Caitlin's Chronicles
 

(Part 9 - Atonement) --

(Caitlin’s Perspective)

I made haste across the long distance between the Festival stage and my cabin. Marga had done me the courtesy of giving me a secluded place for my stay during the Festival. She knew I preferred not to be burdened with the constant chattering of the Amazons. I swear, some women just don’t know when to shut up.

The scent of Killian’s sex, as she lay slung over my shoulder, made my knees wobbly. I had to make love to her soon. It took all of my energy to not take her right on the Festival Stage. I can’t say I have never been turned on by punishing someone before, but never like this. Never so powerfully. It is like she has cast a spell on my soul, and now every thing about her drives me wild with desire.

I kicked the door open to the cabin and took her inside. I set her down by the bed. Her hair hung about her face in a disheveled mess, but her eyes pierced me as they fell upon mine.

I was gone the second our eyes met.

She couldn’t stand, but it didn’t matter. I took her lips as if I might never touch them again. I consumed them with my own.

I held us both up as our tongues warred for territory. I was more powerful, but she returned my passion with an intense fire that was all her own.

Her hands started unbuttoning my deerskin vest with an almost desperate urgency. I held her as she worked. First the vest. Then my shirt. I thought she was going to just rip it off at one point, as her fingers fumbled with the buttons. She hesitated, and a quick look at my raised eyebrow made her slow down, and regain her ability to undress me properly.

Her lips were on my breasts before my shirt was fully off. I groaned as she tried to hungrily devour me. I let her go with it awhile. I threw my head back as she bit down on one nipple, and pulled. Sweet Athena, she was talented.

I pulled her up by her hair, and reclaimed her mouth as my hand explored roughly between her legs. She opened for me as much as she could, on her rubbery legs. I slid my fingers urgently into her as I pressed my other hand against her very welted backside, to brace her. She groaned deeply into my mouth. I was unsure if it was from the pleasure or the pain, or both, but I kept up my penetrating kiss, and my deep exploration of her swollen center.

Killian was panting now, and arching hard into my fingers. Her eyes were closed tightly, and her head thrown back as I sucked rhythmically on her tongue.

She was so close. So, so close…

As she was just about to crest, I eased off inside of her, and cut off the kiss.

She had a new lesson to learn.

I pulled my hand from inside of her and gave her a sharp slap on her raging behind. I held her by the shoulders at arms length, and looked at her sternly.

"What?" She gasped. "What did I do?"

"Hear me, Killian. While you are with me, you will never, and I mean NEVER, not even when pleasuring yourself, climax without asking my permission.

"Never?"

"Never. And if you disobey me on this, I will punish you well."

"But, Caitlin. I…"

I watched as Killian struggled with giving me so much power over her.

"I will have your word on this, Killian, or I stop right here."

"But Caitlin --"

"I will have your word, lass. Now. Do you trust me?"

"Of course I trust you, Caitlin!" She was getting frustrated.

"Then trust me with this." My eyes softened. "I will give you what you need, what you desire, with this act of trust, Killian. I promise you, I will never violate your trust."

"Ohhh, ok," She whimpered.

"Your word."

She swallowed.

I took a hold of her mouth with mine and kissed her deeply, as my fingers slid in circles around her clit.

She moaned, hard.

I put my mouth to her ear.

"I will have your word."

"Yes. Yes, Caitlin, you have my word." Her eyes were pained as they locked with mine. I knew she needed this, even if she didn’t.

"Good girl." I smiled my most sensual smile, and pushed her down on her knees.

"Unbutton the opening to my leggings. Slowly."

Killian unbuttoned my buckskin britches with near reverence. When she was finished, she looked up at me curiously, her eyes wide.

I gave Killian my best swaggering smile, and arched eyebrow..

"Pull it out."

She tenderly reached in and pulled out the length of my leather dildo.

It stood at attention, staring her in the face.

"Put your hands on my hips, and take it into your mouth."

"What?" She looked up at me with her mouth hanging open.

"It won’t bite you. Do as I say. Now."

I closed her mouth, and gave her my most serious look. I knew I needed to get her past the first fear, and my best way, was making her more afraid of me, than it.

"Do it," I growled.

She cautiously took it into her mouth. She didn’t know what to do, so she started to lick it.

I pulled away and walked behind her.

"Up on your hands and knees. Now."

She obeyed, while trying to turn her head around to see what I was doing.

Swat.

"Keep you head forward unless I tell you otherwise. Do you hear me, lass?"

"Yes, Caitlin."

I slid my hand into her slick wetness, from behind.

She moaned deeply, and put her head on the floor.

Swat.

Her head shot up.

"Good girl."

I rubbed her slick canal slowly, as I licked an especially bright welt on her upturned ass.

She jumped.

"Don’t move until I give you permission. Hear me?

I felt her trembling body stiffen.

"Yes, Caitlin, I’ll try."

"Good girl. I am proud of you. You are doing well."

I worked her into an arched cry. She wanted to come so badly I could taste it.

"C..Ca..Caitlin. Can I-"

"No, lass. Not yet."

I heard her moan with frustration as I slipped my hand out of her and returned to stand in front of her.

"Sit back and look at me."

"Yes, Caitlin," she panted.

I took my now lubricated hand and began to stroke the dildo until it glistened.

Our eyes were locked the whole time.

"Put your hands on my hips." She did.

"Good. Now suck it. Slowly."

Those haunting eyes were on me as she took in my length.

She gagged when I grabbed her head and pressed farther.

"Easy, lass. Easy. I won’t choke you. Just relax."

I stroked her head as she took me in, pressing the base against my own swollen mound, making me shudder where I stood. This woman had captured me like no other. Her brown eyes were piercing me. I could not look away from her. I wanted her, I needed her like I needed breath. It was dizzying.

I clenched my ass cheeks and grabbed hold of the sides of her head as I came, fiercely. I held myself suspended between us as the shudders took me over.

Oh Goddess, how she affected me.

I started to back out of her mouth, but the feisty lass bit down, and held me in place.

I looked at her sternly.

She returned my look with defiance in her eyes.

I was forced into a crooked smile. Sweet Athena, I was so taken with this girl I could barely see straight.

She grabbed a tighter hold on my hips, and began rhythmically sucking, and pressing the length into my center.

I closed my eyes, and let my head fall back. I was in total ecstasy. I came again, with a vengeance. I am sure they heard my cry of K-ill-i-an, all the way to the Festival Stage.

I would take some ribbing over that tomorrow.

Right now, all I wanted was to give this girl my soul, and everything else on this earth I could get for her. She owned me.

This time when I stepped back, she let me go. Tears were brimming in her eyes as I pulled her to her feet and took her into my arms. I held onto her as if she were mine to protect forever. She was mine. She had given herself to me, and at this moment, I felt the intense depth of that offering.

When I kissed her this time, it was like I had been opened to a brand new world. One I had until now, never known existed. I can’t explain it. It was like she had made my soul larger, and more able to feel its existence. I was throbbing all over. I nearly passed out from the intensity of it.

For her part, she was crying, and trembling so hard now, she really could not stand any longer. I picked her up in my arms and carried her to the pallet. I laid her down on her side and told her to stay right there, leaning against my legs. I reached over her and grabbed all the pillows I could get my hands on, and piled them in the center of the bed. I lifted her to lay across them on her stomach. I knew she was going to be unable to lay on her back for days.

I untied, and slipped off the boots she had been wearing, and undressed myself the rest of the way. The welts covering her from low back to knees stood out in sharp relief to her tanned skin. I had been careful not to break the skin, but I am sure that was no comfort to her right now.

I reached over to my bedstand and grabbed the tin of ointment I had had Nyla, the Amazon healer, make up for me when I knew I was going to be the one punishing Killian. It was also when I outfitted myself with my leather piece.

While the salve would not make the pain leave, it would go a long way in helping her wounded backside heal much sooner.

"Shh now, sweet one, this should feel cool against your skin."

She moaned loudly as I began to work the salve into her welts. I moved slowly with my right hand as I slipped my left hand under her, and into her wetness.

She gasped.

"Shh, little one." I said as I began kissing her back.

I rubbed the cooling salve into her welts, pressing her over and over again into the hand that held and stroked her center. When I had covered all of her welts with a generous amount of the ointment , I wiped my hand on the bedding, and replaced my hand with my body.

I spread her legs with my own, and very slowly entered her from behind.

She groaned loudly, calling my name in a cry that was both pleasure and pain.

I rocked against her, fucking her slowly, as my fingers ground around her swollen nub. The heat of her welts pressed against my legs, urging me further, and faster.

She turned her head impossibly to the left, calling out for me.

"I need you, Caitlin. Kiss me, please. Kiss me."

I reached down and kissed her as deeply as my position would allow. It felt like she needed me inside of her everywhere. I gave that to her.

As my thrusts grew more rapid, I could no longer hold onto the kiss.

I let her go with my mouth, just in time for her to start begging me in earnest to let her come.

"Please, Caitlin. In the name of Artemis, Please, please…… let me!"

I leaned close into her head, and deepened the pressure of both my fingers and my thrusts.

"Yes, lass, come for me. Come for me, now!"

She exploded with a scream that nearly brought both of us up off of the bed. She forced her hips into my hand over and over again, willing the orgasm to linger.. I slowed the pace of the thrusting down to almost a whisper, pulling her farther and farther into herself. She held her breath, then a strangled sigh escaped her parted lips. .

I helped her ride it and ride it into several orgasms. She was insatiable.

Every time I thought she was done, having collapsed into the pillows yet again, she would begin to move, almost imperceptibly at first, then with greater energy, until she was fully thrusting into my hand and grunting into the bed, arching into space, grabbing that elusive fire, and claiming it inside of her once again. She was astonishing to me.

Finally, Killian did collapse for good. She lay, nearly dead weight against my hand, sweat pouring off of her, her welts freshly reddened from my contact. A silly, and very cute smile spread across her damp, hair-strewn face.

I could not love this girl more at this moment, if Aphrodite herself came down and put a spell on me.

I removed my leather piece, and pulled out several of the pillows supporting her.. I rested her on just one pillow, and went back to work with the salve, having had a lot of it come off onto me during our lovemaking. This time I was more thorough, and gentle with her.

I lay down behind her and held her close to me, as she slept. I had promised I would see her through this, and I planned to. I was going to wait on her hand and foot for the next two days, until the swelling went down, whether she liked it or not.

I had a feeling her feistiness would rear up after two days of being cared for. I am sure I would have to threaten to turn her back over my knee, to get her to let me take care of her, but that is just what I would do.

Killian is my responsibility now. Gaia help anyone who tries to get in the way of that.

____****____

September 28th, 2001
Part 10 - Training

____****____

"You’re not focusing!"

"I am too focusing! It is that gods-be-damned MOVE you’re doing that is throwing me off!" Killian’s face was flushed with exertion and anger.

Caitlin hadn’t broken a sweat, but her face was contorted in the frustration brought on by teaching her young charge.

"Look. When I do this," Caitlin swung the staff for the tenth time in a wide arc. "You do this."

The warrior feinted left and jumped, spinning and landing to the right of Killian, knocking the staff out of her hands. Again.

"Ouch! Centaur hooves! You did that on purpose!" Killian rubbed her sore hands together.

"Yes, I did. And watch your tone, lass."

"Or what!" Killian had had enough. They had been practicing this one move for at least two candlemarks, and all she had to show for it was sore hands and aching muscles.

Caitlin pitched her voice low. "Ki-lli-an."

Killian set her jaw defiantly. "I am never gonna get this stupid blasted thing anyway, so why are you MAKING ME!"

This last part Killian yelled.

"You will get it, Killian, if we have to stay here until dawn to do it." Caitlin’s voice was controlled and measured.

Their eyes locked in silent battle.

"Now, pick up your staff, and let’s try this again."

"No." Killian folded her arms over her chest, and jutted out her chin, acting much more defiant than she felt.

"Killian. You will pick up your staff and you will do it now." Caitlin’s voice made Killian take a step back.

"No?"

Caitlin closed her eyes, and ran her tongue over her teeth. It had been five days since Killian’s big punishment, and Caitlin had been true to her word. The tall warrior had waited on Killian hand and foot, making her stay in bed for two days, while the constant application of ointment did its magic.

For the last three days, Caitlin had been working with the girl on the upcoming Challenge. Testing her weak points, and strengthening her strong points. They had made love only once, three days ago. Since then, Caitlin had been making Killian save her energy.

Killian was a good student. A very good student. The warrior had been able to teach her things in these last two days that took weeks for her old troops to pick up. Caitlin was so impressed, she was pushing her charge to win the challenge, not just make it through until the end..

But now, they had reached an impasse.

Killian spread her legs, trying to match the warrior’s powerful stance.

Caitlin nearly laughed at the girl’s attempt to show power. It took all of her energy to keep the stern look on her face. Caitlin smacked the end of her staff on the ground, more to distract Killian than anything. The older woman raised her eyebrow when the girl jumped a foot.

So, she is not as certain of her actions as she wants me to think, Caitlin thought to herself, as she fixed her steely look on the defiant girl. The warrior took a deep breath, and made a decision.

Caitlin advanced on Killian so fast that she had no chance to run. The big warrior grabbed the girl’s arm and dragged her along with her.

Killian hadn’t expected this. She hadn’t expected anything; actually, she was too busy being frustrated. Now she realized what was happening, and she dug in her heels and tried to get out of her lover’s grip.

To no avail. Caitlin had a firm grasp on her wrist, and her powerful arm kept Killian in tow.

Killian watched in horror as she was dragged to a boulder. She started to sputter and plead.

"Caitlin. I am sorry. I shouldn’t have… Um… I was… Oh! Centaur poop! I didn’t mean -- "

Caitlin hauled her in front of the boulder.

"Strip."

"But, Caitlin." Killian absently put her hands up to protect her butt. "I am… I can’t…. I-"

"Now."

Killian looked at Caitlin. She wanted to kick herself for being so stupid. She saw that "look" in Caitlin’s eye, and knew she had really blown it. Her backside still hurt a little from the last punishment. She shook her head, and dropped it into submission as she took off her clothes.

"Okay, Caitlin."

"Okay, good. Now, turn around."

Killian swallowed, and pleaded one last time with her eyes.

Caitlin raised her eyebrow sternly when the girl took too long.

Finally, Killian obeyed.

"Bend over."

"Yes, Caitlin."

Killian bent over the boulder and gripped it.

Caitlin began to remove her belt.

Killian closed her eyes in dread.

"You have been asking for this, Killian."

"I know," Killian said in a whisper.

The touch startled her. But not as much as the sound of Caitlin’s belt, dropping to the ground.

Killian tried to stand up, out of instinct, but a strong hand pushed her back down.

"Did I say you could move, lass?" Caitlin murmured in her ear, as the warrior’s hand slid from her ass to her center.

Strong legs kicked Killian’s legs open.

Caitlin’s hands found Killian as she expected to, quite ready for her touch. The warrior wasted no time in exploring the lass’ wetness, bringing an aching moan from her charge.

Killian’s head was reeling.. She barely had time to register anything before Caitlin had her worked into a near frenzy. She swallowed, and grabbed at the boulder, this time to steady herself from all the sensations.

Caitlin’s touch was masterful, coupled with the pressure from her body; Killian was quickly on the verge of exploding.

She nearly forgot herself in her state, but as Caitlin slowed her urgent rhythm, Killian quickly remembered her instructions.

"Caitlin! I am sorry. Can I? May I? Will you? OH Zeus! PLEASE...!"

"No, Killian." Caitlin abruptly stopped her movements.

Killian groaned, and tried to press herself into the boulder for release.

"I said NO, Killian."

Killian was panting now, but she held still.

SWAT.

She never saw it coming. The shock of it would have made her lose her footing, had Caitlin not had a strong hand on her back.

SWAT.

SWAT.

SWAT.

Ok, Killian was focusing now, on the heat building in her backside, and in her pulsing sex.

SWAT.

"Do I have your attention now, lass?"

SWAT.

"YES. YES," Killian stammered.

SWAT.

"I am right here with you." Her breathing was becoming quite labored.

SWAT.

"Good," Caitlin said.

SWAT.

"You and I are going to have a little talk."

SWAT.

"And I want you to pay close attention."

SWAT.

"Can you give me your attention, Killian?"

SWAT.

Killian was sweating now, and really feeling the fire, both inside and outside of her nether regions.

SWAT.

"I am here. I swear. I am with you, Caitlin."

SWAT.

"Good."

SWAT.

"Now, Killian. Do you want to take the Challenge?"

SWAT.

"Yes, Caitlin. I do, very much."

SWAT.

Killian bit her lip in response to the rising pain.

"Good, lass."

SWAT.

"Now, do you want my assistance?"

SWAT.

"Oh, yes, Caitlin. Very much."

SWAT.

"Ok, lass. In that case, are you willing to consider obeying me?"

SWAT.

"Yes, yes. I’m sorry. I don’t know what got into me, Caitlin." Killian was panting now. Tears were rolling down her cheeks, but she held her tongue, and didn’t cry out.

I know what got into you, little one, Caitlin thought to herself.

"Good girl. I am glad we had this talk. Now…" Caitlin slid her hands around to the front of Killian’s body, as she pressed into the smaller woman’s behind.

Killian moaned loudly as Caitlin took a gentle hold of her breasts, and started to massage them.

The dark warrior took great care as she attended to Killian. She kissed softly down Killian’s back as her hand slid into a very swollen opening.

Caitlin knew she could have taken the lass roughly and made Killian’s head swim, but this was to be a lesson in focus, not power.

With strong, slow movements, Caitlin began to penetrate Killian with one hand, while circling her clit with the other.

When Caitlin felt Killian’s body trying to press into her, she admonished the girl. "Killian, just feel me. Stay still. I’ve got you."

Caitlin smiled when she heard the first sobs. She knew Killian was trying so hard that she had overwhelmed herself. The warrior’s heart ached for this girl, who wanted so much to please her.

Caitlin was determined to take some of the weight off of the young one’s shoulders, and knowing her as she did, she now realized that not attending to her intimately was a mistake. Killian needed Caitlin’s strong hand to help her focus. The warrior promised both of them at this moment, that she would never forget that again.

Caitlin pressed her body against her lover as she felt Killian peak.

"Come for me, Killian. It’s ok. I’ve got you."

Those words acted on Killian like a balm. The release she had was deeper and more explosive than she could remember.

Her cry of "Cait-lin," came from deep within her, as her crest went on and on and on.

When Killian was spent, the warrior took her in her arms, and slipped down to the ground, holding her on her lap. Killian tucked herself in, and stayed for a while in the very deep place she inhabited. Caitlin just sat with her, occasionally stroking her hair, and kissing the top of her head.

Finally, Killian stirred. She lifted her head to look at Caitlin, who smiled, and wiped the tears from her face with her knuckles.

"Are you okay, lass?"

"Yes, Caitlin. I actually feel good. Is that strange?"

Caitlin laughed. "No, Killian. Not strange. Wonderful, just like you are."

The warrior took Killian’s chin and lifted it to her mouth, kissing her with a softness the warrior didn’t even know she possessed until now.

After a time, the two lovers stood. Killian took a few minutes to dress herself, and wash her face in a nearby stream.

Caitlin dusted herself off, and crossed to pick up their staves. When Killian got to her, the tall warrior lifted an eyebrow.

"Are you ready to continue, Killian?"

"Yes, Caitlin, I am."

And so they did, with Killian finally, masterfully, blocking Caitlin’s difficult parry.

Caitlin chuckled.

Killian just sighed, and thought how very completely she had met her match.

____****____

December 16th, 2001
Part 11 - Challenge

____****____

She stood at the top of the hill, ebony hair waving in the wind.  Her sharp, cobalt eyes focused on a spot far off in the distance.  She rubbed her hands together slowly, in a kind of prayer, as she worked her sculpted jaw in a quiet mantra.

“Come on, Killian. Come on, Killian.  I know you can do it.”

The dark warrior shifted and reset her stance.  She quieted herself and fixed all her senses on picking up any sound coming from the forest. The obstacle course was the hardest, and final leg of the six challenges Killian faced this day.  The girl had won the staff and hand to hand fighting contest. That second one was a shock to everyone except Caitlin.  Even Killian couldn’t believe it.

“I told you your small size could work in your favor, lass.  Didn’t I?”

Caitlin had been gloating, and Killian loved it.  She jumped into the warrior’s arms and gave her a soul-slapping kiss that made even the usually cool warrior lose a little composure.  Briefly.

Absently, Caitlin slipped her fingers into her worn pouch, and extracted three small gemstones.  Her mouth curved into a half smile. It has been a long day, Killian. The powerful warrior thought.  You better get your ass here to me right now, or I swear I will work it over like I did this morning.  Do you hear me Killian. I am calling you to me.

The morning had started off early, way before dawn.  The warrior had gone out for her usual morning run, leaving Killian to get herself ready for the Challenge.  She had gotten halfway through her run, when she felt suddenly gut-punched.  Something was wrong with Killian, She thought to herself as she stumbled to a hasty stop, and turned around.

Caitlin raced back to find Killian in her hut, in a state of panic.  The small woman was standing in what looked like the aftermath of a tornado.  The warrior’s entire hut was a shambles.  Everything except the warrior’s personal gear had been torn asunder.

Caitlin ran across the room and grabbed her love’s arm.  “Killian.  What in Hades happened?  Are you alright?”

Killian yanked her arm from Caitlin’s hold, and pointed her finger forcefully into the warrior’s chest. 

“Am I alright?”  Killian sputtered angrily.  “Do I look alright, warrior?”

“Killian, wha-” Caitlin’s confusion was evident.

“I’ll tell you what, warrior.  YOU made me come stay with you.”  Killian was nearly hysterical.

YOU said it would be good for my fo-c-us.  Remember?  Well fine lot of good that did me. Now I can’t do the Challenge!”  Killian turned around and picked up the now empty bed frame, launching it haphazardly across the room.

“Killian, calm down and tell me what is going on.”  Caitlin’s voice tried to calm the girl, but her own anger was increasing.

“Calm down?  Calm down?  Don’t YOU tell ME to calm down war-ri-or.”  Killian resumed poking her finger into Caitlin’s chest, backing her up across the clothes strewn room.  “I can’t calm down, I can’t take the Challenge, and I blame YOU!”

“Me?  Why-“ Caitlin wasn’t sure whether to be worried or pissed at this point.

“If it wasn’t for you, I would be fine now. I would be alone, in my stupid little cot, in my stupid little dorm, living my stupid little life, and none of this would be happening.”

Killian failed to see the subtle shift of the muscles in the warrior’s face.

“I wouldn’t have even been allowed to take this challenge, so I wouldn’t care that now I never will be able to.  I HATE YOU!  Oof.”

Killian was pushed forcibly, face first, into the wall.  A low growl came out of Caitlin, as she yanked Killian’s arms above her head, and cuffed them.  Killian stopped talking, and breathing, as she felt a boot roughly kick her legs apart.  A solid hip kept her pressed against the wall as the warrior shackled her legs to the cuffs attached to the wall.

Caitlin wasted no time in yanking Killian’s top from her, followed by her skirt and britches. 

The warrior grabbed a clump of Killian’s hair and yanked back.  “I don’t know what the Hades is wrong with you Killian, but I am going to find out, after I wail the tar out of you.”

“Caitlin, I-“ 

Caitlin yanked back harder on Killian’s hair.  “Don’t you even think of speaking until I give you permission.”

“But-“

“NOT a word.”

Killian swallowed, but stayed quiet.

The unbuckling of Caitlin’s belt made Killian go very still.

The soft ‘whoosh’ as the dark warrior pulled the belt from around her waist made Killian close her eyes. 

Crack!

White heat engulfed Killian’s ass, but no sound escaped her.

Crack!

Flames shot through Killian’s legs as the second stroke connected with the backs of her thighs.

Crack!

Killian leaned her head against the wall as the third strike hit just below the first. 

Crack!

“Unh.”  Killian uttered.  The pain of the fourth sent waves of ache and heat through her lower body.  

Crack!

Crack!

Crack!

Crack!

She was panting now, and openly moaning.  Her vulva pounded, and she focused on that, intensely, biting her lip against the fire.

Crack!

Killian cried out hard as this strike burned hot.  It was applied forcefully, and diagonally across the rows that already had lifted welts upon her.  Her legs would have given out had it not been for the cuffs.

Killian heard Caitlin refasten the belt, and the girl closed her eyes and thanked Gaia.

Her mouth went dry as she heard the warrior slowly approaching.

Warm breath tickled her ear and made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

"The only reason I am not whipping you senseless right now is that you are going to do the Challenge, and you are bloody well going to WIN it!  Do you hear me?"

"Caitli-"

Caitlin pulled back hard on Killian’s hair.

"No.  I don't want to hear my name.  All I want to hear is Yes.  Yes, Caitlin would be fine."

"But-"

"Ok, have it your way."

Caitlin stepped back and quickly removed her belt again.

Hiss, Crack!

"AHHHHHHH!"  Killian cried out as she felt the strike hit with twice the force of the first set.

Hiss, Crack!

"Caitlin!"  Killian yelped with pain.

"Wrong answer, love."  Caitlin was beginning to break a sweat.  She knew Killian couldn't take much more and do the Challenge.  She hoped this strike would be enough to get the stubborn and scared girl to overcome whatever was getting to her.

Hiss, CRACK!

"OK!  ALL RIGHT!  YES!  YES, CAITLIN. YES!" Killian’s head stopped spinning, and she suddenly felt deeply calm.

Caitlin breathed a sigh of relief as she refastened her belt.  The tall warrior opened her vest, and pulled her shirt out of her pants as she crossed the room.  Bare breasts pressed against Killian’s sweat soaked back.  Long, practiced fingers slid around the front of her lover, sliding easily into a swollen and aching center.

Killian closed her eyes and moaned deeply as Caitlin began sliding her fingers around and in and out.

"Now,” Caitlin soothed into Killian’s ear,  "You will tell me what the matter is."

Killian could barely think as Caitlin pressed her body closer, increasing the pressure on her core.

"I... Uh."

"Yes, Killian."  Caitlin's voice gave Killian chills.

"Gems.... gems...."

Caitlin brought her second hand around, claiming Killian’s' breast, as she sucked and nipped at her neck.

"What about gems, Killian."

"Unh, um..gems.  I have to have them." the girl was nearly incoherent as Caitlin began rocking her in a steady rhythm.

"Yes, go on."

"Gems, I... have.....to have them." 

"Why, Killian?"

"My mother...  they are.. ahhh, unh-"

Caitlin felt Killian on the verge of orgasm, and sped up her actions, moving to attend to the other breast as well.

"Oh Goddess. Caitlin....  please...  please..."  Killian dropped her head forward against the wall trying to hold off until Caitlin gave her permission.

"No, Killian.  Not until you tell me why you can't do the Challenge.  You will hold off.  Do you hear me?"

"Oh, sweet Artemis.  Caitlin, please." Killian tried to pace her breathing, hoping it would help.

"No, Killian, now tell me.  Or would you rather I stopped?"

Killian was incredulous.  "No, NO!  Caitlin, don't stop, no."

Killian could see the grin on the warrior's lips as she moved in to suck on Killian’s ear.

"Then talk, lass."

"Ok.  Ok! The gems are the only things left from my mother.  I lost them.  If I can't find them, I can't do the challenge.  I am nothing without them." 

Caitlin audibly sighed.  She had figured the gems to be important, that is why she took them to have them cleaned for Killian, as a present.  Now she understood.

"Killian, listen to me.  Are you listening?"  Caitlin slowed her movements so Killian could focus on her voice.

"Yes, yes, I am listening, Caitlin."

"You don't need them Killian.  You have them in your heart.  All you need is right here, inside of you."

"No!  No, Caitlin, you don’t understand."  Killian began to cry.

"Yes, I do, Killian.  I know what it is like to have nothing.  And you don't have nothing.  You have me right here.  And your friends rooting for you."

"But the gems..."

"Your parents are right here, Killian."  Caitlin held her hand over her lover's heart, and pressed, still keeping up a slow rhythm with her other hand on Killian’s center.  "Do you trust me, Killian?"

"Yes, Caitlin.  With all of my heart."

"Then believe me when I tell you that you have all you need right here, inside of you, and holding you, right now."

Killian was silent for a bit.  Caitlin knew she was struggling to believe her.  She gave the girl her time.

"Ok.  Ok, Caitlin.  I will do the Challenge.  I will do it."

Caitlin felt the Killian’s breath begin again.  She leaned her head in so it would touch Killian’s.   "Good girl.  I am proud of you."

Killian couldn't have heard more amazing words.  They were the most precious words she had ever heard.  Well, almost.

"Come for me, Killian."

Killian laughed as she exploded into Caitlin's hand.  Her orgasm was intense.  Caitlin kept up the motion, pulling and urging out every ounce of ecstasy Killian could muster.

The two lovers got lost for a while in the energy of their lovemaking.  Killian let go, and gave all of her self-doubt, and fear up to Gaia at this moment.  Caitlin had such a gift for making her believe in herself.  The effect caused Killian’s heart to open even more, and made her feel so safe, and loved by this warrior. 

Worth it.  Finally, something, or someone, felt worth it to her.  She came again and again.  She would have kept on coming, but Caitlin decided to end it, so Killian would have something left for the Challenge.

Caitlin slowly pulled out of Killian and removed her from the shackles. The tall warrior turned the smaller woman around and held her close. 

Killian wept for a time, and held tight to the warrior.  Caitlin smoothed her lover’s hair, and simply held fast.

After a while Caitlin spoke.  "Killian, it is gonna take us all night to clean this mess up."  Caitlin's voice was soft, without a hint of anger.

"You aren't mad at me?"  Killian’s voice was hesitant.

"Well, I owe you a good spanking for throwing such a fit."

"What was it you just gave me?"

"Oh, that?  That was a whipping for talking to me like you did.  Don't do that again, Killian.  I won't be so lenient the next time."

Killian swallowed. She could tell that Caitlin was dead serious.

"I hear you, Caitlin.  I am very sorry.  I lost my head."

"It is ok lass, just be sure to heed my words.  Never again."  Caitlin hugged Killian tight, and kissed the top of her head.

"Now, we need to get you ready for the Challenge.  Oh yeah, by the way, I found these.  I think they are yours."

Caitlin handed Killian three sparkling gemstones.

"What?  Caitlin!  These are my gems.  Where did you find them?"  Killian’s tears started fresh.

"I took them a couple of days ago to have the stonecutter shine them up for you."

"What?  You mean you knew where they were all along?"  Killian’s shock was evident.

"Yep.  I just wanted to make sure you knew you didn't NEED them in order to do this thing."

"Caitlin.  I don’t know whether to kiss you or kill you."

"Well, if I have anything to say about it, I have always been partial to kissing over killing."

Killian smacked the warrior on her bare stomach, and then proceeded to take the taller woman's breath away with the most passionate kiss she had ever given.

~~~

Killian rounded the corner of the path with Gerta hot on her heels.  The girl was running for her life. She was about to give out when she caught sight of Caitlin.  Killian was so happy she lost all sense of how short her legs were.  She threw her head back and kicked into another gear, running straight for Caitlin.  She left Gerta in her dust as she crossed the finish line to wild cheers.  But Killian didn't hear a thing except the sound of air leaving Caitlin's body, as she leaped upon the taller woman, with unbridled glee.

She had won.  Just like Caitlin said she would. 

Marga was now hugging her, as the Amazons gathered around to hug and applaud.

 At this very moment, all was right with the world.

____****____

March 19th, 2002
Part 12 - Claiming

____****____

Caitlin.  Where was Caitlin, I thought, as a crush of flesh pressed against me.

It seemed like everyone wanted to touch me at once.  A sea of Amazons for as far as my short stature could make out.  Caitlin.  She had been pulled away from me as my Sisters pushed in to surround me. 

I had won the Challenge.  No one believed I could, not even me.  No one that is, except Caitlin.  I shook my head as I tried to breathe.  I had never had so many Amazons wanting to be near me.  Well, not like this.  Not wanting to congratulate me.  Usually I was running from this kind of mob, knowing that they wanted a piece of my hide.   It is possible that that is what they wanted now, but it felt different, a little kinder.

Caitlin grabbed me from the throng.  I felt her weathered palm fit into mine and close.  I let out a breath and burst into a fit of tears.  I knew she would not let go of me, ever, and I felt safe, really safe, for the first time in my life.  I was still unable to see her through the crush of people, but it didn’t matter.  She had hold of me, and she wasn’t letting go. 

Suddenly, the sun was blocked from my eyes.  I looked up to see what it was.  I saw a silhouette of a woman, tall, black hair waving in the early evening breeze.  I felt my body enveloped by the image.  Held.  Guarded.  People started to back away.  I instinctively moved close into the body of Caitlin.  I was panting, and shaking fiercely.  I had sweat pouring down my face, and I couldn’t speak.  I had not known I as panicking.  Being short can have its disadvantages.   

Caitlin simply held me close to her.  People peeled off of me as if she held a knife to their throats.  I was so glad at this moment that it was me that she loved.  Loved.  I knew in that instant that it was indeed love.  I had never felt that kind of love before, but I didn’t need to be told what it was.  I just knew.  Like I just knew how to breathe.  No one had showed me how.  No one had told me how.  I simply knew.  I held on tight.

Queen Marga approached.  She didn’t try to come too near.  It was as if Caitlin had put up some sort of protective circle around us.   I hugged her tighter.

Marga waved her arm above the crowd.  Everyone quickly quieted down and looked upon their Leader.

Marga spoke loud and with reverence.  “Today we mark the monumental passing from girlhood into womanhood for some of our tribe.  The top four girls in today’s competition have earned the honor of becoming full Amazons.  They have passed a grueling challenge, and proven themselves worthy of being called Amazon from this time forward.  We will hail them as women and hold them in a place of honor among our people.” 

The Queen looked directly at me now.

“No one may ever take this honor from you, after tonight’s ritual.  You have earned it, my Sisters.  All of you have earned it, and I am deeply proud of each and every one of you.  We will claim you this night, as one of our own. Those of you who didn’t make it should not hang your heads.  You each gave a valiant effort.  You will get another chance next year.” 

I watched as Hildy, Marta and Luna were all consoled by the pack.  I caught Luna’s eye, and she smiled at me, and gave me the thumbs up.  I tried to not start crying again as I felt Caitlin kiss the top of my head. 

“Now, you four,” Marga said, pointing to Gerta, Mya, Beyta, and myself.  “Return to your huts, clean up and rest, for this night belongs to you.  While you rest, a Nation will prepare to welcome you into its fold.  Each of you will be given a plain cloth robe to wear into the ceremony.  You will be allowed to bring with you one talisman that gives you courage and wisdom, otherwise you will be asked to leave your past behind, to make way for a new future as Amazons.  When the moon has risen over the western hills, I will send for you.   Go now.  Make ready.  For you, a new life is about to begin.”

I felt myself moving through space.  Caitlin had hold of me around the waist and was directing us towards our hut.  I felt like I was floating. 

“She looked at me,” I said. “The Queen was talking to me. She said she was proud of me.  I can’t believe it.”  Caitlin squeezed me as we walked. 

“I can believe it.  You are amazing, Killian.”  She held me at arm’s length, so she could look into my eyes.  “I knew you were special from the moment I laid eyes on you.  Now, your whole tribe knows it too.”

 She stopped, picked me up and twirled me around, drawing stares from all around us.  “And you know what I have to say about it?”  Caitlin’s magnificent smile was infectious. “It’s about damned time, too.  If any more time had passed with them treating you like they had been, I would have had to kick some serious ass.  They are lucky you won that challenge, Killian, or they would’ve been one sorry group of featherheads.”

“Caitlin,” I whispered.

Caitlin’s look became serious as she tucked me into her.    “What is it, sweetie.”

I was suddenly very light-headed and thirsty.  I could feel my heart beating out of my chest.

“I think I might faint.”

She picked me up and held me in her arms as she made quickly for our hut. 

“I’ve got you, Killian.  It’s ok.  I’ve got you.”

I closed my eyes, laid my head back, and let myself be carried. 

~~~~~~

Caitlin brushed a stray hair out of Killian’s eye, as she sat over the dozing lass. Some Amazons, sent by the Queen during the challenge, had put the room back together. Caitlin made a mental note to thank her friend for this.

 So much you have been through.  Too much, for even a strong girl like you to handle. The tall warrior sat quietly, staring at the only thing on earth that mattered to her.  Caitlin knew she could not stay with these Amazons.  It was not her life.  She could not be cooped up and surrounded daily by so many women.  So much chatter.  It was already beginning to drive her crazy.  But Killian.  What of Killian. She would not leave her.  Not now.  Not ever.  Killian was her life now.  The warrior knew it in her bones.  She took her palm and placed it over the sleeping girl’s heart. Mine.  All mine.

Killian stirred.  She opened her eyes in just enough time to see Caitlin wiping a tear from her eyes.  Killian quickly sat up, putting her hand to Caitlin’s face. 

“Are you alright, Caitlin?  What’s happened?”  Killian’s heart was bounding out of her chest.

Caitlin soothed her lover’s cheek, and fixed those cobalt gems on soft focus.

“Nothing’s happened, lass.  Everything is ok.”

“But, you’re-“

“Oh that,” Caitlin wiped away the tear and fixed Killian with a dazzling smile.  “That is just part of my charm.  Now, young lass, we have a ceremony to get you ready for.   Can’t let you keep that lazy butt in bed all night now, can I?”

Killian lay on the bed and looked up at the woman who had captured her heart.   Caitlin was her life now, she thought.  What would I do without you?  I want you.  I want to be a part of you,  forever.  Killian sighed deeply.  How could she tell Caitlin, that after all this time, and all this work to become an Amazon, that what she really wanted was sitting on the bed in front of her?  Another deep sigh bubbled up from Killian.

“Out with it, lass.  What is troubling you?”   Caitlin brushed the tear from Killian’s cheek with her thumb.

Suddenly, Killian bounded up and hugged Caitlin as if she might die if she let go.

“You, Caitlin.  I want you so much it hurts.  I don’t want the Amazons to take you away from me.  I couldn’t bear it.  I need you.  I want you.  I.. I, I think I am in love with you.”  Killian’s shaking increased.  She was near full out panic.  “I want to be with you.  Please don’t let them take me from you.  Please.  You are the only peace I have every known.  I can’t give that up.  Please don’t let them make me. I want you to be my talisman.  Please, Caitlin.  Don’t let them take you away from me.”

Caitlin pulled the distraught girl into her lap and rocked her slowly, speaking quietly and gently.

“They will not take you away from me.  It is not going to happen.”  Caitlin softly stroked Killian’s hair. “ They would have to kill me to get me away from you. Yes, I will be your talisman.  But I want you not to worry about that right now.  I am here with you, and with you is where I will stay.  I want you to enjoy what you have accomplished.   You did a huge thing today, and you get to be rewarded now.  That is your focus.  Do you hear me, or do I have to get your attention another way.”

This last part Caitlin purred into Killian’s ear.  Killian closed her eyes as wave after wave of excitement moved through her.  She wanted Caitlin to take her, spank her, tell her what to do, touch her in the ways that only Caitlin could do.

“Caitlin.”  Killian was panting from the charge inside of her. “Yes.  Take me.  Claim me.  I need you so bad.  It hurts. I need you, please.”  Killian’s essence began pouring out of her.  She was unable to hold back, she started For Caitlin’s clothes, wanting to rip them off, and make her take her. 

Caitlin grabbed her wrists with one hand and slid her other hand down slipping two fingers into a very swollen and aching opening. 

“No, Killian, you are Mine. I will take you, not the other way around.”  Caitlin expertly pumped Killian into a near frenzy in seconds.  Caitlin pitched her voice to its lowest, and sexiest voice she had ever heard. The warrior moved to whisper into her sub’s ear.

“I am going to spank you, I am going to take you, and then I am going to do it again and again, until you are so spent you can’t see or feel anything but me.  Then, and only then, will I even consider letting them have you for their ritual.”

“ Oh, goddess, Caitlin.”

“What do you need. Killian?  Tell me.”  Caitlin added thumb pressure to Killian’s aching nub, as she pumped quicker, biting down hard on Killian’s neck and sucking.

“Sweet Artemis!”  Killian couldn’t even get a plea out, she just came, thunderously, screaming Caitlin’s name incoherently as her hips rose and froze in ecstasy.

“That’s my girl!”  Caitlin kept up her movements, knowing she could pull much more out of her lover. She murmured, keeping her voice husky and low.  “ I am going to claim every single part of you, my Killian.  And, only for tonight, you may come at will.”  Her thumb found its mark again, and Caitlin pressed in with deep satisfaction.

“Oh Goddess, Caitlin!  Caitlin! Goddess.  Yes!”  Killian bucked hard into Caitlin’s hand, wanting her need sated.  Wanting more.  Caitlin would give it to her.

The tall warrior claimed Killian’s lips with something close to vengeance, as she ripped at Killian’s clothes.  Caitlin’s need to take Killian, and make her her own, was just as strong as Killian’s need to be taken.

As the last of Killian’s skirt was shredded, Caitlin tore her mouth from Killian’s and turned the naked lass over and across her lap.  She slid her left hand up and under Killian’s belly, and down into swollen folds.  A firm hand came down hard on Killian’s wiggling bottom just as two fingers slid up and into the writhing girl.

Killian screamed out as the mixed sensations cascaded down over her senses.  She pressed hard into the thrusting hand, wanting to ride this feeling forever.  Never had a spanking felt so achingly right.  Killian almost screamed ‘Harder’ to Caitlin, when; just then, as if the warrior read her mind, the strikes took on a firmer and sharper quality.

Killian cried, screamed and praised every goddess and poet in the known world.  Her cries could be heard throughout the Amazon festival, yet no one came to her aid.  Her Kindred understood what was taking place in the little hut in the rear of the community.  A uniting of souls.  A claiming of the most intimate.

Caitlin let Killian up, only long enough to rip her own clothes off, with the help of a fevered and panting sub.  Once Caitlin’s clothes were torn off, she picked Killian up and tossed her face down on the bed.  “I want pillows under you, and that butt up high, now.”

“Yes, Caitlin.”  Killian scrambled to obey as she heard the belt being removed from Caitlin’s britches.  Killian stopped mid move, frozen from the excitement. 

“Move it, lass, I won’t be kept waiting.”

Killian shook her head trying to clear away the cobwebs.  It was not fast enough as she heard the whistling, then the crack!

Killian screamed, mostly from shock.

“Get into position, Killian, now!”

Killian grabbed for the last pillow, and threw herself across the pile just as a series of licks rained down upon her.

The whipping was not hard.  It was not meant for punishment, but for extreme pleasure.  And pleasure it did elicit.  Again and again, Killian cried out in orgasm.  She grabbed onto the bed sheets and pressed herself hard into the pillows with each stroke. 

“Caitlin!  I love you.  I am yours!”  Killian lay, wailing as the belt danced on her flesh, leaving Caitlin’s mark expertly drawn on her lithe form.

Finally, Caitlin dropped the belt and pounced upon Killian.  Her own swollen center pressed hard against Killian’s flaming cheeks, as her fingers dug into Killian’s tender insides.

Caitlin was not one to make much noise in her lovemaking, but this night was different.  She growled into her smaller lover, and Howled out her pleasure for all to hear.  This night, nothing was left back, nothing was held inside.  Caitlin wanted Killian to know that she alone claimed her heart, and the usually stoic warrior opened herself in full communion with the heart she ached to unite with.

Queen Marga stood in the mess hall when the panther like howls rained in.  Silence captured the room as all eyes looked to her for how to react.  No one had ever heard Caitlin cry out before, not even with their Queen, and now an entire Nation held its breath waiting to learn how to respond.  Again, in the silence, a feral scream tore through the room.  Restless women shifted in their seats, and waited.  When a third ecstatic howl gripped the room, Marga cut loose.  She grabbed a mug out of the hand of the Amazon nearest to her and sang out in a booming voice.

“To Rapture.  May it soon claim us ALL!”  With this, the wild haired Queen tipped the mug back, drained it dry, and slammed it on the table.

A great shout rang out in the mess hall, and made its way around the village.  Festival goers yelled out their joy, and broke into impromptu dance and challenge drinking.  The merriment that clung to the fringes of the Initiation ritual had begun in earnest.

Deep in the privacy of their small hut, Caitlin had rolled over and placed Killian on top of her.  Caitlin kissed the girl on the forehead and spoke quietly.

“Killian. It is not just I who claim you as my own tonight.  You get to claim me as well.  For I am truly yours, and will always be.  You have had my heart since the first moment I laid eyes upon you.  You stole my heart then.  Tonight, right now, I freely give you my soul.”

With that Caitlin kissed Killian deeply. The warrior spread herself and guided Killian down with her hands.  Caitlin moved and rose until Killian’s nether lips were pressed firmly against hers.

“Claim me, Killian.”

Killian had never felt something as profound as this.  Tears flowed freely down her face as she instinctively began to move her hips in rhythm with Caitlin.  Killian scrunched her eyes closed, hoping to extend this bliss for as long as Artemis allowed.  She rocked into Caitlin, feeling the grace and heat of her lover as she pressed into her. 

Killian sensed Caitlin’s coming orgasm as it began deep inside of her.  Killian’s joy met up with Caitlin’s and they carried it until it spilled over in pure loving euphoria.

Killian dropped, after what seemed like million’s of moments, onto Caitlin.  She surrendered out of sheer exhaustion, spent and sated beyond what she had ever known.

Caitlin, for her part, simply lifted the corner of her lip in what passed for a smile, holding her love close to her heart. 

“Tonight,” she whispered, “We Claim one another, truly, deeply, and eternally.  You are mine, and I am yours, and no one may ever come between the bond we hold, here.”  She laid her hand on Killian’s heart, and took Killian’s palm and laid it on her heart. 

“Forever.”  Caitlin kissed Killian’s hand.

Killian breathed deeply, and kissed Caitlin’s hand.  “Forever.”

____****____

Conclusion of - 'Caitlin's Chronicles'