3 comments/ 14024 views/ 2 favorites The Claiming of Lynn By: PraetorianXIII It was dark by the time the weary traveler reached the gates of the hamlet. The guards started to give him counsel about traveling so late. However, when they saw who it was they became quiet and gave him a friendly but reserved welcome to the hamlet. He nodded as he passed by, and headed to the horse stables. His late arrival caused the stable owner to answer the door with annoyance. , Seeing Sebastian, his ire vanished. "Sebastian! Wife wake Mark and have him tend to Sebastian's horse." The boy's displeasure abated when he saw the magnificent buckskinned Clydesdale he was to tend. He was excited, for he remembered tending to the horse before. "Feed him oats, not hay, and brush him well." Sebastian told the boy. "Give him a clean wool blanket. Also, you can take him for a ride tomorrow, just be sure to oil his saddle and tack first." "With pleasure Sir!" the boy responded with a wide grin. "Mark as payment for your efforts, here." Sebastian tossed the boy a five piece copper coin. "I'll make sure he gets the best oats possible!" the boy grinned as Sebastian handed him the reins. "Let's go Riley; I have a special stall for you." "You spoil the boy," the stable owner admonished. "Is it not good to spoil a boy now and again?" Sebastian queried with a smile. "Aye, it is," the man laughed. "How is your family?" "My daughter will soon be of claiming age, and my son you see grows tall and eager to leave the hamlet." "Well, may you all sleep in health and prosperity this evening," Sebastian stated as he shook the man's hand and placed a silver coin in it. "This is too much," the stable owner protested. Sebastian grinned. "What I do not use, consider as down payment for future boarding." He turned before the stable owner could protest, and made his way across the empty lanes of the hamlet headed toward the roadhouse. Once at the front door, he paused to listen for a moment. He had learned the hard way that it was unwise to enter an unfamiliar place without first listening to what was going on inside. He heard only music for the dancers, laughter, and noisy drunken talk. He opened the door quickly like a man trying to get out of the cold. The music did not stop as he stepped in and turned to shut the heavy wooden door. Nevertheless, as he moved into the lamplight the dancer stopped, the room fell quiet, and he felt all the eyes in the place turn to him as he pulled back the hood of his cloak. He stood there for a moment to let his eyes adjust to the low light of the room and searched for a place to sit. One of the women serving wine raced off to the kitchen to fetch her master. Time seemed to stand still until a burly man in simple clothes entered and demanded to know why the music had stopped. He halted in his tracks at the sight of Sebastian's blonde hair and dark blue cloak. "Traveler, I mean Exemplar! What brings you to journey so late to my roadhouse on a night like this?" he sputtered. Sebastian raised his right hand as a sign of peace, turning as he answered. "Peace to all in this place! I come seeking the sounds of men and the sight of the best wine slaves in the territory." "Sebastian, it is good to see you again," the man exclaimed as he came around from behind the counter to grasp Sebastian by the shoulders. "May fortune smile upon you, Robert," he responded as he clenched the man's hand as a sign of friendship. Turning to the girls, Robert commanded, "Dance! Moreover, serve a free cup of wine. Have you not ever seen an Exemplar before?" The young women started to scurry about as the dancer and the musician started up again. The proprietor nodded. "Come let me get you a warm alcove, a cup of rude wine to cut the cold of the night, and some food to fill your belly." He led Sebastian around along the raised outer ring of the dance floor where a slave was once again dancing to the tones of a single lute and the bells on her ankles and hips. Looking out of the corners of his eyes Sebastian made quick notes on the other guests as he passed their tables or semi-private alcoves. Most avoided eye contact. Those that did meet his eyes did not hold his gaze for long. His host stopped by a small alcove that gave him a clear view of the door more than the dance floor or the rest of the room. "Here," Robert gestured, "is an ideal alcove in which to warm yourself while you enjoy the dancers. Take off your cloak and have some wine while I get you something to eat." "The room seems suddenly muffled my friend," Sebastian whispered as he took off his cloak. "Few have seen the blue cape of an Exemplar, much less one with your golden hair. You put apprehension into their souls." "Apprehension is good for it may stimulate their thirst," Sebastian laughed. "Ha, you have a streak of proprietor running through you!" Robert exclaimed. Sebastian smiled at the comment. "Now to your needs and desires. What can I get you?" "I need only a large bowl of your wife's creamy soup, some cheese, meat and warm bread." Robert laughed. "Soup and bread, is that all you ever eat?" "My needs are simple." Sebastian replied. "Then I have the proper slave for your simple needs." "Robert is she..." he started to protest. "I will have the young wine slave bring a goblet of rude wine for you to take the chill off, while I have the proper slut prepare to serve you." "My friend, you know that I do not..." Sebastian protested halfheartedly. "Now, my friend, it is cold and you travel alone. One night of a submissive woman's pleasures will not offend your God. He is a man too, is he not?" With a laugh, Robert turned and headed toward the kitchen to prepare the food. Sebastian knew his host liked to make his friends feel special, so he decided to respect Robert's generosity. A young wine slave dressed in the common cheesecloth tunic that wine slaves wore when serving guests of a roadhouse, hurried over to pour him a cup of wine. As she poured, she smiled and winked. "I'll gladly serve you all night long, sir!" "Not tonight," Sebastian demurred. He placed a silver coin into a small leather pouch slung over her shoulder and sent her on her way. He watched the girl scurry off. She was too young, he thought, and needed to be with a younger man with more vitality. She was either trying to avoid usage by some drunken traveler, or thinking she would get a large stipend from an appreciative old man. From his corner, Sebastian could see most of the occupied tables and alcoves. His fellow guests seemed to be a mix of the people from the nearby area, and there did not appear to be anyone of interest in the group. Sitting back, he sipped his wine and allowed himself to enjoy the music and the efforts of the inexperienced young woman dancing in the middle of the floor. Reaching the kitchens, Robert found the lead wine slave and pulled her aside. "Lynn, a trusted guest has returned and is in the alcove at the far end of the dance floor. He has asked that only you serve him tonight so prepare yourself. Once you are ready, come back here and his meal will be ready for you to take him." She blushed prettily, nodded, and left the kitchen. After she left, Robert saw to the food and prepared an out-of-the-way private alcove for Sebastian to use. Feeling like a young woman again, Lynn washed her face and rinsed her body with a sponge, and brushed her hair until it shone. She dabbed perfume on her body, then put on a pair of small, jeweled, dangling earrings and an anklet adorned with a tiny bell. She wrapped about her a dark blue silk chemise, secured on her left shoulder by a simple silver clasp, and then returned to the kitchen. Sebastian watched the dancer on the floor as she strove to entice the men to drink more, and saw the wine slaves rush around serving wine and food to the tables and alcoves about the room. The dancer was enjoyable, but of little interest to him. He was finishing his second cup of wine as he caught sight of her approaching. She wore the more submissive tunic of a pleasure slave, and carried the bowl of soup, bread, and the carafe of wine all with a certain grace. He smiled and felt his blood stir as she approached, remembering her from last time he had been a guest here. He knew that Lynn was not as young as she looked. She had always had a pleasingly graceful, fuller curved frame. With her toned hips, legs and ankles she was alluring to him. Excellently proportioned with long auburn hair, hazel green eyes, a curved statuesque body, a bouncy bust, and pleasing hips, she was most agreeable to his eyes and rousing to his manly blood. She was a splendid specimen of mature womanhood, exceptional enough to chase away the cold of the longest night. She recognized him the moment she saw his tender brown eyes. Smiling tentatively, Lynn spoke softly. "It is good to see you again, Sir! Master tells me you asked only me to serve you tonight. I am grateful." Sebastian could sense Lynn was seldom a guest in a visitor's furs. She was usually only beckoned by older men, so he was confident that she was simmering with passion, just waiting for a masterful touch. Her status among the rest of the wine slaves was sure to be dropping. If she was not summoned on a regular basis, she would lose what reputation and influence she had over the younger women. He had her sit on the low, padded hassock next to the table while he ate. Normally, he expected his submissive to kneel at his side, but he was aware of her maturity and not into his own esteem, so tonight he preferred that she sit. Lynn was very attentive, and refilled his wine glass, buttered his bread, and sliced large pieces of meat and cheese to save him effort and show her eagerness to please. He noticed the hopeful look in her eyes and he knew he would cord her when he was finished eating. Eating slowly and drinking slower, he enjoyed her jasmine rose scent as he watched the inexperienced dancers on the floor. Sebastian smiled, remembering she was a very exotic and erotic dancer. "Do you still dance?" he asked. She looked down and replied. "No Sir, I am too plush for the men to thirst after." He looked at her, considering. "Well, I think I will have you dance for me later." Startled, she glanced up at him. "It would be my greatest pleasure, Sir." She seemed to sit up a bit straighter then, and almost beamed as she poured more wine and buttered another slice of bread. Seeing the hopeful look in Lynn's eyes, he took the claiming cords from the hook on the wall and tied them around her arm to indicate to the rest of the roadhouse that she was chosen, that a visitor had selected her to warm his bed later in the night, and that she was no longer available. It also meant that only she would serve him for the rest of the evening. Once he had tied the cords to her arm, he noticed she knelt and stood a bit straighter and that there was more bounce in her step as she carried away the dirty dishes. Sebastian smiled; sure, she would show off the cords to the other yet-to-be-claimed slaves that were still serving wine. He was sure his host had wanted him to claim her, for he knew it would make the other slave girls strive harder to make more money for Robert and information for himself. Lynn returned quickly with another loaf of warm bread, some butter and sweet jellies and another carafe of wine. She sat at his side the entire night and, at times, he reached out to stroke her hair and to give her a piece of bread or a sip of pagan wine. Providing the night's entertainment were young dancers still striving to get their motions fluid, but as the night wore on, the wine-dulled eyesight of the guests led each to claim a slave for the evening. Sebastian waited until there was no more dancing, and the short-lived grunts and howls of passion that had escaped from behind the drapes in some alcoves turned to drunken snoring. He could see Lynn shifting in place, her skin warm and flushed, aroused by the sounds of submission and the smells of passion emanating from hidden corners of the room. He could not resist her offerings or his masculine urges any longer. As he sent her away with the dishes, he growled after her, "Bring back two goblets of fresh pagan wine, and wear your dancing bells." She froze momentarily, then nodded and scurried away. In the kitchen, Robert found her readying the wine. As he helped steady the goblets while she poured, he smiled at her and murmured, "Take Sebastian to the private alcove at the far end of the roadhouse. There you won't be bothered and the door locks. He'll appreciate the security." He looked her over, and then gestured toward the door. "Go get your bells. The wine can wait." Nodding gratefully, Lynn dashed off to her room. Lynn returned to Sebastian's table minutes later, wearing a chain belt that glittered with small sliver bells. Matching bells adorned a bracelet encircling her right wrist and another on her left ankle. Soft chimes and jingles accented every step as she led him to the reserved alcove. After lighting the lamps on the wall and the table, Lynn knelt on the fur rug facing the bed and adjusted her finger cymbals. Sebastian closed and locked the door, then removed his outer shirt, unlaced his silk undershirt, loosened his trousers, and removed his boots. Removing the cords from her arm, he sat back, took a goblet of wine, and looked with quiet admiration upon her kneeling figure. In expectation of use, she dared not move though her heart pounded, her nipples hardened, and her garden of love grew moist. His eyes hot, he tipped her head back and looked into her eyes. "Dance, my wanton woman, before your lustful man." With that, he sat back on the bed, and took a deep sip of wine while his eyes fixed on her form. Slowly, she started to move, determined to rouse her loving master's blood. Lynn slid her hands down to her hips as she began to shift her lush chest left and then right to some silent hypnotizing music only she could hear. As her chest moved from side to side, she rose gracefully to her feet, her arms pulled back and her head held high. As she moved, he heard the bells chiming softly with her movements, creating a rhythm to accompany her motions. Only her chest moved in the isolated dance at first; her hips and shoulders were still and relaxed. She pressed her chest forward then back, and then slid into a smooth circle, pausing before moving back in the other direction. Her body moved fluidly in an enticing display of vigor. Standing seductively, she began to sway her hips in a figure eight. Her body moved sensually to the flickering of the lamps on the wall as her finger cymbals began to echo the pulsing of blood through their veins. Lifting her arms up to snake out from her body, the slut in her began to let go as her desire flowed over her. Her hips swayed faster, bells chiming in time with her movements. She clashed her cymbals to highlight the motion of her hips dancing under the soft blue silk. She tightened her body, seeming almost to stand still as her entire body began to quiver, causing the dancing bells about her hips to bounce wildly in her shimmy. Her head tossed, her finger cymbals clashing to emphasize the movement of her hips as they started and stopped. She smiled seductively, shifting from the tight shimmy into large, leisurely hip rolls. Sebastian took another deep gulp of wine, finishing off the first goblet. Tossing it aside, he shifted forward in his chair, his eyes ablaze with desire. Lynn pivoted on her toes, swinging her hips out to urge her inviting body to turn. Arms up, poised, her body slithered and undulated to the beat of magical, seductive music. She twisted her body from her hips to her fingertips, a liquid ripple coursing over her sensuous form. Lynn brought her arms out, opening her body, offering it up to him. A smile played over her red lips as her feet barely brushed the fur rug. She taunted as she danced, inviting his eyes to travel her form. She looked at him, her seductive eyes veiled by her auburn hair as her body slowed, isolating the movement of her hips again and turning smoothly as she drew his attention up, then back down her now glowing body. Again, her hands moved down to her sensuously swaying hips, until she danced in place once more. Lynn shifted the enticing gyrations of her body from her swaying hips to her lush breasts again, lifting and circling in a beautiful, solitary dance as her hips and shoulders grew still and relaxed. Sebastian took a deep gulp of wine from the second goblet as low, guttural sounds like those of an animal in heat sounded from his throat. She renewed her efforts as her inner slut delighted in his response. She showed off her fluidly seductive muscle control as her upper chest circled first to the right, and then to the left. Her arms slithered out and above her head as she clanged her finger cymbals twice, leaving her standing poised before her Master, not quite yet released from the woven spell. The energy of the dance hung in the air, the flickering flames making the only sound in the room. Lynn paused. Her arms arched above her head, hips shifted to one side with her right thigh jutting forward, breasts thrust out in offering as a light sheen of sweat glistened on her panting chest. She tossed her head back with her eyes closed. Her moist lips were parted as if they were about to be kissed. Lynn smiled as she lowered her arms and sank gracefully to her knees on the soft fur rug before him. She kneeled tall, her back slightly arched to offer up her lush breasts as her hands came to rest upon her parted thighs in open submission. She bowed her head in respect to him who watched her dance. Sebastian finished the second goblet of wine and tossed it aside. Lynn could hear his heavy breathing above her. She beamed, her face flushed with pleasure. "By the blood of my forefathers, you will by my woman always!" Sebastian growled. Moments later, wrapped in his arms, his lips bruising hers with their force; she moaned against his mouth as his hands eagerly removed the sheer blue silk chemise and tossed it aside. Tremors swept her body, as his heat seemed to engulf her. The cool air combined with her extreme arousal made her nipples jump sharply. Enough of her brain remained working to realize that she was panting with her head held back as this man, her man, was kneeling in front of her. He stood up and lifted her into his arms, and she could tell that, though weary, they held strength she had never known, and tenderness, which she had only dreamed. Lynn was anxious but relished his tenderness and concern for her secret needs. He kissed his way up her leg, letting his fingers trail up both thighs, over the curve of her hips, and higher until she felt him lying on top of her. He reached up to grab both of her wrists, his gaze intense as he tied them together, and then to a single bedpost with a silk rope. She moaned in delight and whispered, "You do not need to bind me more Sir, for I am wanton tonight." "Will you be mine always?" his words thrilled through her. "It will be my greatest pleasure Master!" she sighed. Bound to the bed, she surrendered her control, her inhibitions, to this man and was free to be a woman. As her head rested on the pillow, he began slowly stroking his fingers up and down her body, making her shiver. There was a pause when nothing was touching her, then she saw Sebastian pick up a long stick with soft feathers attached to the end. He touched the feathers to her skin, and the light brushes from it had her mewling continuously. The feathers traveled from her left ankle, up to her left shoulder, and then down her right shoulder to her right ankle. He teased her skin with the tickling softness mercilessly. The inside of her upper thighs was the worst, tantalizing and soft, until she was burning for a firmer touch. The Claiming of Lynn Ch. 02 The warmth of the mid-morning sun cleared the deep fog of sleep from his mind while he stretched to bask in the warmth. Taking a deep breath, he caught the scent of musk and sandalwood. With a smile, he rolled over to grasp Lynn. "Good morning, woman." Opening his eyes in alarm when she was not there, he rolled quickly to his other side, reaching for his dagger, but stopped when he saw Lynn kneeling quietly at the bedside in a green chemise. "Did you sleep well?" she asked with a modest, yet impish grin as her eyes admired his handsome body. "Yes I did," he rumbled. "Did you?" "Yes, Sir, the best I have since your last visit." He noticed a touch of pink in her cheeks. "Are you blushing?" he teased. The color deepened, spread. "Sir, you know that a simple pleasure slut does not blush," she mumbled. "Well maybe this morning you do not feel like a pleasure slut?" "You are correct," she stammered, the blush spreading over her breasts and thighs. Reaching out to gently stroke her cheek, he asked, "Do you still wish to be my consort?" He lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes. "I would carry your yoke anywhere in this world," she said earnestly. "Last night it was naked also," he smiled. "I would carry it however you wanted me to carry it," she whispered, lowering her head. He was silent while the back of his hand stroked and caressed her cheek and her throat. When his fingers came away damp, he stopped. "Are you crying?" "No." she replied, through the tears that coursed down her cheeks. "Really?" he asked boldly. She sniffled. "My tears are of joy." "Why do you have tears of joy?" "I must profess my love for you master. You were kind and gentle and did not take me like I was just another pleasure slave last night." "I see, and now you are confused for you were not used harshly as if you were a common pleasure slut?" "Yes. I mean no, Sir. It is not good for a slave to love a Master." "Well, we will not worry about that now," he said, content with her statement. "I am hungry and very thirsty. What have you prepared for me this morning, Lynn?" She beamed at him, pleased to have anticipated his need. "I am glad, for I brought you a large morning meal and a kettle of warm tea." "Well done my pleasing thrall," he praised her, laughing as she blushed lightly once more. She rose to her feet and handed him his pants and shirt, then made the last little preparations on the table so his meal would be ready. "You did well Lynn. It looks and smells wonderful," he commented. Her eyes shone. "Thank you," she grinned. "I remember you like a different type of morning meal than the rest of the men I have... cooked for." He moved to the table and seated himself. "You remembered well, I am going to enjoy this greatly." She smiled and blushed again as she stood by his side, waiting to serve him if he needed anything. As he finished his meal, she broke the silence with a soft statement. "Sir, I know my Master sent me to you last night without the coin sack on my hip, but this is a new day, and there is a..." her voice trailed off. "You are right. I will reward your Master for your talents." Sebastian assured her. Reaching into his money pouch, he pulled out a handful of coins. Spreading out a clean cloth napkin, he placed the coins on top. Holding up a gold coin he smiled and told her, "Make sure you tell Master Robert that this is for you company last night." Lynn smiled like a young girl. "Thank you Sir, my Master will be greatly pleased." Tying up the napkin, he handed it to her, and then waved her toward the door. "Go and show your Master my pleasure. I need to finish my meal in mediation." "As you wish, Sir," she replied as she scampered out of the alcove to show her Master. Sebastian ate in silence, drinking the full mug of warm tea before praying, dressing and leaving the alcove. When he arrived in the main room, he saw Robert sitting at a table, counting his money from the night before. Getting a second mug of tea, he joined Robert at the table. "Did you sleep well?" Robert asked, a knowing grin spreading across his face. Returning the smile, Sebastian replied. "Yes, the honey-sweet tart you sent me was very pleasing." "I am glad, and I am sure your God is pleased too." He nodded. Sebastian laughed. "Why do you say that?" he questioned. "Is not your God a man?" "I do not know." "Well I am sure this God of yours is a man, and what manly God would deny the pleasurable company of a woman?" Sebastian chuckled appreciatively. "Well, he did do a wonderful job creating them." With hearty laughter and a call for more tea, Sebastian changed the topic. "Now my friend, let us talk of more serious matters. I want to hear what news you have." Robert frowned. "Alas, all I have is rumor and drunken talk." "Well, walk with me as I have the stable boy exercise my horse, and maybe you can speak of more than just rumor and hearsay." The two men left the roadhouse and walked across the compound to where the stable boy had already brushed Riley for him. Sebastian looked over at the boy. "Are you ready to take him for a ride?" "Y...yes Sir!" the boy exclaimed, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Well then, get just the bridle for bareback riding and meet me at the gate of the compound." Sebastian instructed. While the boy readied the horse, the two men continued across the yard, talking of wives, food, the cost of running a business, and the weather. At the gate, they paused as the boy quickly brought the horse out to them. "Riley needs to be galloped at a light and easy pace, so take him out- but stay on this side of the crest of the hills. He is used to the weight of a full-grown man and all of my tack, but he has a need to feel the wind in his mane. Can you do that for me?" Sebastian asked. "Yes Sir and thanks!" shouted the boy, who was already hopping onto the horse's back. As the boy cantered off with the horse, the two men stood there and looked after him. "So now my trusted innkeeper, while it looks like we are watching your friend's son riding, tell me what news you hear from your guests." "Do you ask as an Exemplar?" "I ask as a friend of twelve full years." Robert paused and took a deep breath. "There is trouble in the region. The larger cities are no longer places for diplomats and commerce. They have become a place for hustlers, entrepreneurs, wanders, smugglers and troublemakers- most come to gather and talk treachery and spread lies." "I have heard such rumors before, what makes this time any different?" Sebastian asked softly. Robert pulled a bundle out from under his cloak and handed it to Sebastian. "Have you ever seen this before?" Unwrapping the bundle, Sebastian stopped and spat in a low, disgusted tone, "Relpaxens!" "I only saw that symbol once many years ago, before I was allowed to bring my active duties to a close." Robert explained. "They usually don't venture to this side of the sulfur swamps." Sebastian mused, turning the symbol in his hands. "Well these did," Robert added, "and they are dangerous too!" "Why do you say that?" "At least one, if not two, of this group wore metal armor under their cloaks." "The Celebrants will want them destroyed," Sebastian stated, his voice grim. "I know," Robert agreed. "That task will fall to you, but you must catch them first." Pounding hooves drew their attention as the boy returned to them, trailing a small cloud of dust and sporting a wide grin on his face. "You did well lad!" Sebastian called heartily, summoning a smile. "Ride him around the outside of the palisades a couple of times, mindful of my guidance, then give him some oats, a piece of fruit, and a good brushing. After that, let him loose in the corral, for I will not be traveling today." The boy smiled and nodded as he led Riley away. "Has my news caused you to change your plans?" "It may have," Sebastian replied. "I just need some time to reflect upon your information. Besides," he grinned, "I want Lynn to dance again for me. However, this time I want her to dance the dance of veils on the roadhouse floor." Robert stopped and held Sebastian's arm. "Are you free to claim her?" Sebastian shook his head. "No, but after twenty-five winters, I will not spend another one alone." "They will send others after you. Plus, you need to stop the Relpaxens. Will she not be in the way?" "I know. But to be honest, she is worth the risk," Sebastian replied. "I had served thirty winters before I could claim Marie." "I know my friend, but is there not one thing in your life worth risking it all for?" Robert laughed heartily and slapped Sebastian on the arm. "She must have smitten you last night. She can be a very spirited woman, I am sure she will make you a worthy companion! But alas, I fear she will not get much applause." "Maybe this will help loosen the hands of your guests." Sebastian said as he handed Robert a pouch of coins. "Seems I will be losing my head wine slave tonight. Marie looks upon her as a younger sister," Robert mused. "She will always be used right well by me!" Sebastian smiled. Robert chuckled approvingly. "I will have everything ready just after the sun sets." For the rest of the day, Sebastian walked about in the warm sunshine, or sat for a while and drank warm tea while he pondered his options and debated the best course of action to follow. The cold confusion of his uncertainty was chilling him as much as the cold air of a northern rainstorm. The chiming of the evening bell summoned everyone in from the fields and announced the closing of the gates for the evening. The sound broke into Sebastian's thoughts, and he wandered back toward the roadhouse. Robert greeted Sebastian once again, and led him to the dais of honor at the end of the dance floor. There he found a simple table and chair, with a lamp and a carafe of passion wine waiting for him. Robert made sure Sebastian was comfortable, and then turned to address the crowd. "Friends and guests, tonight I have a special treat for you. At the request of a long time friend, tonight my head wine server will perform for you the dance of the veils. Drink fully and enjoy the lusty passion of a mature and beautiful woman." Cheers greeted the announcement, and the room filled with the sound of men slapping the tables in expectation of the dance. Lynn was nervously waiting her time to enter and dance. She was confused and hurt, yet strangely filled with joy. It has been several years since she had danced on the floor of the roadhouse. She knew that Robert and the other men considered her too old, too plush to draw much of a crowd. But now Sebastian summoned her to dance. She had thought that he cared for her, but to humiliate her like this after last night... She felt cold and betrayed. "You think he is humiliating you for something do you not?" the tender voice of Robert's companion, Marie, startled Lynn. "Yes," she mumbled as the woman approached. "He is doing no such thing," Marie scolded. She patted Lynn's arm soothingly and softened her tone. "He is giving you a chance to show the rest of the girls that you are a lusty woman desired by men, especially by one man in particular. I danced like this once before Robert, and that night he took me as his companion." "Do you think he feels that way?" Lynn asked, hope rising in her breast. Marie nodded. "Has he not stopped by here twice a year for the past twelve years to see you and only you?" Lynn paused, considering. "Yes, that is true," she whispered with a small smile. "So, go! Dance! Show the world your desire for him, and when he claims you at the end, rejoice in your... dare I say... love." Marie kissed her on the cheek, "Now go dance!" She shooed Lynn out the door. The room fell silent as the musicians entered and took their places. All the women of the roadhouse, including Marie, stood in the doorways. Sebastian eyed the crowd, but it did not matter to him if the house was full or empty, for Lynn would be dancing, and that was all that he wanted. Lynn entered the sunken dance floor. The smooth stone felt cool on her feet. Covered from head to toe in shimmering dancing veils of blue and purple, they outlined her form, gliding over her curves as they revealed and concealed. She lifted her arms in a graceful motion and held the pose, awaiting her cue within the music. The music began. Lynn smiled beneath the blue veil that hid her face. She swayed to the music, hips drawing his eyes to her with her lithe motion. The veils fluttered and flared out as she turned. Her right hip peeked through the veil wrapped about her waist. With a pointed toe and motion of her right leg, she suddenly bared her right hip and thigh, a startling revelation of flesh among the swirling silk. The room filled with the sound of hands pounding the tabletops. Lynn looked to Sebastian, and saw he was drinking deeply from a goblet, his chest heaving. Lynn smiled as the soft silk flowed again to conceal her skin. She whirled in the fluttering waves of color, hips swaying as her hands traveled her body, feeling for the flesh beneath the concealing veils. Her hand came down to her left hip, where she tugged the purple veil free, revealing her hip and thigh for all to see. Grunts and groans of lust filled the room, and rude remarks about what men would do with her tonight filled the background. Lynn bent forward, her naked hips free to dance among the veils. Around and around the dance floor she weaved, her feet dancing fast with tiny steps, arms lifted up with grace and poise. She turned and glanced about as she shimmied her shoulders back and forth. Then she lifted her hands to the blue veil concealing her hair, pulling it away as she tossed her head, her shoulder length auburn hair free and wild about her face. She heard goblets slam onto the tabletops, and yells of men requesting that she be their slut for the night, but still she danced. She continued to dance, moving about the floor, her body rocking beautifully in a seductive belly dance. Her chest lifted as her hips rolled to the music. Occasionally her hand slapped her bare thigh, punctuating the beat as she lost herself in the music. The veils still covered her upper body and face, an odd contrast next to her bare legs, and created an alluring image of a demure but tantalizing female. Lynn looked at Sebastian, her hazel eyes dancing over the blue veil. He could almost see her seductive smile as she slowed her dance until only her hips moved, her body rolling in place. Slowly, teasingly, she brought her hands to the veil at her face and held it for a moment before stripping it away to reveal her features. She tossed the silk toward Sebastian as she flung her head back, making her auburn fly about as she began her dance anew. "Five silver coins!" a drunken voice yelled. "Ten," another harsh voice countered. Lynn's dance took on a different tone. Gone was the teasing, flirting revelation of flesh. She swayed upon the sand, whirling quickly. She tugged at the veil about her neck, impatient to strip it from her half-naked body. She let the blue veil flutter behind and around her swaying body as she moved, spinning upon her toes. Then she paused, letting go of the veil, and watched it slither down her form to puddle at her feet. "A gold coin," came a shouted offer. Lynn looked about and saw that the men were all leaning forward in their chairs with lust in their eyes. She saw Sebastian was at the edge of his own seat, his eyes blazing with desire, his hand seeming to shake his wine goblet. Lynn whirled wildly. Faster and faster, her feet touched the sand, almost seeming not to touch it at all, hips swinging in a blur as the music built its primal beat. She smiled widely as she ripped the veil concealing her breasts from her body and brazenly danced, offering up her body to those who watched. She wore only one veil now, the dark purple silk wrapped around her waist. Her lush breasts swayed with the motion of her body, portraying her as a sexual, wanton creature. Rude desires and pleas were yelled forth as she danced with swaying hips and shuddering shoulders toward Sebastian. Lynn danced near to Sebastian and offered him the end of the veil about her waist with a flick of her hand and hip. She smiled, winking to him as he grasped it, then she spun away from him. The veil unwound from her waist, slithered free of her body to fall fluttering to the sand at his feet. She danced away, hair flaring out behind her in waves of auburn fire. "Ten gold coins!" yelled a drunken voice. Lynn tossed her head, dancing now in wild freedom. Silent moans escaped her red lips in sheer joy of the music as her feet pounded out the beat. Her naked body glowed with her exertions, hips brazenly inviting to all. Then suddenly, she and the music stopped as one, jarring in the silence. She held her pose, hips cocked, arms up, head thrown back as she panted, her chest heaving. The veils were gone, the luminous slave revealed. The room exploded with applause. Voices clamored and cried out, demanding to know where this woman had been hidden. Lynn smiled, breaking her pose to slip silently to her knees. She lifted her chin high to show off her collar, her carriage tall with her back slightly arched to offer up her body. Her thighs were parted wide to reveal her passionate heat to only Sebastian, her body on display for the pleasure of those watching. She bowed her head to Sebastian, her dance concluded. Sebastian rose and left the dais, his drawn sword in hand. He stood before the still bowed Lynn. "I claim this woman ever more as my consort and companion. Any man who wishes to challenge me, do so now!" he growled. The room echoed with pounding feet and rude jests. A voice called out above the din, "You're too old for a woman like her, but it is as honorable to die trying to please a lusty slut as it is to die in combat!" Raucous laughter followed. Looking down at her bent form, Sebastian demanded, "Lynn, do you accept my claim?" Lynn slowly sat back onto her parted thighs and, with her head still bowed, raised her hands up above her head and crossed her wrists. Sebastian took a deep breath, sheathed his sword and removed a gold and silver cord from his tunic. He looped the cord and bound her wrists together, then tied the other end to his left wrist. "Then stand at my side as my companion." Lynn rose quickly and stood beside Sebastian, crossing her ankles and holding her bound wrists down in front of her maidenhood. With his right hand, Sebastian retrieved his sword. "This woman is my woman, my companion, ever more. Only by the might of steel will she leave my side!" The room filled with cheers and yells from the men and cries from the women as Robert clapped his hands, and told the servers to pour wine freely to all the guests. With his left hand Sebastian lifted her chin so he could see her hazel eyes, and saw that she was crying. "Are you sad?" "No! I am filled with joy and... love," she whispered with a smile. "I am happy... so very happy to hear you say that," he grinned. Lynn gasped and laughed as Sebastian lifted her into his arms and tossed her over his left shoulder. Giving her bottom a tender slap, he quickly carried her from the room as laughter and rude suggestions followed them out.