Author's Note

Reminder – this fic is UNFINISHED...so when you get to (and through) part eleven, don't bitch at me that you weren't warned! In fact, you are being warned at both the top AND bottom of each and every part, so...yeah!

So...obviously I've added to this fic, even though I said I probably wouldn't. Part eleven was uploaded onto the original site where I started this fic, but it's been quite some time since I did that...and I never transferred it over to here. Sorry. *sigh* But now, after being absent from there for so long again, I feel like it should be here as well as there...not that anyone cares at this juncture in the story. Lol. It's STILL unfinished though—and I still have no concrete plans of finishing this—so you'll just have to read and enjoy what there is. The good news is that, I've just finished yet ANOTHER reread, so...that's something, isn't it? I guess there's always hope!

Anyway, I worked really hard to make sure all the scene breaks are there...but again, I apologize if some are still missing. I'm actually in the process of revamping the entire thing. I'll repost/replace the parts as I get them done. We'll see if it's any different. *sigh*

And further...sorry about the typographical errors (spelling, grammar, and the like). This was written years ago, when I was new to writing and just didn't know any better. I have, since learned A LOT! However, not all the errors are mine, as this site seems to make changes without my knowledge and/or consent. It's WEIRD!

After the Death Curse – Part ELEVEN (of I don't know if this will ever end)!

NEW CHAPTER (1) – "Found"

After scurrying away from the now-Khazarian man, Morina and Torina of Oak Camp moved quickly—and with purpose.

But when it got dark, they were forced to halt. First though, they searched out and found another hollowed tree—this time a fallen one, a log—which they managed to wedge themselves into.

"I'm...f-freezing, Tori" Morina said, shivering as she clung to her cousin—her sister.

Torina nodded. "M-me too."

"Are we going to die?" the younger girl asked.

Torina shook her head. "NO!" she burst, her teeth chattering. "J-just...close y-your eyes...and s-sleep, Mori."

Morina nodded into her sister's chest and squeezed, then closed her eyes. Almost instantly, both girls were sound asleep.

~oxoxo~

Igorvia was sluggish in his return to Kazmiria and the others. His injury was painful and...he didn't know what he'd tell them if they discovered it. If it were merely a cut, he could blame it on a struggle, but, as it was, he'd have to pretend there was no injury whatsoever. I can do that, he thought. And he did have blood all over him, so...he could at least tell Kazmiria that he'd taken care of their problem.

Still, he had a bad feeling about this.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

In the very early morning, as those who searched rose, they gathered by the fire to briefly talk about the situation. They'd found where the raiders had camped with their women on the first night and were worried. It was obvious to them that there'd been a scuffle, but also that the women had tried to signal them by building a too-large fire. It had been a good idea, but they'd not been close enough to see it. In fact, they'd not left Oak Camp yet.

As for the scuffle, there was no way to know who'd been in it and what the outcome was. Everyone was frightened for the women—and furious that this had happened.

"Danta and Janika will fight," said Davaria. "I'm sure of it."

Doventia frowned. "Kalina won't," he said quietly.

Serana sighed. "I'm not sure fighting is such a good idea anyway," she said.

"Why is that?" Davaria, Doventia, and Hundaria said at the same time.

"Because fighting will only anger those who have taken them," the woman explained. "And I fear what they'll do. It's obvious there was a fight of some sort where they camped...I'm just not sure who was in it."

Gredenzia nodded. "I could meditate, but...that would take time that we don't have."

"You're right, Gredenzia, we don't have time for that," Tiflona put in.

"We should have sent a runner to another camp," Tagnolia added, frowning as he thought about the situation.

Reaching out, Darvie put a hand on their headman's arm. "No sense in worrying about what we've already done or not done, Tag," she said. "Second-guessing won't get us anywhere right now."

Tagnolia nodded. "You are right, of course."

"But...what are we going to do?!" Doventia exclaimed.

"We'll find them, Doventia," Serana reassured the man. Or she tried to, at least; it was difficult to reassure anyone of anything at the moment.

Tiflona nodded. She was equally worried for her daughter and the others, but she had no doubt that they'd find them.

Doventia wasn't so sure. He knew better the type of people they were dealing with and...one look at the son of his mate told him the younger man too wasn't so sure about the outcome of all this either. Hundaria had been unusually quiet.

"What are you thinking?" Doventia asked him.

"I know the way they think," Hundaria said flatly. "If they decide they have no use for one...or all of them...they'll just slit their throats and leave them behind."

The three women among the searchers gasped at the visual Hundaria had given them. Davaria frowned, more worried for Danta and Janika than ever.

Vilognia stood up. "We should go."

Everyone else rose as well. Quickly, they struck camp and moved out.

~oxoxo~

Back at Oak Camp, several were thinking the same thing that the searchers were. A runner had to be sent—four of them, in fact. It had been decided that they needed assistance...that, while they'd be leaving the camp virtually empty of male protectors, help was more important if they had any hope of getting their women back and saving their home.

But there wasn't much to choose from, in the way of runners, because so many had left with the searchers. It was quickly decided that Donzolnia and Brulenzia would leave immediately. Donzolnia would go to Beech Camp for help and Brulenzia to the Clan to inform Ivanolia as to what was happening.

"I should go to Pine Camp," Fürlasa said to the assembled group. "I mean, our hearth is related to them."

Zarina nodded. "That's a good idea, but...not alone. It's too dangerous out there right now."

Several nodded—but most frowned as well, because there was no one to send.

"I could go with her," Frala offered, looking at her mother.

Zarina eyes filled with worry—she'd already had one daughter taken and only the Mother knew what was happening to her—her eyes going to Wäglodia.

"I know it's hard, Zar, but...I think it's a must," Wäglodia agreed. "I'd go myself, but...with Donzolnia and Brulenzia gone too...I think I should stay."

Zarina nodded acquiescence. She didn't like it at all, but what else could be done. "All right."

"All right then!" Travie cut in. She'd been closely attending Hetara and Zakena, but now, feeling the need to get the runners ready to go, she quickly poured the two women calming cups of tea—and instructed them to stay seated together—then started packing bags for the runners. It wasn't long before everything was ready and the runners were saying their abrupt goodbyes.

Zarina watched as three of her children hefted their packs. She kissed her sons' cheeks first and wished them a speedy return, then turned to her daughter and pulled her into her arms.

"Please be careful out there," she cried. "You two have the longest trek."

Frala smiled grimly. "We'll be fine, Mother," she said. "Fürlasa and I will be swift. I promise. And...we know the way...we just came from there."

Zarina nodded and took a deep breath—then hugged her daughter again.

Fürlasa was smiling determinedly and hugging her own mother. Fraylora too was worried about these two girls—but she was more worried about the women and girls who'd been taken and had great confidence in Fürlasa.

"Safe journey," she said as she gave her daughter a final squeeze and backed away.

"My run is the shortest," Brulenzia said. "I'll probably be back first. Did you want me to bring Ivanolia back with me?"

Wäglodia shrugged. "It's not necessary. His visit with the Clan is very important, but he should be informed of our troubles. Leave it up to him. Of course we'd welcome his presence here, but if he wishes to stay with the Clan, let him know that that's perfectly acceptable as well. It's not likely he can really help us by being here.

Brulenzia nodded, but thought his friend would insist on coming home.

More hugs of goodbye were given—then the four runners set out.

~oxoxo~

Not too far away from the searchers, the girls woke up still snuggled together inside the fallen log and promptly drew themselves out and started moving again. It had been a chilly night and it was a crisp morning, but their shared body-warmth had somehow managed to keep them from freezing. They were lucky.

But still, their hands and feet felt numb.

"How many days have we been gone from home?" Morina asked, stomping her feet and blowing warm breath into her chilled hands.

Torina was doing the same. "Um. Three. No...four, I think," she responded with a frown. It was hard to think when one was cold—and hungry. "We need to find something to eat."

Morina nodded. "Do you think we should hunt something?"

"We have a spear," Torina said with a shrug. "Can't hurt to try."

"But it would waste walking time," Morina said worriedly. "I mean, I'm hungry, but if we just keep going, we'll get home faster."

Torina frowned. "True."

"Plus, I'd like to get further away from them," the younger girl said. "Just in case Igorvia changes his mind and comes back for us."

Torina nodded. "All right. We'll continue on, but...keep watch for anything we could eat."

Nodding, Morina reached out and hugged her sister. They teared up a bit, then forced themselves to be strong and start out again.

~oxoxo~

It was just before midday when the searchers found the raiders' second camping spot. Immediately, the group stopped and assessed the area. They'd built a fire, of course, but...it was clearly not as large as the previous night's.

"They're discouraged," Tiflona said. She was kneeling at the edge of the place the fire had been built, a handful of ashes in her hand. "The fire was big, but not as large as the first one."

Next to his sister, Tagnolia nodded his agreement. "You're right."

"What do you mean?" Hundaria questioned.

"She means that, because the first night's fire was so big, the women were hoping we were closer. This smaller one indicates that they know we're not."

Hundaria frowned. "They have to know we're coming."

Davaria shrugged. "Danta's not used to people caring about what happens to her, so...I don't know."

"But you said she'd fight!" Hundaria all but yelled.

Davaria nodded. "Yes, but that doesn't mean she'll have much hope...with each day passing. What about Kalina?"

Hundaria looked at the man of his hearth. Doventia looked extremely distressed. "I agree with Davaria. Not only will Kalina avoid fighting, she's probably feeling quite hopeless. We've never given her a reason to think we care."

"That's not true!" Hundaria said, the volume of his voice quite loud. "We left our birth camp for her. She's got to know we care!"

Doventia nodded. "True. In a sense. I mean, we left the Khazaria for her...though, I I'm not sure we'd have left Ash Camp. Things were...bad there too, but...we didn't realize it." Then he blushed, embarrassed that he'd been so blind.

Reaching out, Serana grabbed the man's hand and squeezed it. "The past no longer matters, Doventia. We must look to the future and find our women."

Taking a deep breath, the man nodded. "Where do we start?"

Tiflona stood up. "We keep moving forward," she said. "They're not even bothering to cover their tracks and...it actually looks like one of the women is leaving a trail. Look." She held out her hand; it was filled with beads.

Everyone came over to see.

Davaria frowned. "May I?" he asked, holding out his hand.

Nodding, Tiflona dumped them into the younger man's hand.

Davaria picked through them. "These are Danta's," he said. "She was so proud to be able to wear Jenadoza's Oak Camp beads that she's been sewing them on everything. And these ones are Janika's. See how they're different from Danta's? Spruce Camp makes them different from Oak Camp."

"So...possibly discouraged, but...not without hope," Tagnolia deduced.

Several people nodded.

"Let's keep moving," said the headman.

~oxoxo~

The girls had been walking, both ever-watchful of dangers—and for food. It was some time after midday when Morina found an elder shrub, which had dropped its leaves, but still had flowers on it. It had also started to produce berries. Being careful though, because they knew unripe elderberries were mildly poisonous, they picked only the ripe ones, eating enough to fill their bellies. Afterward, they used Igorvia's knife to cut off a part of their tunics, so that they could wrap up some berries to take with them.

Smiling at what they'd managed to do, they were ready to start out again. But before they did, they gathered a few of the flowerheads and some stembark—so that, if they were lucky enough to manage a fire, they could steep it. Not that they had a container of any kind, but they weren't thinking that far.

Then Torina saw movement in a bush not far from them and froze. Morina froze in fear as well, but watched as her sister slowly picked up the spear they'd left sitting on the ground beside them. Pointing at Morina, Torina motioned that she should circle to the other side of it, then made one of Ayla's Clan gestures.

For a moment, Morina just frowned at her—then she smiled and nodded, and slowly got up, made a wide circle, and attempted to flush whatever was in the bushes.

It was a rabbit and Torina was immediately upon it. Spear at the ready, she aimed and threw—but missed.

Morina though, had picked up a couple large rocks and had let fly—hitting the unsuspecting creature with the second one. Her aim wasn't perfect though; the poor animal was only stunned.

But not for long. Quickly, Torina reached for it and ended its life with a sharp blow to the base of its neck. Looking up, she grinned at her sister. Sitting down, they used the knife to cut into the animal. First, Torina cut off the lower half of each leg—and then the head. Next, she tried to peel back the skin at the neck. She struggled with it, so Morina grabbed one of the front legs by the muscle and pulled hard, peeling off the skin. After that, Torina grabbed the tail and gave a quick, strong pull to get the white piece of fur off of it.

"There!" she said proudly, beaming.

Next, the girls looked the animal over. Starting at just below the rib cage, the older sister cut through the belly as far as she could, then cut between the hind legs to expose the end of the small intestine. From there, she removed the guts, keeping the liver and kidneys, because they needed them—and because she liked organ meats, though she knew Morina usually refused to eat them. After that, she held the liver and removed the greenish gland embedded in it, making sure not to puncture it—which could cause the bile to taint the meat—then they set to work chopping the rabbit meat into pieces, eating it raw. They'd eaten raw meats before and preferred it cooked, but...at the moment they were desperate. It tasted delicious.

Stomachs full, the girls drank a splash of water from the river, then gathered their meager belongings and stood up to go.

They had not gone far, however, when they both heard sounds coming from ahead of them. They were thankful it wasn't from behind, because that could only be the raiders returning. But still, at this point, what else could they take—and so they made quick work of hiding their tracks and took cover themselves.

They did not have long to hide though, because, from their position, huddled together, they waited and watched—and discovered that it was their own camp of people, obviously out looking for them.

"MOTHER!" Torina squealed, jumping up and running out.

"Torina!" Tiflona yelled with relief. Tears in her eyes, she hugged her daughter, grabbing the other girl as well. Morina clung to the woman, then noticed Tagnolia. He had come over and wrapped his arms around his sister and the two girls, with tears in his eyes as well.

After a moment, Tagnolia backed off and looked the girls over. "Are you...all right?" he asked them, frowning at the bruising on Torina's face.

The girls nodded.

"What happened?" Tiflona asked next, her hand going to the livid discoloration on her daughter's cheek.

"It was Kazmiria and Zadneetsia! They...took us!" Torina started.

Morina continued. "And Kurvlodia and Igorvia too, but—"

"But what, Morina?" Tagnolia asked, interrupting.

"They let us go," the younger girl said.

Torina swallowed, then explained. "Tabita said Kazmiria was letting us go, because we're too young, but—"

"I g-guess he changed his mind, because he s-sent Igorvia back to...k-kill us," Morina finished, her eyes welling with tears.

"WHAT?!" Darvie burst. They had to take the lives of animals to survive, but...people did not kill people!

Torina shook her head. "He didn't even try though. He found us and said he wasn't going to hurt us. Even after I cut him with Kazmiria's knife he didn't come after us."

"And where are the others?" Doventia asked.

Torina swallowed hard and started crying. "T-they said they need women for their m-men. That's why they let us go; we're just girls."

"So...the others are all right too?" Doventia pushed.

Morina bit her lip and looked at the ground. "I'm the only one who wasn't hurt at all...except for rope burns from being tied up," she said as she raised her arms to show the raw flesh on her wrists.

Doventia paled. "Kalina?"

"Kazmiria hit her, but...she was okay when we left," Torina whispered.

"What about Danta and Janika?" Davaria asked next.

"Zadneetsia hit Danta so hard that she bled, but...she too was all right when we left," Torina said.

"Zadneetsia nearly strangled Janika though...until Kazmiria stopped him," Morina added. "I was so scared for her, but..." She grinned then. "You should have seen what she did to him first though. She raked her fingernails across his cheek...I suspect it'll scar."

"That's when Kazmiria hit Dakara...to punish Janika for fighting," Torina explained.

Everyone was frowning, but Davaria cringed. All this violence was completely against tradition. Women were supposed to be respected and honored, not abused.

"Who hit you, Torina?" Tiflona asked, her jaw clenched.

Torina lifted a hand to her bruised face and frowned. "I...um..."

"Kazmiria hit her," Morina informed them. "He did it to punish Janika again, because she was smiling about...something." She'd whispered the last word and glanced at Torina, then away.

Torina sighed. "Mother...they um...the men...they forced her...Tabita," she admitted. "First Zadneetsia did it...right in front of us...and then Kazmiria." She burst into sobs again—as did Morina.

"Oh Mother!" several gasped.

~oxoxo~

At this point the searchers had a decision to make. Someone had to take the girls back to Oak Camp while the others continued.

Tiflona was torn; she wanted to both take them back and continue on to rescue her oldest daughter. Torina had assured her that she would be fine, but had told her mother that Tabita had been acting strangely—like she was reluctant to leave Kazmiria.

"Mother, it's like she wanted to stay with them," Torina tried to explain.

"That can happen," Doventia said quietly. He'd been sitting on a rock listening to mother and daughter talk—and worrying about Kalina. "I've heard of it happening before. He would let others abuse her, then swoop in and treat her a little better...protect her from the others...give her food and smile at her."

Torina looked up and nodded. "Yes. That's what he did," she whispered. "He let Zadneetsia mistreat her, but then wouldn't let him or Kurvlodia touch her later. Then he...took her...gently. Mother, we all heard it. It was awful, but...I don't think she minded."

Tiflona pulled her daughter close and hugged her, but spoke to Doventia. "But it's only been four days."

Doventia shrugged. "All I know is that it's possible."

"Tiflona, Vincenzia and I talked about it," Darvie said. "We'll take the girls back, so you can continue on with everyone."

Looking up, Tiflona nodded. "I'd appreciate that," she said. "And...maybe you could tell Wäglodia and Zarina about this, but...not everyone else. I think it's too much right now."

Darvie nodded. "Though maybe I should talk to mother too...so she can be prepared."

"Yes, but not Hetara, since we don't know about her daughter yet."

"I agree," Darvie said. "No reason to worry her more than she already is.

~oxoxo~

By the end of the day the raiders had made it to Ash Camp's former lodge. Trudging inside, Kazmiria ordered a fire built and food prepared—he'd managed to startle and bring down a single deer...a young one...just outside the lodge and felt it to be lucky.

He wasn't overly hungry though—not for food anyway. His hazel eyes went to Tabita as she worked to help the women while they worked the dead animal. He'd allowed it at first, but...now he wasn't so sure. Frowning, he called out to her.

"Tabi. Come," he commanded.

The woman looked up immediately, then got up and quickly came to him without even a glance at the women beside her. Kazmiria thought that was good. It was important to keep her separated from them, so that he could use her to his best advantage.

When she got to him, she looked at him warily. He didn't like that. Reaching out, he took her face in his hands, then took her chin firmly in his hand and tilted her head back so that she was forced to look up at him. At that moment, Kazmiria realized the young woman's size—she was somewhat small, not even reaching his shoulder. She was pretty though; and well put together.

Looking into her clear blue eyes, he smirked down at her, then pushed at a strand of her dark hair—causing her to shiver. Narrowing his eyes, Kazmiria stared into hers and saw how frightened she was—and decided he'd have to change that.

"I do not want you to fear me, Tabi," he said, watching as she bit her lip. "I have taken care of you, haven't I?" he asked.

She nodded.

"And I allowed your sisters to leave," he continued.

She nodded again.

"So, in return, I need you to give yourself over to me," he said. "Can you do that?"

Tabita frowned. She hadn't realized it before, but...he was a very large man. And he had interesting eyes. They were very light...almost yellow.

Nodding again, she said, "Yes, Kazmiria, I can do that," she said resolutely.

Pleased, Kazmiria pulled her into his arms. "Excellent," he said, looking over the woman at the other women; they were still working the meat, but were also watching him and their friend. Sneering at them, he continued speaking to Tabita. "Now, I would like you to go further into the lodge and find us a comfortable bed to share, then you will remove all of your clothing and get into it. I want you to be ready for me when I get there. Is that understood?"

When she didn't answer him, the man leaned back slightly and took chin again. "Tabi?"

This time she nodded. "Yes, Kazmiria, I understand."

"Good," he said as he leaned down and kissed her, the hand not on her chin slipping down to her hip, pushing aside her tunic, then going up to her bare breast. "That's a good girl. I knew you could make me happy," he said, tweaking a nipple just hard enough to cause her to whimper—and shudder. After a few more kisses, with his eyes open and on the watching women, Kazmiria told Tabita to go, then he went to the fire to await his meal.

~oxoxo~

After eating, the women were tied up again—this time flat on their backs, attached to the sleeping platforms within the lodge—then informed that they'd be moving out before sunup, so they'd better get some sleep. For a moment, they feared they'd be harassed by the men again, but after Zadneetsia made some lewd remarks, Kazmiria ordered them away. This obviously infuriated the darker man.

"So, only you get to have some fun with them?!" Zadneetsia growled.

"As we all know, Zadneetsia, you're not able to have the same fun with them!" Kazmiria snapped.

Kurvlodia chuckled at his brother's comment.

Zadneetsia's face turned almost purple. "Shut your mouth, Kazmiria!" the man yelled, then glared at the younger brother.

Kazmiria just laughed, then went to join Tabita in the furs.

AtDC

NEW CHAPTER (2) – "Escape"

The sun had not yet risen when Kazmiria dragged himself from the warm bed he'd shared with Tabita of Oak Camp—NO! he reminded himself, Tabi is mine now! And we are Khazaria! Glancing at the naked woman sleeping beside him, he grinned—and almost reached for her. She was a tender piece of meat that any man would want, but she was his! And he would make sure that she opened her legs for no one but him.

He thought about the fact that this had all started with them going after Kalina—to punish her and her family for leaving—but this was so much better! Besides, Tabi was a much better prize than Kalina. Kalina looked too much like her plain-looking mother, who was cousin to the man of Kazmiria's hearth. Tabi, on the other hand, was quite lovely—and not related to him.

To reassure himself that he was making the correct choice, Kazmiria let his fingers wander to the woman's exposed breast. The skin around her nipples was discolored with his love bites. He'd been both gentle with her and forceful, not hurting her yet still asserting his dominance over her at the same time. And she had responded. Pinching her nipple fairly hard, the man watched the sleeping woman moan and squirm—then he slipped from their furs and got up.

It did not take long to find the men. Zadneetsia, obviously with something to prove, had taken Janika to his bed. This almost made Kazmiria snort. He knew his friend wasn't yet able to bed the little minx, but...that didn't mean there was not fun to be had with her. Just forcing the defiant woman to submit might just be pleasurable enough! he thought, imagining how much the young woman would have hated being forced to lie beside the man she loathed. Kazmiria wondered if the man had tried forcing himself on the Spruce woman again.

Then he noticed that the younger one—Dakara—was also nestled in there. This gave Kazmiria a bit of a chuckle; he was sure this tactic was used by Zadneetsia, to force Janika to behave. Maybe they'd cow the stubborn Spruce woman eventually—though he seriously doubted it. She was trouble of the worst kind, he decided.

Kazmiria's eyes then went to the next bed. Igorvia slept there with Danta. Frowning, Kazmiria wondered what his friend saw in the bad luck woman whose own mother couldn't stand to even look at her. There had been times when all he'd wanted to do was beat the living daylights out of her. Though, if he were honest with himself, he'd have to admit those times were rare. The woman was quite pretty and, for all that she was hated, she'd always contributed more than most.

Glancing at Zadneetsia, then back at the sleeping woman next to Igorvia, Kazmiria wished that he'd been the one who'd taken her. He could see what Igorvia saw in the woman—though, only after the fact; she'd cleaned up well. She was clothed though, making Kazmiria wonder about what his friend had gotten up to—or not gotten up to.

Next, he looked around for his brother—he was sleeping in a bed alone. Kurvlodia was, for all intents and purposes, a loyal follower. He didn't, however, seem to have the drive that Kazmiria wished he had. Kurvlodia laughed a lot—at the expense of others—but rarely pushed beyond his comfort zone. Narrowing his eyes, Kazmiria decided this would have to change.

Poking his brother, Kazmiria waited for the younger man to rouse. He groaned, then opened an eye.

"Is it 'ime to go?" he asked.

Kazmria nodded. "Yes. But first we have to eliminate some of our weight."

Kurvlodia blinked.

"I want you to take Kalina out behind the lodge and..." He let his words trail off.

Kurvlodia managed to sit up and hide his surprise, but the look on his face told Kazmiria that he was uncomfortable.

"Do I have to do everything?" the older brother asked.

Kurvlodia blushed, but moved to get up. As he got to his feet, Zadneetsia made his presence known. He'd appeared and looked delighted to participate in Kazmiria's evil.

"Tell me, Kaz...what do you wish us to do"

Kazmiria smirked. "I don't really care, as long as she's broken and disposed of," he said, his eyes going to his brother. "This one," he said, nodding his head toward Zadneetsia, "couldn't mount a cow without causing himself serious injury, so..."

Fury in his eyes, Zadneetsia pulled back his lips and snarled—Kazmiria just chuckled.

"So I expect you to do it, little brother," Kazmiria said. It was an order. "Zadneetsia can hold her down, then—finish her off when you're done. Is that understood?"

Swallowing, Kurvlodia nodded.

"And just to be clear, I don't want her continuing on with us. I want her finished."

Both Kurvlodia and Zadneetsia nodded.

~oxoxo~

Doventia was wrong about the daughter of his hearth. When the two Khazarian men dragged her from her bed in the darkness just prior to dawn, she fought for all she was worth. Zadneetsia had grabbed her by the hair and yanked her up and she'd hissed and kicked and bitten him—not that it had done any good.

Quickly subdued and silenced, the young woman was brought outside and moved to a place far enough away that her cries would not be heard from those inside. She was then stripped of her clothing—by Zadneetsia, who was hard and wanting though he knew he'd be unable to take her—and spread out on the cold ground for the other man.

Kurvlodia seemed reluctant though. He'd never taken a woman against her will and didn't particularly want to start now.

"What are you waiting for?!" Zadneetsia snapped from where he was holding the woman down. She was struggling something fierce, kicking and screaming.

Slowly, Kurvlodia lowered himself to the ground and positioned himself between the woman's legs—but he was still reluctant.

"MOVE!" another commanded.

Zadneetsia and Kurvlodia glanced up to see Kazmiria standing a few paces away. Kurvlodia immediately got up and watched his brother move in.

"It is unbelievable that the two of you cannot subdue one little woman," he said as he untied the thong that held his pants up and pushed them down. With purpose, he lowered himself to the ground, then reached out and took Kalina by the hair and shook her until she stopped thrashing—then he smacked her hard across the face. Her lip bled, as did her nose, and her head was swimming. Then, while she was stunned, the man rolled her over and mounted her from behind. She screamed as he slammed into her and cried out with each thrust. Holding her hips for leverage, Kazmiria used her until he felt the familiar tightening in his loins—and then he was releasing inside her.

When he was finished, she lay unmoving in the dirt. Roughly, he rolled her back over. She had appeared to be unconscious, but she wasn't. Instead she was sobbing silently, her face covered with dirt and streaked with tears.

Pushing away, Kazmiria stood up and looked at the other two men. "I'm not leaving until you take her, Kurvlodia," he said.

Kurvlodia nodded, dropping his leggings again and kneeling. Zadneetsia moved in too, grabbing the woman's once again flailing arms with one hand and molesting her breasts with the other. After a particularly hard pinch of her nipples, causing Kalina to arch her back in and attempt to rid herself of the painful pressure, Zadneetsia hauled back and hit her—hard. Then, leaning down, he nuzzled her neck, giving it several brutal nips. The woman screamed out with each bite—then shrieked with Kurvlodia finally entered her.

As Kazmiria watched he felt renewed stirrings in his manhood. He'd planned to go back inside and eat something, then wake everyone else up so they could leave, but now all he wanted to do was find pleasure in this woman's defeat.

When Kurvlodia finally finished with her, Kazmiria watched his brother roll off of her—then was surprised to see Zadneetsia move to take her as well. Kazmiria looked at the other man's organ, which no longer looked right—it was bent at an odd angle—and frowned. He watched at Zadneetsia stroked himself, then carefully pushed himself into the woman's thoroughly-used and open well. The man was gritting his teeth as he entered her. She groaned—as did the man—but she did not fight him. Once he was fully seated, he just held himself there for a few moments, taking several breaths. Then, staying deeply embedded within her, he made short, slow thrusts, the tip of his manhood brushing her deepest place with each painful plunge. It was actually painful for both of them, but...it did not take long before Zadneetsia felt pleasure overtake his pain and, with a loud moan of satisfaction, he spilled himself into the woman's body, then collapsed on top of her.

For a moment, he just lay there, then he rolled over into the dirt beside her, grinning madly. The woman was quietly sobbing, but he ignored her.

"Welcome back, Zad," said Kazmiria. It had looked painful, but obviously not so much that the other man had to stop. For Kalina though—she was obviously in a lot of pain. Her face was bleeding, from where she'd been struck, and she had bites and bruises everywhere. And she was bleeding quite profusely from her womanhood. Who knew you could beat a woman on the inside too, he thought with a pleased sneer.

Reaching for the tie of his own leggings, he untied them and started to lower them again. Watching first his brother, and then Zadneetsia, made him crazy with want. Moving in, he took Kalina again, this time watching her face and enjoying the look of agony each of his thrusts caused.

This time, when it was over, Kazmiria got up and left—but not before telling the other two men to dispose of this piece of trash.

~oxoxo~

Kazmiria set a fast pace. By time the sun was truly up, they'd moved quite a distance. But he was feeling some frustration with everyone. The women were dragging their feet, causing Zadneetsia to go after them a few times. The black-haired man had smacked both Dakara and Fräubita for being slow...and Danta and Janika as well, for asking too many questions. All the women wondered where Kalina was, but only the older, more feisty two were daring enough to ask—and ask again and again! They had, in fact, been slapped a few times by Zadneetsia. Janika's nose had been bleeding, the blood running down over her lips and into her mouth, and dripping over her chin and onto the front of her tunic. It wouldn't seem to stop. Danta, on the other hand, had a severely bruised left cheek, where Zadneetsia had belted her one and a massive headache. Somehow though, both of them managed to continue to look defiant. This, of course, did not please Zadneetsia one bit.

Kazmiria was glad that he'd not had to deal with the women himself though, because Tabi wouldn't have liked it—and he suspected that Zadneetsia was feeling vindicated because he'd finally managed to use his manhood to completion.

Still though, Kazmiria was frustrated—and so he kept pushing.

And then something else went wrong. It was just after midday when Kazmiria stopped everyone for a very short rest. While they were resting, he decided to scout ahead a little and, during the short time he was gone, somehow Tabita had over heard the other men talking about her sisters—and what she heard shocked her, causing her to fly into a rage and go after Igorvia. By the time Kazmiria returned, his woman was wildly pummeling the chest of the other man and Igorvia wasn't doing much to prevent it.

"You BEAST!" Tabita screamed, tears streaming down her face. "How could you?! They're just...girls!"

"Were," Zadneetsia whispered, snickering.

This caused the woman to go berserk. Howling with pain and fury, she pulled back her hand and used her entire body strength to slap Igorvia across the face, then started kicking him. He only stepped back and tried to avoid her blows, but he did nothing to stop her.

That's when Kazmiria stepped in. Grabbing Tabita around the waist, he pulled her against him, then glared over her head at the men—for letting the women find out. She immediately relaxed in his arms, however, which told him she didn't know it was him who'd ordered Igorvia to go back and kill the girls.

"Why don't you take a spear and go hunting, Igor," he said. It was not a request.

Scowling at Kazmiria, Igorvia glanced around at everyone. The other two men were quite entertained by the turn of events. The women, however, looked horrified—especially Danta, who was staring at him disconsolately. After a moment, she even turned her back on him. Sighing, he picked up his spear and started out.

~oxoxo~

After that Tabita was inconsolable. Once Igorvia was out of sight, she just pulled into herself and refused to say anything—not that she said much anyway. When Kazmiria said it was time to start moving again, Tabita was barely able to move—and so he swooped in and picked her up. She wasn't even heavy, he noticed as she clung to him, sobbing against his chest.

But even her weight, little as it was, became too much after a while. Kazmiria decided they'd rest again. After telling everyone to stop, he took Tabita a good distance from the group and put her down near a stream, gave her some water and wiped down her tear-stained face—then proceeded to remove her clothing.

"Nooo," she whined, tears starting again once she realized what the man wanted. "Please, no."

Kazmiria, not one to take no for an answer, gently eased her back and removed her leggings, then reached for the tie of his own. "I want you, Tabi. Now," he said as he let his pants drop to the ground. "And you are not going to argue with me. You are mine and therefore will not deny me what I want. Open up for me."

Whimpering, Tabita immediately obeyed, letting her legs fall open.

~oxoxo~

With Kazmiria away, Zadneetsia grinned at Kurvlodia. "I think it's time for a little sport," he said.

Kurvlodia rolled his eyes, then nodded at his friend's groin. "I guess, with your shiny new toy, you're feeling the need to use it."

Zadneetsia sneered. "I have not had that one yet," he said, his eyes going to the only young woman with them with blonde hair.

Kurvlodia frowned. "I don't think Kaz wants us to cause trouble."

Scowling, Zadneetsia stood up. "Kazmiria shouldn't be off spreading his woman's legs if he wishes to stop me. I didn't come along on this little journey to be prevented from satisfying my needs. And I suggest you stop letting your brother control you. Now, before he returns, I'm going to get me a piece of the blonde."

Kurvlodia frowned. He might agree with Zadneetsia, where Kazmiria was concerned. He'd come along with the sole purpose of finding women, but...he thought his brother was taking this too far. Zadneetsia too, of course, he thought as he watched the other man approached the cluster of women.

"You!" Zadneetsia said, pointing at the blonde. "Come with me."

Blinking, Fräubita just stared.

"What do you want with her, Zadneetsia?" Danta asked, rising up with her friends.

He smirked. "What do you think I want with her?"

Janika snorted, but pushed Fräubita behind her. "I do believe we've already seen your lack of ability."

Zadneetsia immediately backhanded the insolent female, then leered down at where she lay sprawled in the dirt. "And I do believe a demonstration of my abilities are in order," he said as he advanced on her. He'd wanted the blonde, but decided Janika would bear the brunt of his attentions.

At first Janika didn't believe him, so she just lay there. But as he dropped his leggings and exposed his very ready, though crooked organ, she panicked. When he reached her, he descended on her with such force that she was trapped between the man and the ground.

Standing close by, Danta made to move in to help fight the man off—but she'd forgotten about Kurvlodia. He'd just been watching, but when he saw Danta react, so did he. By the time he got to her, she was practically on top of Zadneetsia's back. Yanking, he pulled her off—but then had to fight her off. She got in a few good blows before he reared back and hit her. Unlike Zadneetsia and Kazmiria, he wasn't used to hitting women. If he were honest with himself, he'd admit that he didn't like it. But when Danta pulled herself back up and came at him again, he hit her again.

Not far from them, Zadneetsia had ripped open Janika's tunic. She was fighting hard, but his size was so much greater that it was really no use. A moment later her lower garments were removed and the man was attempting to find her center. There was no moisture there, which he knew would make it painful for both of them. And she wouldn't stop fighting him. Leaning back, he smacked her across the face, then immediately backhanded her, causing her eyes to roll back into her head. Then he put his fingers in his own mouth and gathered as much saliva as he could, then brought it back to the woman's body and shoved them inside.

Still dazed, Janika barely moved—until he removed his wet fingers and replaced it with his manhood. Slowly, just like with Kalina, Zadneetsia pushed himself inside the woman until he was completely inside her, and then he started to move with powerful strokes that were controlled, so as not to hurt himself.

"That...Ayla...was wrong...about me," he hissed into her ear as he took her. "My...manhood...works...just fine!"

Janika groaned. It felt like the man was ramming up through her innards, almost like he was shoving a knife up into her. But she refused to cry. She would not give the man the satisfaction to know that he was hurting her. Soon, it would be over.

But it felt like the ordeal lasted an eternity.

And then the man collapsed on top of her, telling her he'd finished. She squirmed but couldn't seem to dislodge the heavy man. Only when he was ready did he remove himself. Rolling over, Janika got up, his essence dripping down her legs as she wobbled away.

"You...are a hyena!" she spat after she'd pulled her clothing back on. "Davaria is going to kill you!"

The man just laughed. Then, without looking at the dark-haired woman, he glanced at Kurvlodia, where he was struggling with Danta. The oldest of their captives was now brandishing a spear. Frowning, he looked around and noticed the other two women were gone.

"KURVLODIA!" he bellowed, gesturing when the man looked at him.

Kurvlodia's eyes widened. "Kaz is going to kill us."

This caused Zadneetsia to lose it. Grabbing Janika, he shoved her at Kurvlodia, then proceeded to beat Danta unconscious.

~oxoxo~

Upon his return, Kazmiria becomes furious. They'd started out with eight and were now down to three. And one of them was now beaten so severely that she had to be carried. He ordered Zadneetsia to do it. He then shoved Janika at his brother and said, "Tie this one up and make sure there's no more trouble from her."

Kurvlodia nodded.

Later on that day, when Igorvia caught up with them and discovered the changes—and the state in which Danta was in—he seriously started thinking that something had to be done. But what?

~oxoxo~

Fräubita and Dakara watched what was happening and quickly read the situation. They could stay and attempt to help Danta and Janika, but it probably wouldn't do any good. Then Fräubita saw the subtle gesture Danta had given her—one of Ayla's Clan gestures telling her to go—and briefly wondered when the former Sumac woman had picked up Clan signs. She'd immediately grabbed Dakara's hand and pulled.

And they'd run as fast as their feet would carry them, not stopping once until they reached Ash Camp's former lodge. It was nearly evening by the time they managed to find their way back there and they were exhausted—and relieved. Though not completely.

Once inside though, they heard the sound of someone else—and discovered a badly beaten and used Kalina. They knew she hadn't been inside the lodge when they'd left it, so somehow she'd managed to return. Neither Fräubita nor Dakara were sure how though; the other woman looked horrible.

"Kalina?" Fräubita and Dakara said in unison, both kneeling down beside her.

Kalina opened her eyes—which was quite difficult considering they were swollen closed. "Dakara?"

"I'm here," said the former Cedar Camp woman. "Fräubita too. We escaped."

Kalina tried to smile—but ended up grimacing in pain.

"What happened to you, Kalina?" Fräubita asked, tears filling her eyes.

"The men...they took me," she said, tears slipping from the swollen slits of her eyes. "All of them...then they beat me."

"All of them?" Dakara asked.

Kalina nodded—then frowned. "The one called Igorvia wasn't there. Just the others."

Dakara shuddered, then looked at Fräubita. "We should clean her up."

Fräubita nodded. "I'll get water," she said, getting up.

"And I'll start a fire," Dakara said, wondering if Ash Camp had left any healing herbs behind. "Kalina, is there any way you could tell me which hearth belonged to Ash Camp's healer?"

Kalina nodded—then cringed at the movement. "Um. Not likely to be much there though."

Dakara frowned. "Why not?"

"Because our healer ran off years ago," she explained. "But...it was...the fifth hearth, I think. No...fourth."

Dakara nodded. "All right. You rest. I'm going to start the fire, then go see what I can find." I am, after all, the daughter of a healer, she thought to herself. I can do this.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

The sun had been down for some time when the searchers finally reached Ash Camp's former lodge. Upon approach they were forced to halt. A fire was obviously burning inside, so the situation had to be assessed. Davaria and Hundaria wanted to storm the place, but the older adults worried that doing such a thing could put the women at risk, so they waited—and watched.

And then an obviously female body stepped outside and moved toward the river with a small container. In the darkness, they could not tell who it was at first—and then Gredenzia gasped and ran forward, realizing it was the daughter of his hearth.

Quickly, he grabbed her and covered her mouth with his hand, so that she couldn't scream and alert those inside.

Fräubita's eyes first widened in shock and fear. But then, when she saw him, she melted into the man's arms. "Gredenzia," she whispered tearfully.

"Shhhh," he said, "we don't want anyone to know we're here."

Fräubita shook her head. "There is no one here but us."

"Us? Who is with you?" Doventia asked, coming forward. "Kalina?"

Fräubita nodded, tears spilling from her eyes.

Doventia and Hundaria didn't need to hear anything else; they rushed inside.

"Danta?" Davaria questioned.

Fräubita shook her head. "They still have her and Janika...and Tabita," she said—then burst into sobs when she saw Tiflona and Tagnolia standing there too. "And...Tori and Mori...I think...I think they're...dead."

"Oh no, Fräubita, they're not," Tiflona said, quickly coming forward and hugging the younger woman. "We found them and sent them back to Oak Camp with Darvie and Vincenzia, so we could continue on to find you. They're both all right, I promise."

Relaxing into Gredenzia's arms, the young woman continued to cry. "Oh. Thank the Mother!"

"Let's get you back inside," Tagnolia suggested.

Tifona nodded. "Yes. It's cold out here."

And so they went.

AtDC

NEW CHAPTER (3) – "Runners"

"She's too heavy!" Zadneetsia complained after only a short time of carrying the dead weight of the unconscious Danta of Oak Camp. He'd dropped her in a heap and glared at Kazmiria. "This woman is not my responsibility, why am I carrying her?!"

"If you had not taken your pleasure in that one," Kazmiria ground out, pointing at Janika, Kurvlodia wouldn't have had to punish this one for insolence. And if that had not happened, then the other two would not have escaped...causing you to lose your mind...yet again! You are carrying Danta, because you beat her!"

"Igornvia should carry her!" Zadneetsia snapped. "He's the one who wants her."

Kazmiria frowned. "Igorvia has Laska," he said, then glanced at the other man. "Do you want Danta instead?"

Igorvia frowned. He'd always wanted Danta, but Danta wouldn't have him so he'd found contentment in Laska. "Yes."

"What about Laska?"

Shrugging, Igorvia said, "I would take them both if it were allowed.

Kazmiria snorted. "It's not! There are not enough women to go around, so you must choose."

Igorvia looked at Danta's unconscious form and frowned. Danta was the one he wanted, but...he knew she did not want him. Laska, on the other hand, wanted him very much. But he worried for Danta if he didn't choose her—and so he did.

"I choose Danta," he said, hoping he'd have the time to plan things out as they traveled, because, as much as he preferred Danta, he didn't wish to cast Laska out—putting her at the mercy of some other cruel man. And he knew she would be hurt and angry when they returned and she found out he'd not chosen her, but...what could he do? Right now Danta needed him—whether she liked it or not.

"Fine then," Kazmiria said. "You'll have to carry her back to our territory."

Igorvia nodded. He knew it would be difficult, but that it was the right thing to do. For a moment, Igorvia wondered when the idea of doing the right thing had ever been important to him.

"Though, I suppose it's only fair to share the burden," Kazmiria reevaluated. He had no wish to overtax any one person while they travelled. One person's exhaustion would slow them down significantly. "We will take shifts. Zadneetsia has already carried her, so he is done for the day. You will take the next shift, Igor...then Kurvlodia...and the day will end with myself. Tomorrow will be the same."

Everyone nodded, though Zadneetsia didn't look very happy about it; if it were up to him, he'd just leave Danta behind.

"And Janika and Tabita will service everyone," the man went on. He did not miss that his woman blanched. He would have to do something to placate her, or she'd be a mess. He would start with his brother.

"Kurvlodia, I want you to assist Tabi at the end of the day. I'm going to be tired from carrying Danta, so she will need help. I expect you to take care of her as I would."

Originally he'd not wanted anyone else to touch her, but...in times like this, Kazmiria knew he'd have to be flexible. And, it was a good training for Tabita, he decided.

Kurvlodia's eyes widened with comprehension—as did the young woman's. And when it looked like she might protest, he leveled a look at her. She would do what she was told no matter what.

They rested for a bit, then Danta was lugged onto Igorvia's shoulders while the ropes that held Janika were yanked roughly by Zadneetsia. The young woman glared at him defiantly and received a smack for her resistance. She didn't seem to care.

At midday, Danta was lowered to the ground—this time with much more care—and Janika was allowed to attend her. Tabita was instructed to build a fire and make them something to eat. She was then used by Kurvlodia—at Kazmiria's insistence. The younger brother had not wanted to take her, but Kazmiria thought it was a good time as any to start. She resisted for a second, but a direct order from Kazmiria caused her to submit.

"You will allow him access to your body, Tabi," Kaz said to her. "Because I wish it."

She nodded, tears in her eyes.

And to his brother, he said, "Do not hurt her, but do not give her pleasure either."

Later in the day—late afternoon—when they stopped again, Kazmiria wanted Tabita used again, and again ordered Kurvlodia to do it. He was testing the waters to make sure his woman would deny him nothing—and rewarding his brother for carrying her.

And at the end of the day, it was the same—but the next day would be different.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

Far away, as the day was ending, Brulenzia of Oak Camp reached the cave of Brun's Clan. It was cold and the wind was blowing and no one seemed to be about. He didn't even see Ayla's horses. Somewhat nervous, the tall, dark-haired man entered the Clan's cave. He knew his visit would not be welcomed by most of those who lived there, but this was an emergency.

After entering, he let the hide covering drop to defend the cave against the cold, then turned. It took a few moments for his eyes to adjust. The area he was in seemed to be empty—and then he heard the blowing sounds of Ayla's horses and understood why no people were in this portion of the cave.

Chuckling, he started for the corridor he knew would take him to the visitor's hearth—and beyond that, Grov and Ayla's space.

"You men are all alike," he heard Danie saying as he approached. "Give you a little control and you abuse it."

~oxoxo~

Ivanolia laughed.

"Come on, Oda," Danie said, grabbing the woman's sleeve and pulling. "We are leaving."

Oda was distressed. No matter how many times she'd been told, she found it difficult to understand that she did not have to obey Ivanolia—or give in to his every wish. Right now she resisted Danie's tugging and looked to her mate to tell her what to do. This infuriated Danie, but apparently amused Ivanolia to no end. He flicked his hand to wave the women off, causing Danie to roll her eyes and glare some more.

"We are going to Ayla's hearth," Danie informed their mate. "When you are ready to behave like a decent human being, then we will come back." With that she took Oda's hand and firmly pulled her out of the hearth and down the hallway.

"So, what'd you do?" Brulenzia asked as he stepped into the hearth. He'd wait for the two women to leave before making his presence known.

"Brulenzia!" Ivanolia exclaimed, getting to his feet and going to his friend. "I don't know why you're here, but...it's good to see you. How're Laurana and the baby."

Brulenzia smiled. "They are fine."

"Danie's angry that I told her to make me some tea."

Brulenzia snorted. "I don't suppose that went over well. You should have asked."

Ivanolia chuckled. "Oda immediately jumped up to get it for me, but that only angered Danie more."

Brulenzia frowned. "Why would Oda get you tea?" he asked.

"Because she's my second woman now," Ivanolia said—then explained. "It was what Corg wanted as restitution for what I did to his sister."

Brulenzia's eyes widened. "Wow. That's just...wow! I didn't expect that."

"Neither did I," Ivanolia admitted. "It was difficult in the beginning, but...I think we're making it work. She's not looking forward to leaving here at the end of the winter though. She's afraid of us and doesn't think she'll be accepted by our people."

"That's understandable, considering how she's been treated by our people," Brulenzia said.

Ivanolia was decent enough to blush.

"So...you plan to bring her back to Oak Camp with you then?" the dark-haired man asked.

Ivanolia shrugged. "What else can I do? Danie would be miserable here and...Oak Camp is our home. And...we cannot raise Braydalana here."

"I don't suppose so. Though...this cave is Oda's home."

"She may not like it, but...she knows she doesn't have a choice," Ivanolia said. "Just like she was not given a choice in being given to me. She didn't like that either, but that's just the way it's done here. At least at Oak Camp she'll have some freedom and...I've promised to be good to her. Not that Danie would let me not be good to her," he finished, grinning.

Chuckling, Brulenzia nodded. "I'm sure she'll find a place at Oak Camp then. I will inform everyone when I get back, so they will be ready. Your mother will be happy to meet the girl...Ura? Do you really think she's of your spirit?"

Ivanolia nodded—then frowned. "So...why are you here?"

Brulenzia sat down. "There's trouble at Oak Camp," he said. "Eight of our women have been...taken."

"What?! Who?"

Brulenzia sighed. "Let me start at the beginning. After you left, Sardovia showed up with several others, Jeeteria, Jondaria, and Janika among them. Apparently Cedar Camp's cave was destroyed by the banned camps, so they were looking for homes for those who lived there."

Ivanolia grimaced at the thought of taking in anyone from Cedar Camp. "Who did they bring?"

"Well, since we have been looking for a healer, they brought Hetara and her daughter, Dakara."

The blond man nodded, glad that it was not a troublemaker. "Yes, I remember them."

"Accepting them was not a hard decision. I think they will be a good fit. And Travie has moved into the healing hearth with them. The two older women have a lot in common and seem to get along."

"That will make Danie happy, I think," Ivanolia said. "Knowing her mother is occupied."

"And it looks like we're keeping Janika as well," Brulenzia went on, smiling a bit—though, under the circumstances, it was grim. "When they left, they allowed her to stay with Davaria. He's very happy."

"I'd imagine so," the blond said. "I'm happy for him, but...what about the women?"

"Well, about seven days later, Doventia from Ash Camp showed up with his family, asking for help. Apparently the banned camps moved east and Kazaskia is controlling them all. He's allowing the young men to cause trouble and they won't let the women do anything. They're hurting people and people are scared. Doventia said that Kazaskia has changed their people's name to the Khazaria and that he'd been informed that Kazaskia was giving the oldest daughter of his hearth to Kazmiria. That was when Doventia couldn't stand it anymore. He took his family and left."

Ivanolia frowned. "Wait. We're talking about Kalina, right? Isn't Kazmiria related to her?"

"Yes," Brulenzia said with a nod. "But there aren't enough women, so matings are being arranged."

"And that is why they took Oak women?"

Brulenzia nodded again. "We believe so."

"Who?"

Brulenzia sighed. "It happened when the women went out to wash clothing," he said. "Danta, Tabita, Janika, Kalina, Fräubita, Dakara, Torina, and Morina were taken."

"But Torina and Morina are just girls."

Brulenzia shrugged. "They don't care, I suppose."

"So what are we doing about it?"

"A search party was put together. We'd not discovered the women missing until it was dark, so we had to wait until the next day to scout. It took most of the next day just to figure out what had happened. The searchers left the day after that. And a day after that, those of us left behind at Oak Camp decided to send runners out. Donzolnia went to Beech Camp for help, Fürlasa and Frala went to Pine Camp, and I came here."

Starting to rise, Ivanolia looked around. "I should return home with you."

Brulenzia frowned. "I knew you'd probably want to, but...what about Danie? You know she wants to be here with Ayla to deliver her baby and...now you have Oda and Ura to consider too. I think you should stay."

"You are right, I suppose."

"Wäglodia wanted you to know what's happening, but understands your obligation here...even without knowing the extent of it."

Ivanolia sighed. He would have to stay at the Clan's cave.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

"Today is Zadneetsia's day," Kazmiria informed the group as they stopped for their first rest the next day. Tabita cringed, causing her man to look at her sternly. "You will service my friend as you service me...as you serviced my brother yesterday."

Shuddering, Tabita glanced at the leering man, then back at Kazmiria, nodding. "Yes, Kaz...of course," she whispered.

Kazmiria grinned, then took the woman's mouth with his. "Go now. Zadneetsia is ready, I'm sure." But before Zadneetsia left with Tabita though, Kazmiria stopped him.

"This one is to be used gently," he instructed, not bothering to tell the man there was not to be any pleasure for the woman—because he knew this particular man wouldn't give it. "If you hurt or damage her in any way, I will not allow you to touch her again. And you might just find yourself unable to perform again," he threatened.

Gritting his teeth angrily, Zadneetsia nodded, then reached for the tie that held his pants up as he walked toward the frightened woman.

"You will lie down and spread your legs, woman," Zadneetsia commanded her.

Tabita's eyes filled with humiliation as she did what she was told. She did not fight him; she knew she couldn't.

This happened two more times during the day, once when they stopped at midday and again in the afternoon. In the evening, however, Kazmiria sent Zadneetsia away when he came over expecting to take Tabita again.

"That's enough," he said, causing Zadneetsia to stomp away. Smirking at the man's retreating back, Kazmiria turned to see Tabita's relieved look. "Did he hurt you?"

Biting her lip, Tabita shook her head. "No. I am just...sore," she admitted, then blushed and looked down at the ground.

Kazmiria took her hand, then led her away from the others, closer to the river. "Remove your bottoms and lie down," he instructed. He was expecting more tears, but was surprised when she immediately complied. When she was flat on her back, the man leaned in and looked at her womanhood. The entire area was an angry red from overuse. Frowning, he used a piece of cloth and dipped it in the cold water of the river, then held it to the swollen flesh of her opening. She jerked a little at the coldness of it, but closed her eyes and sighed.

"I know it hurts, Tabi," the man said. "I do regret that."

She said nothing. She didn't know what to say."

After a few moments he pulled the cloth away and looked at her opening again, then spread her folds to see if there was further damage. She was red inside as well, but it was to be expected, he decided, because of how many times she'd been penetrated. Running a finger along her slit, he pushed it inside, but quickly removed it when she convulsed. He desperately wanted to have her again, but was reluctant. Instead, he dipped the piece of leather into the river again and brought it back to her inflamed opening—then decided to do something else. Lowering his mouth to the bud, he dipped and tasted, causing the woman to bolt upright.

"Lie down, woman," he commanded. "I do not do this often, so you should try to take pleasure in it."

Tabita shuddered as the man's mouth worked her node, discovering that he wasn't particularly gentle with it. Still though, it was quickly engorged and throbbing, causing her entire body to quiver as she went over the edge.

But he didn't stop there, even though she'd had her release and her place of pleasure was too sensitive to touch. She tried to wiggle away from him, but that just caused him to hook an arm around her hips and nestle in further. Closing his mouth over the area, the man sucked in earnest, until she released again—then forced another out of her. By the time he'd finished with her, she lay boneless, her body trembling uncontrollably. Standing, his own engorged member throbbing painfully, Kazmiria looked down at her and smirked.

"Clean yourself up when you can, then come back and eat," he said—then walked away.

~oxoxo~

It was some time before Tabita was able to move. It was actually the cold air that prompted the woman to force herself to get up. When she finally did, she used the cloth to gently wipe her abused flesh, then pulled her leggings back on and walked back to their camp. It didn't even occur to her to run away. When she got there, however, she was horrified to see that Kazmiria was finding pleasure in Janika.

Janika, on the other hand, was clearly furious and fighting it, but was not strong enough to stop the man.

Devastated—and terribly jealous—Tabita heaved a sob, then silently sat down at the fire with her back to what was going on.

~oxoxo~

Later on, Danta finally stirred, but was hardly able to move. She sipped some water, which Igorvia held up to her lips, and glared at the man with hatred.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

Far to the west, Donzolnia had just finished explaining Oak Camp's troubles to their relations at Beech Camp.

"Oh my! This is horrible!" the headwoman exclaimed.

"Yes, Tarana, it is," Donzolnia agreed.

"How is our sister?" the headman asked.

Donzolnia shrugged. "Doing as well as can be expected, I think," he said. "Ten left to search, but we've not heard back yet...at least not before runners were sent out. Those of us left behind decided we needed to get the word out, possibly get help."

Tegassia frowned. "Of course we'll help," he said. "What does Oak Camp need?"

"Numbers," the younger man said. "With eight women taken and ten out looking for them, the earthlodge lacks sufficient protection. Everyone is scared. We sent Brulenzia southwest to Ayla's cave, because Ivanolia is wintering there...and Fürlasa and Frala went north to Pine Camp for help, but...we could really use a few strong bodies from Beech Camp too.

Tegassia looked at his sister and nodded. "We'd be happy to send a few. Let's call a meeting."

Donzolnia sighed with relief. He knew they'd help—that's what kin did.

There was only a brief issue. Belana's son, Mikolavia, wanted to go and help, but the woman objected—of course! She worried for him because if they did encounter those from their former camp, there'd likely be trouble for him. Not to mention her younger son, Danushkia, who'd left when the banned camps did. It would be brother against brother and she didn't like it.

She didn't win the argument though, Mikolavia left with the rest—kissing his mate, Mirra, first, then going.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

The next day, Danta refused to be carried—which was perfectly fine with Zadneetsia, who was relieved of his shift. After some time, however, Kazmiria sent Igorvia back to pick her up, because she was falling behind and slowing them down.

"Stop fighting me, Danta," Igorvia said quietly. She'd been allowing him to carry her, because she didn't have a choice, but she was stiff, which made the chore more difficult on the man. "It would be easier on us both if you'd just lean into me."

She snorted, having no intention of making it easy on the man.

"Come on," he said, jostling her a bit so that she was forced to loosen up.

Giving up, Danta dropped her head to Igorvia's chest and started to cry. He heard her sniffling, though she tried to hide it, and squeezed her in a way that he hoped was reassuring. Still though, he didn't know what to do.

~oxoxo~

At midday when they stopped, Kazmiria turned to Igorvia. "I want you to take your turn with Tabi," he said.

Igorvia, having just put Danta down, was shaking out his arms, but looked up. "I have no wish to take a turn," he said with obvious disgust.

Kazmiria laughed. "I do not care about your wishes, Igor!" he snapped, his eyes going down to where Danta sat on the ground. "Nor where your interests lie. And I am not asking if you want to use her. I am issuing a command."

Igorvia frowned. "I cannot perform without desire, Kaz...or on command."

"I'm sure there's something she can do to...get a rise out of you. Her mouth is quite talented," Kazmiria said. "Or...just think of someone else." The man's eyes dropped down to Danta again—then he walked away.

Running a hand through his hair, Igorvia glanced over at Tabita, then back down at Danta. Danta was glaring up at him. Sighing, he turned and headed over to Tabita.

When he reached the woman, she looked up with hatred, then glanced over at Kazmiria, then got up and obediently followed Igorvia to a place where they could be alone for a short time. At this point, it didn't matter who took her.

~oxoxo~

In the evening, after they'd stopped for the day—and Igorvia had returned from Tabita a third time—he sat down somewhat close to Danta. He didn't say anything, but she did.

"You are a disgusting animal!" she hissed.

He frowned. "I am not enjoying this any more than you are," he whispered.

Her eyes went wide. "Somehow I find that hard to believe, Igor!" she snapped.

The man was silent for a while—then he leaned close and rolled her to her back and crawled on top of her. She didn't fight him—she hadn't the strength. For a time, he stared into her fury-filled eyes, then dropped his head so that his mouth was at her neck. He nibbled a bit, then found her ear and nibbled some more. Then spoke quietly.

"I haven't touched her, Danta," he whispered, then kissed her mouth to make it appear that he was forcing himself on her. "Not once."

"I don't believe you," Danta said, shuddering as the man's lips grazed her neck again. "Besides, I think Tabita would have told Kazmiria if you didn't. I think she actually likes that hyena and she hates you for what you did to her sisters."

Igorvia frowned. "I didn't hurt her sisters," he continued. "And I can prove it."

Danta's eyes widened. "And how's that? You came back covered in blood."

"It was my blood. The older of those two brats cut me with Kazmiria's knife, then sewed me up." He moved slightly so he could show her, making certain no one else saw. "I swear to you that I didn't hurt them...and I most certainly did not force myself on Tabita."

Turning her head, she glanced over at Tabita; she was lying on her side next to a sleeping Kazmiria—staring over at Danta and Igorvia. She looked extremely confused. Kazmiria had once again used Janika instead, much to Tabita's dismay.

"You have to help us, Igor," Danta whimpered. As she turned her head to look up at the man hovering over her, her eyes filled with tears and overflowed. "One of them is going to kill us...eventually."

Sighing, Igorvia collapsed on top of Danta. He hated her begging, but tended to agree with her at the moment. Kazmiria or Zadneetsia was going to kill her, he was sure of it.

"I want you, Danta," he whispered in her ear. "Please let me have you...one more time."

Danta blinked. One more time? What did that mean?

"I'll find a way to get you out of here, but...please?"

Licking her dry lips, Danta nodded. She had no real reason to trust that he'd come through for her, but...at this point, what did she have to lose. "Can we at least go somewhere else, so no one's watching us?"

Igorvia blinked, then glanced around. Tabita was still watching—and then he realized that both Zadneetsia and Kurvlodia were watching and smirking as well. Giving the woman a barely discernable nod, Igorvia got up, then yanked her to her feet. She winced at the abrupt movement, but knew the man did it for show. He had to look like he was forcing himself on her. Then he grabbed her and pretended to drag her off.

~oxoxo~

Zadneetsia and Kurvlodia were still sitting by the fire when Igorvia returned with Danta. They grinned at him and chuckled when he pulled out some twine and tied her wrists together, then pushed her down onto his furs. When she was settled, he lay down beside her and closed his eyes. While they'd been away sharing each other's bodies, he'd given her a knife and told her to wait until she was absolutely certain that everyone was asleep before she cut her bindings. He just hoped she got away with it.

It seemed like forever before the other two men went to their furs to sleep, so that Danta could make her move. She tested them by coughing, loud enough to disturb someone who was awake, but not loud enough to wake someone who was truly asleep. Smiling, she slowly rolled over, then felt around for the knife. Quickly, she sliced through the twine, then got up and went to Janika.

Janika was tied up as well, but not for long. Janika's dark eyes snapped opened when she felt hands on her, questioning silently. Danta held up the knife and grinned, then pointed over at Igorvia's sleeping form. Janika nodded and got up as soon as she was freed, then both women went to Tabita. Waking her was easy—getting her to leave with them proved to be impossible. They ended up leaving their friend behind.

AtDC

NEW CHAPTER (4) – "New Discoveries"

For several days the group of searchers stayed in Ash Camp's lodge. It was no longer owned and occupied by anyone, so they didn't feel that it was wrong. Besides, this had been Doventia's family's former camp, so, in any case, it was acceptable. And Kalina was unfit to travel, so they needed to stay.

Kalina looked horrendous, but she was recovering and would soon be ready to move. And they wanted to get her out of there—the place that she'd once called home, but now housed horrific memories.

The group was undecided as to what to do next though. The sitting around waiting was maddening, because—what about the women still missing?! Everyone was on edge.

Serana had been taking care of Kalina with Doventia hovering close. He just wanted to get the daughter of his hearth home. He's said it numerous times, causing looks to be exchanged. The fact that he considered Oak Camp home, after such a short time, was promising—and showed them he'd truly left his old life behind. They were a little less sure about Hundaria, who'd showed them his wild side a time or two. He often had to be calmed down.

"When are we going after them?!" the young man bellowed after another fit of rage. He was so frustrated with all the sitting around that he'd gone outside, picked up a fallen branch and spent a good amount of time beating a tree with it. Davaria was the one who'd followed him, watched the outburst, then tried to talk to him.

"They are waiting to make sure Kalina is able to travel," he said.

Hundaria snorted. "I know that, but...I want blood! That is my sister in there!" he yelled, pointing at the earthlodge as he walked back and forth. "Someone has to pay for this!"

Davaria nodded. "I'm frustrated too," he said calmly.

Hundaria stopped pacing. "Really? Because...it doesn't look like it!"

Davaria sighed. "Just because I'm not having a tantrum, it doesn't mean I'm not furious. I'm fully aware of what's happening, but..." He frowned. "This is getting you nowhere."

Hundaria sighed, then dropped to his knees and started crying—then wiped furiously at his tears. "I was just like them!" he said. "And I treated Kalina like animal droppings."

"You are not like them, Hundaria," the other man said. "If you were, you wouldn't have left with your family...you would have stayed with them and allowed them to warp you. You are not like them, just like I am not."

Hundaria frowned. "You do seem different."

Davaria blushed. "I too treated my sister poorly...back when we were at Sumac Camp. It was...detestable."

The younger man grimaced. "She does not hate you?"

Davaria laughed. "Not even a tiny bit."

Hundaria cast a glance at the earthlodge. "Do you think Kalina could ever forgive me?"

"My guess is that she doesn't blame you, Hundaria."

"I don't blame you, Hundaria," came a voice. It was Kalina. She was hobbling toward them.

Hundaria gasped, instantly going to her. "What are you doing out of bed, Kalina?!" he demanded as he reached her. He tried to pick her up, but she resisted.

"This is not your fault," she said, gesturing at herself, then poking her brother in the chest—then leaning into him. "So stop blaming yourself."

Sighing, Hundaria wrapped his arms around his sister and gently hugged her. She was still sore, but definitely on the mend. "Come on, let's get you back inside."

Back inside, Kalina set upon by Doventia, demanding to know where she'd been. At first she cringed, obviously startled, but then she squared her shoulders and stood up to the man of her hearth.

"After what I've been through, Doventia," she barked, hands on her tender hips. "I'm not going to take anything from anyone! If I want to go out and get a little fresh air, then, by the Great Mother, that's what I'm going to do. I'm not a little girl anymore, you know!"

Doventia's eyes widened and he sputtered a little, then he nodded. "I only meant that I was worried about you, Kalina, but...you are right, you're a woman now and I...I shouldn't treat you like a child," the man agreed.

"No, you shouldn't."

"Are you sure you're all right though?" he asked, looking the daughter of his hearth over.

The young woman shrugged. "I seem to be. I mean, I hurt just about everywhere, but...I'm still standing here, aren't I?"

The man nodded. "Indeed you are," he said—then reached for the young woman and hugged her. "I was...so scared for you. Your mother is going to be so happy to see you."

Kalina frowned. "How is mother?"

"Just like everyone else, she's terribly worried," Doventia said. "I can hardly wait to get you home to her."

"Hmm," she said, thinking that returning to Oak Camp might have to be put off until she'd healed up some; she didn't want to shock her mother. "About that. I was thinking that maybe I should stay here for a while."

"Here? But why?" the man asked.

"Look at me, Doventia," she said. "I'm not sure mother could bear to look at me right now."

Doventia shook his head. "I'm not sure she can take the stress of you being gone either, Kalina," he said. "Of course...I will do whatever you want, but I think we need to get you home so she knows you're all right."

Kalina sighed. "You are probably right," she said—then shuddered. "I think I need to lie down again."

Nodding, Doventia led Kalina to her bed and helped her to get comfortable, then sat down and watched her sleep. She fell into slumber quickly; she'd obviously overtaxed herself.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

It was sometime between midday and evening when Fürlasa and Frala finally reached the caves Pine Camp—and it was Junlovia, who was working on the maintenance of the trails that led up to their caves, that they saw first. The young women gave the man a brief description of what was happening at Oak Camp and were quickly escorted to Zackodia, the mate of the headwoman, and brother of Gredenzia. It did not take much discussion to gain Pine Camp's pledge to help. They would allow Fürlasa and Frala to rest, then they'd set out again the next day with Zackodia and three other men.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

It was evening before Kalina woke up again. When she opened her eyes she smiled when she saw Doventia sitting close by—but sound asleep. For a moment she just lay there blinking and trying figure out what had awakened her. Then she realized she needed to pass her water and squirmed. The movement was slightly painful and caused her to moan softly. That immediately brought her attention. Serana suddenly appeared, smiling down at her.

"How are you?" the woman asked in a whisper.

Kalina shrugged. "Okay, I guess. All my muscles ache. And my insides," she admitted to the woman, her eyes filling.

Serana nodded. "I know. What happened to you was...horrible. But we're going to take care of you. I promise."

Kalina nodded. "I'm worried about the others."

"Do not worry. We will find them. And you need to concentrate on healing now," Serana instructed.

Kalina's eyes filled, tears spilling over again. "I'm so sorry."

Serana's eyes widened. "Why are you sorry?"

"Because none of this would have happened if my family had not come to Oak Camp," the young woman whispered. "All of this happened to your people because of me."

Reaching out, Serana gently took the sobbing woman in her arms. The embrace was slightly painful, but it seemed the woman needed the contact—and reassurance. But after letting her cry for a short time, Serana sat back and spoke. "First of all, you are not to blame for what those animals have done. The blame is on them! There is no excuse for hurting people. Any people. Second, you might have been born in Ash Camp, but Oak Camp accepted you and your family, so there is no your people here. Do not separate yourself from us. We are both Sungaea. And third, we will find our women and bring them home...just you wait and see."

It was hard for Kalina to comprehend everything the other woman was saying, but she smiled anyway.

"Now, I'd like you to have some tea. It's got a mild painkiller in it, so you can rest peacefully tonight."

Kalina nodded and moved to sit up—then remembered what had woken her. "I need to pass water," she said.

Serana nodded. "Let me help you get up," she said. "We've straightened this place up a bit and moved the night basket further away from the sleeping places."

Kalina grimaced, remembering the stench that usually radiated from the night baskets. She'd actually prefer to make a trek outside over using those stinky inside things.

Serana saw her disgusted look and smiled. "We've cleaned them up too," she said. "Actually, they were unfit to use, so the old ones have been disposed of and we've replaced them with some baskets we found in the back of the lodge."

Kalina nodded, relieved, and allowed the woman to help her up and over to the baskets. Because her stomach muscles were so weak, however, squatting over them on her own was next to impossible. She groaned slightly.

"I am going to recover, right?" she asked as the liquid flowed from her body.

Holding the younger woman up, Serana nodded. "I examined you. All the damage appears to be superficial. The bites and bruises will fade in time, as will the injuries to your insides."

Sighing, Kalina nodded, then blotted herself dry with a piece of leather when she had finished. "I'm bleeding."

"The bleeding you're experiencing is just your body cleansing itself of the evil that was done to it. It will stop," Serana told her as she helped Kalina pulling up her leggings. "Let's get you back into bed and some of my tea. Are you hungry as well?"

"Maybe a little. They didn't give us much to eat," she admitted.

"You do look a little thin."

Kalina snorted. "I'm always thin."

"Well, I've got a plate for you. It's not much, but we should watch how much you take in for a few days. Eating too much too quickly is sometimes not good."

Getting back into her bed, Kalina noticed she'd been well taken care of in her slumber. And around her, everything was neat and tidy—and clean. This is how people should live, she thought.

~oxoxo~

The next morning everyone gathered to talk about what to do next. Doventia wanted to get Kalina home, but really, she wasn't ready to travel. Others, on the other hand, wanted to keep moving forward. It was decided that they'd split up, with Doventia, Gredenzia, and Serana staying at Ash Camp with Kalina, Fräubita, and Dakara—and the rest continuing to push on.

It was a hard decision though. When they'd started out they had numbered ten and were following four, but now they only numbered five and it was likely the four had reached their home—or were close to it—which would mean much greater numbers.

"Should we leave immediately?" Vilognia asked.

Tagnolia nodded. "I think that we should."

Tiflona frowned. She desperately wanted to find her daughter, but...not at the expense of the others—especially if what Torina and Morina had said was true. Had Tabita lost her mind? Was she not willing to return even if she was able? Tiflona couldn't imagine such a thing, but she knew nothing of these things.

Serana was nodding too. She wasn't going, but she'd rearranged each person's pack, giving them each more of the essentials...and more food. "Be safe," she said to her mate, kissing him. Then she went to each person and hugged them. "All of you. Safe journey."

Davaria and Hundaria were the last two she hugged. "Thank you, Hundaria," she said.

He frowned. "Why are you thanking me?" he asked.

Serana smiled. "You're the only one going on this trip who's actually been there before."

"Oh. Right.

"So thank you, for leading everyone."

Hundaria puffed up with pride.

Doventia looked proud of the son of his mate as he came forward. He too hugged the man—the younger version of himself. "Make them pay, Hundaria."

"No!" came Kalina appalled voice as she hobbled forward to hug her brother. "Do not lower yourselves to their level. That will do nothing to change what has already happened. It would only change you. Just...bring our women home."

Tiflona sighed. "She is correct, of course."

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

Sitting by a campfire—which had been a struggle to build—Danta and Janika nestled into the furs they'd taken with them and snuggled into each other to share their warmth.

"Do you think they'll come after us?" Janika asked.

Danta shook her head. "It's been two days. I think they'd have caught up to us by now if they were coming," she said. "It's not like we're moving very quickly."

Janika frowned, then nodded. "Yeah...probably. Why wouldn't Tabita come with us?" she wondered aloud. They'd not discussed it yet, but Janika's mind was still reeling from all that had happened—and the fact that Tabita had chosen to stay behind. Janika didn't get it.

Danta shrugged. She'd seen some crazy things in her lifetime, but never something like this.

"Do you think she's lost her mind?"

Danta frowned. "I don't know, Janika, but I'm very worried about her."

"I am too," the woman with nearly black hair said.

"Maybe she thinks no one's going to want her now," Danta said. "It's lonely to think you'll never have anyone."

"You'll find someone," Janika said reassuringly. She knew Davaria's sister worried she'd be alone forever.

Danta nodded, but didn't say anything. She didn't have the strength to have that discussion at the moment.

"Um. Do you think Davaria's still going to want me?" Janika asked next. "After everything they did to me."

Danta's eyes widened. "He still wanted you after Zadneetsia hurt you before, why would that change?"

Janika shrugged, tears slipping from her dark eyes. "I don't know. He worries that the baby I am carrying is...of Zadneetsia's spirit." She scowled. "And I heard that Ayla thinks babies are caused by men. Couldn't then, the baby I am carrying, be of one of the other men's spirits?"

Danta frowned, then shook her head. "No, I don't think so. I think Ayla would say that your baby was already created when the others took you, so...it wouldn't be of their spirit."

Janika nodded. "So...only Davaria or...Zadneetsia!" She tried to stifle a sob, but could not. Her shoulders shook with her pain.

Turning, Danta shifted, then pulled the younger woman into her arms. "It does not matter, Janika. You will love your baby no matter whose spirit created it."

Janika frowned. "Is there something you're not telling me, Danta?"

Danta sighed, then shuddered, then nodded. "I too am blessed," she said flatly. "And, the only man I have been with...except for last night...is Zadneetsia."

Janika pushed back and looked at the other woman. "Why haven't you told anyone?"

Danta shrugged. "I've been afraid to, I guess...because we're new to Oak Camp and I don't have a mate. I'm already a burden and...I didn't want anything to spoil my new life. But...I have a new life growing inside me now, so...I guess this is my new life," she said, patting her belly.

"How far?" Janika asked, not knowing exactly when all of this had started for Davaria's sister.

"Two cycles of the moon, I think," she said.

"It's only been one for me," the younger woman said—then smiled. "But...we'll have our babies together. That'll be fun."

Danta nodded. "I suppose," she said—then yawned.

~oxoxo~

In the morning, when Danta started to come awake, something felt...different. Wrong even—and it worried her greatly. She was terrified that they had been followed. She cringed at the thought of having to endure more from Kazmiria and his men.

But then she noticed other things. She was still curled up with Janika, who was sound asleep in her arms, and...she was extremely comfortable—and warm. That was strange, because she knew she they hadn't made a very good fire the night before and...now that she thought about it, they'd not banked it properly either. They'd just been so tired and sore from traveling and abuse.

Moving slightly, almost imperceptibly—because she worried that they were captives once again—Danta slowly inched her hand toward the edge of the heavy furs covering them. However, when her arm was fully extended and she found no edge, she frowned.

Heavy? she thought. When they'd run, they'd taken two shabby blankets...which could hardly even be called furs, let alone heavy. Confused, but not wanting to disturb Janika if she'd found some peace in deep sleep, Danta carefully peeled herself out of the pile awkwardly.

And then she heard chuckling and cringed.

"Glad to see you're actually alive," came a voice—causing Danta to sit bolt upright and stare in disbelief.

"Ari?" she whispered, her eyes filling as she pushed the furs off of her and crossed the distance to her twin.

"Good to see you too, Ata," the man said, catching her and swinging her around. Quickly though, he put her down and looked her over. She looked horrible—as did Janika. Not so bad as Kalina, but still bad. "What happened to you out there?"

Danta grimaced and looked at the ground. "You...don't want to know."

Davaria frowned, his eyes going to Janika. "Did they...?"

Danta nodded. "I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry, Ata?" he asked, his tone furious—not at her, but at what she'd been through. Then he hugged her again, squeezing more gently this time. "I'm just glad you're both alive. Now there's only Tabita to find."

Danta's eyes widened and she back out of Davaria's arms. "You found the others?"

Davaria nodded. "Torina and Morina first, then Fräubita, Dakara, and Kalina."

"Kalina's...all right?"

"I wouldn't say all right, but she'll survive," he said. "She's really strong though. Doventia tried to treat her like an injured bird, but she's having none of that."

Danta smiled. She was glad for that. "When did you get here?"

"We arrived shortly after you two fell asleep, I think," he said.

"We?"

"Yeah. I'm here with Tagnolia, Tiflona, Vilognia, and Hundaria," he informed her. "The rest stayed with the others at Ash Camp. We kept walking after dark last night...with torches. None of us were tired and wanted to keep going. Then Hundaria smelled your fire. It wasn't very big, so we built it up and wrapped you both in more furs. Tiflona insisted on examining you both a little, to make sure you were alive, but you must have been exhausted, because neither one of you even budged."

Danta grinned.

"How can you even smile after what's happened to you?"

"I'm not sure, but...I am so glad to see you, Ari!" she said, falling into his arms again.

~oxoxo~

Janika's awakening was similar, but by the time she rose, the others were back—from hunting and there was a meal cooking. She was shocked to see them all, of course, but just as thrilled as Danta had been. Without worrying what anyone thought, she threw herself into Davaria's arms and hugged him, sobs shaking her small body.

But when her sobs subsided, she became somewhat shy and embarrassed over all that had happened. She was certain that Davaria would no longer want to have anything to do with her once he found out everything. And so she tried to avoid eye contact and kept her mouth closed, thinking that, if she didn't bring it up, then maybe he wouldn't either. But that was not the case.

"Let me see you, Janika," he said after a while. It was obvious she'd been trying to keep her distance and he didn't like it.

She looked away, which only caused him to look closer.

"Janika, what's going on?" he asked as he took her chin and gently turned her face toward his. She closed her eyes—so he kissed her. When she shuddered though, he pulled back. "Janika?"

Her eyes opened and filled with tears. "How can you stand to look at me?"

The man frowned. "Why wouldn't I look at you? I love you."

She heaved a sob. "Still? After what they did to me?"

"I certainly don't like what they did to you. I hate it, Janika! But the key word here is they," he said. "They did this to you and...it doesn't change how I feel about you. Not at all."

She blinked. "It doesn't?"

Davaria shook his head. "Of course not!"

"Truly?"

He smiled and nodded, then kissed and hugged her.

~oxoxo~

After some discussion, it was decided that they needed to take the women back to Ash Camp and talk about things. Now, they were nearly certain that Kazmiria and his men had reached their new home territory and, despite wanting to get Tabita back, they felt it was foolhardy to go into hostile lands without more people to back them up. And, if they were honest with themselves, there might not be the numbers to go in and get Tabita back—especially after hearing about her strange behavior and refusal to leave with Danta and Janika. The two women had given them as many details as they could remember and it was obvious that loss of Tabita was a possibility. Tiflona was devastated, but knew they needed to regroup—and so they turned around.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

Back at home, Oak Camp was filling up. First Vincenzia and Darvie showed up with Torina and Morina, much to everyone's surprise and joy. Zarina and Wäglodia were especially ecstatic and could hardly let the girls out of their sight. Even when they curled up together on Morina's bed and slept, Zarina and Wäglodia took turns hovering.

Then Brulenzia arrived two days later with his news that Ivanolia had been given Oda—causing more surprised murmurings. Travie was worried about Danie's feelings, but Darvie brushed it aside, thinking that there was no way Ivanolia would have agreed to such a thing if her sister had objected. In fact, Darvie would be willing to wager that Danie had insisted upon it.

And then, around midday, the day after Brulenzia's arrival, Donzolnia appeared with his four—the younger men, Leevenzia, Mitaria, and Mikolavia, settling in with those their age, and Lukovia doing the same by joining the older adults. Everyone was glad for the additions and hoped Fürlasa and Frala would return within a day or two with more reinforcements.

It was odd though; there was a lot of activity and yet, the earthlodge felt desolate.

"We're hoping Fürlasa is able to convince Gredenzia's brother to return with her...and others too," Donzolnia said. "If that's the case, then the visitor's hearth is going to be full. I was thinking...I don't think Ivanolia would be too upset though, if you guys used his hearth while he's gone."

Donzolnia's cousins—Leevenzia and Mitaria—shrugged. "Sure. That's fine."

"Wait. Where's Ivanolia?" Mikolavia asked.

Donzolnia blinked. "Oh. I thought you knew," he said—then laughed and waved at them to follow him through the earthlodge. "I don't know why I assumed you did, but...he and Danie and Braydalana are wintering with Ayla's Clan."

Mikolavia frowned. "What?! Why?"

"It's quite a long story," Brulenzia cut in, as he and Laurana joined the group as they walked toward the younger couples' hearths. "The short of is that Ivanolia has taken a second mate. Her name's Oda. And he'll be bringing her and her daughter back here sometime in the spring after Danie has her baby at the Clan's cave."

"She wants Ayla to deliver the baby," Laurana added. "Ayla's an amazing healer."

"Medicine woman," Jenadoza corrected.

Mikolavia's jaw was nearly on the ground as he looked from one person to the next. "Why would he take a flathead for a mate?" the man asked. "Especially when he has that pretty Mamutoi woman.

Donzolnia sighed and started to speak, but someone cut him off—it was Travie.

"We'll have none of that flathead talk around here, young man!" the older woman snapped. "Ayla is kin to Oak Camp and...the Clan is her family, so they are kin to us as well. Better get used to it!"

"Mother, give him a break, would you?" Darvie scolded, rolling her eyes. "They will learn...just like Ivanolia did."

Travie cackled and walked away.

"And I mean it," Darvie added. "Just accept it...and quickly, because you do not want to be on Mother's bad side."

Mikolavia frowned at the pretty Mamutoi woman, but nodded—and sort of laughed. "I have one of those mothers too."

Several people chuckled.

"And Davaria? Where is he?" Mikolavia asked next.

"He's out looking for Danta and Janika with the rest," Brulenzia said, his jaw set grimly. "They were both taken and Davaria's beside himself with worry."

"I can't even imagine losing Mirra," he said, then frowned. "Or one of my sisters."

Both Donzolnia and Brulenzia reached for their mates, thinking the same thing. They were worried about all the women, but were relieved that their youngest sister, Morina, had been brought home safely.

AtDC

NEW CHAPTER (5) – "Corg's Resentment"

It was nearly evening the next day when Danta and Janika were walked into Ash Camp's former earthlodge. Both women instantly fell into the arms of those who'd gotten away sooner. Even Kalina had dragged herself from her bed—much to Doventia's distress—and tearfully embraced them. It was both a joyous and heartbreaking occasion.

After each woman had checked over the others, they settled onto benches to rest and were given a meal. None of them mentioned Tabita, though Torina and Morina were discussed.

"You really found them?" Danta asked.

Tagnolia nodded. "Vincenzia and Darvie took them back to Oak Camp."

Danta sighed with relief. "Thank the Mother," she said. "Kazmiria let them go, but we found out he'd sent Igorvia back to...get rid of them. Igorvia told me he didn't do it though, but I...I didn't really believe him." She looked down at her hands, letting her tears fall.

Tiflona nodded. "That is the story the girls told us," she said stiffly. "They said he actually helped them...gave them his knife and left a spear behind. They were lucky."

Danta nodded. "We tried...tried so hard to keep them safe," she said, tears welling and spilling again. Davaria instantly reached out and took his sister's shaking hand, squeezing it.

Janika nodded. "And I'm sorry I couldn't keep my mouth shut. Dakara and Torina got hit because of me. I was just so...angry." She glared and clenched both her jaw and her fists—then relaxed when Davaria slipped his free arm around her waist and gripped her.

"Well, it might have been more prudent to mind your tongue," Tiflona started, "but we understand your anger and your desire to fight. Oak Camp is proud that you all made attempts to take care of each other in the best way that you could. I'm sure it was not easy."

"I'm still very sorry, Dakara," Janika said to the other young woman.

Dakara shrugged. She had had worse and...it was over.

"Now, I suggest bed, so we can finally be on our way home in the morning," Serana advised.

Most nodded and started moving toward their sleeping places, but Danta and Janika froze. Their eyes met, both thinking the same thing—what about Tabita?

Tiflona saw it and looked at Davaria. "You can explain if you wish, but make sure they get some rest. This is over for them and they need to recover."

Davaria nodded, then led both Danta and Janika to bed.

~oxoxo~

Both Danta and Janika shared the bed Davaria had been using and, when they were settled, he climbed in between them—because he wanted to be there for the both of them. It felt awkward though. He'd shared a bed with his twin on numerous occasions, but this all felt much more intimate than it had seemed in the past—and he was very confused.

"Tell us about Tabita," Danta whispered. She had her head on the right side of her brother's chest, her fingers intertwined with Janika's, whose head was in the same position on Davaria's left shoulder.

He frowned. "They're not going after her," he said. "Not yet, at least. They want to discuss this with Oak Camp and possibly call in more people from other camps to deal with this."

Davaria felt both women shudder and let out a quiet sob, so he squeezed them and let them cry. He didn't know what to say.

But, as it turned out, he didn't need to say anything, because soon their breathing became even and he knew they slept.

~oxoxo~

The group went about the next morning in a leisurely way. A meal was made and consumed. The women were examined and helped with anything they needed. The lodge was cleaned and things put always—even though there was no reason for it. Bags were packed and shouldered while the people looked around.

"Is there anything else you three would like to bring home with you?" Tagnolia asked as they were readying to leave.

Doventita glanced at both Hundaria and Kalina—they shook their heads—then looked back at the headman and shrugged. "I guess not. I have packed everything of value that I can carry," he said.

"And then some," Hundaria griped as he repositioned his fully-loaded pack. Then, looking at his sister, he smiled. "I'm sure the only thing mother will find of value here is you."

Kalina blushed—then frowned. "Are you sure mother can handle looking at this?" she asked—for probably the third time that morning—as she pointed at her battered face. She was scratched and bruised...her lip was split...one of her eyes was still swollen. She wasn't at all sure her mother could handle it.

Doventia nodded. He was worried about Kalina's ability to walk home, not about her mother's reaction to her condition. "That is not where your mother's weakness lies, daughter of my hearth."

She sighed. "All right. If you say so."

The man nodded. "I do."

And so they poured sand over their fire and left.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

Coming back through the cave from visiting the horses, Ayla stopped by the visitor's hearth to check in on Danie and Ivanolia. Mostly Danie, because she knew Ivanolia was pressing Danie to stay within the hearth—so as not to cause any man to hurt her—and the woman was ready to burst.

"You are being ridiculous, Ivan!" Ayla heard the dark-haired woman nearly shout as she arrived. "Ayla! Tell him I need to get out."

Ayla nodded. "She needs to get out, Ivanolia," she said. "And I'm saying this as a medicine woman; you can't keep her shut up in here all day every day."

The blond man frowned. "But...what if some man tries to...you know?"

Danie rolled her eyes. "Do you really think any man would want this?" she asked, holding her hands flat on either side of her burgeoning belly and shaking them. "Come on, Ivan...give me a break!"

Ivanolia blushed. "I want you," he reasoned—thinking that, if he did, then so would others.

Danie snorted. "Well, they," she said, pointing at the hearth opening, "are not you!"

"She is right, Ivanolia," Ayla said, "there's probably not a man here who would signal her. No offense." She looked at the woman apologetically—then grinned. "Except maybe Grov."

Danie laughed—then laughed harder when she saw Ivanolia's face fall.

"B-but...he...wouldn't," he sputtered. "W-would he?"

Ayla grinned. "Of course not...unless Danie wanted him to," she added.

Ivanolia's eyes widened. "But Danie wouldn't...want Grov to—"

"To what?" came Grov's voice from the hearth entrance.

They all looked at Grov—and saw that Broud was with him.

"Ivanolia is concerned that a man here is going to signal Danie to relieve him," Ayla said, speaking aloud and gesturing at the same time. Broud grimaced and Grov chuckled.

"Not likely," the Clan man gestured.

"Hey!" Danie bellowed, glaring at Broud. "I'm the blessed of Mut! What are you? Just some Clan man with no respect for the status of women!"

Broud's face contorted at her words. He'd obviously understood most of what she'd said. "Females only have the status of their mates," he retorted with a shake of his head as he gestured.

"Pfft! Well then, I have plenty of status, as I am Ivanolia's mate!" she countered, understanding him perfectly.

"Who is...what...a man who allows his woman to do whatever she wishes?!" Broud gestured—angry, but...not.

Danie grinned. "As he should...I am the chosen of the Mother, after all."

Broud shook his head, not completely understanding. "I do not know what you're talking about...this Mother you speak of. Ebra is a mother...my mother. Oga is a mother to Brac and Grev and Agra. Ayla is mother to her children. Most women are mothers, but...it does not sound the same when you say it...this Mother." He glanced at Ayla then—so she tried to explain.

"The Others honor the Great Earth Mother as the Clan honors Ursus, the Great Cave Bear," she said simply—and waited.

Broud frowned. "And this Mother...this Mud, as you call her, puts women above men?"

Danie snickered. "Mut!" she corrected.

Broud glowered at the outsider for having the audacity to correct him—though this conversation was giving him further insight into the woman he'd always hated; Ayla was not so bad as the one called Danie—then looked at the blonde woman. "This Mut then...she puts women above men?" he asked her.

But Ayla could only shrug, not completely understanding either.

"Of course," Danie said in the silence. "Because we are the ones who can bring forth life. What do men do?"

Broud snorted. "Just about everything else!" he gesticulated vehemently.

Danie snorted back. "You don't cook," she argued, hands on her hips.

"I can't cook," Broud said, not understanding. "Just as women can't hunt."

"Ayla hunts," the dark-haired woman argued.

Broud blinked. "She is...different. She is the Woman Who Hunts," he gesticulated, almost wildly. "Ayla has had to endure many trials to be given that right."

Danie shook her head. "I hunt," she countered.

"Well, it shouldn't be allowed!" Broud snapped.

"At least not while you're pregnant," Ivanolia agreed.

Danie snorted and glared at both men—causing Ivanolia to laugh.

Broud frowned. "But you are different too. Others are all different," he said, his eyes going to the man called Ivanolia.

"Thank the Mother!" Danie quipped—at the same time that Broud gestured, then vocalized "Ursus!"

Several were smiling...Broud was not, of course, but it was clear that he was not angry and Ayla was relieved. As the conversation got heated, she started to worry that he'd explode...like he had so many times in the past. This Broud was confusing.

Then Ivanolia chuckled. "Okay. Fine! Don't stay at the hearth," he capitulated. "Just don't complain if some man signals you to relieve him. And...take Oda with you...Mother knows she needs to get out of here too."

Danie nodded. "I agree. I was thinking we should have some sort of gathering. Maybe us younger couples on this side of the cave," she said, looking at Ayla. "What do you think?"

Ayla shrugged and looked at her mate. "It is not usually done, but...it might be interesting."

Grov shrugged too. "I will mention it to Dorg and Daub...and maybe Corg," he said, glancing at Oda, who'd been sitting there quietly, fearfully watching her mate's first woman squabbling with a man.

Broud followed their lead. "I would like to invite Vorn."

Grov nodded, sure Ayla would welcome Uba and the babies.

"What about Goov?" Ayla asked, thinking the man and his mate might also like to join."

"I will ask him, but I think he's gone into the men's cave to meditate on totems," Grov said. "If that's the case, then I will not be able to ask."

Ayla nodded.

"What about Crug?" Broud asked—because he and Crug were close in age.

Grimacing, Ayla shook her head. "This woman would prefer it if we did not," she said, then glanced down, because she knew Broud had not been talking to her.

Broud frowned and seemed about to say more—then shrugged instead.

Grov waited until he saw Broud's acquiescence before nodding, adding his opinion—and glad that these two people were striving to get along, instead of making each other angry all the time. It was good.

~oxoxo~

Ayla had taken Danie and Oda around from hearth to hearth, telling people what they'd like to do and most seemed receptive. Grov's former people just nodded acceptance; they were more used to this sort of thing, having lived with some mixed people, and even Others. Where they received a strange look was when they visited Corg's hearth.

Corg frowned down at the kneeling woman in front of him, then evened out his features and glanced up at the other two women. Oda was standing there looking down, clearly nervous. The woman, DAY-nee, however, stood straight up, eyeing him brazenly. Slowly, he reached out and tapped the blonde woman's shoulder and looked at her.

"What do you want, Ayla?" he asked.

"Our visitors have suggested a feast in the west side of the cave," she started. "And this woman's mate liked the idea."

Corg stared at her. "Why?"

Ayla frowned. It was not like the man had never shared a meal with a group before. In fact, they'd had a similar meal when Ivanolia and Danie had first arrived. She shrugged. "No reason, except to gather together. It is to be for the younger adults and their families and so we would like you to join us."

Corg glanced up at his sibling. He was still struggling with what he'd done to her—forcing her into a mating with the Others man who'd hurt her—but she seemed to be holding up well. He was proud of her. At the moment though, she looked worried.

Sighing, Corg nodded. "This man will come and bring his mate and her children," he said.

Ayla started to grin—then realized it and forced herself to stop. "This woman is grateful that you can make it," she said, looking down again—then backing away and leaving after the man grunted.

~oxoxo~

It was evening when families started to gather on the west side of the cave—and it was busy there when Corg and his finally arrived. He'd been contemplating not going, because he was uncomfortable with those on that side of the cave. Then he decided that he had to go—because he'd said he would.

Upon arriving, his eyes immediately found his sibling. She didn't see him yet, because she was busy assisting the women, but she looked...good. She actually appeared to be happier now than she had been for quite some time. Corg felt that he should be pleased by this—but, for some reason, he was not.

Corg looked then at his sibling's mate. The tall, funny-looking blond man was sitting with the other men, but every now and then he glanced over at the women. At first Corg thought the other man's only concern was his first mate. Though odd-looking, with unnaturally dark hair, the Others woman, DAY-nee, seemed to be well-liked; the women were always gathered around her and the men did not seem to find her overly offensive. Corg frowned at this, because he was not so sure about the woman—or her mate who'd caused trouble for the Clan.

But then Corg noticed the blond man's eyes on Oda and wondered. He even saw Oda glance over at Ivan, then look down at the ground, her cheeks tinged pink. Each time this happened, Ivan's lips turned up a little—making that grimacing face that the Others seemed to use when they were pleased about something. Was Ivan pleased about having Oda? the Clan man wondered with a frown, his eyes wandering to the one called Day-nee again. She was also making that grimacing face and quietly making that strange throat sound that the Others called laughing. The dark-haired Others woman was beside Oda and Corg could see her talking amiably to his sibling, but was not close enough to hear the words—not that he'd understand them if he were. His sibling clearly understood though, because she nodded and stood up, then reached out and helped the pregnant woman to her feet.

"I am getting so large," Danie said. "I can hardly get up."

"Just you wait," Oda gestured. "You still have time before you are large."

Danie grimaced. But this time it wasn't the sort that told Corg she was happy.

"Must you remind me?" Danie whined.

Oda's look was clearly one of amusement. "Though, you are so much taller, maybe it will not be so bad."

Danie snorted. "Nice try."

"Mothers," Braydalana interrupted as she came up to them with a child in her arms. "Ura is hungry again."

Danie nodded. "Bring her to Uga. She's preparing food for the children."

Grinning, Braydalana nodded and skipped off.

At that moment Danie looked over and saw him watching them. There was a spark in her eyes, but he wasn't sure what it was. It annoyed him that she looked directly at him—a good Clan woman would never do that!—but...what could he do about it? When Ivan showed up at the cave with his family, Brun had reminded them that the Others were different and that he basically wanted them to be left alone—even the woman. Corg now found his insides twisting as he fought not to scowl at the insolent female. Had she no manners?!

And then she did something odd. She picked something up and came to him, then lowered herself to the ground at his feet, just the way any Clan woman would. Well, sort of the way a Clan woman would; she wasn't nearly as graceful and she looked awkwardly uncomfortable. Blinking with surprise, he stared down at her. He looked up once and saw the woman's mate rise, as if he were going to follow—but found himself gently restrained by a hand on his shoulder.

Then Corg saw that his sibling had alerted Ayla to the dark-haired woman at his feet—and that she too was approaching, head bowed.

Frowning, he ignored Ayla and tapped the shoulder of the one kneeling.

~oxoxo~

Looking up at the man, Danie recognized the flash of anger she saw in the man's eyes before he managed to conceal it and fought the shudder that wanted to course through her body. She was not used to seeing such anger directed at her—and for no reason that she could think of. For a second, she worried that he would strike her. After all, she'd heard that men of the Clan were allowed to cuff their women—or any woman, for that matter—if they misbehaved. But...what had she done? she wondered.

"Greetings," she signed—then awkwardly continued. "This woman bring tea. Is grateful you come feast." She then picked up a cup and held it out to the man.

The man grunted at her, then looked at Ayla.

"This communal meal was Danie's idea," Ayla reminded the man with silent gestures, then nodded at the cup of tea Danie was still holding. "I think she would like to honor the sibling of her mate's second woman."

Corg looked over at Oda, then at Ivan, then grunted again and accepted the tea—then watched as Ayla took Danie's hand and helped the pregnant woman up again, then pulled her away.

"He could have at least said thank you," Danie griped as they hurried away to pass out tea to others. She was still irritated when she and Oda settled down near the women. After a few moments, Ivanolia found a reason to leave the men and go to her.

"Are you all right?" he asked quietly. "What happened?"

She sighed. "I'm fine. Just...confused."

"See. This is why I didn't want you to leave the hearth," he said. "There's no telling what could happen. I was afraid for you."

"There is no need to be afraid," another said. It was Grov. "The men have actually been instructed to leave her alone. To leave you all alone...as long as you cause no trouble."

Ivanolia sighed. "Well, that's a relief. Why didn't you say so?"

Grov shrugged. "Because I didn't actually know you were worried about it until earlier today. Now, come back to the men, Ivanolia, or you'll never learn to fit in and...the men will start thinking you're a woman."

Ivanolia chuckled, then nodded and left.

"I actually was frightened," Danie admitted quietly once Ivanolia was out of earshot, then looked at Oda. "Your brother's a little scary."

Oda frowned. "My sibling would never hurt you," she gestured.

"I don't know, Oda," Oga cut in, shaking her head. "I've seen that look before...on Broud, when he looked at Ayla." She'd turned her back on the men so they couldn't see her words—not that they were looking, but just in case. "I was a little nervous myself."

Danie bit her lip. "What do I do?" she asked, her eyes going to Aza, Corg's mate.

Aza looked at Ayla for a translation, then frowned. "I'm not sure why my mate seems...so angry with you, Danie, but...maybe you can avoid looking directly at him. Or...if he sees you treating Oda well, maybe his ire will soften," the Clan woman suggested hopefully.

Danie nodded when Ayla spoke the other woman's words, then continued with some of her own.

"I think he is worried that he's made a wrong decision for his sibling...now that he knows Ivanolia will be taking her away in the spring," Ayla spoke and gestured at the same time.

Aza nodded. "Yes," she signed. "He looks on his sibling with favor. This has been weighing heavily."

"I'm sorry," Danie whispered.

"Do not feel sorrow, Danie," Ayla said. "This was not your doing and, as difficult as it's been for all of you, I think it's going to be all right."

Danie looked at Oda, who'd understood Ayla's words just fine and was nodding.

"I do not wish to leave the Clan, but I know that that is not for me to decide," Oda said, accepting. "I am Ivan's second woman now, so I must go where he goes. He has promised to be good to me...that his people, the Sa-ga-ya, will be good too. I must trust that that will be so."

Both Ayla and Danie smiled. "I will do what I can to win him over, Oda," Danie promised, leaning in and hugging the younger woman. "I have no wish to have your brother angry with me."

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

It had been five days since Danta and Janika had run off, leaving Tabita alone with the men who'd taken them from Oak Camp. The day after they'd gone, her moontime had started, giving her a respite from the attentions of the men. She'd been glad for that—mostly. She wasn't happy that Kazmiria had all but ignored her since her bleeding started.

Then two days after her menses began they'd arrived in the territory of Kazmiria's people—or rather, Kazaskia's people, the Khazaria. Tabita filled with fear when she saw everyone staring at her and huddled at Kazmiria's side. This seemed to annoy the man, causing him to walk her into his lodge and push her toward what was obviously his bed.

"Stay put!" he'd ordered before quickly leaving.

Knowing she had no choice, Tabita did what she was told, collapsing onto the bed and quickly falling asleep. She was left there alone for a good long time, before anyone came into the lodge. When someone finally entered, it was not Kazaskia.

"Wake up!" a woman said.

Tabita was immediately awake. Yawning, she sat up and looked at the women. She recognized her, but didn't recall her name. "Greetings," she said. "I am Tabita of Oak Camp, daughter of—"

"Wrong!" the woman snapped. "I am told you are staying and will be mating Kazmiria. You are Khazarian now!" With that she slammed down a bowl she'd been holding, splashing whatever was in it over the side. "Eat!"

Tabita bit her lip and gave a clipped nod of acknowledgement, then picked up the bowl and tentatively took a bite. She was hungry and the...stew, she realized...was tasty. "I know you," she said after swallowing several mouthfuls, "but...I don't remember your name."

The woman snorted. "Why am I not surprised someone born among those at Oak Camp would look down upon anyone born at Sumac Camp?! You people couldn't even be bothered to learn our names!" she snapped, glowering.

Tabita frowned. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "There are a lot of people among the Sungaea...one cannot be expected to remember them all."

The woman narrowed her eyes—then slapped Tabita across the face hard. So hard, in fact, that Tabita fell backward off the bed, her food spilling.

"You...insolent...little...fool!" the woman barked, raising her hand to strike Tabita again—only to be stopped.

"Laska!" a man growled, instantly coming forward to prevent the blow. "If Kazmiria sees you harming his woman, I will not be able to save you."

Laska huffed. "But she still thinks she is better than us, Igorvia," she said. "And I don't like it!"

Igorvia pulled the woman into his arms and held her for a moment, then pushed her away. "Go now," he said. "Before Kaz comes in and sees what you've done. I will clean up."

Laska's eyes narrowed at the man, wondering if he too wanted Tabita, formerly of Oak Camp, then went to the woman. "You keep your hands off this one!" she growled at her. "Or you will be sorry."

When Laska had gone, Igorvia sighed and moved to help Tabita up. Tabita thought about refusing his help, but she was still tired from the trek and weak from lack of decent food, so she allowed it. When she was sitting on the bed again, she watched him—as surreptitiously as she was capable. First he picked up the dropped bowl of stew and, noticing there was still some left, he handed it back to her. She accepted it and went back to eating while he worked. Next, he cleaned up the stew that had spilled when Laska slapped her from the bed. Then he stood up and stared down at her. She tried not to look at him then, but after a moment he spoke.

"Why didn't you leave with Danta and Janika?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Tabita's eyes widened. "You knew they were leaving?"

Igorvia shrugged. He didn't want to actually say it, just in case anyone was listening.

"And...my sisters? You really didn't hurt them, did you?" she pushed.

"I told you I didn't."

Tabita's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Do you want more to eat?" Igorvia asked her.

Tabita glanced down at her empty bowl, then shook her head. "No, thank you."

"What are you doing in here?!" another barked.

Igorvia and Tabita glanced at the lodge entrance to see Kazmiria standing there.

"I came to see if Tabita needed anything," Igorvia answered, smartly not mentioning Laska's visit and abuse, though he wondered how Kazmiria was aware that someone was visiting Tabita and decided Laska must have made it known.

Kazmiria scowled. "I will take it from here, Igor. You may go!"

Nodding, Igorvia walked out.

Kazmiria then looked down at the woman on his bed and frowned. "Did you need anything?"

"No, Kaz...I am fine," Tabita answered flatly.

He'd only grunted, then turned and walked out.

But now, just two days after arriving in his people's territory, he was standing in front of her again, arms crossed over his chest.

"Are you still bleeding?" he asked without preliminaries.

Swallowing, Tabita nodded.

He frowned. "My mother is planning our mating and needs to know when it can take place. When will this time end for you?" he asked, gesturing at that part of her body.

"Soon," Tabita said. "Maybe a day or two."

He nodded. "I am to be informed immediately. Is that understood?"

Tabita nodded. "Yes, Kaz. I promise to tell you."

Grunting, the man strode out, leaving Tabita, no longer of Oak Camp, alone to wallow—and miss him.

AtDC

NEW CHAPTER (6) – "Joining"

The next morning when Tabita awoke, her moontime was no more. This both pleased her and filled her with dread, because this would mean that Kazmiria would likely show interest again. Frowning at her thoughts, Tabita didn't hear someone entering the lodge.

"You're awake!" the woman said.

Tabita nodded at the woman she knew to be Kazmiria's mother. Agasha had been neither nice nor cruel to her, but she sensed the woman was not pleased with things.

"Greetings," Tabita said quietly, looking down. She'd been instructed to show respect for this woman, as Kazmiria's mother and the mate of their leader, Kazaskia, it was expected.

Agasha stepped forward and put down Tabita's morning meal, obviously annoyed that she had to be the one to bring it. "Tell me, woman who is to mate my eldest son, do you still bleed?"

Blushing, Tabita shook her head. "No. My moontime ended during the night."

Agasha gave a clipped nod. "I will send in someone to verify this," she said, then turned and walked out.

Tabita watched her go, then sighed and picked up her food. She was hungry, but not starving. At least they were feeding her.

Not much time had passed, however, when several others entered—several women and Kazmiria. Immediately, Tabita was on her feet, but looking down at the ground.

"Remove your leggings and lie down," Kazmiria ordered.

Frowning, Tabita stared at him, confused. Was he going to take her with all these people watching?

"Did you not hear my nephew, woman!" the headwoman barked, giving her a shove toward the bed.

Stumbling, Tabita bit her lip and reached to untie her bottoms, lowered them and stepped out of them, then got on the bed platform and lay back.

"Spread your legs!" Kazara ordered.

Blushing with humiliation, Tabita did what she was told, tears slipping from her eyes as they began to poke and prod at her womanhood.

"She does indeed seem to be over her moontime," Akara said as she backed away, then dunked her hands in a vessel of water to rinse them.

Agasha turned toward her son. "We will purify her tonight before the full moon rises and then she will be yours."

Kazmiria nodded, pleased. He didn't say that he was, but it was clear. Without so much as a glance down at Tabita, he left the lodge.

~oxoxo~

For most of the day, Tabita was left alone with her thoughts. A few times people entered the lodge to do various things, but none of them ever spoke to her. It was around the time for her midday meal to be brought in when Laska appeared, glared at her, then put down a plate for food and left again.

Almost immediately, the woman named Akara walked in, carrying a bowl of water. From her place on the bed, Tabita watched the woman set the bowl down, then dump something green into it and stir. For a short time, the woman just stared into the mixture, then she moved around the small earthlodge, sprinkling the water about—and chanting something in monotone that Tabita couldn't quite catch. She wanted to ask questions, but didn't dare—and hadn't really the time, as Akara did her business and immediately left. Tabita quickly realized that Akara had probably been Sumac Camp's Shogur.

Later—closer to evening—when Akara entered again, she spoke to Tabita.

"I hope you ate your fill earlier in the day," she said. "You will eat nothing else until you are mated."

Tabita's eyes widened. "And...when will that be?" she asked, wishing she'd been told about the food—and fearfully wondering about her new life here.

Akara's narrowed her eyes. "You do not have the right to ask questions!" she snapped. "It will be when the time is right."

Tabita looked down.

"Now, it is time to purify you," Akara said. "By my own examination, it is obvious that you were used extensively on your journey here and Agasha does not want you unclean for her son."

Tabita looked up quickly, her face crimson. "I...I did not w-want what they did to me," she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.

Akara shook her head. "It does not matter," she said, frowning. "You will still need to be cleansed...purified, so Kazmiria can have you for the first time."

Tabita stared in confusion. She was long past her first time and...Kazmiria had already taken her many times. But she did not question the woman further. At the moment Tabita saw no point.

"Get up and come with me," Akara ordered. "You will be cleansed first. And then you will bathe."

Blinking back tears, Tabita did what she was told.

Following Akara from one dwelling to another, Tabita looked around. It was small, but, like Gredenzia's hearth, was filled with many things. Tabita had been right; Akara was their Shogur.

"We will start with a cleanse," she said as she picked up a long staff-like object and drew a circle on the ground, then physically moved Tabita into the circle. From a tall table beside them, she then picked up a bundle of gray-ish herbs and held it in the fire until it caught—then blew it out and watched as the smoke wafted up into the air.

"Clear your mind and breathe deeply," Akara instructed—then reached out and touching Tabita's face with her free hand. "Close your eyes."

Nervously, Tabita let her eyes droop.

"Try to relax; I'm not going to hurt you," the Shogur said as she watched the frightened stranger. Akara wasn't particularly happy about her presence, but she had no choice in the matter—neither of them did. As Shogur, she was being shown a touch more respect than other women, but...not much. She had to be careful.

Walking around the space, she waved the smoldering object in her hand and watched the smoke billow. When it was as she wanted it to be—permeating the small earthlodge, but so no much that they choked on it—she returned to the circle and said, "Look at me."

Tabita's eyes opened and stared.

"Hold your hands over the smoke," Akara said, then waited for Tabita to comply before continuing.

"With air, the Mother cleanses us," she said, holding her hand up next to Tabita's and breathing deeply. Tabita copied her.

Then, after several breaths, Akara put down her smoking bundle and pointed at the fire burning nearby, indicating that she wanted Tabita to put her hands over the flames by placing her own there.

Nervously, Tabita moved to do so, stiffening a little when Akara grabbed her hands and lowered them to an uncomfortable level. The woman scowled at her. "I said I would not hurt you."

Blushing, Tabita looked down. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

Akara ignored her. "With fire, the Mother cleanses us," she said, taking her own hand and rapidly passing it through the flames—then waiting for Tabita to do the same. The younger woman hesitated for a second, then squeezed her eyes shut and copied Akara's movement—then grinned, because it had not caused any pain.

Impatient, Akara turned and dipped her hands into a bowl on the high table and pulled out a handful of something—it was sea salt—and gently rubbed it between her hands until it crumbled over her fingers. "With earth, the Mother cleanses us," she said—then pointed at Tabita.

Catching on, Tabita reached into the bowl and copied the older woman. "With earth, the Mother cleanses us."

Pleased, Akara nodded, then pointed at a bowl of water. Tabita looked at it, then nodded her understanding. Together, they dipped their hands into the bowl of water and said, "With water, the Mother cleanses us."

Tabita watched the Shogur close her eyes after that, doing the same after only a moment. She was not sure how long—or short—a time she had been standing there, eyes closed, but when Akara gently shook her, Tabita's blue eyes opened wide in realization that she'd been stripped naked.

"You will bathe now," said Akara.

~oxoxo~

The bath wasn't horrible. In fact, Tabita decided she rather liked having a nice hot soak. At first she was frightened, but as she lowered herself into the steaming water, she began to relax.

But not so much that she didn't pay attention to the other woman. Akara was busying herself with herbs, preparing a small mixture. Tabita watched. The older woman first pulled out a lidded container and opened it. Inside was a brownish-green herb that sort of looked like dirt—or tiny pieces of bark—and had a sweet, yet pungent clove-like scent. Akara reached in and grabbed a pinch, then dropped it into a wooden bowl.

"This will straighten out your thoughts," she said. "And help you to focus on what is to come—your mating to Kazmiria."

Next, Akara picked up a basket filled with a flowering plant—the stems long and bristly, the leaves hairy in appearance, and the flowers perfect, with five narrow, triangular-pointed blue petals.

"As a Khazarian woman, you are going to have to be strong," Akara continued. "This will help strengthen your inner self. Later, if you experience any discomfort with your moontimes, there is a tea that can be made with this to relieve it." Slicing off a piece of the flower, Akara held it out to the younger woman. "Here. Taste it. But do not swallow...you are not to eat."

Tentatively, Tabita opened her mouth and accepted the offering, nodding. "It's sweet," she said after spitting it back out.

Akara nodded. "I will be using the seeds only this time, but I wanted you to taste the flower," she said as she put a small cup of seeds into another wooden bowl, then picked up a thick stone utensil and began grinding up the seeds. When she finished, she set it aside.

From another basket, the Shogur pulled out a light purple flowered plant and pinched off several blooms at the apex. She crumbled them into the first bowl, then reached for a very small cup filled with a semi-thick liquid. Picking it up, the woman sniffed it, then held it out for Tabita to smell. Tabita inhaled, then smiled.

"This will banish unnecessary thoughts and feelings," said Akara.

Tabita frowned. "How is that different from the first one?"

"This one takes away pain. The other helps your mind heal."

Still frowning, Tabita shrugged. "Isn't that what the second one is for?"

Akara huffed. "No. The second one heals your body...physically. The first one heals your mind," she said. "Enough questions.

Tabita bit her lip and waited.

"And this," the woman went on, dumping another herbs into her wooden bowl, "will reduce the chances of your body becoming weak."

Tabita kept watching—though now she was getting sleepy and just wanted to close her eyes.

Akara would have none of that though. When she saw Tabita's eyes drooping, she snapped her fingers in the younger woman's face. "Pay attention."

Blinking, Tabita nodded. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. Just stay with me," she said—then picked up a small lidded container and opened it. She looked inside, but did not allow Tabita to see. "This herb can be dangerous, so we will not touch it. Exposure can cause bruising and/or severe inflammation, which can result in burn-like blisters. And, in large doses, it can cause violent stomach pain, vomiting, and other complications...even death."

Tabita's eyes went wide as she watched the woman scoop a tiny bit from the container and sprinkle it into her bowl, quickly mixing them.

"In small doses, however, and prepared just right, this will relieve discomfort and help one let go of regrets. It will also restore your body," she said. Akara paused there—then continued. "It will be as if you have not had your First Rites."

Tabita frowned. "But...that happened long ago."

"Not anymore!" Akara snapped, glaring at the younger woman for a moment before proceeding. Here, she began to mix in the crushed seeds from earlier. Afterward, she poured the somewhat thick fragrant liquid over everything, stirred it, then dumped most of it onto a hide-covered table and wrapped it up quickly—and tightly.

"You will save this," Akara instructed, holding up the palm-sized package to show the younger woman, then setting it aside. "Put it somewhere in Kazmiria's lodge and use a bit of it every time you bathe. It will help you get in tune with your new people and your new mate."

Tabita nodded, watching as the older woman poured the remnants from her bowl into the warm water Tabita was submerged in.

"Just about that much is necessary. No more, no less," the woman said—then sternly continued. "But you are to stop the moment you realize you have become blessed by the Mother!"

Tabita frowned. "Why?"

"Do not ask questions!" Akara snapped—then sighed when she saw tears fill the younger woman's eyes. "You do not need to know more than I have already told you," she said. "Now, dunk under the water and wash your hair, then it is time to get out."

Nodding, Tabita did what she was told.

After getting out of the nice warm bath water, Akara took her outside, where she was made to stand until her body air-dried in the cold night breeze. She was shivering fiercely by the time the Shogur threw a blanket over her and led her back into Kazmiria's lodge.

"Now you will sleep until it is time," Akara said.

~oxoxo~

Later that night, when the full moon was at its highest, Akara returned—but this time not alone.

"She has been purified for my son?" Agasha asked, looking at her sister.

Akara nodded. "As you have requested, yes," she said, motioning to Tabita that she was to get up.

Agasha frowned, then eyed the naked woman in front of her. "How old are you?"

Tabita blinked. "Sixteen."

"Humph. Open your mouth," Agasha ordered—then grabbed Tabita's jaw and forcibly angled her head so that she could peer inside her mouth. "Your teeth look good," she all but sneered, as if she were disappointed by the fact. Then, walking around Tabita, Agasha examined her thoroughly, poking a few times—even pinching, causing Tabita to jump. The third time she jumped, Agasha smacked her backside and glared.

"You will watch yourself, woman!" she snapped as she reached out and grasped a nipple, pinching hard and holding it. "Or you will be sorry."

Whimpering, Tabita nodded.

Stepping back, Agasha shrugged. "She will have to do," she said. She didn't really have a choice, because Kazmiria wanted her. "Prepare her. My son is waiting."

Akara nodded, watched her sister leave, then looked at the other two who'd come in with Agasha. "I will leave you two to help Tabita get dressed."

The older of the two nodded, then looked at the naked woman.

"I'm sorry about my mother," she said. "She is...not happy to have you here. Kazaskia told her Kazmiria would be mating Kalina. Mother had gotten used to the idea, I suppose...even though Kalina is a distant cousin. To be honest, I wasn't too thrilled about you coming either, but...Kazmiria seems to like you, so..." She shrugged.

Tabita frowned. "You are...Kazmiria's sister?"

The woman nodded. "Yes. I am Katinka. You and I became women the same year. Had our First Ri—" She abruptly cut herself off and frowned. "But...you're starting over, I'm told," she said. "This is Ivanna, my close cousin. She is Akara's daughter."

Tabita looked at the other young woman...girl, she realized. She tried to smile, but felt awkward. "My name is Tabita."

Ivanna nodded. "Kazmiria calls you Tabi, but I heard him shout at Igoriva for calling you that. Can I call you that though?"

Tabita's eyes widened. "Please don't do anything that would make Kazmiria angry."

Ivanna grinned and looked at her cousin.

"Ivanna can do just about anything without angering Kaz," Katinka said. "Honestly, it's not fair."

Smiling shyly, Tabita looked from Katinka to Ivanna, then blushed. She was still standing there stark naked.

"Oh. I'm sorry," Ivanna said. "We're supposed to be getting you dressed."

Katinka then moved forward with a wrapped package. "This is for you," she said. "Mother made it for Kalina, but now it's yours."

Tabita accepted the package and opened it. It wasn't anything spectacular, but it would do...especially considering that she had nothing. After dressing she looked at the other two and forced a smile.

"How do I look?"

"Ridiculous!" another snapped.

Turning around, the three of them saw Laska standing there, sneering at them.

Katinka sighed. "What do you want, Laska?" she asked, glaring back at the woman she'd never especially liked.

"Your mother says you three are to stop chatting and hurry up!" she ground out. "Your brother is waiting and he's getting impatient."

Katinka opened her mouth to retort, but Ivanna spoke instead. "Well, you tell Kaz that I said we'll bring Tabi out when we're ready," the almost woman said.

Laska blanched at the message she was to deliver—then stomped out.

Ivanna glanced at Katinka and giggled. "By the Mother, I can't stand her."

"No one can, Ivanna," Katinka reminded, her eyes going back to Tabita.

"Why does she hate me so much?" Tabita whispered.

"Because she overheard Kazmiria and Zadneetsia talking about how they'd all...forced you," Katinka said quietly. "And she's angry because she thinks she owns Igorvia."

Tabita bit her lip. Igorvia hadn't touched her, but he clearly wanted the men to think he had. She didn't say anything.

"Your mother doesn't seem to like me much either," she said, her eyes going to Ivanna.

Ivanna frowned. "All I really know for sure is that my mother's mate and his sister have a bad history with Oak Camp."

Katinka nodded. "Yes. I've heard that story many times," she admitted. "Akara's mate is Ivarsia...and he'd once wished to join with Tiflona. She shot him down and, from what I heard, he was humiliated beyond repair."

Tabita's eyes widened. "He wanted my mother?"

Katinka nodded. "That's what I've heard. It was all a very long time ago, but...I guess he never got over the shame of her refusal. He hates her. Or...pretends he does."

"And mother's not blind to it, I guess," Ivanna said. "It makes sense. Ivarsia wanted Tiflona, not my mother...so mother isn't fond of you, because you are Tiflona's daughter."

Tabita frowned. "That's not fair," she said. "I'm not my mother."

Katinka shrugged. "This is true, but...sometimes old hurts are not rational.

~oxoxo~

Tabita could not get her mind off the conversation she'd had with the two former Sungaean youths who'd been kind to her—now her Khazarian cousins through her mating to Kazmiria. It was odd to learn more about the people you came from, from strangers, but interesting too.

And frustrating.

Their mating ceremony was not at all as elaborate as the ones that took place at the Sungaean summer meetings. She was not asked if she wished to join with Kazmiria. Neither was Kazmiria, for that matter—he would not be there if he did not want her. There was no walking in specific directions and entering from the west, no platform to stand on, no semi-circle facing a table. Tabita had no siblings there to participate in her mating, no wreath was placed on her head, and no family to wish her well afterward. Nothing about this was as it had been with the Sungaea.

Except that the Shogur spoke, joining Tabita, no longer of Oak Camp of the Sungaea, to Kazmiria of Khazaria, making her one with the man and his people.

"Kazmiria has chosen this woman, Tabita, to be his woman and will join with her here tonight for all to witness," Akara said loudly, motioning for Kazmiria and Tabita to follow her as she walked around the main fire. They made three circuits around the blazing inferno, then veered, going into the center area where a space had been cleared. Smaller fires glowed around the space, making it easier for everyone to see, but it wasn't necessary with the full moon overhead. Still though, the smaller fires brought heat in the late season. It was, after all, a cold night.

In the space, the people sat there eating a feast and drinking a fermented brew and basically ignoring Akara and the couple—until they arrived in the center. At that time a sturdy table-like construction was brought in and positioned just so—then covered with furs.

Akara turned then and looked to two men—Kazaskia and Ivarsia—and motioned them forward. "Prepare her," she said to them, then looked away.

Quickly descending upon the woman to be mated—in every sense of the word—Tabita had no time to defend herself. Not that she'd have been able, with two grown men accosting her. She did try though, struggling against their hold. She managed to give them each a hard kick, gouging her nails into their skin as they wrangled her. One of the two slapped her across the face hard, causing her lip to bleed and stunning her. She was immediately stripped, then maneuvered onto the table and tied down so that she was on her hands and knees, legs spread, displayed for all to see. As she came out of her stupor, Tabita dropped her head to hide from those watching, her face burning with humiliation.

"Now, before this mating begins, everyone of age will come forward and, one by one, inspect this woman to be joined to Kazmiria," Akara said. "Women first."

As the women filed by, most of them looked but did not touch. One though, was not so kind. Laska pinched her roughly, causing Tabita to stiffen up, then turned hate-filled eyes on the other woman. Laska just laughed and sauntered off—but not before seeing Kazmiria's sneer.

After the women came the men. Most of the men took the opportunity to touch the young woman intimately. A few though, refused. Igorvia was disgusted by the spectacle—though Laska thought he'd avoided touching for her. And Kurvlodia was feeling much the same, thinking that things had been taken too far. Somehow this wasn't amusing anymore. He'd approached because it was expected of him—and Kazmiria wouldn't have like it if he'd refused—but he only spared the woman a glance and moved on.

Tabita though, handled it well. After initially dropping her head in shame, then glaring at Laska, Tabita refused to put her head down again. Defiantly, she looked around at the people, looking at each individually, silently promising each and every one of them that they'd be sorry.

But then she felt something enter her body and realized it was Kazmiria. He too was on the table now, mounting her from behind like an animal for all the witness. She wanted to rear up and fight the invasion, but was unable, being tied to the fur-covered platform.

It didn't hurt, she realized; he'd obviously used something to make his penetration easier on her. He was moving slowly...deliberately...in a way to make this last. This made her wonder how long it would go on.

A long time she figured out as she watched people lose interest in their joining and go back to eating and drinking—mostly drinking.

But not everyone ignored them. They were visited by a few here and there. At one point Kazaskia, Ivarsia, and...another man...approached, all three relatively intoxicated and pretending it was perfectly normal to hold a conversation with a couple who was in the middle of copulating.

"This appears to be a good fit," the third man commented offhandedly.

Kazaskia nodded. "A prefect fit, I must say," he said as he watched the son of his mate push into the eldest daughter of Tiflona of Oak Camp. The young woman's breasts weren't large, but they were sizable enough and bouncing enticingly. "She looks just like her mother did when she was young, doesn't she?"

Ivarsia stopped drinking mid-sip and narrowed his eyes, then looked at Tabita. He was surprised to see the young woman staring back at him—glaring.

"What are you looking at?!" Ivarsia snapped at her.

"Someone...inadequate," she said bravely, her body rocking back and forth with each of Kazmiria's thrusts.

Ivarsia stared—then slapped her, re-spliting her lip. "How dare you!" he growled.

Tabita licked her lip—it burned—then spat the blood from the wound onto the ground in front of the mating platform and looked up at the man again. "It was...you...who asked...what I was...looking at," she said. "That is...what I see. Mother is...better off...without you."

Ivarsia looked furious, like he might completely lose it and strike the insolent newcomer again—then Kazaskia and the other man chuckled, distracting him.

"You did ask," the unknown—yet familiar—man said.

Tabita looked at him. He looked like Kazaskia, though with much longer hair. "Who...are you?" she queried.

The man grinned. "I am Kazaskia's twin, of course. Zakazkia."

Tabita grimaced. "Of course you are!" she said quickly. "Why am I not...surprised?! I would...greet you...properly, but..." Tabita nodded down at her bindings and shrugged.

The two brothers laughed. "I have to say, I think I like this one," said Zakazkia. "She is strong."

"I don't," Ivarsia snapped.

Zakazkia snorted. "That's only because she looks so much like her mother."

"Come, Ivars, let's leave Kazmiria to his new woman," Kazaskia said to the son of his mate. "I insist."

Ivarsia's jaw clenched, but he walked away with the other men.

Both Kazmiria and Tabita watched them leave.

After a time, Kazmiria leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her. He supported his own weight on his left hand and allowed his right to wander down, dipping between the swollen folds that were being separated by his questing manhood. He fingered where their bodies were joined, touching himself as his shaft moved in and out of her, then found her now pulsing node and rubbed it. Her body jerked when he hit just the spot, causing him to grin.

"This isn't so bad, right Tabi?" he asked her as she convulsed over and over again.

Tabita moaned as pleasure washed over her, using her own noises as a way to avoid answering the man—and hoping he'd finish up now that she had.

He didn't though. Instead, he kept up the same pace, which she knew from experience would never cause him to finish.

Closing her eyes, she allowed her mind to wander. She could almost forget what was happening. Almost.

"Tabi," she heard the man behind her whisper. "Would you like a drink?"

Tabita opened her eyes and turned her head slightly. Kazmiria was draped over her now, so that his face was right in hers.

"I was...told...that I couldn't...have anything," she ground out as he continued ground into her.

He laughed. "That was before," he said, waving a hand, so that someone would come. He was surprised when his sister appeared with their cousin at her side.

"We are thirsty," he boomed.

Katinka glared at him and, standing just out of his reach, said, "You're revolting, Kazmiria!"

Kazmiria stopped moving within Tabita for a moment and glared at his sister, then glanced at their younger cousin. "Why are you here, Ivanna? You are not yet a woman."

Ivanna shrugged and, unafraid, stepped closer—right up into the man's face. "Because I like Tabi, Kaz! And I think you're behaving like an animal!" she hissed.

The man stared at the girl, then laughed and resumed pumping in and out of his mate. "Good then," he said. "Give Tabi a drink of mother's wine. I will have bouza."

Ivanna glared, then held the skin of wine to Tabita's lips. Tabita drank a few swallows then spoke. "I would...rather have...water."

"No! You will enjoy the wine like everyone else," Kazmiria declared, deciding that this would go on until she could properly enjoy him.

Tabita sighed and drank more of the wine—enough to start feeling its effects.

After more time had passed, Kazmiria searched out the tiny lump of flesh between her legs again and worked it, causing Tabita's eyes to close. She was trying not to take pleasure in what he was doing, but her body seemed to have a mind of its own. Within moments she was quivering again.

Straightening up, Kazmiria grabbed her hips and began to thrust with purpose. Still sensitive from the pleasure he'd forced on her, Tabita moaned loudly each time his manhood slammed into her deepest place. It seemed to go on for forever—and then she was falling over the top again, her insides squeezing him, causing him to groan, his thrusts becoming spasmodic. He slowed then, but did not stop, making Tabita wonder if he'd not actually drained himself into her.

"I need a drink," he said, his hips still rocking back and forth. "Are you hungry?"

Her knees aching, since she'd been on them for who knew how long, Tabita tried to shift.

"Am I hurting you?" he asked, still moving within her.

Tabita snorted.

Kazmiria instantly waved an arm and someone was immediately at his side. It was Zadneetsia, and another man Tabita did not know, both leering at the display.

"Are you tired of this one already?" Zadneetsia asked, reaching out and slipping his hand under Tabita's body, to the place where she was joined with Kazmiria. "Ready to have me take over?"

Tabita stiffened, causing Zadneetsia to laugh and slap at her sensitive spot. Kazmiria actually growled. "Not likely!" he snarled. "I am not sharing this one again, so...get your hand off!"

"Pity," Zadneetsia said. "I found her enjoyable. She's well put together." He flicked at her feminine nodule, then withdrew his hand. "What is it that you want then, Kaz?"

"Adjust the furs under her knees," Kazmiria said. "She's experiencing pain and I'd like her to still be in one piece after the night."

Zadneetsia chuckled lewdly, then rearranged the furs for them—managing to molest her a few more times before walking off.

"I am...thirsty...again," Tabita complained after some more time. Her head was whirling from the wine. She was hungry too, but didn't want food to take away the drunkenness that seemed to be helping her through the ordeal. Besides, how could she eat while this was going on?

This time it was a very intoxicated Laska who arrived with a skin of wine. "More wine for your little slave, Kazmir?" she asked.

"Tabi's my mate now, Laska," Tabita heard the man telling the mean woman—and grinned when she comprehended the next thing he said. "And you will treat her as such."

Grinding her teeth, Laska held out the wine and allowed Tabita to drink, her eyes narrowing at Tabita's obvious delight. After Tabita had finished, Laska's eyes went back to the man.

"You know you're creating a monster, right?" she said, watching the man drive himself into his mate's body. "This one is going to be trouble."

"Go away, Laska!" Kazmiria barked. "Go find Igorvia and use your mouth for something other than talking."

Laska huffed and stalked off—but most likely did exactly what Kazmiria had told her to do.

In fact, as he looked around, most people were enjoying one another, as well as food and drink. This had turned into somewhat of a Mother festival. And those who were not interested had quietly left for the night, allowing him to enjoy his night. To be honest, Kazmiria had never considered the idea of getting mated to be something he would enjoy. Women could be so annoying sometimes.

But this part of it, he thought as he glanced around, was blissful. He loved being the center of attention, his manhood buried at Tabi's center.

Tabita, on the other hand, hadn't liked it much. As the daughter of a high-ranking headwoman she'd always received more attention than she'd ever wanted and preferred privacy. She liked her privacy in general, but especially in areas such as pleasures—as well as other things.

Having drunk quite a bit, Tabita was feeling some discomfort and didn't know how to go about relieving it. It wasn't like Kazmiria would give her a break, but every time his manhood hit a certain spot inside her, she winced just a little. After a short time he seemed to notice.

"What is wrong with you?"

"I...I need to p-pass water," she admitted.

He chuckled and started thrusting in such a way that she felt it more. "Then do so," he said.

She blushed. "I can't...not here, in front of everyone," she protested, though there were decidedly less people around than there had been.

Kazmiria rolled his eyes and looked around. Spying his mother, he waved her over and explained. Agasha frowned her annoyance, but hurried off to get a container. When she returned, Tabita was instructed to relieve herself, then Agasha took away the liquid. And feeling much better, Tabita didn't even mind that Kazmiria seemed to step up the pace or notice that he was fondling her again—until she convulsed with pleasures again, her tight body squeezing him until he was spilling into her.

Throughout the night Kazmiria climaxed many times—so had Tabi—and wondered why he was still able. It was just approaching dawn when he finally felt his organ draining after a particularly pleasurable spasm, causing him to moan and collapse onto the woman's back. She was heaving with pleasure as well—shuddering and ready to fall over.

And then Akara appeared and untied Tabita's bindings, which allowed her to slide down onto her stomach, her entire body aching and quivering in its forced over-stimulation. Kazmiria watched her, then lay down beside her.

"I believe she is yours now, Kazmiria," the Shogur said. "You used her well."

Kazmiria nodded. "How was that even possible?" he asked the woman.

Akara laughed. "A Shogur knows many things, young man," she said. "Let's just say...you had help."

Kazmiria's eyes narrowed, but he was not able to question her further—she had walked away.

AtDC

NEW CHAPTER (7) – "Home"

It was late the next afternoon before Tabita roused from slumber. When she did, she found that she was no longer outside on the fur-covered viewing platform, but in Kazmiria's warm bed, inside his warm earthlodge—and the man was lying beside her, evidently still asleep.

For a few moments she looked at him. In sleep his features were relaxed, the lines of anger and hate that usually dominated his face all but gone—and Tabita couldn't help but think him more than mildly attractive. He was interesting looking, if nothing else, his nose slightly crooked—probably from a break—his jaw strong and covered in thick stubble. He had a jagged scar on his forehead, just above his left eyebrow, making Tabita wonder about him more.

She looked then at his body. He was just as naked as she and, while she had pulled the furs up over herself, he lay sprawled upon them, snoring lightly. She noticed scars everywhere, as if the man who was now her mate spent his days getting into physical altercations with the Mother knew what.

It was pretty close to the truth, but Tabita didn't know that.

Tentatively, she reached out and touched one of the scars, wondering what it felt like. It was somewhat smooth, the ridge of it firm. She pulled back her hand, fearful that she'd awaken him and make him angry.

Her eyes then went to his exposed manhood. It lay out over his left leg, large even though it was not hard and wanting. Tabita felt the urge to touch it too...and almost did when she heard movement close by. Glancing up, she saw Katinka and Ivanna standing there watching her. Blushing, Tabita moved her hand away from the man's organ.

"Our mothers asked us to come in and check on you," Katinka said, eyeing her brother's exposed organ and frowning. "Are you...all right?"

Sitting up, Tabita moved the furs to cover Kazmiria's nakedness, then nodded. "I think so, yes," she whispered. "I am not used to sleeping so late."

Katinka snorted. "Not many are awake right now. We are among the first."

"Because we didn't have anything to drink last night," Ivanna added.

Tabita frowned. "I do have a bit of a headache," she said.

Katinka nodded. "Kaz got you good and drunk last night," she said, glancing again at her brother. "I suppose it helped with...everything."

Blushing again, Tabita frowned. "I suppose. I'm not used to...stuff like that," she said. "I mean...I don't drink much and...I'm not in the habit of...sharing pleasures in front of people."

"So...you are all right?" Katinka asked.

Tabita shrugged. "I'm sore," she admitted, squirming a little. "But...otherwise fine, I suppose."

Katinka nodded. "I expect that you are...after what he put you through. If it's any consolation, I don't approve of what happened," Katinka admitted.

Tabita shrugged. "I do not blame you."

Katinka blinked—then blinked some more, trying to hold back tears.

Tabita frowned.

"Next full moon, Katinka is being given to Zadneetsia," Ivanna explained.

Tabita's eyes widened, her thoughts going to her own experiences with the man. "That's...barbaric!"

"The men seemed to like last night's mating ceremony and decided they'd all be the same from now on," Ivanna continued. "I am dreading becoming a woman now."

Tabita looked at the almost woman sympathetically. "Who are you...hoping for?"

Ivanna shrugged. "I'm hoping my womanhood never comes," she said—then held her breath as the man beside Tabita stirred.

"W-what are you two doing here?" he grumbled as he came awake.

Katinka bit her lip, but Ivanna—ever brave with Kazmiria—spoke. "We're checking on Tabi," she said boldly.

He snorted. "Did you think I'd harmed her?"

"Pfft!" came the girl's response. "How could one ever know with the way you behave?"

Groggily, Kazmiria yawned and stretched, then sat up. "You might try to manage that tongue of yours, cousin," he said. "Or one might think you need some discipline."

Ivanna snorted. "And who's going to do that, Kaz? You?!"

"Did you know that Katinka's being given to Zadneetsia at the next full moon?" Tabita demanded furiously.

Dropping back into the furs, Kazmiria sighed. "How would I know that?" he asked, grabbing Tabita and maneuvering her so that she could service his morning erection with her mouth. "You two should leave now," he said to his sister and cousin. "Unless you'd like to join us."

Katinka and Ivanna snorted and quickly left.

"Why would you say something like that to them?" Tabita questioned.

The man shrugged. "To make them leave."

"You do not have to be so crude about it."

He snorted. "I could be more crude," he said, slapping his manhood on her face. "Pleasure me woman...now, or I might have to punish you."

Tabita just stared at him—until he grabbed her roughly by the hair and pushed her face into his groin. She still resisted.

"Why are you fighting me?" he growled when she refused to open her mouth.

She smirked. "Are you really interested in my complete submission?"

Kazmiria chuckled at the woman's audacity and yanked her up so that she was sitting on top of him, straddling his midsection—then grinned when he felt her juices soak his bare belly. "I was warned that you'd be trouble," he said. He'd not liked Laska's input the night before, but... "I was not sure about what sort, however." He lifted her then and settled her onto his erection, then pushed her backward so that she lay back on his legs, yet still impaled on him—then he found her node of pleasure and worked it until she was screaming. It did not take long and he was surprised to find himself enjoying such a thing. Usually, he just took his own pleasure and was done with it. When she was finished, he flipped her over and used her until he was drained.

"Now, what's this about Katinka being given to Zadneetsia?" he asked, panting hard.

Lying on her back beside her mate, Tabita looked at him. "What else is there to say about it, Kaz?" she asked. "Your sister is going to be given to that hyena and...used on that platform the way I was."

Kazmiria reached out and grabbed Tabita and pulled her into his arms. "I used you, yes, but...was it not pleasurable?"

Tabita glared. "That's not the point. I had no choice in the matter and that makes it wrong. I...I hate this!" she said with evident disgust.

Kazmiria looked at his woman sternly. "You agreed to stay here with me, Tabi, so you did have a choice," he said, not liking that she was making him out to be the bad guy. "And...didn't I promise not the share you with others anymore?"

Swallowing hard, Tabita nodded. "Yes," she whispered.

He sighed. "Good then. See," he said. "Now, be a good girl and stop talking. Use that pretty little mouth of yours for something useful."

Sighing, Tabita moved close to the man so that she could take him into her mouth. This was clearly not the time to argue Katinka's fate.

~oxoxo~

Later, after Tabita had fallen back to sleep, Kazmiria climbed out of the bed and dressed; he needed to verify what she'd told him about his sister, because he didn't at all like being out of the loop.

Outside, it was cold, the ground dusted with a light frost, which he crunched through in his desire to speak to the man of his hearth. He found the man sitting at the fire inside his lodge having an afternoon drink.

"It's alive," Kazaskia said with a smirk as the younger man walked in. "I trust you enjoyed your new woman thoroughly."

Kazmiria nodded, poured himself a drink and sat down at the fire. "What is this I hear about Katinka being given to Zadneetsia?" he questioned without preamble.

Kazaskia ran a hand through his dark hair and looked at the son of his hearth. "Last night he came to me and asked for her. He said he'd planned on taking one of the Oak women, but since they were all lost, he needed someone immediately. There are two others who will probably be women soon, but both are cousins of his, so he's not interested. And there's Zarka, but, like you, he doesn't want that one. The only one left is Katinka. So I felt compelled to accept his request."

"What does mother think of this?" Kazmiria asked.

"I have not mentioned it to Agasha yet. I'm sure she won't be too pleased, but...it is what it is," the older man said with a shrug. "She will have to accept it."

Kazmiria ground his teeth. "We should go on another raid," he said—to avoid expressing that he didn't want his sister mated to Zadneetsia. It wasn't that he particularly liked his sister, just that he didn't like the idea of Zadneetsia having her. Or anyone else, for that matter, he decided. "Maybe I'll take the men and go find a little sport in the south. That's always good entertainment and a way to let off steam."

Kazaskia shrugged. "Either way, I'm giving Katinka to Zadneetsia come the next full moon," he said firmly. "He's right...he needs someone and she's available."

"What about Kurvlodia?" Kazmiria asked.

The older man shrugged. "He's not asking for anyone yet and I can't very well give him his sister."

Kazmiria snorted. "You offered her to me."

Kazaskia shook his head. "The suggestion was made in passing and I knew you'd not accept it...just as you turned down your cousin, Zarka."

Kazmiria grimaced. "Who are you going to give Zarka to?" he asked, thinking of the dumpy-looking girl.

"Zakazkia and I discussed it last night," Kazaskia said. "He thinks she's...uninterested in men. Still, she'll have to be given to someone. Zakazkia seems to think Vardakia would take her."

Kazmiria snorted. "I'm not sure how Demonia would feel about that," he said. "But then, maybe the three of them could make it work."

Kazaskia's hazel eyes went wide. "Are you saying...?"

The younger man grinned and nodded. "For as long as I can remember."

"Humph. Well then, if Zarka's not interested in men and those two are really only interested in each other, then that might actually work. But the thing is that we still don't have enough women to go around...even if we force people to share them."

Kazmiria nodded. "Which brings us back to raiding," he said.

Kazaskia snorted. "Yes, because that worked out so well to begin with. You took your men north and returned with unusable slaves. They all died, by the way."

The younger man yawned, as if bored with the conversation. "Note to self, don't beat them quite so badly."

Kazaskia rolled his eyes, then continued. "And your trip west only produced one female, despite the fact that you took eight! And she became yours. Granted, she's nice looking and obviously a good fit, but...we need numbers, Kaz," the leader said.

Kazmiria glared. "I know that, Kazaskia!" he snapped, on his feet now. "Don't you think I know that?! I had a couple unsuccessful raids. So what! I've had good ones too. Did I not take my men and destroy Cedar Camp's cave and bring back our many spoils, just as you ordered? You are just jealous because I am young and more able to do this sort of thing!"

Rising, Kazaskia scowled at the son of his mate, then grabbed the front of his tunic and shook hard. "You do not seem to be any more capable than anyone else, Kazmiria," the older man growled. "Slaves dead. Women escaped! I've let it go, because you're the son of my mate, but you aren't perfect. Far from it!"

Kazmiria blushed, then disentangled himself from the other man. "All right!" he yelled. "I get it. I'll do better next time."

Kazaskia nodded. "See that you do or it might just be your last raid," he threatened, leaving his words open to interpretation.

Hazel eyes narrowing, Kazmiria stormed out of the lodge. Outside he had a bit of tantrum. He kicked a smoldering log from the previous night's fire sending tiny sparks everywhere, then picked up a few rocks and threw them as far as he was able. Then taking a deep breath, he returned to his own lodge—and Tabita's warm body.

~oxoxo~oxoxo~oxoxo~

The group of searchers and women finally arrived back at Oak Camp around evening—much to the surprise and excitement of everyone there. People were, however, saddened by the fact that Tabita wasn't with them. Wäglodia's heart was heavy, but Torina and Morina were inconsolable, because they saw their own release as the cause of Tabita's inability—and/or desire—to escape. And so, while Wäglodia and Tiflona might have wanted to collapse into each other's arms and grieve the most likely loss of the eldest daughter of their hearth, they did not have that luxury. They had to be strong for the children they still had.

Talneezia, Tiflona's second son, was upset about his missing sister as well. He'd always had his oldest sister Tabita to turn to when their mother was busy with camp matters and had never considered a time when she wouldn't be there and available. But he didn't cry, because, at ten years old, he'd already seen that boys were expected to restrain themselves when something hurt. And so he tried to stay away from Jack Rabbit hearth as much as possible.

For the youngest child of the hearth, Tena, it was the opposite. She was extremely tearful and confused. At seven, she just wasn't able to grasp why Tabita was gone and kept asking for her. Her big sister was like a second mother to her.

And they hadn't even discussed Tinozia, who was away enduring his Shomata, so that he could join the ranks of Shogurs and return to them after the next summer meeting. They would probably have to send a runner, eventually, to let the young man know about his sister—but not yet. Right now they had to deal with the pain and uncertainty of those in camp.

When Tiflona arrived with everyone else, Torina was brought back to her mother's hearth—which meant that Morina would have been left alone in her own bed. This would not do, so Zarina suggested the girls be brought together, because it would be easier for Tiflona and Wäglodia to be with their entire hearth if they were all in the hearth...and, she and Tagnolia could just as easily visit Morina there.

Plus, Zarina wasn't without other responsibilities. Feeding everyone was what she did best and it helped to keep her mind busy, but there was also Janika, who, though not her daughter, had been left in her care. Seeing the young battered woman and knowing what she'd been through broke Zarina's heart, made her feel guilty, because she'd been unable to protect her, and infuriated her! What is wrong with people? she agonized as she helped to settle those returning into their hearths—along with Fraylora who was also hovering.

After being reassured by Gredenzia that her own daughter was fine, Fraylora went with Zarina to see to some of the others. While Kalina had sustained heavy damage during the ordeal, she had family to look after her—Janika and Danta did not.

Or rather, Fraylora and those at Bison hearth were the only family Danta had and Fraylora was going to prove that they could be counted on.

And she'd already started proving it. While Danta was gone, Fraylora had been actively grandmothering Danara. With her eldest daughter long gone and her only blood-related granddaughter off at the Clan's cave—and Danara's mother missing—Danara was the perfect individual to focus on. They were both in need.

Picking up the child—because her mother was much too weak to carry her at the moment—Fraylora followed Zarina and the others back into the lodge.

"We've expanded the lodge," Zarina was saying as she walked Danta, Davaria, and Janika through their home. "It's only just finished, but we've moved you over to this side. Tinozia will stay on this side too, when he returns from his Shomata next summer. And we've saved space for Ayla and Grov over here too. But for now, it'll just be you three...and our younger visitors."

Davaria looked up and, as if on cue, saw Mikolavia coming down the corridor—which caused Davaria to frown. Even though they'd been born to similar camps, they'd never been friends—mostly because Mikolavia was six years older—and Davaria didn't know how he felt about having the other man in his new home.

But Mikolavia approached and held out his hand in a friendly manner. "Welcome home, Davaria," the older young man said as Davaria grasped his forearm with his hand.

"Thank you," Davaria said.

Mikolavia then glanced at Janika and Danta and, realizing how badly abused they had been, looked away. He had no idea what to say to them. It didn't seem to matter, the both of them also looked too tired to care and were quickly ushered away.

"So, you're here now," Zarina informed them as she opened the curtain that led to their new hearth. The people had given them a good-sized hearth, to accommodate the four of them, with sort of a separate area within it for Danta and her daughter. "I hope it's all right that we moved your things for you?"

All three young people shrugged. At this point, all they wanted to do was fall into their beds and hibernate—for the rest of the season.

Danta watched her brother help Janika into their bed, then frowned when he turned toward her, gesturing. "Come on, Ata," he said. "Don't get weird on my now."

Her eyes filling, Danta glanced at what was obviously her own bed, then went to her brother and allowed him to help her into his bed. Davaria then motioned that Danara should crawl in too—and the child did, cuddling next to her mother. Only then did Davaria move slowly between the two women. It did not take long before the group was sleeping soundly.

~oxoxo~

In the healer's hearth, Dakara was nestled in her own bed, finally asleep, with both her mother and Travie watching over her.

"She says she's blessed," Hetara said bleakly.

Travie nodded. "I guessed as much. She very thin, but...she looks a little thicker around the middle."

Hetara frowned, then reached out and pushed a strand of her daughter's hair aside. "I have heard talk...here at Oak Camp...that," she started—then stopped. "About...babies."

Travie nodded, knowing exactly where the conversation was going. "There is no way to know for sure, of course, but...I believe the theory has merit. You can see it. Not always, but a lot of the time."

Hetara's frown deepened. "That would mean then...that Dakara's child...that..." She couldn't quite finish.

"Yes," Travie agreed, "it would mean that the baby was started by that animal, but...it can still be a blessing."

"How?!" Hetara burst, her eyes filling as she looked down at her daughter.

"Because a baby is always a blessing, Hetara," Travie insisted. "Besides, we must accept what we cannot change."

Hetara bit her lip. "But...I can change it," she whispered. "I know herbs that can anyway."

Travie frowned. "I suppose that is something you and Dakara will have to discuss."

Hetara looked at her daughter again and it was not hard to see what she was thinking.

"Hetara, you must not do anything without first talking to your daughter," Travie said warningly. "Such a thing has to be her choice and hers alone."

Tearfully, Hetara nodded. She knew the former Mamutoi woman was right, but she just wanted to make all the ugliness go away.

~oxoxo~

The next morning, after emptying out the contents of her stomach—several times—the subject of terminating Dakara's pregnancy ended quickly.

"Absolutely not!" the young woman said adamantly. "I mean, I don't like any of this any more than you do, mother, but..." She shrugged. "At least I'm getting something out of it. And the child will grow up here, at Oak Camp, so...everything will turn out just right," she went on—then turned pleading eyes on her mother. "I want to do this. Please help me."

Hetara swallowed her words and negative thoughts and nodded. "All right. If you wish to keep this baby, then...of course I'll help you."

Sitting nearby, Travie sighed with relief.

AtDC

NEW CHAPTER (8) – Discussions

Bored—and missing her family and friends—Danie was busying herself with matters of the hearth. She'd made the beds and straightened up, started a meal, finished cooking and fed everyone, then cleaned up the cooking area after preparation—and was now sat down with her bundle of sewing implements with Oda beside her. She intended to teach the woman how to put together an outfit that she could wear after leaving the Clan with them, because...her Clan wraps would not do!

And Oda watched intently, extremely interested in the process. She'd obviously seen how differently the Others dressed, but hadn't considered that she'd be expected to wear such garments herself. It made sense, now that she thought about it.

"I'd let you try on one of mine, Oda, but I think you're a little...thicker than I am...normally," Danie said, holding up her tunics one after the other and frowning. "I don't know why I brought these pre-pregnancy tunics...I'm so large now!"

"You will need them after the baby comes," Oda said logically.

Danie nodded. "Oh. Right. I'm not thinking," she said—then grinned. "OH! But the tunic I'm wearing now should fit you!" she said excitedly, removing it quickly and holding it out to her mate's second woman.

Oda took it, but wasn't sure what to do with it.

"Here, let me help you," Danie said, taking the tunic back, then waiting while Oda removed her wrap, then pulling the tunic over Oda's head and down her body. Oda was thicker than she, but also much shorter, so the tunic that was made long enough to cover her swelling stomach was more of a dress on the small Clan woman.

"What do you think?" Danie asked, smiling.

Oda tugged at the garment, then shrugged. "It's...warm."

Danie nodded. "Yes. I think we should make you at least three of them."

Oda frowned, not understanding three, but nodded.

"Though, we're going to need Ivanolia to do a little hunting if we're going to make you some clothing," Danie said, sighing as she looked at the small amount of leather they had available.

"I can do that," came Ivanolia's voice from the hearth entrance. "The wind seems to be dying down, so we were considering some hunting. Maybe tomorrow. We're going to talk to Brun first though."

Danie grinned—then grimaced when she noticed who else was with her mate, because one of the men was Corg. Suddenly, she felt self-conscious, because she wasn't wearing a shirt and he was staring at her, obviously curious. Frowning, she turned and rummaged through a pack for something to cover herself and, finding one of Ivanolia's shirts, pulled it on. When she turned back to the men, Corg was still watching her, so she glanced away...blushing, because she couldn't remember a time where she'd felt so exposed.

Ivanolia and Corg were then joined by a few other men. Grov walked up with Broud—it seemed these two were always together—and Dorg and Daub. Apparently, they were headed to the men's cave to discuss the possibility of a hunt.

Quickly, Ivanolia entered the hearth and drew Danie into his arms, squeezed her, then kissed her—then did the same to Oda, much to the smaller woman's discomfiture—then walked out with the men. Danie watched them go, then looked at Oda.

"Your brother hates me," she said quietly.

Oda shook her head. "I don't think so," she gestured, frowning. "This woman thinks he's...confused by you. He liked your tea the other night."

Danie blinked. "He did? How could you tell?"

Oda nodded. "Because he drank it," she answered. "He would not have if he didn't. And he would not have even taken and tried it if he hated you."

"Hmm."

"Corg is still upset about me...about what Ivan did to me," Oda said.

Danie nodded. "As am I."

"But men don't like to admit that they care about a sibling," the Clan woman went on.

"Sister," Danie corrected.

Oda blinked, then nodded. She kept forgetting that with the Others a brother could have sisters. "Do you have...brothers, Danie?"

"I did once. One. But he...drowned."

Oda looked sad. People of the Clan had lost members to drowning too; it was tragic.

"I have a sister though. She's older. She's mated to the man of Ayla's hearth," Danie explained.

Oda nodded. "I remember him. He was...very tall."

Danie grinned. "Ayla is tall."

Oda nodded again—then frowned. "Do you really think this woman can fit in at your Oak Camp?"

"I know you're worried, Oda, but I'm sure it will be fine," Danie said. "Everyone there has been so wonderful to me...and I wasn't born there either. And you are a hard working woman...every camp can appreciate that."

~oxoxo~

At the hearth of the second medicine woman, Ayla was sitting there with her hands folded in her lap, her blue-gray eyes full of tears. She'd gone there to talk to Uba about Rydag and, while she'd expected it, she hadn't gotten the answer she'd been hoping for.

"There is nothing you can think of?" she questioned Uba.

Uba frowned, then shook her head. "I am sorry, Ayla, but...even I do not have any memories for repairing a defective heart," she said. "Iza wouldn't have had any either."

Ayla looked down at her hands and sighed. "I knew that, but...I was hoping," she said, blinking and letting her tears fall. "I wish you could meet him, Uba...Rydag looks so much like Durc."

"It's too bad they are so far away," Uba agreed. "I would like to see him, but..."

Ayla nodded. "I know. It's too far and...the Clan doesn't travel without reason."

Uba just sat there looking at her sister. Neither of them seemed to know what to say. Someone else broke the silence.

"Why not Uba go see Rydag?" Ora asked.

Ayla smiled at her daughter. "Because the Clan doesn't travel," she repeated.

Ora frowned. "But we did," she argued. "We went to Oak Camp, then to Lion Camp, then to the summer meeting, then to the horse valley, then back to the summer meeting, then to Oak Camp again...then home to Brun's cave," she finished.

Ayla sighed. "Yes, but...that's not usual for the Clan. And this Clan has already done more traveling than most Clans."

"But...we're doing it again next summer, right?" Ora queried. "Trav-ling?"

Ayla glanced at Uba, then back at her daughter. "Yes. Next summer we will go back to Lion Camp to see Rydag," Ayla said, obviously still upset that she wouldn't be able to bring Nezzie good news. "And then to our valley, but I'm not sure about the rest."

Ora looked serious for a moment—then smiled. "I like Rydag, mamma. Can you...fix him?" she asked hopefully.

Tears welled again—and Ayla shook her head. "No, Ora, I cannot."

Ora looked confused. "But...why not?" she asked. "Grov said you're the best medicine woman...of all Clans. You can fix anything."

Ayla sighed. "Not everything," she said sadly. "But I will bring Lion Camp more medicine for him. Maybe it will make him feel better; ease his pain."

Ora's eyes rounded. "Rydag's in pain?"

"Sometimes?"

Now the little girl's eyes filled. "Is he...going to die?" she asked.

Ayla swallowed. "Eventually," she said, nodding.

"Just like the rest of us," Uba added—then changed the subject. "Would you like to help me with our meal, Ora?"

Sniffling, Ora nodded—and forgot their sad subject.

~oxoxo~

In the men's cave, the men slowly gathered around the central fire, each conversing with the men nearest them until Brun called everyone to order.

"Grov tells me that some would like to hunt," Brun finally said, looking around.

Grov nodded while speaking Brun's words so that Ivanolia could understand completely—causing the blond Others man to nod as well.

Sitting across the fire, Zoug frowned. He'd come to the meeting with Grod, the son of his deceased mate, but...why he was attending was quite beyond him; he could hardly see anything! Clearing his throat to get everyone's attention, the old man slowly got to his feet. "There is no reason for me to be here," he gestured. "I cannot see and I won't be going on any more hunts. I can't even use the sling anymore. This man is going back to Grod's hearth."

All the men just stared at him. Sadly, it was true the old man would no longer be hunting, but he was still a part of the Clan and would be taken care of by all. He was included in the men's meeting, because...he was a man; the fact that he was no longer a hunter did not matter to them.

But it was difficult to communicate with a person who could not see anyone's words. Brun had not been thinking of this when he'd called the meeting and requested that all men attend.

Frowning, Brun glanced at Grov—who nodded.

"Zoug," Grov said aloud—then spoke and signed the rest, so all knew what he was saying, though there were few who were completely ignorant to the Sungaea spoken language at this point. "Do you understand the Others' words?"

Zoug stopped. "Some. Yes," he said—both words out loud. "Ayla is...teaching me," he signed. It was hard to admit that a woman was teaching him—a man—something that was so obviously important at this juncture in his life, but... "This man does not know every word."

Despite it making some uncomfortable, Grov smiled. "Yet," he added. "But you will." He looked at Brun then. "If we bring Ayla in, then she can translate...the way she has been, signing into Zoug's hand, and he can stay and be a part of the meeting."

Brun frowned at the idea. Bringing a woman into one of the men's hunting meetings was...not acceptable. But then, it was Ayla, not just an ordinary woman. And he'd already basically given her the status of a man by allowing her to hunt at any time, with any weapon. Still though, he knew some of the men didn't like it. A few in particular—even his second in command still balked at the idea. Brun's eyes went to Grod.

Grod, still a stiff, laconic man—and somewhat more so in his older years—frowned. He'd never gotten used to Ayla and all the changes the woman and her kind were bringing, but even he had to admit the woman was helping Zoug, the man who'd once been mated to Grod's mother. Stiffly, he nodded acceptance.

"Grod says yes," Brun gestured—and Grov said it out loud. "Let us discuss this before we speak of hunting. And I would like Grov to conduct this," he added, looking at the man sitting almost directly across the fire from him.

Surprised, Grov took a moment, then he nodded and looked at their mog-ur, who was sitting to their leader's right. "Goov?"

Goov nodded as well, but waited while Zoug sat down again before beginning.

"This man has no issue with the woman, Ayla, attending," Goov said. "She has, after all, been bringing us luck for many, many years. She is one of our medicine women, ranked first among all the Clans, and a hunter of this Clan. As mog-ur, I think she should be here to translate for Zoug, not only because he needs it, but also because she's earned the right to sit among us. I am finished."

Grov nodded and turned to their toolmaker. "Droog?"

Droog did not hesitate. "Ayla should be here. Goov is right; she has earned it. And she is needed."

Grov looked at the next man. "Crug?"

"This man would rather the woman was not here, but..." he said, his eyes going to the old, nearly blind man, "for the sake of Zoug, I will not object."

This time, Grov fought a smile—because such an action would not be taken kindly—then nodded and looked at the next man. Instead of asking by rank, he'd decided to just go around the circle, man by man. "Borg?"

Sitting by the man of his hearth, Borg blinked; he'd not expected to be next. "This man also does not oppose Ayla's presence," he motioned quickly, because he'd been taken be surprise.

Grov nodded and looked at who was next. "Nouz?"

"This man does not want a woman at a hunting meeting," he said quickly. "I do not know why we are even discussing this. No other Clan would let a woman hunt!"

Ivanolia snorted. "That's absolutely untrue!"

All eyes went to the stranger, but it was Grov who spoke. "You will be given a chance to speak, Ivanolia. Nouz is allowed his opinion."

Ivanolia frowned and opened his mouth to speak, but closed it when he realized everyone was staring at him. It was obvious that no one approved of this outburst, so he said nothing further—yet—but he did glare over at the young man whose vote he didn't like.

"Vorn?" Grov asked.

Vorn shrugged. "Ayla has never been anything but helpful...to most," he gestured, his eyes quickly skimming over Broud, then going to Grov. "This man has no wish to make objections."

Grov nodded, his gaze going to the man beside him. "Broud?"

"Ayla should be here, not only for Zoug, but also because she is one of our hunters," he said without faltering—causing a few looks of shock. Broud's transformation was nothing short of a miracle.

"Obviously I too believe my mate should attend," Grov put in with both signs and words, then looked at Ayla's cousin. "Ivanolia?"

"I also do not know why we are discussing this," the Others man said, glaring at Nouz—who, to him, was more child than man. "Of course Ayla should be here at a hunter's meeting. She is a hunter, after all. And a good one!"

"But she shouldn't be!" Nouz argued. "In the Clan, it is not allowed."

Ivanolia snorted again. "Well, she is not Clan," he countered.

Grov held up his hand. "We are not going to argue here," he said and looked at Ivanolia. "Despite where she came from, Ivanolia, Ayla is Clan. She has been for a very long time and very much considers herself Clan. However, she is also a hunter, Nouz, so it's time to get used to the idea, because that's not going to change."

Nouz glared for a moment, then looked away when Grov leveled a look at him.

From across the fire, Brun watched, intrigued by Grov's steady control—and respect received.

"Corg is next," Grov said. "Corg?"

Not overly pleased to be sitting next to the man to whom he'd given his sister, Corg took a moment to think, to put some of his thoughts in order. "It is no secret that the changes our combined Clans have had to go through have been difficult for all. I do not think I would have considered allowing a woman to join a hunting meeting, much less not cursing her with death for hunting, but...I did not know any Others before joining Brun's Clan. For a long time, I hated them," he said, his eyes shifting briefly to Ivanolia, then back to the group. "Ayla is strange. Very unwomanly, but...I can see that she is not so odd where the Others are concerned. And she is a good hunter. I have not truly seen her skill yet, but she never comes back empty-handed and I am...curious. This man will not object to her joining our meeting," he said—then added, "Or the hunt."

Eyes widened. They were not even discussing the hunt yet, but Corg had opened the door.

Grov looked to the next man. "Dorg?"

Dorg and his brother nodded. "Ayla should be here," they gestured together.

Grov's eyes then went to their leader. "There you have it, Brun...Zoug."

"What is the point?" Zoug countered it all. "I cannot see and I will not be going on this hunt or any others. I am a useless old man."

Grov frowned. "You are still a man, Zoug. You have put in your time and should still be invited to participate if and when you can. Unless you do not wish to."

Zoug frowned. "I wish, more than anything, that I could still contribute."

"Then stay," Grov said quickly. "Your mind has not dulled with the loss of your sight. Your thoughts and opinions are still valuable and very welcome."

Zoug hesitated for a second, then nodded. "I will stay."

Grov looked at Brun and waited. Brun nodded and gestured that he should go get his mate, so that she could attend their meeting. Nodding, Grov got up and went to retrieve Ayla.

~oxoxo~

It took a little time to locate Ayla. She'd mentioned that she was going to check on the horses, but when he went there she wasn't there. Once he'd discovered this, however, he couldn't get away without giving each of the horses a little treat. Smiling at the animals, the man hurried off to find his mate.

In the passageway he ran into Durc and Grev, who seemed to have added Uga's son Breg to their play. They were entertaining themselves with Durc's fox pup.

"Mama took my sisters to visit Uba, Grov," the boy told him.

Grov roughed the boy's hair—doing the same to the other two boys as well—then walked off. When he got to the second medicine woman's hearth, he smiled at the two women, busily talking about life.

"Grov," Uba said, seeing him after a moment. "This woman invites you in for tea."

Grov shook his head. "Thank you, Uba, but...no. The men would like to borrow Ayla...for our meeting. She is needed for Zoug and...well, as a hunter, she should be there."

Ayla blinked, taken completely by surprise, but slowly got up and glanced down at her now napping daughters. "Would you mind keeping the girls, Uba? Just for a short time, then you can bring them back to the hearth and give them to Oga...she will have started our evening meal and can feed them if I am still busy."

Uba nodded. "Of course I will care for them, Ayla," she said, excited for her sister because she knew Ayla had to be thrilled to be invited to a men's meeting about hunting—though she couldn't understand her sister's desire to be there.

Smiling, Ayla followed Grov to the men's ceremonial cave.

AtDC

NEW CHAPTER (9) – More Discussion, Heavy Thoughts, and Confusion

Head bent low, Ayla followed her mate into the fire-lit cave. When they walked in, all conversation ceased and everyone shifted, some uncomfortably. It was clear that not everyone wanted her there and she wondered what had transpired to bring her, a woman, into the men's ceremonial cave. Grov had said it was for Zoug, but...was that a pretense?

And then Grov pointed at the spot she was supposed to sit—next to Zoug, with Daub on her other side—then sat down where he'd been sitting and waited.

Trying not to look at any of the men directly, Ayla moved to her place and gracefully lowered herself to the ground between the two men. Tentatively, she reached out and took up Zoug's hand.

"This man. Glad. Here," he spoke quietly—causing several brows to raise.

Struggling not to smile, Ayla squeezed the man's hand, then said—both signing into the man's hand and in words—"This woman is grateful to be here for you, Zoug."

Her eyes couldn't help but go to Grod, who was sitting on the other side of Zoug. He looked...conflicted. It was no secret that Brun's second in command was not a fan of hers. She was aware that he'd often voted against her in the past. She knew she made him—and many—extremely uneasy, but...what could she do. All she ever tried to do was fit in. Sometimes it was impossible, given her nature. But she did try.

Sighing, she tore her eyes away from Grod. Brun looked supportive, as did Droog. Crug looked...not so supportive, but accepting—for now. Borg appeared to be neither here nor there and...

That brought her eyes to Nouz—whom Ayla knew was not a supporter of hers. He still had not forgiven the fact that Brun had allowed her to keep her horses when it was a horse that had killed Norv, the man who'd been the mate of Nouz's mother. Nouz blamed Ayla for this and he looked quite upset that she was being included in something that should be only for men. In fact, he looked furious. Murderous even.

Frowning, because the hate she saw there was all too familiar, she blinked and turned her gaze to the only other man she could remember looking at her like that—Broud.

But times had changed. Broud sat there calmly, not even the slightest look of hate in his dark eyes. Not even a touch of objection. He was...a new man. Completely changed!

And Vorn, beside him, gave her an encouraging look—a nearly indiscernible nod—even going so far as to inch himself slightly away from the fuming Nouz, to show Ayla that he did not agree with the younger man's prejudice. He too has changed, Ayla thought as she assessed the men. He was still following Broud, but it was more that he actually agreed with him.

Briefly, Ayla looked at Grov—he had a slight smirk on his lips, but was working to hide it. Everyone knew of his desire to please his mate, but he still needed the men's support in order to someday lead them.

Beside Grov, Ivanolia wasn't bothering to conceal his smile and Ayla thought either she or Grov would have to remind him. Raising her brow, she glanced back at Grov, then tilted her head and looked back at her cousin. Grov seemed to get her meaning and elbowed the Others' man. Ivanolia instantly stopped smiling, shifted his features to an awkward arrangement that almost caused Ayla to burst out laughing. Instead, she had to cover her mouth with her only available hand and look down and slightly away so that no one would see her amusement. After calming herself, she looked up at the man next to her cousin—Corg.

Corg was an odd one; he was very hard to read. He was obviously conflicted about her and had been ever since he and his people had joined Brun's clan. He'd sought them out because his people had lost nearly everyone in the earthquake and he knew those remaining could find a home with Brun, because of Oda and Ura. But the turn of events with Ivanolia brought much stress—stress that Clan people just did not handle well. In Corg, Ayla saw anger and frustration, but not hate.

And finally, Dorg and Daub just sat there waiting. These two men had grown up living with the strangeness of Others in their midst and seemed unaffected. Not to mention that they were good friends with Grov and would most probably support anything he wanted.

This assessment of the men occurred in a matter of seconds. After going around the circle, Ayla's eyes settled back on their leader, who seemed to be waiting for her.

"From here on out, I have decided that Ayla shall attend all hunter's meetings which gather within this ceremonial cave with our hunters," Brun started off. "It goes completely against custom, but...after everything, it seems fitting."

Most of the men nodded, but some only grunted.

"Now, Grov tells me there is talk of hunting."

~oxoxo~

"If there is nothing else to discuss," Brun said, looking around, "then I think we are finished."

But someone held up a hand. "Broud would speak, Brun."

Brun nodded. "You may speak," the leader gestured.

"This man would like to make a suggestion," Broud started. "I would like to include Brac on this hunt. Make it his manhood hunt. And possibly Groob and Vorg as well." His eyes went to Droog, the man of Groob's hearth, and Dorg, the man of Vorg's hearth. "If you think they might be ready."

Droog gave a clipped nod, not at all expecting Broud's suggestion, but agreeing. "Groob would like the opportunity for sure."

Dorg, however, cocked his head. "Because Vorg is mixed, it might be too soon for him, but...I do not object to allowing him to attend and...possibly make an attempt."

Broud nodded, looking pleased with himself, then glanced at Brun.

Brun, in turn, looked to Grov. "I do not see a problem with this, do you?"

Grov shrugged. "Not at all. This man has been watching Brac and I believe he is ready. Groob is also close to ready. I see no harm in his trying. And Vorg might be ready as well. Like the Others, he is tall and fast. This is good for hunting. He is also strong and well-built like the Clan. He and Brac spend a lot of time together playing...and more recently, practicing. As well as doing other things, the boys find time to hunt small game and are often successful. It would be good to have two or three more men. I do not object."

Broud let out his breath, the expression on his face full with pride.

~oxoxo~

The hunt was tentatively scheduled to take place in the next few days. Brun said that he'd think on it some more, while Goov meditated about it, and then they'd discuss it in more detail with Grov before letting the men know exactly when they would be heading out and who would be going. In the meantime, everyone was to go about their day to day lives, but be prepared. After a little more personal conversation, all the men—and Ayla—left the men's cave and went back to whatever it is that they were doing.

"Uba has probably already brought the girls over to Oga. I should probably check on them. I would like to take the horses out afterward though, if you do not object," Ayla said quietly after seeing Zoug back to Grod's hearth. "They haven't gone out much and I'm sure they are feeling it."

Grov nodded.

Standing close enough to hear her speaking, Broud turned and waved his hand dismissively. "That is not necessary. I will tell Oga to feed the girls if the time comes. Go ride your horses, Ayla," he gestured firmly.

Bowing her head, Ayla gave a quick nod and started away. Grov followed her.

"That was...nice of him," the man said as they walked through the cave to the horses.

Ayla laughed. "Yes. Sometimes, I don't know what that man is thinking."

Grov smiled. "Only sometimes?"

Ayla laughed again. "All right. All the time," she said. "It's like...he's a completely different person."

Chuckling, Grov nodded. "I can't say I'm sorry."

"Me neither," she said, scowling at the memory of the man that Broud used to be. "If only I could have grown up with this Broud."

"Hmm. Things would have been very different if that were the case," the man mused. "You even might have been given to him, if he'd liked you then. And then...I wouldn't have gotten you." Grov smiled, but it was sad.

Ayla frowned. "That is true. It would have been easier to grow up with this Broud, but...I am happy that I have you as my mate," she said as she wrapped her arms around the man she loved. "Broud can just stay...whatever he is to me." Smiling, she kissed her mate.

"Your brother?" Grov suggested after the kiss was through.

Ayla made a face. "That's too...strange. In a way, it works. Because of Ebra. I like that Ebra acts motherly toward me now." She smiled. "That's nice after losing, first my real mother, and then Iza. But...because of Durc..." She shuddered. "It's just...disturbing."

Grov chuckled again. "I agree," he said as they moved into the horses' area—to find it empty.

"Looks like Stomp and Whinney and Nicuria had the same thing on their minds," said Ayla, her eyes going to the passageway that led outside.

Nodding, Grov helped Ayla into her an Others' style parka, then pulled on his own—a new one that Ayla had made for him, which they now kept in the entrance area of the cave like the people of Oak Camp did—then pushed open the hide covering the cave's opening and went outside. All three horses were only a short distance away, grazing.

Whistling, Ayla grinned when they looked up and immediately started for her. It only took moments for the equines to cover the space.

"Nicuria," she said, patting the horse. Recognizing his name, the horse nickered softly, pushed his nose into Ayla's hand, then nosed at the pouch at her waist.

Ayla grinned. "Yes, I have treats for you. For all of you," she said when Whinney whinnied loudly at her. Stomp came in close too, but she only sniffed—and stomped her front hooves. Ayla laughed at how they all lived up to their names and gave them each the few tidbits she had brought out for them, then scratched at their necks.

"Do you want to ride?" Grov asked as he handed Stomp a small apple.

Ayla nodded. "Of course," she said with a grin.

Grov grinned back, then grabbed Stomp's stiff, stand up mane and flung himself up onto the mare's back without touching her ticklish places. Ayla did the same with Whinney, then nudged her mount into a run, taking off across the space outside their cave. Grov followed on Stomp and Nicuria kept pace. In no time at all, they had gone so far that they could hardly see their cave's entrance.

Slowing, Ayla grinned at her mate, then slid to the ground when Whinney finally came to a stop. Grov did the same.

"That was fun!" she said breathlessly.

He nodded. "We haven't done that in a long time," he said, grinning as well. Sliding off Stomp, he reached for his mate and pulled her into his arms. "I've missed it. Thank you, Ayla."

"It was Stomp who gave you the ride, Grov. Why do you thank me?" she asked.

Grov shrugged. "Because, if it had not been for you, I would never have even considered using a horse for anything other than food," he said. "Life with you is...exciting, Ayla."

Reaching up, he took hold of her face and tilted her head back, then kissed her. "I've missed this too," he said. "We are always so busy now. And never have any time alone."

Her eyes closed, Ayla nodded. "I miss this too," she said, kissing back and shivering at the tickle of his beard; she liked it when he shaved, but now that they were back with the Clan, he was letting it grow again—and she liked that too, because she loved him.

"We are very busy, but...we should make time for each other," she said, letting her hands wander over him. Then boldly, she reached for the tie of his leggings and undid it. And Grov, quickly following her lead, did the same with hers.

In just moments they were naked from the waist down and had dropped to the ground. Pushing her tunic up, Grov bared her breasts and suckled at them, causing Ayla to shiver, from both passion and the cold.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "I know the ground is cold...the wind is chilling."

She squirmed. She was lying on their discarded leggings. "I'm fine. Do that again," she commanded.

Grinning, Grov lowered his mouth to her breasts again, taking one nipple in his mouth and pinching the other—causing Ayla to shiver again, then moan and shift beneath him.

"I need you," she whispered huskily.

Nodding, the man abandoned his mate's breasts and reached for his member, then slowly pushed it inside her with a groan of pleasure. She moaned again and rocked her hips, syncing her movements to his—then moaned louder when he turned his hand and used his thumb to work her node. It did not take long before they were both shuddering with their much needed release.

Collapsed on top of her, Grov struggled to regain his breath. "I should get up," he said—without moving—his face buried in her long hair.

Breathing hard, Ayla laughed and tightened her arms around him. "Don't. I like you here."

He rolled over. "I'm heavy."

"No you're not. Not to me," she said, rolling to her side. Then, moving so that she was stretched out on top of him, she kissed the man she loved, first his lips, and then his bearded jaw and neck. "That was nice. Long overdue."

He nodded. "Yes, it was," he agreed.

"Want to do it again?" she asked hopefully.

Grov laughed. "Give me a moment...then yes!"

She grinned, then put her head down on his parka-covered chest and snuggled into him. His arms came up around her and squeezed.

"We should have brought furs," he mused.

She nodded. "Next time."

He snorted. "Next time we'll have to, considering the weather's changing. It's cold! And getting colder."

"Winter is coming," she said.

He frowned. "And then spring and summer," he said—then paused for several moments. "I'm going to miss you then...when you're off visiting without me."

She held onto him tightly. "I will miss you too, but...you'll be with me for some of it."

Sighing, the man nodded. "When I agreed to work with Brun, to learn about leadership, I did not know there would be so many changes coming."

"How could you have?"

"I think...I would not have agreed, had I known," he said sadly.

Ayla frowned. In her wildest dreams she never thought she would one day be the leader's mate—never even considered such a ludicrous thing. And then it was offered to Grov so that he could train the next leader—Durc! Ayla very much wanted her son to have the opportunity to lead their Clan and was, in the beginning, very excited about the prospect.

But now, with all that was happening, it seemed a hindrance. She wanted her mate and son to have this and yet, at the same time, she wanted them all to have the freedom to come and go as they pleased. She wanted to travel to the valley of the horses, where they'd acquired Nicuria, Whinney, and Stomp, then to Lion Camp to possibly help Rydag, and finally to Oak Camp to see family and friends—and she wanted to do it with her mate and son, with no restrictions on their time.

"I have to admit that I am...troubled," Grov said, breaking into Ayla's thoughts.

Shaking her frown, Ayla sat up. "Have you changed your mind?" she asked him.

Sitting too, the man sighed. "As much as I'd like to," he started, "I...don't think it would be fair...to Brun or Durc."

Ayla nodded. "I agree, but...what then is your choice."

He shrugged. "Follow through, I suppose. Though, I should probably speak to Brun about it...because I am having second thoughts."

Ayla nodded again, but she wondered if this was her fault. "I'm sorry," she said, looking down.

Grov shook his head. "You do not have to feel bad, Ayla. We could not have anticipated all the changes. I just...want you to know where my head is."

She smiled. "This woman is...grateful for that, Grov."

He smiled too, then leaned in and kissed her. "I will discuss this with Brun for sure. I will not back out of the honor he has shown me, but he too should know what I'm thinking...even if I'm just confused."

"Confused?"

He shrugged. "The thought of being separated from you over the summer is...difficult. I don't like it. So yes...confused. Or maybe just conflicted."

Ayla frowned—but she did understand. "It will be hard for me too, Grov," she said, not knowing what he wanted. Maybe he wanted her to stay with the clan—not travel—but...how could she? "Are you asking me not to go?"

He shook his head. "I know that I could order you to stay, but I would never do that. I know you have made a commitment and we will honor it."

"As have you...made a commitment," she said.

He sighed. "Yes, I have."

"And so we will honor it," she repeated his words, nodding firmly. "Even if it's difficult for us."

Smiling, Grov reached out and hugged her. "Yes, we will. Thank you."

Ayla sighed her relief—as much as she thought she wanted complete freedom for herself and her family, the thought of abandoning it all was disconcerting too. They would just have to be strong.

And there was time. Brun wasn't completely ready to turn over leadership, so they didn't have to worry. Not yet. But they did have to think about it, to discuss it, to plan—and Brun needed to be involved in that. Grov would talk to the older man as soon as he could. Perhaps after the hunt.

~oxoxo~

Riding back to the cave, Ayla and Grov were quiet. They stayed close enough to speak to one another, but said nothing. Both were lost in their thoughts.

At the cave, they dismounted and went inside. The horses chose to stay out. As they walked through the cave they didn't speak—until they were set upon by others.

"Mama!" Durc said as soon as he saw her. "Brac is going on the hunt. It's going to be his manhood hunt."

Smiling, Ayla knelt down beside her son. "I know, Durc. Isn't that great?"

The boy nodded. "We wish we could go too," he said wistfully, glancing at the other boys with him—both Grev and Breg nodded their agreement.

Grov smiled down at them. "Your time will come soon enough, Durc," he said, roughing up the boys hair. "You and Grev and Breg will be men before you know it."

All three boys nodded.

"Are your sisters behaving for Oga?" Ayla asked.

Durc snorted and Grev's face scrunched up. "Annaliza is fussy and Ora is...being Ora," he said.

Grev looked up at Grov, his features quite amused. "This boy is not sure how much more Broud can take."

"We should get back there immediately," Grov said.

Ayla nodded and stood up to follow her mate. The boys, however, ran off to play.

~oxoxo~

The scene they walked in on was interesting, to say the least. Oga had obviously just finished the evening meal and was feeding Annaliza, but Ora didn't seem to want any food given her by Oga. Instead, she had her arms wrapped tightly around Broud's neck, begging the man to feed her. But he was holding Agra, who'd nursed earlier and was just peacefully lying in his arms.

Brac was sitting there too, staring at the spectacle—and was surprised when Broud dumped a contented Agra in his lap so that he could struggle Ora from his neck.

"What are you doing, girl!" he gestured.

"I'm hungry!" she said out loud. "Want Broud to feed me. Please." Her eyes then filled with tears, then instantly overflowed. "Please," she whispered, sniffling.

Broud huffed in frustration—then picked up the girl and brought her over to the food. "What do you want?"

"I w-want that," she said, pointing, huge tears rolling down her cheeks. "Oga's at'lope is g-good."

Broud rolled his eyes, but picked up a wooden bowl and dished up some of his mate's cooking for the child. He was sloppy at it though and spilled a bit of it over the side of the dish.

"More," the girl whined.

The man huffed again and slopped another spoonful into the bowl. "Is 'nough?"

Ora grinned and nodded. "Yes," she said, her small hand wiping at her tears. "Help me, Broud, please."

Quickly, the man returned to his seat with the child and set her in front of him—and helped feeding her like she was an infant. Several bites in, he noticed Grov and Ayla standing in the hearth entrance staring at him.

"WHAT?!" he burst verbally.

Both Ayla and Grov shrugged and said, "Nothing"...and entered the hearth.

Blinking, Grov went to Brac and scooped up Agra. The boy was relieved.

Ayla, however, wasn't sure what to do. Broud looked completely out of his element, but...she suspected that he didn't need or want help.

And then the decision was taken from her because Annaliza lost interest in the solid food Oga was giving her and toddled into her mother's lap. "Want milk, Mamma," the one-year-old said.

Smiling, Ayla gathered up her daughter and put her to breast—though her eyes did not stray from Broud and Ora. The three-year-old was grinning up at the man and—was he actually returning the look?!

Ayla's eyes flew to her mate. Grov was watching too...a stunned look on his face. Broud wasn't smiling, per se, but...he appeared to be copying the little girl's look and Ora was smiling at him! It looked...ridiculous on the Clan man!

"Why do your people do this?" the man asked after a few moments. He was looking at Ayla, his lips pulled back in imitation of Ora.

Ayla shrugged. "It's natural to us. When something makes us happy, we smile," she said simply.

"But...it looks like growling. Like anger," the clan man countered.

"To you it does," Ayla said. "To us it looks...friendly. We can't help it."

Broud frowned. "Really?"

Ayla nodded.

Broud looked at Grov and grunted.

Grov nodded as well.

Broud harrumphed and looked down at the child in front of him...she was just finishing a mouthful and opened her mouth for more—then grinned happily when he shoved it into her mouth.

"She adores you, you know," Grov said.

Broud glared at the other man. "I hadn't noticed," he said sarcastically.

This caused both Grov and Ayla to burst out laughing—they just couldn't help it.

"What is Others' word for that? That...ha-ha-ha?" the Clan man asked.

Smiling, Grov said, "We are laughing. It is laughter."

"It is...strange. Loud. And unnecessary," Broud gestured one-handedly.

Grov shrugged. "Like smiling, it comes naturally to us," he said, bouncing Agra in his arms. "It is...difficult to hold back sometimes."

Broud frowned. For a moment he stared at the other man, then his eyes went to Ayla. She was looking down at the child at her breast and smiling as she quietly spoke to her. Annaliza was nursing, but took short breaks to smile up at her mother. She even giggled around her mother's nipple in response to something Ayla said to her.

Broud then looked at Agra, in Grov's arms, she was smiling too—and decided they probably couldn't help it...otherwise their babies wouldn't do it from the beginning of life.

This, however, made the man consider Ayla—and her life with the Clan. Her life with him around.

But it was all too much for him to think about. It gave him a headache. Standing, he picked up his spear and walked out.

AtDC

End of Part ELEVEN!

Post Script

As stated at the top of this page (part eleven)—and every other part—there WERE ten parts to this, but I've added. However, after part eleven, this story is STILL unfinished...and I hardly ever update it anymore. Sorry! I repeat...you are reading an "in progress" story...which has very little hope of ever being completed. Continue at your own risk!

So...I repeat...I cannot promise you more...and I absolutely do NOT promise to finish the story—sorry—but I will think about adding. Maybe.

Thanks for reading and for your patience!