Caitlin's Chronicles
 

(Part 13 - Prelude) --

Two guards from the queen’s royal unit stood outside the hut, waiting for Killian. They had arrived to escort the young woman to the Amazon Rite of Passage. Caitlin answered the door, giving both guards a look that made them involuntarily step back. The warrior was naked, save for the sword she held in her hand.

“We’ll be needing a bit more time. Go stand over there, by that tree.” Caitlin pointed to a stand of birch that stood near the hut. The warrior had been interrupted while making love to Killian, and was not happy about it.

One of the guards, Eileen, wanted to speak up, and say they couldn’t keep the Queen waiting. But one look at that surly scowl attached to the most incredible body the guard had ever seen, made Eileen hold her tongue. The pair simply nodded and backed away, leaving the warrior to retreat inside the hut.

“Caitlin.”

The sight of Killian, laying on her belly, naked, over a pile of pillows, hair all askew, face flushed with exertion, fresh stripes across on an exquisite upturned ass, made the warrior’s knees momentarily weak. Caitlin threw her sword down and nearly flew across the room to pounce upon her lover.

Knowing fingers slid under and into Killian as the strong warrior pressed in, allowing her body full contact with her aching lover. Killian moaned deeply.

In a husky whisper, the dark trader urged her young lover to give her the last drop of essence left in her. They had been at it for a long time, and as the warrior promised, she was bringing Killian into a state of heightened bliss, and erotic exhaustion. Caitlin knew Killian did not even remember what was expected of her this night. All the fiery lass knew was Caitlin’s touch, and that she needed it in order to continue breathing.

This was all by design. The dark warrior wanted Killian to know who she was as she went into the ritual that would mark her forever as an Amazon. Killian was hers, Caitlin’s, and when she took Killian away from here in a matter of days, she didn’t want anyone disputing who had claim on the young lass, first. After this night, everyone in the Festival would be able to vouch for where Killian’s heart lay. She will be Amazon, but first, and forever foremost, Killian will belong to Caitlin.

“Come for me, lass. I’ve got you.” Caitlin rode the soon to be Amazon slowly, and with great purpose. This would be her last climax before the ritual, and Caitlin was determined to have the last release be as memorable as the first one, several candle-marks prior.

A hard slap on her ass snapped Killian’s senses, and she bucked and screamed, not knowing she had any more inside of her to give.

“Who do you belong to, Killian,” the warrior growled.

“You, Cait-liiiiin. Oh, Sweet Artemis, youuuuu!”

“That’s right my love.” Caitlin spoke through clenched teeth as her orgasm thundered through her. “You are mine. And I yours.” The two panted and rocked with the wave as it crested intensely, then finally, they shuddered into exhausted stillness.

Caitlin rolled over and pulled her lover on top of her, kissing her deeply.

“Killian. You belong now. You belong to me, and I you. Do you understand?”

Caitlin stroked Killian’s hair as the woman-child gathered her wits about her.

She was silent for a long time, as she focused on Caitlin’s darkened eyes. Killian’s deep brown ones danced and played with the eyes opposite her. After what seemed like an eternity, she spoke.

“Yes, Caitlin. I understand. I am yours. I will never be alone again, in my heart, and in my soul. I truly belong. Thank you.” She laid her head on the warrior’s chest, and let the tears come.

Caitlin simply held her.

~~~~~

Tribal drums could be heard beating frenetically, piercing the stillness of the night. Killian walked behind the two royal guards with Caitlin directly behind her. There had been some argument with the guards back at the Cottage, when they informed Caitlin that she was not an Amazon, and therefore was restricted from viewing or participating in the ritual.

Killian, dressed in her ceremonial robe, started to go at the guards, spewing expletives. Caitlin grabbed her, before she could do any real damage. The tall warrior whispered something in Killian’s ear that made the girl go silent, and stand aside. The guards were suitably impressed.

“Now. This is how it is going to be.” Caitlin looked Eileen dead in the eye. It took all of the guards’ formidable training to hold Caitlin’s withering gaze. “I am Killian’s talisman. She is allowed to have one, and I am it. If you don’t like it, tough. We will take it to the queen.” Eileen started to protest, but was stopped by Caitlin’s commanding voice. “Move it. Now.”

The drums made Killian’s insides pulse with excitement. She still felt altered from her time with Caitlin. Felt almost drugged. Her legs were shaky. Caitlin noticed and put her hand on Killian’s shoulder. The girl immediately stood up straighter with the contact. Killian reached her hand up to thank her lover for doing this for her. She didn’t know why, she just knew she needed Caitlin to be there for this ritual.

Torches lit the beach area, and the hot springs, in a warm glow. Three Nations of Amazons in full Ritual gear, minus headdress, stood around the small spring, some had climbed trees and boulders for a better view. Murmurs and grumbling could be heard over the drumming, as the four tardy women entered the first ritual staging area. The path closed in behind them.

Killian felt her heart racing as she listened to the growing enthusiasm in the crowd. She instinctively backed up until she was pressed firmly against Caitlin. For her part, the warrior placed her hands gently on Killian’s shoulders, giving them a little squeeze.

Killian looked up to see her queen along with the queen’s second, Atari. The three other initiates stood in line off to her left, each holding a small item, their talismans.

Killian closed her eyes in prayer to Gaia. Can I not have it easy, just once, hunh? Caitlin IS my talisman, Gaia. Please make it ok for her to be here.

“Open your eyes, child.”

Killian opened her eyes to look into brilliant green. Marga was formidable without the help of her ceremonial garb, but with it, she was breathtaking. “I will have your explanation for Caitlin’s presence here. I should also chastise you for keeping us waiting.”

Caitlin’s hands stiffened on Killian’s shoulders, as Killian swallowed, hearing the rustling of the crowd.

Marga put her hand up. “SILENCE.”

Everything stopped, the drumming, the whispering, all of it. To Killian, it felt like the very full sounds of the forest silenced as well, at the command of the queen.

“Now, Killian, I will not punish you for your tardiness, because I understand what caused it.”

Caitlin cocked her head to the side, and accepted the stern look she was getting from Marga. The gathering crackled with anticipation, but all kept silent. Killian nearly dropped where she stood, so relieved was she to not be punished on the very night of her ritual.

Marga stayed locked in her private dressing down of the warrior as she spoke. “Killian, you know Caitlin is not an Amazon. Why did you bring her with you?”

Killian felt like she might suffocate as she stood trapped between her lover and her Queen. “Um, your highness, Caitlin is my talisman.”

Marga lifted her hand before her tribeswomen could comment.

“Hmmm.” The queen hadn’t expected that answer. She took a step back, breaking eye contact with Caitlin. “Killian, you understand that a talisman has always been an object, like a necklace, or special ring. We have never had a person be someone’s talisman before.”

“I understand my queen,” Killian could barely summon a whisper. “But your instructions were to bring that one thing that gives us strength, and true comfort. Caitlin IS that for me. She is my source my Queen. Please let her be with me for this ritual.”

The queen looked deeply in her Kindred’s eyes. Killian looked back, with a power Marga had not seen in her, before Caitlin. The queen turned and walked to the edge of the hot springs, folding her hands behind her back in thought. The crowd stayed completely quiet, as the queen considered this turn of events.

Time stood still, as all awaited the queen’s words. Caitlin hugged Killian to her, and kissed the top of her head. Killian breathed. Still, they waited.

Finally, Marga turned and faced her tribe, and the tribes witnessing this initiation.

“I believe it is unprecedented to have a person as one’s talisman. And having that person be a non-Amazon is doubly unprecedented. Yet, we have nothing written in our bylaws that forbids this.”

Some in the tribes murmured displeasure upon hearing this, yet most remained silent.

“I believe Killian followed my instructions to the letter. Caitlin is her talisman. No one here can call into question the impact this warrior has had on our young Killian. There is no more perfect, or pure an expression of what a talisman is, than Killian’s desire to have Caitlin here with her tonight. I am allowing it, on one condition.”

Marga looked around purposefully, to see if anyone would dare challenge her. No one moved. Marga looked at Killian, and her face softened as she saw the tears flowing down the girl’s face. Marga gently took Killian’s face in her hands, and took a moment to wipe away the tears.

“Killian, I will give you your talisman on one condition. Caitlin has to agree on her very life, not to utter a word of what happens here tonight. Should it ever be found that Caitlin has spoken of our Initiation ritual, she will forfeit her life.”

Killian was stunned. The very thought of losing Caitlin scared her deeply.

“No, NO, I can’t allow this.” She cried.

“Yes, I accept.” Caitlin held Killian tight, and whispered in her ear. “Do you trust me?”

Killian tried to break free from Caitlin’s grasp, to no avail.

“Yes, I trust you, but-“

“But nothing.” The warrior spoke soothingly. “I accept, Killian. This will be no hardship for me. I will never reveal what I witness, so there is no reason for worry. You will allow me to do this for you. Understood? “

“But, Caitlin-“

“No, your word, lass. Now.”

Killian sighed. She relaxed in Caitlin’s grip. “Ok, yes.”

“Tell your queen.”

“Yes, Queen Marga. We accept.”

____****____

Oct 29th, 2002
Finale - Amazon

____****____

Queen Marga directed Killian to go stand with the other initiates. Caitlin followed, clear that she was allowed to participate in this Amazon initiation as Killian’s talisman. She stood behind the soon to be Amazon with her hands gently resting on Killian’s shoulders. This was all Killian needed to remind her of her breath training.

Don’t faint. Killian’s mind never ceased enjoying over-stating the obvious. The young initiate tried to ignore the destructive self-talk, and instead focused on her Queen.

Queen Marga spoke. “Tonight, we gather on one of our most sacred Amazon sites to initiate these four young women into our newest Amazons. This is a special day, and made doubly so by the attendance of two of our greatest sister tribes. I thank my sisters for making the trek to be with us during the festival, and on this most sacred of nights.”

Clapping and cheering filled the crisp night air. Excitement abounded. It had been a long and often tiring four seasons since the last initiation. A cycle filled with drought, fire, and death. The fire burned the northern part of tribal land, and at one time threatened the very center of the village. Seven Amazons perished fighting the flames. The official mourning period had only ended but a moon ago, so emotions during this festival were still somber.

The fire was why the other tribes trekked to be with their sisters during this harvest time. Though it was traditionally not a travel time for tribes, because of the need to harvest their own crops, this season the sister tribes had worked quickly to secure stores for their own winter, and came this distance to celebrate the survival of Queen Marga’s tribe, and to help rebuild what they could. All efforts had gone well, and now they all stood on this, their final night, ready to witness and participate in their sisters initiation.

“Atari will lead the initiation from here. Atari, you may proceed.”

Atari, Marga’s right hand, and most seasoned warrior next to the queen herself, walked to face the chosen four. Her short cropped blonde hair waved softly in the night breeze. The sharp lines of her regal face danced in the torch glow. To Killian, she looked almost mythic as she towered over her and her fellow initiates.

She was known to be a stern task master, and was feared by the girls for her role as the tribes chief disciplinarian. Killian had been on the receiving end of the second’s seasoned belt many a time in her years with the tribe. The four girls held their collective breath as Atari looked them over sternly.

“Step forward, leaving your talismans behind you.”

The four girls did as they were told.

“Now, strip.”

Killian swallowed hard. She had suspected that they would have to do this, but since the initiations were kept very secret, she had no way of knowing for sure.

All four girls stood, slowly removing the least embarrassing pieces of clothing.

“Quickly please, we have much planned for you this night.”

The four stripped completely, and stood, naked before three tribes, waiting for further instructions.

Caitlin watched quietly as her lover undressed. She was more than a little pleased with herself for leaving such crisp and clean marks on Killian’s body. The Amazons would have no doubt about whom Killian belonged to first and foremost.

For her part, Killian wore her welts like the badges of honor they were. She couldn’t have been any prouder of Caitlin at this moment, or any other. Caitlin was now her life. She found the irony amusing. She had wanted to be an Amazon with her whole heart and soul for 7 seasons now. At this moment though, all she could think about was how deeply happy she was, that she had found Caitlin. Becoming an Amazon was as much Caitlin’s gift to her, as it was anything she had done to get there. Killian felt an odd feeling, as she stood bared before the tribes of her sisters. Contentment. This was a new and strange feeling, but one she wanted to keep enjoying for as long as she could.

Atari directed her attention towards the crowd. “Chosen Amazons, you will come forward now, and disrobe.”

A dozen Amazons stepped forward and began removing their clothing. Atari stayed dressed. When this was complete, the second in command walked to the edge of the water.

“My Queen, we are prepared for the first stage of the ritual.”

The queen moved to stand beside Atari. “Initiates, you will now be cleansed, to free your spirits for entering the new phase of your lives. Chosen Amazons, escort the initiates into the sacred springs.”

The Amazons split into groups of three, with each group escorting their initiate into the water. Killian was pleased to have Dari among her chosen. Dari had always been kind to her, and encouraging when times were hard for the young lass. Which was often in Killian’s case.

Each of the four groups took turns dunking and washing the initiates in a pattern that had been established 7 generations prior to this most sacred of nights. This was the physical cleansing, of all things before this night. Then came the spiritual cleansing, which, if left undone, would wreak havoc on the purification process. The Amazons were clear to all, even those who don’t believe in Gaia, that this spiritual cleansing was not only important, but deadly if done improperly in any way.

While the physical cleansing was taking place, Caitlin noticed the preparations for the second phase, the spiritual cleansing. Four poles, each as tall as she, and a hands width wide, were laid on the ground. Ropes were attached to each end of every pole, and the ends thrown over branches high in the two Oak trees that stood watch at the edge of the beach. The poles were pulled up to reach about shoulder high of each initiate. Caitlin’s eyebrow rose as she figured what was to happen next.

The physical cleansing ended with the Chosen Ones bringing the initiates back onto the beach and drying them off. Heated oils were brought forth. The initiates were each in turn oiled up with the fragrant gardenia mix until all four gleamed in the torchlight.

Atari stepped forward with her whip coiled in her large hand.

“My Queen, the initiates are ready for phase two.”

Killian looked at Caitlin for support. The tall warrior touched her hand to her heart, and winked at her sweet angel of a woman. Killian forgot the whip momentarily, as she lost herself in Caitlin’s eyes.

The Queen stepped over to the hanging poles.

“Initiates, you will now have the opportunity to offer yourselves in surrender to Artemis, and your Amazon tribe. This is your spiritual cleansing. It will take all of your will to surrender to this phase. If you do not complete this, you will not be judged harshly. You will be able to go through the initiation again, one more time without being turned away forever. Consider this as you face this phase. Others stronger than you have not been able to complete this ritual the first time. I wish you all well. Atari, proceed.”

“Since Killian won the challenge she will be the first to go through this spiritually cleansing phase of the ritual. Killian, go face the pole nearest you.”

Killian did as she was bid. The Amazons on either side of the pole bound her to it from her shoulders to her wrists. When they were finished, they patted her on the back and stepped to the sides to hold the pole in place.

Killian heard the whip uncoil on the sand behind her. Killian’s breath betrayed her attempt at appearing calm. Short shallow bursts were all she could muster, as her heart pounded violently in her chest.

Atari spoke, “Killian, this is for Artemis and your sisters. They will have your surrender, through your flesh.”

With that the whip cracked behind her somewhere. Killian heard it hiss through the still air and connect with her back. The sting was intense, but Killian did not cry out. She had never felt a whip on her back before, and she was certain after one strike that she wouldn’t ever need to experience it again.

A second crack, and this time Killian did cry out. Loud.

Caitlin moved with the speed of light. She was in front of Killian, with soothing voice calling her to look in Caitlin’s eyes, while she smoothed her damp hair.

Atari stopped and looked at Marga, who stood watching Caitlin’s’ finger delicately move a strand of hair from Killian’s heated face. Inside, Marga smiled.

“It’s all right Atari, she can stay. Continue.”

The whip came down, again and again on Killian’s back, butt, and thighs. Fresh welts rose over the ones Caitlin had left. Atari was as skilled with the whip as Caitlin had ever seen. She thanked Gaia for the woman’s expertise.

The whipping ended when Killian’s face hit the pole. Caitlin stepped back as the unconscious Killian was hoisted into the trees. It took all of the proud warriors strength to not leap up and cut her down, or beat Atari to death where she stood. Instead, Caitlin stepped back to where she had been before, and let the ceremony continue.

Killian came to in the tree to the sounds of whipping and screaming. She was startled to not feel her legs on the ground, and more startled that the sounds seemed so far away.

Caitlin! She thought in her mind. Caitlin. Killian felt the presence wrap around her, and burr softy into her ear.

“Right here, lass. Look down. I am right here.”

Killian looked down frantically, straining to see her love. There you are. Tears came unbidden. Pain, she felt intensely. Killian had always secretly wanted to know what the whip felt like on her back, and butt. Now, she desperately wished it to end. She put all her focus onto Caitlin.

Take my strength, Killian. Take it into you. Take my love. Settle into me. Let me hold you up. Give yourself to me, Killian. Do as I say.

Killian felt her breathing calm, as the pulsing of the tribal drums kept rhythm with her heart. She sighed into the pole. Thank you, Caitlin. I can do this.

She could see two of her sisters hanging beside her, one moaning, and one wailing. She wasn’t sure who was doing what. The third, Gerta, was being hoisted up as the drums came to an abrupt halt.

A lone voice in the crowd rose up to her ears. A piercing cry, followed by a deafening group tribal call. Again, the lone voice wailed into the night sky. Drumming joined the call this time. First one, then ten, then twenty drums keeping time with the chanting.

Killian felt her head sway as she clung to the blackness. The chanting grew louder, causing her heart to beat faster. She heard the howling long before she realized it was coming from her mouth. Deep guttural cries from somewhere she had never gone. Grief. Uncontrollable grief, for the loss of her parents. Grief for the loneliness she had lived for so long. Aching grief. Pounding, dizziness. Nausea. Darkness.

~~~

A soft hand stroking her hair woke Killian. She was being removed from the pole as she stood on the ground looking into a small sea of cerulean blue.

Drums still beat, but quietly, as if far away. Soft humming came from all of her sisters. A deep nurturing melody.

Caitlin did not speak, but caressed Killian’s face gently. The initiate was held up tenderly by two of the Chosen, as ropes were finally undone from her painfully numb arms.

Killian heard the crying of her fellow initiates, but didn’t know she herself was doing so, until she felt Caitlin wiping away the tears.

“I…” She began.

“Shh.” Caitlin touched her finger to Killian’s mouth. “Shh.” She repeated as she smoothed a stray hair away from the small face.

The singing and drumming drifted into silence as Queen Marga moved to stand in front of the initiates. Caitlin stepped back behind Killian and stood quietly with her hands on the would be Amazons’ shoulders.

“Initiates, you have made the Amazons proud by how you handled your submission to Artemis. You have honored your sisters this night.”

Killian felt Caitlin squeeze her shoulders.

“We will be moving into the final phase of this initiation. The sweat. This is where you will let yourself go, and become one with your Amazon sisters. Let go of your old selves, initiates. Let go in your hearts, and enter the rest of your lives.”

~~~

The sweat lasted all through the night. The tribes celebrated the closing night of the Festival, while the initiates, the Chosen Ones, Queen Marga, Atari, and Caitlin, along with the other talismans; prayed, chanted, and opened their souls to Grace.

Dawn came quicker than Killian had imagined it would when she entered the sweat lodge. She had never done a sweat before, and was afraid she would not make it. Now, as she walked into the crisp morning air, she breathed a quiet prayer to Gaia for all the strength she had given her. She had given her everything when she gave her Caitlin. And Killian knew she would never dishonor that gift. 

All the tribes had gathered outside of the sweat lodge. No one had slept at all the night before. A giddy mood spread through the tribes. The initiates had been given fine silk robes to wear in honor of becoming Amazons. Killian’s was the color of lavender. She knew Caitlin loved lavender, as did she. This was a gift Killian could share with her love, forever.

Queen Marga settled the crowd.

“Today, we welcome four new Amazons into our midst. Killian, Gerta, Mya, and Beyta. They have proven themselves worthy to carry the Amazon title wherever they go, until the day they die.”

Deafening cheers erupted, as three tribes shouted and stomped their deep approval. Killian received the loudest cheers for how far she had come. Everyone knew it had everything to do with Caitlin, and no one would let this day go by without thanking the warrior in one way or another.

Marga stepped forward. She looked Killian in the eye. “You have honored your sisters Killian, with your triumph this last fortnight. I stand here as your Queen, with immense appreciation for you. You did well, lass. Very well.”

Marga motioned for Killian to bend and receive the silver necklace she placed around her neck. “This labyrs necklace is the outer sign that you are a daughter of Artemis, and an Amazon. But the true insignia lies in here.” The Queen placed her hand on Killian’s heart. “You know who you are Killian, and this will be reflected in all you do, throughout your life. Blessings.”

Marga bent to kiss the Amazon on both cheeks. She stopped before moving to the next initiated Amazon, Marga placed her hands on Caitlin’s shoulders.

“You are a treasured talisman, my friend. Killian chose wisely. May you go with Grace wherever your journey calls. Take care of our Amazon. We give her to you; only knowing you will love her and honor her all the days of your life. Blessings.”

~~~

(Epilogue:) --

Killian pulled away from hugging Luna with tears in her eyes. She had not cried as she said goodbye to her sisters, for she knew they would meet again. Her life now was with Caitlin, and she couldn’t wait to get to it. The fact that her Sisters didn’t want her to leave made this parting all the sweeter. Caitlin had told her when they were packing the horses, to simply take it all in, and let them love her. Killian had never felt something this grand, and she knew it would linger in her for a very long time. She grabbed Luna and hugged her again, not quite wanting to part from her closest friend.

“Take care of my plants now, Luna. I will want to see them flourishing the next time we visit.” Killian smiled inside the solid arms of her trader.

“I will Killian, I promise. You better write everything down that you get to do and see, so you will be able to tell me all about it next time we see you.” Luna smiled through her tears, and hugged Killian close to her.

“Please take good care of her.” Luna whispered discretely to the warrior.

“I will Luna, I promise you.” Caitlin gave the small woman’s arm a squeeze.

The circle around Killian and Caitlin parted to allow the Queen entrance. She had in her hands two small bags.

“Caitlin, here is a little something extra for you as a gift for helping one of our most special Amazons find out who she could truly be.”

Marga dropped the bag of silver coins into the traders palm. Caitlin started to object, but was stopped by the commanding eyes of her former lover.

“Thank you for accepting this gift graciously, Caitlin. Killian has made us deeply proud, and we all know she couldn’t have done it without your support. You have honored us beyond recognition. Thank you for allowing this small token of our appreciation.”

Caitlin simply nodded, smiled, and hung the bag on the saddle horn.

Killian was now crying in earnest. Marga took her into her arms and held her for several moments as silence fell on the gathering.

Marga eventually released her, and placed the bag in her hands.

“Killian, this is for you, to help you be the independent Amazon you now are in this world. You will be able to make your own decisions, and be your own woman. An Amazon woman. Just do one thing for me, my friend.”

Killian swallowed as she heard herself referred to, for the first time by her Queen, as friend.

“Remember where you came from. Always know that wherever you go, you will be representing us, the Amazons. Go with Grace.”

Caitlin helped Killian get up onto Dancer She pulled herself up behind her young Amazon. The warrior took the reins of the two pack horses that were piled high with supplies. Killian took one last look around the place she had known as home for the last many years, and smiled. Caitlin was now her home, and there was no place she would ever rather be.

____****____

The End - Caitlin's Chronicles - by Killian

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