Southern Style

[Vailyn]

Sun Raen Li

Voices drifted in and out of the haze. Warmth trickled in and mixed with the the consistant roll of pain. Sharp edges of agony flares and weightlessness envelopes me. The voices fall away and welcomed darkness hides me once again.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Older General Beau (but not too old)

The accounting was amazing. I reviwewed the ledger when the two young women left to take care of some matter. Why, the books were in better shape than many Quartermaster Corps accounts in the Army!

I listened to Miranda with half an ear until she told me about my wife! Rising to my feet, I walked toward Miss Katie. Her blush has turned her bright red! Taking her hand, I lift it to my lips. "Surely, Madam, no old soldier has been so blessed - blessed to find that he has a wife who is a model for Southern beauty; the very essence of pulchritude." Holding Katie's hand, I look to Miranda, "Ladies, you have truly held my home together. Without you both, I fear it would be a carpetbaggers' - lost forever to the Thor family. I hesitate to ask, but, if neither of you have a place to go, would you honor me by staying on for a time at 'Fairview'?"

As I spoke, my fingertips brushed Miss Katie's hand - an electricity surged between us - causing my skin to tingle. Letting her hand fall gently to her side, I watch them both and wait for the answer.........

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

When Gen. Thor -- Beau -- dropped my hand, I realized that I'd been holding my breath. The current of electricity jumped from his hand to mine, causing me to feel somewhat lightheaded. I looked toward Miranda who was looking back at me with a somewhat worried expression. I decided to take the bull by the horns...
"We accept your generous offer, sir," I replied when I found my voice. "But we will need a little time to repair another bedroom. For now, there is only the one Miranda and I have been sharing...it shouldn't take much to ready two others. If you are patient..."

In my head, I had the sudden and jarring thought - where would we all sleep tonight? Despite my upbringing and my morals and my fear of breaking with both, I couldn't help but notice the fire in Beau's eyes, the strength evident in his hands and shoulders...and the way the pit of my stomach tingles when he looks at me.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

"I am honored, Miss Katie, that you and Miranda will grace these tired halls with your beauty. Please continue to share the bedroom. These tired bones have been sleeping on the ground so long, I fear that I would not sleep at all in a bed."

"And to be honest, Miss Katie, I cannot remember our wedding night at all." The twinkle in my eyes betrayed, I am sure, that I was always mischevious. The smile faded as my eyes caught Katie's - another surge passed between us...

 

[Merelan]

"Thank you sir. We would love to stay on, at least for a little while longer. Miss Katie just started breaking the stallion, and I have the gardens to tend. Nannie takes care of most of the house, though I do help from time to time. Please make any changes you deem fitting. We don't really know what we are doing. Just surviving I guess. It is good to have you home."
I had seen looks he had given her. There was no way I was letting her sleep alone, with him in the house. I trusted him, but also knew he was a man. he had been hurt by men, and I wanted to protect her as long as I could. At least till she knew him better. I didn't want her feeling obliged in anyway. We had done damn good here, keeping the estate together, for the most part. Luckily he was aware of that.
He was a striking man, handsome in a rugged, tired way. The loneliness in his eyes made me want to draw him to me and care for him.

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

I sent a prayer heaven-ward, thanking the good Lord for giving Miranda an un-tied tongue. I couldn't seem to gather my thoughts. Or rather, they seemed gathered in the wrong places. Beau seemed a kind, gentle man and I worked hard not to paint him with the same brush that had tarred other men in my past.

"Miranda," I said finally, "all that riding, plus the excitement of Gen. Thor's homecomming, has left me rather exhausted. I think I'm about ready to retire. Are you?"

 

[Merelan]

"Of course Miss Katie. Let me make up the sofa in the study for the General. We will work on the bedroom situation tomorrow first thing."
I led the way upstairs and helped her fix up the study.
After checking with him to see if there was anything he needed we retired to the bedroom.
"Katie, I need to check on our visitor. Will you be okay for a few minutes?"

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

Pulling off my boots, I massaged my sore feet. "What an interesting day," I thought. "My home is still mine, and my new guests promise to grace Fairview. Tomorrow I must develop a plan to begin to restore the house and to figure how we can exist in the new South." I have almost no money, and the women apparently do not have means either.

Placing my pistol on the floor - it is never far from my hand - I close my eyes for a moment and reminice - to the days when Fairview was a showplace for this part of Georgia.

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

OOC: Merelan, I hope you'll forgive me, but the last (and first)time I got the passionate Thor between my legs he was called out of the country!! I've been a little...um, impatient since then.

IC: Miranda and I got Beau's bed on the sofa fixed up nice. We gave him the best pillows and some thick quilts. While Miranda checked on our unconscious guest, I gave Beau the bottle of brandy.

Upstairs, we lay facing each other in the big bed. Neither of us had the lovely lace and cotton nightgowns that we once possessed. Since she was doing so well with the gardening and cooking, I tried turning my hand at sewing. It was not one of my talents! But the gowns I'd managed (under Nanny's direction) were servicable, if threadbare.
"It's going to be strange," I said, stroking her bare arm on top of the covers, "having a man in the house." I wanted to say more, but my tongue didn't seem to want to work. I wanted to tell her how attracted I was to Beau, but I knew that would conjure up more painful memories of Henry. I wanted to tell her that even though my first experiences with men were painful and terrifying, they had awakened a hunger in me that I didn't know how to fulfill.

"Yes, it is," she agreed. We snuggled together, holding hands as was our habit. As she fell asleep, I kissed her soft lips and whispered 'goodnight darling.'

I don't know how long I'd been asleep when I was suddenly awakened by a noise. I sat bolt upright in bed and strained to hear it again. Miranda rolled over, but slept on. I slid out of the covers and shrugged on a light robe, tying the sash tight around my waist. My feet were bare, but I didn't bother to find shoes. I slipped quietly out of the bedroom and followed the light down the stairs to the parlor.

Beau was there, tossing and turning on the floor. He'd apparently fallen from the couch which may have been the noise I'd heard. It looked as though he were having a nightmare and I wanted to help him, but was utterly afraid. I didn't know what to do. I tiptoed silently over to where he lay, kneeled down and placed my hand on his forehead...

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

OOC: LOL Katie (twinkle)

IC: My hand shot out - grabbing and cocking my pistol with one motion. The same dream, over and over again - the Bluebellies overrunning our Headquarters, butchering and killing...when will it end?

As my eyes shot open, I grabbed for the other person and saw - Katie, eyes wide with fright, my pistol pointed right at her head. As she recoiled, I lowered the pistol and murmered my apology. "Miss Katie, I am so sorry. I have the same dream - over and over." My body was bathed in sweat; my breathing was fast and shallow. "Please accept my apology." Even as I spoke, I became aware of her scent - a scent that I had almost forgotten. Her robe had come undone when she recoiled from me. The gown did little to hide her body...

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

My heart leapt in my chest as I fell back on my rear end beside Beau. That pistol pointed at me filled my vision and I only vaguely heard his apology. I started to scoot away from him, but his hand on mine stopped me.

His hand was so warm. Or was it me? Suddenly I felt so hot. My gown was clinging uncomfortably to my skin. I glanced down to find my robe completely open and my gown soaked with sweat, the thin white cotton doing little to conceal my breasts from his eyes. I dragged my eyes up to his and sucked in my breath at the heat I found there...

 

[Merelan]

OOC: Whew......

IC:
I slumber on, unaware that she has left the bed.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

Almost without thought, as though my body was controlled by something, my hand cupped Katie's neck. My mouth covered hers, our lips dancing in an age old sinuous dance. A rush of emotion suffused my body. Her mouth against mine reawakened emotions long dormant. I pressed my tongue against her pursed lips - searching for an entry...searching for something that I never had.......

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

I watched his hand come toward me, but was unable to move to prevent it. His lips pressed against mine and I felt suddenly suffused with heat. Unsure of what to do, I kept my hands balled into fists at my sides.
I felt his tongue probing against my lips and instinctively opened them. His tongue delved deeply into my mouth and my tongue immediately came to spar with his. I was only vaguely aware of his hands in my hair, pulling me to him, until his hard body was pressed against me.
Tentatively, unsure, I reached up and held onto his shoulders with trembling hands.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

Breaking the kiss, my eyes capture Katie's; I feel myself decending into the depths of her soul - and I do not resist.

Cupping her chin, I bend and kiss each eyelid; brushing her forehead with my lips. Her tongue dueling with mine opened vistas that I could only dimly imagine.

My hand - slowly - caressed her cheek. She seems so innocent - almost like a deer caught in the glare of a lantern. A whisper, "Katie, Katie, Katie....."

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

I may not be a virgin, but I'd never been with a man willingly. I found myself drowning in his eyes, his voice, his touch.

I cautiously reached out one trembling hand to Beau's chest. I can feel his muscles bunch under his thin shirt. My eyes search out his as I lift my face toward his, pleading...needing something I couldn't name.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

Her vulnerability touched my heart - I bent and planted soft kisses on her face, cheeks, lips, eyelids. Katie was a strange blend of innocence and worldliness. She has an inner strength, but she is also tender. Something told me that she needed to be loved, touched, treasured. The thin cotton gown molded her body - lush, full, sensuous. With an effort of will, I controlled my emotions.

My free hand slides along Katie's arm; fingers brushing it lightly. I can feel the goosebumps pebble her skin. My mouth covers her in a deep, deep kiss. Our breath mingles; her tongue and mine touch. We drink from each other's depths....

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

I abandoned myself into Beau's arms. He was so gentle. Each touch of his callosed hands sent sparks of pleasure to my brain and then straight between my legs. I was suddenly confused. I didn't know what that pleasure pulsing between my thighs meant.

I finally managed to tear myself away from Beau and stood. I was thankful that only a kerosene lamp lit the room so he couldn't see the blush that painted my face. My limbs trembled as I faced him, then got downright jelly-like when he stood in front of me. I leaned my head back to look up at him.

"Please," I whispered, my eyes wide and only a little fearful. "I don't know what to do"

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

"Lovely, lovely Katie. Don't talk, just relax." My words were soft, sensuous.

My arms slid around her. My lips were inches from hers. Slowly, I bent and kissed Katie...again. My hands gently touched her back - the heat from her body pulsed through the thin gown. Her breasts against my chest made me forget the war, the Yankees, everything but this woman pressed against my body. I could feel her hips - tenatively - pressing against mine. She was hesitant, yet I could sense the passion just below the surface. "Move slowly, Beau," I told myself. "Do nothing to frighten her - she has been scarred by the war every bit as much as you."

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

Beau's lips and hands were making me forget things. They made me forget that I should be upstairs sleeping. They made me forget that I was afraid of the power men wielded over women. They reminded me, however, that in the eyes of everyone I knew around here, we were already married.

Tentatively, slowly, I raised my arms and wrapped them around Beau's neck, allowing him to press more closely against me. My hips seemed to move of their own accord, pressing forward, seeking his heat. My robe fell completely open and I allowed it to fall to the floor.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

As Katie wrapped her arms around my neck, every nerve ending was alive. I felt her forearms against my neck. Her firm, full breasts pressed against my chest; separated from my bare skin by the thin gown. Katie's tummy pressed close; her pelvis - almost shyly - pushed to me - I wonder if she can feel how she is affecting me...

Breaking the kiss - a kiss that seemed like it had lasted for hours, my lips touched her ear. My breath caressed her neck as I gently placed little kisses on the shell-like ear. My need, long suppressed, was a powerful storm seething inside my body. In a dim recess of my brain I heard a voice saying, "Beau, don't scare her. She is, in spite of her seeming toughness, frightened inside."

My hands were firm, yet gentle, as I moved them over her back at the base of her spine. I was almost intoxicated by the surges of passion moving through my body...

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

Like a butterfly swept along in a fierce wind, I felt myself being swept up in Beau's passion. Until it became my own. His breath on my neck ignited a flame that threatened to incinerate me.
Wantonly, I pressed my body along his hard length. I tilted my hips until I could feel the hard brand of his manhood against my stomach. My hands roamed from his face to his shoulders to his chest to his arms.
Soft mewling sounds rose out of my throat, encouraging the exploration of his hands.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

Katie's body - responding - almost made me lose control. Her hips - hard against mine became the most exquisite torture. I let my hands drift over the curves of her bottom; pausing and caressing. The thin cotton material bunched in my hands. Slowly I lifted it up; slowly, slowly over her hips. I moved back a couple of inches and slipped the gown over her head as she lifted her arms; helping me.

My breath catches in my throat as my eyes drink in her beauty. Eyes that sparkle gaze out from her lovely face. Her breasts are full, tipped with dark nipples that are standing at attention. Her tummy is flat; decending to her triangle of mystery; covered with soft blonde fur.

"Katie, you are a goddess - a vision," I murmer, as I sweep her up in my arms. Although she is not a slip of a girl like Miranda, she is a feather in my arms. Smothering her neck and face with kisses, I walk to the couch and lay her down; delicately, like the most fragile china. As I kneel beside her, the fingers of my left hand caress one of Katie's full breasts. As they slide along one side, my mind is a blur. Her breast is firm and high, but ripe with the promise of womanhood. Cupping it in my strong hand, my lips touch; my breath warm on her flesh as my tongue explores the underside of the lovely globe. Two fingers of my right hand are on her tummy; moving in slow, sensuous circles - barely touching.

 

[Countess DeWinter]

Katie

Beau's fingers were so soft in their touch, it was like being caressed by the wind. My gown was gone and I could feel the crisp hairs on his chest tickling my nipples. I was utterly lost in the sensation when he picked me up and set me gently down on the sofa.
His hands were so sure and strong. His lips...if I live to be a hundred with scores of grandchildren around me, I will never forget the feeling of Beau's lips on my breast.
My hands roamed over his chest and arms. My fingers threaded into his hair. I pulled him closer to me, wanting to feel his body on mine, unsure of how to get what it was I wanted.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

Beau

As my fingers drifted from Katie's tummy to her flank, I felt her small fingers twining in my hair; pulling me closer. With a moan from deep in my chest, I capture her nipple with my lips. The hard nub slips into my mouth as I begin to suck - my lips caressing as it slides in and out of my mouth.

My fingers trace the smooth curve of her hip; feeling the fine little hairs on her body. My fingertips fairly tingled; the heat from her body penetrating - to my very soul.

As her turgid nipple pokes my tongue, a feeling washes over me. I want this woman to experience pleasure; pleasure that she has deserved but, I suspect, never experienced. Leaving her breast for a moment, my eyes open. I am transfixed! She seems a dream; but she is no dream. As Katie's hand urges me back, I capture the nipple of her other breast, flicking it with my tongue - swirling around the bud, making love to her lovely breasts - as time becomes meaningless...