed their clothes, Keleth with some assistance from the other two, and got under the blankets on the sleeping pad. Allison was in the middle of the two more experienced girls, and she was very happy about that. Her arm draped over Brennan, as Keleth's arm draped over both of them, the mother hen of the three.

*******************************
How the three got dressed and out into the camp, Keleth never remembered. Her panic over the state of Brighid as they rushed around made time fall away. Keleth was barely aware of her own body and of Brennan and Allison next to her as the returning scouts pulled the cart into camp. In her spirit, she was praying for the appearance of Brighid alive, though she had not prayed much to the Goddess in her life. In truth, she did not have much reason to do so.

A release of the grip on her arm, followed by a soft cry broke her prayer, as Brennan ran to greet Dyanna. The embrace between the two was so affectionate that Keleth smiled briefly, and she noticed that there were a few surprised faces among the other attendants and mares. Apparently such open affection between mare and human was rare, especially in front of much of the camp. The two didn't seem to be aware of anyone else for a few moments during their reuniting. When Dyanna's wet eyes found Keleth, Keleth immediately ran over, sensing some dreadful news coming. Dyanna met her half way, with Allison running up behind Keleth.

"Keleth, she's alive. I didn't think we were going to make it, but thank the Goddess they brought that wagon. Go to her, she needs you badly! Hurry, Keleth! Let her know you need her to get better. She needs every reason she can get to keep fighting!"

Keleth gave a curt nod, trying to ignore the swell of panicked nausea within her. She approached the wagon, and saw Brighid, the mare's breathing ragged, her body covered in blood and mud, seemingly within an inch of death. Forgetting that the entire camp was watching, Keleth leaned forwards, placing her cold hand her Mistress's cheek.

"Mistress. Brighid. It's Keleth. I'm here for you. Please stay with me. I will care for you until you are well again. You must fight now, but not the way you are used to. You must stay alive for me. I need you." She paused to breathe, fighting sobs. "I need you as much as you need me, Brighid."

The mare's eyes fluttered and opened slightly, looking at Keleth, trying to focus. Suddenly, one of the mare's arms shot out and grabbed at Keleth's shirt, pulling her almost completely in the cart and nearly tearing the shirt. Though surprised, Keleth immediately saw that there was little strength left in the mare. The arm went limp as soon as Keleth was close, and though Brighid tried to speak, her words were incoherent.

Keleth climbed into the wagon, and her awareness came back to the situation, as the wagon started to move towards the healing tent. Her presence with her Mistress was apparently acceptable, and she stayed very close as several mares lifted Brighid from the wagon, carrying her into the healing tent and onto a soft bedding where two healers came over, ready to clean Brighid's wounds. The mare was given a draught to restore her blood, but it was difficult for Brighid to choke down, and Keleth came over to hold Brighid's head, whispering calm words. Whether there was some sedative in the draught, or Brighid could really hear Keleth's words, the mare did calm, and managed to get the draught down before falling completely unconscious.

Feeling the need to assist in any way possible, Keleth helped clean the mare, but it took a long time because of so many smaller wounds among the larger ones. The healers also had other charges to care for in the tent, so they left Brighid as soon as the mare was stabilized. Keleth made sure that she was not in the way of the healers, a human and a mare, when they did something important. Herbs were placed on the larger wounds, the other bound and covered. Brighid's breathing was shallow and ragged, despite being unconscious. The mare healer assured Keleth that this was common for mares who overexerted themselves in battle and were injured

After most of the immediate work was finished, Keleth gave into her exhaustion and sank down on a stool, holding her throbbing thread. This was the first time that she had felt like she had been overexerting herself since the recovery from the attack began. The two healers, having treated Keleth after the fight with Marissa, gave her a restoring drink, and checked her over. They said her body hadn't fully recovered, and that she should rest, but Keleth refused to leave her Mistress' side. A cot was provided, and word was sent to Allison that Keleth would be staying in the healing tent.

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

During that first night, after the moon had set and there was very little light in the tent, just a single candle burning, Brighid stirred, moving fitfully on her bed. Among other words that Keleth could not understand, she hear her own name said over and over again.

"Keleth. Keleth. Keleth."

Brighid seemed to struggle with something in her sleep, perhaps a nightmare, like those that she had before. Keleth stood very closed and stroked Brighid's hair and face, and kissed the mares forehead and cheeks.

"Keleth. Keleth. Keleth."

With the healers asleep, Keleth turned Brighid's face to hers and kissed Brighid on the lips, soft and sweet. Brighid was deeply asleep again, though still restless, and didn't react. Keleth allowed herself to hold the mare with her arms, feeling the intense heat of Brighid's body, before returning to her cot to sleep.

Eventually the nightmare seemed to pass, and a look of calm came over Brighid's face. At that moment, in the shadows of the flickering candle, Brighid had a peaceful, noble look on her face. More like a priestess, or a governess, kind, relaxed, and not the harsh look of a weary warrior.

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

Over the next two days, both Brennan and Allison came to visit, even though Brighid had only moments of consciousness, and even then, she was not speaking anything they could understand. Brighid did seem aware that it was Keleth by her side, as the mare always responded to Keleth's soft, but firm voice. The healers were even surprised at the connection between the two, but they did not frown or discourage it. On the contrary, they understood the magic of love and friendship, and were glad that Keleth felt strong enough for her mare to stay.

Brennan was obviously glad to have her own Mistress back, even if wounded. The small girl smiled weakly when Keleth asked of Dyanna's condition. Brennan only responded cryptically that Dyanna needed her attention, and a great deal of it. For her part, Allison was doing her best to keep busy, but her face gave away her boredom. She mentioned offhand that she might be getting a new Mistress soon, after overhearing several officers talking about such things.

Keleth did leave the healing tent late in the afternoon on the second day of Brighid's recovery to bathe, and to check on Allison, who was grateful for the visit. Feeling a little stronger, Keleth allowed Allison to bathe her, and let Allison explore Keleth's body slowly. Keleth stated before the bath that she needed to return to Brighid soon, and that there would be no more than the bath, but Allison seemed grateful anyway. After the bath when both were dressed again, and Keleth was ready to leave, she drew Allison close and offered a soft, short, but passionate kiss, to which Allison hesitated at first, no doubt in surprise. She eventually relaxed and melted into Keleth's arms, squeaking in a disappointed way when Keleth broke away.

"Don't worry, my friend, we will have more time to explore another day. You may not get another Mistress for some time, and until then, you can stay with us." Another shirt kiss, and Keleth quickly returned across the camp to Brighid, who was being given another restoring draught.

Keleth gathered from the conversations between the healers that though Brighid might need a long recovery, she was past the worst of her injuries. She wouldn't be able to fight for sometime unless her recovery was rather miraculous.

On the third day, late in the morning, Keleth was washing Brighid's torso, lingering on the transition as she always liked to do, hoping it might reach Brighid's spirit in sleep, felt the mare rustle, then move. The mare's eyes opened blearily and she focused on Keleth, her eyes tired, but alert.

"Keleth?"

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Brighid bumped and jostled along wearily on the back of the body cart. The shreds of her tattered consciousness faded in and out of lucidity. Had she been aware of where she was, it would have distressed her greatly; she hated those damn body carts. But this time the cart was being used to save a life, not put the final end to one.

During one of her slightly more lucid moments, she heard and recognized a voice that she had so longed to hear and thought she never would again. Perhaps she dreamt it, she wondered. But then she felt that soft touch, and reached out for her little Keleth. It took all she had, but she wasn't going to let go of that lifeline. She was living for Keleth, had stayed alive just for the chance to tell her something important. It was something that had been going through her mind like a mantra all those long desperate hours on the prairie.

Breathe in. "Got to tell Keleth." Breath out. Long slow labored breaths, ragged in her lungs, pain shooting through her body. Breathe in. "Got to tell Keleth." Breath out.

Brighid pulled with all her strength, pulling that calm little voice closer. She was so weak! It seemed as if Keleth weighed as much as a fully grown mare herself. She tugged her close to her lips, wanting to tell her. But then her head swam with her effort, and everything was a blur. What did she need to tell Keleth? Was Keleth really even there? Was it all another pain filled dream of something too good to be true? Brighid barely managed to mumble something incoherent before slipping back into the red hazed fog of delirium and exhaustion.

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

Nightmares assailed her. The Northmen would not stop coming. There must have been dozens of them, and she was only one. She fought desperately, swinging her great sword until she could barely hold it up anymore, yet still they came. A split skull, a severed arm, a slashed belly, still they came on! She gave a great lunge, then fell, the ground rushing up to meet her head.

But instead of the impact with hard ground, she felt her head resting on something soft and warm. She opened a bleary eye to see Keleth's features above her, in an orientation that suggested the girl was holding her head in her lap. Peace, at last overcame her, and she drank down the liquid Keleth was offering her before slipping back into blessed oblivion. Her last thought was, "Whatever that stuff is, it's better than wine."

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

"She will need to stay quiet and rest, Keleth. That is what is most needed now. Her wounds will heal, and she will fight again someday, but she's done more than enough for now. And so have you. Get some sleep, girl. You will do your mistress no good if you harm yourself by over doing it." The gentle admonishment of the healer mare sounded in the infirmary tent, in the stall area they had placed Brighid in. It was separated from the rest of the tent by a canvas partition, and a small cot had been brought for the little attendant to be able to remain at her mistress' side.

The healer left, allowing the privacy flap to close. But the petite human girl was not left alone for very long. A soft whickering signaled the clearing of the throat of the mare who now stood at the opening to the stall. She nodded her head in greeting, and apology for the intrusion, before speaking softly to Keleth. "You don't know me, but I've heard a little about you. I just wanted to say that I'm glad Brighid has someone like you taking care of her. She saved our lives out there, very nearly at the cost of her own, Keleth. Your mistress is a hero to all of us who made it back, and to all those girls that we got back too. I wanted you to know that."

"I've heard that there will be no medals for this mission, but you and I both know it wasn't for a medal that your mistress led us to get those girls back. So just in case the rumors are true, no matter what, never forget what she did for us out there. I won't." With that, the mare quietly departed, leaving the attendant and her warrior mare alone together.

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

On the second day, as Brennan and Allison were visiting Keleth in the infirmary, Brennan stopped what she was saying about her mistress in mid-sentence, looking up at the opening to the stall. Allison's and Keleth's eyes were soon drawn to the source of the interruption to see a young human girl on crutches standing there. Unbidden, she began to speak.

"I heard about what happened to you from some of the other girls. I just came by to see how she was doing, and to tell you that I think you're really brave, standing up to Marissa. I think you are well matched to your mistress. Both of you are brave. She saved us all when the Northmen came after us again. She refused to leave Amanda behind, even after they shot her with an arrow. The lieutenant sent us all on ahead while she stayed behind to protect Mistress Hellena and Amanda from a dozen of the Northmen. I don't know how she made it back, but I'm sure glad she did. I hope you get even with Marissa for what she did. There are a lot of us who don't like her. Maybe this time she'll get what she deserves."

Brennan looked at Keleth to gage her reaction, reaching out to hold her hand. She knew her friend would likely not chose more violence as a way to give Marissa her comeuppance, but it didn't mean that neither of them wanted justice for what the girl and her cronies had done to them both.

The girl didn't stay long though, slipping away as she noticed Brighid beginning to stir once more. The mare began to moan Keleth's name, troubled in her fitful sleep until Keleth reached out to hold her hand once more. By the time she looked up again, the girl was gone.

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

Brighid's mind slowly began to register the gentle soothing strokes of the wet sponge against her transition area. As always, the water refreshed, but also the touch soothed her, calmed her. Only one person ever really did that for her, and as she became aware, she stirred, seeking confirmation that it was no fever dream.

"Keleth?"

Brighid's eyes opened slightly and she stirred, lifting her head. "Are you really here with me, girl?" Her voice sounded weak, more of a croak than she remembered. Her arm reached out for the slim figure at her side, and she pulled her in close.

"I am so glad to see you! I wasn't sure I would. Dyanna said you needed me. It's what kept me going." It didn't escape Brighid's attention that Keleth cringed slightly in her grip, even as weak as it seemed to her. She pushed Keleth out to arm's length to get a good look at her. By now, many of Keleth's bruises were beginning to fade, but were still evident. Brighid's face darkened as she took in the sight of the injuries to her attendant. She struggled to sit up, her brow furrowed in anger.

"Keleth, who did this to you? Is what Dyanna said true? Was it that Marissa bratling?" Brighid's voice had taken on a cold hard edge, and for a second or two, her grip had tightened, showing some of it's former iron. Then she noticed that it seemed to be hurting Keleth, and she let go abruptly. Much more gently, she urged the little human closer, until she could wrap her arm around her and draw her protectively to her side. Stroking a rough hand through the little human girl's hair, she growled, "She won't get away with this, Keleth. This I swear. I will see to it that she is punished!"

 

[Annisthyrienne]

((Sasha's Post))

Hearing the anger and strength returning to Brighid's voice was like beautiful song to Keleth. It meant her Mistress was truly on the mend. All the attention that she and the healers had been giving to Brighid for the past few days had finally paid off. Much of the tension of the last few days was leaving Keleth, replaced by a happy weariness.

But as Brighid spoke, Keleth paid more attention, hearing the anger, the confusion, the protective tone.

Suddenly, the words of the injured attendant and the strange mare came back to Keleth. Brighid had performed a significant service to the camp, not just for the centaur mares but for the humans who served them. Despite it being against orders, Brighid had been heroic, even if she wouldn't be lauded for it. Keleth understood this meant a punishment from the Captain was likely going to happen, and that made the dynamic between Keleth and Marissa even more complex and dangerous.

Keleth looked into her Mistress' eyes, seeing that wild fury, mixed with warmth, protection, and affection all directed at Keleth. Brighid wouldn't be this angry because of anyone else. Keleth had won the respect, and even affection of this battle-weary centaur warrior. Something in Keleth broke open at that moment, in her heart. With her hands still trying to stroke Brighid's transition, held close with a rough hand, Keleth felt loved. Wanted. Protected. Desired. Tears dripped from her eyes, falling onto Brighid's hot skin.

It took several minutes for Keleth to gather her emotions and her thoughts. She needed to make her voice steady, so that Brighid wouldn't be more upset than she already was. Keleth searched for that part of herself that was always strong, even, and calm.

"Please, Mistress, let me handle Marissa. Yes, it was her." Keleth said in a very low voice so no one could hear. "I will tell you the full story once you are strong and we are back in the pavilion. Brennan and Allison can add their parts to the story too." Brighid's eyes were still angry, and the mare opened her mouth to speak, but Keleth reached up, covering Brighid's mouth with her small hand.

"You must recover, Mistress. Then we can decide what to do. Marissa won't dare do anything while you are near, even if you are injured. Another mare and one of the attendants you saved spoke with me and offered profound thanks to you. What you did will not be forgotten around camp, I promise."

Brighid's expression softened just a little bit, though her grip on Keleth's body didn't slacken. Keleth had to grit her teeth a few times because the strength of Brighid's hand and arm caused a little bit of pain from Keleth's numerous bruises.

"The attendant also told me that there are a lot of girls in camp who don't like Marissa. I'm not surprised that it's been kept quiet, since Marissa is so domineering. Perhaps I was the first person to stand up to her. We need to be careful of how we proceed, even with a little bit of support from the other girls."

Under the guise of checking her Mistress' wounds and bruises, Keleth moved her hands carefully along Brighid's torso and then to the mare's face.

"I'm so glad you are back, Mistress. I was so..." Keleth's voice faltered with a hiccup, and she had to take a deep breath. She didn't want to show any vulnerability to Brighid's at this moment, but she couldn't help it. The tears returned and she couldn't fight them. She buried her face into Brighid's chest. "I was so worried about you. I couldn't bear the thought of you not coming back." Her tears washed against the mare's skin again. Keleth felt the strong, calloused, bruised hand moving over her body, through her hair, and she longed to be in the pavilion, washing Brighid, talking quietly, being intimate.

A rustling noise at the entrance of the tent pulled Keleth's attention away from her Mistress. She wiped her eyes on her linen shirt, to see a mare walking through the tent flap, as the healers moved aside.

It was the Captain, looking quite stern. Keleth's eyes moved around and behind the Captain, but did not see Marissa. Keleth suddenly felt something else coming from Brighid. It was an intense burning dislike. Strong enough to be like a physical wave. Brighid did her best to sit up and Keleth moved to stand beside Brighid's cot, looking respectful.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

Brighid opened her mouth to protest. She wanted to tell Keleth that it was her job to protect her, just as much as it was Keleth's job to attend to her needs. She wanted to explain that it was a matter to be handled according to the discipline of the unit, not between the girls themselves. If she allowed Keleth to get even with Marissa in like manner, then it would not only likely involve Keleth getting hurt again, but also would remove any justification for a disciplinary charge against the bully.

Besides that, it was a personal thing for Brighid. She'd been a paladin of Epona, a knight sworn upon her sacred honor to protect the weak, succor the needy, and fight against injustice wherever she found it. She couldn't let this go without taking action. But as she listened to Keleth pleading with her to let her handle it herself, she was moved to silent consideration of the girl's plea.

Brighid had gotten to know Keleth well enough to realize that the little human woman took pride in her quiet strength, her strong will, and her calm demeanor. Keleth liked to think she was in control of any situation she encountered. Brighid deliberated as she held Keleth close to her whether it would be harmful for the girl to have the situation taken out of her hands. The mare understood that Keleth didn't want someone else to fight her battles for her. But she was also reasonably sure Keleth didn't have the experience to know how these things should be handled. No doubt she feared Brighid would get herself in trouble by taking some action personally against the captain's bully bratling.
The mare brooded on these thoughts as Keleth's hot tears fell upon her bosom. She didn't want to hurt the little human any more than she had been. But how could she let this go unanswered? Just then she stiffened as a familiar scent hit her nostrils. She looked up to see the captain entering the tent. She felt Keleth slip from her arms and for a moment, she ached to have the little woman back in her embrace. But it would be unseemly to be seen as being too close.

Brighid struggled to rise as much as possible as the captain stepped closer to her stall. She met the captain's eyes with a defiant stare. There was no particular love lost between the two mares, and with the situation between their attendants, it made the tension between them palpable. Brighid knew that the captain had covered for Marissa's behavior in the past, and she was determined not to let it be covered up this time.

"Lieutenant, I'm pleased to see you awake. The healers tell me you will make it, but you'll need time to recover." the captain said. "It's just as well. You will have to answer for your disobedience of orders. Because of you leading that expedition, two other mares besides yourself were seriously injured. You almost died; and while you and the others were gone, you left the camp vulnerable to attack with a significant part of the force away on the expedition. Not to mention the three dead attendants, and several others suffering from severe injuries."

Brighid's face turned red with anger and she tried to surge to her feet unsuccessfully. The failure only made her more upset. "Now wait a minute! Those attendants were dead when we caught up with the Northmen! And NONE of them would be alive at all if I had listened to you! While we're on the subject of injured attendants, Captain...." Brighid reached again for Keleth, pulling her front and center to present to the captain. ....Perhaps you'd like to explain how my attendant was injured? I have it on good authority that your attendant was the one responsible."

The captain shuffled her weight from foot to foot, pressing her lips together to hold in her own anger. In a tight lipped response, she said, "I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about Lieutenant, and I suggest you consider moderating your insubordinate tone. When you are well enough to do so, you will report to me for disciplinary action."

She began to turn to leave when Brighid's hard edged voice cut through the still hush that had fallen over the infirmary ward. "I will not, Captain." Brighid struggled to rise, this time barely managing to succeed. She stood on shaky legs, the color draining out of her face leaving her pale and drawn. Still she managed to straighten to her full height before continuing, "I formally demand a full hearing before the camp commander, as is my right. And you can be sure my attendant will be bringing charges against yours for assault as well."

The captain stood silently, her mouth slightly open in disbelief at seeing Brighid on her feet. She had a good idea from talking to the healers that the warrior mare before her shouldn't be able to do what she'd just done. It was clear that her presence was a source of antagonism and she could already see the healers coming towards her out of the corner of her eye. No doubt they would want her to leave.

Other mares who had been visiting their attendants, as well as the other two injured mares, had noticed the confrontation, and were watching to see how it would be resolved. From the looks on their faces, they were sympathetic to Brighid. The captain could feel their eyes upon her. She abruptly closed her mouth in a tight lipped expression, her eyes flashing with anger and concern. "Very well, Lieutenant, that is your right, and hers. Until it can be arranged, you will be confined to your quarters as soon as you are cleared to leave the infirmary. That is all." She turned and left without further comment.

A moment later, Brighid collapsed weakly to her cot, the healer mare helping to ease her down to prevent injury. "That was not very smart, Lieutenant. You are in no condition yet to be on your feet. Now just lie still and let your attendant take care of you."

Brighid nodded faintly, the fire gone out of her. The fact that she didn't protest was testament to the strain she'd put herself under. Her eyelids fluttered as she lay down completely, welcoming Keleth's company with a slight squeeze of her hand, her brow furrowed in pain.