Slaves to Passion (greybishop & ShadowOfDesire)

[ShadowOfDesire]

It did excite her, as shameful as it might have been. If the men in her family ever fell in favor, she'd likely find herself in this exact position unless she could find herself a husband to protect her. She'd imagined this scenario many times, being ravaged by bandits, taken from her ancestral home to be used again and again. The reality wasn't at all romantic, of course. She'd more than likely be killed after they'd have their fun to ensure the family line didn't continue. Or she'd be beaten even worse than her father beat her, punishing her for things that were never her fault. But this... this pretend version of that scenario, it was everything she'd dreamed it would be. Lukas was demanding, but not unkind. She wondered if this was how he treated his companion, felt her jealousy grow at the thought, and admonished herself for feeling that way. She was a Lady, not a slave or former slave to be used as her master desired.

The farce they now enjoyed was delicious, though...

"Yes!" she squealed as he began to truly fuck her. "Oh! Please! More!" Though her ropes had come free, she still struggled to grip the chair, providing her with some stability while he pounded into her time and again. His cock was punishing in her tight channel, filling her completely as it slid easily through that slick velvet. "Fuck me like a whore... please... please fuck me as your slave. Captain... Master..."

She moaned between panted cries, glancing back as his hips continued to slap against her own. Her free hand remained tucked between her legs where he'd positioned it, fingers stroking her throbbing clit frantically. With the rapid thrust of his cock, she could feel herself building once again. It took little more encouragement than that for her to find her pleasure. She cried, chin tipping toward the ceiling as her body seized around him. And still he thrust, even as her cunt tightened around his cock, and her inner muscles rippled around him. That burst of pleasure nearly blinded her, and she would have likely fallen forward without his strong hands gripping her.

Erica rode the waves until they'd nearly passed, but the bliss was still coursing through her when Lukas suddenly yanked himself free. She moaned softly in protest, her body mourning the loss, but choked down her cries as he pulled her about. Pressed to her knees, she willingly opened her mouth to take him. Her eyes remained on his face while that swollen, throbbing shaft slid past her lips and into her mouth. The pressure immediately built around him, a steady suction from the noblewoman's mouth that only came with practice. Her head bobbed, taking more his length, encouraging him to use her mouth as he'd done her cunt. Their flavors mingled on her tongue and made her shudder as she swallowed. Another moan escaped her, vibrating pleasantly through his cock.

---

Jacelyn winced as the woman grabbed hold of her, still feeling each and every ache that the lordling had put there. Though she hurt, she had a bit of strength remaining to her, and kept the woman upright. It irked her, however, at having to do so. The noblewoman's ideas had caused the ranger even more pain than was truly necessary. It did seem as though Marie might know something of what Jacelyn needed to know.

"Then hush and come with me," she hissed back.

She took the lady by the arm and half dragged, half supported her back into the hall, closing the study door behind her quietly. Not giving the woman any choice in the matter, she headed for the stairs, leading her to Jacelyn's own room. They'd be able to have a private conversation there, at least, and could justify their presence there as lovers from the celebration. She didn't stop moving until she was safely in her room with the door latched firmly behind her. Only then did she release the woman, leaving her in a chair by the fire.

She collapsed into the other chair and began to undress, removing her shoes first and then stripping off the ridiculous dress she'd worn. Tossing Marie one of the lap blankets, she curled up beneath the other, wishing she'd ale or whisky to ease the pain in her back.

"Tell me what you know," she said evenly.

 

[greybishop]

Normally Lukas would have enjoyed using Erica's mouth and face and throat as … enthusiastically as he'd used her tight little cunny. But being with her wasn't exactly normal for the big sellsword. Seeing the blonde noblewoman down on her knees, and looking into her beautiful blue eyes as her head bobbed enthusiastically up and down on his throbbing shaft, was something of a fantasy come true for Lukas as well; he'd been with many women over the years, but this was the first time a blueblood was servicing him. Something about that made things quite different in a rather pleasurable way, so instead of handling Erica roughly he just ran his fingers through her curly locks and smiled. "Excellent woman, excellent. I think you've found your true calling. And since you asked me so politely, now I'll give you a taste of my seed." And with that Lukas gave himself permission to let go …

The big mercenary's sack pulled up and tightened, and he started to cum into Erica's mouth just like she wanted him to. He tried to keep his eyes on hers as ropes of his warm essence began erupting from his cock, but the pleasure was too great and he quickly had to close them; while he groaned his fingers tightened in her hair holding her head in place, and his entire body locked up as if he was some sort of living statue. The waves of ecstasy that washed through him in those moments also pushed out all the stress and frustration that had been building within him throughout the day, and he suddenly felt a rush of real emotion for Erica; it wasn't quite like his growing feelings for Jacelyn, but he did suddenly realize how much he actually liked her. And that sudden burst of affection was what caused the words that had been swirling in Lukas' head to coalesce into yet another poem …

Lukas leaned back against a writing table until his vision returned, then looked down at Erica. He offered the noblewoman his hand to help her to stand, and then smiled at her as he placed his palms on her full hips. One big, scarred hand wiped most of the mess from her lips before he looked her in the eyes and kissed her, and then he spoke softly. "I hope M'Lady has enjoyed her entertainment this evening as much as I have." Then the big warrior paused, suddenly seeming hesitant. "I've … the words for your poem came to me while I … " He shrugged his shoulders. "Um … so I hope you like it" And then Lukas took a deep breath, steadied himself and recited the poem his Muse had gifted him for Erica …

Lukas' Poem For Erica

Her mind was as striking as her wit, charm and grace,

Rivaled only by the beauty of her form, hair and face.

But most striking of all? How strong her shoulders could be,

As she carried her burden, with sublime dignity.

---

Lady Marie let herself be led along by Jacelyn, clinging to the ranger as she stumbled after the other woman. Once in Jacelyn's room Marie seemed to slowly recover as she huddled under her blanket, as if it took her awhile to realize she was now someplace safe; as some strength returned to Marie she sat a little straighter and considered Jacelyn, like she was trying to decide how to respond. Then she finally spoke.

"So you're some sort of spy, for your Lord Mathis or someone else." Marie's voice was as flat as the look she was giving the ranger; after a short pause she gave a little nod and then went on. "Alright, I don't know much, but I'll tell you what I know. But then you'll answer a question from me, or I'll start screaming for the guards." The noblewoman looked away for a moment, gathering her thoughts and then resumed speaking without waiting for Jacelyn to agree to her terms.

"Everyone knows Lord Aldrich despises Eric and Erica, because his first wife died birthing them. And that his … thinking became erratic after that as well. First he turned to that new Eastern god, and freed many of his slaves. Expected the rest of us to follow suit, though he couldn't really force us to. Then he married that Southern whore, who spread her legs for any man that caught her fancy." The noblewoman's face twisted in contempt. "When she died too, Aldrich became even worse; Phillip says that if it wasn't for his man Prestwick, Aldrich would be finished." Marie blinked, then suddenly seemed to remember something as she looked away and muttered to herself. "Gods, he's going make me pay for what I did to him tonight." The noblewoman shrank back down into her blanket, but eventually looked over at Jacelyn and went on.

"No one knows where Aldrich is most of the time, or what he's doing, not even Eric or Erica. Maybe not even Prestwick. But Phillip did tell me Aldrich has been seen a few times riding up into the hills with just his bodyguard, headed towards an old monastery." Marie waved one hand rather vaguely off towards the window and the hills and mountains beyond. "It belonged to Hados when the mines were still prosperous, but those monks moved on long ago. I've heard that Aldrich has gifted it to some new brotherhood, some group of stargazers or soothsayers or somesuch. Yet another bunch of crackpots he's latched onto, and who have latched onto him in return no doubt." Marie let silence hang in the air for several moments as she continued to look at Jacelyn. "And that's all. That's everything I can think of that a spy might want to know. And now, if that spy wants me to keep silent, she'd going to answer a question for me."

Marie sat up straight once more and brushed some of her hair back a little. Then she started talking again, in a voice that now somehow seemed not only flat but oddly brittle. "Up in Eric's chambers, when you … kissed me between my legs it was … Did you like it, even a little?" Jacelyn could see the battered woman in front of her was doing everything she could to hold herself together. "Do you like me, even a little?"

---

The entity had dozed for most of the evening, but when Jacelyn returned to her room it perked up; the little shard of itself that resided within her clips hadn't been able to commune with the entity while she was at the bacchanal, but now that they were reunited it learned of everything the woman had done and been through that evening. The list of depravities was a long one and the entity chuckled to itself as it realized she'd actually enjoyed much of it; these creatures were truly an amusing race. But it also began to sense something else even more amusing – the scent of a little godling hiding somewhere nearby. The entity wasn't like its father, but also wasn't quite a god either – while it could affect the mortals' realms, it had to go about things a bit more … indirectly than a godling. But that was alright, it just pulled a little more of itself from its home into the black hammer, giddy at the prospect of being able to … say hello to this Dis Pater fellow …

 

[ShadowOfDesire]

Erica might never know what it'd be like to be completely used by the swordman, but the taste he'd given her (literally and figuratively) was enough to leave the noblewoman completely enamored with him. Her body was thrumming from her own climax when Lukas finally took his pleasure in her mouth, shooting strand upon strand of seed down her throat. She swallowed everything she could, did her best not to choke on what she couldn't, and didn't seem to notice the small portion that leaked from the corners of her mouth until he'd wiped them away. She kissed him eagerly, greedily, knowing it might very well be the last time she'd be able to do so. What happened at the revel stayed at the revel. In the light of day, he'd be a lowly swordsman and she'd once again be too high above his station for him to reach. Their night was coming to an end, and the feeling within her chest was bittersweet. Though she longed to slip away with him, to beg him to help her escape, she knew they would all be in danger if she left the estate. Instead, she gathered her dignity about her like armor and said nothing, simply listening to Lukas' poem with shining adoration in her eyes.

The prose was brief, but touching. She wiped a tear from her cheek at the conclusion. "That was lovely," she said quietly. "Quite likely the nicest and most genuine thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you, Captain, for giving me a night that I shall not ever forget." Rising up on her toes, she kissed him on the cheek, sweetly and without passion, but conveying a genuine affection. The swordsman had captured another heart, and the girl within his arms would dream of him and their encounter for many nights to come.

---

Jacelyn tilted her head as she listened, doing her best to ignore the aches in her body. She'd soon have a bath, but not before the woman across from her was long gone with clear assurances of her silence. A flicker of a smile appeared at the woman's unexpected question. The ranger's heated gaze roved down the blanket as though she could pierce the covering to the soft, curvy body beneath. Her piercing eyes eventually drifted back to the woman's face, and she offered a slight nod of her head.

"I do not like the eagerness of the role you must play in Eric's presence. He'd beaten me a great deal before you arrived, and had no need for your creative ideas that you were so keen to give him. The man is a sadistic bastard, but not very inventive. You should not offer your own suggestions, unless he asks. I have seen what lies in his heart, and it does not bode well for those that he feels do not respect his minor authority. It does not surprise me that his father despises him. You can see it all too clearly in the way the lordling clings to whatever small power he had over you and your peers. I understand that you may not have a choice in the matter, but you should not give such a man your true loyalty. I submit to the Captain because we share a true affection for one another, and he cares for me deeply. A man like Eric will never again be my master, no matter how much we might pretend this night."

"My other feelings for you are vastly different and far more carnal. I was born into slavery, trained to it. I've pleasured both men and women, and derive my own pleasure from both sexes. They are different in their needs, but I can make the body sing in ways that only those trained to it might. You are a very beautiful and desirable woman. Were you amiable to it, I would have you on the bed quivering in the throes of ecstasy, begging for me to give you the finality you crave -- something I could easily do bound and restrained as not."

One eyebrow quirked. "Did you enjoy it? Have you ever before had a woman lapping at your dripping petals, eager to taste you?"

 

[greybishop]

Lukas' hands remained on Erica's full hips as he happily gazed into her beautiful blue eyes; she'd clearly liked the poem he'd composed for her and oddly enough that pleased him more than anything else that had happened between them that evening. But as he dragged out the moment after she'd kissed him for as long as he could, the back of the sellsword's mind was already considering things as was his want …

It would be easy enough for him and Jacelyn to spirit Erica away from the madhouse she lived in, but what exactly would that accomplish? Lord Aldrich's response would undoubtedly be to send his guards and rangers after her, which would only complicate the search for Isolde even further. And even if Erica could evade those sent after her, what would she do to earn her keep on her own? Become a wandering trobairitz perhaps? That might be an option if she had the talent and wanted to pursue it, but it seemed unlikely to the veteran sellsword; more probable, given the way of the world, was that Erica would end up earning coin on her back whether she wanted to or not. So the best thing for her certainly would be to stay the course at Aldrich Manor and hope one of two things happened ...

The first of those was the traditional option – that she'd finally be married off to some nobleman, who'd hopefully treat her as she deserved. There wasn't much Lukas could do to help with that, other than wonder why it hadn't occurred already; to his way of thinking Erica's beauty, wit and grace made her quite the catch for some blueblood looking to ally himself with House Aldrich. Perhaps her father hadn't found a suitable match for her yet, or more likely just wanted to keep his daughter close so he could continue to torment her for "causing" the death of his first wife.

Then there was the … less traditional option, the one that he'd seen exercised a few times in his travels; that Erica would become the Lady Aldrich due to the sudden, untimely demise of both her father and brother. That sort of thing was known to happen from time to time, particularly in the South and might have provided the basis for Erica's rather … unorthodox fantasy. And that notion really got the sellsword's mind moving …

Lukas wrapped his strong arms around Erica's slender, nude body and pulled her snugly up against his hard, scarred form. And then he kissed her cheek lightly and went on to whisper in a voice so low that even an eavesdropping servant wouldn't have been able to hear it – and hopefully assume he was just muttering further terms of endearment into the noblewoman's pretty little ear.

"There's precious little I can do to help you any further Erica. Or at least not as much as I'd like. I'm lowborn, and in any event already have … think I have, another woman in my life who is … my woman. But …" The sellsword paused only for a second, then spoke from his heart. "If you ever really did want to become the Lady Aldrich, I could … would help you if you wanted me to." Now that he'd said it, the words came out of Lukas far more easily. "After we've found Isolde. It would take time, and a lot of silver, and be dangerous … not just for me, but you as well. But …" He hugged the noblewoman so firmly for a moment that it might have seemed to her like she was in the arms of a bear. "… if that's your heart's desire, I will help you make it so. But only if you want me to."

Lukas loosened his embrace and stepped back to once again place his hands on Erica's hips, looking her in the eyes for a moment to make sure she'd understood what he'd just offered. Then, not needing an immediate answer, he went to retrieve their bacchanal costumes and offered Erica's garment to her; the sellsword decided to follow the noblewoman's lead on whether they should dress at this point and went on in a much louder and lighter tone.

"So if our visit to the library is done Lady Erica, I'd be happy to accompany you anywhere else you like. Back to the festivities, someplace else on the manor, or perhaps you'd like me to walk you back to your chambers?" Lukas grinned. "And if the rules of these revels permit, I'd be happy to escort you into your chambers, to make sure that your bed is warmed properly before you retire for the evening …"

---

Lady Marie stiffened when Jacelyn flipped things about and asked if the noblewoman had enjoyed their previous … interaction. And Marie's pale skin also reddened noticeably, so much so that the fading handprint on her left cheek almost vanished. But to the noblewoman's credit she didn't look away from the ranger, though it seemed like she wanted to, and instead Marie's bright green eyes stayed locked on Jacelyn's beautiful brown ones until she finally replied. "Yes. Yes I did enjoy it." There was a short pause. "Very much." Then and only then did Marie turn her head away and sigh. And when she looked back at the ranger her voice and gaze were softer, though not really weak.

"I was a virgin when Phillip and I married. As was expected of me." The noblewoman shrugged her slender shoulders as she shook her head, as if to say "That's just how it is for us," then went on aloud. "His mother actually checked before the marriage arrangements were finalized. Even after she … examined me, she still had her misgivings. Said my hips were too narrow, were those of a boy. That I would have difficulty bearing Phillip's heir." Marie sat up a little straighter and continued speaking directly to Jacelyn. "She was right in her own way; I screamed from sundown to sunup the first time. But I proved the bitch wrong in the end, three times in three years. Two sons and my daughter, all healthy thank the gods." A triumphant little smile crossed Marie's face for a moment, but then she sighed again as she looked away; when the noblewoman's gaze returned to the ranger her face looked sad.

"After that Phillip lost interest in me. He took a mistress with a woman's figure and left me to continue learning about …" Marie waved her hand airily as a wry grin crossed her face "… lovemaking on my own." The noblewoman actually laughed a little then. "Not that he ever had been that much of a teacher;" Marie shrugged her shoulders and shook her head once again. "So eventually I laid with one of our stableboys for a time, and one of my guards after that." The noblewoman smiled then. "They were different in so many ways but shared one thing in common; they were both far more … enthusiastic and energetic than Phillip ever was." Marie actually seemed happy just then, both with her memories and to be sharing them with Jacelyn.

"Then one evening, when I was being bathed I … noticed one of my maids. Her form was much like that which Phillip favors, and I suddenly realized how young and sweet and fresh she also was. So I dismissed my other maids and …" Marie waved her hand again, then suddenly seemed to become distraught as she looked down into her lap where her fingers were tied up in knots. "She was confused. Didn't understand what … why I wanted her alone. And so … so I just … had my way with her. Which only made her more confused. I didn't know what I was doing, even though I tried to copy some of the things the stableboy and guard had showed me." Marie didn't look up as she shook her head. "It was a disaster."

After thinking quietly for a time the noblewoman looked back up at Jacelyn with a strange expression on her face, then cast her blanket aside and stood. As Marie walked towards the ranger Jacelyn could again see that while the noblewoman's mother-in-law had had a point, she'd pressed it rather too far. Marie's hips were indeed slim, but hardly those of a boy. And her chest, though far more modest than Jacelyn's or Erica's, was still the bosom of a grown woman. And to complete the noblewoman's decidedly feminine appearance, the curly ginger locks framing her pretty, fine featured face caressed her pale shoulders as she moved. But in addition to all that, Jacelyn could also see that Marie had been as roughly treated that evening as the ranger had. Besides the fading slap mark on her face, red strap marks were also visible on the front of the noblewoman's torso, and she continued to walk rather gingerly; the cause of Marie's strange gait might have remained a mystery to Jacelyn, had the ranger's sharp eyes not glimpsed dark spots on the pale yellow cushion where the noblewoman had just been sitting …

With as much dignity as she could muster Marie stood before Jacelyn, looked the ranger in the eyes, and spoke with an odd calm. "It was wrong of me to help Eric with you. And I'm sorry. It's just … When you changed all the rules tonight I wanted …" There was a pause. "I don't know what I wanted. To make Phillip feel the way he makes me feel. To be with other men who would make me feel good." Marie swallowed hard, then had to look away as she continued. "To get Eric to like me." Marie closed her eyes and her voice became distant for a moment. "I was a fool." Then she looked back at Jacelyn and continued on as she sank to her knees.

"And yet, despite all I did, you helped me. Were strong enough to carry me down here, away from … him." Marie placed her hands atop the blanket covering Jacelyn's knees, though the contact was as light as a feather, as if the noblewoman expected them to be pushed away any moment. "So if there is anything more I can do for you … anything at all … just tell me … show me, how to … thank you properly." Marie paused then looked down at her knees. "If you want me to."

As the noblewoman quietly knelt there waiting for Jacelyn's … decision? … judgement? …rejection? … the ranger could see that Marie's entire slender body was trembling like a leaf …

 

[ShadowOfDesire]

Erica's soft gasp as the swordsman held her tightly wasn't of fear, but of desire. He'd brought her to pleasure more than once during their time together, but she could already feel her body rising to meet him, begging for another chance to feel such overwhelming desire. His whispered words caused her tender heart to hammer against her chest even more. Her wide eyes stared up at him in surprise as he pulled back, truly shocked at the offer he'd made -- shocked that he'd want to help her in such fashion at great personal risk. Her cheeks warmed and blushed prettily. Unable to hold his piercing gaze a moment longer, she looked down, though couldn't stop the tiny smile that pulled at her lips.

"Perhaps... perhaps I might see you again to have such a discussion...," she murmured quietly in response. "After you've completed your task, of course." Her eyes flitted back to his briefly, shining with unshed tears that she blinked away.

Losing him seemed a great imposition, even for the brief time it took him to collect her clothing. Losing the heat from his lean, muscular form, she had to content herself with studying him as he walked with such confidence, even naked. And yet he didn't preen or strut, though he could surely feel her looking. The difference between him and her brother was painfully obvious. Lukas was a man that needed no reassurances from others. He needed no sycophants to fawn over him to know his worth. He likely enjoyed being worshiped, as all men did, but it wasn't his only goal in life.

She'd slipped her garment on halfway when he offered yet another proposition. As the flowy gown settled into place against her naked skin, she flushed once more, though couldn't stop the grin that spread over her pouty lips. "I thought you'd surely be bored of me by now and eager to return to your woman." Her arm linked with his, pressing her soft feminine form against him. "I am greatly flattered that you don't want the night to end, because I don't either. Escort me to my room, and perhaps stay a while?"

---

Some of the stress that Jacelyn had been carrying in her shoulders bled out the moment the woman touched her. Nobly born or no, Marie had suffered at the hands of men, just as the ranger had her entire life. Control, rejection, enslavement. Even though the woman had her freedom, she was still not completely free. It was a truth of many women, and one that made Jacelyn burn with anger deep within her chest.

Leaning forward slightly, she took Marie's soft hand into her calloused one and brought them tenderly to her lips. Another hand reached to lightly caress her hair, swooping an errant lock behind her ear. "You have no reason to thank me or to ask for forgiveness. This was not of your making. I am here of my own accord, choosing the path of this night for several reasons. I expected to find both pain and pleasure, but I never expected to find a kindred soul among the nobles that this lordling commands."

"Stay with me," she asked, her voice dipping huskily. "Bathe with me. Let us soothe one another's aches and wounds. And then, perhaps, when the worst of the evening has been washed away, we might find the pleasure you've been craving. I can show you how to pleasure a woman. How it is different from pleasing a man. Before this night is done, you will be once more exhausted and limp, though not from pain or torture." The ranger leaned forward a trifle more to catch the woman's mouth with her own, offering the softest of kisses -- the sort that could easily grow into something heated if stoked properly.

"Stay with me," she whispered in the woman's ear.