"Daria, the Warrior Queen" (closed to current writers)

[PennySaver]

Daria had felt the tears on her bare skin and wiped them away, from both her own bosom and from Meara's face. She held the girl tightly, knowing how emotional this time must be for her. She sensed Meara finally drifting off, and not long after that did the same...

Morning:

Daria awoke to the sound of Hamma, then Anaka, then Pazlee entered the tent to begin their morning duties. During the night, Meara had rolled to her other side, resulting in the Queen spooning her captive-turned-slave-turned-freewoman-turned-lover. Daria rose carefully, not disturbing the likely still exhausted Meara, slipped into a long, flowing gown and slipped out of the tent. She found Rickon, asked him to fetch Gwent, and returned inside to eat the portions of the breakfast already available for consumption.

"I want to talk to you about Miss Meara's future," she told Gwent after she'd gone outside, met him, and invited him in a walk about the camp. She thanked him again for protecting the girl, mentioning what Lauren had told her about the attempted kidnapping and ransoming near Greendale, as well as the near rape -- or successful rape considering one man had cum in Meara's mouth -- at the gates to Yarlham. "I want you to know that I could never repay you for what you have done for Meara and myself."

Daria spoke very intentionally about Meara's protection and rescues as being something that had been for both of their sakes, not simply the younger girls. She'd been looking up into the taller man's face as she said it, and she noted that he understood how she'd meant it.

"You read my letter to Meara, yes?" she asked with a friendly not accusatory tone.

Gwent felt a bit of guilt about it anyway, though, apologizing, "Forgive me, Mistress. It was only because I knew that Meara … Miss Meara--"

"Doesn't read, yes … I am aware of that, Locoten," Daria cut in. The former Caporalis -- the second rank amongst common soldiers -- shot a quick look to the Commander of the Black Army at her use of the first of that force's Officer ranks. She smiled to him, saying, "Commander Rickon will make it official later today … presenting you with your new uniform, insignia, and sword … if that suits you."

"Yes, Mistress," Gwent said as he stopped, turned to face Daria, and gave her a very respectful bow.

They continued onward, talking about the two weeks that Gwent and Meara had been traveling together. Then, the question that Gwent had been dreading was asked.

"Were your intimate with your Charge, Locoten?" Daria asked, looking up to gauge Gwent's answer. She already knew the answer, of course; she just wanted to see how the man responded. She clarified, "Did you fuck Miss Meara?"

Gwent had come to a stop again at the first form of the inquiry, and now he dropped to one kneed and bowed his head. He jumped into a rapid explanation of how his relationship with Meara had evolved and of how he thought Daria would be happy that Miss Meara would never be without the protection that the Queen herself had assigned the girl.

"I would sooner give my life, Mistress … I would sooner offer my head," he vowed in total obedience, "than to do anything to offend or betray you. I only want the best for my Queen … and for Miss Meara."

Daria looked down upon the soldier for a long moment, then began a slow, circular walk around him as he maintained his position on one knee, hands hanging at his side. When she had nearly made a full circle, she slowly leaned over him, grasped the hilt of his sword, and pulled it from the ring -- rather than a scabbard -- that was attached to his weapons' beat. She looked at it for a moment, holding it with the blade flat in her second palm, then began walking around him once more. When she was behind him again, she lifted the sword and laid its last foot or so upon Gwent's shoulder, very near his neck.

"Locoten Gwent … what is best for me … and what is best for Miss Meara," she began, moving the blade forward so that the metal of the blade scraped across the metal of his chain mail, "is that you depart from her life … that she comes to depend upon me for all her needs … including those needs that arise while she is naked. "However...!"

The hilt of the sword was nearly to Gwent head by now. Daria lifted the blade from the man's shoulder, let the point drop, then stuck the weapon into the dirt. Continuing her walk around to before him, Daria continued, "However … I will let Meara make that decision … without any interference or suggestion from me. Stand."

Gwent did, and although he glanced to his sword standing in the dirt beside him, he knew better than to handle the blade in the presence of the Warrior Queen.

"You will go to my tent directly," Daria ordered. She looked off to one direction; Rickon had been quietly following at a discreet distance but could hear the orders being given now. "You will go to Miss Meara … you will ask her if she wants you to remain in her life. If she says she wishes you to remain, you will … as a member of my immediate Escort Detachment … not hers. I will allow you to remain in her life … but not is such close proximity as to endanger my relationship with her. Do you understand?"

Gwent acknowledged Daria, and she continued, "If she wishes you to leave … or--"

She continued with a very suggestive tone, "--you choose not to ask and simply leave of your own accord … I will offer you the position of Sheriff in one of the recently conquered towns within my expanding realm. You know what that means, of course. I hear Yarlham … the town where you and Lauren killed half of a Black Army detachment … I hear that one of the dead was that town's Sheriff and that, of course, the position is now open. It could be yours."

Daria wasn't offering a meaningless pittance of a reward for abandoning the woman he loved and, quite possibly the woman carrying his child. As Sheriff, Gwent would have full and total control over the town, as if were the noble lord himself: taxes, law and order, military engagements, approval or disapproval of marriages, land sales, and more, as well as the ability to fuck just about any slit in the town without repercussions.

"Do as you will," Daria told him, turning and heading slowly back Rickon's direction. "I leave this decision entirely to Miss Meara … and yourself."

 

[SandS13]

Meara woke to find herself alone. The tent was clean, food left out but there was no one. She rose and began the search for her dress. She located it in a pile of things destined to be rags. She frowned. It was all she owned, surely someone had mistakenly discarded it.

She gave it a light shake to rid it of the dust of yesterday's journey. Then she frowned more as she realized she left dust on the floor. With a sigh, Meara began to clean the floors. As she moved about the tent the smell of the food hit her. She realized she had not eaten since the previous morning. Daria had said tea, had called for wine but they were so engaged that they had neither and did not eat. Her stomach did an odd flip and suddenly she had the urge to vomit. No, not the urge, the need to vomit.

Her hand clasped over her mouth and her eyes darted around the tent. They landed on the tub. Meara unceremoniously released her stomach into it. Thankfully, there was little to purge. She was sweaty and pale but the nausea faded. She rested her head against the tub, the metal cool on her skin. As her breathing calmed Meara gasped with realization. She was up in a flash and gathering water and things to scrub the tub.

By the time she was done the tub was spotless, no sign of her indiscretion but she was sweaty, dirty and her dress was wet. Meara put away the cleaning supplies and sat on the floor. She had contemplated the bed or other furniture meant for sitting but habit set in. Her fingers began working the knots in her curls. She missed the brush her mother used to roughly force through her hair. She couldn’t remember the last time it had been properly brushed. Meara suddenly felt homesick. Not necessarily for the people but the routine, the knowledge of what her life was and what was expected of her. Here she was constantly unsure. Daria...Gwent….love…

Meara sighed. She had been told that Daria often changed over the women she took to bed. Did that mean that in a few months time she would once again be on her own? Would she have Gwent still then or would he find another woman to marry?

All this caused fresh tears to prick her eyes as she sat and worked her fingers slowly through her hair.

This is how the other servants found her when they came in to start the preparations for the evening. They looked at her, at each other but no one said anything to her.

 

[PennySaver]

Gwent was confused about what he should do now. He headed toward Daria's tent, but as it came into sight he stopped short. He was conflicted as he wanted to remain with, marry, and make babies with Meara; in fact, he'd been taking every opportunity for more than a week to fill her with his seed, hoping that that would in fact happen. He'd hoped that she would be with child before she had to make a decision about their future, but when Lauren showed up, the time table had been severely shortened.

Now, Gwent had to make a decision -- Meara had to make a decision -- before they knew whether or not he'd succeeded. He contemplated his options … then turned for the tent he shared with another Bodyguard. He sat there for a long while, imagining being Sheriff of Yarlham. The benefits that would come from such a position were astounding. He wouldn't have Meara though. An image filled his head: the daughter of the innkeeper, with all that red hair and that fair skin and those big tits and the way she'd shook her ass at him that day. As Sheriff, Gwent could have any woman or girl he wanted. So … pussy wasn't going to be an issue.

What had driven him to want Meara in the first place? Honestly? Pussy! He'd suspected she'd only been with one or two men, only to find out the most she'd ever done to another man was suck his cock. That knowledge had only spurred on his desire to have her. And once she got good at fucking, oh jeez, it was all he could think about, getting their underwear off and his cock inside her.

All that sex, though, had had a very significant effect: Gwent had fallen in love with the young woman. And horny, fuck-anything-that-moves male that he was, he couldn't escape the fact that he did in fact love her … and want to marry her.

After laying down to think -- and then slipping into slumber for a couple of hours -- Gwent finally stood and crossed the camp to Daria's tent, where he learned from the Bodyguards on duty that the Queen's sex-toy was the only one home. He entered without announcing himself, and when he caught Meara's attention, he held a hand up in a stop gesture.

"I have to speak to you, and you have to listen closely, Meara … Miss Meara, because this is about the rest of our lives … and it can't be changed once you've made a decision," Gwent told her. He explained all that Daria had said that morning without telling her about the offered position of Sheriff of Yarlham, which he though might influence her decision in his favor. He clarified, "I think she means to allow us to continue … being together, if you know what I mean … but … I think she means for it to be secret. We won't be allowed to be with one another in view of others … we won't be allowed to make a home together … we won't be allowed to marry … or have children."

He stepped closer to her, continuing, "Meara … I want to be with you … I want to marry you … and we actually could … in private, without our Mistress knowing. But … if we were ever found out … I don't know what she might do to us."

Again he neared her, finishing without referring to their superior by title, "Daria wants you for herself … and if she gets you all to herself, you will have a marvelous life of wealth and power and comfort..."

He again contemplated Yarlham but kept it to himself. "Meara … I will remain in Daria's service if you with me to … but … I think it would be better for you … if I left."

 

[SandS13]

Meara perked up when Gwent entered. She went to stand, to go to him but he immediately put a hand up to stop her. Her face fell and a knot formed in her stomach.

He began, starting off so formally that it actually stung her. She looked up at him, blue eyes full of sadness as he talked.

"Left?" It felt as is she had just jumped into an icy lake. "Oh." Meara meekly nodded. "You do not need my permission to leave. You don't owe me an explanation or even a reason." He really didn't owe her anything. He had spoken of a life together, marrying her but those were words. "I would never want you to stay where you were not happy Gwent."

She stood, "I never want you to be in danger because of me. I never want you to be unhappy and for me to be the cause."

Meara was trying hard to keep her emotions from her face but it was in her eyes. "If Daria would let you leave and that makes you happy then I will not ask you to stay. Goodbye Gwent. Thank you for- for everything."

She wrapped her arms about his stomach and hugged him tightly. She was shaking with the effort of holding in her tears.

 

[PennySaver]

Gwent was so torn by what was going through his mind, his heart, and even his groin; when Meara wrapped her arms around him and pressed their bodies together, his cock instantly perked up, recalling all those wonderful mornings, afternoons, and evens of increasingly good fucks. He forced those thoughts from his head, held Meara a long moment, then gently pulled her arms from him and stepped back.

"I will always remember you, Meara," he said with a sincere tone, verifying the decision he'd made in those seconds. He drew a deep breath before speaking the words he hadn't said to her yet, "And I will always love you."

Then, backing a step, dropping to one knee, and bowing his head, he said in a more formal tone, "And I will always honor and obey you … Miss Meara … as if you were my Queen … my true Queen."

Gwent stood again; his eyes were filled with tears. He saluted her -- a fisted hand to his chest -- then turned and departed the tent. If nothing else prevented him from doing so, he would find Rickon, tell him of Daria's offer, and begin packing his things. He wouldn't leave today, though; he still needed to get the appropriate papers from Daria to assume the position of Sheriff. No, he'd go in the morning at first light.

 

[SandS13]

Gwent pulled her arms from him. It was gentle but Meara knew it meant the end. She half sobbed, covering her mouth to hold it in as he told her he would remember her. Then he told her he loved her and Meara could no longer contain it. Tears fell down her cheeks as she watched him kneel, call her his true queen. With a salute, he left her.

Meara fell to her knees and wept. She wept until there were no more tears and she curled up on her side on the floor. She closed her eyes and slept, once more emotionally exhausted. She dreamt of Gwent, in the water as they bathed. She dreamt of him carrying her and of holding her as they rode. Each time he started to disappear like smoke up a chimney.

 

[PennySaver]

Daria was away from the camp all day, dealing with issues concerning the most recent County her Black Army had conquered. After the Lord was so brutally murdered and beheaded by his own men -- most of whom had been simple farmers and laborers, not trained soldiers -- Daria had allowed those men to select a new Sheriff to enforce the law, in conjunction with a detachment of Black Army soldiers, of course.

She had assigned a Tax Collector, but -- as was often the case after taking a new territory -- that man who would someday be coming around to collect coin was, for the most part, currently going around to distribute coin instead. Daria had learned early on that the best, fastest, and most enduring way to get a new territory to follow her was to splash coin all about in an effort to rebuild the economy and repair those things her Black Army had burned or other wise destroyed. In fact, Meara's Greendale was in the process of begin rebuilt now, something she would have learned if she and Gwent had entered it that day more than two weeks ago.

When she entered her tent just before sundown, Daria found Meara fast asleep in their bed. Their bed, Daria thought to herself. Hamma had been preparing her Mistress's bath while Anaka was doing the same with her dinner, both of them maintaining as silent an operation as possible. Daria made her way through a smallish dinner and an intimacy-free bath before sending the two women away to the tent they shared with Pazlee and laying down quietly next to the obviously exhausted Meara.

"Go back to sleep, my love," Daria whispered as the beautiful brunette stirred. She pulled the dress Meara against her own naked body, holding her tight as she repeated, "Go back to sleep."

In the morning, Daria awoke to find that the well rested Meara was already up and around and working. Daria laughed, telling her, "Meara! You are not a slave any more. You are not even a servant."

She waggled her hand out before her. "Come to me. Take your clothes off, and come to me … make love with me. I need to be with you."

 

[SandS13]

Meara had gotten out of the bed quietly, had found some water to drink to stave off her angry stomach and then had gotten to work.

She turned to look at Daria, eyes cast down as she was reminded that she was not a slave, not a servant. She wanted to ask what she was then because at the moment Meara didn't feel like anything at all.

Her dress was discarded, neatly folded in hopes that they would realize it was her dress and not think it was rags again. Meara climbed into the bed, into Daria's arms and she felt a sense of peace settle over her. This at least she knew. Her body was pressed to Daria's as she kissed the blonde beauty softly. Her mouth worked down Daria's neck to her breasts as her fingers began to lightly stroke the smooth bare skin of Daria's sex.

Her tongue bathed one nipple and as Meara nuzzled the firm breast her eyes watched it grow hard. Her lips surrounded it and gently sucked. Her fingers parted slick folds to find Daria's clit. Meara wanted to hear Daria cry out but not yet. She teased the cluster of nerves as her mouth assaulted Daria's nipple.

Meara began to kiss her way down Daria's tight stomach and her mouth replaced her fingers and she licked the entire length of Daria's sex. She could hear Daria's breathing changing and her lips moved over her clit as two fingers slow began to move in Daria.

Meara waited for it, the clear sign that Daria's pleasure was building. Only then did she curl her fingers upwards and begin to stroke more firmly. Her tongue assaulted Daria's clit as she coaxed an orgasm from the queen. Meara didn't stop though, she only lightened the pressure of her fingers and moved to kiss Daria. It was deep and sensual. Meara wanted to keep Daria warm and aroused. She wanted to bring her to climax again, to feel the strong thighs tense around her.

 

[PennySaver]

Daria had missed this so badly for what seemed so long but had only been half a moon. While Meara had been away with Gwent, Daria had had the mouth's of four different women upon her sex, and yet not one of them had been able to make her orgasm at all, let alone like Meara was now. Her soft sighs had become deep moans which had then become sharp cries … and finally a loud long gasp as she climaxed.

But her lover continued to pleasure her, and within a couple of minutes -- more or less she couldn't know as time was lost to her -- Daria was once again exploding with deep trembles and waves of pleasure. She could have let Meara continue, but Daria was eager to reciprocate, to show Meara that she was no longer a sex servant but was her honored and respected friend and, therefore, deserved the same pleasure and satisfaction.

"Enough!" she begged as she grasped a handful of the girl's curly locks and lifted her head. Daria laughed in delight, her chest still rising and falling dramatically, as she repeated, "Enough!"

She pulled her lover up to her, and they laid in one another's hands kissing and giggling and talking sweet nothings. Daria revealed, "Tomorrow, we leave this place. We're going home, to the Northlands … to my home, my castle … to your home, your castle. But before we go, I need to remind you once again … that you are not a slave or a servant … you are my lover..."

With that, Daria rolled Meara to her back and repeated very much what the girl had just done to her. She'd only very rarely gone down there before, of course, as it was a servants job to provide such stimulation. But Daria had come to realize after just that one night weeks ago that she adored the taste of Meara's sex. This day, the girl tasted a bit different, though, Daria had no idea why; she tasted somewhat saltier maybe, not that that was a bad thing. How could she know that Meara's hormone levels were all tweaked from an event in which Daria had no part.

Daria drove her lover to the peak of pleasure, looking up beyond the young woman's heaving bosom as she let her partner through sound and body language the joy she'd caused. Then, without any words, Daria suddenly stood, donned her thin robe, and walked to the tents flap door. She spoke some soft words, stepped back inside … and a moment later, Gwent stepped into the tent. His eyes fell immediately upon Meara, naked atop the bedding, body covered in a sheen of sweat as her bosom continued to rise and fall in the aftermath of an orgasm.

 

[SandS13]

"Leave? Castle?" The questions died on her lips as Daria moved her and began to touch her. Soon Meara was panting and moaning then crying out in pleasure.

She frowned but couldn't move as the orgasm slowly subsided. Her eyes opened to see Daria at the tent opening and Gwent with her. Meara had thought he had left. She sat up and looked at him. Had he changed his mind?

"Gwent." She half whispered his name as she sat up fully in the bed. She didn't think to cover herself, she was too surprised to see him.

 

[PennySaver]

"Gwent."

Daria didn't know whether to be amused or angered by Meara's neglect in hiding herself from the man. Yes, the two had been lovers, Gwent and Meara; yes, they'd already seen one another nake on multiple occasions. Yet Daria still thought it appropriate to show at least a little bit of modesty, so she casually walked toward Meara -- stepping between them to block Gwent's view of her lover -- and retrieved a robe for the girl.

Once Meara was covered up, Daria explained using Gwent's current rank: "I have given the Locoten the position of Sheriff of Yarlham. He is leaving today. Meara … it is unlikely that you will see him again. If … if you have anything you'd like to say to him … anything you would like to share with him before he leaves … this is your last opportunity."

She turned away from them both, retrieved a long cloak suitable for outside, and headed for the door. But she stopped to look to Meara, then to Gwent, and with a knowing tone, said, "I suspect that I will be back in … shall we call it an hour?"

Daria hoped they got the message that she was giving them time for one more fuck. On the other hand, she hoped Meara wouldn't want this man inside her body. But she felt she had to give Meara the opportunity to make a choice.

 

[SandS13]

Meara was jolted from the shock of seeing Gwent by Daria coming to the bed and handing her a robe. It was Daria's and Meara blushed as she put it on.

"Oh. Sheriff. I see." She swallowed back tears and did not look at him. Her eyes were on Daria. "That is generous of you."

Then Daria was leaving and Meara was confused by what was going on. The tent was quiet save the sounds of their breathing. "What does she mean anything-"

Gwent kissed her. Meara was caught completely off guard. He picked her up and put her on the bed, undressing quickly.

His hands pulled the robe from her body and then he was touching her. Meara sighed and melted against him. Her sadness was forgotten, at least for the moment. Gwent rolled, taking Meara with him to lay on him. His hands guided her hips back and he was in her.

He groaned and began to move. Meara sat up and began to ride him. It was slow then turned frantic as Gwent wanted to see her, hear her one last time. Meara cried out and Gwent filled her as he came.

He pulled her down and hugged her close even as they both were trying to catch their breaths. He placed soft kisses on the top of her head.

A little later he was dressed, his mouth capturing hers for a final kiss good bye.

And then he was gone. Meara was sad but then, he was going to be a sheriff with a good life, away from here. She remembered what Daria said about leaving and going to a castle. She wanted to ask Daria what she would do there.

Meara found a bucket of cold water and wiped her body down. She pulled on her dress and waited for Daria to return. She felt oddly nauseous and like the previous day vomited with little warning. This time it was in the bucket though. She needed food she reasoned.

 

[PennySaver]

"You will never see Meara again," Daria stately plainly when Gwent stepped into his own tent to gather his things and found her sitting there. "If ever I learn that you have met with her..."

She didn't continue the threat for two reasons: first, he knew what she'd do to him; second, it wasn't a threat, it was a promise.

"However, I know that Meara will be concerned about you … will wish to know that you are safe, happy, prosperous … therefore, I will allow you to send and receive letters to her … so long as they are passed via my messenger … and read by me prior to being passed onward. Understood?"

"Yes, Mistress," Gwent said, showing his respect with a bow. "I thank you for all you have given me … and more importantly … I thank you for all that you have and will give Mear-- Miss Meara."

Daria rose, stepped closer, called Rickon in from where he'd been waiting, and told Gwent to kneel. Placing her hand upon his head, she proclaimed him Sheriff of Yarlham, spoke of the rights and responsibilities that came with the title, and told him to rise to accept the letter he was to present to the senior most noble lord in the town. He thanked her, she left … and she never turned back, hoping to never see the man again.

The next morning:

In her full armor, Daria mounted Midnight and looked out upon the sharply assembled Black Army. Three companies of 100 men each had been left behind to watch over the recently conquered County, supplementing the 300 militia who had sworn allegiance to their new Sheriff, who of course had sworn allegiance to Daria. After that deduction and the assignment of various squads, platoons, and companies to other areas within her realm, Daria was heading home with a full Battalion of 400 foot soldiers, two Companies of archers amounting to 100 bows, and a 100 man Company of cavalry.

As she looked out upon them, Daria knew that marching into the capital city was going to be impressive. She looked behind her to Meara, mounted upon a well decorated horse … and looking nervous. The girl still wasn't entirely comfortable in the saddle. Daria asked with a wink, "Should we tie you in to ensure you don't fall?"

General Kriggen headed out first, this time taking the captured road to the north; it would lead them to a pass that had previously been in enemy hands, a route that would allow easy transport of the wagons. Kriggen lead half each of the cavalry, then archers, then foot soldiers, then all of the wagons and carts that held some of the spoils of war -- including some of the captured slaves and most of the treasury of the vanquished -- and then after that the rest of the cavalry, archers, and foot soldiers. It took almost an hour to get the entire army out of the field that had been their encampment for almost a month.

Only after the last row of foot soldiers joined the march did Daria look to Meara and nod. She urged Midnight into a slow canter and made her way up the side of the road to the front of the column. It seemed to take forever, and as she passed the Officer in charge of each platoon, his signal led the men to call out, "Victory to the Queen! Victory to Mistress Daria!"

 

[SandS13]

Meara tried to help pack but ended up in the way more than she was helpful. She took advantage of Daria’s robe to wash her dress and found the courage to ask for a needle and thread to mend parts of it. She vowed to ask if it would be alright for her to use some coin to purchase a new dress, something simple of course but better than the shift she had been wearing.

The journey was long. Meara was uncomfortable getting on and off the horse still. She wasn’t much better astride it but the discomfort of the saddle was easing. They stopped but the evenings were not spent in the same way. The tent was set up but devoid of extra fineries. The bed, the bath and a few chests of Daria’s clothing though she was in her armour so they were not really needed.

Each night they bathed and laid in each other's arms after bringing each other to the heights of pleasure. Meara was more relaxed by the third night, less timid about being with Daria. Once they were in the tent and alone it was as if the rest of the world didn’t exist. She found herself still afraid of the warrior queen but in bed when she was between Daria’s legs or she between hers they were just two women in the throes of passion.

They were now riding into the city. Daria teased about tying her to the horse and if Meara was honest she likely would have preferred that. Her body ached as she tried to stay upright. She couldn’t seem to relax on the great beast. The best part of the journey is she had not gotten sick so she was certain it had been the lack of food and not some sickness taking hold.

She was very much the wide eyed farm girl as they rode into the city and the chants of the men were deafening. Meara looked at Daria’s back in utter awe of this woman. Once again she tried to figure out why Daria had chosen her.

 

[PennySaver]

Two days ago:

As Meara stepped out of the tub, Hamma and Anaka immediately set about drying her off, combing her long curls, and moisturizing her body with a cream from a bottle that had once only been available to Daria. When they finished, Daria was informed; the Queen entered the tent, followed by three women whose ages seemed to span the decades. They had arrived the night before from parts unknown; actually, they'd been called from the Capital, not that Meara was told that.

They immediately set about measuring Meara's body for new clothes. They twisted and turned her, lifted her arms and lowered them, parted her feet and then pushed them back together. While this was going on, Daria handed Meara's one and only dress to Anaka and -- with some humor in her tone -- ordered the slave, "Burn this Gods awful thing … send its ashes into the heavens so that I never have to see or smell it again."

The dress had been washed and sun dried several times since Daria had first seen it, but there were some stains and smells that simply couldn't be extracted from old cloth, no matter how much soap and scrubbing were involved. When the seamstresses were finished, Hamma came to Meara with a dress that the three women had brought with them and, with Anaka's assistance, got her into it. It wasn't fancy or anything, but it was still more elegant and fitting for Meara's new role in Daria's life.


This morning:

After waking, Daria led Meara to the bathtub that Anaka had already prepared and entered it with her. She washed the girl with tender, caressing touches but did not engage her in anything more intimate than running the soft washrag over her nipples or atop her labia. When she was done with the girl, Daria ordered her out, to be dried by Anaka and Hamma while Pazlee was sent on an errand.

A few minutes later, the indentured servant returned with the three women from days earlier, but this time they entered with their hands filled with clothing. They went to work dressing and undressing Meara in undergarments, dresses, riding trousers, and the like … all while Daria -- now washed, dried, and dressed -- watched from a nearby chair, occasionally offering her comments of approval or lack thereof.

When they finally finished, Meara stood before her Queen and lover dressed for the road. Daria, smiling from ear to ear, stood and gestured the girl spun to allow her a full viewing. She walked up to Meara, took her hands, kissed her softly on the lips, and whispered, "You are the greatest treasure I could ever capture, my love."

(OOC: I sort of backed the timeline up a few hours. Don't worry, we'll get to the city in my next post.)

 

[SandS13]

Meara sat on the horse, watching the way the soldiers were saluting Daria. Her mind went back to the day she had been taken, captured...the way Daria had looked at her from atop her horse, the sound of her voice when she rode up beside her. It felt like a lifetime ago.

She could honestly say she did not know what she was now as she sat on the horse, dressed in a dress the likes of which Meara had never even seen before.

You are the greatest treasure I could ever capture, my love.

Daria's words had stirred something deep in her chest. Meara didn't know what it was but something had shifted. She had only managed a tearful thank you before kissing Daria. She promised herself that she would show her thanks more appropriately to Daria later. Meara truly did not understand what she had done to deserve this treatment.

She also saw the way the others looked at her. The glares, the jealousy in their eyes. They did what was asked by Daria - drying her, rubbing a luxurious cream into her skin, combing her curls until they were shiny and smooth but there was an aggression there. Meara said nothing, never complained. She did not want to cause problems. Hamma was gentler often trying to sneak little caresses of Meara's body. She whispered promises of getting to shave Meara. All done out of earshot and sight of Daria of course. Anaka was far more rough in her treatment. It seemed the woman didn't appreciate how Meara was doted on while she still took orders and suffered punishments.

For the moment, it didn't matter. The petite former farm girl rode, uncomfortably stiff on a horse behind her lover, the queen.

 

[PennySaver]

https://i.imgur.com/CoJxYEa.jpg?2​

Daria loved coming home to Castlemont in the wake of victory. She'd always thought nothing could please her more than to ride Midnight down the main street while her people cheered from the ground, the windows, the walls, and the towers.

Partially turning in her saddle to look behind her, she found a rather overwhelmed appearing Meara, riding side by side with Lord Kriggen. Recalling the happiness -- and pleasures -- she derived from that young woman, Daria wondered if perhaps coming home was now her second greatest joy. She smiled to Meara, then winked playfully before turning back to look over and wave to the masses.

Castlemont as a walled city dated back almost 500 years. It had been established by the first true King of all the Continent, Baeran the Bold. The last portion of the outer wall that had protected the city all these centuries had been completed under the supervision of Baeran's granddaughter, Daria. It was no coincidence that the current Queen of the Northlands bore that same name, as the woman known today as the Warrior Queen Daria was, in fact, a direct descendant of the previous woman of that name.

The rise to power of Meara's lover, though, had been anything but the simple matter of passing down and donning the crown as were most accessions to the throne. Daria's family -- the House of Baeran -- had been overthrown a century ago by a collection of treacherous Houses which were, of course, immortalized by tattoos on the inside of Daria's thighs.

After the greatest monarchy of all time was crushed and seemingly forgotten for more than a century, Daria had had to establish herself as the rightful heir to the House of Baeran, to the City of Castlemont, and to the continent itself. Her more recent ancestors had retained a loyal but always fluctuating in size following during their years of exile, deep within the mountainous forests of the Northlands. Daria's father died without any sons when Daria herself was only 12 years old.

Her father's Nobles began talking of finally disbanding the House and aligning their own families and forces with other Nobles and Royals. Daria chastised them as cowards and traitors, and when the most senior of the Nobles called her a silly little girl, she challenged him to back his words up by killing her in a sword battle to the death. He, of course, laughed; many others did not. Daria had been training with the sword, dagger, and bow almost from the time she'd been able to loft them; she'd beaten grown men in archery tournaments at 6 years of age, using a recurve bow while standing on a block of wood because the bow was taller than she was.

The Lord she'd challenged countered her offer of a to-the-death sword fight by tasking his 14 year old son with teaching her a lesson by knocking the daylights out of her with wooden training swords. The bout lasted 8 seconds, ending with the boy laying face down in the mud, bleeding from his broken nose. But Daria didn't let the fight end there; she retrieved her sword from her Bodyguard -- then a Locoten named Kriggen -- and strode forth toward the treacherous Noble, telling him to defend himself or die.

He died. Although the fight was a bit longer than that between his son and Daria, the overconfident Lord found himself overwhelmed by the young, nimble, quick young girl; Daria's sharp little slices of her sword cut through his calf, his belly, his other leg's thigh, and finally his sword arm. He dropped to his knees after a stab to his gut, continued to deny the rightful head of the House of Baeran her rights over the exiled community, and then fell to the ground in a thud after Daria chopped her ax down with all her might and cut his head clean off.

After than, no one ever questioned the Warrior Queen again. In quick order, she and her loyal Lords raised an army, conquered and incorporated into their ranks their Northland neighbors, used the acquired wealth to expand and train the newly named Black Army into a powerful force, and -- in less than three days of fighting -- took Castlemont back.

Soon after the city was in her control, a naked and bathed 16 year old Daria parted her thighs to a testar művész ka, showed her the colorful drawings of the Houses of her enemies, and told the body artist, "Help me remember."

And Daria had. Of the 14 tattoos on the inside of her thighs, 8 were now crossed through with a red, diagonal slash. She'd accomplished so much, yet still had a long way to go; she'd actually expected to have the entire continent under her control by now. Looking back again at Meara, Daria believed that with her suflet perechenar -- her soul mate -- now found, she would finally accomplish what had escaped her until this point.

The procession continued through the streets of the city outside the wall, through the gates, and up the hill toward the castle on the mountain, for which the town was named. The crowds as they proceeded slowly evolved from the rural peasantry to the urban merchant and service classes to -- once beyond the inner curtain -- the Nobility and their servants. Despite the shift in classes, though, Daria's response to them didn't change; she treated them all the same, with waves of delight and broad smiles … and pillaged Coppers tossed out to them by the Black Army soldiers walking along beside her, being replenished with more coin every quarter mile or so by men in carts. Daria often wondered whether the people were happier to see her or the confiscated treasuries, but -- to be honest -- she didn't care … so long as her people were happy.

Eventually they rode through the opened gates of the castle, dismounted, and headed in through the next set of doors which were closed after Daria, Kriggen, Meara, and her Bodyguard had passed through. Even though there were dozens of Nobles and foreign Dignitaries waiting to congratulate Daria -- and then ask her for this, that, or the other thing -- the Warrior Queen instead took Meara by the hand and led her up two levels of spiraling staircase.

At the third level of the castle, Daria led the girl down a wide passageway. Along the left side every so often were mostly open doors; the Queen had ordered them opened to allow Meara to see the elegantly appointed bed chambers and offices that served both those who worked here or were simply visiting for one purpose or another. (In one room, a well rounded, naked woman was mounted upon a man who was moaning out in sexual delight, more evidence that Daria was more concerned with showing off the room than protecting the couple's privacy.)

To the right, the passage looked out upon an incredible hall -- the current location of the supplicants for whom Daria had no immediate concern -- which was decorated with expensive and elaborate art work and statues and more. At the end of the hall, Daria led Meara through a door flanked by two Bodyguards. It was massive, large enough in width, length, and height to hold nine of Daria's battlefield tents; it was also beautifully appointed, with spaces dedicated to sleeping -- including a large canopied bed -- dining, drawing, writing, bathing, and more. The windows of the corner room looked out upon the city to one direction and the forested mountains in the other.

"This is your room," Daria announced after Meara had had a moment to view it. She was smiling with delight at the girl's reaction. She explained that she had a bedroom of her own down the hall, adding, "But this is yours and yours alone … for when you need your own privacy or, sometimes, when I need mine."

Daria didn't go into why they might need space between them if they were to be lovers and partners, instead only asking, "Will this be sufficient for you … Miss Meara?"

 

[SandS13]

Meara barely registered the bodyguard helping her down from the horse. She was too busy staring at the castle walls, the doors...everything. Her eyes were wide with wonder and apprehension. She felt terribly small in this place. She had never left Greendale. She had never seen a city and anything she ever heard about them, which was not a lot, had not prepared her for where she found herself now.

There were people, lots of people dressed nicely all waiting to speak to Daria. Meara stood by her horse waiting to be told or shown where to go next. When Daria appeared before her, taking her hand Meara smiled and relaxed. With Daria things just felt better. Meara walked with her but was aware of the eyes on her. She tried to walk behind Daria but the queen held her hand. As they walked through the castle Meara became very aware just how out of her element she was. She stared at everything, her neck starting to hurt from how she turned and strained it to take in every inch of the place as they walked. Meara realized quite quickly that she would not be able to find her way around. Not that she expected she would need to. She already had it in mind that she would be kept in a room to see to Daria's needs whenever she wanted her.

Doors were opened and as they walked Meara tried to peer into each. Everything was clean, luxurious and simply beautiful. Her cheeks reddened and her voice caught in her throat as they walked past one room. "Were they-" She bit back the question. She had not been given leave to speak and now, even more than in the tent Meara felt as if she could not say or do anything without permission.

Her eyes fell on the bodyguards who were standing outside of a door. When it was opened, Meara assumed this was Daria's room. It was the biggest space she had ever seen. The bed was the biggest, softest looking thing Meara had ever seen. She longed to touch the bedding and the pillows...thick and puffy. There was so much space. She craned her neck, not leaving Daria's side, to see the area for bathing. The room was also bright and airy.

Meara was in awe.

Large, blue eyes focused on Daria's face as Meara whipped her head around, curls flying when Daria announced this was her room. Meara was certain she had not heard correctly. "My room?" She half squeaked out the words.

"This is...I do not...deserve...I do not understand..." She was overwhelmed. "How can this be my room...rooms?"

 

[PennySaver]

Daria smiled widely at the girl's reaction to learning that these were her quarters ... her's and her's alone. She took Meara's hand again and led her about the room, showing off some of the details. "This is your desk, and these are you writing instruments. I will arrange for tutors, to teach you to read and write. This is your wardrobe..."

The Queen pulled Meara into a room that was as spacious as the entire interior of her battle field tent. "It is empty now, but soon, it will be filled with the most spectacular clothing you've ever imagined … well … maybe not as spectacular as mine."

She laughed as she led her out again and to the balcony. "Those are the North Peaks … and that is the Willow Grove, where I lost my virginity to a wonderful woman I will introduce you to one day … and over there beyond that wall..."

Daria spent the next couple of minutes talking about the different Sectors of the city, including what made each of them different, better, or worse than the sectors adjacent to them. From here, Meara could see a bit more than half of the city; the rest she would be able to see from Daria's room.

"This is your bed, of course," Daria said with a flirty smile and tone as she led the girl to it. She embraced Meara and kissed her passionately while one hand reached to the former slave's ass and the other cupped a young, firm breast.

"This is...I do not...deserve...I do not understand..." Meara said after Daria had shown her the elegant glazed bathtub and the mass of bottles of oils and cremes and the reclining seat that had been specifically designed for the girl's relaxation while having her body shaven clean of its hair. "How can this be my room...rooms?"

"It can be yours, Meara," Daria explained, holding her hands, "because you are now mine. Not as a slave … not as a servant. But as my lover, Meara. You may not think you are special … you may not think you are deserving … but Meara, you fill a part of my life that no one has ever filled before."

Even though she herself didn't even truly know what it was, Daria's attraction to Meara was based in a combination of the girl's innocence and the girl's willingness and capability in pleasing her. Many women -- and even some men -- had tried to fill that void in the Queen's life, but only Meara had. Ironically, the girl hadn't even tried to accomplish this; simply, Meara had done what she thought she needed to do to protect and advance her life. And in doing so, she'd secured herself a place in the life of the most powerful woman on the continent.

Daria called another open door, and suddenly a half dozen females came flooding out. They all wore the clothes typical of a Chamber Maid; they line up and bowed to their Mistress; they greeted Miss Meara after the girl was introduced; and with Daria's direction they immediately set about preparing Meara for her new life, beginning with a bath.

 

[SandS13]

The more Daria showed her, the more Meara was trying to understand that it was hers. It made little sense to her brain. Meara had never had anything to herself let alone anything like these rooms. It was bigger than the home her family had lived in.

Desk. Tutors. Wardrobe.

Her head swam at the very idea.

Her hand clenched Daria’s as she was led to the balcony. Meara looked to all the places that Daria pointed out and tried to memorize them. The city was amazing. They moved back inside and Daria pulled her to the bed. A smile appeared on Meara’s lips. The bed was the only place she had any confidence. Her training as well as Daria’s feedback had made it the one place Meara felt sure of herself. She moaned softly as Daria pulled her against her own strong body. Meara’s hands were on Daria’s face as they kissed.

The moment was ended, Daria was eager to show the woman the rest of the place. In the bathroom, Meara’s eyes fell on the biggest tub she had ever seen. Lotions and oils in pretty bottles caught her eye.

Meara’s eyes were soft as Daria explained that she filled her life. She still didn’t understand, she had not done anything but be dutiful and attentive. She stepped in and kissed Daria, softly. “Thank you.”

It didn’t feel like enough but there was no more to say. The room was suddenly full of ladies. Meara tried to memorize their names but knew it would take time.

Then it was like a whirlwind. Meara was pulled away and undressed. She stood there unable to move or help. Everytime she tried, hands stopped her. She was naked and Daria was gone.

The water was filling the tub, her hair was combed in preparation for washing. The woman who tended it was gentle as she worked each curl and then pinned them up. “We will wash them after. You need to be bathed and shaved as the queen has requested. Then I will wash, brush and style your hair.”

Meara was led to the tub and helped into it. She was allowed to soak for a time before she was scrubbed down.

 

[PennySaver]

After Meara had been thoroughly but gently scrubbed and her hair watched and treated with three different oils to bring it to life, a familiar voice sounded from out of her view, "Finish up ladies, it's time to complete this work in a way only I can."

The voice was that of Hamma, who while being Daria's personal servant was here to finally perform the job about which she had spoken so long ago. As the other women finished with their duties, Hamma displayed a trio of differently shaped razors and said with a devilish grin, "Time to make you look like you belong in the bed of a queen."

The freewoman led Meara to a strange shaped chair that was stained wood in places and leather-covered-cushion in others. She laid the younger girl in it, reclined it back, and positioned Meara's feet … then pushed those foot holders outward to fully display the Queen's girlfriend's most personal area.

"Let's get started, shall we?" Hamma said before lathering up Meara's groin and mound with a soap that looked more like the whipped cow milk cream they'd eaten atop berry pie one night after dinner. Hamma showed the sharp razor to the girl, laughed, and warned, "I wouldn't move if I was you."

Daria's servant took her time shaving nearly all of Meara from muff to ankles, as well as in her arm pits. She often added more cream after running her fingers over the girl's skin and locating stubble that simply would not be allowed. By the time she'd finished and ordered Meara back into the tub to be rinsed, the Queen's lover was as smooth as a baby's behind. After being told to stand in the tub, Hamma ran her hands up and down the Meara's skin, even letting her fingers find the girl's labia and clit just simply for the fun of doing to.

"You're ready now," Hamma finally said as she urged Meara out of the tub, dried, and wrapped her in a long, silky gown. With what might have surprised Meara, Hamma moved in close and kissed the girl rather erotically on the lips; the freewoman had had a desire for the former slave girl from the first time she, Meara, and Daria had slept together that first night in the Western Ridge. As she let her hands begin caressing Meara's skin, she suggested, "It feels different to be with a woman when you are clean as you are now. Perhaps … so that when you are with our Mistress tonight … perhaps the two of us should go to your bed and … practice."

If Meara agreed, Hamma would lead her to the bed and make passionate love to her. If Meara didn't, Hamma would respectfully let it go and depart to go serve her Mistress.

 

[SandS13]

Meara was surprised to see Hamma but she wasn't sure why. She was one of Daria's staff. It should not have shocked her but somehow here, in the castle and not the camp or tent did.

She let Hamma help her settle into the chair. Her eyes moved over the blades. Fear made her stomach tight. Meara didn't move, barely allowed herself to breathe as Hamma worked. Meara was surprised as Hamma removed hair from her body. When she got back in the tub and rinsed off Meara found that she felt oddly....beautiful. Something about the smooth skin or maybe it was the way Hamma had paid such careful and delicate attention as she worked. Meara didn't know what it was.

She did not say anything as Hamma touched her intimately. They were teasing touches. She slipped into the robe. Meara was shocked as Hamma kissed her. The teasing touch had turned more sensual and now there were hands moving over her body. Meara let out a soft moan.

Practice.

Meara pulled back and looked at Hamma. Her mind was going over Daria's words. She shook her head. "I am sorry Hamma. It isn't that you are not lovely but I am for Daria alone. She would not like it and I would not dishonour her. She - she isn't here to allow it and I do nothing without her permission."

After Hamma left, Meara still in the robe wandered the room to look it over. She was still in shock that it was hers. A sudden wave of nausea washed over her and she ran back into the bathroom and found a bucket to vomit into. She did until there was nothing in her stomach and then, rinsed her face and went to lay on the bed.

Excitement and stress. I pray I have not picked up a sickness...

 

[PennySaver]

Hamma was disappointed at missing what would likely be her last chance at sex with the beautiful former slave. But, fearing that Meara might mention this incident to Daria, she backed a step, bowed respectfully, and responded, "Of course, Miss Meara."

She asked if the girl needed anything more and with the answer being no was given her leave. Almost before Hamma was gone, another servant -- her name was Finna -- entered and announced that she would be Meara's Maid. "Anything you need or want or wish to know, you come to me. I am available to you all hours of the day, though, during my normal sleeping hours, I will have another girl, Enta, standing by for those things that you feel she can do for you … but … if ever she is not enough, I am to be awoken."

They spoke of the schedule Daria had laid out for Meara for this first day, which included fittings for various forms of clothing and a familiarization with the castle. The three women who had come to the camp two days earlier to fit Meara for her current dress arrived and returned to that bees-around-a-hive hustle of theirs as they put Meara in and out of dresses, pinning them up or drawing on them with chalk.

"I'll show you around now, Miss," Finna told Meara when she was once again dressed, this time in a simple and yet very expensive linen dress of red.

She led the Queen's lover out onto the walkway and out to the open side that looked down into the Great Hall. Two floors below them, Daria was sitting on her throne at the far end of the crowded room; lesser Royals, Nobles, Merchants, and others -- mostly but not exclusively with titles -- flanked the red carpet that led from the doors below and out of sight of Meara and Finna, up to the dais upon which the throne stood. An older man and two mid-teenaged girls took the long walk up to the base of the dais, showed their respect, and then through the patriarch presented their case to their Mistress.

As this was happening, Daria caught sight of Meara in her magnificent dress. She smiled broadly and inconspicuously gestured to the floor beside her. Finna explained, "Our Mistress wishes you to join her."

Finna led the way, down the hall, around the corner, down a spiral staircase, and up to the back of the dais. At a signal from one of the Bodyguards at the corner of the dais, Finna motioned Meara to go stand next to Daria, even giving the girl a gentle shove up the steps before whispering, "Go … go!"

When Daria caught sight of Meara out of the corner of her eye, she stood -- and throughout the hall every man, woman, and child -- short of the Bodyguard -- dropped to one or both knees, the movement of so many bodies at once sounding as if a wind through a forest-sized wardrobe.

Daria moved to Meara, took her hand, and led her to stand next to the throne; her expression and body language was less love-struck as in Meara's room earlier and was more royal like, as when she'd addressed her troops or the conquered enemy on earlier days.

"Stand here," she said softly to Meara, giving her hand a squeeze. She looked out to yet another small group of supplicants -- a teenage girl and her parents, the father of which was now on a crutch with his leg wrapped in a cloth cast. She told the girl, "Go on."

"Mistress, Queen Daria of the House of Baera, of Castlemont, of the Northlands, and of all the World Known," the girl began with an eloquence not often seen among the rural peasantry. "We are but poor goat farmers of the village Walterdale. The son of the Sheriff has for years been asking for my hand in marriage--"

Daria knew that the girl couldn't now be more than 16.

"--a request which my father has repeatedly but respectfully declined. We were pressured by the Tax Collector--"

"Who works directly for the Sheriff," Daria said, just providing clarity. "Go on."

"The tax collector claimed that my father had not paid his shares, though he had. He told my father that if I were to marry the Sheriff's son, the unpaid taxes would be forgotten. My father refused. The next day, half of our herd was dead in the fields. My father sought aid from the Sheriff but was only beaten … his leg broken. He is unable to tend the herd that remains, a herd that has seen one goat killed every day for the past moon."

"Do you have any proof of this story you tell me know, girl?" Daria asked. "Do you have proof that this damage to your herd was done at the hand of the Sheriff, his son, or the Tax Collector?"

The girl only hung her head, unable to provide what her Queen wanted. Her mother, however, made the appropriate respectful curtsey and added, "My daughter would never lie, Mistress, nor would I."

Daria contemplated the situation for a moment, then looked to Meara and whispered, "I have heard such stories about this particular Sheriff and Tax Collector in the past."

Then looking out upon the family, then out upon the anxiously awaiting crowd of Royals, Nobles, and other people of power, wealth, and fame -- or infamy -- Daria announced in a booming voice, "At my side stands Miss Meara, of Greendale. Miss Meara is an advisor, to me, to the crown, to the future of this Realm."

She looked to Meara, noting the expression filling her face. Smiling -- and winking to her, Daria looked back out upon the family and informed them, "Miss Meara will rule on this issue in my stead."

Daria looked to Meara and said softly, "That is your cue. What is your ruling? Do we believe these peasants and rule for damages and justice in their favor...? Or do we not believe them … believe that they are attempting to get something for nothing by bearing false witness against a Sheriff and a Tax Collector who have served this Realm with faith and loyalty for years?"

 

[SandS13]

Meara greeted the maid. She wanted to tell the woman that she would not trouble her too much but Finna seemed quite set in her role. Meara understood and respected that. She simply nodded to the schedule. She was actually relieved to have one. It meant she had a purpose, a goal to her day. It was like being on the farm except without the mud, animal shit and sweat.

She did not protest as she was dressed, undressed, stuck with pins, turned and adjusted. Meara however could not get over how beautiful and red the dress was. She had never seen fabric this rich in person before.

She followed Finna and when they stopped on the walkway, Meara looked down. The sight of Daria on her throne, so many waiting to talk to her, to seek her guidance...it took Meara’s breath away. She had thought Daria was beautiful and strong yet seeing her like this caused a strange flutter in her stomach. This woman wanted her?

“Join her?” Meara was confused. Join her where? Daria was seeing to royal business. It was no place for a farm girl who could not read, write and had never been to a city before. She followed Finna, her feet tripping a little when she was gently shoved. Finna couldn’t possibly mean that Daria wanted her out there, in front of everyone.

Meara gasped at the sound and the sight of everyone kneeling when Daria stood. Her eyes sought Daria’s as she drew closer. The blonde’s hand took hers and she was led forward. She stood where she was told. Her eyes moved over the crowd. Her knees trembled. They could all see her. She was sure they knew she had no business being here. Meara focused on the people speaking.

It was a standard story, at least to Meara. It happened all the time. Her face fell as she realized there was no helping it. Those in power always got what they wanted. This girl would end up married and having babies, her parents would die of starvation when someone else bought their farm and what was left of their herd for cheap.

Meara was not surprised to hear that Daria had heard other tales of these men. She was shocked the hall wasn’t full of people with this exact complaint about every tax collector and sheriff. She only hoped Gwent would prove to be a better man than these ones.

Her head slowly turned, her eyes speaking of her surprise and fear as Daria introduced her. Then she said she was leaving the ruling to Meara. The girl swallowed and looked at the family. Then her eyes moved to the others in the room. They were all staring at her.

She looked at Daria. “The men accused do not come to defend themselves. They feel their power protects them. They saw no reason to stand here and deny the actions. They do not fear punishment because they have no reason to. When farmers speak up they are often ignored or asked for proof they cannot provide. Their tormentors know this and it only causes them to continue. If they are not the first to accuse these men then it is proof enough of a trend in behaviour. I would side with the farmers and investigate your sheriff and tax collector. I would guess that you will find that their bookkeeping has some errors and if others see it going on they will be emboldened to speak up and give you more proof.”

She was speaking directly to Daria.

 

[PennySaver]

Daria began looking into Meara's eyes as the girl began her ruling of the case, but then peeked out to the left without moving her head to look upon the crowd. As Meara went on, a soft murmur of surprise spread through the crowd. Daria knew what the high and mighty lords and ladies of the land were thinking: who is this unknown girl to look down upon us and accuse us of being tormentors?

Daria looked back to her young lover as she finished and smiled. She smiled even further when Meara's face went red with a blush. It was a better look on her than going white with panic, which many might have done in fear that they'd overstepped their bounds.

After she looked to the Commander of the Castle Guard, the man lifted and rapped the base of his staff on the stone dais, sending a near shock wave of sound out over the crowd. The murmur ended in a flash, and silence reigned, though, the actual reason for the gesture was to announce that the Queen was about to deliver a ruling; as such, when she stood, the crowd did not kneel as they had the previous time.

"The Sheriff of Walterdale will present himself to me by midday tomorrow to either defend his actions or deny them," Daria began her ruling in a volume that was far from bellowing and yet easily reached to the back of the Great Hall. "His son will do the same, as will the Tax Collector. I will hear them ... and I will rule upon the situation at that time."

She looked down to the three family members before her, telling them to raise their eyes to her. To the father she said, "You will be provided a shepherd and a worker without charge from the Queen's Indentured Labor Force--"

Meara may or may not have known of this organization, but it was essentially all of the men and women who were indebted to Castlemont or the Realm in one way or another. Daria found it ridiculous that violators of the law languished in jail cells, chained to the walls, eating and drinking of the Realm's resources without that Realm gaining anything or, worse yet, slowly starving to death or dying of disease due to malnutrition or disease. Instead, these people were put to work -- typically within days of sentencing -- as indentured servants, much as Pazlee had been put to work as one of Daria's servants.

She continued, "--for a period of one year or until you are able to fully return to work yourself. I assume that you understand it would not behoove you to limp around on that crutch any longer than was necessary, my good man?"

The father of the family was almost in tears by the time Daria had finished, swearing that he would be up and around in no time at all. Daria looked to the girl who, while barely past her mid-teens, had the shapely curves of a women ready to be bed and bred. She was beautiful as well, which -- in addition to her delicious curves -- was part of the reason the Sheriff's son had for so long been trying to get in between her thighs.

"What is your name, girl?" Daria asked. The girl answered. "You do not wish to be married at this time, Belinda? Or do you simply not wish to be married to the Sheriff's son?"

"I wish to help my family, Mistress," the girl answered. "They cannot make without me, even with the two hands you offered."

"You are too beautiful to be wasted on chasing goats through the hills, girl," Daria said. Belinda blushed a fiery red, not unlike how Meara had the first time Daria had told her the same. Daria looked to the mother and asked, "If I provided a girl servant to help around the house and with the kids and milking … would you be happy with your daughter becoming a member of my staff … a chamber maid … a position which would expose her to young, handsome, wealthy nobles who are always on the lookout for a young, beautiful wife to provide them handfuls of strong young boys and beautiful young girls."

By the time Daria finished, the eyes and mouths of both of the women before her were wide open; there was also another murmur through the crowd, accented with a bit of giggling and laughter at the description of male nobles and their future peasant playthings. The mother-daughter pair looked to each and whispered with animation before the elder woman looked back to Daria and said, "We would be honored for such an opportunity, Mistress."

Daria looked to Meara, smiled, and asked softly, "Does that fit your idea of how best to rule on this issue?"