0 comments/ 8800 views/ 0 favorites Strange Adventures of Cinnamon Ch. 11 By: sam_177 Author's Note: Hopefully this went through ok and was posted. If you're reading this now I guess it has. I'm glad. While I've got your attention, I'd like to thank everyone who's taken time to read my story, especially those of you who were kind enough to write. Thank you. I hope you continue to enjoy my story. Thanks again to John for all the great editing. Thanks. * Chapter 11 Strange Memories With a mirthful smile Sharmon approached Cinnamon and said "Come. I'll wash your back for you." "Oh...Um...Okay. Thanks?" Cinnamon replied haltingly and turned around. Sharmon directed her to move closer to the shore until Cinnamon sat in water that came just to the underside of her breasts. She sat with her knees up, knees and feet together. Her arms were crossed in front of her, her hands covering her breasts. When Sharmon started to wash her back, Cinnamon involuntarily stiffened under her touch. Sharmon tried not to feel hurt even though she knew Cinnamon would do just that. She knew that Cinnamon wouldn't relax under her touch until she felt more comfortable, so she ignored Cinnamon's stiffness and continued to run the soap over the silky skin of the young woman's back. After a little while, Cinnamon felt more comfortable and she let her body relax. As she did so Sharmon began to use more pressure to knead and massage her tired and sore muscles. When Cinnamon told her how good it felt, Sharmon just smiled a soft smile that would have left Muriel and Vanessa speechless and happy had they seen it. As Sharmon continued to wash and massage her back, Cinnamon's eyes glazed over as she stared across the pool in the direction of the rock cliff. The soothing rhythm of Sharmon's massage was too much and she drifted off, lost in memory. These were not recent memories; they were long buried and forgotten ones. She missed seeing Vanessa rinsing off under the water fall, even though she was staring in Vanessa's direction. That was just as well, for if she had, she would have been uncomfortable, not just because Vanessa was nude but because her movements had an unconscious sensuality to them. Sharmon sensed Cinnamon's absence but left Cinnamon to her thoughts while she continued to wash and sooth Cinnamon's tired body. Every now and then Cinnamon would give a little moan of pleasure or a gasp of pain when Sharmon hit a particularly tight spot and worked the tension out. While working her magic on Cinnamon's muscles Sharmon was careful not to do anything to startle her or make her uncomfortable. When she was done (with all that she felt Cinnamon would be comfortable with) Sharmon began to rinse Cinnamon off by gently dripping water from her cupped hands and gently splashing her. When she was done she softly began calling Cinnamon's name. It wasn't until she gently shook Cinnamon that the girl came back. "Huh? What? Oh! I'm sorry." Cinnamon said, feeling confused after coming out of her thoughts. Sharmon smiled. "It's alright. You were gone for quite a while. I asked if you wanted me to wash your hair." This was followed by Vanessa's teasing "Welcome back." for which Muriel gave her a playful shove. Cinnamon gave Vanessa and Muriel an embarrassed grin, then turned her head towards Sharmon and said "Please?" Sharmon moved to her side and placed her hand on Cinnamon's back between her shoulder blades. "Tilt your head back and lean back slowly" she said. "Ready?" Cinnamon nodded and leaned back letting Sharmon control her descent underwater. Sharmon only let her go under far enough for Cinnamon's hair to become thoroughly soaked before bringing her back up. As Cinnamon sat up she was careful to keep her head tilted back to keep the water out of her eyes. When she was once again sitting up, she ran her hands over her head and down her neck and shoulder forcing the excess water out of her hair. Then she leaned back and sighed as Sharmon's strong fingers began to massage her scalp. Several minutes later she heard "Cinnamon? Cinnamon?" "Huh?" Cinnamon replied and then gave her self a little shake and said "I'm sorry" "It's ok." Muriel smiled. "I just wondered if you were enjoying your daydream." "It looked like you were." Vanessa added. "Was I daydreaming? It felt more like a memory really. It seemed so real but I guess it must have been a daydream." Cinnamon said quietly, more to herself then to the others. Cinnamon crossed her arms over her knees and then leaned forward against her legs and stared down through the shimmering water. Sharmon continued to wash her hair. "Can you tell us what it was about?" Muriel asked softly. Cinnamon was silent for several minutes and then spoke so softly the others had to pay careful attention else her words be drowned out by the sound of running water. "It was about me when I was little. It was girl's night, so it was just me and my mom. Mom always sent daddy off to watch ball games with his friends on girl's night. Sometimes we'd go out and rent movies and get something to eat from a drive through." Sharmon, Muriel, and Vanessa exchanged glances. None were quite sure what Cinnamon was talking about but none wanted to interrupt her as they feared she would not only lose her train of thought if side tracked but being a shy and private girl she'd be reluctant to talk about such a personal memory later on. Without exchanging words they all agreed it was more important to let Cinnamon talk now and possibly discover something important about her and their quest than to ask questions. Besides, questions could always be asked later. Cinnamon continued, unaware of the other's silent exchange. "Other times we'd watch something we had at home and order a pizza. Then we'd stay up past my bed time watching them and eating candy and popcorn. Afterwards, we'd take a bath together. We'd splash each other silly and then I'd wash her back and hair and she'd wash mine. Just like Sharmon did." Sharmon, still gently working her fingers in Cinnamon's hair, blushed and looked down but not before Muriel and Vanessa saw her pleased smile. Cinnamon gave a wistful sigh. "It felt so good. I loved girl's night. After our bath we'd dry each other off. When we'd gotten dressed for bed we'd braid each other's hair and paint our nails." Cinnamon wiggled her fingers and toes. Smiling she continued. "She did a lot better job on me than I did on her though sometimes we'd both get silly and end up taking another bath because we got polish all over." The others smiled at the picture of mother and daughter together as Cinnamon went on. "When bath time was over we'd race each other to her room and jump in bed. If I was still wound up we'd have pillow and tickle fights until we wore each other out. Then we'd cuddle together for story time. Other times, if I was already sleepy, we'd go straight to the story. She'd hold me close and I'd rest my head on her shoulder and she'd read to me or tell me stories she knew or made up until I fell asleep. And as I'd fall asleep she'd caress my cheek and kiss my forehead and say 'Goodnight my darling. I love you.'" Cinnamon sniffled as a tear ran unnoticed down her cheek. They were all quiet for a while until Vanessa said "Wow you're mom sounds real nice." while at the same time wondering at the differences in descriptions that Cinnamon gave of her mom. Sharmon and Muriel wondered the same thing. Cinnamon gave Vanessa a sad smile "Yeah, too bad she's only a dream." "Are you sure?" Muriel asked. "People can change, you know." "Yeah I'm sure. The woman in my dream was taller and had long luxurious brown hair. My real mom is shorter with dirty blonde hair that she dyes." Cinnamon absentmindedly began to twirl a strand of her own hair, which matched her description of her dream mother, around her finger as she continued to describe the differences between mothers. This didn't go unnoticed by the others. Each knew without a doubt that she had not been dreaming but remembering something she'd long forgotten. Cinnamon's unconsious actions and her manner of speaking were not those of one telling of a dream but of a personal experience. They didn't know why Cinnamon had buried these memories but they were convinced that the cause was a sad one for her. Cinnamon herself didn't appear to notice that she was speaking from experience. She still thought she was speaking of a dream. "Besides Mom would never give me a girl's night much less give me a bath. And she'd never let me eat junk food! She was always focused on eating healthy and keeping fit so I could be a cheerleader. She always ordered me a salad whenever we went out whether I wanted one or not. As if I wanted to be a cheerleader in the first place. Uggh!" Cinnamon made a face. "I remember once when I was out driving with my step dad, we stopped and had chili dogs for lunch. He made me promise not to tell mom. That was the first chili dog I'd in years and it was so good!" Cinnamon giggled. "We had to eat a whole box of mints to cover up the onions." Cinnamon's companion's looked at each other at this revelation. They also smiled at her giggle. They enjoyed seeing her happy. "Can you remember any other differences?" Muriel asked. Cinnamon thought for a bit before saying. "The mom in my dream had long graceful fingers, like Sharmon's, and she could play the piano for hours. I used to lie on the floor and listen to her play and sing. She had the loveliest voice. And when she'd smile she lit up the room. I always felt so good when I brought something home and she'd give me a smile and a hug before she stuck it to the fridge." Cinnamon gave a sigh and her happiness seemed to dissipate in the same way the soap bubbles were dissipating in the water around her. "We don't have a piano though. We never did. And Mom's fingers are short and stubby. And I'd get the chills whenever she'd smile." The three looked at each other over Cinnamon's head. Then Sharmon said "You'd better go rinse your hair and finish washing up." With that she handed Cinnamon a bar of soap over her shoulder and directed her to go stand under one of the small water falls. Cinnamon took the soap and stood up, her arms up raised holding the soap as if she were praying, totally unconscious of her nudity and waded over to rinse the shampoo from her hair. After that she hurried to finish washing with her back to the others as she became aware of her nudity. When she was finished she waded back to the others. When she saw Vanessa washing Sharmon's back she felt embarrassed and said "Oh I'm sorry Sharmon. Did you want me to wash your back?" Sharmon waved her off. "It's ok. Go dry off, you're starting to look chilled." Cinnamon nodded. She was starting to shiver. She made her way to the small shore where their towels and dry clothes were and began to dry off. When she began to dry her underarms she felt the tiny stubble there. She thought she should shave while she had the chance even though she hated doing it. Then she remembered none of the others were shaved as well. Holding the towel in front of her she turned to ask about it. "Um?" "Yes Cinnamon?" Sharmon asked. Cinnamon blushed and it took her a couple tries before she asked. "I was just wondering about shaving. Is it the custom for women here not to shave?" Sharmon shrugged. "Not really. Most women in the city and along the shores tend to shave but it's mostly a matter of personal choice. Why did you want to shave?" Muriel blushed and apologized. "I'm sorry Cinnamon. I should have realized. It's just it's easier to go without shaving when we're out in the wilderness and we're so used to it that I forgot that you shaved. Do you want me to go get the razor?" Cinnamon shook her head. "No that's ok. Personally I hate shaving." "Do the women shave where you come from?" Vanessa asked. "Most do." Cinnamon said. Then she added "At least where I live. A few don't but they're mostly looked down on and made fun of." Vanessa sighed "That's true of some places here too. There are nureks everywhere I'm afraid." Muriel nodded. "Too true." Cinnamon wasn't sure what a nurek was but she guessed it wasn't a very nice person. Sharmon also agree. "True but then there's some women who look down on those who do shave as being immature." Cinnamon's eyebrows rose at that. Vanessa smiled and stood up Cinnamon's un-asked question. "Some people believe you're not really a woman unless your kitty has fur" and with that she ran her fingers through the black hair between her thighs. Cinnamon followed Vanessa's movement and then blushed furiously as her meaning became crystal clear. Muriel shrieked "Vanessa!" "What?" Vanessa asked feigning innocence. "I was just answering her question." Sharmon rolled her eyes and said "I think you've said more than enough. Let Cinnamon dry off in peace." Vanessa shrugged and gave Cinnamon a grin and a wink and sat back down in the water to finish washing Sharmon's back. Cinnamon turned and started to dry herself once more. When she got to her nether regions she unconsciously ran her hand through her own silky curls before blushing deeply and briskly rubbing the damp hair dry with the towel. Then she lifted her right foot, placed it on the rock and began to dry her legs. This was how Lancos found her as he came out of the trees and whistled. Cinnamon's head snapped up and seeing a man before her screamed and ducked down trying to cover herself with the towel. Sharmon was half-way to her weapons when she heard Muriel scream "Lancos! You idiot!" Muriel was standing in the knee deep water her hands clenched into fists and glowed blue as energy crackled and sparked from them. The droplets of water that didn't run off her when she stood were rapidly turning to steam as she heated up in anger. Vanessa was so surprised she was still sitting in the water as if she were washing Sharmon's back. Lancos meanwhile was backing away slowly with his hands up. "Now honey. I only came up to tell you that..." Muriel cut him off. "I told you no men! You pervert!" And with that she snatched the soap from Vanessa's hands, and threw it at him with such speed and accuracy, it would have made any pitcher proud. Even if Lancos had time to duck, which he didn't, he'd been too distracted by Muriel's wind up to do so. The soap struck him the squarely in the forehead, right between the eyes. His head snapped back as the soap ricocheted up into the night sky. Lancos, stunned by the blow took several steps backwards until his foot stepped over the edge. Then he began to windmill his arms wildly while saying "whoa, whoa, whoa" It was at this point the soap joined forces with gravity and plunged back down, again hitting Lancos in the head. With the scales now tipped in gravity's favor Lancos fell down the hill with an "Oh shit!" and a loud crash. Vanessa moved quickly to the waterfall and looked over the side. As she did so she gave an "Oh! Hi sweetie. Is he dead?" Ernon's voice came up from below. "Do you mean physically dead or brain dead?" Vanessa laughed. "Well we all know he's brain dead, so what about the rest of him." "I think he'll live." Came the reply. Meanwhile Sharmon went over to comfort Muriel who was still shaking in anger. "Ooo that man!" she hissed. "Yes, yes." Sharmon answered. "But he is your champion, so let's cool off under the waterfall before you kill him. With that Sharmon put her hands on Muriel's shoulders and began to guide her off towards one of the waterfalls feeding the pool. As the two of them walked to the far end of the pool Cinnamon heard Muriel say something about it being against her will, as they walked past. She didn't understand what that meant but she didn't think now would be a good time to ask. She sure didn't want Muriel to ever be angry with her. So instead of going to talk to Muriel and Sharmon she crept back into the water and made her way to the waterfall to join Vanessa. Vanessa was standing up with her hands on the edge of the falls leaning over. Cinnamon had a hard time believing that Vanessa would willingly expose herself to view like that but it was hard to argue with her eyes. As she approached the falls she asked "Where is he?" Vanessa pointed to the left and said. "He's over there." Then she asked. "Are you ok?" Cinnamon nodded and said "Yes, I was just embarrassed and he startled me." as she crept up to look over the side and to the left for Lancos. "Is he hurt?" She asked, seeing him sprawled out on the path that led up to the pools. To her he looked like he should have had bars of soap with little wings flying in a circle around his head. Suddenly, out of the darkness, another voice replied, "I think he'll be ok in a bit." It was Ernon. Cinnamon looked up the path where she'd assumed he'd be to ask him if he knew what Lancos had wanted. When she didn't see him she looked straight down the waterfall and into his eyes. "He does have nice eyes." Cinnamon thought. Then his location dawned on her. "Wait a minute if he's in the water that means he's..." Cinnamon's eyes widened as she took in his strong but not overly muscled body that was standing waist deep in the rippling water. Ernon smiled up at her. "Sorry about the lunk-head Cinnamon. I tried to stop him but..." He trialed off with a shrug. Cinnamon swallowed, looked away as she said in a voice barely above a whisper. "It's not your fault." Then he asked "Are you enjoying your bath Cinnamon?" His question brought her eyes back to him. She opened her mouth to answer when she thought she spotted something decidedly male among the ripples and churning clothes. Her eyes got impossibly wide and a deep blush crept visibly up her face, in a visible wave. As soon as her entire face was beet red she squeaked and sunk under the water as Vanessa laughed. When Cinnamon surfaced her back was against the small wall that formed the waterfall and she heard Vanessa ask Ernon "Would you mind tossing up the soap for me? I haven't finished washing yet." Ernon replied "Sure I can do that but how about you come down here and I wash your back for you instead?" Cinnamon could see the smile in his voice, even though she did not look over the side again. Vanessa laughed a throaty laugh and relpied. "My back isn't all you want to wash." with a seductive tone in her voice. "Vanessa!" whispered Cinnamon, shocked at Vanessa's flirting, while Ernon laughed and replied "Well you wouldn't want me to quit before I'm through would you?" Cinnamon ears and face felt like they were on fire as she whispered "Ernon!" Ernon chuckled and called out "Cinnamon head's up!" Cinnamon looked up into the air to see the bar of soap fly over her head. It landed with a plop in the water a few feet in front of her and began to float towards her. She reached our and grabbed it before it could float over the side and thanked him. Ernon replied. "You're welcome." and went back to flirting with Vanessa. Cinnamon blushed again. This was certainly a night of firsts for her, first bathing with friends, first seeing a nude man, first talking with a nude man while she herself was nude. "Elf" she corrected herself mentally. She blushed harder when she couldn't help thinking that Ernon looked yummy. Then she looked up at Vanessa and felt like she'd bust into flames as she felt a warmth flood her breasts and lower belly. She thought Vanessa looked good too. She looked down at her body through the water and wondered if they thought she looked as nice. Then Cinnamon splashed water on her face and shook her head to try and clear her thoughts. She was surprised when Vanessa, her violet eyes bright, tapped her finger against the tip of Cinnamon's nose and said with a smile "No peeking." Then she pushed her self up out of the water with her arms, swung her hips and legs over Cinnamon's head and over the waterfall and then dropped down over the other side with a giggle. Strange Adventures of Cinnamon Ch. 11 Cinnamon cried out "Vanessa!" with alarm, stood up and turned to look for her friend. What she saw took her breath away. Vanessa had landed in Ernon's waiting arms. He was now holding her while she had her arms wrapped around his neck and her lips pressed against his in a passionate kiss. Cinnamon gasped. Ernon looked up with one eye and taking his pointer finger off Vanessa's shapely thigh began to twirl it in the air as if to say "Turn around." Cinnamon, with her eyes impossibly wide, turned bright red, crossed her arms over her exposed breasts, gave a short shriek and disappeared out of site with a splash. Vanessa opened her eyes and pulling away slightly from Ernon's lips said "She peeked didn't she." with a grin. Ernon chuckled. "She peeked. Though you gave her good cause dropping over the side like you did." Vanessa giggled. "Too bad she didn't keep peeking. She'd have gotten an eye-full." she said as she reached under her to stroke his warm hard elf-hood. He grinned and kissed her "You're incorrigible." "Mmm, and you love it!" Vanessa replied as she kissed him back. Strange Adventures of Cinnamon Ch. 12 Author's Note: Thanks again to John for the great editing. And thanks to all of you who took the time to write me. If you didn't receive a reply it only means I did something wrong when I sent it so please don't feel that I didn't appreciate your writing to me because I do. Thank you. I hope you continue to enjoy reading my story. * Chapter 12: A Strange Night When Cinnamon came up out of the water she gave a short shriek of terror as a strong hand covered her eyes. The hand immediately released her as Cinnamon spun and put her back to the edge of the water fall. "Sorry Cinnamon." Sharmon said. "I didn't mean to scare you but you shouldn't spy on private moments." Cinnamon blushed and started sputtering that she wasn't Sharmon gave her a teasing grin. "Besides we should dry off and head back. It's late and dinner's probably ready." Before Cinnamon could agree Vanessa called up from below them. "What are you doing to the poor girl?" she asked. "Nothing, I just startled her is all." Sharmon replied. "Sure you did!" Vanessa teased. Sharmon frowned. "That's all." she said annoyed. "At least I'm not corrupting her. Come on Cinnamon. Let's go dry off." and with that she grabbed Cinnamon's hand and began to lead her back to the small shore. As she walked Sharmon called back over her shoulder "And you two had better be decent when we get down there!" Vanessa's laugh echoed into the night. Cinnamon, Muriel, and Sharmon dried off and dressed. Muriel wore a long nightgown with robes. Sharmon wore pajamas and Cinnamon wore her nightshirt but she also had her towel firmly tied about her waist. A repeat of the night before was the last thing she wanted. Cinnamon asked if they should bring Vanessa's things to her but Sharmon told her to leave them. "She'll have to come back here any way to get the laundry." When they had their things together Sharmon lead the way back down the hill while helping Cinnamon navigate in the darkness. Muriel also helped by saying a prayer that made the spike at the top of her staff glow a pale blue. Between Sharmon's guidance, Muriel's prayer, the glowing staff and pale moonlight the three descended without mishap. They'd just rounded the large tree and were heading back towards the creek when they heard Harnley's voice boom out. "The pies are ready! Come and eat!" Cinnamon and Sharmon looked at each other and started giggling. That made Muriel remember Sharmon's laughter during lunch and how Cinnamon had said that Sharmon would tell her later. She exclaimed "That's right!" When Cinnamon and Sharmon turned to look at her Muriel said. "Sharmon, earlier today at the meadow we were all surprised and delighted to see you laughing. We all questioned Cinnamon about it but she wouldn't tell us only that you told her you would tell me what made you laugh later. Will you tell me now?" Cinnamon and Sharmon looked at each other again and started laughing. "Oh come on! Tell me!" Muriel pleaded. "Alright, but are you sure you want to know?" Sharmon asked. "Yes!" Muriel answered eagerly. Sharmon grinned and winked at Cinnamon, and then she leaned over and whispered into Muriel's ear. As Sharmon told the story to Muriel, Muriel grinned and said "Oh! I see. That explains that." Cinnamon blushed knowing Muriel was learning about her silly misunderstanding earlier. Then as Sharmon continued Muriel's face paled. "What?! Oh tell me you didn't!" she exclaimed. Then her face turned bright red as Sharmon broke out laughing. "Oh Goddess!" Muriel moaned with embarrassment while Sharmon lead Cinnamon down the path laughing merrily. Cinnamon was a little bewildered by Muriel's embarrassment. She thought if Sharmon's pies were any where near as good as her cooking at lunch then they'd be delicious. When they saw Lancos lying on the ground Sharmon called out to Vanessa and Ernon "You two had better be decent!" They heard a splash and Vanessa laugh in reply. Sharmon and Cinnamon stepped around him, Cinnamon keeping as far away as possible. "Um? He is ok isn't he?" She asked. Then Muriel stepped over him with a "Humph!" Lancos let out a loud grunt and his head snapped up and his arms and legs jerked as Muriel stepped on his belly. "Uh Muriel?" Cinnamon asked when she'd caught up to them. "Yes?" Muriel asked as if nothing had happened. "Um, never mind." Cinnamon replied and then asked concerned. "Why is Vanessa holding Ernon's head under water? Did they have a fight? Shouldn't we stop them?" Vanessa was in deed holding Ernon underwater with his head right in front of her body. She also seemed, to Cinnamon's naive eyes to be having trouble holding him under as she was moaning and seemed to be having trouble standing up. Muriel's eyes went wide. "Breathing exercises! Yes, Vanessa's just helping Ernon with his breathing exercises!" and with that she began to hurry Cinnamon away from the stream by pushing her towards the path through the bushes. "Come along now. You know how Harnley hates to be kept waiting for food." "Um...ok?" Cinnamon said, letting herself be pushed along. She really didn't want Harnley angry with her again. As they walked away Cinnamon asked "Do you think those exercises would help me?" Muriel whispered "Oh Goddess!" not knowing how to answer that one. Sharmon came to her rescue. "Judging on how well you scream I'd say you have plenty of lung power to spare." She said wryly. Cinnamon's face reddened. Just before Sharmon walked through the path she called out loudly. "When you and Ernon are through don't forget to bring in the laundry and hang it up to dry!" Vanessa's eyes popped open. "What?! It's your turn I did it last ti oh...oh...ohhhh!" and her eyes rolled up as Ernon's tongue did delightful things to her under the water. --- The dinner of meat pies was tasty. To Cinnamon they reminded her of a Hot Pocket, only instead of being rectangular shaped they were half circles. While they ate Harnley regaled Cinnamon, Sharmon, Muriel and Lancos with a story about a time when he was in the army. In the middle of the story, Vanessa and Ernon came into the light of the fire carrying an armload of wet clothes. Vanessa had a very annoyed look on her face as she stalked past Sharmon and started flinging the wet clothes onto a line that had been strung up earlier. "So the Goblins broke with our charge and we ended up driving them right into the dragon's cave where the beast promptly snapped them up for dinner." Harnley laughed "The beast got so fat on roasted Goblins that it couldn't get out of the cave to eat any of the farmers herds! Ha, Ha, Ha!" Sharmon rolled her eyes and Muriel smiled politely. Lancos just ate his meat pie and tried to work out a way to get Muriel to talk to him. Cinnamon who had been paying attention said "Wow! That's um...good." feeling slightly queasy at the gore filled ending. Vanessa hearing the ending of Harnley story was reminded of Cinnamon's remembrances earlier turned and said "That reminds me of something. Cinnamon what exactly is a drive through?" "Oh! Um...well, where I come from, a lot of fast food restaurants have their menus outside so you can drive up and place your order. Then you drive forward a bit more to the window where you pay for it and pick up your food, although some places have separate windows for paying and picking up. Anyway once they hand over your order you can just drive away." "So you don't have to leave your carriage to get be seated? You can just order and go?" Harnley asked amazed. Cinnamon shook her head. "Nope though I've never heard of carriages going through them. I suppose they could though." she said trying to imagine a carriage going through a drive through. "How neat!" Muriel exclaimed. The other's looked impressed as well. "But doesn't it take a long time to prepare and cook the food?" Vanessa asked. "Um, well it kind of depends. Most things don't take too long to prepare and if things are busy they may have already prepared them. So all they need to do is get the order bagged up and hand it out to you." "Amazing!" Harnley exclaimed. "What kinds of foods are available?" Ernon asked. "Different kinds of burgers, or sandwiches, hot dogs, fries..." At they're looks of confusion Cinnamon explained "sliced up potatoes that are deep fried." They seemed to understand that as they nodded their heads so she continued. "Some places have chicken and mashed potatoes other kind's side dishes, and some places have different kinds of foods from other countries." "And all of these food choices are available?" Harnley asked. "Well some places have bigger menus than others. And not every place will offer the same kinds of foods. And those that do, make them different in some way. And the breakfast items are only available until 10 AM." Cinnamon explained. "Ah" Harnley nodded. "What if you wanted to sit down and eat?" Muriel asked. "Most have seating inside, although some are outside. You just don't have to wait to be seated though like at other restaurants. You just walk up to the cashier, place your order, and then pay for it. The cashier gets it for you and then you go pick out a seat. Of course if it's really busy then you may have to wait but most often it's ok." Cinnamon paused. "I take it these restaurants are on the lower end of the price scale?" Sharmon asked. "Uh...yeah." Cinnamon agreed. "So does the quality reflect that?" "Um...I guess so, although some places the food is really good. Some are even better than the regular restaurants." Sharmon raised an eye "Really?" "Yes." Cinnamon replied and then went on to explain how she compared different restaurant's food. The others listened attentively. When she finished Harnley exclaimed "You must live in a wondrous place lass. All those kinds of foods and all ready for you. It must be so keen to drive up and order a burger and a pint and then drive off." The others agreed and also pointed out what they saw to be some of fast food's advantages. Cinnamon had to agree and said "That's why there's so many of them. They're so easy and affordable." Harnley received a whip by a wet towel from Vanessa when he said "No tipping the waitress!" with a smile. That made Harnley yelp and Sharmon laugh. Before the fight could get worse, Muriel happily pointed out to Vanessa that if all the help was behind a counter they couldn't be pawed at by loathsome customers. Then she glared at Lancos. Cinnamon guessed that Vanessa worked as a waitress. Lancos ignored her glare and said "This all sounds great but you said carriages don't go through them. So how do you go through a drive through without a carriage?" Everyone blinked at that. "Whoa, good question." Sharmon said impressed. "It's a surprise to see you thinking with your big head for a change. I hope you didn't strain anything." "Lancos is very intelligent." Muriel said defending him while Lancos scowled. Then she added at Sharmon's raised eyebrow, "He just doesn't show it very often. He's very modest in that department." Lancos smiled at Muriel and blew her a kiss. Muriel beamed. "Modest is hardly the word I'd have chosen." muttered Sharmon. The others chuckled. "So lass how do ye get through a drive through without a carriage?" Harnley asked while Lancos made room on his log for Muriel to sit. "Most people drive cars." Cinnamon said. "What's a car?" Lancos asked not looking away from Muriel's eyes "Oh!" Cinnamon exclaimed. "Sorry it's kind of like a carriage only it doesn't have a horse." "You have horseless carriages where you come from?" Muriel asked with wonder. "Um...yeah. Lot's of people do. I don't." she said a little bitterly "but a lot of people do. Do you have them here?" "We saw a couple the last time we were in Avondelle. They're pretty new to this realm. I understand they're more common in Futar though." Sharmon explained. "Where's Futar?" Cinnamon asked. "It's a realm far to the south." Ernon answered sitting down and taking a pie for Vanessa and himself. "Ba! Noisy, smelly things them horseless carriages." Harnley muttered "Still good metal working though." "True but they don't leave road apples either." Lancos said laughing. That made the others laugh as well. As they ate they continued to ask Cinnamon more about her home. She in turn asked more about theirs. They were glad to see she was coming out of her shell. The night finally came to an end after Cinnamon and Muriel both yawned together. Sharmon said "It's late. We should think about getting some sleep if we're going to be continuing tomorrow." The others agreed and with goodnights said all around, Sharmon led Cinnamon to her tent while Vanessa and Muriel went to theirs. Ernon and Lancos also went to their own tents while Harnley stayed to tend the fire and keep watch. Strange Adventures of Cinnamon Ch. 13 Chapter 13 Strange Revelations Detective Howard Yamazaki was not in a good mood. He was three days from retirement. The last thing he wanted was to leave the department with a case unsolved. As of this morning every case was solved and his desk was clear for the first time in thirty-three years. Some cases had taken more than a decade to solve but solve them he did. Now after more than 40 years enforcement, he was tired and looking forward to a quiet retirement and spending time with his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. Then after lunch his captain called him into his office and gave him the bad news. A woman had reported her teenage daughter missing. To the officers on the scene it seemed like a typical runaway however between the families statements and the physical evidence there didn't appear to be any way she could have run away, and while the family insisted she was kidnapped there didn't seem to be any evidence to support that either. The Sergeant on the scene had ruled on the side of caution and called it a kidnapping and called in the crime scene unit and for a detective. Unfortunately for Howard, he was the only detective available at the time. He'd tried to refuse it and even though his captain was very sympathetic there simply wasn't anyone else to take the case. To make matters worse he was teaming him up with a rookie partner, Detective Andrea Jonson. Not only was Detective Jonson was known as the ditziest officer in the department's history but she was also referred to as the criminal's best friend. Since joining the force at the Police Academy she'd served numerous departments and in each one she'd caused untold chaos, mayhem, and destruction. He'd heard that several Meter maids, former partners, and even retired instructors still broke down crying at her name. How she'd ever graduated from the academy much less stayed on the force was a mystery, but somehow she got results. Still, the first thing he did after picking her up from the station bullpen was to take her gun away from her. He had no intention of starting his retirement on a rubber donut. Needless to say Howard was not a happy man when he arrived at the Andrews home. His mood only worsened after he got there. After questioning the family, he conferred with the patrol officers who'd responded to the call and with the crime scene analysts. He skimmed through Cinnamon's diary, and took a look at the house for himself. In his wake Det. Jonson dutifully followed taking notes in her brand new note book. "At least she's smart enough not to use a PDA. Maybe there's some hope for her after all." he thought. He well remembered the last time a new detective used a PDA and had his head handed to him after he'd been required to hand over his notes on a case only to find out the battery had died. While a battery had eventually been procured and the notes turned over it wasn't until after the department and the prosecution received black eyes from the defense attorney. Then as if to refute his thoughts Det. Jonson tripped over the threshold coming in the front door and landed flat on her face. Howard slapped his hand over his eyes and sighed. The teenage boy burst out laughing while Det. Andrea slowly gathered herself off the floor muttering in a very girlish voice "Owwie, owwie, owwie." "Like the captain said 'It could be worse.' I could have gotten Miller." he thought as he shook his head and turned to the parents. Detective Miller made the most extreme feminist look like a girl scout. "Okay folks; based on the evidence I'm going to declare this to be a runaway. There's ample evidence that she wasn't happy here." Mrs. Andrews leapt to her feet but Howard raised his hand to stall her. "Ma'am if this was a kidnapping the kidnappers would have contacted you by now about a ransom, not that you have anything to ransom." They hadn't gotten the Andrews financial recorded from the bank yet, but the statements provided by Mr. Andrews and the appearance of the house indicated that they had very little money to spare. "Give her a day or two", he continued, "and she'll probably come home on her own. Have a nice day." and with that he turned to head for the door. The other law enforcement personnel followed. Then Mrs. Andrews yelled out "What about her trust fund?" Everything seemed to stop at that moment. Howard slowly turned his head to look at Mrs. Andrews. "Trust fund? What trust fund?" Mrs. Andrews looked extremely upset by her sudden statement. "What trust fund Mrs. Andrews?" Howard asked again turning from the door and walking towards her. "What trust fund Honey?" Mr. Andrews asked surprised. Mrs. Andrews's shoulders slumped and she sat down on the couch heavily with a sigh. "Cinnamon's father left her a substantial trust fund after his death." "How much is she worth?" Brad Andrews asked very interested in his step sister's new wealth. His father gave him a dirty look. "Brad don't you have a test to study for?" Brad gave a disgusted sigh and stood up only to have Howard shove him back into the chair. "Now why didn't you tell us about the trust fund before?" he asked Mrs. Andrews while ignoring Brad's look of outrage. "It's supposed to be a secret. Her father didn't want her to know about it." "Uh huh" Howard replied doubting her. "And you have proof this trust fund exists?" Mrs. Andrews seemed to shrink in on herself. "Well Mrs. Andrews?" Howard asked sternly. Mrs. Andrews sighed again. She hadn't wanted the lawyers to find out but now she had no choice. "Lionel Colman is the trustee of her father's estate." Howard's eyebrows rose at that. Lionel Colman was one of the most prestigious attorneys in the state. If he was the trustee, Mrs. Andrews's daughter had to be worth some serious money. If Howard was surprised, Mr. Andrews and his son seemed totally shocked. "Honey why didn't you tell me?" Mr. Andrews asked. She just shook her head at him. "Mind if I use your phone to verify that?" Howard asked. Mr. Andrews nodded and said "Go ahead." Howard picked up the phone and began to dial. At the same time he motioned to his partner to pick up another phone. Andrea nodded and walked towards the extension in the kitchen. Howard closed his eyes and took a deep breath as Andrea tripped over her shoelaces and went sprawling on the floor. By the time she'd picked herself up and got on the other phone the operator had already put his call through to Colman's office and he was on hold while his secretary contacted him. When Lionel Colman picked up the phone Howard told him why he was calling and asked to confirm Mrs. Andrews's story about the trust fund. The answers he received back were most interesting. When he'd finished asking questions he thanked Mr. Colman for his time and promised to stay in touch and hung up. Turning to Mrs. Andrews he said "Well it looks like you get your wish Mrs. Andrews. From now on this will be a kidnapping case and we'll be calling in the FBI." He noted that Andrea was already on the phone. Mrs. Andrews nodded and tearfully said "Thank you." Howard nodded. "We'll do what we can on our end but from here on the case officially belongs to them. Good luck ma'am. Sir." he said and turned for the door once again. Det. Andrea Jonson hung up the phone and hurried to catch up. She laid a hand on his arm to stop him and asked quietly "Before we go may I ask a question?" Howard shrugged and said "Sure. Why not?" "Thank you." Andrea said with a smile. Her smile quickly turned to a frown as she turned back to look at Mrs. Andrews. "Before we go Mrs. Andrews I just have one question." she said. Mrs. Andrews nodded. "O-okay." "Just what did you do with Cinnamon's body, Mrs. Andrews?" Andrea asked crossly "A young girl, heiress to a fortune only one person knows about, goes missing under strange circumstances. It certainly does sound like a homicide." Howard thought, looking at his partner with new respect. Strange Adventures of Cinnamon Ch. 14 Chapter 14: A Strange Massage "I hope you don't mind bunking with me." Sharmon said as she held the flap of her tent open for Cinnamon to crawl through. Cinnamon crawled into the tent just far enough to sit down, then turned around to look back at Sharmon standing must outside the tent. "Oh no, I don't mind; thank you for sharing." Sharmon gave her a small smile and waved her off. "Go ahead and put your boots in the corner and then give me your towel and I'll hang it up with the rest." When Cinnamon realized she would be losing the bottom half of her clothing, she blushed and looked down intently at her boots as she took them off. "Oh...uh...ok." She placed her boots in the corner of the tent and then crawled further in, to avoid another embarrassing showing like the night before. Facing away from the entrance she untied the towel and handed it back out to Sharmon. Sharmon said "I'll just hang this up and check on our clothes. Go ahead and get comfortable. If you want I can give you a rubdown when I get back." "Uh...okay. Thanks." Cinnamon replied uncertainly, then looked around the tent. It was pretty dark inside but enough light from the fire came through the canvass walls to let her see one bedroll and a couple of blankets. The blankets and bedroll overlapped each other. Cinnamon flipped the blankets back and sat in the middle, not quite sure what to think about the arrangement. They would be sleeping very close to each other since Sharmon's tent was smaller than Muriel's. Cinnamon knew she had a tendency to roll around in her sleep and that would likely disturb Sharmon in such close quarters. It would also be the first time she'd slept this close to anyone since she'd been a child, and that made her nervous. She knew she wasn't a naive child, but she wasn't an adult either; Sharmon was. That thought didn't help her nervousness any. Cinnamon sat thinking for a few minutes while Sharmon checked on the clothes and verbally spared with Harnley. Cinnamon decided it would be okay. She trusted Sharmon, despite the fact that she'd been aiming a loaded bow at her just the other night. She trusted the others not to harm her, but after her adventure in the pool, she wasn't sure about anything else. She didn't think Muriel would try anything but she wasn't completely positive. As for Vanessa, Cinnamon had a feeling a night alone with her would be an adventure in itself. "I'm not sure I trust myself to stop her either." Cinnamon thought as feelings of warmth flooded through her body. Her shared bath had opened up new desires. She felt a strange new attraction to Vanessa and Muriel. And Sharmon was just as beautiful and attractive in her own way as the others. "And her touch felt so good." Cinnamon admitted to herself trying unsuccessfully not to blush. But she knew Sharmon wouldn't take advantage of her; she could have done so earlier in the bath but hadn't. Also Cinnamon's feelings of attraction for the older woman felt different from how she felt about the others. They weren't any less strong, just different. Cinnamon shook her head to clear it and flung back the top blanket so she could get into bed. At that moment, Sharmon opened the tent flap and stuck her head inside. "I thought you'd be under the covers by now. Why don't you take the bedroll?" She offered, crawling into the tent. "I've got the watch next and the blankets will be easier to get out of." "But won't you need it later when it's Muriel's turn?" Cinnamon asked, not wanting to push Sharmon out of her own bed. "Nah, I'll borrow her bedroll. That way it's already warm." Sharmon replied with a grin. "Besides that way I won't have to climb over you to get back in" She said, crawling into the tent and forcing Cinnamon to scoot over onto the bed roll. Cinnamon had just slipped her feet and legs under the covers and was reaching to pull the rest over her when Sharmon asked "I noticed your legs seemed a bit stiff. Would you like that rub down now?" Cinnamon gave her a wry grin and look down at her legs. "Yeah, now that we've stopped moving they're sore and don't want to move any more." Sharmon responded with a quiet chuckle. "I know that feeling." she said. "Why don't you lay down on your front and I'll get started." When Cinnamon hesitated she said "It's ok. Besides if we don't get the kinks out now it'll be worse in the morning." Cinnamon groaned and rolled over. Sharmon looked down at the nervous girl and knew she'd have to be very cautious. She also knew that since she didn't have any of the oils or lotions that she normally used, she couldn't give Cinnamon a vigorous massage. "Thankfully Muriel's showed me a few things so I won't have to use them." she thought. She softly laid her palm on the small of Cinnamon's back and felt her immediately tense up. Sharmon silently prayed to her Goddess for guidance as she had not done this for a very long time and said to Cinnamon "It's alright. Just take deep slow breaths?" "Uh...alright." Cinnamon replied, her uncertainty evident to Sharmon by the tone of her voice. "And be sure to tell me if I go to fast or press to hard, ok?" she instructed. Cinnamon nodded her head in agreement and then moved her arms so she could lay with her cheek pillowed by her hands. "Ready?" Sharmon asked quietly. "Uh-huh" Cinnamon replied, a bit nervously. "Ok." Sharmon said and then gently began to rub Cinnamon's back, over her nightshirt. Her strokes were firm yet gentle with just enough speed and pressure to calm and sooth the tired girl. Sharmon smiled in the dimness as she felt Cinnamon's body relax. As Cinnamon relaxed Sharmon changed from simply rubbing up and down Cinnamon's back to making light circles. Cinnamon wasn't sure why Sharmon was rubbing her back when it was her legs that were stiff but she wasn't about to complain. It felt so nice. Sharmon went back and forth from Cinnamon's right side to her left and back again. The more Cinnamon relaxed the more pressure she used. She was careful not to use too much pressure with the broader strokes since it would have irritated Cinnamon's skin; she was doing this to ease Cinnamon's discomfort, not to increase it. Firm broad strokes would also cause Cinnamon's night shirt to ride up, undoing all her efforts to get Cinnamon to relax. That's not to say Cinnamon's night shirt didn't ride up at all, as it did, but not as much as it could have. When Cinnamon sighed with contentment Sharmon used even firmer strokes that amounted to no more than pressing firmly and making a small circle on that spot before easing off, moving slightly lower, and starting again. Occasionally when Cinnamon would twitch she'd ease off the pressure but continue to work that spot more until the knot of tension eased. As she worked Sharmon smiled. Each of Cinnamon's happy sighs brought a flash of joy to her heart. Once she had reached Cinnamon's lower back, she frowned slightly. She knew she should continue but going further would increase Cinnamon's nervousness. 'Goddess please help me. Help us.' She prayed silently. Then summoning up her courage and nodding to herself she began to lightly rub the outside of Cinnamon's right hip with her right hand. She felt Cinnamon tense up with her left hand as soon as she did and regretted it. But she knew though that if she didn't Cinnamon would be sore in the morning. She turned her head to look at Cinnamon's and saw her looking back, the young girl's eyes wide and filled with uncertainty, and fear. She immediately moved her hand back of to the small of Cinnamon's back as she leaned down to speak softly to her charge. "I am sorry I startled you. I know this is new and scary for you, but please do not fear Cinnamon. I will not take advantage of you. However, you have done a lot of walking and climbing and this will help, but if you wish I can skip down to your legs or stop altogether. It's your decision." As she looked into Cinnamon's eyes Sharmon prayed that she would continue to trust her, as the girl looked back at her rather skeptically. "You'll really stop if I say?" Cinnamon asked very softly. Sharmon gave her a tender smile and said "I have already done so. Have I not?" When Cinnamon gave her a reluctant nod Sharmon said "I simply await your permission to continue or your instruction to stop completely." Cinnamon was silent for a long while and Sharmon began to fear she had completely lost the young woman's trust when Cinnamon looked back at her again and asked. "Are you sure it'll help to rub me there?" From the tone of Cinnamon's voice Sharmon could tell that Cinnamon wanted to trust her but that she still wasn't sure she should. It hurt but knowing there was still hope lessened the pain. "Yes, I'm sure." she replied and then asked, "May I?" Cinnamon looked at her guardedly but nodded her head slightly. Sharmon nodded back and placing her hand on the outside Cinnamon's left buttock, she began to gently press the heel of her hand into Cinnamon's flesh. She pressed no more firmly than she had on Cinnamon's back however Cinnamon reacted much more strongly by scrunching up her face with pain and saying "Ooo" as the sore muscles were forced to move. Sharmon slowly eased the pressure of her hand off Cinnamon's buttock before moving her hand back to Cinnamon's back. "I used no more pressure just then than I have on your back." Cinnamon nodded and said in a small voice "I know. I'm sorry I doubted you. It's just that..." and she trailed off. Sharmon gave her a smile as she felt her own tension ease and said "I understand." and reached to brush a strand of hair from Cinnamon's face. "Would you like me to continue?" "Please" Cinnamon replied in the same small voice. Sharmon smiled tenderly and tried to keep the tears in her eyes from falling as she nodded to her. "Be sure to tell me if I use too much pressure or if I become to personal, alright?" Even in the dimness of the tent Sharmon could see Cinnamon's blush. She gave Cinnamon a grin and said "It's alright. I'll be careful." As Sharmon began to gently stroke her back again Cinnamon tried to relax but she couldn't help thinking that this was the first time she'd given someone permission to touch her butt. She been grabbed, patted, slapped, and pinched a few times before but never with permission. Now her butt was being massaged with her permission. Cinnamon had to admit that felt kind of nice to be asked. She felt her face get hot when she admitted to herself that what Sharmon was doing to her butt felt nice. Except when Sharmon pressed too hard, that is. Cinnamon also had to admit that massaging there would be good for her after a day of hiking. She had been sore and stiff getting up from the fire. She shuddered at the thought of how she'd feel in the morning without a massage. At her shudder Sharmon paused and asked "Are you alright? Am I using too much pressure?" Cinnamon replied "Oh no, I'm ok. It feels nice." Then her eyes went big and she buried her face in her arms mumbling softly "I can't believe I said that." when she realized what she'd said. Smiling wryly to herself Sharmon reached over and pulled the top of the bedroll over Cinnamon's back and then briskly rubbed the young woman to warm her. "Is this better?" she asked. Still mortified by her admission that Sharmon's hands on her ass felt good, she said "Yes thank you." from the safety of the pillow. Sharmon's grin widened at Cinnamon's muffled "Thank you." as she went back to making Cinnamon feel nice. When she'd finished massaging Cinnamon's buttocks she moved down to her legs, much to Cinnamon's relief. However, between the efforts of the day, the lateness of the hour, and Sharmon's gentle soothing touch Cinnamon was asleep by the time Sharmon finished the back of her right leg. Sharmon smiled and moved on to Cinnamon's left leg. She was not as skilled in the healing arts as Muriel but she was skilled with her hands and she used them to listen to Cinnamon's body as she continued to working to ease Cinnamon's soreness. Once finished Sharmon decided that would have to be enough and that anymore would have to be taken care of by one of Muriel's prayers or in the morning when Cinnamon awoke. She covered Cinnamon's legs and then looked down at Cinnamon's sleeping face. Sharmon thought she looked more relaxed than she had earlier. The fact that she let her self fall asleep and be so vulnerable when she'd been so fearful earlier warmed Sharmon's heart. Sharmon softly caressed Cinnamon face, tucking a few strands of hair behind Cinnamon's ear. Then noticing the angle of Cinnamon's neck began to softly call her name. After softly calling her name several times Cinnamon responded sleepily, by saying "Hm?", without even opening her eyes. "You should turn over or you'll get a stiff neck." Sharmon warned softly. "Hm? Ok mom." Cinnamon replied in her sleep and rolled over as Sharmon strangled a cry of surprise and disbelief. With hand over her mouth and tears streaming down her cheeks Sharmon looked down at the sleeping young woman as she brought her knees up to her chest to sit like Cinnamon had earlier in the bath. "She called me mom." Sharmon thought as a wide mix of feelings coursed through her. She knew it was only slip of the tongue and that Cinnamon would never have said that if she'd been awake but even so Sharmon could not help but be touched very deeply by it. It had been so very long since she'd been called by that name. Cinnamon slept peacefully on while Sharmon silently wept tears of grief and hope. Somewhere deep inside her, the ice in which Sharmon had encased her heart, which had already began to melt, now cracked. Strange Adventures of Cinnamon Ch. 15 Chapter 15: Strange Activities Sharmon woke with a start. Something was pinning her left arm at her shoulder and her legs just above her knees. Without opening her eyes she slowly reached for the knife hidden under her pillow with her right hand. She had just started to pull the knife from its sheath when whoever was holding her down gave a sleepy sigh and snuggled closer to her. Sharmon paused confused. Snuggling was not an action of an attacker. She opened her eyes and looked down at her shoulder. In the dim light she made out Cinnamon's face. Cinnamon was sleeping peacefully and had apparently turned over in her sleep and snuggled against her body for warmth. Sharmon let out a deep breath and released the tension from her body. She shoved the knife back into its sheath as she whispered "Girl don't scare me so." Then she gave a quiet prayer to her Goddess thanking her for Cinnamon's safety. Slowly withdrawing her right hand from under her pillow she placed it gently on Cinnamon's left thigh and began to gently rub the Cinnamon's soft skin to warm it. Sharmon also moved her left hand to gently hug Cinnamon closer to her as she rubbed Cinnamon's upper arm left arm. "That was a close one for you and me both." Sharmon whispered to the sleeping girl and then bent her neck to kiss the top of Cinnamon's head. Cinnamon gave a sleepy murmur and snuggled closer to Sharmon. Sharmon lay back contentedly and continued to rub Cinnamon's skin. They lay there like that for a while, Sharmon knew not how long, when she heard footsteps approaching and tensed up. Cinnamon in her sleep squirmed softly in protest and Sharmon forced her hands to relax. She was just starting to reach for her knife again when the footsteps stopped a couple paces from her tent. "Sharmon lass are ye awake?" She heard Harnley loudly whisper in that gruff voice of his. Sharmon gave a quiet sigh of exasperation as her hands clenched above her. "I'm going to kill him!" Sharmon thought for Harnley knew better than to sneak up on her tent. Then as Cinnamon murmured once again in her sleep she had second thoughts. Maybe he'd been quiet for Cinnamon's sake? "Alright I'll let him live...this time." She thought and then called out softly "Yes, I'm awake." "Ah, aye. Sorry tah wake ye lass but tis time fore yer watch." Harnley said quietly. Sharmon gave a sigh. She hated to leave Cinnamon but she must. "Understood. Give me a few moments and I'll be ready." she told him while at the same time hoped she'd get to have more time like this with Cinnamon again. "Aye" Harnley responded while Sharmon began to gently disengage herself from Cinnamon's sleeping form. "Er...I brought yer things." Harnley informed her and then added, "Cinnamon's too." Sharmon paused surprised. Harnley hadn't done that for a long time. He normally enjoyed making her come out of the tent in nothing but her night clothes to fetch her day clothing. Sharmon wondered at his sudden change as she carefully disentangled herself from Cinnamon while telling Harnley to wait a moment. When she was free Sharmon thrust her hand out of the tent and said "Here, hand them to me." "Aye." Harnley replied and stepped closer and placed a bundle of clothing in her outstretched arm. " 'ere's yors." He said. Sharmon pulled the bundle into the tent and placed it in the corner on her side. Then she stuck her arm out again and Harnley deposited the other bundle in her arm saying " ere's Cinnamon's." Sharmon placed that bundle on Cinnamon's side of the tent and said "Give me a few moments and I'll take over the watch." "Aye lass." Harnley replied and started to walk away. Sharmon stopped him. "Harnley?" "Aye lass?" He asked. Sharmon was silent for several seconds before saying "Thank you." Harnley said "Aye lass" more cheerfully and then said "I'll put the kettle on for ye." Sharmon groaned but let his comment pass and instead reached for her clothes. As she picked them up she had a moment of doubt concerning his actions. Suspecting he might have been playing a trick she ran her hands carefully over each article of clothing checking for alterations. She found none and while not completely convinced, put them on anyway. Besides, she knew he wouldn't do anything truly malicious and any small embarrassing prank she could fix while on watch. Once dressed Sharmon gathered up her weapons and boots and crawled out of the tent. She paused to pull her boots on and strap on her weapons. Then she visually checked her clothing for signs of any pranks. Not finding any she then walked over to join Harnley at the fire. As she approached he held up a battered tin cup and said " 'ere's your tea lass." Sharmon grimaced but accepted the tea anyway. She didn't care for the tea, not many did; but it was the custom of the land to drink one cup a day. Sharmon took a sip and grimaced again. "At least the warmth will help during my watch." she thought. She took another sip and thought. "I don't know how Harnley can like this stuff." As if reading her mind Harnley spoke "Come on lass. Tis not that bad." Sharmon just looked at him with disbelief. "Well it ain't." He muttered taking a drink of his own tea. Finished, he poured some more hot water into his cup, swished the water around with a spoon and then threw it out, away from the tents. Then giving his cup a good shake he put it with the rest of the group's dishes. With that done Harnley stood up said "Well, I'm done lass. Thee watch is yors. Ifin ye get hungry you know there the bread and meat is." Sharmon nodded. "Well g'night then." Harnley said and started towards his tent. "Good night." Sharmon replied as she sat down on the log, facing away from the fire towards the trail, and took another sip of tea. -- Several minuets later Sharmon turned, set her tea down on a flat rock near the fire, and stood to walk around the camp. As soon as she'd stood up however, Vanessa's and Muriel's heads popped out of their tent, Vanessa's above Muriel's. "Is she asleep?" Muriel asked. At Sharmon's nod Vanessa said "Oh goodie!" and proceeded to crawl over Muriel to get out of the tent. Muriel gave a small cry as she was forced down. Once out of the tent Vanessa stood flashed Sharmon a bright tooth filled smile and ran for Ernon's tent. Her bare bottom peaking out from her nightie as she ran. Sharmon rolled her eyes at Vanessa's antics while Muriel picked herself up and came over to join her by the fire. Muriel shivered and rubbed her upper arms through her nightgown. "How is Cinnamon? Is she sleeping well?" Sharmon nodded. "She was sleeping peacefully when I left her." "That's good." Muriel replied. "You two seem to be getting along well." she said with a smile and a hint of a question. Sharmon just shrugged noncommittally and changed the subject. "If you can, you might want to say a healing prayer over her." At Muriel's alarmed looked, Sharmon shook her head and said "I gave her a rub down but she fell asleep before I could finish so she's still going to be stiff in the morning without one." "Ah." Muriel said relieved and then smiled. "I'll be happy to say a prayer for her." Sharmon nodded her thanks. Muriel gave her a smile in return. Then her smile faded as her thoughts turned back towards the pool. "About Cinnamon's day dream earlier..." Muriel stopped to put her thoughts together. "Did you get the same feeling I did when she told us about it?" "You mean do I think that the woman Cinnamon knows as her mother is really her stepmother? Yes I do." Sharmon said quietly. Muriel nodded sadly. "But to remove everything that would remind her of her birth mother seems so cruel." "Perhaps her father thought it was best for her." Sharmon said some what stiffly. Muriel turned to her and laid a hand on her arm. "Oh Sharmon, I'm sorry. I didn't think." Sharmon waved her off. "It's alright. It was a long time ago." Muriel looked at Sharmon and reluctantly nodded, not wishing to put her friend through any more pain. Then she quickly moved forward and gave Sharmon a hug and kissed her on the cheek. "You are still loved, Sharmon." Then Muriel looked over toward Sharmon's tent and said softly "Perhaps even more than we know." Sharmon stiffened up in response to Muriel's hug and then gave Muriel a light pat on the back and said "You'd better get going. They've started without you." as the sounds of moaning reached their ears. Muriel felt her face flush and she nodded. "I'll just say a quick prayer for Cinnamon first." and she turned towards Sharmon's tent and walked away. Arriving at Sharmon's tent, she knelt in front, and before she entered the tent. She looked in Sharmon's direction. When she saw that Sharmon was still watching her, she gave her a quick smile, then entered the tent. She said a prayer of healing over Cinnamon. The prayer wouldn't instantly heal Cinnamon for Muriel knew that the young woman's strength and endurance wouldn't improve if she did. However it would speed the healing process, and while Cinnamon would still be stiff and sore in the morning, it wouldn't hurt nearly as much as it would have otherwise. With the healing spell complete, Muriel then said a quiet prayer to her Goddess for Cinnamon and Sharmon that they may both find the love and happiness they needed. Then Muriel backed silently out of the tent, waved to Sharmon and walked over to Ernon's tent. From the sounds of it both Ernon and Vanessa were enjoying each other. -- When Muriel moved the tent flap aside to crawl in she saw that they were indeed enjoying each other; they were enjoying each other very much. Ernon was sitting at the back of the tent with his feet together and knees apart. Vanessa was sitting in Ernon's lap, with her legs locked around his back, Ernon's hard cock deep inside her. Vanessa was lightly riding him while his hands stroked her back. As Vanessa moved up Muriel could see that Ernon's elfhood and balls glistening from being inside Vanessa's moist depths. Muriel stifled a moan and shivered at the sight of them. Her nipples were no longer hard from the cold alone as she felt a warm heat grow from between her legs, while she watched the lovers. Vanessa shivered as the cold air hit her back and turned to look over her shoulder. "Don't just sit there with the flap open. Come in and join us." She said seductively. Then she moaned as Ernon captured a hard nipple with his lips and began to suck. Muriel swallowed and crawled into the tent. -- Muriel sat back on her heels on the floor of the tent, with her slightly spread legs tucked up inside her nightgown that was spread around the floor about her. She looked at her two friends coupling in front of her and felt her own center becoming wet with her desire. Seeing Vanessa rising and sinking upon Ernon's member inflamed her own desire to be filled. Knowing how each made the other feel didn't help her any as she tried to shake her feelings of lust and desire from her mind and concentrate on her prayers. She lifted her arms, the palms of her hands facing the couple and began to chant a healing prayer. This spell, unlike the one she used over Cinnamon, would heal instantly. As Muriel's hands began to glow blue, Vanessa looked back over her shoulder with a lustful smile, her fangs glinting in the pale light. Muriel's prayer faltered as Vanessa ran her tongue over her fangs, making her shiver with desire. Then Vanessa gave her a wink and Muriel gasped as the memory of those fangs piercing her skin came unbidden to her. Then it was Vanessa's turn to gasp as Ernon took one of her turgid nipples and pinched it sending bolts of lightning through her body. She turned her head back to Ernon and she captured her lips with his. They both moaned as their tongues danced. Muriel used this time to shake herself out of her lust filled daze and began to pray again as Ernon began to bounce Vanessa harder and faster upon him. Muriel closed her eyes knowing that she would falter again if she looked. Vanessa could sense Ernon's urgency as he sped her bouncing upon him. The wonderful sensations caused by his cock moving in and out of her made her moan with pleasure as she kissed her way along his jaw line, to nip at his ear lobe, before moving down his neck. She licked him making him moan and then, sank her fully extended fangs into his neck and began to suck his blood while at the same time using the muscles of her pussy to grip his member tightly. The sudden increase of pleasure turned the sudden pain into an even higher pleasure. Pleasure that was too much for him and with a grunt Ernon pulled Vanessa all the way down onto him, burying himself deep within her and climaxed, filling her pussy with his warm seed even as he filled her mouth with his warm blood. -- At Ernon's grunt, Muriel gasped and then began to pray again keeping her eyes tightly closed. Her prayer would replenish all the blood that Vanessa took to feed upon and heal the bite mark afterwards. However even as she continued to pray her left hand lowered to her spreading thighs to begin pulling up her nightgown. The sounds and smells filling the tent had inflamed her own desire greatly making it very hard to resist pleasuring herself. However once her nightgown had been pulled up above her knees she gasped as the cooler air of the tent hit her heated pussy. Muriel shook herself and quickly raised her arm and began to pray even harder. She hadn't noticed the black nose and muzzle poke through the tent flap directly behind her. Nor did she notice when it began to work its way underneath her spread nightgown. -- With her belly filled Vanessa pulled back and gave Ernon's neck a lick. The bite marks were already healing thanks to Muriel's prayer. Then she began to rhythmically stroke his cock with her internal muscles making him groan. She loved that he was still hard inside her. It normally didn't take Ernon long to get hard again but with Muriel's prayer still active he hadn't even gone soft. What thrilled her even more was that he'd be able to stay hard and continue to spend as long as the prayer was active. "Ready to go again lover?" She whispered into his ear. Ernon responded with a thrust of his hips while reaching up to gently squeeze her breasts with his hands. "Mmm I'll take that as a yes." she moaned as he chuckled. -- Muriel heard her friends exchange and couldn't help feeling good about helping them. It wasn't just her job as a priestess that had her help them but she genuinely loved them as friends and as lovers. She would do anything she could for them. Still, now that Vanessa's hunger for blood was slated she knew she should go, but she was so caught up in the moment that she couldn't leave. Even as she continued to pray, her left hand dropped to caress the slick folds at her center. Muriel moaned and arched her back as pleasure coursed through her. Then she gasped, her eyes flying open as something long warm and ruff began to lap up the wetness covering her pussy. Her body leaned forward, her back arched, her eye's rolling back with pleasure even as she reached back to grab a handful of fir. Moaning, she tried to say "Lancos no" but her moan of pleasure turned it into "Lancos Oh!" as the wolf took advantage of her leaning forward to thrust his tongue deep inside her, to lap hungrily at the moisture it found there. Muriel rose to her knees to try to escape from the wolf's hungry tongue but this only granted the wolf greater access and it rose to follow her. Muriel, her prayer now forgotten, groaned as she felt her first climax building within her. Even as she tried in vain to fight her desires the licking was driving her wild. The wolf's tongue was everywhere, from her hooded clit to the rosebud of her anus, to far deeper inside her than her fingers could reach. She heard Vanessa cry out with her own orgasm seconds before she cried out with hers. The wolf as if sensing his victory continued to lick his mate's wet pussy even as he began to give her gentle nips on the ass. He also raised a paw to her back to push her forward. Muriel began to moan "It's against my will. It's against my will." even as she leaned forward and spread her legs more. She'd just climaxed a second time when the wolf flipped her nightgown up over her back and jumped up to push her down onto her elbows. He began to thrust his cock at her as his tongue lapped at her neck and ears. She felt the hard cock thrusting through the wet hair covering her pubic mound, between the lips of her sex, and in between the cheeks of her ass, never hitting its intended target in its urgency while leaving a trail of precum in its wake. Frustrated, the wolf began to whine. Muriel, too aroused to stop, reached back with her right hand to grasp the hot flesh of the wolf. Even as she continued to moan "It's against my will." she guided the hard member to her opening and let go. The wolf gave a yip of victory and thrust its cock deeply into her. As she was filled she threw her head back and gasped "Goddess yes!" -- After they'd climaxed Ernon and Vanessa continued to rock gently against each other while observing Muriel and the wolf in the dim light. Ernon wanted to stop him but Vanessa stopped him from saying anything. With her finger over his lips she whispered "She wants this. You know that. She just doesn't like to admit it." Ernon nodded reluctantly. He knew Muriel would stop him if she truly didn't want it. And this wasn't the first time this had happened. Still he didn't care for it. He wished Muriel would admit her feelings and that Lancos would stop thinking like a wolf in heat. To take his mind off the other couple he kissed Vanessa deeply. Vanessa giggled and said "Mmm now that's more like It." and tightened the muscles of her pussy in response making his cock twitch within her. Ernon groaned and began to thrust up inside her once more. -- Muriel, now resting on her elbows, moaned with pleasure as the wolf wetly and rapidly thrust himself into her, her breasts swaying in time with the impact of his thrusts, her hard nipples nearly brushing the floor of the tent. She could feel the cool air drying the warm moisture of her pussy even as it ran down her thighs. The contrasting cool and hot added to her pleasure. In fact so far gone was she with pleasure that she noticed the wolf's knot too late. It wasn't until it had hit her nether lips several times that she realized what it was. Alarmed she said "Lancos no." started to reach back to stop him from thrusting it into her but she was too late. With a mighty thrust of his hips the wolf forced his knot past her opening and into her vagina, tying them together. Now they would remain tied together until the wolf was spent. Muriel grunted with pleasure and pain as her pussy was stretched by the knot. Then she moaned with increased pleasure as the wolf began thrusting harder seeking its release while its knot continued to swell within her already stretched walls. To Muriel it felt indescribably good even though she felt she'd be turned inside out by it. Nearing her own climax, Muriel reached down to rub her throbbing clitoris with one hand moaning with pleasure as she did so. -- The wolf was feeling incredible. He was locked deep within the tight warm walls his mate and he was watching another lover and a good friend have sex in front of him. He knew he would spend soon. He could also smell that his mate and their friends were close as well. Feeling a bit playful and wanting his friends to enjoy a spending of their own, the wolf stretched forward, even as it continued to thrust into Muriel, to lick the side of Vanessa's neck. -- Vanessa gasped at the sudden sensation, tightening her pussy as she did so. Already close, the sudden tightening of Vanessa's already tight vagina sent Ernon over the edge. He grunted and began to flood her depths again with his seed. The sudden warmth with in her caused Vanessa to also climax. She cried out as she did so, scratching Ernon's back as she clutched him to her. Strange Adventures of Cinnamon Ch. 15 -- Hearing her friends cry out in climax together was too much for Muriel. She also cried with pleasure as her pussy began to rhythmically spasm. This sent the wolf over the edge and he howled as he began flooding Muriel with his hot cum.