"Queen of The Known World"

[CutiePie1997]

Onya's eyes nearly popped out of her head when Baldr leaned over and pressed his lips to hers. Even though she and Baldr had embraced just ten or so hours earlier as if long lost lovers, they had never kissed one another. No man had ever kissed Onya's lips save her father, and that had been so long ago that she hardly remembered it. Her mother had kissed her on the mouth, and that was a fond memory. And, of course, Gree had kissed Onya those nights when they slept naked in one another arms. It had been education, of course, for Onya's wedding night, though it had stirred feelings inside the teen Noble that she'd felt with no one to that point.

Onya smiled, then laughed nervously at Baldr's kiss, unsure of how she was to respond other than to ... well, smile and laugh nervously. She wondered whether Baldr had any idea the leap forward in a Southern relationship the simple touching of lips was.

"When this city has been conquered my queen, I will find a priest of Vint or have one brought from Varta and we will be married."

"I anxiously await that day, m'lord," Onya responded without hesitation.

Suddenly, she blushed again, even a deeper red. She was still remembering Gree kissing her, touching her, satisfying her, and -- most importantly -- explaining how Baldr would, on their wedding night, do far more; and as she felt her face burning, Onya was thinking she'd sounded ever so eager for that night to arrive. She bowed her head to him again, mostly to hide her blush from him for a short moment, though by the time she stood tall again, Onya realized she hadn't been able to do so.



The skies around the territory of Southern Vint had begun clouding over by late afternoon, and by nightfall -- when the castle was officially surrendered -- those skies had opened up and begun putting out the fires that otherwise could have burned for days. Guardsmen from the City -- now disarmed and under the watchful eye of their conquerors -- set up a large tent just beyond the now broken and burned gate of the City, its canvas walls not in place to allow all within distance to watch the goings-on.

"Why are we not doing this inside the Castle?" Gree asked as she was once again helping Onya bathe and dress for the ceremony to come, adding with her obvious presence known, "Out of the rain and cold?"

Onya could have explained that she was in no hurry to reenter the City in which she had been held for so long and in which -- during her rescue -- she'd seen the horrific killing of Aliza. It hadn't occurred to Onya until just this morning that despite the death, destruction, and mayhem that had enveloped the Known World since the Falling Wars, Aliza had been the first person she had actually seen killed. Oh, she'd seen her share of the dead, from Fothala and Kinth to Vint and Virta to the Unnamed Untamed and back. But until she'd seen that sword exit from the woman's chest, spewing blood forth upon herself and the stone floor before between them, Onya had never witnessed the actual murder of another person.

Now, with bodies still being gathered all across the battlefield and assembled for two separate pyres dedication to two different religious offerings, Onya was surrounded by the dead in a way she hadn't even during Borona's Northern wars against his fellow Chieftains prior to his own death at Baldr's hands.

"M'lady?" Yol's voice sounded from beyond the tent flap. With permission from Onya, her Protector -- now proudly sporting a fat lip, black eye, and bandage encompassing his left hand -- entered to announce, "They are here."

Onya donned a questioning expression, asking, "They?"

Beyond the flap, the future Queen found a sight she hadn't seen since her first time in Vint more than three years earlier. Six peasants from the city were holding vertical poles, between which stretched a canvas tarp intended to keep her dry for the walk from her tent in the encampment to the negotiating tent near the City wall. Her first thought was a very Northern one, coming out with a chastising tone, "Send them away!"

"But, m'lady--" Yol began, glancing toward the sky and the downpour that was only getting worse.

But Onya simply pulled her cloak's hood up over her hair and waved at him dismissively, then headed for her horse. Yol gestured Gree toward the men to do as Onya had ordered, then caught up with his Lady to help her onto her horse. She, Baldr, their Protectors, and a number of Karants -- fewer than before with the loss of some Clan heroes -- headed down the hill to find the Vintans already assembled, as was appropriate. Once at the tent, Onya entered and -- under cover -- removed her hood to immediately look into the surprised face of a familiar woman.

Ellanora, First Captain of the now-disbanded City of Vint Darkness bowed respectfully to Baldr and Onya together, then looked to the latter and said with a tone that lacked sincerity, "Lady Onya, it is good to see you well. When you could not be located within the Castle or City, there was great fear that you had--"

"I would like the body--" Onya cut in with a firm tone, continuing, "--of Aliza ... Horse Warrior of the Clan Baldr, returned to her people for proper burial, per the traditions of the people."

When Ellanora's stare -- shifting between Onya and Baldr and back -- failed to be joined with words, Onya growled, "Immediately!"

Ellanora hesitated a moment -- obviously not having been prepared for such a demand -- then bowed her head respectfully and said with feigned respect, "Of course, m'lady."

Onya watched as the former First Captain turned to and gestured at one of the men behind her, who quickly turned and headed back for the City. Onya waited until Ellanora was again facing her and said with authority, "Your escort is Darkness. You were told to bring men of the City Guard only."

Ellanora donned a polite smile, gesturing a hand toward the men with her who all wore the uniform of the less highly trained and less highly dangerous City Guard. "I assure you, m'lady ... these men are--"

"Kill that man," Onya said, pointing Yol toward the common soldier standing nearest Ellanora.

Yol began to pull his sword and make his move forward, but Ellanora quickly lifted a hand in a combination of stop and surrender and said, "Wait!"

As Yol hesitated, his weapon's hilt still clutched in his hand, Ellanora turned to look at each and every one of her escorts with a meaningful expression. After a moment, her entire escort, with the exception of a pair of Priests turned and headed back to the destroyed gate, where they watched with anxiety, knowing that their leader was now on her own.

"Aliza...?" Onya repeated.

"I assure you, m'lady," Ellanora told her, "if her body is inside the City ... it will be returned to you for proper burial."

Onya didn't like the way the Darkness Leader used the word proper, but she let it slide. She looked to Baldr, caught his eye, and smiled just a bit. She was still remembering the kiss from earlier in the evening, and -- despite the fear that she'd carried since suggesting that she and the Chieftain become rulers together and, in course, lovers -- Onya found herself anxious to get these damn vows exchanged.

She looked back to Ellanora and said with a hint of victory, "I believe that my King ... has some demands to discuss with you."

With that, she took a step back to study the woman's expression as the ruler of the Unnamed Untamed and now of the Territory of Vint laid out his vision for their future...

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr was proud of his Queen. He had been surprised at first when she had joined him and the others clad only in a cloak to protect her from the drizzling rain, but he had smiled as well. This was the way a true Northern chieftains woman would ride. He had seen the look of distaste on her face as they had ridden towards the city and he knew she would rather be anywhere else but in it, but these things had to be done and it was good to know she had the strength to do them.

As they dismounted and walked under the pavilion set up for them he studied the people sent to negotiate the cities surrender. He recognized the woman who had first ordered him out of the Southern lands and a smile smile played over his lips. He wondered if she would still like to take him up on his offer of single combat. A lot of lives could have been saved if she had.

The men she had around her looked like members of the army, yet he noticed that they carried themselves very similair to the way both Parta and Aliza used to. He had never seen regular soldiers stand that way. Indeed Onya sensed the same thing and must have recognized at least one man, for she called out Ellanora for bringing Darkness warriors to the meeting instead of regular troops and when she denied it ordered Yol to kill the closest man.

With her bluff called, Ellanora had no choice but to back down and send her whole escort away to wait in what shelter they could find near the ruined gates, except for two priests. Baldr could hardly contain his mirth, but his good mood was dashed when Onya demanded Aliza's body be returned and Ellanora assured her it would If it could be found.

Baldr glared at the woman and then began to calmly list off what was going to happen to the city, knowing full well she was not going to like it.

"Well Captain. Perhaps you should have taken me up on my offer. The result would have been just with a hell of a lot less casualties. The result was never in doubt and your stubbornness has caused me the loss of close to a thousand men and from what I can see at least double that on your side." Shaking his head he looked around at the devastation and at the bodies that were still lying in the street. "I think our way is the more Noble way of fighting."

"Still we are not here to debate that. You will surrender all weapons and gather all troops in the main square. You have my word they will not be harmed. They are to be divided up into Darkness members and regular army. All priests are to gather in front of their temple and the High Priest and priestess are to be brought to me immediately along with the council. A curfew from Dusk to Dawn is now in immediate effect. Anyone caught outside during the night who is not a member of the Clan will be killed on sight regardless of who they are. The exception to this will be for the Fishing fleet if you have one. I will be sending men down to the docks to sort that situation out."

He smiled grimly at her. "On that note all ships are bound in port and will not be permitted to leave until they have been thoroughly inspected. As of now Vint belongs to the Clan. Whether this city survives or not depends entirely on your actions captain."

Ellanors eyes had been widening as Baldr had been talking. She was only now beginning to realize that these warriors were not just going to raid and leave. In fact she had not been prepared for what had actually happened over the past day at all. Who would have imagined that a group of barbarians could have actually had the audacity to attack, let alone defeat her city.

Sighing she looked at the powerful man in front of her and shook her head. "I can not deliver the High Priestess M'Lord. She left on a ship for Suva even before you began your assault. Everything else will be done although I will need several hours to get it organized." She looked him in the eye and straightened up. "I will have your word though that none of my warriors will be harmed."

Baldr nodded to her and whatever she saw in his face was enough to convince her. She backed down and looked dejected again. Baldr waved the woman away. "I will return in 3 hours Captain. I will have words with your warriors then and tell them what is to happen to them and the priests. Afterwards I will want to see you again and we will take a tour of the castle. For now you are dismissed."

He watched the woman walk away and then looked at Onya. "I am not certain if this city is worth keeping my love, but the people are not responsible for their rulers bad decisions. I think they have been punished enough. However I need every warrior I have now. If we are going to be fighting like this to reclaim your throne everywhere we go, we will soon run out of men. Do you have a solution my dear?"

 

[CutiePie1997]

Onya hadn't been present for Baldr's offer of man-to-man combat, but she got the gist of it as he finished telling Ellanora...

"I think our way is the more Noble way of fighting."

She looked about herself. The cleanup of bodies would surely extend into the night, perhaps even long into the next day. It wasn't only about collecting the bodies for the pyre, she knew. Armor, arms, personal possessions, and -- yes -- coin would be collected at each body that offered them, whether friend or foe. Oh sure, respect would be shown to the dead. But, the dead didn't need copper coins or pendants of semi-rare gems, items that played a part in the post-battle actions of, mostly, the winning side.

"Still we are not here to debate that.

As she listened to her Chieftain's demands, Onya watched Ellanora with a growing delight. As leader of the Darkness, the First Captain had been part of -- in fact, had directed -- her detention within the castle. Oh, Ellanora had been very polite and respectful. But, Onya's protection and care had still been nothing less than imprisonment.

When the First Captain spoke of the High Priestess's flight to Suva, questions Onya had had were suddenly answered. The Priestess had met with Onya every day, more often than not several times. They'd had many a conversation in which the leader of the Old Religion had done her best to make Onya understand that, for the benefit of all, she should marry a southern Noble or Royal; that Chieftain Baldr -- and in effect any children by him -- would never be accepted as ruler of the Known World; and, for Baldr's sake as much as Onya's, it was better to negotiate a significant surrendering of land and annual payment to the Chieftain and send him back across the river.

Onya had understood the High Priestess's argument, and there had been times when Onya had nearly agreed to the woman's polite requests that she abandon her agreement with Baldr. But then Onya would recall all that the Chieftain was doing and had done for her. Onya had been nothing but a slave. Baldr had made it possible for her to be a queen!

"I am not certain if this city is worth keeping my love, but the people are not responsible for their rulers bad decisions. I think they have been punished enough. However I need every warrior I have now. If we are going to be fighting like this to reclaim your throne everywhere we go, we will soon run out of men. Do you have a solution my dear?"

Onya considered Baldr's points, but she didn't have answers then and there. More precisely, she was still exhausted -- mentally and physically -- and needed rest before she could honestly give him any long term advice. She turned to him and reached a hand out, laying it upon his muscular chest. It was, to date, the most intimate gesture she'd made to the man with whom she would soon be married and breeding.

"May I return to my tent, m'lord?" she asked with a soft voice, the tiredness in her tone. "Maybe we can eat together later?"



After she'd rested and Gree had helped her dress yet again, Onya stepped out to find that Baldr's larger tent had arrived from the north. She smiled, pleased that what she knew as a normal life was once again present. Inside, she found her Chieftain sitting with a variety of people -- Northmen and Virtans alike -- who were all quickly dismissed at her appearance.

There was an amazing spread of local and northern foods, reminding her for a moment of the dinners she'd taken in her room in the castle. Onya refused to allow her imprisonment haunt her forever, though, and shrugged it off. She sat with him and chatted on subjects without real substance for a few minutes before returning to his earlier questions in the negotiation tent.

"Some of the Royals and Nobles of the South will accept me as Queen of the Known World," she told him, picking at fresh fruits and strong cheeses but not really eating many of them. "They will do so because they honor the marriage of my parents and the understanding that their children had been blessed by the High Priestess of the day."

She studied Baldr for a moment, remembering all that he had done and accomplished over the past days and weeks at the end of a sword. She continued, "Others will honor my title because they fear my husband-to-be..." Her lips spread in a devilish smile as she added, "...and that is not a bad thing."

Onya had seen -- mostly from a distance and from relative safety -- the Clans of the north fight amongst one another, and now she had seen Baldr destroy a city that, in all its history, had only fallen to the enemy once before, during the Falling Wars. She truly understood the power of sword now that she'd seen -- and smelled -- the fires and bodies up close. She suddenly had an understanding of just how much an ally this man was going to be in her quest to ascend that throne.

"I believe that there will be other Nobles," she went on, "who, while they might now like the idea of a Northman--" Her lips spread playfully. "A heathen..." She couldn't help but giggle as she tossed a grape into her mouth and waited for a possible reaction from the barbarian. She continued, "Of a Chieftain from the Unnamed Untamed becoming their Lord ... because they have other issues that cannot be resolved in any other fashion, they will come before you, King Baldr ... and fall to their knees."

Onya was yet to learn of a female Noble from the Territory of Vint -- this Stella of Platt -- who was eager to have her titles validated by the Order of Vint and, therefore, was already conspiring to be wed to one of Baldr's own lesser nobles...



Stella stood in the near-darkness behind a sheer drapery that separated her from a bedroom of the Pleasure House. Before her, unaware of her presence, a pair of Northmen -- in Platt to trade bear furs for foods and medicines -- were enjoying the energetic workings of a quartet of naked whores who had been provided to them free of charge.

"May I ask, m'lady ... what is your interest in these men?" the Pleasure House's owner asked in a whisper. When she didn't respond, he inquired further, "If m'lady wishes the skilled touch of one of my male servants--"

"Be still," Stella whispered. The man went silent. She continued to watch the orgy for several minutes before telling the owner, "They are not who I am looking for. Send word to me when more Northern men are available."

She handed him a purse to cover the cost of the girls, but as she turned to leave via a hidden passageway, he asked, "M'lady, please ... could you give me a little more information? Are you looking for something specific in a ... partner?"

Stella stopped, her back to the man for a long moment as she tried to picture Tyr in her mind: his face, his build, his coloring. She looked at the two Northmen again. One was so much larger than Tyr, and -- while the other was similarly sized -- the bone structure of his face was entirely different, likely the result of being from a distant tribe.

A child born by either of these men would be hard to pass off as being the product of Tyr's seed. It was still too early for Stella to know whether her time with Tyr on Flat Rock had ended with her carrying his child, as she'd already announced to Lord Baldr.

She half glanced to the Pimp, then before leaving only said, "Different than these men."

 

[CutiePie1997]

Gree and Yol were also near enough to be summoned but not near enough to intrude on Onya's interactions with others, in this case dinner with Baldr. Onya called for both over her shoulder, and when they entered the Chieftain's tent, she told them, "Gree, my map please. And Yol, will you saddle my horse."

She didn't have to tell her Protector to saddle his. He would without question, as would the four additional Horse Warriors that Baldr had assigned to her to prevent another kidnapping by rogue Darkness or even common highwaymen.

"But, back to specifics," Onya said, returning to her conversation with Baldr about the solution he was seeking after their victory over Vint. "Vint was the financial and military capital of the Territory of Vint for centuries. Its location on the Inner Sea allowed the Virtan fleet -- military and commercial both -- quick and complete access to the entire body of water, as well as to the rivers that accessed the Great Circle Sea."

Gree reentered the tent again, breathing hard after her dash to and from, and handed over the map. Onya smiled, then laughed, telling her, "You may retire for the evening, Gree." Before the girl could turn, though, Onya snatched her by the wrist and looked into her eyes with a sincere expression. "Before the ears and eyes of Lord Baldr, I want to thank you for your loyalty to me ... to Lady Aliza ... to Lord Baldr. You have served us all well ... and you will be rewarded."

Gree was obviously surprised by the unexpected praise, and after a moments hesitation bowed her head and returned, "Thank you, m'lady. It is good to have you home."

"Home!" Onya laughed, looking around the tent, then to Baldr. She smiled, saying, "I guess a tent has been my home for most of my life, has it not, m'lord?"

Onya turned back to the servant and informed her, "Soon, we will live within stone ... built long before you or I were born ... before our parents and their parents were born. You, Gree, will have your own little house ... with an herb garden ... and chickens--" Onya's smile widened as she added, "And a servant of your own."

Gree laughed, short and sharp before blushing a bright red. She bowed to Onya, saying, "I wouldn't know what to do with my own servant, m'lady."

"Trust me, Gree!" Onya laughed again, saying, "You'll find plenty for her to do." Onya reached out to snatch the former-slave's hand again, telling her, "And you will be married ... to a man of your choice, and have many, many Horse Warriors who will serve your King well."

Gree looked to Baldr, then quickly gave a deeply respectful bow, promising, "I will birth King Baldr an entire Karanteen of heroes, m'lady."

After Baldr's response and Onya's dismissal sent Gree away, the Queen-to-be turned to the Chieftain and said with a knowing tone, "Gree and Yol have been sneaking off together since we crossed the river into Vint." Onya didn't know if Baldr had already discovered this, but by his reaction he wasn't any more concerned about it than Onya was, or he knew and had thoughts about it he simply didn't want to share with his future wife. Who knew. Sometimes, despite having been so close to the ruler of the Unnamed Untamed for so many months, it was hard for Onya to figure the man out.

As she'd been talking about the not-so-secret secret lovers, Onya had spread out her map. Other than Gree, no one else had seen this copy of it in almost a decade until Onya had shown it to Baldr after explaining her true identity...

She pointed to various places as she explained what she knew about them and what she thought they could expect from them. Onya had the good fortune to have spent her early years either living in the Southern lands about which she was talking or having studied them during her first stint at Virta and Vint. Unfortunately, she had been but a girl; and that had been a long time ago.

"Virta, Vint, Suva, Ketch, and Tiala," she said, pointing to each of the cities labeled in red. "These are the cities of the Territory of Vint, the two capitals of which you, m'lord, have control. The High Priestess is in -- or is heading to -- Suva, which has -- or had at one time -- the most advanced and most highly guarded road in the Known World. Once the High Priestess is in Suva, we will never find her, even if you send the entire Clan."

Onya looked up to Baldr, studying him for a moment with hungry eyes, which even she didn't realize were defining her face. "M'lord ... my initial demand that we be married before the High Priestess ... this was..."

She felt a blush filling her face, and she dropped her gaze as she searched for the way to explain herself. She cleared her throat, snatched up and drank from a mug of wine, cleared her throat once again, then looked to Baldr, telling him, "I feared you ... Lord Baldr. I feared what you would do with me when I was little more than a slave ... and Untouched. I feared you when I became your Untouched. I feared you when you learned of who I was and of what value I could be to you. I feared you because--"

The words stuck in her throat for a moment, then she continued, "I am a Queen in the eyes of the Old Religion ... in the eyes of the Order of Vint ... in the eyes of the people of the Meretheni Federation ... and much of the Known World as it existed when I was but a child. But ... I am a child no more. And Queen or not, I am but a woman ... and as a woman ... a mere woman ... I feared what you, m'lord ... a true man of the Unnamed Untamed ... a conqueror of territories ... a sacker of cities ... I feared..."

Onya hesitated, then stood slowly to stand over Baldr, looking down into his eyes with a nervous hunger she'd felt for weeks yet only now been able to act upon...

After a moment, she reached up under the delicate arrangement of raven's feathers decorating her shoulders and began loosing the little hooks and latches that kept her gown in place.

"I feared what you, m'lord, could do ... would do ... to me," she continued as the first side drooped to show the upper roundness of a firm, white breast and she swapped hands, beginning to work on the other side. "But ... I soon came to realize that I feared not you, m'lord. I feared not what you would do to me. I feared..."

With the last hook loose, Onya began to slowly pull her tight fitting gown downward. She finished, "I feared not what you would do to me, m'lord ... but ... feared instead what I wanted you to do to me."

As she worked the clothing downward, she exposed her bosom to her future husband for the first time. Her breasts were young and firm, defying gravity as they and their large pink nipples -- swollen by lust and fear and the chill of the country air -- thrust out for Baldr's attention.

As she stood there, baring herself, Onya never did get to what she was trying to explain, that her request for the High Priestess had been little more than a delaying tactic, to give her time to figure out how to be a Queen ... and a woman. She didn't need the High Priestess now. She would, when the time came, inform Baldr that while Vint had been the financial capital of the Territory for generations, Virta had always been the knowledge capital, with its massive library and army of literate and well informed Priests. She would tell him that they should secure Vint, then return to Virta, where the High Priest there would perform their marriage and declare Onya Queen of the Known World ... and Baldr the enforcer of all they wish be theirs.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr sat in his tent and talked with Onya. So far all that she was saying made sense. It would be a lot better for them all if people would flock to their banner of their own free will no matter what the reason. If it was because of his wife's name then he could live with that, If it was because of his power then that was good too and even if it was because they thought they would gain more things if they joined them Baldr did not mind. As long as he conquered more land without loosing more men he would be happy. Of course he would demand a high price from some of them and he would keep a very close eye on them all.

He remembered the message from the lady Stella and thought of mentioning it to Onya, but as she began talking again it was pushed towards the back of his mind. He could discuss it later, maybe once Tyr made it back. Perhaps she would be able to advise him if the decision he had made was a good one.

When Onya called for her horse to be saddled he wondered where she would be going. He made sure to nod at Yol as he exited and he noticed that the men he had assigned to her also started to move off. Good she would be well protected. However when Gree returned with a rolled up piece of parchment Onya made sure to praise the woman telling her she would be rewarded for her deeds. Baldr smiled and nodded as she promised her a home and marriage to her choice of warrior. Even laughing as Gree promised to birth her an entire Karanteen.

"I don't think I need you to birth so many Gree, however I am sure your husband will be glad that you are willing to try."

After she left he looked at Onya and she told him about her and Yol's secret tryst's. Well not so secret. Baldr had seen the way the young warrior had looked at the servant. Perhaps it was high time she was rewarded for her service.

He moved over to stand near her and examined the map she had spread out on the table. His eyes lit up as he took it in. Here indeed was a treasure. He looked as she began pointing out the cities he had just conquered and the territories that belonged to them. He also looked at the lands surrounding them and where Platt was supposed to be. He also listened to her explanation about the high priestess and frowned. Damn so she was out of his grasp. He hated having an enemy that he could not get to, yet he knew he could not waste the time or effort to try and chase her. However he knew she would prove troublesome later on and it bothered him.

His attention changed to Onya however when her whole attitude changed. She stopped talking about other lands and the high priestess and started to talk about herself. He suddenly realized that it was just the two of them inside the tent and that besides from the two men guarding the tent, there would be no one close to it.

As her dress came off his breathing became more rapid and a flush came over his body. Finally she stood there, her breasts bared to his sight and he moved over in front of her and smiled down at her. Leaning down he kissed her gently and then a little more hungrily. He knew he could not just take her like he had done with Aliza or any other woman he had been with. He would have to be very gentle with her and take things slowly.

He began to kiss her and caress her face then reached down and stroked her breasts as he continued to shower her with kisses. He moved from her lips to her neck and then her shoulders as his hands caressed her breasts, circling them and then stroking her nipples and then twisting them a little. Slowly he kissed his way down to them and began to suckle on them, flicking them with his tongue, first one then the other before he stood back up and smiled at her.

Without a word he took her hand and led her to his bed. Once there he slowly stripped away the rest of her dress and marveled at her beauty. Then he divested himself of his own clothes and stood naked in front of her. "Are you sure this is what you want my dearest," he asked her, barely able to restrain himself.

 

[CutiePie1997]

Onya was shocked at how incredible Baldr felt against her. She had spend so many nights in training with Gree, to ensure that when her wedding night came she didn't appear the fool, either embarrassing herself or anger her husband or both. Yet all of that educational touching with the similarly aged teen had done nothing to prepare Onya for Baldr. Without effort, he showed his power over her, both physical and mental; and yet as powerful as he was, he was gentle and loving with her in a way Onya would never have expected from a Northern Chieftain. And, of course, there was the fact that he wasn't a smallish, soft girl as Gree was but was instead a massive, hard muscled beast of a man.

While being Borona's Untouched, Onya had also been Loro's Tent Slave, the North's version of the South's Chamber Maid; and as both, Onya had often been the reluctant witness to the now-dead Chieftain's sexual acts with his many wives, some times with more than one of them in his bed at a time. She had seen how rough the man had been with the women, all of whom had been shorter and lighter than the 5'9", 120 pound Onya.

So when Baldr so tenderly removed the rest of her clothes, then his, then asked...

"Are you sure this is what you want my dearest"...

...Onya was at a loss for words. She crawled onto his bed and next to his impressive form. She lay next to him, intentionally avoided the sword rising from his groin, pointing at an angle up toward where she now took his face into her hands and kissed his lips.

"Yes, m'lord," she whispered as she rose a bit more above him, pressing her bosom to his chest as she continued talking in between kisses, "Yes ... this is what I want ... I want to be yours ... fully yours. In Virta, you will make me your wife ... but here ... now ... make me your woman."

Onya began to ever so slowly slide farther up over Baldr's body, lifting a knee over his, then contacting her upper thigh with his sword. She had no idea what she was supposed to do with it! Oh, that wasn't entirely true. Gree had explained intercourse in great detail and had even slipped a single finger into Onya's joy place to help relieve her fear of intrusion when that day came. But Onya had stopped the girl before she had gotten who entire finger inside, let alone caused any pleasure. Onya had told Gree she needed to experience penetration that first time with Baldr, even if it did scare or hurt her.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr smiled at her and then again began to kiss her. This time he did not hold back on his passion and while he started by kissing her gently, soon his tongue was demanding entry into her mouth. His hands roamed her back and sides as his tongue dueled with hers and he was pleasantly surprised when hers began to play with his as well. Obviously she wasn't as naive as she once was and he made a mental note to thank Gree for this as well. He knew she was the only one who could have prepared her for something like this.

He spent a long time kissing her, moving from her mouth to her neck, to her ears and shoulders and back to her mouth again. His hands caressed her back, sides and her buttocks pulling her to him and grinding his body against his. Finally as her body moved against him and her moans began to effect him he rolled her over so she was on her back and he pushed himself so he was above her and he smiled down at her.

Kissing her lightly, he moved down her neck to her breasts and began to lightly kiss them and then nibble them with his lips. His hand kneaded her other breast while his mouth worked on the other, exploring every inch of her flesh. He licked and suckled until he finally came to her nipple and sucked it inside his mouth, flicking it with his tongue and nibbling it with his lips. His fingers had teased her other nipple twisting and pinching it until he finally swapped breasts.

He spent a long time on her breasts until he slowly moved down her body, kissing his way down until he came to the junction of her legs. He slid them apart a little and gazed at the beauty that was revealed. Smiling he looked up at her then moved forward and kissed her lips then slid his tongue out and penetrated her, getting the first taste of her juices. She tasted divine and he thrust his tongue in deeper and drew in more and more of her juices into his mouth.

He separated her lips with his fingers and plunged in as far as he could, licking all around and then up and down. There was one thing he did know. He was going to have to get Onya as wet as he could to help his member slide into her easier. In fact if he could get her to orgasm it would be perfect. What was good for her and him was that he enjoyed doing this and he could do it all night.

He shifted his attention to her small nub and began to attack it with vigor. He would get Onya to cum and not just once but several times before he took her.

 

[CutiePie1997]

Onya believed she was ready for what was to come with Baldr. She and Gree had spent many nights practicing for this moment, with the servant performing each of the normal sex acts upon her Lady that the Chieftain would tonight. That most important of acts that would one day bring about an heir to the Known World obviously hadn't been within Gree's natural abilities, so it had been performed with the majority of only one finger. Onya's Moon Bleeding had started years ago, yet her hymen was yet to break. The two never repeated that one act of intrusion, wanting the Chieftain to have assurance that no man was yet to penetrate his now somewhat touched Untouched.

Gree and Onya had very much enjoyed their nights together, but they'd always kept in mind that the purpose for the very intimate acts had been to prevent Onya from seeming a fool on this night, the night Baldr finally took her. She hadn't wanted to feel uncomfortably naïve.

And yet, as the strong man kissed all about Onya's body, the Queen-to-be felt as though she'd never been touched in her life. She caressed her hands over his neck, back, then shoulders and his own hands, mouth, and tongue worked upon her breasts ... her belly ... her joy place...

"M'lord!" Onya begged suddenly, her hands -- now holding his head at her groin -- grasping handfuls of hair in her tensed fingers and lifting him from between her thighs. "Stop...! Please."

Gree had put her lips to Onya's lips just once, wanting her to know the euphoria of orgasm. The pleasure had been incredible but too much for her; and while she stopped it that night, feeling uncomfortable, she'd allowed Gree to drive her to ecstasy on another night to come. Onya thought she was ready for what Baldr was doing to her here and now, yet the pleasure Baldr was creating was like nothing Onya felt that one night with her servant. And when his tongue began lapping at her clit, it had simply been overwhelming.

She looked down into Baldr's eyes, then looked away, embarrassed. She was torn and confused. It felt so incredible, yet ... something about it just seemed so much like a ... a what...? A violation of her. Onya's history was one that most females couldn't even imagine living. She'd gone from Noble girl to hostage to slave to student to slave again; and through all of that, her body had never been touched by someone of the other gender. And now, here was the man she was to marry and birth children to, manipulating her joy place with his mouth, causing unimaginable pleasure to her.

It was just so ... incredible.

Onya looked back to Baldr, who was patiently awaiting her to do or say something ... anything about what they were doing. She laughed, feeling her face flush again. When she realized that she was still clutching his hair tightly in her fingers, she relaxed them a bit, though not enough to let him return to his dining upon her.

"I am sorry, m'lord," she said, her breasts still rising and falling from the excitement and fear that were tearing through her. She let her head drop back again, then lifted it to look into his eyes. She'd also clamped her knees in tight around Baldr's shoulders, and now repositioned her buttocks and released the upward thrust on his skull as she whispered, "Maybe ... slower."

Onya laid her head back into the pillows again, then lowered the man's head back down into her groin. She tightened again as his mouth contacted her, then again when his tongue found her clit. He did indeed slow his work upon her joy place, and soon -- with the fear slipping away to become consumed by the pleasure alone -- Onya's lower body was rocking to match Baldr's manipulation while her soft moans became sharp cries of delight. Then, suddenly, Onya went silent for a long moment as the building pleasure rose dramatically. She again tightly grasped handfuls of wavy hair as the deep breath she'd been holding exploded in a scream of ecstasy. She arched her back, pressing her wet joy place into Baldr's face, and screaming out in a delight she'd never imagined...

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr had been surprised when Onya had stopped and pulled him away from her body. He had looked up at her in confusion as he knew she was getting pleasure out of what he was doing to her, then as she told him to go slower a smile had spread across his face. He had let his enthusiasm get the better of him and had attacked her too vigorously.

As he returned to his place between her legs he again began to lap at her clitoris, but this time with long slow movements of his tongue, teasing her more. He also used just the tip to manipulate it around and around before returning to the long slow licks.

He felt her start to relax and her moans soon became cries of passion as her hips thrust up to meet him. Soon she was thrusting faster and he dared to stiffen his tongue and go a little faster and she thrust harder at him. It was not long until she grabbed his head in sheer delight, pulling it into her as she arched her back and screamed in delight as the juices flowed from her. He shifted his attention from her clitoris to her sex and lapped up the flow, tasting her and delighting in it.

As she finally relaxed and let his head go, her ass once again coming to rest on the bed again, he began to gently lick around her lips, avoiding her clit. He knew it would be sensitive for now and he did not want to touch it just yet, besides he had another job to do.

He raised his hand and inserted one of his fingers into her. It slid in easy as she was so wet and he continued to push it in until he felt a resistance inside her. He smiled as he realized she had been telling the truth, she was indeed untouched. He began to move his finger in and out of her and he was amazed at just how tight she was. He was also a little worried. Baldr was not a small man, in fact he was rather large and he was beginning to be a bit worried about hurting Onya. Still he knew ways to minimize the pain and he was going to use them all.

As he thrust inside of her he twisted his finger and then circled it around, stretching her out a little. Soon it glided easily in and out of her and he leaned in and began to once again lick at her nub. As soon as she began to moan again and thrust herself forward, he gently inserted another finger inside her.

He heard her gasp and she stopped moving, but he kept licking and her moans continued. He waited with his fingers inside of her, not moving until he thought she was ready, then began to gently move them in and out and repeat the process he had done with his single finger.

At first she lay still and tried to almost get away from him, but as he continued to lick her and plunge inside of her, her moans soon returned and slowly she began to thrust forward again. By the time his fingers where gliding in and out of her, she was moaning and groaning and thrusting herself on them as she sought out his tongue. He was not sure if he should make her cum again before he inserted a third finger but he knew she needed it before he took her.

He placed the tip at her entrance and began to insert it. Her reaction would tell him all he needed to know.

 

[CutiePie1997]

Onya found herself simply lost to the overwhelming euphoria, a pleasure like nothing she'd ever imagined. Her heart pounded fiercely within her chest as it rose and fell to the deep and continuing gasps of delight. Later, she would wonder why this orgasm was so much more powerful than those she'd enjoyed with Gree, two in total, one each via the servant's fingers and tongue. But right now her brain was consumed by the pure, indescribable joy that, like an echo on canyon walls, seemed to surge through her again and again, only ever so slowly fading until finally she was once again conscious of the man who had done this to her.

Still panting, Onya lifted her head to look down at Baldr. She said nothing to him. She wouldn't have had the slightest idea of what to say to him. Thank you, simply wouldn't have been enough. But the expression in her face -- as well as the obvious physical aftermath of her climax -- must have told him what she was thinking: more!

Baldr's lips and tongue returned to their duties, but then Onya felt a new sensation ... penetration She lifted her head again to look down between her rising and falling breasts. Even though she couldn't see his hand, it was obvious that he was doing to her joy place what Gree had done that one single time. She watched him intently for a moment, but then -- as his mouth once again began pleasuring her sensitive nub of flesh, she dropped her head back to the bedding again.

Then a shot of pain tensed her entire body, causing her hole and legs to tighten upon Baldr while her hands -- now at her sides -- clutched at the woolen blanket. The Chieftain must have understood that he'd hurt her because he stopped delving inside her hole with his fingers. Onya almost lifted her head to look to Baldr, but she feared he would stop.

And she didn't want him to stop. Onya wanted her husband-to-be to claim her. She'd expected pain. Gree had warned her there would be pain. No, Gree had promised her there would be pain. Onya had laughed at the servant's words, asking, "Then why would people do it, except to create a child?" But once the two teens had begun enjoying one another's bodies and the pleasure they created with them; and once Gree had also promised that after the first few times, the pain would end and only pleasure would ensue, then Onya had begun feeling anxious and excited about finally being with Baldr.

Now, though, Onya was enduring that promised pain. She whispered to Baldr, "Please, m'lord ... continue."

He did, and though there would be more shots of pain as he added additional fingers and -- it seemed -- explored her like she was a cave hiding a treasure, soon enough the combination of his fingers, lips, and tongue once again had Onya moaning, then crying in pleasure.

Then ... the time came. Onya opened her eyes as she realized Baldr was repositioning himself on the bed. She watched him intently as he moved into position above her, holding his erection at her joy place. She reached her hands to his upper arms, wanting to pull her lover closer but having to wait for him to get inside her. She felt him press at her opening for a moment, then penetrate her. Again Onya grimaced at the intrusion of her virginal hole, and again she whispered, "Please, m'lord ... continue."

Despite the foreplay, Baldr's insertion was still painful. There was nothing either of them could have done about it. The man's cock was just too big for the virgin's hole. To make matter's worse, Onya's hymen was stretching painfully, and all she could think of was the great shock of pain that Gree had warned -- no, again promised -- would accompany its rupture.

"M'lord, please," Onya whispered, urging him with both her hands and body to stop. She wiggled her groin and legs, and soon felt him evacuate her as she begged, "By your leave, m'lord."

Onya didn't want to stop. She wanted this as much if not more than Baldr. Onya only wanted to control what came next. She urged Baldr to his back, then crawled rather timidly atop him, pressing her joy place against his cock, feeling it against the lips and nub he had felt so wonderfully. As she leaned down and kissed his lips, his neck, and then his chest, Onya wondered Why does this have to hurt after such pleasure?

Finishing kissing him, Onya rose enough to look to his erection, marveling at the long, thick member. How will it ever fit in me? she wondered. But she had to try. She moved into place over his groin, taking his shaft into one hand as she balanced herself with the other pressed into his firm belly. She worked the bulbous head against her lips for just a moment, then lowered her weight upon him. Baldr slipped inside her easily for a bit, then she again grimaced as the big end came against her still intact hymen. She knew it had to be ripped (or, at least, thought it did, because Gree told her that that was just the way it happened).

But after a moment of gentle movements upon him, Onya suddenly felt an ease at lowering herself upon the man's cock ... and after continuing to let her weight fall, she soon had his full length inside her. Onya didn't realize that she'd been holding her breath, and suddenly she released it in a great huff. After a couple of quick breaths -- and after realizing that she'd also clamped her eyes closed -- Onya look down into Baldr's eyes for a long moment.

Then ... moving slowly at first ... feeling him stretch her open ... feeling the pain give way mostly to pleasure ... Onya began taking and inch of Baldr's shaft in and out of her ... then two ... then three, and four, and five...

Soon, Onya was again crying out in pleasure as her clit rubbed over his hairy groin, smashing against the base of his hardness...

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr was trying his best not to hurt the girl but he could tell it was not working. He had done everything he could to loosen her up and get her juices flowing and had finally decided the time was right. He had moved his way up her body and kissed her, spreading her legs and positioning himself between them. He had seen the fear on her face but also the joy and lust.

Slowly he had placed the head of his member between her lips and pushed. It had been a tight fit but it had entered her, spreading her apart and he had glided into her virgin tunnel until he had hit her hymen. Her face had a grimace of pain on it and he slowly withdrew thinking it would make it better but still she winced it pain and no matter how many times he moved in and out he could not pierce her barrier, she was just too tight.

Finally it was Onya herself who took control. He was surprised when she rolled him on his back and straddled him and began to lower herself onto his stiff pole. She only grimaced for a few seconds before he felt himself tear through her hymen with ease this time. In fact she hardly seem to notice as she began to swallow him up. First half of him then soon all of his large pole was inside of her and she began to cry out not in pain but in pleasure.

He raised his hands and began to caress her breasts and nipples hoping to increase it and her cries only got louder as her pace increased as she thrust herself down harder against him. It was so intense that although he could normally contain himself he found himself fast approaching an orgasm of his own. His breathing became ragged and he began to meet her thrusts with his own, pushing himself even deeper into her.

"Onya, my love, my little Southern woman, My Queen. I will make you my woman. I will cum inside you and claim you as my own. Cum with me, Ride me like a stallion my little warrior."

He plunged into her as her cries became louder and louder and as she began to shake in the first throes of her orgasm he cried out in his and came into her his juices mixing with hers.

Finally they stopped and she collapsed on top of his chest, his arms encircling her as the both gasped for breath. Slowly the came back to their senses and Baldr covered them up and he kissed her as they drowsily fell asleep in each others arms still attached to each other in the most intimate of places.

 

[CutiePie1997]

"...Ride me like a stallion my little warrior."

Despite the occasional shots of pain from having Baldr's long, thick cock slamming deep into her until-now-untouched hole, Onya continued to ride her husband-to-be until once again her body exploded in orgasm. She tried to continue her rapid movements back and forth upon his shaft, but the euphoria was simply overwhelming. Her trembling form collapsed slowly down upon the muscular one below her, their rising and falling chests pressing against one another in an awkward dance of heavy, mismatched breathing.

Onya's mind spun as her heart pounded inside her, and she slipped her arms under Baldr's shoulders, clutching him tightly to her. She was suddenly happier and less anxious than she'd ever been in her entire life, though that would change a bit the next morning when she was reminded that she was in the middle of a new war.

But for now, at this moment, Onya's entire world was nothing more than this man against her -- and in her -- who was going to take care of her for the rest of her life; who was going to give her sons; and who -- with those sons -- would see fulfilled her fantasies of one day recreating her parents' world ... of one day bringing all the peoples of the Known World together under one crown ... hers.



Onya awoke the next morning to find herself alone under the thick woolen blanket and elk fur. She rolled over, feeling both disappointed and ashamed at the same time: disappointed because Baldr wasn't there to hold her in his powerful arms and tell her again how much she meant to him; and ashamed because -- in the eyes of the Old Religion and in the teaching of the Order of Vint, which each had a place deep in her heart -- she'd committed a great sin by opening her legs to a man who wasn't her husband.

Yet, Onya thought to herself, rolling to look about the tent. She would insist that they return to Virta immediately and have the High Priest there marry them immediately, to assuage her of her guilt for what was undoubtedly the most enjoyable night of her life, causing her to smile in happiness again now.

She grimaced, though, as she moved her lower body, a shot of pain filling her groin. The intrusion of Baldr's cock into her with the intensity that she herself had urged was now having its unwanted after effect. She looked about the tent again for signs of Baldr, then -- seeing that she was alone -- pulled back the bedding to look down at her crotch. Her joy place -- which Gree had shaved with a Virtan razor as was the Southern custom for Noble women -- was red and swollen from the previous night's attack upon it; and a definite coating of reddened fluid from her torn hymen and lubricants was dried all about her skin.

As her thoughts shifted to cleaning up -- then to the teasing Gree would give as she helped her Lady clean up -- Onya heard Baldr's voice just beyond the flap of his campaign tent. She listened for a long moment and knew something important was or had happened. Unable to decipher the words, she rose and slung one of Baldr's fur cloaks around her otherwise naked body and padded her way across the uneven canvas floor to the entrance.

Outside, Baldr was talking with some of his Karants, and as she listened to men she couldn't see speaking, it didn't take long for Onya to get the gist of the conversation: the fight for Vint wasn't yet over...

"The reinforcements from Suva from land, those that traveled the Tella-Un peninsula around The Small Sea, will be here before sundown..."

Another voice cut in, "And the fleet from Suva is already arriving. They are dropping anchor in the harbor now, with the forward ships tied to the rear ships, their sails still full of wind. All they need do is cut the lines and the westerly wind will have them at the docks within ten, maybe fifteen minutes."

Someone -- possibly Baldr, though Onya couldn't know -- must have asked how many new troops were involved for someone said, "It is a larger force than the Ketchian army we already defeated, m'lord ... close to 5,000. And..."

Onya heard a deep voice question the man and, while still unable to determine if it was Baldr, assumed it to be him when the reporting Karant finished, "They have more horse, m'lord. Possibly a thousand cavalry."

Onya's eyes widened in shock at that news: 1,000 horse and 5,000 foot soldiers by land, and 100 ships in the harbor meant at least 2,000 more troops, and they would be heavy in archers with the boats themselves also having many ballistae that could launch burning oil balls as far as half a mile, farther than anything the Horse Warriors had been able to put together to conquer the city that the reinforcements were now so anxious to relieve.

Onya couldn't help but look out at the loud thumping of an approaching horse, finding an Outrider dismounting with great skill even as the horse was still sliding to a stop on the ground wetted during the night by a rain.

"M'lord!" he called out, rushing up to take a knee before rising again to report, "Another army, m'lord!"

Onya continued listening, wishing she could see Baldr's reaction but only seeing Karants and a whipping banner between her and the sacker of Vint. She didn't catch everything the man said, but she heard enough to turn away from the flap, slapping her hand over her mouth as she gasped into her fingers.

A moment later, the flap parted and Gree poked her head inside. Seeing Onya, the servant stepped inside and immediately began offering her services, knowing very well that the two future leaders of the Known World had consummated their relationship the previous evening.

"Call in Yol, please," Onya said as Gree began putting together a bath from the water heating in a large pot over a fire in the tent's center. When her Protector entered, diverting his gaze from the Lady wrapped only in a fur, Onya told him, "Please inform Lord Baldr that I am preparing myself ... and that I have news for him after I am presentable ... news about the army coming from the north."

Onya hadn't actually hear the Outrider say the army was coming from the North, but she knew it was. She knew not only from where the army was coming but also who it belonged to and why it was coming.

When she was dressed again -- this time in riding clothes, as she didn't expect to stay here long -- Onya waited for Baldr. When he entered and she caught sight of his impressive body, Onya immediately blushed a fiery red, recalling what he'd done to her the night before. Once they'd traded their morning greetings and Baldr had told her what he wished to share about the goings-on outside the tent, Onya took on a rather somber expression and tone.

"I have heard that an army approaches from the North, m'lord," she began, more of a knowing statement than a probing inquiry. She asked if the Outrider or subsequent ones had described the banner being flown at the head of the force, then lowered her gaze to the floor, unsure of what this meant. She cleared her throat, looked to Baldr, then explained, "The current Lord of the House of Ras Rufna ... the grandson of the long dead Frahm ... in an attempt to gain legitimacy amongst the former Territory's Lords ... in an effort to raise an army to fight the Frenkish Emperor ... the High Priestess--"

The words stuck in Onya's voice. She couldn't believe she was saying this, particularly after having spent the previous night surrendering her virginity, her purity, her untouched to Baldr. She cleared her throat, then looked back to the Chieftain and finished, "The High Priestess promised me to the new Frahm of the Territory of Ras Rufna. He is here ... with his army ... to retrieve his promised bride ... me."

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr woke up early and smiled at Onya. She was still cuddled up in his arms and surprisingly he was still buried inside her. Slowly he pulled himself out of her releasing a small amount of their mixed juices. He winced as he noticed that they were tinged red but he also smiled remembering how active she had been in their lovemaking. He hoped they would have many such times together and that soon she would loose the pain that effected her and that she would only feel the pleasure. However knowing her he knew this would be a one off until he could make her his wife.

He eased out of bed and covered her up then dressed. Well if he wanted more of that then he better arrange to do just that. He walked outside and breathed in the crisp morning air. Smiling he looked around then moved forward towards the larger tent he used for planning with his Karrants. As he did several of them approached him and he sighed. Just once he would like a morning to himself when no business was waiting for him.

As he talked with the few subordinates waiting for him about the usual supply needs of his army several more rushed up. "Chief a fleet is arriving in the harbor. They number in the hundreds with boats lashing themselves together. They have anchored just out of range of the few catapults we managed to capture, but could easily be in our harbor in minutes once they weigh anchor."

Baldr nodded his head. It was a good plan. Transport your troops by sea, lash your ships together to form a steady platform, then invade the city with troops pouring in from all the ships.

"What estimates do we have on their numbers. Does anyone know how many men these ships can carry?"

One his Karants stepped forward. "I have asked around at the docks my Lord and some of the Merchants and Sailors have made some guesses. They say maybe 2000 men at least."

There were some grumbles but it wasn't as bad as Baldr had feared, well until another messenger arrived. "Chief news from the South. A large army is approaching from Suva. Estimates are 5000 men and a 1000 horse. They will arrive by sundown."

Now there were loud grumblings. So a double pronged attack. Very smart although Baldr would have timed it better. It now lacked surprise although there was not much he could do about it. He also supposed there was not much the Suvians could do about the wind. Still a 1000 horse was no match for his 5000 horse warriors, although he would not be able to send that many against them. He still thought they had a good chanc against them.

Suddenly another scout came riding hard into the camp and he groaned. He just knew this was going to be bad news.

"M'lord!" he called out, rushing up to take a knee before rising again to report, "Another army, m'lord!"

What were they just sprouting from the Earth like weeds. Throwing up his hands in frustration he looked at the man. "Report then."

The man could see that his Chief was angry but he had his orders. "They are not rushing and they do not seem to number too many, I would say only a 1000 foot and several hundred horse, yet every one of them is in gleaming armor and the army carries banners everywhere."

Baldr was confused. This did not sound like a invading army. "How long until they reach us?"

"Only half a day Chief. I am sorry but with all the hills and their size, they got very clos before they were spotted."

He dismissed the man then tried to work out what was going on.It seemed that he would first have to face this small force then worry about the larger ones. Thy might not attack until the next day but maybe it might be better for him to attack first and take a lesson from the darkness warriors.

He was just think of plans when Yol informed him of Onya's wish to speak with him with News of the Northern army. He waited until Gree signaled him from the tent flap and excused himself and entered the tent. He again marveled at the sight of his soon to be wife and smiled at her remembering he night before. Judging by the blush on her cheeks so was she. Still she straightened and then told him who was approaching.

At first his anger almost got the better of him and his face turned an ugly shade of red as it screwed up in anger, his hands clenching into fists of anger as his muscles bulged.
Still he managed to calm down. Maybe this man did not know the situation. Baldr would give him a chance.

"Well then my dear shall we ride out to meet him and give him a chance to surrender. let him meet your choice of husband and see what he says and see if he bends a knee to us. If he is smart he will do so, if not well I will challenge him and give his men a chance to live. If not they will all die."

 

[CutiePie1997]

Onya smiled a bit wider, then laughed. She said with an impressed tone, "You are fearless, my King."

But she knew the odds, despite not being the experienced warrior Baldr was. She moved to him, looking up into his eyes for a moment before standing on her toes to kiss him softly on the lips. As she dropped to her feet again, Onya said with a tentative tone, "M'lord ... could we ... could we just leave? Leave Vint. The walls and gate are breached. We won't ... I mean ... can we hold the city if we remain?"

He gave his opinion about the city, and Onya continued, "Three armies approach from three directions ... and we would be out in the open. Despite our superior cavalry..." She took his hands and held them tightly as she continued, "We've lost so many brave men already. They -- you! -- came here for me ... to rescue me. I ... I can't ask more men to die in my name. Could we not just ... just take what we want of the city...?"

Onya may have come from the South, but she understood the concept of pillaging what you conquer. Borona's Clan had often raided the Vintan lands to the south -- a Barony called Platt, of which she'd coincidentally heard Baldr recently talking -- taking nearly everything that wasn't rooted into the dirt.

"Return to Vint," she continued. "The High Priestess has fled the City of Vint for Suva, abandoning her people. The High Priest of Virta is now the Holy representative of the Order of Vint. He can marry us. And with our marriage..."

She didn't have to finish. Baldr knew the importance of their marriage. Some Nobles and Royals would acknowledge and honor the union without question. Others would want to negotiate their loyalty. And still other would object, even rise in conflict. But Onya needed to know who would follow her. And Baldr needed to know who he would destroy for not doing so.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr looked at Onya and smiled. He thought about what she had said and knew she was right. It would be pointless for him to waste his men defending a city he did not really need. He had come here only to rescue his bride and he had done that. He and his warriors did not hide behind walls when fighting. They needed to be free to run and feel the wind on their faces. Still it did not feel right to just leave.

"You are correct my Queen," he said kissing her with warmth, picking her up and holding her in his arms before putting her back down. "We do not need to stay here and fight a loosing battle for a city we do not need. Yet we will not simply abandon it. That will send the wrong message as well." His eyes gleaming as new plans rode through it he smiled down at her. "I wish you to get dressed in your finest dress my dear. We are still going to meet this Frahm of yours and see if he will bend a knee to his new Queen. Personally I am hoping he won't and I get to challenge him, he sounds like just the sort of man that thinks only of himself and not others. I might even have a little surprise for him," he laughed. "As for the Suva forces, They may take back what is left of Vint when we have left."

Kissing her again he left her so she could get ready and strode back outside calling for his Karants. He had plans to make and three attacks to plan for and a retreat to map out.

The attack on the Frahm's forces would go first. He was closest and would happen by lunch. He would take 3000 men and using the same slopes and low hills he would surround his forces and then only reveal 500 of his men to them. The plan was to find out his intentions before revealing the true amount of numbers he had. If the man joined their forces all well and good. He would be invited to join them in Vint, or perhaps travel back to Rus Rufna and pave the way for Onya's eventual takeover.

If he refused to bow to her however Baldr would have a challenge issued. He was going to have Yol ride next to Onya though. It was not proper for them to ride side by side yet as they wer not married yet anyway. If this Frahm chose to believe Yol was Onya's betrothed then that was his problem. No offense to the lad but he was not yet a fully grown warrior.

As he sent his troops to prepare he also discussed plans for the Suvians. He did not want to let them just take the city without a fight. Baldr had learned a thing or two from the Darkness warriors he had faced these passed few weeks and he had come to respect their tactics against superior odds. Now he would use them against the Suvians. He ordered the city to be stripped of everything that would be of use to the armies. Food, water, clothing, wealth, medicine, all of it was to be placed in anything that was even close to a wagon and sent towards Virta. Anything flammable was to be put in the buildings closest to the docks and soaked in oil, alcohol or anything else that would burn. Lamp oil was also to be poured in the harbor, as much as possible.

His three large ballista were moved to a spot outside of town were they could reach the harbor. It was a long shot but it could be done. He also planned one last surprise for the land troops but that was for tonight. As his men set to work stripping the town bare he set off with Onya and his troops to meet the Frahm.

 

[CutiePie1997]

"You are correct my Queen..."

Onya was quickly excited, thinking they would soon be heading for Virta. But then Baldr told her they would be going out to meet the young Frahm who was heading this way for the same reason the Chieftain had, to collect a bride.

Escorted by Yol, Onya returned to her tent where Gree helped her into the only dress she owned to which the word finest could be attached. The two young women couldn't help but laugh at the situation. The dress was old to begin with, dating back to her days as a student in Vint, just as she was entering her teens. Since then, Onya had put on another couple of inches of height as well as filled out in her bosom and hips.

Gree had been very creative in altering the gown to fit Onya without ripping out. But the end all result was that it fit her like a second skin, particularly in the regions of her womanly curves. That tended to draw a lot of attention from men. And, of course, Onya was surrounded by men. If she had been a courtier seeking the attention, appreciation, and gratitude of rich Nobles and Royals, the dress would have been perfect. But Onya had her man, and the last thing she wanted was the attention of other men ... in particular...

His Royal Majesty Corol, the Frahm of Ras Rufna

Onya repositioned her horse to look beyond Baldr at the man who had ridden more than 300 miles south to claim her. She'd been told that Corol was young, but Onya had had no idea that he, too, was still in his teens. The Frahm rode out to meet Baldr with an escort of just four men, but Onya -- and presumably her very attentive lover -- couldn't help but notice that a larger contingent of archers lined up farther back was well within arrow range of the Northern King.

Onya had little fear of a double cross, though. She still remembered the story of Crighton the Coward. Crighton had ordered his forces to attack a foe while under a white flag of negotiation. For months, both friends and foes hunted Crighton until -- no longer willing to see their innocent men killed for their leader's crime -- the Noble's own men slayed him in the dark of night.

After the two King's were introduced via their Lieutenants, Corol set the pace of the conversation by calling to his opposite, "I wish to thank you, Lord Baldr, for bringing my betrothed out to me."

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr looked at the small man and then laughed heartily. "Oh I think you have been sadly misinformed. You see Onya will not be marrying you, she will be marrying me. I have but come to escort her to let her tell you this personally so you will know this is no trick. You have been tricked by the high priestess of Vint my lord. She stole Onya away when she had already promised herself to me and we had ridden to Virta to get married. She knew Onya's wishes but chose to ignore them, instead promising her to you."

He glanced around at Corol's men and shrugged. "Now you could try to take her by force of course and press your claim, or more wiser bend your knee to your Queen. It is your choice but I really advise you to bend your knee." Baldr signaled Yol who raised his horn to his lips and blew out a clear crisp note and suddenly the rest of Baldrs 2500 men appeared surrounding Corol's men. "It may be a lot healthier for you," he smiled.

 

[CutiePie1997]

"Oh I think you have been sadly misinformed..."

Despite his best attempt to do so, Corol was unable to hide his rising anger. His face reddened as he came to realize that the rumors about the Southern Lady and Northern Chieftain were, in fact, true. He looked from Baldr to Onya, studying her as the man continued. He let his gaze wander over her body, so tightly displayed within the too-small dress, and imagined her in the barbarian's tent on her hands and knees, her beautiful, virginal pussy being pummeled by his ugly, diseased cock. If Onya hadn't surrendered her purity yet, Corol knew it would happen soon.

Then Baldr told him...

"Now you could try to take her by force of course and press your claim..."

As the Chieftain continued, Corol looked about himself at the heathen troops. Despite knowing he would lose thousands of his own men, he was ready to order an assault to claim his promised bride, the future Queen of the Known World. With the titles he'd inherited, Corol had been able to build an army sufficiently large and skilled enough to reclaim the City of Ras Rufna.

But while he claimed the title of Frahm -- of King -- of all of the former Territory of Ras Rufna, he still only controlled the area around that one city. Half of the neighboring Barons refused to show fealty to him; while the other half were, to one degree or another, loyal to the Frenkish Emperor. He needed more legitimacy, and the only way to get it was by doing exactly what this Northern barbarian was doing: marrying Onya.

Then, a horn sounded, and from all about him Corol heard the sounds of movement and of the man moving; and soon, thousands more Northern troops and mounted warriors were surround him and his now smaller army.

"It may be a lot healthier for you,"

...Baldr said about his bending a knee to Onya, declaring his loyal to the heir to the Known World. Corol now had three choices: fight and get slaughtered; refuse and likely get slaughtered; or declare his loyalty. He knew that only the last option was an option at this point. Yet Corol was a proud man, and he would rather have his head cut off and mounted on a pike than to submit as Baldr was suggesting now.

"Lieutenant," Corol said, looking to the Officer to his left. "Take the escort back to the supply cart. Get us a case of that Sipriot wine."

The Lieutenant stared at Corol for a moment, then looked to the Northmen. The hesitance to leave His Grace was more than obvious, as was the curiosity -- perhaps even panic -- that the Frahm would even ask it of him.

"Wine," Corol said, this time a bit stronger. After a moment, and after harsh glances from their leader, the Lieutenant and each of the escorts turned their horses and trotted back toward the remains of the army. Corol's attention had been shifted back and forth between Baldr and Onya, and once his men were out of hearing, he explained, "I will, as you have suggested, bend a knee to Lady Onya. But ... I can't do so with a blade to my throat."

He looked to left and right at the large, loud army now surrounding his own, which had very quickly begun taking defensive positions at the sight of the gathering enemy force. He looked back to Onya, continuing with a tone he hoped would garner sympathy for his situation, "I would be honored ... to be an ally ... even a servant of Lady Onya ... of the Queen of the Known World. But ... I cannot be a slave."

For her part, Onya only sat in her saddle silent, unsure of whether it was her place to speak or not.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr chuckled at the boys posturing. He knew he had no choice and was just trying to save face. However he was worried that the man had sent his escort back to his army. It meant that only he was exposed to the arrows of his troops and if he was willing to sacrifice himself, then Onya could be in terrible danger.

Smiling he nudged his horse into movement and talking he began to circle the man, casually putting himself between him and his Army, cutting off his escape. He knew Yol would protect Onya with his life.

"A slave you say my lord. Who is calling you a slave? After all I am but protecting my soon to be wife just as you were going to," he said gesturing towards the man's own army. "You can not tell me you have brought these men for a casual stroll," he laughed. "However let me reassure you, if you decide not to accept OUR generous offer we are not here to attack you." he then looked hard at the boy, pinning him with his stare. "Unless you choose to attack us," he said menacingly.

Baldrs demeanor changed back to a friendly one. "You will be free to return to your lands where I am told you are beset by enemies on all sides. A rather dangerous situation indeed."

He stroked his chin and looked at Onya. "It is a pity that he does not have any allies that might be able to help him out with his situation. What do you think my dear, is there anyone you can think of that might be able to help?" he smiled.

 

[CutiePie1997]

Onya had only realized that her heart beat had sped when Baldr asked...

"What do you think my dear, is there anyone you can think of that might be able to help?"

She'd been certain that the Northern Chieftain was going to suddenly rip out his sword and cut the young Royal's head clean from his shoulders, regardless of the white banner situation under which the two men were meeting. To be honest, Onya had sort of hoped Baldr would behead Corol. The teen leader had been eying her in a lustful way, and she knew he'd been contemplating the loss of her body in his bed as much as he'd been contemplating the loss of her crown in his castle.

"The Lady Randianna of Nolk, m'lord," Onya told Baldr even before she'd realized she was speaking. She could see in the expressions on their faces that they were at a loss. She suddenly wondered if she'd even understood what the Chieftain had meant by his question, but -- after clearing her throat and donning a confident tone, Onya explained, "The Lady Randianna of the Barony of Nolk, in the north of the Territory of Ras Rufna, on the Cloudy Sound. She fled to Sevat, on the island of Sevu, to the west, at the news that..."

She'd been looking between the two men as she talked but now she looked directly at Baldr as she smiled devilishly and continued, "At the news that the heathens of the Unnamed Untamed were riding on Vint. The Baron of Nolk, her father, was deposed, then executed. She is the sole, legitimate heir to the Barony ... and as such, despite her gender--"

She smiled again, recalling suddenly how many females seemed to be rising to powerful positions in this ever changing world: Lady Onya, heir to the Known World; Lady Stella, Baroness of Platt, and now Lady Randianna, Baroness of Nolk. But Onya's thoughts soon shifted to another woman who had, for a while, had a position of power, only to have a sword shoved through her shoulder as she was saving the life of the woman who was now her former lover's betrothed. Onya blinked away the tears that threatened to materialize for Aliza, then continued explaining about the woman with whom she'd had several audiences during her captivity in Vint.

"Lady Randianna has the loyalty of an army of 4,000 men ... a quarter of them mounted. In addition, her younger sister, Marra, is the mistress of the Baron of Stormshield Island--" Onya looked to Baldr again, thinking that he probably knew this next part. "--whose father was once a Chieftain of the Unnamed Untamed before being offered the island in exchange for an end to hostilities between the two peoples."

She looked back to Corol, whose expression was beginning to show his approval already. "Taking Lady Randianna as your wife would likely double the size of your army ... and Nolk has a navy of more than 100 ships as well."

She tapped her heels into her horse's side, causing it to walk slowly forward. She was beginning to feel more confident by now, as her expression and words revealed as she finished with a demanding tone, "You will declare your loyalty to me as your Queen ... you will lead your forces -- your increased forces -- into battle, under the direction of King Baldr ... you will open your lands to unfettered travel by merchants and troops from the Clans ... you will pay an appropriate tribute, lets call it ... 20% of value..."

Onya saw Corol's eyes widen, then saw him half glance toward Baldr, likely wondering whether the Chieftain had noticed -- and would take issue with -- his obvious surprise and disapproval of the high figure. But Corol settled his emotions, knowing that the choice was to be slaughtered here and now and give up 100% of his wealth. With a dampened tone of displeasure, Corol asked, "And for all of this, I get ... what, a wife I didn't wish to begin with ... and control of my Territory in the hands of a--"

Corol hesitated, again half glancing toward Baldr before finishing, "With my Territory run outside of my own control?"

"You will have control of issues within your borders," Onya went on, suddenly full of confidence and strength. She'd been born for this even if she hadn't known so until that first day that she'd presented herself to Baldr as the heir to everything. "And you will have some control over territories you conquer in my name. And..."

Onya hesitated a moment to ensure that she had Corol's full attention before saying, "When the time comes ... a marriage will take place uniting our Houses ... a daughter of the House of Ras Rufna ... and a son of the House of Baldr--"

She looked to her Chieftain for his reaction to her selection of house names. Onya was, of course, from the House of Mereth. And, rightfully, her children should be considered of that House also. But, she'd decided long ago that the children born of Baldr's seed would carry the name of his House; and the peoples of the South could just go fuck themselves if they didn't like it.

She continued with the pledge, "And the children of that union would, in time, rule all of the Known World."

She studied Corol for his reaction, but it was all too obvious to Onya that the young wanna-be-King-of-much-more was on board. She looked to Baldr, wondering whether he was thinking he'd created a monster in his young bride-to-be. Onya wanted to ask him if her offer had his approval. But, she was to be the Queen of the Known World, and how would this upstart of a Frahm react to hear his future queen ask for permission from a heathen?

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr was surprised by Onya's answer. he had actually been hinting that he and his men along with her were his best option, but she had come up with something far more brilliant. In one fell swoop she would be able to add not just one but three new domains to her Empire and secure a larger section of the Northern part of the Land. Once news of this got out he doubted if any of the smaller barony's would dare to hold out against her and soon even some of the larger ones might think twice.

He smiled and gave a barely perceptible nod to her as she looked at him. Oh he would be leaving most of the diplomacy to her from now on. her mind was as sharp as any sword he carried and just as powerful. With her knowledge of who was exiled where and who ruled what and why, they just might have a chance to ally the whole world.

Baldr looked at her sharply though when she mentioned marrying off one of his sons to this spineless bastard's daughter. Then again he would have to produce one he thought smiling.

"It's not so bad lad. So you have to wait a few years to take over the world and it won't be you actually doing it. Just think, you are not going to be the one risking his ass every day only to find out at the end of it he is too old to appreciate it." Baldr laughed and looked at him. "I am not saying you are not going to have to fight mind you, but if you want to try to conquer the whole world go ahead. We can always head home and leave you to it," he said smiling at Onya.

He thought of what he was going to have to do later. He needed to speak to Onya. This situation reminded him of the Lady Platt and her wish. When he got back to Vint he was going to have to make up his mind about sending Tyr back to Platt or denying her. He thought it was a good idea but it was best to run these things past her. Who knew what could happen if he supported the wrong person?

 

[CutiePie1997]

"It's not so bad lad..."

Onya's lips spread a bit as Baldr continued, knowing that those first five words could have been spoken instead as five others: Take it or leave it. She felt a shiver crawl up her spine and her skin explode in goose flesh as -- seeing her Chieftain's smile and hearing his tone -- she realized that she'd done good. Very good, he would let her know later.

"I would be honored to serve my Queen in this fashion," Corol said without much delay once Baldr had gone silent. He very noticeably directed his words to Onya without one of his sideways glances at the Chieftain this time. "May I return to my forces and inform them of the good--"

"One more thing ... Frahm Corol," Onya cut him off. She was feeling bold beyond her years and -- as she was not the military commander in the pair -- bold beyond her position. But, so far, it had seemed to work for her. She glanced off to the south toward the bay, then off to the southeast toward the Vint-Bind Road. "We have visitors approaching."

When she hesitated, Corol filled in with an obvious understanding, "Yes, the forces from Suva. How can I serve?"

"Lord Baldr..." Onya continued, nodding her head in respect to the man before continuing, "is going to escort me home ... to Virta ... where he and I will be married."

She saw the slight change in expression in the young King's face. He may have been going along with this new arrangement -- a deal that would benefit him greatly -- but it was still obvious that he was pained by the fact that he himself wouldn't be wedded and bred-ed to the Queen of the Known World.

"I would like you to greet our incoming visitors," Onya continued with the simple tone of a woman asking for a child to go pick her a pretty flower. She continued, "Inform them of the ... the new situation."

"Keep them from following you north," Corol said flatly, showing his understanding that instead of fighting against Baldr here today, his army might very well find itself fighting for the Northerner. Now, he did look to Baldr for a moment, then back to Onya as he nodded respectfully and confirmed, "We would be most honored to greet the visitors from Suva."

"And I'm sure," Onya went on, wanting to make sure that the young Frahm understood he'd be supervised from this day forth, "that King Baldr would be more than happy to leave a small contingent behind with you ... to ensure that the message was passed along ... received ... understood ... and complied with."

Corol knew what that meant even before they young woman was finished speaking: Baldr would have his men at the Frahm's side to put a sword through him should he decide not to fulfill his duties to his Queen. Again Corol nodded respectfully, saying, "I would be honored to host some of ... King Baldr's officers, my Grace."

Onya's lips widened again in delight, then she felt her face flush. There had been so much talk about her being or becoming a Queen, depending upon your point of view; but this was the first time anyone had used the royal term of My Grace rather than the noble term of My Lady. It felt good. It felt ... legitimizing, even if it had only come from this teenage wanna-be king who was probably still feeling robbed now that he knew he wouldn't soon be pounding some royal pussy tonight in a comfortable Vintan bed chamber.

"I will have the good word taken to Lady Randianna," Onya said, changing the subject as she thought of men and women and the sex that took place between them. "I will make the necessary arrangements, and soon your respective houses will be joined."

Corol again nodded, his own lips spreading in a slight smile. He might not be getting Onya, but he was getting a badly needed army. Oh, and he got a wife out of it, too, but ... honestly, it was the army he truly wanted out of this deal. He said with a respectful tone, "I eagerly await my first meeting with my betrothed. Thank you, my Grace."



The three of them finished with the details about how Corol would greet the incoming armies, and within an hour -- with the pillaging of Vint expertly concluded -- Clan Baldr headed north again, leaving in its wake a burning city and a rising cloud of dust. Onya was feeling proud of herself, so much so that she ignored protocol and hurried her mount up to come in beside Baldr's own horse after just a mile or so. When he looked to her, she smiled broadly to him, nodded respectfully, looked about to ensure that no one else could hear her, then leaned in and whispered, "It hurts to ride."

She let her eyes fall downward, the best she could do to indicate that she was referring to her swollen pussy, then laughed loudly. She waited for Baldr's response, then kicked her horse ahead in a slow canter, heading out before the majority of the army. Yol hurried his own horse up close to his Chieftain, shrugged his shoulders playfully, and rode off after his charge as she continued laughing playfully.



It was three days before they entered the gates of Virt, and the welcome was unexpected. The Main Road through the city to the castle gates was lined with cheering citizens. Onya was once again riding half a dozen yards behind Baldr, the conquering hero. And she assumed initially that the praise was for him. But soon, she realized that most of the happy faces were looking at her as she passed.

By the time they'd reached and passed through the Castle gates, Onya had come to realize that the people of Virta had no reason to celebrate the Northern heathen who had just razed their sister city to the south. They were, in fact, praising their queen to be. (Though she hadn't expected or even contemplated it, by the time the Clan had returned to Virta, the word had spread about the city about exactly who Onya was and who she would soon be.)

While such praise should have overjoyed Onya, when Baldr came to her new quarters a couple of hours later -- after she'd again bathed and changed into an elegant dress Gree had somehow procured for her -- she wore an expression of deep concern ... and couldn't seem to raise her gaze enough to look him in the eyes.

Onya had wanted -- yearned -- for so many years to be more than she was, and now that it appeared as though she was finally going to have it all, she found herself torn. She was rightfully the Queen of the Known World. But Baldr was the reason she was nearing fulfilling that dream. Without him, she would still be a slave in the North, standing silently in the back of a Chieftain's tent, listening, sometimes advising, and always wondering when the day would come that her Untouched status was no longer of as much attraction as her untouched pussy.

The people of Vint saw Baldr -- her master, her general, her king, her lover -- as an invading barbarian of the Unnamed Untamed. It hurt her to think that maybe he, too, had noticed the acclaim being showered not on him but on her...

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr had been proud of Onya. The way she had taken charge and put the young lord in his place while still helping him out was something to see. Even when she had commandeered his army and effectively told him she was going to have him place people near him to watch his every move, he had not dared to contradict her. In fact she had then reminded him that she had more than doubled his army and provided him another powerful wife. He just hoped this Lady Randianna was at least passably good looking. It might help to mollify the boys wounds some.

As they rode towards Vint he pulled his horse up next to hers and smiled widely at her. "A masterful performance my dear. I could never do something like that. I know how to control armies and fight and I would probably have bullied that boy into submitting. Of course he would have resented us and might have become a problem later on. You however have given him a new wife and an army to help him conquer his enemies, which also helps us. He still might become a problem of course but it will be much later."

He looked at her and his eyes smoldered. "If we were not in public I might just show you how much I am going to enjoy being your husband," he growled.

Once back at camp he discussed things with his Karants and left his second best unit behind. He could absorb the loss and with them watching Corol he could be assured his interest's would be looked after. Besides they would be able to carry out the little surprises he had planned for the Suvians.

As they traveled back to Virta Corols army traveled with them until the road came to a small hilly pass. It was a natural place to block any advances from an invading army. they left him there and continued on. When Onya confided in him about her discomfort he laughed heartily. "Perhaps you would like a repeat performance. They do say the more you do it the easier it becomes and the less certain areas," he glanced at where she was sitting on her saddle, "become sore."

When they finally returned to the city he was amazed at the response of the citizens. He didn't think they would cheer a barbarian ever. Then he noticed that most of it was directed at Onya and he smiled. Of course, it was her they cheered for. Well for now he could live with that. After all he was still the Barbarian that had attacked their city and was to marry their Queen. He would see what their response was a year or two from now.

Once inside the castle he dismissed his men and called for the High priest. He was not going to wait any longer to marry Onya. As soon as the man appeared before them Baldr started speaking. "I don't know what you have heard, but you priestess tried to marry Onya off to some nobleman. He has been convinced that was not a good idea and indeed Onya has set up another marriage for him that he has found agreeable. However I would like everyone to know that the Queen now has a King. As the priestess has fled you are now the head of the order. I would like to be married as soon as possible."

The man nodded and looked at both of them. "Of course I could marry you both right now, however it would be better if we had nobles to witness the act. I believe Lady Stella would be open to coming and several other minor lords and ladies that surround this city can be summoned. Perhaps even this Noble that you spoke of? It would help spread the word your Graces."

Baldr nodded and looked at Onya. "Well my love, how does that sound? We can summon Corol and Lady Stella. Of course we shall have to wait three days but that should give us time to prepare a lavish feast. I have a few things I wish to discuss with you and it may be we can announce them at our wedding."

 

[CutiePie1997]

I would like to be married as soon as possible."

Onya reflected back on Baldr's words and smiled broadly. When she glanced down from atop the seamstress's block on which she stood, she found Gree looking up at her with a wide grin.

"You're thinking of him again, m'lady," the servant said, a statement not a question. When Onya nodded, Gree continued, "You're thinking about being with him again, m'lady."

Onya laughed with feigned shock. "I know not of which you speak ... slave!"

They laughed at the term she'd begun using for Gree anytime the woman even mentioned Onya's night with Baldr. It had been so wrong to give herself to him that night outside Vint. She was a Lady, a Noble, a Royal all rolled up in one; and yet she'd laid with the Chieftain that night as if nothing more than a horny peasant girl with no societal norms to which she should adhere.

They continued working on Onya's wedding dress, each of them occasionally smiling broadly or giggling or making sharp comments. Their relationship had grown so deeply that -- despite Gree's manual labor for her at this moment and many before and after it -- Onya now thought of the other girl as nothing less than her best friend.

"The ceremony is in three days," Onya said casually.

As she ran a needle through the hem of the dress, Gree responded playfully, "I heard."

"The High Priest says a Noble woman must stand with me as I exchange my vows."

"Yes, I heard that, too" Gree said, standing and backing to look at her work. "Lady Stella will arrive tomorrow."

"Lady Stella will not be my Maid of Honor," Onya said, looking Gree steadily in her eyes.

It took a moment for the slave-turned-servant-turned-Freeman-turned-friend to realize what Onya was hinting at. "I am not a Noble woman, m'lady."

"But ... if you married a Noble man," Onya said, stepping down from the box to near her friend, "you would be."

Gree's face suddenly went white with shock. It was no secret that for months Gree and Yol had been bumping uglies as Onya had overheard Northmen call it for years. And for much of that time, the two Northmen had been quietly discussing strategies to ensure that Onya -- and of course Baldr -- allowed the pair to eventually be wed. But Yol was no Noble man, which meant that Onya could only be hinting that she had found a different man -- a man of title -- to become her husband. She suddenly dropped to her knees, gaze on the floor, as she begged, "Please, m'lady. Do not marry me off to a Nobleman. I beg you."

"I will marry you off to a Nobleman--"

Gree sobbed once so loudly that it interrupted Onya. "Please, m'lady. Can't Lady Stella--"

Onya cut in, "I will marry you off ... you will become a Noblewoman ... and you will stand by my side..."

Onya pulled her gown up to allow herself to bend down close to the now fully sobbing teen. She reached out to Gree's chin, forcing her face upwards to look into her tear filled eyes. It must have confused Gree to see Onya's lips wide in a pleased smile as the Lady finished, "You will stand by my side ... at the side of my Protector ... your betrothed."

"Yol...?" Gree asked in between sobs. She mustered enough ability to say, "But ... he is not a Nobleman."

"He is now," Onya said. She could see the continuing confusion in her friend's face and clarified, "I asked Baldr if he could find a small town in which Yol could establish a House. Greenbrier ... to the northeast. It isn't much, but--"

Gree let out a loud sob, but this one was of obvious relief. "Yol is a Lord?"

Onya nodded, her own eyes beginning to glaze over.

"And he will be my husband?"

Again, a nod; and finally, tears.

The two Ladies embraced tightly as they cried together for a long moment. They finally stood and spent the next couple of hours talking about how Gree's life was going to change. They returned to the wedding dress for a bit before shedding it from Onya, but Gree -- inspired by the news of her upcoming nuptials -- leaned in close to Onya and asked, "Would you mind, m'lady, if I was excused for a moment to go speak to my future husband?"

"Speak?" Onya asked knowingly.

Gree laughed, then without inhibition said, "I'm going to get him naked and remind him that his wife to be is from the North."

Onya gave her friend permission to leave, but before Gree could reach the door, she called, "Please have word sent to my husband to be that I would like a word with him ... as soon as possible."

Gree this time smiled knowingly. She gave an exaggerated bow, responding, "M'lady."

Onya repeated the bow, giggling, "M'lady."



When Baldr entered Onya's bed chamber, she stepped out from behind the pulled semi sheer draperies now enclosing her bed ... naked.

"Must we wait for our wedding night ... my King?"

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Baldr had spent his time speaking with various people. He was amazed at just how much work it took to plan a Royal wedding. A bird had been sent to Corol and lady Stella. A reply had come back swiftly from the baroness assuring him that she would be there and that she would make all haste. Corol could not respond but baldr was sure the man would not refuse the summons.

He then sent out summons to other Lords and ladies each having to be personally signed by him. The high priest had seemed to be surprised that he could write, let alone write in the Southern way. Still by the end of signing so many forms Baldr had not wanted to see another Quill or ink pot again.

Of course he also had his army to organize and the meeting's with several of his men. His hunters had been sent out far and wide to hunt game for the banquet. Fish had been requested from the fleet of sailboats as well as other seafood delicacies. There was also the matter of rebuilding the city. Fortunately not much had been damaged in his fight to take the city, but he and Onya agreed that they would make Virta their home for awhile and rebuild the city.

Baldr also spoke to Yol and told him of his plans to send him to the town of Greenbrier as it's new Lord. The last had been killed off some time ago and the villagers while still loyal lacked proper guidance. he was going to be given a small detachment of men, some clansmen and some Virtian troops and of course his bride. He had loved seeing that look on his young face as did Onya. The man had gone away beaming and Onya had retired to her room to get her dress fitted and to tell Gree.

he had then spoken to Tyr at length about the lady Stella and what she was like. He had been impressed with his insights into her character and then he had asked about her lands. Tyr told him all he knew and about her situation. Baldr had nodded his head. he know had everything he needed to know to make a decision except one thing.

"What did you think of the Lady personally Tyr. Forget about what I want to hear and tell me your feelings."

He had watched a multitude of emotions play over the man's face until he had looked him in the eye. "She would survive well in the North. A pity she was not born there," he said then headed for the door. Baldr had smiled. Now he had everything he needed.

Gree found him pouring over papers and he sighed as he stood up and began to walk towards her chambers. however he could not help calling after her, "Say hello to Yol for me, and please do not wear him out too much. I need his services tomorrow."

Still chuckling he entered Onya's bedchamber and watched as she emerged from her bed naked. As she invited him to no longer wait for the wedding night he wondered if this was a test then he decided if it was he was failing it.

He quickly took off his clothes until he was as naked as she was and then advanced and took her in his arms. Kissing her he pulled her to him, her breasts brushing up against his chest and his rising sword as she called it, rubbing against her belly. gently he guided her back to the bed and rolled into it pulling her in as well. As they lay side by side kissing, his hand lightly stroking from her hip to her breast and back again, he broke away and then looked at her. 'Are you certain Onya? I do not mind waiting, it is only three days."

His mouth said one thing, his body another, but he would do whatever his love wanted.