Bard's Tale 01 - The Beginning

Reison tempted her. She then noticed it wasn't just her pussy that was wet. She realized that she felt good being with him. A little deprivation now would make the later consummation all the sweeter.

"You're pretty confident, Reison Whisper Wind. Some might even say brassy. And I'm thinking you've been around the block a time or two."

"I've been too forward. I offer you my sincerest apologies." He scrunched his face, pondering. "I am attracted to you, but we've just met and I don't want to presume. Rather, I'd like to get to know you more. I'm not sure why, but I feel like I can tell you anything. And I don't know if it's confidence so much as honesty. I confess to you now that I don't have any experience. But if you're willing to show me what you like, I will do my best to please you."

For a few seconds, Mindal's mind exploded. When conscious thought was possible again, she realized how uncomfortably hot the day had become, and that she'd gone from damp to soaking. A glance down confirmed a dark line seeping through.

Oh, Blessed Mother, she thought. He's so deliciously sweet and I wanna be his first! No, no! Wrong! Meaningful relationship. He wants one, too! Say it to yourself three times, Mindal! Meaningful relationship. Meaningful relationship. Meaningful relationship. Oh, goddess, how am I going to keep my hands off him? My student? No, he can't be. Because then I can't have him until he becomes a bard, and that'll be like years from now. Too long! Mother Morgan said in such situations, I should think of England. Yeah. England. Okay. Where the bloody blazes is England? And how is that supposed to help? Reminder to self. Ask Mother Morgan how thinking of England is supposed to help?

When she realized he was still awaiting a response, Mindal cleared her throat. "Mmm, yeah. So who do you think is going to win the Annual Masquerade Costume at the Wood Elf King's Summer Ball?"

Then she winced. Again. In her mind, she screamed.

"Not a clue. My father's not a wood elf, my mother's human, and I'm a half-elf. My parents say it was better under the Regency of Princess Taluveae. But for as long as I can remember, our being half-elves were an issue with our neighbors, and as a result, we were home-schooled by my parents. My application to gain experience with the Border Scouts was initially turned down. My mother said Father had to twist some arms."

"Who's your father?"

"Urthel Whisper Wind. He sells books. But once upon a time, he was a sea captain." He smiled at that, recalling a favorite story. "That's how they met. My father hates slavers and he captured the ship carrying my mother. The ship had just raided some farms near Preston. Killed her father. In their attempt to get away, they started tossing their prisoners overboard. Still in their chains! The elf mages gave them some buoyancy, otherwise they'd have all drowned. My father dove in and rescued my mother. They say it was love at first sight. When I left, they were both talking of moving back to the coast so he could be with the other woman in his life."

"Other woman?"

Reison laughed. "The sea. Mother says it set her back for a bit to realize he was already married to the sea, and that she was actually his second wife."

Mindal grinned at him. "I've heard that about sailors. Thankfully not experienced it. They sound like nice people, your parents."

He nodded. "I love them both dearly. But, music calls to me, and I need to know more. I don't just want to sit and listen, nor do I want to tinker on my own. I hear musical phrases in my head, and I don't know how to put them down on paper. You're the first person I've met who truly understands what it means to love music."

A warmth filled Mindal's heart. Understand she did indeed. Glancing at him with growing fondness, she noticed his mandolin case attached to his pack. "I see you have your own instrument. Do you mind if I look at it?"

"Not at all." Reaching behind, he loosened the slip knots. Opening the case, he handed his mandolin over to her.

Mindal handed him the reins, then checked the neck, wood, and fret board, giving it a master's examination. Holding her ear close, she plucked each string, making minor adjustments to the tension. Playing a full chord, she put her ear close and listened. It was a decently made instrument, but not professional level.

Playing a few more chords, Reison suddenly grinned. Catching his enthusiasm, she grinned back, then started playing Gypsy Rover. As her fingers danced along the strings, she could see he knew the tune. She nudged him with her shoulder. "Sing."

The gypsy rover came over the hill

And down through the valley so shady.

He whistled and he sang 'til the green woods rang

And he won the heart of a lady.

Ah-dee-doo-ah-dee-doo-dah-day

Ah-dee-doo-ah-dee-day-dee

He whistled and he sang 'til the green woods rang

And he won the heart of a lady.

His voice was nearly perfect. Mindal closed her eyes, her hands moving from chord to chord, recalling the fingering from memory. As the verses continued, she listened to him, the inflections of his voice, his breath control. He was a natural tenor, strong and beautiful.

She joined him on the third verse. After the song ended, she began another. They even had a few people on the wagon ahead of them listening. Between the songs, they talked of music. Even as the darkness descended, they continued to sing and chat. So the hours passed until the reached their camping site, Mindal playing and they singing together.

Finally, the caravan halted, and the wagons drew into a defensive circle. She took the reins back as Reison joyously took his instrument back. Then he paused. It had never played so finely for him! Taking the time to rub it reverently before securing it into its case, he glanced at her with the same feeling, sending her heart aflutter.

Those able to work did so, and the evening meal quickly prepared. Getting out to help, Tahna worked on cooking the meal while Mindal and Reison set up the tent for the sisters.

The monk noticed Mindal, how her sister kept smiling at the half-elf who had attached himself to their carriage. And she grudgingly admitted, the music had helped pass the time.

The stew was basic, but filling. The bread, being a few days old was on the stale side, but Mindal used freshen and warm cantrips, and it became as soft and tender as it had been when fresh out of the oven.

Tia, for her part, felt much better for the long nap. After she ate, she entered the tent and began to pray for the return of her spell energy.

While Tia was busy, Tahna and Reison helped the two recovering men do their evening business in the bushes, and then helped them back into the carriage. After they ate hot food and drank plenty of water, they seemed more energetic. One of the slats was moved so they could sit upright within the carriage.

Mindal took out Rose, and started to head to the center of the camp. Then she paused, looking at Reison. "Are you coming with me?"

Surprised, he said, "Delighted, Lady Mindal."

When she held out her hand, he shyly took it.

Tahna saw it all. The delight in her sister's face and his response. "What is she doing?" she muttered.

When her hours of prayer were done, Tia exited the tent. Tahna sat on the ground nearby, meditating. A short distance away they could hear Mindal singing.

Tia half-listened to what was a normal occurrence, then paused. Something's different, she thought. She put some water on to boil, and retrieved her cup and some chamomile tea. Once the tea was made, she sat next to Tahna, sipping it thoughtfully.

"Are you feeling better?" Tahna asked.

"Much. Thank you for taking care of me."

Tahna shrugged, saying nothing.

"I love you, too, Tahna." Another sip. "Mindal seems in much better spirits tonight."

"It's that half-elf. They sang all afternoon together," Tahna grumped. "I think she's taken with him."

"Oh." Tia remembered his blue eyes, his handsome face, and sighed. And it felt so good to be held in his strong arms. But, when did that happen? Did it happen? Had she dreamt it all?

Tia shook her head. A sister didn't encroach on another's lover. Nor did she take a sister's leavings. It wasn't done. Yet Tia couldn't help but feel an intense loss.

Tahna stared at her. "What! Don't tell me you're besotted, too?"

She sighed again. "It's all right. Let it go."

"He's just a kid. A barely experienced fighter. What makes him so special? To both of you?"

"Yet he stood by your side in battle, Tahna. Defended you. Saw you needed help and rushed in." Tia set her empty cup down. "You and he were outnumbered, yet he stayed."

"I'll give him that," Tahna grudgingly admitted.

"You don't like him?"

"I didn't say that. Not exactly. But I don't want you hurt. Or Mindal either. And he's too young."

Tia felt laughter bubbling up. Scooting closer, she put her arm around Tahna. "Underneath all the snarling and growling beats the heart of a loving and devoted sister. I'd rather worry for the young man, that Mindal will break his heart instead of the other way around."

"And rather than say anything to Mindal about your own feelings, you put her feelings first."

"It's probably for the best," Tia replied. "If she's smart, she will cultivate a relationship with him. She says she wants a real lover. Maybe if she's happy, it will make things easier for us, hmm? Besides, I already have some commitments. When we reach the capital, I will put aside the robes of the Lawgiver for that of the Son of Heaven. My time will be absorbed with teaching young people the wonder, joy, and responsibilities of sex."

Turning, Tahna moved her chair until she sat behind Tia. Using her hands expertly, she began to work the shoulder muscles.

Tia moaned, then sighed. "I'll give you an hour to stop that."

Within a short time, Tia was relaxed, leaning back against her sister's embrace. From where they sat, they listened to the music drifting over to them, enjoying the comfort of holding each other.

Tia woke inside the tent when she heard someone talking quietly to the horses. A man's voice. It sounded like Reison. Felt Tahna's tension behind her. Then, without ado, she heard him climb to the top of the carriage, lay out his bedroll, and settle down for sleep.

"He's a cheeky bastard," Tahna muttered in French.

"He's got to sleep somewhere," Tia whispered back. "And if he's going to be Mindal's new boyfriend, you might as well get used to him being around." Patting Tahna's arms, she added, "Thank you for getting me into bed, but now that Mindal's back, I need to put the protective wards around our tent."

When Mindal crawled into the tent, Tahna scooted over and let her younger sister slip behind her, giving her the warm spot. After her spells were cast, Tia spooned in behind Mindal, and pulled up the blankets.

The next morning, Robert and John were up and around, and with Reision's help, had the horses brushed, fed, and watered in no time at all.

After breakfast, while the tent and bedding were being stored, Reison disappeared for a bit. Just when the wagons were moving into position on the road, he returned, bearing three daffodil blossoms. The two older sisters watched him give one to Mindal, and saw him whisper something to her. She smiled hugely as she sniffed the yellow bloom. To the surprise of Tia and Tahna, however, he bowed and presented the other flowers to them.

"Lady Tia. Lady Tahna."

Tia felt her heart flutter at the simple gesture. Looked into his eyes and nearly melted, then looked away, feeling her cheeks burn with heat.

"Hold on there," Tahna growled at him. "What are you playing at?"

Reison turned back, his face puzzled. "I don't understand."

Holding out the daffodil, Tahna pointed at it, frowning. "This! What's the meaning of it?"

"Oh. I thought a woman should know that she's beautiful and admired. I mean nothing more than that."

"But you gave one to each of us. What's your game?"

"No game," he replied. Then he shook his head. "I saw you fight. You are as fast as lightning, deadly as a serpent, and as graceful as a swan in flight. It's a beautiful flower for a beautiful woman."

Surprised, Tahna's face softened. He turned to go. "Wait!" she said. "You gave one to Tia, too. Why?"

"Power and compassion for others. Lady Tia cares deeply for those around her, and sometimes too much so, that she puts herself in jeopardy even for strangers. Even before she rendered aid to rest of caravan, she saved my life. Kindness is another type of poetry. You cause your sisters worry, Lady Tia."

"Call me Tia," the priestess told him, now staring at the yellow flower.

As he climbed up onto the carriage, Mindal climbed up after.

Tahna, too, looked at the flower in her hand.

Tia sighed at her sister. "Come on. Give it here. And hold mine, please." Taking the flower, she broke the stem shorter, then carefully worked it into Tahna's braid over her left ear. "There. Now do it for me."

Once the flowers were in place, they boarded the carriage and it moved into line within the caravan.

Inside, Robert and John looked at them apologetically. "Mindal insisted," Robert explained.

Tahna snorted.

From outside the window, from the driver's seat, the first strains of Rose could be heard. Mindal began to sing, and then Reison joined her.

Tahna and Tia settled into their seats. While Tahna stared out at the passing forest, Tia listened.

When the next song began, Tia tapped her on the arm. "What do you hear?"

"Singing."

"Not the words, not the music itself. What do you hear from Mindal?"

Tahna listened, then her eyes widened. "She's happy."

"Just so," Tia replied. She had a lot of thinking to do.

* * * * *

Part 5

* * * * *

There were no encounters that day, though it did begin to drizzle in the late afternoon. While the music stopped because of the sprinkling, Mindal and Reison simply shifted to chatting. Not just of music, but of things they liked and didn't like. Mindal did most of the talking, and he listened intently. But bards like to find out new things, especially new songs, so after some inquiries from Mindal, Reison shared a few of the songs his mother had taught him. Mindal was surprised to learn that Farewell to Carlingford was the official song of the elvish navy. However, the elves substituted Mary Doyle for Medhbh O'Hara, Reison's mother.

"So your father must have had something to do with the song's adoption," Mindal remarked.

"Not him. His crew, according to my mother. They lobbied hard, and apparently made many bribes. Just as he became aware of the plot, it was approved by the prince, so there was nothing he could do. "

Mindal grinned. Grey elves committing bribery? Salacious and delicious gossip, this! "Tell me more about your parents," Mindal urged.

They continued talking as they ate. After dinner, Mindal and Reison got up to leave. Mindal held out her hand again, and he readily took it.

Apparently their move to Wood Haven, the wood elven capital, was so that he would be far away from sea while they raised their children.

"You have brothers and sisters?"

"I had a sister. Miriel. She died several years ago. I'm it for them. I think Mother understands that Father misses the sea. And, every time someone from his ship or the elven navy visit, they tell him how much they need him to come back."

Mindal grabbed Rose and reached for his hand, which he smiled as he took it.

Just as they were leaving, Tia called out, "Wait, you two. We'd like to talk to you both."

Tahna stood behind Tia, her arms folded and looking grim.

"What is this?" Mindal asked.

"Reison Whisper Wind, what exactly are your intentions toward our sister?" Tahna asked.

Mindal gaped at her. "I don't believe this. I abso-fucking-lutely don't believe this. I'm going to be sixty-five-years old this year. Sixty-five! And you're grilling my date?"

Reison turned and looked Mindal over, up and down. "Really? That's amazing. You look incredible. You don't look a bit over fifty." Then he grinned. "I'm your date? Kewl."

Mindal poked him with her elbow, trying hard not to laugh. Getting grilled by her sisters, though. "Where do you two come off--"

"Wait, Mindal," Tia said, holding up her hand, palm outward. "Please. Let hm answer the question."

Grudgingly, Mindal nodded.

"Mister Whisper Wind, you have shown a great deal of interest and given attention to our sister, Mindal. You also give compliments to Tahna and myself. What are your intentions?"

"To treat each of you with the greatest of respect. If I have given offense, I assure you it was done from ignorance. Please tell me what I've done wrong so that I don't repeat the mistake."

"You've done nothing wrong, sir," Tia replied. "Quite the opposite. You're a bit rough, but you have good manners and a good disposition. Is it your intention to pursue the affection of Mindal? Because of your comments to Tahna and to me, it sounds like you are interested in obtaining the affections of both of us as well. So I ask you, whom do you choose?"

"Well, if I'm to be honest, I'd choose all three of you."

Mindal looked startled.

Tahna raised her fist and took a step toward him.

"Tahna, wait!" Tia held out her hand, and Tahna halted. But she popped her knuckles as she scowled, making him uncomfortable. "Please explain your answer, sir."

"Fair enough. Ever since the three of you arrived at Ayerdine's Crossing, all I've heard among the soldiers was about the Three Landers Sisters. As if you are one person. But I find that is simply not so. I can clearly see your shared affection, and even your family resemblance, but each of you are quite distinct. Like verses in a heartbreakingly beautiful song. Together you are of a kind, stronger together to be sure, yet each of you are your own person, unique and -- I don't know, but I keep coming back to this word. Each of you are amazing."

Tia looked at him thoughtfully. "So you seek to court all three of us?"

"I've told you my own feelings about each of you. Your great compassion, Tia. Mindal says you are brilliant, too, and I trust her judgment. The strength and grace of Tahna. Her devotion and desire to protect you both. And Mindal, she knows so much about music and poetry. And I confess I love her voice."

"A girl after your own heart?" Tia ventured.

"Each of you in your own way, yes," he answered.

"Have you slept with Mindal?"

Mindal glared daggers at Tia, but Tia ignored it.

"I suppose there were opportunities, but no I haven't," he said. "I'm not very experienced at being with a woman--"

"He's a virgin," Mindal blurted out.

Reison winced. "Really? Did you have to say that so loud? A man's got his pride, you know!"

"It's all right," Tia assured him. "You've piqued my interest. And before my sisters react, I remind them of the conversation we had when we started out on this journey. His offer has merit, and it takes into account our own relationship to each other. Instead of one finding a new path, each of us will embark on a new path, like we always have, together. I accept your offer --" Tia threw out her hand to silence the protests of her sisters.

Tia continued. "But there are conditions, Reison Whisper Wind. You will stay a virgin until we reach City of the Suns. Once there, I will speak to the High Priest at the Temple of Osh Mayan, and ask that you be given the first part of the Rite of Adulthood. Since you will undergo this for us, neither I nor my sisters will be involved in teaching you how to make love."

"What sort of Rite is this? I follow the Tuatha de Danaan, and venerate Brigit Balisama, triple goddess of fire, healing, and poetry. I'll say this right now, I won't pray to other gods outside my faith. I've given my pledge to Her, and I'm a man of my word."