Kindred Spirit Lodge Presents

Finding Refuge & a Warm Bed


by Kaie & a slew of Kindred Lodgers
2004

____****____

(Kaie) --

Kaie had watched those who came and went from the lodge for most of the evening.  Hidden within the shadows near the tree line she agonized about entering.  She had been running for a week now with little food and even less sleep.  Out of instinct she had headed into the mountains where she felt more at home and was surprised to find this lodge nestled into such a beautiful landscape.  Although she felt as though the piercing gaze of a few had found her even deep within her hiding place, it seemed safe enough from this view.  She would not last another day without rest.  If her luck held she would be safe from the bounty hunters for a few days. 

Wearily she made her way inside, hesitating just inside the doorway before slowly removing her hood and running her fingers through her wild dark curls nervously.  Pulling her collar up higher to cover her neck, she searched the room for the innkeeper. 

While she waited she let her gaze travel across the room.  So many women, and they all seemed quite at home.  She sighed inwardly as a sharp pang of envy struck her.  For three years now she had been running.  Stealing what she needed to survive, hiring herself out as a spy when her coin ran short.  She did not have the luxury of staying in any place for long, they always found her.  What she wouldn’t give to end it here, to feel safe and protected just once more.  She had grown tired of the chase and longed for acceptance, perhaps even love. There had been brief brushes with lovers in the past, but Kaie desired something more than just lewd encounters.  She had not yet admitted it to herself, but she needed a strong hand to take her from this life style before luck ran out and the shadows no longer protected her from her pursuers.

Kaie’s nostrils flared slightly as she caught the heavenly scent of food from a nearby table and  her legs began to feel weak as she struggled to stand upright.  The weariness began to take its toll and she shook her head slightly to clear it hoping the innkeeper would appear soon before she humiliated herself by passing out.

____****____

(Aria) --

Aria was a firm believer in timing was everything. No sooner did the visitor’s head hit the floor, that the massive oak doors flew open.

“Excuse us,Ladies, but we seek a young girl, a common thief, – we’ll be happy to take her off your hands should she have wondered in here.”

There were three men total. Aria looked at this wall of men and remained silent – as did her S/sisters.

Unaware of the stranger’s crimes, the Kindred Lodge was a haven for women and no one would be turned over blindly. Lady Alison and Killian stepped in front of the woman crumpled on the floor while Klancy, Nessa, Ikarias and Sirius approached the men.

“There is no one here, that does not belong here,” Klancy told them.

“We’ll just take a look around then”, said the tallest of the three as he started to make in way further into the Great Hall.

“I dint thin ye heard us… there is no one here, that we dint want here” Nessa said in that delicious brogue.

The men continued to come further into the Lodge… but realized they would have to go thorough a line of fierce female warriors to search the room. There was something in the eyes of these women that told them, a little thief was not worth their broken bones.

“All right Ladies, we will take you at your word” the taller one said now very anxious to leave this place.

Even before the door was closed, Klancy had picked up the stranger and was headed upstairs with her in search of a warm fire and a soft bed.

____****____

(Killian) --

Even before the door was closed, Klancy had picked up the stranger and was headed upstairs with her in search of a warm fire and a soft bed.

Killian rushed to get her healer's kit as Aria headed off towards the Kitchen. No one had to tell the rest of the Kindred to be on full alert regarding these men searching for their newest guest.

Killian stood by Kaie's side after Klancy laid her gently down, like a new babe in a crib. The young healer chuckled at the thought of how gentle this giant of a friend of hers was. For a Sailor, she had calloused hands to be sure, yet there was always a sense of grace and regalness with every move her friend made.

"Klancy, would ya mind getting that fire up to a nice heat for this one, please? And I could use that feather quilt we have up high in the closet where only you giants can reach." Killian smilled as she sponged away the dirt around this young woman's face, looking for signs of trauma.

"I"ll Ave yew know, my wee freynd, Killeeyn, If er gonna be havin' the likes of me and Ness storin' yer warm treasures, then yer gonna have ta rely on us ta get em' down for yer short and stubby little self tew."

Klancy caught the fiery Welsh Celtic glint in the eye of her friend, as she had hoped. The bandage roll upside her head wasn't so readily planned for.

Killian smilled.

The healer worked to clean up the cuts and bruises the lass had, and noticed the complete malnourishment in her just in time for Aria to show up with food.

Killian roused the lass, and vivid green jewels looked back at her. She flinched back in fear.

"Hello. I am Killian, innkeeper of the Kindred Spirit Lodge, where you find yourself. This is Aria, and this is Klancy, or Captain, and leader. You are safe with us. All who make it to our door are protected once inside. You will be protected. You have my word."

"Aye, and Mine." spoke Klancy.

"And all of ours." Spoke Aria

"Now eat up, and I will be here when you are done to talk more."

The wide eyes spoke volumes, though the mouth did nothing but gulp down food.

Killian felt in her psychic mind the bounty hunters. She spoke in her psychic mind to Nessa, who heard the lass clearly and headed out to the stables to find Caitlin.

____****____

(Ikarias) --

Ikarias smirked at the 'little thief' reference. The stalwart fellows, at a nod by the tallest scarfaced bruiser, wisely decided to leave. The right sided fellow looked youngest, not unhandsome and a definite familial resenblance to the midmost chap. The one on the left, unrelated, was missing most of an ear and half his nose. A fresh brand under his forelock looked suspiciously like an 'R' next to an older 'T'.

He started to make a rude gesture and stopped at the glaring half-scaled woman. 'Freakin' sluts,' Ikarias heard him mutter. Of course the vocabulary for such a gentleman corresponded to his sterling qualities and marks of 'thief' and 'rapist'. The three left, though all kindred knew they were not leaving the vicinity.

The newcomer was damned cute under the scratches and dirt. Ikarias saw her carried off to be tended by the healers amongst them. Going back to the bar, Iky quickly finished her ale then jogged up to her room. She unwrapped a (for her) dainty crossbow in silver and horn and tied her labrys to her back, next to a a dozen bolts in a stiff quiver.

Ikarias lifted the sash and climbing over the sill, pushed off and dropped to the ground. The trio were easy to follow, none of them had bathed in a fortnight and their clothes hadn't seen soap and water since Tiamat had been slain.

The smile that came to the half-dragon boded many and varied discomforts for the intruders. Never count a dragon dead, even when she's in pieces. After a candlemark of following she saw the three go to a rather large fire. Much too large for just them. She climbed a tree and crouched watching and listening.

'My bad, dammit.' Iky scowled at not one fire but three in a row and such a selection of miscreants that trolls would be positively charming next to them. The scent of cooking venison and more unwashed bodies nearly made her gag.

"Oh the bitch is there, even if we didn't see her," quoth Tall, Dark and Ugly.

"With lots more bitches to guard. I need a new 'baccy pouch anyways," said Branded. He pulled out a small tanned bag and stuffed his cheek with a chaw.

Ikarias' teeth set on edge. Deerskin doesn't have a nipple.

"She's hardly worth it," the gook-looking boy said bending for a waterskin. "It's not like--" and his kin TDU kicked him, sending him into the second fire. He howled and rolled clumsily finally rising with a limp and burns. The others laughed. Ikarias felt sorry for him. One decent man among 23. She hoped he could be spared.

"Kill 'em or drill 'em?" A short swarthy fellow asked grabbing his crotch.

"Dead slaves are worthless. We'll make an example of one and the rest... will be entertainment. Then sell 'em to the mountain tribes and let 'em rot."

"Kaie's gotta pay. Don't need to kill her," Branded swung his pouch by the drawstrings. Hell, I could stock a store with the titbags we'll get. Whores don't need 'em as long as there's holes to fuck."

'Kaie', nice name. Should give her lecture # 42 on avoiding unsavory business partners, Ikairas thought, grinning.

"Let 'em think we've given up and gone away. We'll mark their comings and goings then give 'em a memorable visit." TDU stabbed the deer haunch and pulled a hunk off.

'We'll see who comes 'a callin' whom.' Ikarias watched the gang eat, drink, piss on each other, and gamble for chances on the women described by Branded and TDU. 'Three hundred dinars? I'm worth more than that... bastards.'

By half-past moonrise they were asleep, passed out in the superiority of numbers and manhood, all save the boy.

Ikarias soundlessly leapt to a second tree a bit further away, and then another tree and another for a quarter mark until she was out of earshot. She alternated land and branch until she dropped through the hayloft window at the stable, knocking Lady Alison on her bodacious ass.

The lethal lips halted midpuff on the blowgun. "You nearly woke up dead," the Lady allowed the Dragon to lift her to her feet. Alison pointed the blowgun away. "So share with the rest of the class, who, where, how many--and," rubbing her butt, "can you get this splinter out of my ass?"

____****____

(Kaie) --

When Kaie woke she was sure she was dead. How else to explain the soft bed and the voices of three beautiful women around her? She blinked a few times focusing her sight and flinched instinctively when she opened her eyes fully to find herself surrounded. The tallest one stood holding a feather quilt and another was offering a plate of food that she would have died for if she wasn’t already dead. The one with the soft healing touch spoke and she could only listen as she attacked the food before the offer was withdrawn.

"Hello. I am Killian, innkeeper of the Kindred Spirit Lodge, where you find yourself. This is Aria, and this is Klancy, or Captain, and leader. You are safe with us. All who make it to our door are protected once inside. You will be protected. You have my word."

"Aye, and Mine." spoke Klancy.

"And all of ours." Spoke Aria

"Now eat up, and I will be here when you are done to talk more."

She continued to eat shaking her head slightly to indicate she understood and managed to mumble, "Names Kaie," between gulps.  That said, she concentrated on the food before her until she had eaten her fill. While doing so she glanced around the room and was surprised to find it warm and welcoming. She could see the mountains perfectly and the window had no locks or bars to prevent a quick escape if needed. It had been so long since she had eaten properly; it took only a third of the plates contents to fill her completely.

Sated and a bit overwhelmed by the hospitality she had found she leaned back against the pillows and allowed her eyes to close as she feinted sleep to avoid answering questions just yet.  Once they knew the truth of what she was she was sure her welcome would be worn out.  They had pledged her safety and they looked honorable enough, but money turned too many against her in the past. Still, if they were true to their word there could be no harm in a little rest. The tall one called Klancy certainly looked capable of taking care of herself and neither of the other two looked helpess either. If she could just sleep for a bit, she would slip away from here before the hunters came and brought trouble to this place too.

As she felt herself lulled by the warmth from the fire and the soft quilts covering her she let her mind drift. Back to a time she was not on the run with a high price on her head, when she had a home and a family where she belonged. The last three years had been hard, she learned to move quick and never stay in one place long or they would find her. Each time she thought it was safe, the price for her head was raised and more came for her.

As long as she was alive there would be no rest for her. She had brought that on herself when she chose her path three years ago.

~~~~~~~~~

The Path We Choose - A Remembrance, by kaie --

“Always remember my child, it’s the paths we choose that make us what we are. Be careful what path you take.  The wrong one will take you no where, but the right one can lead you to freedom.”  The voice soothed her even as it drifted further away before the meaning was clear. “Father?  Father I don’t understand what you mean.  Wait!  Please!”  Kaie woke with a start as the dream faded. Her heart pounded and the reality of her surroundings became painfully clear to her again.  Dark, damp walls, the cold leg irons; and the quiet moans of those in pain brought the blessed escape of her dream to an end and returned her once more to the prison that held her for two days now.

She lay shivering inside the cell.  Her mind wandered, reliving the events that led her to this place.

Her mother died while she was still a babe, leaving her father to raise her with the help of his only sister.  She had a pampered and undisciplined childhood to say the least. Her father, Lord Gerrick, never had the heart to discipline his only child. Despite the protests of his sister, Serrah, he allowed Kaie to roam the city and the countryside like a wildling.  He taught her to throw knives expertly and ride horses as if she was born on them.  He often laughed when Serrah would scold that the child would never grow to be the Lady she was born to be and gently reminded her he named his daughter well, Edana Kaie, fiery warrior.  She grew muscled but slender and small, with jet-black hair that whipped wildly in the wind because she refused to tie it.  Her eyes were like her mothers; large deep green eyes that sparkled with mischief and darkened to almost black when she was angry.  Her skin was soft but lightly browned from the sun because she could not be forced to cover herself properly.

During those years Kaie learned to avoid her Aunt’s foul temper and harsh tongue.  She learned every inch of the Keep and could pass through any room in it without being seen or heard.  It seemed at times that she blended with the very shadows themselves and became a living part of them.  This skill grew over the years as she masterfully avoided the endless number of tutors who were brought with the intent to tame her into a suitable Lady.  She preferred instead to visit the mountain mines with her father riding beside him on her mare, Maege.

The city of Tairaag could be reached only by sea and boasted some of the finest steel and weapons in the region. The port was always full of interesting characters as trade ships came and went. It was a favorite spot for Kaie to escape.  However she most loved the mountains that surrounded their home, making the sea route the only way to enter or leave the City. She spent many days riding the narrow passes along the cliffs with her father visiting the mines.

It was after her father’s death in a riding accident that she put her stealthy skills to use, eavesdropping within the walls of their homeIt was then that she learned things she would rather not have known.

Until her father’s death, the mines were worked slowly because of the danger involved. Lord Gerrick did not use slave labor in the mines; he made fortune enough from them with paid workers who worked slowly but with less accidents and deaths.

Within a week of the accident that took Lord Gerrick's life, new ships began arriving in the port, slave ships.  Kaie was present in the shadows for several meetings while negotiations took place for an exchange of weapons and gems for several shiploads of slaves.  She watched from the shadows as the first few captives were unloaded from the loading area and brought to the camp.  Her disgust grew when she saw that many of them were children, younger even then her sixteen years.

Kaie was not one to hold her tongue; her undisciplined childhood did not teach her that particular skill.  She boldly confronted her Aunt and demanded the release of the slaves, igniting a vicious and loud argument, which she soon lost. Her Aunt was distracted enough at making preparations for her new venture that she only locked her niece within her room; rather then beating the child senseless as she had longed to do for years.  There would be time enough for that after the mines were all operating at full capacity.  This first small batch of slaves was the start of a new empire ruled by Serrah.

There were no rooms within the Keep that would hold Kaie for long.  As soon as she escaped she enlisted the help of her lifelong friend and cousin. Jessia was the exact opposite of Kaie in every way and everything her mother wished her to be. Although she always envied Kaie’s freedom, she did not often defy her mother in any matter.  This one time however, they were in agreement.  Jessia agreed to help however she could.  With the help of Jessia, they began to sneak food to the camp along with bandages and what medicines could be spared for the injured.  It was not enough though and Kaie grew bolder in her plans. She whispered to Jessia her plan for an escape.  During the next week she made sure to stay well out of sight of her Aunt and searched the port area until she found just what she needed.  It would cost a great deal but she found a clipper that would smuggle her and the nineteen slaves from the camp out of the harbor in two nights.

The fee was not hard to cover. She smiled inwardly at the rage her Aunt would feel when she discovered that Kaie traded the priceless jewels that were a wedding gift from Lord Gerrick to her mother.  She knew her Aunt long coveted those jewels and ordered the Keep searched from top to bottom when they mysteriously disappeared after Gerrick's death.

____****____

The Path We Choose, Part 2, A Remembrance, by kaie --

Kaie should have felt it when she first stepped into the Tavern where she was to meet the Captain. It was quiet for such a place.  Although it was crowded within, the tavern was missing the usual mixture of shouts and laughter that accompanied such places. Her inexperience and youth caught up to her at that moment when she stepped inside and within moments she was surrounded and quickly subdued by three burly guardsmen despite her best efforts to dodge away.

She was hastily tied and thrown across the saddle of a horse. She screamed in fury when they took the small bag from her, their eyes gleaming at the sight of the gems inside.  With no delay she was taken to the City prison and dumped unceremoniously inside after her bindings were cut.

Before she could begin a plan for escape she heard the door opening once more and two figures entered, followed by the same three goons who brought her here. She cringed inwardly at the leering eyes they laid upon her and felt sickened when one especially filthy man licked his lips in anticipation of what might come.  She expected her Aunt to appear, but at the sight of Jessia standing beside her, the betrayal became painfully clear.

“Jessia why? How could you do this to me?”  She felt the last of her trust in any living being begin to slip from her as her former friend refused to meet her eyes. Her temper flared once more and she lunged forward only to be knocked to the ground roughly by one of the guards.  Her vision blurred slightly as she struck the ground hard, her head pounding from the blow.

“You see my dear Kaie, everyone has a price.  You were foolish to forget that.  Not that you ever wanted to learn what I could have taught you.  You were so like your father, foolish and full of some worthless notion of honor.”  There was no affection at all in the cold stare that bored into her and from her position on the floor Kaie began to feel a cold emptiness inside that grew steadily.

Still, there are those few fools like your father and yourself that I could not buy or sway with my affections like my darling daughter here.  And so my dear, those fools must be eliminated.”  The cold stare turned to a slow smile that grew.  Kaie heard the words she most feared at that moment, “Yes dear one, I see you have figured it out at last.  Your father did not fall off a cliff and break his neck on that horse of his; I had him thrown from it.  For years he has been a weak fool, preventing me from amassing the wealth that I deserve!”

“Surely you don’t think I could just sit back and allow him to do such a thing?  And just when things were beginning to look better I find out my dear niece has plotted against me and turned into a lowly thief.  Surely you didn’t think you would escape the city.  And if you did what good would it do to save a few slaves? I will have more within the week.  They can be replaced unlike these gems.  These are priceless and you would steal them from me, your dear guardian?

“A thief?  You call me a thief!  You murdering bitch!” Kaie yelled. The coldness within exploded and not caring what might happen she again launched herself upwards, striking Serrah and clawing a bloody path along her cheek.  She felt the satisfying rip as skin gave way to her nails before pain exploded behind her ear and the darkness rose up to take her in, swallowing her completely.

When she awoke several hours later she was weighed down in irons, her knives all removed to prevent any escape.  Her head throbbed painfully and she could feel a large knot steadily growing behind her ear.  She appealed to the guards outside the door for help and even demanded release as the Lady Edana Kaie, but was met only with mocking laughter.

“Yer nothing but another gutter thief now M’Lady, sentenced to hang in two days now.  Best go back and practice stretchin yer pretty neck for the noose.”  Their taunts and laughter chilled her only slightly less then the thought of hanging.  She slumped back against the wall and withdrew inside herself more and more with the passing hours.

During those two days she went through so many emotions she was spent.  She plotted for vengeance, she wished for escape, she planned murder for her Aunt and her cousin.  It was a surprise to her that none of the guards entered and attempted to rape her although she was grateful they did not.  She struggled and pulled at the chains holding her but they held strong.  At last she slept, tossing fitfully on the damp floor until the dream came to her.

She rode with her father once more on the mountain paths. They laughed and talked while he pointed out the path towards home. He spoke to her once more as he stepped onto the path nearby, his horse stumbling and plunging over the side. She screamed out to him as he fell but still he left her alone on the cliffs.

“Always remember my child, it’s the paths we choose that make us what we are. Be careful what path you take, the wrong one will take you no where but the right one can lead you to freedom.”  The voice soothed her even as it began to drift further away before the meaning was clear.

“Father? Father I don’t understand what you mean.  Wait!  Please!”

She sat now, sleep eluding her as she waited for dawn and the death that would come to her.  She barely glanced upward as the door to her cell swung open and a small figure slipped inside.

“Kaie?  Oh Kaie I’m so sorry for what she did to you!” Kaie continued to stare ahead, not willing to acknowledge to presence of the betrayer who had brought her to this.

“Please Kaie, She swore she would not hurt you in any way or I wouldn’t have told her the truth.  I’ve brought you some things to help.”

At last that brought her head up as she spat at the outstretched hands in front of her.  “Help? What can you possibly do to help me while I hang from a rope bitch!  Get out!”

“It cost me every bit of the reward mother gave me to get the guards to allow me in to say goodbye to you Kaie and to keep them from using you.  Please listen before they come back. I pleaded with Mother to save you but she insists that you will hang tomorrow.  She does not wish your hands to be tied, she thinks it will make your suffering longer if you can struggle to save yourself.  Take these, the guards will hesitate before firing their crossbows, so you will have to be quick.”  With those words the figure rose and leaving her gift on the floor moved to the door pausing only a moment to whisper before slipping through the door.  “Kaie don’t come after her, she will have you killed.  Leave while you can, please.”

Once more the doors closed and darkness took over. Kaie fingered offered gifts slowly as the coldness lifted slightly to let a small amount of hope within.

It was time. The air around her seemed elusive already as she was forced up the steps onto the platform and she gasped to take in as much as she could.  She willed herself to slow her breathing and calm down before the panic took over.  She felt Serrah’s eyes on her as the rope was fitted around her neck, felt the look of surprise when she shook her head to refuse the offered hood.

Breathe in, out.  Slow.  Be ready and strong.  Over and over she chanted it to herself as the final preparations were made.  Still, she shrieked in panic when the flooring gave way beneath her, the shriek turning to a mere squawk as the rope tightened and burned painfully at her neck.  Her hands came up instinctively to grab the rope as she kicked wildly with her legs, pulling her body up only slightly to ease the pressure and prevent the breaking of her neck.  She felt her body beginning to tingle as the need for air grew.  It must be now.  I won’t let her win. She loosed her grip on the rope to let one hand drop.  From her sleeve slipped the throwing dagger that Jessia had provided.  Her eyes raised to meet those of Serrah’s and she smiled in satisfaction at the bloodied bandage covering her cheek. Before anyone could react she had raised her arm again and sliced through the rope, dropping through the platform to the ground underneath.

She only paused a moment, gasping for breath, she crawled to the back side as the outraged screams of her Aunt pierced the air.  Chaos began outside as guards rushed towards the platform with crossbows ready.  Scurrying into the crowd on the back side of the platform, Kaie made her way through to the alleys beyond. The crowd was surging closer to the platform, thankfully preventing a rapid pursuit from the guards.  Her eyes watered with the pain in her neck and her lungs burned from the lack of air as she broke free of the crowd and stumbled into an alleyway. Still agile despite the pain, she scrambled up the side of several wooden crates and onto the roofs above.  Within moments she was well hidden inside a cold chimney and there she waited for darkness.

For hours below her she listened as the guardsmen searched building to building. She gingerly touched her neck and felt the angry raw tear across the left side.  It would leave a nasty scar no doubt and the pain in her throat would last for sometime.  Once darkness had finally come she slipped from her hiding place and made her through the merchant side of the City.  As she stealthily entered the back of a shop and borrowed a few supplies and a warm cloak, she wryly thought to herself she was indeed becoming a thief.  Shrugging away the mental pain she left the City, pausing near her favored back entrance to the Keep.  She had no where else to go, the port was filled with guardsmen and each ship was being watched closely.  Her mind drifted through her plans of revenge and murder but settled once again on the dream from her father.  What did it mean?  The paths we choose.  She didn’t choose the path of a thief, it chose her.

Suddenly she laughed hoarsely as his words took on a new meaning.  During their rides into the mountains he revealed to her a series of passages that led up high along the cliffs, past the mines and into the coldest part of the mountains.  There the passage continued through a series of caves that wound through the mountain and to the other side. It was a slow, treacherous path impossible by horseback and forgotten by most.  Most importantly, it was not known to Serrah at all. Escape would be Kaie’s after all.

Still, before she left, Kaie couldn’t allow her Aunt to think she had won.  She entered the Keep quietly, knowing that it would be well guarded and she was no match for trained warriors.  Within the hour she was once again outside, and beginning her long climb through the mountain.  She had taken only one thing for herself from her home, her father’s sword.  It was a fine blade, the hilt set with twin emeralds that gleamed as bright as her own eyes.  She strapped the sheath to her back beneath the leather cloak with the promise that she would someday learn to use it and return for the vengeance he deserved.  She touched the bag of gems within her cloak lightly; a small smile forming at the insult she paid her Aunt by stealing them as well.  She left the empty noose hanging inside the chest the gems had been locked in as a gift and a reminder of the failure of Serrah.  She would come back for her revenge another time but she would be damned if she would leave her with the small fortune she so badly coveted.

The path was long and narrow, and the climbing took a full day and a half.  By nightfall she was at the entrance to the caves and there was no sign of a pursuit.  She rested there briefly, taking one of her knives and slowly cutting her long hair until only short curls formed a ring around her face, making her look even younger then her already tender years.  She hated to cut the hair her father loved so much, but they would be searching for her for some time, she would have to stay out of sight and disguised until it was safe.  It was then she began to realize the severity of all that happened those last few days.  Her shoulders were already shaking with emotion and fatigue as she readied her knives and wrapped herself in the warm cloak for the last part of her journey.

Kaie never glanced back as she entered the caves, this was no longer her home.  Her own family betrayed her, and she was now alone.  Never again would she trust others with her emotions or thoughts, she would stay hidden always. She pulled the black hood up, hiding her face in the shadows although there was nothing to see her tears but the darkness that kept her company.

~kaie

____****____

(Finding Refuge and a Warm Bed, - by Nessa) --

"Ikarias soundlessly leapt to a second tree a bit further away, and then another tree and another for a quarter mark until she was out of earshot. She alternated land and branch until she dropped through the hayloft window at the stable, knocking Lady Alison on her bodacious ass."

Just then Nessa and Caitlin came into the stall where Alison stood rubbing her backside. The Celt gave a glance around and decided the ruckus was harmless. She saw how the halfdragon was laden with weaponry seldom worn for anything other than battle. "How many and where are they Iky?"

A couple dozen, I'd say... all are asleep but a boy."

"Why would so many be after one little lass like that I wonder."

"But that's not all" Ikarias said with a disgusted flare of the dragon side of her nostrils. "The filthy pricks are thinking to storm the lodge and rape, kill, maim and use our breasts for coin pouches."

Caitlin blinked as if the thought was too alien to fathom. Her jaw was set. "If we attack while they sleep, they won't stand a chance."

"My thought exactly" said Alison as she kept pulling at the splinter in her butt.

Nessa thought for a moment and said, "We could do that, yes. But then there would be no pleasure for their intended victims to watch them die or run. I think we should pull a Xena move and let them come to us. You are expert with your firebombs and Alison needs only a perch with a wide view to use that blowdart weapon thingy." Nessa glanced at Caitlin. "We've seen what you can do with a sword. Klancy can fight three at a time and dj has a skill with bow and arrows rivaled by few. Sirius can kill with a look if she wants." This Lodge hasn't seen much excitement in a while. What say ye caraids?

____****____

(kaie) --

Kaie stretched mightily when she woke.  Ohhh how it felt good to just lay in a bed.  She had not meant to drift off but her weariness quickly took over.  The few hours rest had done her wonders and as much as she wished to just let sleep take her again she needed to find out what was happening with her pursuers.  The kind healer who called herself Killian must have left her to her sleep since the room was now empty.

Slipping out of the bed the first thing Kaie noticed was her clothes, she was wearing none.  Fighting back a moment of panic, she spotted them on a large chair near the bed.  She was relieved to find her bag still tucked inside the cloak and her fathers sword still in its sheath.   

While she dressed she couldn’t help chiding herself for thinking they would be gone, ‘I’m the thief here, why would they carry me up here and feed me just to rob me.  They could have just left me for dead if they’d wanted since I slept so deep and taken everything.’  She was still amazed that they hadn’t done just that in fact.  This was a strange place to risk the lives of many for a stranger.  Of course she was sure they didn’t know just what they risked yet.

As she carefully slipped through the window Kaie winced with every move.   Her body was not quite over the abuse it took during a solid week of running and she still felt every scratch and bruise.  She’d noticed a stable nearby when she first approached the Lodge and thought maybe this time she would borrow a mount to make the running a little easier. 

Even sore, she entered the shadows easily, blending to become a part of them.  Just outside the stable door she froze when she heard voices within.  She listened carefully, feeling fear grip her heart when she heard the accounting of just how many had come for her. 

‘Old one ear must have enlisted more friends this time.  My Aunt must have doubled her offer.  That, or he is still a little angry about losing that ear,’ she couldn’t help grinning to herself as she remembered the throw that had pinned him to a tavern wall.  She’d been drunk that night, miserable and tired and they nearly caught her because of it.  But a couple dozen?  She had seen what they did to anyone that gave her shelter.  Shuddering, she remembered her first glance at one of those breast pouches.  They’d promised to make a pair of them from her since her head was all the Serrah required as proof of her death.   And old one ear had vowed to wear her own ears as a necklace in repayment for his loss. 

Out of instinct she held her breath when two more warriors passed within a foot of her to enter the stable doors.  What kind of place was this?  There were women here that made a girl need to…Nevermind focus Kaie!  No time for those thoughts now.  Still she was uneasy when these two came so close.  She was sure that one of them had seen her even hidden as deep as she was. 

Her heart grew heavier while she listened to their plans.  The hunters would not give up and more would come if they did manage to defeat them.  When they managed to defeat them, she corrected.  She risked a quick look inside the doors at the four inside.  Hmmm, a dragon?  A well armed and damned good looking one too.  They all were that.  Of course that one seemed to have a strange fixation with her own butt, but then from this view she could see why anyone would be appreciative of a butt like that.  This was some group of warriors she had literally fallen into.

She was relieved when they decided to wait on an attack.  That would give her time she needed.  Another good meal and a few more hours rest and she would be able to move again.  Mounted, she could ride close enough to the camp to be seen, starting the chase once again and drawing it well away from here.  She sighed at the thought of repaying the kindness she found here with the theft of a horse, but considering the alternative of a battle it would have to do. 

She waited patiently in the shadows for the four to finish their plans and move back inside the Lodge so she could return to the room they had given her.  She was still a bit weak but the rest had done her some good and the food had done wonders.  At the thought of another hot meal her mouth watered and she prayed her stomach would not give her away with a monstrous growl. 

____****____

(Lady Alison) --

Lady Alison slipped into the room that the young woman had been given and was a little taken aback to find it empty. They had left her sleeping heavily and Alison had fully expected to find her still resting within Morpheus' arms. Lady Alison sat down in the chair by the bed and waited...She did not have to wait long.

Quietly, the woman slipped back into the room and sat down heavily on the side of the bed, her back to Lady Alison. The woman was most definitely attractive, Killian had done her usual wonderful job of cleaning this one up. She seemed agitated, like she was...like she was fixing to run. Alison recognized the signs, having spent a good deal of time running in Her earlier days.

Slowly Lady Alison rose and moved to stand before the woman. "Running will not make them stop looking for you." The woman jumped slightly as she became aware that she was not alone. "I am Lady Alison and you have nothing to fear from Me, or anyone here for that matter. What you do have to fear lies out there and in there." Lady Alison pointed one finger at the woman's chest. "You have run alone for far too long and it is all you know. It would be so easy for you to run again. I can see it in your eyes, part of you wishes to stay right where you are and part of you wants only to speed away from here as fast as you possibly can."

Lady Alison knelt down in front of the woman and took both of her hands in Hers. "You do not have to run anymore. I promise you as a woman and a warrior, you are safe here. None of us will allow any harm to come to you. Afterall, we are more than just a group of extremely sexy and gifted women. There be Warriors here and it has been a good while since we have truly gotten to kick some butt."

Alison rose and sat beside the woman and put one arm around her, "No one can make you stay, you must decide that on your own but, I promise if you stay you will be safe and you will discover all sorts of wonders here. Most importantly though, you will find kindred spirits and a place to call home. It is up to you."

Lady Alison stood and held out Her hand to the woman, "Now how about something to eat?"

____****____

(kaie) --

Kaie nearly jumped out of her skin when she realized the room was occupied by another.  She had just sank down on the bed tempted to sleep again despite her hunger.  Her muscles were aching from the fatigue and the climb back into the window had winded her.  She cursed herself for not taking her knives.  Some fighter she’d make Hmph!  She relaxed slightly at the tone of the Woman before her as she felt no immediate threat but still kept a ready eye on the rooms two exits. 

She stood transfixed, listening to the words of the Lady Allison.  Her eyes widened in surprise at the gentleness of her tone and she felt no threat at all.  There was sincerity in the words she spoke, and more truth then kaie wished to admit.   Did these Women all read minds here?  She clenched her jaw as tears threatened to rise up.  She would not cry.  No.  No crying.

She surprised even herself by not flinching when the Lady knelt to take her hands and gave her yet another pledge of safety within these walls.  She allowed herself just a small amount of hope that she could find a home here.  Taking a deep breath as the Lady fine butt…err Lady Alison rose and offered a hand kaie made her decision.  She stepped forward and hesitantly placed her smaller fingers within the soft but strong hand before her. 

Her voice still shook a bit when she spoke.  She blamed it on the fatigue even if it wasn’t true.  “I..I’m known as Kaie M’Lady.  Ssomething to eat would be would be wonderfull.”  She allowed a shy smile to light her face.  What could it hurt to stay awhile?  If the attack came she could still attempt to lead them away, maybe she could double back and return after the threat was gone?  If only she could convince them she was dead…that would stop the hunt for good.  Of course the little matter of taking her head would be hard to get around.  Unless…

Her eyes took on an entirely new light as devilish plans began to form within her young mind and just the thought of them doubled her appetite instantly.  I wonder if they make nut bread here?

*****

The longer she stayed, the more Kaie enjoyed this place.  She tried not to embarrass herself during her meal with Lady Alison but she couldn’t seem to get the food in fast enough.  It had been a long time since she had eaten cooking like this.  There was even a loaf of nut bread to finish it off.  /p>

She let the Lady do most of that talking while she ate, but did manage a soft reply here and there.  She avoided most questions about her past and Lady Alison was content to not push her for answers for now.   She even found herself laughing a little here and there as she listened to a few stories about some of the faces she was just getting acquainted with.  She made no promises to stay but did agree to give it a few days until she was well rested.  Of course, if things went right with her plan she would have much longer then that.  She just wasn’t ready to trust anyone here enough to fill them in on the details up front. 

She managed to meet and greet a few more of the Lodge’s patrons although she flinched visibly each time the doors opened.  There truly were some amazing women here and she could feel her walls crumbling a bit more every moment she spent around them.  From across the room she received a faint nod from the one Lady Alison called Lord Sirius and she felt her mouth go dry as she met those eyes.  Looking away quickly, she felt the power from here and knew that this one did not walk the shadows as Kaie did, she made them. 

When she had eaten until she could eat no more she thanked her newest protector for the meal and excused herself for a little more well needed rest.  She saw in the Lady’s eyes that she did not believe a word she said about heading to her bed, but there was no helping that for now.  Who would trust the word of a thief anyway?  She laughed to herself on the way up the stairs as she mentally made note of everything she needed.  Already her steps carried an extra bounce as the regular meals and company improved her health bit by bit.   A few weeks of this and she might not have that starved look around her eyes anymore.

It took some time, but within a short time she gathered what she needed from the rooms upstairs that were not currently occupied by any large warriors with a blade. She saw Killian along the hallway speaking to the one called Caitlin but she did not want to answer awkward questions about the armload of things she carried and so she blended into the shadows inside an open doorway until they had passed.

Once she had slipped out the back of the Lodge she made her way into the forest, lurking along the shadows to find what else she needed. 

Kaie did not have to wait long.  Her prey moved towards the shadows that held her and she made her throw fast and hard.  He never felt the blade strike him as he fell to the ground.  Kaie quickly snatched up the dead rabbit and made her cut, filling the small water skin she had recently acquired with blood from her kill.  She then sat in the shade of a large tree and set to work with needle and thread on the hooded cloak.  It was a little big for her but she could manage with it.  She couldn’t help thinking, “Some of these Warriors are giants!  Two of me could wear this and it would still drag the ground.”  By the time it was finished, her fingers bled from the numerous needle sticks she had suffered.  ‘Damn!  Should have paid more attention to those sewing lesson my Aunt kept forcing on me.”

Sucking on an injured finger she made her way along the edge of the trees until she could climb safely without being seen.  Within the hour she had found the spot she needed and made everything ready.  Glancing around she smiled in anticipation knowing that when the hunters attacked she just needed them to see her and give chase and they would get a nasty surprise.  After that, let the Warriors have their battle they seemed to be anticipating with such glee, she only needed one to live to carry the tale.

Kaie was truly one exhausted girl when she finally made her way back to the Lodge.  This time she made sure no one was inside the room before she crawled through the window and into the bed.  Luckily it seemed everyone in the place was busy in some way preparing for the coming fight and had left her to her rest.  She was sound asleep before she remembered she hadn’t even taken her boots off.

____****____

(kaie) --

Kaie woke with a start a few hours later as the sounds of the coming battle reached her ears.  “Damn! Its starting already!”

She was still pulling on her cloak even as she leapt from the window and raced towards the stables.  She made sure to stay clear of the Warriors rushing towards the hunters and slipped into the barn.  With no time for a saddle she climbed astride the nearest mount, a beautiful bay stallion, and urged him out the stable doors towards the fray. 

She didn’t pause to assess the battle; the combatants had not yet crossed swords.  The men stood just out of range yelling taunts and insults at the wall of Warriors who had lined up to give them a proper greeting.  Cowards!  But it served her plans just right.  There was only one way to stop the hunt and that was her death.  She galloped right between the two lines and tossed the rabbits ear from her earlier kill at One-ear’s feet. 

“Hey bastard! Lend me an ear?”  Laughing she turned her borrowed mount and raced away knowing he would pursue.  She could hear his bellow of outrage as he grabbed for the nearest horse to give chase.  Of course this brought most of the others close behind along with the Warriors who were not about to be cheated of their fight.

She rode as hard as she could, the wind whipping her dark cloak around her and bringing tears to her eyes.  It was a good horse she had chosen and together they raced around the rocky wall and entered the dead end at the cliffs a few moments ahead of One-ear and his friends.  She could hear them growing close though and time was short.  Dismounting at a dead run she raced towards the cliffs edge.

As One-ear approached the cliffs he wore a leering grin.  “The bitch can’t run this time.  One sack of gold and one dead thief comin up boys!” He motioned to the others to follow and wait just around the wall to attack as the Warriors rounded the corner close on their heels.  He then drew  his sword and walked around the cliff edge just in time to hear a piercing scream that could be heard echoing for some distance.

The only sight that greeted him was the edge of her black cloak as she dove from the cliffs onto the rocks below.  He stared in disbelief as he peered over the edge to see her remains below, blood still seeping from her head.  He’d been cheated!  He had little time to think on it as he heard the first battle cries and the crash of swords meeting.  With a bellow he waded into the fray to take his fury out on the bitches that had helped cheat him of his fortune.

From her hiding place under the ledge Kaie watched with a smile of satisfaction as the shadows hid her well.  A borrowed cloak, a sliced water skin of blood for a head, some straw stuffed clothing sewed in tight to give it a little thickness and Kaie the thief was now dead.  Now if only one of them lived to carry the tale back to her Aunt, just maybe her flight could end.  Considering the long smooth wall leading down into the rocks below even Serrah wouldn’t expect them to attempt to retrieve her head from such a place.  Of course she wasn’t in any hurry to jump in and save One-ear.  No need for him to be the one that lived.  She’d let the Warriors have their fun and stay put until almost all were dead.  This did mean letting the Warriors that were close behind and no doubt saw her leap think she had fallen to her death as well but she was sure they’d understand her reasons. 

Crouching behind the rocks of the ledge she peeked out now and then and watched in wonder as the Warriors began to do what they did best.  She whistled to herself at the skill she was witnessing.  Who knows maybe now I will have time to learn to do that..or that..OH now I gotta learn that move!   She ducked back into her place as One-ear moved a little closer  towards the edge with the Lord Nessa not far behind.  At this rate it wouldn’t last long and she’d reveal herself when it was time.

____****____

(Nessa) --

"Crouching behind the rocks she watched in wonder as the Warriors began to do what they did best. She whistled to herself at the skill she was witnessing. Who knows maybe now I will have time to learn to do that..or that..OH now I gotta learn that move! At this rate it wouldn’t last long and she’d reveal herself when it was time."

The sounds of clashing swords and zipping darts and arrows filled the air from where the attack of Sherrah's henchmen began. They were far too confident in their abilities to best these "mere" women.

A dart to the neck, decapitation from a swinging sword, screaming down in flames from fireballs and a general superiority of skill from the Kindred soon had this band of filth dead or dying quickly... all but the boy who stood beside the ugly earless one at the Cliffside. Ikarias watched as the kid bolted away after looking down the cliff-side. She stayed her final ax toss and spared the boy. She watched him run back to the forest, alone.

*****

From where Nessa pulled her sword from the heart of a particularly smelly brute, she looked up to see the young lass jump over the edge of the cliff. She knew that cliff and the ledge just below the edge, hidden by brush. Somehow, she did not think this was a suicide. Quickly, she pulled her dagger from her boot and tossed it into the place where an ear should have been on a man who appeared to be after the lass. "Damn, These bastards stink" she thought.

Nessa saw that the rest of the attackers were either dead or dying. She made her way around the mass of rocks at the top of the cliff. As she thought, and hoped, the lass pulled off a beautiful ruse. Softly, the Celt leaned down over a small boulder and grasped the collar of the lass and pulled her up swinging and kicking. "Good to see ye alive and kickin', lass." Nessa said while looking into huge, dark and frightened eyes. She put the lass back on her feet. "It's alright now. No one is left to hurt ye, except to welt that pretty backside maybe."

____****____

(Kaie) --

Kaie could only stare wide eyed at the Celt as she felt herself lowered until her feet touched the ground once more. It was a strong grip that had held her, and she couldn’t help the twinge she felt down to her core looking up at the still blood-spattered but very impressive Lord Nessa. Glancing around at the carnage she felt a huge weight lifted from her chest. Her plan had worked, now if only Serrah would let her die and not send someone to retrieve any of the remains. Of course from the looks of that cliff, no one would be climbing down it anytime soon and she hoped the boy took that very message back with him along with a warning that returning here could prove deadly.

Seeing One-ear laying at the feet of the Warrior before her she could not resist giving his body a vicious kick. "Take that bastard!" Looking around, she saw the remains of the other hunters strewn about with pools of blood here and there among the various body parts.  For the first time she also noticed she was surrounded by quite a few serious faced Warriors.  Most of them were busy gathering up their weapons, wiping the blood from a blade here and there, and checking to make sure none of the hunters left in one piece still lived. 

Hmm, they sure are a somber bunch.  Risking a glance back up at the one still close enough to touch she attempted her best winning smile and offered sincere thanks for saving her life. When that stern expression did not soften any she bit her lip anxiously and tried adding, "Oh and err..thank you for the use of the horse too. I’m not quite sure who he belongs too but he was a fine…"

Her sentence trailed off as she suddenly became distracted by the meaning of the Celts words. What to my backside?  What exactly did she mean by that? I mean..She couldn’t mean..Nooo no one had even EVER dared to ..She must have misunderstood that’s all. Maybe She was referring to a term in her own language for healing?  Of course!  She was concerned she had injured herself on the Cliffside.  That was real sweet of Her to be concerned about Kaie landing on her rear.  She might just ask to stick around her for awhile after all.

Kaie’s bright smile returned and brought a definite twinkle to those green eyes as she patted the Celt’s arm gently before side-stepping around her to leave the cliff’s edge. "Oh no thank you M’Lord, my backside doesn’t need any…Well Ting, I landed on my feet."

____****____

(Ikarias & Caitlin) --

Ikarias sauntered over to a glowering Caitlin.

"Just a word, Trader."

Caitlin nodded," I'm listening Ikarias, "still looking at the young light-fingered girl.

"Your horse volunteered. And no, I'm not crazy. Brushing Asher today... this is from the horses' mouths, really. The horses saw her come in. She passed my percheron and Frizzie, that's Nessa's horse-- for that little stickin' out patch she's embarassed about, as being too big." Ikarias held up a hand, "This is from them... remember? And Klancy's horse thinks her manure doesn't stink so she wouldn't carry Kaie."

A small snort came out of Caitlin, her frown softened a bit.

"And your horse smelled excitement. Things have been a bit mellow here and your horse is a fighter. She wouldn't let anyone carry her whom she wouldn't trust. And Kaie brought her back. Think on it before you tan the hide of our newest magpie."

"You heard this from your horse?" Caitlin looked Ikarias in the eye.

"Not in words, just in horsey ways."

Caitlin nodded again. "I'll think on it."

~~~~~~~

'I could see that I had several choices here. For stealing my clothes and stealing my horse alone, I would be in my rights roping her up and draggin' her light fingered little ass behind Keara for 2 leagues before I tied her to a tree and whipped the back off of her.'

Caitlin sat at her usual table, against the far wall, with Killian between her legs on the bench they straddled.. Kaie stood in the center of the room, quiet, with her head painfully up. Kaie had wished she could hang it low and close her eyes, so as not to see the mass of rugged warriors, and wily lasses looking her up one side and down the other. Kaie stood here, unscathed for the moment, because Caitlin ordered her to stand and face the women who had risked their lives to save her own. Any time her head would drop, Caitlin would grunt, and the jumpy thief would lift her head, thinking if she didn't a knife might come her way, or worse. This Caitlin had taken on proportions larger than life in the last little while between dusk and now.

It was Lady Alison who gave her the courage, and the shove in the direction of Caitlin. It was not lost on the tall trader what kind of courage it took for this little one to face her, knowing what was to come, when she could skillfully have slipped off into the forest at any time. Caitlin admired courage in a person, and it went a long way with her that Kaie was coming to her and asking for her punishment, rather than having to be chased down.

"What say you, girl?" Caitlin asked in her most serious tone possible. She did not want this girl to think that just because she was coming for it, that she was gonna be gettin' out of it easy, in any way.

Kaie about lost her knees as she stood before the stunning, tall beauty. 'I can see why Killian melts in her presence.' Kaie thought. 'Would I be so lucky.' . Caitlin's sharp question brought her back to the present.

"C..Caitlin. I have done you wrong, and I am here to accept puunishment for what I did." Kaie closed her eyes, and tightened her fists, trying to stop the shaking.

"Do ya know, girl, That in some places, they hang horse thieves?" Caitlin's eyes became hooded and focused. She was into it now.

Kaie made a sort of "Urking" sound, but said nothing else.

"You are lucky, lass, we don't do that sort of thing around here. But, when I am through with ya, ya may wish that I had." Caitlin let that sit with the girl for a few moments. She looked over at Killian who had that softness in her eyes, reminding Caitlin that she wanted her to go easy on the girl. Caitlin smiled inside. Once upon a time it was Killian herself standing in front of Caitlin readying herself for punishment.. Caitlin lost herself for a moment in the memory. Kaie shifting from one foot to the other brought Caitlin out of her thoughts.

"I hear on good authority that my horse had a part in joining you on this adventure."

Everyone in the room simply looked at Caitlin in an odd way.

"Look, take it up with Ikarias here, but I am sayin' I will not hold ya completely to blame for borrowin' Keara. Having said that, I still intend to wail the tar out of you for takin' her, and stealing my best clothes to boot, Including the boots!"

Kaie stood her ground, not fainting, as she had feared. 'Well it has come to it then. At least I have Lady Alison to comfort me when this is over,' thought the fearful girl.

"But first, I want you to stand in the center of this room, facing all the women who came to your aid today. I think we understand why you had to do what you had to do, but now you need to learn that if we are willing to lay our very lives on the line to die keeping you safe, then we have every right to expect to be trusted with your plans, and not have you steal, and skulk, and otherwise behave like a renegade thief around here anymore. Do you understand me, Kaie?"

Kaie blinked. She hadn't made the connection that these warriors were putting their lives on the line for her, but just thought they liked to fight, so... Hmm, she had to think about this. Others risking anything for her was remarkable to her, but perfect strangers being willing to was quite hard to swallow. Kaie blinked back tears for the first time.

"Ok, Kaie, You stand here with your head up, facing your new family. When I think you understand what I just said, I will come get you, and we will get this punishment over with. Now move."

Kaie moved to stand at the center of the big hall. The room was full of everyone in the Clan. She gulped. 'Family, she said. This is my new family.' Kaie looked around at Lady Aria, who gave her a wink, and Lord Sirius, who looked scarier than ever. She looked at the half Dragon who came to her aid and smiled. Then she saw Lady Alison, who had nothing but love in her eyes for the little wanderer. Killian was off in the distance, just in front of Caitlin. Kaie caught Caitlin absently kissing Killian on top of her head as she hugged her. 'hmm, Caitlin isn't all scary.' She thought.

Caitlin let Kaie stand for about four candlemarks, then figured she had had enough. It was time.

"Kaie!" She called sternly, come here.

Caitlin had walked to the stage and set herself down on a low bench.

"Kaie, have you ever been spanked before?"

Kaie blushed fiery red, and heat shot through her. A heat she didn't yet understand.

"No, Caitlin. I haven't".

"Ok, then, I am going to go easy on you, for ME. Consider yourself lucky. Come stand here next to me. Good. Now, pull down your britches. I won't use my belt, but I only spank on a bare ass, so you better bare yours right now, cause if I have to do it for you, it won't be just your ass I bare."

Kaie's heartrate speeded up to triple time. She thanked whatever gods she wouldn't have to expose her neck, but still she was embarrassed to have to expose any part of her, down there.

"NOW!" Caitlin barked.

Kaie lost all thought and moved quickly to pull down her pants.

Caitlin grabbed the lass by the hand and hauled her over her lap.

"Now, Kaie, I suggest you don't fight me, and take what's coming to you. If you choose to fight me, I will not hesitate to give you twice what I originally have planned. Your choice. do you understand?"

Kaie was feeling so many things, she could barely speak.

"Kaie, I asked you a question." Caitlin's patience was waning.

"No, um, yes, um, yes, I understand. I won't fight. No, I won't"

Caitlin's hand came down medium hard, hardly tough for what most of the Lodgers were used to, but far more than Kaie had ever experienced.

A wail tore out of Kaie she hadn't know she was capable of.

It went on like that. Caitlin giving a medium spanking, and Kaie responding as if it was the worst thing that had ever happened on this fair earth. Over and over again Caitlin brought her hand down, reddening, and heating a tender backside. Kaie wriggled, but otherwise stayed in place, thanks in most part to Caitlin's iron grip.

Finally, after a fair first spanking, Caitlin ended it with four serious swats, just enough to show the girl how very much hard she could have been hitting her. this time Kaie actually screamed, and begged for the trader to stop. Which she did.

Caitlin stood Kaie on her feet, telling her in the process to pull up her britches. Kaie did so as quickly as possible, no matter the extra pain it caused. The young thief was still a bit stunned from those last four swats, and how she couldn't imagine a spanking worse than the one she had just received. But learning that Caitlin was holding back gave the girl much pause. She simply looked at Caitlin, and said nothing.

Luckily, Caitlin was not at a loss for words. "Kaie, you have served your debt to me tonight, with this spanking. But you have yet to serve your debt to your Sisters. We have decided that a month working with Nessa in the stables will do you a world of good. And if you think I have a temper, wait until you anger that Celtic piece of Work." Everyone chuckled, as Lady Alison came up and put her arms around Kaie, and led her away.

Killian leaned down to whisper in her warriors ear, "Now, you rascal, you have me so hot I can barely stand up. If you don't get me upstairs soon, I may have to make a scene right here on this table."

Caitlin, being very hot herself simply stood up in such a way t put Killian over her shoulder. She swatted the perfectly formed ass of her lifemate once, twice as hard as anything Kaie had received, and headed for the stairs.

(Caitlin)

____****____

(Kaie's view) --

Kaie fought to keep her head high and meet the gazes of those surrounding her.  She was shaking so hard inside and out that she was sure her teeth would start to rattle any moment.  She had presented herself to Caitlin after the kind words from Lady Alison helped her find some courage inside but she doubted that courage now. 

When Caitlin mentioned hanging her mouth went gone completely dry and she squawked as the memory of the ropes painful burn came crashing back.  She resisted the urge to bring her hands up and caress the scar on her neck that ached with the memory.  Shifting nervously from foot to foot she bit her lip as the lecture continued.  She’d noticed the exchange of looks between Killian and the Warrior she stood before and sent Killian her own grateful look in return for the help.  She also sent a brief smile of gratitude to Ikarias for making it clear that she had not taken the horse against its will. 

Still, when Caitlin announced her intentions she gritted her teeth and concentrated on not fainting although she was almost disappointed she succeeded.

Now she stood in the center of the room battling herself to stay put.  It was well lit where she stood, and she longed for the safety of the shadows.  One by one she forced herself to meet the eyes of those who had fought for her safety.  She blinked back the tears that came as she realized they had not demanded answers but had pledged to protect her with their own lives if necessary.  She felt a knot of guilt building in her gut as she thought of how she had repaid them with her mistrust. 

“How long will she leave me here?  I wish she would get on with it!”  Kaie resisted the urge to fidget not wanting to anger Caitlin any more then she already had.  As she looked around she slowly realized what she was seeing.  There were several disapproving frowns from a few of the Warriors, a wink and a smile from Aria, who like many  had a glint of anticipation in her eye as if she would enjoy this greatly.  And there was the Lady Alison who stood close by and simply mouthed the words, “Be brave.”  She searched those eyes and found support, but unfortunately not a hint of a forthcoming rescue.  What she couldn’t find was a look of malice or dislike.  They really accepted her.  Why would they offer their brand of justice if they thought her an outsider?  They were treating her like…family.

It seemed like an eternity that she stood there waiting.  Then she heard her name barked out and wished she could stay for another eternity.  Instead she made her way step by step to the bench were Caitlin waited.  Her heart was hammering in her chest so loud she almost didn’t hear the question asked. 

"Kaie, have you ever been spanked before?"

She felt herself grow hot from head to foot at that.  Not only had she never been spanked before, she was positive that no one had ever been turned on by the idea.  Stammering she managed a reply and stood wondering at the feelings rushing through her.  She was sure that this was not supposed to have that kind of effect.  Moving to the spot Caitlin had indicated, she stared at the lap she assumed she would soon be occupying.  Gulping, she tried not to think how strong and muscled those thighs looked.  It only intensified the desire that had started building within. 

She breathed a sigh of relief that her neck would not be bared for all to see but nearly balked at removing her pants.  She could feel the wetness already building and was in no hurry to embarrass herself by sharing that sight with everyone gathered here.  She forgot that fear when Caitlin raised her voice with just one word, she decided this one rarely needed to yell to get her point across and hurried to obey.  As she felt herself pulled over and the floor came into view she could not help thinking, “Those boots are really scuffed, damn it must have been her good pair I tossed over that cliff.” 

The air was a bit cool on her exposed cheeks but she was having a harder time dealing with the heat coming off the thighs below her.  Her mind was racing with so many thoughts at once she had a hard time managing an answer and stammered pitifully when she felt the Warriors patience with her was almost at an end. 

She really hadn’t meant to cry out.  She planned to be brave and be as still and compliant as possible in hopes that Caitlin would not keep at it long.  That ended as fast as it took for the pain of that first blow to reach her vocal cords.  She wiggled as best she could but Caitlin’s iron grip held her in place and methodically covered every inch of her backside.  As the heat grew so did her desires but she was too intent on the pain to ponder that yet.  She kicked and cried but it didn’t have much affect on the hand that landed again and again.  Obviously this was not her first time handing out such a punishment and a few tears would not have any affect.  Her apologies and promises for good behavior also fell on deaf ears.  She was grateful when the blows finally paused and attempted to take in a deep breath when four more landed each twice as powerful as what she had already received.  She screamed then and begged as earnestly as she could for an end to the punishment.  To her relief she got it. 

Back on her feet again Kaie fought to slow her tears and quickly pulled her pants back up, wincing as she did so.  She felt as if her backside was now twice the size it had been before and the pants were not helping any, they just served to hold the heat in making the throb worse. 

She blinked in shock when she realized how Caitlin had held her strength in check and stood speechless while vowing to herself to make sure she did not cross this ones temper again for a long long time.  Never sounded like a good time frame in fact. 

Kaie let her still tearful gaze drift to Lord Nessa as she listened to the last of her sentence.  She shivered at Caitlin’s warning that the Celt had a temper far surpassing her own.  She owed that one a debt also for taking the threat of One-Ear away forever and she’d be in those stables early gladly working her hands to blisters for the next month to repay it.  She needed a new line of work anyway, at the moment she was not inclined to practice thieving again for a long time. 

Looking around the room one last time she couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed by the fact that she was now home.  She was grateful when she felt Lady Alison gently leading her away and she knew in her heart that her days of running were truly over.

____****____

(Lady Alison) --

Lady Alison stood so that kaie could see Her as she accepted Caitlin's punishment. Alison would have to remember to thank Caitlin for taking it so easy on the young one. There was absolutely no doubt in Lady Alison's mind that Caitlin had shown much leniency in her dealing with kaie. Alison also knew that the little one of Her heart had aided in Caitlin's decision to show mercy.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Lady Alison scooped kaie up into Her arms and held her closely as She walked up the steps. Out of everyone's earshot Alison softly spoke to kaie.

"I am very proud of you. You took what you had coming and did so bravely. I do hope you realize that Caitlin could have been far rougher on you than she was and it would have been within her rights to do so. I know and they know that having people to rely on and who care about you is not something you are used to...that is both a shame and a thing of the past, if you wish it to be."

Alison made Her way to the room She was temporarily using while Hers was being remodeled and kicked the door shut behind them. Alison carried them into the bathing area and stood kaie on her feet. "If you stay here, and I for one sincerely hope you do, you have to keep in mind that you are no longer a solitary creature. You now have those who care for you and as you have already seen, those who will go to war for you even when not given all the facts. I would venture to say that the main reason behind Caitlin punishing you had more to do with your lack of faith in those who had already protected you than in your taking her boots or horse."

Lady Alison undressed kaie and inspected Caitlin's handiwork, nice uniform coloring and well spread out heat emanating from the young thief's beautiful ass. Alison could not resist softly dragging Her nails across the well reddened globes before Her. After disrobing Lady Alison once more picked kaie up and stepped down into the tub with her, the water warm but not hot and the air perfumed with the smell of the healing herbs She had gotten just for this occassion. Lady Alison settled back in the water with kaie cradled in Her arms.

"There are wonderful women here, warrior and wench alike, and if you decide you want to stop running there would be no finer place to do it. I can tell you that in your short time here you have definitely made your presence felt and captured many in the process...including Myself. No one will force you to stay but I sure wish you'd give it serious consideration." To add to the things for kaie to consider, Lady Alison softly and slowly stole a kiss from the young thief.

____****____

(kaie) --

Kaie couldn’t help a sigh of relief when she felt herself gathered into the arms of Lady Alison.  She had been hesitant to speak up but was not sure her legs would carry her that far at the moment.  Her tears had dried and she found herself holding tight the Gentle Warrior as She spoke softly against her ear.  Kaie felt a rush of satisfaction she did not know was possible when she found had pleased this Gentle Lady she admired so much after such a short time. 

For the first time in years she did not even flinch when the door to Her room was kicked shut behind them.  She stood there quietly, wanting to speak but not finding words to describe her feelings.  She froze when she felt herself being undressed by skillful hands but relaxed when the Lady did not flinch at the ugliness marring her neck. 

Kaie held her breath as she found herself standing still while Lady Alison inspected her still throbbing backside.  She could not stop the moan that escaped when she felt Her nails scraping across the redness and to her surprise she felt disappointment when the contact ended.  She shivered at the new awakenings within her and licked her lips slowly while the Lady disrobed, revealing a beauty she had imagined but never thought to see this close.    There was a darkness afterall in the Gentle Warrior and Kaie found herself wishing to see more of it. 

Finding herself once again lifted and gently lowered into the bath she winced at the first contact of her bottom with a solid surface but let herself be drawn willingly into Lady Alison’s embrace.  She could barely contain the desire she felt at that moment but she was content to enjoy the feeling, not wanting to be disappointed for wanting more if it was not offered. 

As Lady Alison spoke she saw the truth and the wisdom in her words and took them to heart.  Kaie’s heart skipped a beat when she heard that she had captured this sweet Lady Warrior and she considered her decision made at that moment.  She would make a home here as long as they would have her.  Then she felt those lips descending on hers and Kaie was sure her heart stopped altogether.

Lady Alison slowly kissed kaie again and let Her kisses trail along kaie's jaw to her neck. Lady Alison felt kaie tense in Her arms. "Shhh, they are a part of you and nothing to be ashamed of. We all carry scars of what life has placed in our paths. Some carry those scars on the inside and some on the out and quite a few carry both. Perhaps one day when you feel comfortable enough you will tell Me the tale behind those scars, but it matters not to Me." Softly Lady Alison began placing small tender kisses all along kaie's neck, Her fingers continuing their talented caressing.

"So tell Me, should I stop? I would not want you to think Me forward."

Kaie was sure the power of speech had left her altogether when those lips claimed her.  She felt herself surrendering gladly to the kisses of the Warrior that held her.  As those delicious fingers made their way along her thighs and first touched at the wetness they found there she whimpered with the pure pleasure of it but it was stifled against the lips that captured hers. 

She was still struggling to come to terms with the new awakenings she was discovering but upon hearing Lady Alison’s reassurance that her reaction to the spanking was not unusual for this place she felt a little more at ease.  In fact, she was starting to think Lady Alison enjoyed them as well.

Her mind raced as every nerve within her came alive and hummed in response to each heavenly touch.  She couldn’t help tensing when soft lips made their way towards her neck.  She struggled to pay attention to Lady Alison’s words as even those kisses made her shiver with delight.  She told herself that soon, but certainly not right this moment, she would share the tale of her scars with Lady Alison as She had asked.

When those fingers made their first soft caress over her clit the rest of her thoughts scattered and all she could concentrate on was the sensations they were bringing.  Her moans grew more urgent as her hips moved on their own, arching towards those skillful fingers and she barely heard the question being asked through her haze of arousal.

"So tell Me, should I stop? I would not want you to think Me forward."

Sweet Goddess surely she jested?  Stop?  No. No she wanted her to be forward, and backwards, and in and out, anything but stopping.  She felt she would melt any minute and the last thing she wanted was for Her to stop.  Drawing a deep breath she managed to answer in a whisper, “Please.. My Lady don’t stop now.  Take what you will..pleaseeee.”

Alison leaned in close to kaie's ear and whispered seductively, " I'm going to keep dangling you on the edge until you tell Me you're done running. Trust Me, kaie, I can do this alllll night." As if to prove Her point, She rapidly brought kaie right to the brink again.

Kaie was sooo close to the edge and moaned in a combination of pleasure and frustration as Lady Alison slowed once more denying her the release she craved.  Her eyes sparkled mischievously with the challenge laid before her.  She intended to outlast the Lady Alison, the Gentle Warrior would surely relent soon. 

Ohhh not the nails again.  She squirmed in desperation when they raked across her tender backside yet again, causing jolts of pleasure and pain to ripple through her.  She could do this….just a little longer and the Lady would yield, but pleaseeee let it be soon.

Kaie did not give her word easily, but she never broke it.  Giving in now would mean she had no option to duck away later if things proved difficult here.  But it wasn’t because she wanted to run that she held back, she enjoyed the delicious challenge Lady Alison was presenting her.  She was sure release would be hers any moment.  Her confidence was faltering quickly though.  The Lady Alison was a skilled seductress and though She danced a passionate dance with Kaie, it was soon clear She did the leading.

Those lips…and that tongue…..she’d never tasted kisses so sweet.  Desperation was setting in now.  Her breathing had grown ragged and her moans reached a new pitch and turned to pleading yet still nothing worked.  Surely She wouldn’t keep this up all night like she threatened?  No, this time She would allow….Shuddering, Kaie closed her eyes preparing to fall  over the edge only  to have it snatched away once again as the sweet torture continued.

No..not yet…She will give in any…AHHH Goddesssss pleaseeee!  She felt her resolve weakening along with her knees as the Lady once again renewed her attack on her nipples, teasing first one then the other again and again until she thought she would burst.  All the while those fingers deep inside never stopped moving, and Gods were they ever moving in just the right spots.  If she could just keep going…yessss just like ….Oh nooo noo pleaseeee don’t slow again!

Kaie’s mistake, and maybe her salvation, was locking eyes with the so-called Gentle Warrior (kaie was sure she would remember to not mistake the gentle for soft again after this night).  She knew in that moment, she had lost this battle of wills before it even began.  Suddenly she couldn't recall why she wanted to resist to begin with.  As she felt herself growing closer to the edge once again she accepted the inevitable and surrendered herself completely.  Her eyes were dark with passion, but they spoke as clearly and earnestly as her voice when she made her pledge.

“I swear it My Lady, no more running!….but pleaseee…I need…

Having heard all that was needed, Lady Alison held back nothing this time and quickened the rhythm of her fingers, as her thumb increased its pressure against Kaie’s hardened clit.  Within seconds the little thief threw back her head and allowed her screams to echo loud and long throughout the Lodge as she reached her release.  Quite a few chuckles and smiles were shared by those downstairs who knew Lady Alison would be more then capable of making even the shy thief quite vocal.

Kaie didn’t have to worry she would be left wanting, those relentless fingers partnered with an oh so talented pair of lips continued to bring her over the brink again and again until at last she collapsed her head on Lady Alison’s chest, spent and gasping for breaths.

Kaie felt herself lifted in gentle arms once again as Lady Alison dried her with a cloth before carrying her to the bed.  Pulling her close against Her chest with that tender backside nestled against strong thighs, the Lady did not speak yet but waited, sensing Kaie had something she wanted to say. 

As her breaths returned to normal and her body adjusted to the delightful position it was currently in Kaie spoke.  She started from the beginning and shared almost every detail of her story.  She kept only a few dark secrets for herself, ones even she did not think on often but kept buried deep.  She spoke of her father, her Aunt’s betrayal, everything that had led her to the Lodge’s doorstep.  She felt gentle fingers wipe away the tears that flowed but otherwise Lady Alison stayed silent and still and let her speak.

When she finished she closed her eyes briefly, unsure the reaction she would get.  Somehow she felt cleansed, just sharing her story had helped ease the shame she felt within.  She again felt the soft whisper against her ear that she was growing to love and allowed the words to wash over her as she drifted into a much needed sleep. 

"All that changes nothing little thief, you’ve found a home and family here with S/sistren who will protect you and love you.  And discipline you as well when We see fit.”  She felt the warm chuckle that vibrated against her with those words and wiggled her backside provocatively in response.  “All you have to do is find it in yourself to trust Us in return.  You do that, and I promise you will never need to run again.”

Kaie slept then, safe within the refuge of those strong arms and warm bed.  Her heart was lighter, no longer needing the shadows.  She knew that her path had forever changed and that this time it would be a path of her choosing.

~`kaie

____****____


The End - 'Finding Refuge & a Warm Bed' - by kaie and the Kindred Lodgers

Mail for Kaie

Index of Kaie

Main Library Stories

Lodge Entrance