Message-ID: <25072asstr$963148206@assm.asstr-mirror.org> X-Original-Message-ID: <20000708083233.954.qmail@nym.alias.net> From: Delta <delta@nym.alias.net> Subject: {ASSM} RP "A Question of Honour" by Delta 4\5 (MF) Date: Sun, 9 Jul 2000 09:10:06 -0400 Path: assm.asstr-mirror.org!not-for-mail Approved: <assm@asstr-mirror.org> Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.moderated,alt.sex.stories Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d X-Archived-At: <URL:http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/Year2000/25072> X-Moderator-Contact: ASSTR ASSM moderation <story-ckought69@hotmail.com> X-Story-Submission: <ckought69@hotmail.com> X-Moderator-ID: gill-bates, IceAltar RE Should you wish to comment upon my story, I can be reached by E-mail at: delta @ nym . alias . net Comments and critizisms are welcome. Standard disclaimers: This is a work of fiction - no character within is a depiction of any real person, living or dead. No place or event described within exists outside of the writer's imagination. Copyright retained by the author and this post is for private use of the reader only. It is not to be published in any form whatsoever, including being made available on BBSs, or on Web Pages, without the express prior consent of author. Any readers who are underage in the jurisdiction in which they reside are asked to please pass by. Delta. A QUESTION OF HONOUR Chapter 4 Lere had found some of the Quella which Riltan had identified for him. Quella, that leafy vegetable with its thick, edible root which lent a piquant taste to their meals, was a welcome addition to their food supply. He proudly showed the small group his triumph. Riltan smiled at the happy face amid the armful of vegetation. Lere, with his hair windblown and wild, looked like he belonged with the Quella. It was getting close to time for a haircut. "Take a look at our 'Seeker', Takene," Iro said softly. Takene glanced over. "What is it?" "It's the first time I've seen him smile. It makes him a little less scary." Iro liked the smile. Takene looked again. Iro was right. She, also, had never seen Riltan smile. It was a measure of her success, she thought, feeling both proud of her accomplishment and guilty because of the reason for it. For first two nights after their little talk, Takene had taken great care to remain alert with Riltan while he was sleeping. She slept lightly and at the merest sign of a bad dream, she would awaken and begin talking softly to him, stroking him, interposing herself, as it were, between the dream and Riltan. It didn't matter that he wouldn't understand what she was saying, her tone would tell his sleeping mind all that it needed to know. In the two days since, Riltan had evinced a change from one who was waiting, expectant, tight, to one who was able to relax. Not to totally relax, but to relax a little. From the time they had met he had always been able to sit quietly, unmoving, yet had never seemed to relax. Now it was different and Takene felt that she could take a great deal of credit for the change. "He scares you?" Takene recalled Iro's words and wondered at them. "I said it makes him less scary, and that's not the same thing." Iro defended herself. "I've never been scared of him, except maybe that first day, for a minute or two. I think he's kind of cute." Takene choked. "Cute?" She looked again to Riltan whose face was no longer smiling, yet which held the essence of good humour. He had strong features; one might call him handsome in a rugged sort of way, but cute? "Yes. And I think it's about time." Iro's look sharpened, wondering how Takene would respond. It wasn't her fault that Riltan didn't find Takene attractive enough to take for his own. Iro understood. Takene was getting old. If Takene would give her her chance, as she was supposed to, Iro was sure that Riltan would come to her gladly. "You do, do you? Well, I don't. And as your . . ." "As my surrogate aunt you are supposed to provide me with a man to instruct me in the arts of lovemaking . . ." "Someone suitable." Neither woman was allowing the other to complete an argument. "There is no one else, Takene - unless you have some other man stashed away . . ." "Riltan is not suitable, Iro." Takene was frustrated. She knew her duty well enough, but to fulfill it could bring unknown hazards down upon them. "Well I think he is," Iro replied loftily. "And I think he's sweet. He'll do just fine. If it is too much for you to arrange, all you have to do is step aside. I'll do the rest." "Sweet?" The girl must be fantasizing about him. Sweet? This was getting out of hand. "So, you think he's a cute, sweet man. I don't know how you came to that conclusion, but I'll accept it as the way you see him. Just do one thing for me, Iro," Takene paused. "What's that?" Was Takene finally going to relent? "It's about time to wash some clothes. You and I will do that. I want you to take a good look at Riltan's body and then tell me again how cute and sweet he is. "Riltan," she called. His head swung around to look at them. <Give-me shirt> His eyebrows went up. <Wash. Smell> she made a face. Riltan took a quick sniff at his shirt and looked quizzically at Takene. Then he shrugged and with a bemused look pulled it off and handed it to her as she and Iro came near. The sun was warm on his skin and with a contented sigh he lay back and closed his eyes. A few moments later, sensing something, his eyes flicked open again. Iro stood above him, looking in fascination at his torso. He looked down at himself and became aware of the scars. Becoming aware of the scars, he became aware, also, of how they had come about and his face clouded over. They were not happy memories - did not, in fact, belong to him, but to the other, the one before him. Slightly irritated, he arose and dug his other shirt out of his pack and put it on. When he turned again, Iro had gone. He sighed once again, then moved to help Lere clean and prepare the Quella. "Why did you do that?" Iro hissed at Takene. "Was it really necessary?" "Yes. You want to be treated like a woman, are a woman, so yes, it was necessary. I find it hard not to try to protect you, I've been Guardian too long for that, yet there are things you should know. That was one of them. "Our 'cute, sweet' Riltan is the most dangerous man you have ever seen. He didn't just come by those scars. He earned them, every one. And it's my bet that none who gave him any of those scars is alive anymore." "You just want him for yourself," Iro pouted, then her eyes widened in pain as Takene gripped her arm with such force that she gasped. "Listen, and listen carefully." Takene was angry and Iro tried to shrink from her. "You remember the man who was going to rape me?" With Takene's eyes boring into hers from such close range Iro was forced to recall. "Yes, Takene." She had nearly called Takene 'Guardian', she was so cowed. "Well, he was a dead man before Riltan ever showed up." Takene released her hold on Iro. It was time the young woman learned something of life. "He was dangerous in his own way, but I was never worried about him. I wasn't afraid. He was a dead man." "What do you mean?" "Simply that I was going to kill him." She smiled at Iro's wide eyed expression. It was not a pleasant smile. "Sure, he might have raped me first - I was ready for that - but he would not have lived out the day. He was not a problem." Takene could see that, shocked though Iro was, she believed her. "Not a problem, at all," she repeated. "But our friend Riltan," she took a deep breath, "he's a different proposition altogether. When I saw him I was frightened. I wouldn't have stood a chance against him, not even though he was dead on his feet. "Now, it is a different story. He trusts me - a little. I've worked hard to gain his trust. I've been careful to go at his pace. I haven't pushed him at all. Do you know why, Iro?" Her voice was like a whiplash. "Why?" Iro was forced to ask the question which she didn't want the answer to. Takene composed herself. Her voice became calm and considered, and that much more frightening because of it. Iro realized that she had never truly known her Guardian. "Because, should it come to it, it might - it just might - slow him down that fraction which will allow me to kill him. Because, due to all that work, due to the trust I've gained, I might have the slimmest chance. Understand me, Iro, just the slimmest chance, no more. He is dangerous, Iro, he is a killer." Iro plucked up her courage. "Not to us, not anymore." Takene relaxed and smiled a tired smile as she put the dirty clothes into the wash bucket. "Perhaps not, Iro, perhaps not. He has changed, I agree, yet he could change back again. If that happens, we will need every break we can get. If you and I fight over him, he will be on guard, our chances will be diminished." Iro was more impressed with Takene than she wanted to let on. Her argument was powerful enough to convince her that there should be no fight between them. "Then let's not fight. Let me have him, or at least share him. It's my right to . . ." "He's not suitable, Iro." Takene was weary. "How can you . . . ." Suddenly Iro understood. "You know who he is, don't you?" Takene smiled, "Let's give him the benefit of the doubt. I know who he was." "Who?" Iro's curiosity overcame her reluctance to know. "Trust me when I tell you that it is better that you don't know. I'm sorry, Iro, I truly am. If it were different, I would have no qualms about you having 'my man' as your first." She scrubbed at Riltan's shirt. "I had a man for some years before he was taken from me. He made me very happy. I want that for you, too. I would do nothing to take that away from you. You deserve to be brought into the full flower of womanhood by the best. I love you, Iro, like I would my own daughter. If my man were here, now, we would not be having this discussion." There were tears in her eyes, though she could not understand why. She could see Iro's eyes misting over as well. Then the tears were flowing and they were in each other's arms. The recognition of the empty spot within was a pain that wouldn't be denied. They held each other a long time before finally breaking apart. Takene wiped at her face and gave a half laugh. "Come on and let's finish the laundry. They boys will be wondering what's keeping us." Riltan had been going out more and more often to look over the approaches to the camp. He appeared on edge and Takene finally faced him with it. <Your people come when?> he asked her. Takene frowned. <My people? Come-here why?> Was that what he was worried about? <Look for caravan. See what happen then> Ah, so that was it. <My people not come-here> she told a disbelieving Riltan. She smiled at his doubt. <My people know what happen then. Four, maybe six, my people escape. Looking ahead - in vehicle. They far side caravan. I see. Can't meet, join them. Can't catch. They tell - no one come> She smiled ruefully, <no one look, think we-all dead> <Not come - see? Why?> Riltan was confused. <War. Caravan leave> "Trianne". "Trianne - Slindaria" <war now. No one come. No one look> Riltan slowly nodded his head. Soldiers wouldn't be coming this way, either. Fighting would take place, if it took place, much farther north. Here in the south either side would have to make its approach through neutral territory and neither would wish to bring H'Las into the war against them. <Why stay here?> Riltan wanted to know. Takene tried her best to look lost and inquired, <Where go?> Riltan nodded slowly and wandered off, lost in thought. Where, indeed? He stopped suddenly. Why did he feel like a weight had been lifted from him? He looked back through his thoughts and discovered that the surge in his spirits had begun when Takene had told him that no one would come looking. Why should that please him? He started moving again, but was stopped by the shock of his thoughts. He wanted her to remain with him! He had become comfortable with her, with them. They were family - his family! The only place he belonged was with them. Riltan moved out slowly, considering this new data, wondering how the situation had come about. He accepted it, for there was no use in denying what was so evident - so evident that it had surrounded him without his becoming aware of it. He shook his head wonderingly. Not that he should be surprised, really. The new man had a new life and these people - his family - had been in it from the start, from the time he crossed the dry creek bed. It was right that he was with them. He stopped and turned to look back. From his position he could see all three and from within there was a sudden welling up of an emotion he couldn't identify. It suffused his entire being and brought tears to his eyes, catching him totally by surprise. As the tears rolled down his cheeks unhindered, the one inside was astonished at the body's reaction. What was this? What was happening? He must have stumbled, for the next thing he knew he was seated on the ground and Takene was making her way, purposefully, towards him. He didn't move. He simply waited. Takene had watched Riltan as he left her, curious about his strange gait. He walked as though he were in a daze, stopping a couple of times, then turning to watch the camp. She pretended to be concentrating on fixing the evening meal while covertly looking at him. Takene's eyebrows shot up as Riltan suddenly seemed to stagger then dropped to a sitting position. It had not been a controlled sit. Could he be sick? She hoped not. If he caught sick it could set them back days, or even weeks. This was not good. She pushed to her feet and strode towards him, worry creasing her features. <Something wrong?> she asked as she neared him. <No. Something right> he replied, to her amazement. <Why cry?> she wondered. <Don't know> he signed simply. Takene nodded, as if this were the most natural thing in the world. Riltan sat, feet apart with knees bent outwards, grasping his ankles with his hands. He looked down. It came to Takene that this might be the break she was looking for and she plopped herself down between his legs, and leaned back, pressing against his chest. Riltan closed his arms around her and simply held her. A long time passed before either of them made another move. Finally they both stood and made their way back to the camp, where Iro had busied herself with completing the meal. She was both pleased at Takene's apparent progress and annoyed that it was not her who had been there for Riltan. She had backed off, honouring Takene's request, but she hadn't liked it, nor was she sure how long she would stay away. She still felt that Riltan was hers by right. During the meal Riltan was continually looking around him, then back to his companions around the cook fire. He was obviously deep in thought and no one disturbed him. They would have to leave eventually, he thought, though this would be a nice place to set up a home. He looked around him. Yes, it would be a good place, but the children needed people around them, some sort of schooling - for Lere, at least - and some young men for Iro. No, as nice as it would be to stay, staying was not an option. Where, then, to go? Slindaria was out of the question. Even if they managed to survive the trek back through the wastelands it would still be death for him. No one in Slindaria would know, would care, that he was no longer the one whose name was best forgotten. They would not forget and sooner or later, most likely sooner, he would be discovered and discovery would mean death. He wouldn't even allow himself to think what returning to the Wastelands would mean to him. Trianne was also a poor choice. What with the war with Slindaria, Takene's presence would not be appreciated. That he had originally come from Trianne would help little - his long absence would be questioned and those questions he would not wish to answer. H'Las would probably be their best bet. It was neutral and had a reputation for welcoming immigrants. Yes, that would do fine for all of them. H'Las had been where he'd been headed anyway. It would make them a . . . Riltan's speculations came to a crashing halt as something he had not considered cut across his line of thought. What if Takene and the others did not wish to come with him? He looked casually at Takene, beside him, not wanting to communicate his fear. She smiled at him. Such beauty in her smile. It almost caused him physical pain. What right had he to such beauty? Foolish thinking, that. He had the same right as any man. And he could be good for them, too - at least he hoped so. He returned her smile. It had been a long day and soon both Lere and Iro were in their beds. The sun had disappeared and the twilight was fading into the night as Riltan made sure that everything was in it's place. Satisfied, he then sat by the fire, across from Takene who was holding her hands up to it's warmth. Takene's eyes appeared to gleam, reflecting the flames of the fire. In the flickering light, with shadows flitting across her, her face held a mystery, a beauty, which Riltan found exhilarating. His head was cocked to one side and he gazed upon her, his own face softened by the joy with which he watched her. Her eyes met his and she smiled warmly at him. His pulse quickened. He *was* rather handsome, Takene thought, as she smiled at him across the fire, and his face was softer now than she had ever seen it. Not cute, but definitely handsome, she decided. Her gaze locked with his and they stared into each other's eyes, became lost in the gaze. There was a pop from the fire and the spell was broken. Even so, Takene noted that little tensions were floating throughout her body. Her stomach, in particular, was tight. She had the sudden urge to stretch and obeyed the urge. It amused her to see Riltan mirroring her action across the fire. One of them would have to make a first move, she thought, and pushed herself to her feet. She grinned as Riltan's face betrayed a disappointment which vanished as she simply moved around the fire to sit beside him - she wasn't letting him get away so easily this time, and it seemed that he didn't wish to get away. It was a promising beginning. Riltan's relief was great as he realized that Takene was not leaving the fireside. He moved over slightly, giving her room to sit on the short log which he was using as a seat. She placed her hand on his thigh to steady herself as she sat and he felt the heat from her palm through his pants, heat which traveled up his leg to warm him throughout. Riltan tentatively placed his hand over hers, feeling his stomach jump as he did so. Strange that this should be so difficult and then again not strange at all. It was all new to him, not the actions, the emotions. Never before had he, or his predecessors, felt about another person as he now felt about Takene. Never before had the need been so great for his feelings to be accepted and returned. Never before was the fear so great that they would not be, that any move he might make would result in the rebuff which would shatter a dream. His hand became trapped as Takene covered it with her other hand, warmed it, held it fast. He bent forward slightly and added his free hand to the stack. His eyes moved slowly from their intertwined hands to her face, finding her eyes already watching his. Was the dream becoming a reality? So tentative, she thought, wonderingly. Surely he knew his advances would not be rejected, that she had long been pursuing a course leading to this moment. Why else had she made his bed her own; why else had she held him night after night, if not for just this purpose? Surely he must know that . . . . His eyes found and held hers and her breath caught. Suddenly she knew and her eyes widened. The look she saw in Riltan's eyes she had seen in no eyes since her man had died. For a moment she could not breathe. Could it be? Had she been that much more successful than she would have believed possible? She had been trying to lure him with her body, to bind him with her body, with sex. Instead, it appeared, he had bound himself, had fallen in love with her. All that remained was to complete the seduction - he would be hers. The victory did not bring to her the elation which only minutes ago it would have. Instead it brought a sorrow, as she contemplated the turning of another's love into a weapon which would betray he who loved. She swallowed. It was a hard thing she did, yet her duty was clear. She smiled into his eyes. Riltan noted the moment of hesitation, before Takene leaned her head in to his, saw it disappear and rejoiced - Takene had made her decision and it was for him. Their foreheads touched and Riltan felt the joy bubble up through him. She had chosen him - a conscious decision, not a drifting into a companionship, into a situation which she had not thought out, but a conscious decision. That meant more to the man whose life now consisted of conscious decisions than he would ever be able to explain. She had chosen him! Takene felt Riltan stroke her, gently running his hand over her head and down her loose hair, over and over. He cupped her face in his hand and she allowed her head to lean into his palm. She would have to show him how much she enjoyed this, she thought, and let out a sigh as she slowly closed her eyes. It was her duty, she thought, yet a part of her could not deny the enjoyment of his simple touch, a touch which had for so long, now, been missing from her life. His other hand slipped out from under hers and then he was gently holding her face between his hands. She opened her eyes to find his, mere centimeters away, gazing at her with such an expression that her breath caught again. Playfully he moved forward and rubbed her nose with his own, causing her to smile. Her smile engendered one of his own, and then he was kissing her, oh so gently, on the corner of her mouth. His lips wandered slowly along her cheek to her ear and then down to her neck where he nuzzled her lightly. The hum of contentment, which began as artifice, became genuine. Takene could feel the warm breath at her throat, exciting her, comforting her. Thoughts of her man were put aside, gently and with care. She had been true to his memory for these past two years - it was time to allow herself to enjoy the pleasures of the body, to be with a man again, even if it was this man. Takene's hand was at the back of his head, fingers in his hair, pulling him gently in as he nuzzled her neck. It added to his joy to feel her beginning to respond, to engage in their loveplay. His hand was caressing her hair, gliding down her back, causing little tremors to run through her. She noticed that his breathing was becoming a little ragged and grinned as she noted the same about her own. She opened her eyes, then gasped. Alerted by her gasp and the light pressure of her hand on his cheek, Riltan turned his head to see what had captured her attention. The great moon, full and in all its glory, was rising above the horizon, a great pale yellow globe. There was majesty there, in the moon, and somehow they both felt that it had risen to give witness to them. Both were held by its beauty for a long moment, then as one they turned back to each other and came together in a kiss. He was trembling and didn't know why. He knew only that she, too, had noticed this and looked at him wonderingly. Then she was on her feet, drawing him with her, back to their bed. She pulled his shirt over his head and off, allowed her fingers to enjoy the feel of his bare skin, stroking his back as he held her close, then turned to allow him to remove her blouse. He did so slowly, touching and kissing her shoulders and back as the blouse was slowly lowered and removed. He turned her to face him, and they came together in a hug, both enjoying the feel of skin upon skin. As if of one mind, they suddenly separated. There was no more lingering. They both stripped quickly, eager to be naked in the sight of one another. In his haste to doff his pants, Riltan fell back onto the bed, causing them both to laugh quietly. From his position on his rear Riltan looked up to see Takene silhouetted by the moon. The beauty of her form took his breath away. Then she was on top of him, pushing him back, down, until he was lying flat on his back with her above him. His hands reached up to stroke her breasts, paying attention to the undersides and upper slopes as well as the nipples. She shuddered and his heart leaped inside him. Takene became aware of the coolness of the air and they took a moment to scoot beneath the blankets. She still straddled him, but now had the blanket around her shoulders, creating a tent, beneath which their hands were active. He was hard and she was ready so she raised herself and positioned him at her lips. For a long moment they remained poised thus, looking into each other's eyes. Then Takene slowly lowered herself, giving forth with a gasp of pleasure. It had been a long time, indeed. Riltan felt himself slip inside the warm wetness of Takene and felt his entire body thrill at the sensation. He caressed her sides and arms until she became used to him in her and began moving. Then he began rocking his hips gently. There was no hurry, ecstasy could wait. It was good, so good, being filled by a man once more, yet Takene couldn't enjoy it to the extent she would have wished. Thoughts of her purpose distracted her; memories of the stories told about the man she had mounted broke through and worried her. Yet this could not be the same man, for Riltan was nothing if not gentle. He was genuinely concerned for her pleasure, his hands roaming her body, touching here and there, stroking, tweaking, caressing. As she rose and fell on him, his hand lowered to the juncture of their bodies and his thumb found her clit and lightly rubbed it. Takene shivered in pleasure and moved faster. Riltan was finding it more and more difficult to think. His body was engaged in a lovemaking, the like of which he had only dreamed. As he rose to a peak, though, he became aware that she was tiring. She lowered her body to his and he, using his strength, rose up and turned over with her hanging onto him. Now on top, he plunged into her more rapidly. Her breathing was coming in gasps, as was his. Takene's heels pressed against him, pushing him into her. His excitement rose and he could hold back no longer. He groaned and drove into her one last time before coming. For some moments he lay on her, his weight trapping her, until he recovered enough to take up his own weight again. He reached one arm around her and, holding her tight to him, turned again so she was on top once more, he still held within her. Much better, he thought, as his hands were free to caress and stroke her back. He began talking to her, softly speaking of his love. She would not understand the words, yet she would know what he was saying. She was beautiful, she was his world. His touch would let her know of his love as well. Her head was resting on his chest, and she could both feel and hear his heart beat. She heard his words and tears began to form, to slowly run down until they dropped, one by one, onto him, her lover. She had not come. It was unimportant. It had been good, she felt loved and cherished, and next time it would be better. Next time there would be no fears. Slowly, in a cloudy haze of contentment, Takene slipped into sleep. She did not notice it when Riltan stopped murmuring his sweet words and eased out from under her - even a child would grow unbearably heavy after a time and she was no child - leaving her arm across him, her head on his shoulder. Across the camp, eyes wide in the darkness, Iro had listened to the sounds, had watched the movements as they sped then slowed. The low cries of delight had redoubled her intention: she, too, would have that pleasure - soon. It was her right and Takene would not stop her. End of Chapter 4, A Question of Honour, by Delta. delta @ nym . alias . net -- Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyright with all rights reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated. +---------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | alt.sex.stories.moderated ----- send stories to: <ckought69@hotmail.com> | | FAQ: <http://assm.asstr-mirror.org/faq.html> Moderator: <story-ckought69@hotmail.com> | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------+ |Archive: <http://assm.asstr-mirror.org> Hosted by Alt.Sex.Stories Text Repository | |<http://www.asstr-mirror.org>, an entity supported entirely by donations. | +---------------------------------------------------------------------------+