In the Name of the Goddess
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marysuevirusTitle: In the Name of the Goddess
Book One: Heulwen, Chapter Two: The Game, Part 2
Fandom: a cross between the Marvel Universe and Arthurian Legend
Rating: mature.
Warnings: there will be violence and sex. maybe not language. but definitely the others. lots of religous references
Disclaimer: the Marvel men, even though hiding behind other names, do not belong to me. they belong to Marvel and whoever the hell else owns them. i'm simply borrowing them for the fun of it. i like putting them through hell, don't you know? i'm not making money from this, either. so don't even consider what you can score off me. i'm broke. not a penny to my name. the Sues belong to the women who thought them up, namely Dazzledfirestar, Nan, SFC, Gin and myself. don't steal them. they'll kick your ass. the name and concept of the Mary Sue Virus belong to Daz, who graciously allowed me to use it for my own personal pleasure.
A/Ns: firstly, my wordiness cost me again. this wasn't supposed to be like this. but shit happens. i split it into two and there we go. secondly, Daz wrote a piece some time ago that covered the smut that happens in this chapter. though i was unable to use it (i didn't have fucking room), i was able to incorporate parts of it into the smut. so hopefully, she'll be happy with it. and everyone else, too.
In the Name of the Goddess - the Index
She didn't love him. Heulwen repeated the mantra to herself for the hundredth time that day as she watched Celyn check the string on his bow for the fiftieth time. He was eager to leave the small glade but his wounds were not quite healed up yet. And, despite her protestations, she didn't like the idea of his leaving. The very thought of his walking away from her, of never seeing him again, left her feeling hollow on the inside.
"I thank you for caring for me, my lady," Celyn said as he stood. He'd already made ready to leave, including taking a dip in the pool wearing nothing but the stitches she'd set into his thigh and back. She'd made a show of turning her attention elsewhere, intent on not looking at him or letting him see that he affected her so. After bathing, he'd dressed in a spare tunic and leather breeches that, like the old pair, molded to his frame perfectly. All he had to do was shoulder his pack and he would be ready to go. "I've wasted too much of your precious time. I shall take my leave of you."
"Your wounds are not fully healed, hunter. You should rest until there is no longer a risk that you can reopen them." It was a poor excuse to keep him close. She knew it. But she wasn't going to admit that she wanted him to stay there. She wasn't going to admit that she cared for him. She wasn't in love with him.
"Your stitches are strong and sure, my lady. As long as I don't battle a wyvern, I don't think I run the risk of ripping them out."
"What will you do if the fever takes you again?" If her last excuse had been poor, this one was the worst. He gave her a look that suggested he was trying to decide what was wrong with her. With a sigh and a faint smile, he shook his head.
"The fever has been gone for nigh unto a full week. We both know that it is unlikely to return."
She hated that he was being far too reasonable about all this. It brought her temper boiling to the surface and she leveled a glare at him. Her hands balled into fists before she rested them on her hips. "I did not save your life so that you could throw it away the moment you think you are healed. You should remain here and finish healing. When there is no longer any threat that your wounds will re-open, then you may leave."
"I believe I know my own body, my lady." There was something snide in his tone. She frowned at him and crossed her arms over her chest. "I am capable of taking care of myself."
"Of course. This is why I was needed to repair the damage done you in your foolish quest to save that mortal child." She saw him charge the wyvern in her mind's eye, the action bringing a pulse of fear though the act was well in the past. Being concerned for him made her angrier. "If not for me, you would have died. I should have left you to do so."
His face darkened with anger and he crossed to her, closing the distance between them until he was near enough to touch. If she but shifted her position an inch... "If you had not abandoned your people, I would have no need to risk my life trying to save them!"
"How dare you try and lay blame for this at my feet!" Heulwen felt the rage boil out of control. It took everything in her to keep from reaching for her weapons, to keep from challenging him to a battle then and there. "If not for you, I would not have been forced to hide myself away from my people!"
She stopped before she said anything else. How could she have let that slip out? How could she have told him? Horror slid through her as he stared, trying to decipher what she'd said. She could see that he was utterly confused by her statement and that he wanted to ask her what she meant. There was no way she could tell him about the prophecy. There was no way she could tell him that she loved him.
Gods above. She felt the color rush out of her face. She'd admitted it. She loved him. When had that happened? How had it happened? She'd been so careful to avoid mortals, the prophecy always at the back of her mind. How had she forgotten about it with him? He'd made her forget. Made her forget everything. Let him go. Let him get out of her life. She'd happily go back to the way things were. Maybe she could even convince Cernunnos to seal her memories away once more. Maybe he would save her from the strange pain in her heart.
Heulwen turned to gather her things. She didn't care what he thought of her. She was leaving, going back to her sanctuary. But Celyn had other things on his mind. His hand curled around her arm and pulled her toward him. She found herself facing him, his body so close to hers that it would take little more than a breath for them to touch. The look on his face was so intent. "My lady Heulwen. What are you talking about?"
"Its nothing. I swear it. Go, Celyn. Take your possessions and go." She tried to pull her arm free of his hold, but his fingers tightened down. The intensity of his expression grew until she didn't think she could take it anymore. "I swear its nothing. Nothing that should be of import to you. A prophecy. Nothing more. A prophecy that declares I shall find a mortal and fall in love. I cannot... I need to leave. Release me and..."
He cut off the rest of her rambling words by tugging her against him and covering her mouth with his own. Her mind went empty while her body responded to him, filling with every feeling that she'd tried to deny and keep hidden away. A soft moan rolled up her throat and she melted into him. That seemed to waken him from his lust induced haze. He set her away from him, face flushed and disbelief in his eyes. "My lady. Forgive me. I have no idea what came over me. You looked so lovely and..." His tongue tripped over the words and he immediately sank to his knees, head bowed in an act of contrition.
"Hunter." She stopped and knelt in front of him, her hands reaching up to cup his cheeks. Perhaps she was being rash and reckless, but she didn't want to deny what it was she'd felt only moments ago. He looked up at her, eyes filled with confusion. She wanted him to understand before she finished what he'd started. She wanted him to know. "Celyn."
He stared for a few seconds, then understanding dawned in his eyes. He smiled, his hands already seeking out the belt she wore. She let her fingers dance over his belt, loosening it even as she smiled shyly at him. When she'd rid him of his belt and his bow and quiver of arrows, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his. The touch of them broke the spell she thought he'd fallen under and his hands were suddenly slipping over every inch of her body. She found herself flat on her back in the grass, the weight of his body holding her in place.
Their mouths roved and roamed, as did their hands, while they rolled and fought for control. The fight came to a stand still, Heulwen pinned under Celyn. Her curves seemed to mold to his planes, as if their bodies had been created specifically for one another. She sighed softly as his mouth traveled away from hers, crossing the expanse of her cheek before sliding down to her throat. She laughed and rolled him so that she sat atop him. He smiled up at her, eyes shining with the knowledge of things she'd yet to say. "So its to be a game between us, then?" he asked, voice deep and edged with the hunger that a man bore for a woman.
She returned his smile with her own a moment before he once more turned her onto her back. This time, it was he who sat astride her. He who held her pinned to the forest floor. "And what would you have as your prize if you win? Power? Wealth?"
She was the one who put him on his back. He stared up at her. The hunger in his eyes darkened them further while his hands crept up her sides until he could bring them round to cup her breasts. She offered him a sigh, her eyes slipping shut as pleasure spiraled out from his touch. "Just you, my lady."
She let him roll her to her back again, her hands greedily pulling him down until he lay on top of her. She wanted him, too. He was a prize well worth keeping, even if she wasn't willing to admit it out loud. Her desire transmitted itself through her hands. Her fingers moved slowly and with intent over his shoulders and back, working their way down until she could curl her fingers around his buttocks. Doing so pressed him closer to her, pressed the rigid length of his desire into her thigh so that she knew just how much he wanted her.
And then their hands were pulling at each other's clothes, the need to feel bared skin touching driving their every motion. In between removing garments, their mouths fed from one another, driving their hunger and need higher. It wasn't until she felt every part of him touching every part of her that she hesitated. He felt it and lifted his head so that he could stare down at her. "My lady? There's something amiss?"
Heulwen struggled for the right words. She wanted to tell him that she'd never before done this, but she didn't know how. And, suddenly, she didn't want to sound naive or innocent. "Celyn, this... this is all new to me." He blinked at her as if he didn't understand. "I've never indulged in the pleasures of the flesh. I truly am the Virgin Huntress."
"But... why? Looking upon your beauty is to look upon the sun rising up over the horizon. You could have any man you wish. Why would you deny yourself that pleasure?"
"There's a prophecy. Made by a Seer some time ago. A prophecy that says I would remain untouched until I met a mortal who was my equal." When he only continued to stare at her, she reached out with a hand and laid it against his heart. "I've come to believe that this mortal is you, Celyn. I believe that I was meant for you."
She saw the disbelief in his eyes, saw that he was trying to process what she'd told him. Confusion clouded his brow momentarily, as if he still didn't quite understand what was going on. Her hands slid into his hair and gently pulled his head down so that she could press a kiss to his lips. When he pulled back, there was still hesitation in his eyes. "Celyn? What's the matter? Do you not understand? I belong to you."
"I do not deserve such a prize," he whispered, voice plain. As if he didn't want to let himself believe her.
"But you do. You are my equal. There is none other that I will find happiness with. Please, Celyn."
She knew that it was her plea that broke his resolve. She could see it in his eyes and, triumphant smile upon her face, she held her arms out, ready to welcome him into her embrace. He surprised her instead by rocking back to sit on his heels. Doing so gave them the opportunity to look at one another. Though she'd already seen him in nothing more than a loin cloth, she'd never seen him fully unclothed. It was a sight to behold.
He was well sculpted all over, muscles bulging and rippling in his arms and legs. There were scars here and there, thin white lines that attested to a hard life, offset by the ugly wound in his thigh that was still healing. Glints of gold trailed down the center of his abdomen, widening as the fine hairs moved lower and lower. She followed the trail down until it stopped at the base of his erection. Staring at his cock, her mouth almost watered. It was long and thick and hard. And...
Her eyes lifted to his to find that he'd allowed his gaze to drink her own form in. And the hunger that had been there before was stronger. She lifted a hand toward him, beckoning him to her. His lips turned up in a smile before he lowered himself toward her. She expected him to simply take her, to drive himself into her. Instead, his mouth found the swell of her breast and lavished it with kisses, dragged his tongue across it. His caresses drew a soft sigh from her throat. When his lips closed around her nipple, when they sucked and his teeth nibbled and his tongue lapped at the peak, she moaned.
Sensation coursed through her, things she'd only ever been able to imagine before. Pleasure skittered up and down her spine, chasing after a growing desire that saw tension building in the pit of her stomach. It was doubled and tripled when one of his fingers slid easily between the swollen flesh between her thighs and touched upon a small bundle that shot bolts of fire through her. He stroked it slowly, gently, coaxing her body's response higher. Heulwen felt as if she were flying with the hawks.
As if his finger teasing that one spot wasn't enough, as if his mouth upon her breast wasn't going to drive her mad, his hand shifted positions so that his thumb was what stroked over that tiny nubbin while two of his fingers pressed into her body. Her back arched as the tension spiked, her mouth dropping open to allow her to gasp.
Something strange happened inside of her. Energy uncoiled within, spreading like wildfire until it seemed as if every nerve ending tingled and her entire body simply thrummed. Each time he stroked in, it only added to the sensation, added to the growing tension. Her breath came in soft gasps while her hips rocked into his hand. Whatever it was that he'd brought to life inside of her, it grew and grew until the hard seed it was growing out of exploded with life. It was as if lightning streaked through her body while, at the same time, the seed sprouted into a flower, petals of lust and need blossoming into a beautiful bloom the likes of which she'd never before seen.
And then his mouth was there, taking the place of his thumb. His tongue flicked over that spot and the flower burst into blossom again. The hardness of the ground fell away from her as pleasure poured over her. It was as if she was floating on a cloud, the softness of it cradling her gently. She wafted slowly to the ground until the sweet scent of newly opened blossoms brought her back to herself. She blinked her eyes open to find that flowers of red, pink, yellow and white were scattered across her torso, created a coronet in his hair, and bathed the ground all around the clearing. "What is all this?"
"I believe, my lady, that this is all your doing," he said with a chuckle, then reached out to brush several flowers off her face. He glanced up and chuckled again, drawing her attention to the branches that protected the clearing. The dark green leaves that had been the canopy were now mingled with even more blossoms like those that had rained down upon them. Celyn returned his gaze to her. His mouth was caught in a soft smile. "Can I say that you look beautiful wearing nothing but nature?"
She smiled and, even to her, it felt shy. "Am I not wearing you?"
"No." He caught her up in his embrace and rolled them one last time. The weight of his body crushed the tiny blossoms into the earth, releasing more of their honey sweet scent. His hands saw her sitting on his lower belly. She could just feel the length of him behind her. "I am wearing you."
"Not yet you aren't." She would have rectified that, but she had no idea what it was she needed to do. He offered her a smile, then allowed one hand to wander.
"I have no wish to hurt you, my lady. Allow me to orchestrate this coupling. Once you are more assured in what pleases you, then you may do as you will. But for now..." His voice trailed off as he waited for an answer. She nodded, bowing to the wisdom in his words. Only a short time ago, when he'd buried his fingers inside of her, she'd been surprised at how tightly those two digits had fit. There was no comparison between his fingers and his cock. His hands gripped her waist and gently urged her to move back and up. "There will be pain at first. But it will be a minor thing. After that, you'll know only pleasure. Trust me in this."
"I do trust you, Celyn."
His hands were there to ease her down over him after he brought one of her own down to grasp at the base of his shaft and hold him in position. She marveled silently at the silky texture of him there, at the way it felt as if it was filled with steel. His eyes held hers while he slowly, carefully lowered her down onto his erection.
He slid into her slowly, a scant millimeter at a time. She could see the toll it was taking in his face, the way he fought against his own urges to ensure that he kept his promise not to hurt her. At first, she felt only the very tip of him as it slipped between her lips and spread her flesh. Then the pressure started to grow, the very presence of him pushing inside of her forcing muscles that had never been used to stretch and give way. It should have been painful but it wasn't, more of a minor discomfort that she could push out of her mind. At least until it felt as if he'd come to a barrier that prompted him to halt his motions.
A look at his face made her understand what he was doing. She smiled and gave a nod, letting him know that she was as prepared as she would ever be. His fingers gave her the warning, tightening down only an instant before his hips pressed forward with force. The tip of him tore through the proof of her chastity, drawing a cry from her lips. He stopped, one hand reaching up to stroke her face. "My lady? Heulwen?"
Her name sounded as sweet as a carefree summer day on his lips. He was so concerned. Afraid. She smiled at him, unwilling to allow that fear and worry linger any longer. "I'm fine, Celyn. Merely surprised. Please. I want this. I want you."
"One last bit of discomfort," he promised. She nodded in reply. His hips made one last thrust, shoving him fully into her body. There was pain, as he'd said, but it dissolved into a sensation of pressure that morphed into ripples of pleasure. They rolled up and down her spine, swept along her arms and legs, until Heulwen felt as if she were flying again. How could a person attain such a feeling from so simple an act? Was this what her sisters found in the act? Was it like this with all partners or only those that one loved?
Those thoughts and questions were pushed aside when he withdrew from her body, nearly all the way, only to thrust himself back inside. The friction sparked a fire deep within her belly that begged to be fed. Again he drew back and again he thrust forward. And Heulwen was left with the desire to move with him, to feel every inch of him moving inside of her. Passion swept over them, saw them using hands and mouths to learn each other's bodies while their hips rose and fell in an ancient rhythm that drew them ever closer to the very edge of madness.
As he moved under her, as he whispered words of promise and passion and pleasure to her, her eyes were drawn to the mark on his shoulder. The mark that claimed him as one of her followers. She'd resisted the urge to touch it since she'd discovered it, since it had broken the seal on her memories. But now, something told her that she needed to touch it, that it was important that she lay her hand on it.
Sparks flew when her skin touched the mark, sending a rush of intense pleasure through her that almost saw her sliding off of him. Power poured across her skin, rushed to fill every crack and crevice until she felt as if she were drowning in it. Celyn groaned loudly, his hips thrusting almost mindlessly against hers while his hands clutched at her hips tightly. The power grew and swelled. So did he. It built until she thought she would burst, coiling around the two of them like a cloak. Even though her eyes had long been closed, she could see in her mind how the power had them wrapped within its golden embrace.
Everything shattered in a musical cry as the two of them rode power and pleasure together. She could feel him filling her with his seed. At the same time, the magic marked them both, left her laying over his chest limply for so very long. When she finally opened her eyes, he was staring at his mark with wonder. It still glowed in the aftermath of their climax. "Heulwen? What have you done?"
"As you wear my mark, I now wear yours. We share a bond that no man can make, that no God can break. You twice dedicated yourself to me. I now, here in this sacred place, dedicate myself to you. No priest can make this dedication. No priest can unmake it. We are one until time stops."
"I don't understand. What does this mean?" She rolled off of him into the grass, allowing it to tickle at her skin. One of her hands caught one of his and drew it to her hip, where it had rested not so long ago. His eyes followed, widened when he saw what had happened. She shivered when his fingers traced the shape of the arrow there.
"It means, my beloved hunter, that no other shall have me. You stalked me with intent and you snared me in your net. I am always and forever yours," she replied, hoping that she hadn't made a mistake. He only stared in surprise, then his fingers traced the arrow once more.
"Tell me." She knew what it was he was asking for.
"We are bonded, my beloved. With magic and love, we are joined to one another. This is more than your mortal priests can grant. And no one will take it from us."
"With love?"
"With love. I love you, Celyn. I fear for my sanity because of this, but Gods know I do. I love you and I am now yours."
His smile was blinding, then he pulled her down to kiss him. It was long and slow. When they broke apart, his eyes held tenderness. "I love you, Heulwen. Goddess of my heart. Promise me you'll never leave my side."
She sealed her promise with a kiss.
~*~*~*~*~
"Mum! Enough!" Brialle's voice was sharp as it cut across the old woman's memories. Mother and daughter stared at one another for a few moments before the old woman sighed at her daughter's prudish behavior. But she sighed and made a motion with one hand.
"Your mother is right, my poppets. Off to bed with you. It grows late and the winter has come."
"Will you tell us more tomorrow night, Gran?" the youngest asked. Brialle scowled at the old woman over her daughter's heads, a warning that the stories should stop. The old woman smiled at her granddaughters and nodded.
"Of course, my poppets. There is more to tell. Now to bed with you. The weather makes my bones ache and I wish nothing more than to seek warmth and solace in my own bed this evening." One by one, the girls rose and kissed their grandmother on the cheek. Then they hurried off to bed, giggling and chattering excitedly the whole way.
"Mum! Enough of this. The girls..."
"Hold your tongue, girl. I never raised you to be so disrespectful. In time, I'll be gone. For now, I'm still your mother." The old woman left Brialle staring after her as she sought out her own bed for the night.
After climbing into bed and huddling under her covers, the old woman felt the cold creep in and settle around her. The White Doe was an omen, indeed. "Heulwen, what troubles thee so?" she whispered into the darkness.
The only answer she got was the howling of the wind.
Book One: Heulwen, Chapter Two: The Game, Part 2
Fandom: a cross between the Marvel Universe and Arthurian Legend
Rating: mature.
Warnings: there will be violence and sex. maybe not language. but definitely the others. lots of religous references
Disclaimer: the Marvel men, even though hiding behind other names, do not belong to me. they belong to Marvel and whoever the hell else owns them. i'm simply borrowing them for the fun of it. i like putting them through hell, don't you know? i'm not making money from this, either. so don't even consider what you can score off me. i'm broke. not a penny to my name. the Sues belong to the women who thought them up, namely Dazzledfirestar, Nan, SFC, Gin and myself. don't steal them. they'll kick your ass. the name and concept of the Mary Sue Virus belong to Daz, who graciously allowed me to use it for my own personal pleasure.
A/Ns: firstly, my wordiness cost me again. this wasn't supposed to be like this. but shit happens. i split it into two and there we go. secondly, Daz wrote a piece some time ago that covered the smut that happens in this chapter. though i was unable to use it (i didn't have fucking room), i was able to incorporate parts of it into the smut. so hopefully, she'll be happy with it. and everyone else, too.
In the Name of the Goddess - the Index
She didn't love him. Heulwen repeated the mantra to herself for the hundredth time that day as she watched Celyn check the string on his bow for the fiftieth time. He was eager to leave the small glade but his wounds were not quite healed up yet. And, despite her protestations, she didn't like the idea of his leaving. The very thought of his walking away from her, of never seeing him again, left her feeling hollow on the inside.
"I thank you for caring for me, my lady," Celyn said as he stood. He'd already made ready to leave, including taking a dip in the pool wearing nothing but the stitches she'd set into his thigh and back. She'd made a show of turning her attention elsewhere, intent on not looking at him or letting him see that he affected her so. After bathing, he'd dressed in a spare tunic and leather breeches that, like the old pair, molded to his frame perfectly. All he had to do was shoulder his pack and he would be ready to go. "I've wasted too much of your precious time. I shall take my leave of you."
"Your wounds are not fully healed, hunter. You should rest until there is no longer a risk that you can reopen them." It was a poor excuse to keep him close. She knew it. But she wasn't going to admit that she wanted him to stay there. She wasn't going to admit that she cared for him. She wasn't in love with him.
"Your stitches are strong and sure, my lady. As long as I don't battle a wyvern, I don't think I run the risk of ripping them out."
"What will you do if the fever takes you again?" If her last excuse had been poor, this one was the worst. He gave her a look that suggested he was trying to decide what was wrong with her. With a sigh and a faint smile, he shook his head.
"The fever has been gone for nigh unto a full week. We both know that it is unlikely to return."
She hated that he was being far too reasonable about all this. It brought her temper boiling to the surface and she leveled a glare at him. Her hands balled into fists before she rested them on her hips. "I did not save your life so that you could throw it away the moment you think you are healed. You should remain here and finish healing. When there is no longer any threat that your wounds will re-open, then you may leave."
"I believe I know my own body, my lady." There was something snide in his tone. She frowned at him and crossed her arms over her chest. "I am capable of taking care of myself."
"Of course. This is why I was needed to repair the damage done you in your foolish quest to save that mortal child." She saw him charge the wyvern in her mind's eye, the action bringing a pulse of fear though the act was well in the past. Being concerned for him made her angrier. "If not for me, you would have died. I should have left you to do so."
His face darkened with anger and he crossed to her, closing the distance between them until he was near enough to touch. If she but shifted her position an inch... "If you had not abandoned your people, I would have no need to risk my life trying to save them!"
"How dare you try and lay blame for this at my feet!" Heulwen felt the rage boil out of control. It took everything in her to keep from reaching for her weapons, to keep from challenging him to a battle then and there. "If not for you, I would not have been forced to hide myself away from my people!"
She stopped before she said anything else. How could she have let that slip out? How could she have told him? Horror slid through her as he stared, trying to decipher what she'd said. She could see that he was utterly confused by her statement and that he wanted to ask her what she meant. There was no way she could tell him about the prophecy. There was no way she could tell him that she loved him.
Gods above. She felt the color rush out of her face. She'd admitted it. She loved him. When had that happened? How had it happened? She'd been so careful to avoid mortals, the prophecy always at the back of her mind. How had she forgotten about it with him? He'd made her forget. Made her forget everything. Let him go. Let him get out of her life. She'd happily go back to the way things were. Maybe she could even convince Cernunnos to seal her memories away once more. Maybe he would save her from the strange pain in her heart.
Heulwen turned to gather her things. She didn't care what he thought of her. She was leaving, going back to her sanctuary. But Celyn had other things on his mind. His hand curled around her arm and pulled her toward him. She found herself facing him, his body so close to hers that it would take little more than a breath for them to touch. The look on his face was so intent. "My lady Heulwen. What are you talking about?"
"Its nothing. I swear it. Go, Celyn. Take your possessions and go." She tried to pull her arm free of his hold, but his fingers tightened down. The intensity of his expression grew until she didn't think she could take it anymore. "I swear its nothing. Nothing that should be of import to you. A prophecy. Nothing more. A prophecy that declares I shall find a mortal and fall in love. I cannot... I need to leave. Release me and..."
He cut off the rest of her rambling words by tugging her against him and covering her mouth with his own. Her mind went empty while her body responded to him, filling with every feeling that she'd tried to deny and keep hidden away. A soft moan rolled up her throat and she melted into him. That seemed to waken him from his lust induced haze. He set her away from him, face flushed and disbelief in his eyes. "My lady. Forgive me. I have no idea what came over me. You looked so lovely and..." His tongue tripped over the words and he immediately sank to his knees, head bowed in an act of contrition.
"Hunter." She stopped and knelt in front of him, her hands reaching up to cup his cheeks. Perhaps she was being rash and reckless, but she didn't want to deny what it was she'd felt only moments ago. He looked up at her, eyes filled with confusion. She wanted him to understand before she finished what he'd started. She wanted him to know. "Celyn."
He stared for a few seconds, then understanding dawned in his eyes. He smiled, his hands already seeking out the belt she wore. She let her fingers dance over his belt, loosening it even as she smiled shyly at him. When she'd rid him of his belt and his bow and quiver of arrows, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his. The touch of them broke the spell she thought he'd fallen under and his hands were suddenly slipping over every inch of her body. She found herself flat on her back in the grass, the weight of his body holding her in place.
Their mouths roved and roamed, as did their hands, while they rolled and fought for control. The fight came to a stand still, Heulwen pinned under Celyn. Her curves seemed to mold to his planes, as if their bodies had been created specifically for one another. She sighed softly as his mouth traveled away from hers, crossing the expanse of her cheek before sliding down to her throat. She laughed and rolled him so that she sat atop him. He smiled up at her, eyes shining with the knowledge of things she'd yet to say. "So its to be a game between us, then?" he asked, voice deep and edged with the hunger that a man bore for a woman.
She returned his smile with her own a moment before he once more turned her onto her back. This time, it was he who sat astride her. He who held her pinned to the forest floor. "And what would you have as your prize if you win? Power? Wealth?"
She was the one who put him on his back. He stared up at her. The hunger in his eyes darkened them further while his hands crept up her sides until he could bring them round to cup her breasts. She offered him a sigh, her eyes slipping shut as pleasure spiraled out from his touch. "Just you, my lady."
She let him roll her to her back again, her hands greedily pulling him down until he lay on top of her. She wanted him, too. He was a prize well worth keeping, even if she wasn't willing to admit it out loud. Her desire transmitted itself through her hands. Her fingers moved slowly and with intent over his shoulders and back, working their way down until she could curl her fingers around his buttocks. Doing so pressed him closer to her, pressed the rigid length of his desire into her thigh so that she knew just how much he wanted her.
And then their hands were pulling at each other's clothes, the need to feel bared skin touching driving their every motion. In between removing garments, their mouths fed from one another, driving their hunger and need higher. It wasn't until she felt every part of him touching every part of her that she hesitated. He felt it and lifted his head so that he could stare down at her. "My lady? There's something amiss?"
Heulwen struggled for the right words. She wanted to tell him that she'd never before done this, but she didn't know how. And, suddenly, she didn't want to sound naive or innocent. "Celyn, this... this is all new to me." He blinked at her as if he didn't understand. "I've never indulged in the pleasures of the flesh. I truly am the Virgin Huntress."
"But... why? Looking upon your beauty is to look upon the sun rising up over the horizon. You could have any man you wish. Why would you deny yourself that pleasure?"
"There's a prophecy. Made by a Seer some time ago. A prophecy that says I would remain untouched until I met a mortal who was my equal." When he only continued to stare at her, she reached out with a hand and laid it against his heart. "I've come to believe that this mortal is you, Celyn. I believe that I was meant for you."
She saw the disbelief in his eyes, saw that he was trying to process what she'd told him. Confusion clouded his brow momentarily, as if he still didn't quite understand what was going on. Her hands slid into his hair and gently pulled his head down so that she could press a kiss to his lips. When he pulled back, there was still hesitation in his eyes. "Celyn? What's the matter? Do you not understand? I belong to you."
"I do not deserve such a prize," he whispered, voice plain. As if he didn't want to let himself believe her.
"But you do. You are my equal. There is none other that I will find happiness with. Please, Celyn."
She knew that it was her plea that broke his resolve. She could see it in his eyes and, triumphant smile upon her face, she held her arms out, ready to welcome him into her embrace. He surprised her instead by rocking back to sit on his heels. Doing so gave them the opportunity to look at one another. Though she'd already seen him in nothing more than a loin cloth, she'd never seen him fully unclothed. It was a sight to behold.
He was well sculpted all over, muscles bulging and rippling in his arms and legs. There were scars here and there, thin white lines that attested to a hard life, offset by the ugly wound in his thigh that was still healing. Glints of gold trailed down the center of his abdomen, widening as the fine hairs moved lower and lower. She followed the trail down until it stopped at the base of his erection. Staring at his cock, her mouth almost watered. It was long and thick and hard. And...
Her eyes lifted to his to find that he'd allowed his gaze to drink her own form in. And the hunger that had been there before was stronger. She lifted a hand toward him, beckoning him to her. His lips turned up in a smile before he lowered himself toward her. She expected him to simply take her, to drive himself into her. Instead, his mouth found the swell of her breast and lavished it with kisses, dragged his tongue across it. His caresses drew a soft sigh from her throat. When his lips closed around her nipple, when they sucked and his teeth nibbled and his tongue lapped at the peak, she moaned.
Sensation coursed through her, things she'd only ever been able to imagine before. Pleasure skittered up and down her spine, chasing after a growing desire that saw tension building in the pit of her stomach. It was doubled and tripled when one of his fingers slid easily between the swollen flesh between her thighs and touched upon a small bundle that shot bolts of fire through her. He stroked it slowly, gently, coaxing her body's response higher. Heulwen felt as if she were flying with the hawks.
As if his finger teasing that one spot wasn't enough, as if his mouth upon her breast wasn't going to drive her mad, his hand shifted positions so that his thumb was what stroked over that tiny nubbin while two of his fingers pressed into her body. Her back arched as the tension spiked, her mouth dropping open to allow her to gasp.
Something strange happened inside of her. Energy uncoiled within, spreading like wildfire until it seemed as if every nerve ending tingled and her entire body simply thrummed. Each time he stroked in, it only added to the sensation, added to the growing tension. Her breath came in soft gasps while her hips rocked into his hand. Whatever it was that he'd brought to life inside of her, it grew and grew until the hard seed it was growing out of exploded with life. It was as if lightning streaked through her body while, at the same time, the seed sprouted into a flower, petals of lust and need blossoming into a beautiful bloom the likes of which she'd never before seen.
And then his mouth was there, taking the place of his thumb. His tongue flicked over that spot and the flower burst into blossom again. The hardness of the ground fell away from her as pleasure poured over her. It was as if she was floating on a cloud, the softness of it cradling her gently. She wafted slowly to the ground until the sweet scent of newly opened blossoms brought her back to herself. She blinked her eyes open to find that flowers of red, pink, yellow and white were scattered across her torso, created a coronet in his hair, and bathed the ground all around the clearing. "What is all this?"
"I believe, my lady, that this is all your doing," he said with a chuckle, then reached out to brush several flowers off her face. He glanced up and chuckled again, drawing her attention to the branches that protected the clearing. The dark green leaves that had been the canopy were now mingled with even more blossoms like those that had rained down upon them. Celyn returned his gaze to her. His mouth was caught in a soft smile. "Can I say that you look beautiful wearing nothing but nature?"
She smiled and, even to her, it felt shy. "Am I not wearing you?"
"No." He caught her up in his embrace and rolled them one last time. The weight of his body crushed the tiny blossoms into the earth, releasing more of their honey sweet scent. His hands saw her sitting on his lower belly. She could just feel the length of him behind her. "I am wearing you."
"Not yet you aren't." She would have rectified that, but she had no idea what it was she needed to do. He offered her a smile, then allowed one hand to wander.
"I have no wish to hurt you, my lady. Allow me to orchestrate this coupling. Once you are more assured in what pleases you, then you may do as you will. But for now..." His voice trailed off as he waited for an answer. She nodded, bowing to the wisdom in his words. Only a short time ago, when he'd buried his fingers inside of her, she'd been surprised at how tightly those two digits had fit. There was no comparison between his fingers and his cock. His hands gripped her waist and gently urged her to move back and up. "There will be pain at first. But it will be a minor thing. After that, you'll know only pleasure. Trust me in this."
"I do trust you, Celyn."
His hands were there to ease her down over him after he brought one of her own down to grasp at the base of his shaft and hold him in position. She marveled silently at the silky texture of him there, at the way it felt as if it was filled with steel. His eyes held hers while he slowly, carefully lowered her down onto his erection.
He slid into her slowly, a scant millimeter at a time. She could see the toll it was taking in his face, the way he fought against his own urges to ensure that he kept his promise not to hurt her. At first, she felt only the very tip of him as it slipped between her lips and spread her flesh. Then the pressure started to grow, the very presence of him pushing inside of her forcing muscles that had never been used to stretch and give way. It should have been painful but it wasn't, more of a minor discomfort that she could push out of her mind. At least until it felt as if he'd come to a barrier that prompted him to halt his motions.
A look at his face made her understand what he was doing. She smiled and gave a nod, letting him know that she was as prepared as she would ever be. His fingers gave her the warning, tightening down only an instant before his hips pressed forward with force. The tip of him tore through the proof of her chastity, drawing a cry from her lips. He stopped, one hand reaching up to stroke her face. "My lady? Heulwen?"
Her name sounded as sweet as a carefree summer day on his lips. He was so concerned. Afraid. She smiled at him, unwilling to allow that fear and worry linger any longer. "I'm fine, Celyn. Merely surprised. Please. I want this. I want you."
"One last bit of discomfort," he promised. She nodded in reply. His hips made one last thrust, shoving him fully into her body. There was pain, as he'd said, but it dissolved into a sensation of pressure that morphed into ripples of pleasure. They rolled up and down her spine, swept along her arms and legs, until Heulwen felt as if she were flying again. How could a person attain such a feeling from so simple an act? Was this what her sisters found in the act? Was it like this with all partners or only those that one loved?
Those thoughts and questions were pushed aside when he withdrew from her body, nearly all the way, only to thrust himself back inside. The friction sparked a fire deep within her belly that begged to be fed. Again he drew back and again he thrust forward. And Heulwen was left with the desire to move with him, to feel every inch of him moving inside of her. Passion swept over them, saw them using hands and mouths to learn each other's bodies while their hips rose and fell in an ancient rhythm that drew them ever closer to the very edge of madness.
As he moved under her, as he whispered words of promise and passion and pleasure to her, her eyes were drawn to the mark on his shoulder. The mark that claimed him as one of her followers. She'd resisted the urge to touch it since she'd discovered it, since it had broken the seal on her memories. But now, something told her that she needed to touch it, that it was important that she lay her hand on it.
Sparks flew when her skin touched the mark, sending a rush of intense pleasure through her that almost saw her sliding off of him. Power poured across her skin, rushed to fill every crack and crevice until she felt as if she were drowning in it. Celyn groaned loudly, his hips thrusting almost mindlessly against hers while his hands clutched at her hips tightly. The power grew and swelled. So did he. It built until she thought she would burst, coiling around the two of them like a cloak. Even though her eyes had long been closed, she could see in her mind how the power had them wrapped within its golden embrace.
Everything shattered in a musical cry as the two of them rode power and pleasure together. She could feel him filling her with his seed. At the same time, the magic marked them both, left her laying over his chest limply for so very long. When she finally opened her eyes, he was staring at his mark with wonder. It still glowed in the aftermath of their climax. "Heulwen? What have you done?"
"As you wear my mark, I now wear yours. We share a bond that no man can make, that no God can break. You twice dedicated yourself to me. I now, here in this sacred place, dedicate myself to you. No priest can make this dedication. No priest can unmake it. We are one until time stops."
"I don't understand. What does this mean?" She rolled off of him into the grass, allowing it to tickle at her skin. One of her hands caught one of his and drew it to her hip, where it had rested not so long ago. His eyes followed, widened when he saw what had happened. She shivered when his fingers traced the shape of the arrow there.
"It means, my beloved hunter, that no other shall have me. You stalked me with intent and you snared me in your net. I am always and forever yours," she replied, hoping that she hadn't made a mistake. He only stared in surprise, then his fingers traced the arrow once more.
"Tell me." She knew what it was he was asking for.
"We are bonded, my beloved. With magic and love, we are joined to one another. This is more than your mortal priests can grant. And no one will take it from us."
"With love?"
"With love. I love you, Celyn. I fear for my sanity because of this, but Gods know I do. I love you and I am now yours."
His smile was blinding, then he pulled her down to kiss him. It was long and slow. When they broke apart, his eyes held tenderness. "I love you, Heulwen. Goddess of my heart. Promise me you'll never leave my side."
She sealed her promise with a kiss.
~*~*~*~*~
"Mum! Enough!" Brialle's voice was sharp as it cut across the old woman's memories. Mother and daughter stared at one another for a few moments before the old woman sighed at her daughter's prudish behavior. But she sighed and made a motion with one hand.
"Your mother is right, my poppets. Off to bed with you. It grows late and the winter has come."
"Will you tell us more tomorrow night, Gran?" the youngest asked. Brialle scowled at the old woman over her daughter's heads, a warning that the stories should stop. The old woman smiled at her granddaughters and nodded.
"Of course, my poppets. There is more to tell. Now to bed with you. The weather makes my bones ache and I wish nothing more than to seek warmth and solace in my own bed this evening." One by one, the girls rose and kissed their grandmother on the cheek. Then they hurried off to bed, giggling and chattering excitedly the whole way.
"Mum! Enough of this. The girls..."
"Hold your tongue, girl. I never raised you to be so disrespectful. In time, I'll be gone. For now, I'm still your mother." The old woman left Brialle staring after her as she sought out her own bed for the night.
After climbing into bed and huddling under her covers, the old woman felt the cold creep in and settle around her. The White Doe was an omen, indeed. "Heulwen, what troubles thee so?" she whispered into the darkness.
The only answer she got was the howling of the wind.
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(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-03 07:45 pm (UTC)I love the bit with the twins. You captured the subtle difference between them very well and Cernunnos... LMAO Oh man... is anyone doubting who he might be now? ;)
The smut was just right too. :) The hesitation, the confusion afterward about the marks... gods, you hit girl. Really. It couldn't have been better. The "Tell me." Oh my... that was so... *melts* :D
And I love how Heulwen admitted it all to herself by accident! LOL That's just so in keeping with... well, with Haley! LOL
Wonderful work, hun!
(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-03 08:16 pm (UTC)i think the twins were almost the easiest to write here. while both of them are very in your face, i think each of them has a different style of in your face. Faye's, to me, seems a little bolder. i'm glad that the obvious differences between them showed through so well.
and yes. how can anyone not know who Cernunnos is after that?
for the smut, i tried to keep several things in mind. all of our conversations, the fact that Heulwen was a virgin, the fact that Celyn was devoted to her long before all of this happened... and i just wanted everything to be that special kind of right. i probably could have had it done last night, but i wanted to use what you'd written as best i could. so there were elements of that to consider and add.
that part was particularly amusing for me. she'd spent all that time saying she didn't love him and then it just kind of popped out of the shadows on her when she wasn't looking.
i'm so so glad you enjoyed this and i'm so so glad that it lives up to your expectations, hon. seriously. i'm just sorry it took me so long to get to.
(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-04 01:13 am (UTC)Don't know what you had before, but I loved this. This was a very sweet chapter. Though I'd love to smack the daughter for being so pissy about what her mother is trying to teach her daughters. The grandmother is right. Its important to pass down the old stories no matter what...
(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-04 02:38 am (UTC)the girls are thoroughly caught up in their grandmother's story telling. i kind of am, too. this is unfolding as a story for me at the same time its unfolding for everyone else. so i'm as eager to see what comes next as the you are.
i'm glad you enjoyed it, sweetie.
(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-04 12:53 pm (UTC)I have a big, goofy grin on my face. I think you hit all the right notes. I think I'm just about as eager to hear what comes next as Brialle's daughters are.
(no subject)
Date: 2010-09-04 03:28 pm (UTC)i had a hard time with it. seemed to take me forever. but i'm glad everything worked out for the best. the girls will definitely get to hear more from the old woman about Heulwen and Celyn. and the rest of the girls, too.
i'm getting there. slowly. but i'm getting there.