New Beginning, Bound And Chained 2
By: V. L. Marquette
Lightly edited by: Ravyn
(Authors Note) This is a work of fiction, nothing more. Any resemblance
to anyone, alive or dead is purely coincidental. But, honestly folks, this
takes place on another planet. So this little warning is kind of silly don't ya
think?
*****WARNING***** (NO ONE, AND I DO MEAN NO ONE.) Under the age of 18,
or who lives in an area that this sort of material is illegal, should not read
any farther. CHAPTER 12
Kerfan looked down into the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.
"Bright Eyes, I have something I need to talk to you about." There was no easy
way to break this to him. He was going to have to tell the one person he loved
as much as he had loved his daughters' mother, that in order to keep him, he was
going to have to take a lady.
Shern was on guard a once. His maser never spoke to him like this, not
even when he was correcting him. "Something happen? Are the boy's okay? They
aren't hurt are they" He had just spoken to Drav and Jaxim, so he knew his
brother's were fine.
Kerfan smiled down at him, shaking his head. "Our son's are fine." It
still amazed him that his bright eyed little Lover was still so sure that their
boy's would never accept him, when he was the one that worried the most about
the two. "What I have to discuss with you has nothing to do with them." He
stopped, looked down a little uncomfortable. "Well it is going to have a
permanent effect on them, but nothing physically detrimental."
Shern looked at him strangely. "Then what is it Master?"
Kerfan closed his eyes, trying to come up with the words. "You know how
I have told you more than once, that if I had a lady, that I could take you as
my consort as well. But because I don't, all I could ever offer you was a place
as my Lover?" He stroked Shern's cheek. "Well Bright Eyes, it would seem that
I am going to be able to finally take that promise, and make it a fact."
Shern looked up at him, not sure how to react. He wanted to throw his
arms around his master and jump for joy, but the way his master was behaving, it
was as if he wasn't happy with the chance to take him from just being his Lover
and making him his consort. "And, do you have a problem with this Master?"
"Only in the fact that it is being forced on me. I either wed, or lose
my freedom. And this little girl, you saw her yesterday, the little pregnant
girl that Cay was taking care of. She is not going to be easy in the beginning.
It's going to be as hard, if not worse than it was for the boy's. They still
are jumpy around you, but they are young and the young tend to snap back from
things much faster than adults do. I am afraid that it might take her a bit
longer to come to peace with you, than either Lane or Trent." There he had said
it. "Fortunately, we have two cycles to get her to the point that she is over
her fear of you. You might have never though your youth was ever going to be a
plus for you. But trust me baby, with this girl, the fact that you are only
just now fifteen, and were still too young to be anything more than a victim
when she was, that is going to be the strongest deciding factor for her.
Shern let out a sigh of relief. He had come to almost expect this kind
of thing from those who did not know him. If that was all that was going to be
wrong, he could face it. "Lord and Lady, Master, I thought something wrong had
happened." The fear drained out of him as he leaned against Kerfan. "You came
at me with such a frightening look, I though either the boy's were hurt, or I
had done something wrong."
Kerfan looked down at the younger man. "And you are at peace with this?
I had been so worried that you would not be willing to accept what I was going
to have to do."
Shern giggled. "Master, I have been half wishing that you had a lady so
you could take me from just your Lover to your Consort, like Steff did with
Drav. After mistress Trinna took him as her third." His grip tightened around
Kerfan. "As for the boy's, if this lady is willing to accept them as yours and
my son's, they will be thrilled. I know that they have looked around at others,
even the bedwarmers they have mistress Kaj as a mother, but our two, they only
have us. I was raised without a mother. Mine died back when I was so young. I
wouldn't wish that on any child, Master. When it was only you and I, then a
father is better than being an orphan. But if you take this lady, and she is
willing to stand as their mother, just think of how much it would help them."
Kerfan was stunned. He had been so worried that his love, would be
hurt, and not understand why he had to do this, and yet, here he was. Listing
all the reason's that it was a good idea. "Anyone talk to you about this `yet,
Shern?" He had to make sure that this was what his Lover really felt, and not
just something that he had been talked into.
Shern looked at him, a bit hurt. "No, Master."
"So this is how you honestly feel? No coercion, no bits of gentle
advice, this is how you truly feel?"
"I don't understand, Master." Had he said something wrong? "I thought
you would be happy that I don't mind the thought of getting a lady. Was I
wrong?"
His arms tightened around Shern. "No, baby, you weren't wrong. It's
just that I didn't think that you would understand." He just chuckled. "Never
mind me, Bright Eve's, I'm being an old fool."
Shern giggled again. "Master, you are only two cycles older than
Jerrick, I don't call that old. And you are, 'not', a fool."
Kerfan laughed tousling Shern's hair. "Well, let's go track down our
two and see if they are as happy about this as you are."
"I think they are in the backyard."
"Well then love, let's go see if they are willing to be bothered in
their play." Then he stopped, smiling at Shern. "You do realize that if I go
to woo this girl, you are going to have to get used to making love to me for
awhile. It's going to take her some time to come to the point that she feel's
safe with you making love to her."
Shern just grinned. "I think I can learn to deal with Master, no
problems at all."
* * *
Lauren patted her baby on the back to see if she could get her to burp.
"She should be full now, Master. But, do I have to send her to the nursery
right away? Can't I play with her a little more?" She looked to Caytin with
her amber eyes so pleading.
"Only if I can play with her, too." He ran his fingers through her
silver fuzz on the top of her head. "You do realize with her and Averin being
so close together in age, they can grow up, almost as twins. Though his eyes
are silver to her amber. Who knows, with them growing up as closely as they
will, in the end, you might have a lady and her first consort in the making
here."
It was still so much for her. To think that only a few weeks ago, she
was looking at the loss of her child. And now, she was going to see that same
child grow up free, and one day take a husband. But this time, the rules were
different. Never again was she ever going to have to worry about her daughter
ending up with a man like Kern. No here, the women ruled. The men were slaves
here, and unlike the way she had been treated when she was with Kern, it wasn't
the same. She was a slave, this was true, but so far no one had hurt her. She
had been treated well. They had saved her baby. Even gone so far as having
this man, who was her master, but who also was willing to stand as Savell's
father. And if he did what he had promised. He was going to track down Kern,
and tell him not only was she here. But that he was now claiming the paternity
to her daughter, and he could do nothing about it. Yes, all in all, her life
was so much better, even if she was still a slave.
"So where has your mind gone to little one?" Caytin had felt the
resolve from her. "Making any big plans"
"Oh no, Master. Just thinking about my baby and the fact that here she
is wanted. I'm still having to resist pinching myself just to make sure I'm not
dreaming."
Caytin smiled at her. "Well, why don't we send her on down to the
nursery so that I can prove a few other things to you as well. I know that we
all are hoping that Kerfan sees what he can do about wooing you, but for now, I
haven't even welcomed you into my house and family yet." He held out his arms,
waiting patiently for her to pass him their daughter. "Come on Lauren. I am
her father. Surely you don't think I would hurt her. The threat of losing her
earlier, almost cut my heart out."
Lauren looked down, blushing as she handed him her baby. "I know
Master, I don't know what is wrong with me. I guess it's that I've been afraid
for so long that I don't know how to be anything else."
"Well, my dear, you are about to learn to do many things other than
fear. That is why our mistress put you in my care. She knows that with me, you
will learn to be anything but afraid." He leaned down to kiss her lightly. "Be
right back my dear. I'll go have one of the bedwarmers tale our girl to the
nursery."
Lauren sat there on the bed, still without any clothes. She should feel
embarrassed. But, after everything that had happened to her so far. She was
just so tired of being afraid and embarrassed. All she wanted to do was believe
in someone again. That there was actually a man out there that didn't want to
hurt her. Didn't want to make her feel like she was nothing.
She knew that sooner or later the reality would kick in and she would
see what these people were really like. But for now, she could hide in the
pretty lies. She knew it was all so pretty, it had to be a lie. So if she just
let it happen, then what was the harm? After all, she knew it was a lie, so
when the truth really came out. She wouldn't be so hurt. She had at least had
a little time. Maybe even get the chance to see he daughter grow up before she
died. Because she knew, one more nightmare, and she would not have the strength
to pull herself up again. She had been beaten too many times. The chorus of
the men and women that neighbored their home, and their accusations of being a
traitor and a whore to those who had done so much evil, and Kern, had the wars
not taken so much from him. The women around their house spoke that there had
been a time before the wars started that he had been a gentleman and was loved
by many.
'Oh, well' that isn't going to change any part of her past. She was
here now, and yes, so she had been told that her servitude as a slave was only
supposed to be for two cycles. But she was not holding her breath on that
promise.
The more she thought about it, the more attractive her masters
suggestion that she at least try to get to know that other man, the one that was
free. Who knows he might even be gentle with her.
Caytin slipped back into the room. "What ever you are thinking, the
tension of your thought is so heavy that I can feel you from ten feel away from
the door." He began to loosen his tunic. "So what has your mind all in knots?
She clutched the sheet to her chest, even though she knew it was
foolish, she couldn't help herself. "Nothing important, Master. Just thinking
about my future." She scooted over to give him room.
"Well I don't know about you, but I'm all thought out for a while. So,
will you allow me to give you something else to think about?" He gently pulled
her close and the sheet from her.
"One more question, Master. Then I promise, I'll be quiet." She was
surprised that the feel of his hands on her skin didn't hurt. She had never
thought that any touch wouldn't hurt.
Caytin just chuckled softly. "Little one, you can ask all the questions
you want. If the thought of being with me is still frightening to you, I'll be
patient." He stroked her cheek. "Now what is your question?"
She blushed, "I was only thinking about the other master. The one that
is free, did you mean what you said? That you trust him? He won't be mad
because you said that you wouldn't give up your claim and protection of my
daughter?"
Caytin was a little shocked at her question. He had been ready to
answer almost any other question from her than that. Did he thrust Kerfan,
would he be upset that he claimed Savell? "Lauren," he tried to word his
answer very carefully. Wouldn't do to frighten her now, not when she was
actually making the first gesture of trust outside of the birth of their child.
"Yes I trust Kerfan. He is our mistresses sister's, the Healer Trinna's father.
And no, he will not be upset that I am not willing to give up my daughter. If
anything, he would feel hurt for the question. We are not like those that you
grew up around." He stroked her hair, brushing his lips against her brow. "Is
that all little one? Can I answer anymore of your questions, or can I now see
to it that you are finally able to know that the touch of a real man, never
hurts?" His hands began to slowly move over her skin. "To think, anyone could
want to harm something this lovely. It's a sin against all life"
"Master?"
"Ssshh, not now precious, I might be you master, as I am all the others
that live in this government, but call me Cay, or if that is still too much for
you, Caytin. Now what is your question, this time?"
"I am having a hard time believing that this isn't either a dream or a
really pretty lie. My life has never been an easy one. My mother died giving
me birth. My father and older brother never forgave me for that. Then the war
came and my older brother died. My father had no time in his life for me. So
he sold me to Kern, and you know what happened then."
Caytin shushed her. "Never again. Trust me little one, you will learn
soon that real men do not find pleasure in causing pain with every touch." He
slowly reached up to cup her left breast. Gently rolling her nipple between his
thumb and forefinger. Smiling softly as she moaned. "See. Little one, I am not
hurting you, nor will anyone ever hurt you like this." This one was not going
to be easy. But then again, why should she be? Her only knowledge if the act
had all been rapes. Her own husband, the man that she should have been able to
trust in the most had raped her their first night together. And then to add
more horror to the already cruel act of fate, she had suffered multiple rapes
from those that were in the process of destroying her people. Caytin could feel
anger at the mad man that hurt those in his house so grievously. But he didn't
feel anger towards this poor child's fate, only sadness.
"I am very thankful that the Healer lives in our home, and is family."
His lips brushed her nipple lightly.
Lauren lifted her head. "Why?"
"Because my dear, I happen to have a great fondness for mothers milk."
He chuckled as he reached up to kiss her. "Am I to take the fact that you are
not crying, nor are you pushing me away, that you trust me?
She looked up, doing something that she had never done before, and put
her faith and trust into the hands of another man. She bit her bottom lip,
nodding. "I think that I can trust you." There was no going back. Good or
ill, now was the point that she would know.
Caytin chuckled softly, reaching up to cup her chin. "You don't have to
question your trust in me, little one. Even though you come to this bed, just
after giving birth to one of the loveliest babies I have ever seen. I will
treat you as if you were still just a maid coming to me to offer your virginity
up to the Mother." He kissed Lauren's brow. "I promise, your trust in me will
not be abused. No one is ever going to abuse it ever again."
It was just too much. His offer of being in a bed, with a man, and not
coming away hurt. Was so unbelievable that she had never dared dream of it.
Caytin pulled back to go and track down something to help ease her even
more. She tried to hold him tighter, a single whimper came from her. Now
that she had finally been able to dare to trust. She didn't want to risk
anything to gve her time to change her mind. "Ssshh, I am going nowhere. I
only need to get something to help you to relax. I promise, just a few minutes,
and I will be back." He squeezed her fingers gently. "I promise."
She nodded. Trying to hold on to the promise that he had given her.
"Okay." She looked so much like nothing but a little girl, lying there.
That Caytin hat to remind him self that she was older than she looked. Now he
fully understood how his Lover had felt the first time he saw her.
* * *
Both Kerfan and Shern stumbled back laughing, as each was almost over
ran by one of their son's diving at them. "Here now, what is this?" Kerfan
looked down at the child in his arms. "Lane?"
The boys both looked a tad mischievous. "Nothing Papa. We just thought
maybe, if we could catch you off guard. That we could if it was all right with
you, you know, have dinner tonight with both of you?" It was almost shocking,
after how their boy's came into their life. That is was Lane and not Trent
that was the more aggressive of the two.
Kerfan looked up smiling at Shern, with an almost, 'I told you so', look
in his eyes. It had only been a few days, and already their boys were beginning
to accept both of them as parents. He knew Shern had feared that they would
never accept him, but Kerfan knew better. There was no way that anyone could
hold hatred against his little Lover, not for long. He knew that Shern was the
kindest and most gentle of souls that could exist and not be a spirit. He had
come to realize that ever since taking him and putting behind him, protecting
him from all things. That this gentle and loving soul would one day grow into a
man that if not greater than his older brother, his equal. "Funny that the two
of you should be asking the very thing I was going to suggest. 'We'" he looked
up at Shern. "Have something that we need to talk to you both about."
"What ever it is," Trent, who was holding on to Shern. He had seen
enough of how wrong he had been when he tried to kill the other one and the
little girl, in just a few days. That he would forever try to make up for what
he had tried to do. "Lane did it."
"No I didn't." The boy in Kerfan's arms protested as both Shern and
Kerfan began to laugh.
"It has nothing to do with anyone doing anything." Kerfan motioned
Shern to bring Trent closer. "I am going to wed soon. And Shern and I need to
know how the two of you would feel about getting a mother."
Both boys' faces lit up. This time it was Shern's turn to look smug.
"I mentioned that both of you kept looking and all the rest who have both a
mother and a father. Even the bedwarmers, who have children, they have mistress
Kaj as a mother."
Kerfan was very glad that his Lover, young though he was, was still old
enough to know that their children would not understand the reason's why he was
to wed.
"When are we gonna meet her?" Both boys said in unison.
"Well that all depends on her. You probably haven't seen her yet. She
was the pregnant woman that Kaj brought into her home yesterday. She has just
given birth, and is going to take a few days to come to terms with her life
here." Kerfan stood up, pulling Lane up into his arms. "Shern, do you think
you can carry Trent, or do I need to have them both climb up on my back?"
Shern laughed, pulling the boy up on his hip. "I might not be as strong
as most of the men here, but I can still carry my son, Master. He doesn't weigh
that much."
"Good, well come on then. I don't know about you or them, but I am
starved, the sooner we get them cleaned up and ready, the sooner we can eat."
* * *
Caytin lay there, Lauren in his arms as she wept against his chest.
"Ssshh, little one? What is wrong? I know I didn't hurt you. So please tell
me, what is wrong?"
She shook her head, trying to compose herself enough to speak. "No, you
didn't hurt me. It was wonderful, so wonderful." The she broke down into fresh
sobs. "Everything was so wonderful. Why didn't anyone show me how good it
really can be?"
He just hugged her tighter. "What we, you and I, did was share a moment
of compassion. That fool, who was once your husband. And those, creatures,
that forced themselves on you they never shared anything with you. What I have
done is gift the mother of my child, with my love. Before, the never gave you
anything. They did nothing but take."
She lay there on his arms, thinking about what he had just said. He had
'shared' his love with her. And finally after countless days, weeks, moons and
cycles of fear and pain. She began to actually begin to believe that maybe,
just maybe, it was all going to turn our all right.
* * *
Kerfan smiled at Shern, as they settled their boys in chairs. The two
youngsters were grinning like a couple of fools. It was not often that any of
the younger boys were allowed to sit at the adult tables. Even girls under
thirteen were, not often, welcomed at the main table.
Trent watched as Caytin led a young woman to the table. "Papa?" He
looked to Kerfan and Shern. "Who is she? And why isn't she with all the other
ladies?"
Kerfan was a little surprised that Caytin had brought her to the table
so soon. He had expected that it would take at least two or three days before
he brought her out. "That is Lauren. She is the one that Shern and I were
talking to you both about a little earlier. And I have no idea why Caytin is
bringing her out so soon."
"But she is sitting at the slaves table." Lane was very confused. "Why
isn't she with the other ladies at the other table?"
Kerfan pulled his son close. "Ssshh," he whispered into Lane's ear.
"Kaj had to put her in her home as a slave for two cycles. So she could learn
how to make her own place in her new life."
"Master," Shern looked from where Lauren sat to Kerfan. "Is she the one
that you intend to wed?"
"Yes, but I will have to go very slow with her. You see how frightened
she is."
"Why is she afraid?"
"She has been through a lot for one so young. I'm counting on the two
of you to help her come to feel this is her home." He ruffled both boys' hair.
"I can count on the two of you, to help her to come to find peace here can't I?"
Two heads bobbed up and down as the watched her.
