* Kilirniku It had been nigh two hands since I had whipped Melete, and heard her screams answered. For now we were snuggly hidden away from the eyes of the world within our fortress of ice and stone. We would rest now to tend to the animals, mend our gear, check our supplies, and relax with one another. There was much to prepare to be ready to move again, and when things were well in order, Melete would scream again; and if answered, I would know more about the mind of the beast out there somewhere in the darkness of the sprawling valley.
* Melete There was something wonderfully comforting about being tucked away together within our fortress of ice and stone, with the demands of the trail temporarily set aside. I found myself enjoying this side of my Master, these quieter moments when I could simply be near him and discover the man beneath the stern hunter who so often kept his thoughts and intentions to himself. Each day seemed to reveal something new to me about him, and I cherished the chance to learn, content to remain curled against him a little longer before the wilderness demanded our attention again.
* Kilirniku We spent the first night eating and sleeping; and the first day we spent in tending to the animals. I had handled each of the verr myself; I preferred to do so when checking their hooves, or heads, or asses. If it moved the animal I checked it. I lifted each leg, checked each hoof for cracks, or cuts to the flesh around them. I explained these things to Melete as I did them. I checked lips and tongues for sores, their teeth for chips and signs of age. I inspected their nostrils and eyes and ears. I showed Melete the comb and blade, teaching her how to curry them comb the living pelts the verr wore to keep them clean and in good condition.
* Melete I watched closely as my Master worked, listening to each explanation and taking in the care he gave to every one of the animals. Growing up in the forest, I had learned to study animals as prey, to understand their habits and weaknesses so I might hunt them successfully, but never had I been taught to care for them in this way. Nuqi and Ember had been the first to change that part of me, two young creatures I had been unable to bring myself to kill, and now I found myself learning an entirely different way of understanding the beasts around us. I enjoyed these lessons more than I might have expected, especially being able to learn from my Master as he patiently showed me things I had never needed to know before.
* Kilirniku Kautak, I handled exclusively; I did not fully understand it, but Kautak did not seem fond of Melete. Often enough he made a casual sweep of his horns by the seat of her leathers as she passed by him. She was gentle with him, yet firm. I do not think he liked her smell and had no desire to be told what to do by a woman; and personally I did not blame him.
* Melete found tending to most of the animals came easily enough, though Nuqi tolerated my attentions only barely, making it quite clear she preferred I keep them to a minimum. Kautak was another matter entirely, the male Verr seeming determined to catch me unawares with a casual sweep of his horns at the seat of my leathers whenever I passed too close. I learned quickly to keep a wary eye on him, for I had no desire to find myself sprawled in the snow at his whim. Luna and Lyla, on the other hand, proved quite sweet and enjoyable to tend, while Ember insisted she was perfectly capable of grooming herself and expressed her displeasure at my inspections with all the indignation a young panther could muster. I couldn't help but find her antics amusing, even as I reminded myself that caring for these creatures meant learning each of their peculiar ways.
* Kilirniku Nuqi was simply over the idea of "Melete", she had no use for or interest in the woman and mostly ignored her. It was fine with Nuqi if I kept Melete, however; if I changed my mind about the woman, Nuqi would take great pleasure in handing her disposal. As I watched the Forest sleen grow, I became aware that if it came right down to it she would likely have no difficulty in convincing herself to eat us both, but Melete would be first. This thought made me smile. Nuqi loves me, and it makes my heart warm to know this. I have reached a place in her mind now that she too has begun to submit herself to my command daily.
* Melete watched my Master with his sleen, still wondering if I would ever earn even a little of Nuqi’s tolerance. I supposed I understood why she disliked me, for I had killed her mother, yet when the time came, I could not bring myself to kill her. I had never quite understood why, neither then nor now, but I had never regretted it. My gaze shifted to Ember, who was nearly full-grown now, though still young in mind, and I couldn't help smiling as she set about grooming herself yet again. She had never shown me the same animosity as Nuqi, perhaps because she had not been there when I killed her mother. Whatever the reason, I was grateful for the bond we had found, even if the young panther seemed to believe she needed no help whatsoever from me.
* Kilirniku I turned my attention next to the feeding and watering of the animals, assigning Melete to care for Lyla, Luna, and Ember while I tended to Kautak and Nuqi. Both received extra rations of their own fodder. The verr had grains, bits of dried leaves and sweet grass; Nuqi I gave fish, and a hunk of preserved red meat with plenty of fat and cartilage. I saved such things as the limbs of prey animals for the sleen; because she loved me.
* Melete tended to Luna and Lyla first, finding their unhurried way of eating rather pleasant as I made certain they had enough fodder and fresh water. There was something soothing about caring for the two female Verr, who seemed content enough with my company. Ember, however, was another matter entirely, for the young panther attacked her meal with an enthusiasm that made me wonder if she thought someone might steal it away. I watched her with an amused smile, shaking my head at her antics as I finished tending to the others.
* Kilirniku Finishing my work with the animals, I turned my attention to our gear. I began by removing every lashed parcel from the sleds and moving them aside to fully inspect the bones of the sleds themselves. I dressed the wood of their runners here and there with a stone before greasing them and their lashings from end to end. I placed the sleds aside after oiling their bindings and tightening them as needed and giving them time to adjust themselves and dry. Likewise I inspected, adjust and greased each of the pack frames which rode upon the sleds and served as strong and secure anchorage for our provisions and supplies arranged in their bundles and skins.
* Melete Seeing my Master turn his attention to the sleds, I gathered the harnesses and began checking each one carefully. Leather was familiar to me, and I knew how to look for worn stitching, weakened straps, and places that might fail under strain. I worked my way through them all, testing the bindings and examining the buckles, but found nothing that needed repairing. Still, I took satisfaction in doing my part to ensure our gear was ready for the journey ahead, knowing that a small weakness could become a serious problem out on the trail.
* Kilirniku Moving aside our packs of cooking supplies, I smiled at the absence of her bag of noxious weeds they she was wont to sprinkle over most everything. I have always considered my own cooking is much better than hers because of that one small detail; but now without her satchel of poisons, the flavor of her meals were showing much improvement. I began to unbind and unroll bundles one by one to check the quantity and condition of their contents as well as the condition of the skins which held them bundled neatly; and so with the sinew bindings. Things were mended as needed. I had stitched several of the bundling skins; the ice and stones of the Tundra can be sharp and are always unforgiving.
* Melete With the harnesses checked and put away, I turned my attention to tending the fire, adding wood and making certain the coals were still good. I glanced toward my Master as I worked, catching the smile on his face while he sorted through the cooking supplies. I wondered what amused him, but knowing him as I did, I suspected he was taking quiet pleasure in the absence of my herbs. I couldn't help a small smile of my own at the thought, for I still missed my little satchel of forest treasures, even if my Master had never shared my appreciation for them.
* Kilirniku I mended packs and stowed gear; I repaired gear, and stowed it in packs. I worked not until I was tired, but until I was done. With the animals and our equipment seen to, it was time to unwind and embrace the night with Melete. Tonight, I will show her some of the stars before our meal.
* Melete Deciding it was a good time to get a stew started, I gathered some root vegetables, smoked meat, and a handful of berries to add to the pot. I set about preparing everything, cutting the vegetables and meat into pieces before adding them to the simmering water. The berries would lend their own flavor to the broth, something I had learned to appreciate from cooking with what the forest provided. Soon enough, the smell of the stew began to fill our shelter, and I settled in to let it simmer.
* Kilirniku Taking from the bundles of gear a smaller roll, I spoke to Melete "bring your oilskin and turn it inside out."
* Melete Remembering the half loaf of flatbread left from the night before, I set it upon one of the warm rocks beside the fire to heat through. Then, with a small smile, I hurried to our supplies and retrieved what remained of the honey I had traded for my candles when I also traded for my tea. I drizzled the golden sweetness over the warming bread, already looking forward to the simple treat. Such little comforts felt all the more precious out here in the cold, and I was rather pleased with myself for remembering we still had some left. Hearing my Master I lift to feet and hurry to fetch my oilskin turning it inside out as I take it to him.
* Kilirniku I slipped beyond the skins covering the opening among the stones and stepped out to wide bright starscape within the blackness of the night sky all around us. Taking the large oilskin from her hands I spread it upon the ground and motioned for her to join me. I showed her how to position her coat upon the ground in alignment with the moon and stars. I pointed out several bright stars individually and showed her the small marks upon the skin that represent them. These are the stars I use for navigation; and I made record of them on the skins.
* Melete settled beside my Master before the oilskin, leaning closer as he showed me how he aligned it with the moon and stars above us. I followed his pointing finger, studying each bright star and the small markings he had made upon the skin to represent them. I had always looked to the sky, but more for its beauty and the changing signs of the seasons than as a guide to finding my way. The thought that I could learn to read the heavens as he did fascinated me, and I listened carefully, eager to understand how these distant lights could lead us safely across unfamiliar lands.
* Kilirniku I explained to her that what we see and call stars do not change their position, it is our angle in viewing them which changes as we move. Using the crude wooden marking stick and the dark stain as before, I marked the approximate location of the village of the dead upon her oilskin then showed her its relation to the Northern Forest and our home there. I next indicated on the skin and marked upon it with the dark stain the location of our current abode among the foothills of the Barrier Mountains. Wiping the dark stain from the wood, sealing the container, and rolling away the writing tools I spoke softly and simply. "Hang it up to dry; come and let us retire to our rest."
* Melete studied the markings as my Master showed me where the village of the dead lay in relation to the Northern Forest and our home there, then watched as he marked our present dwelling among the foothills of the Barrier Mountains. It pleased me to see these places laid out upon the oilskin, connected by more than the memories of the paths we had traveled. I had always trusted my instincts and knowledge of the forest to guide me, but this was a different sort of learning, one that could serve us far beyond the trees I knew so well. I leaned closer to examine the marks, eager to understand how I might one day use the stars to find my way as confidently as my Master did. Hearing him command me to hang it to dry, I nodded and replied, "Yes, my Master" and did just that.
* Kilirniku Moving again into the shelter of the stones I returned the marking bundle to it's place with the other gear then took our modest pack of bathing and grooming supplies and the medicinal bundle. "Strip woman." I knelt and began to unroll the bundles of supplies, spreading them neatly for easy access. I moved next to gather a large wooden bowl which I then took outside to fill with packed snow and returned with it quickly. Taking a second wooden bowl I filled it with steaming water from the kettle and placed it with the first. I pointed to the two bowls before my knees as I knelt behind them "stand here woman before the bowls, display yourself spread eagle."
* Melete At his command, I began to undress without hesitation, curious about what my Master had planned as I watched him lay out the bathing and medicinal supplies. The sight of the packed snow in one bowl and steaming water in the other made me wonder what he intended to do, though I waited patiently rather than interrupt his preparations with questions. I moved closer once I had finished, my attention shifting between the neatly arranged supplies and his hands as he worked. There was something comforting about these quiet moments of learning to share our daily routines, upon hearing him I moved before the bowls as instructed, spreading my legs and lifting my gaze to my Master, my body on display before him.
* Kilirniku I began to soak a soft, clean cloth in the steaming water to which I added a few drops of a thick and fragrant oil made from the heated sap of a vilo vine. It was easy to gather and simple to prepare; one cut a vine and bled it dry of the fluid it contained, and then boiled it. The resulting oil contained a soothing essence both mild and pleasing. With this and a gentle soap of fat and ashes I would scour her thoroughly, and my hands would be most pleased with the lingering tour of her limbs.
* Melete firelight traced the gentle curves of her hips and breasts and the firm lines of her muscular thighs. Her long, dark hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, framing her angular face and tribal markings, her collar glinting in the firelight as she stood proudly before him. Chocolate-brown eyes, flecked with gold, remained fixed upon her Master, curiosity shining in their depths as she wondered what he intended to do with the two bowls as he prepares them.
* Kilirniku I bathed her slowly with my own rough hands caressing every supple inch of her plush form from head to toe. My hands had lingered here and there as this thought and that thought flowed through my mind. I inspected her flesh happily, it was not a task a reasonable man would object to. I spread her here, and pinched her there. I prodded this, and that; with my fingertips as the mild soap and warm water flowed over her body beneath my calloused palms. I soaped her hips from behind as my cold blue green eyes roamed over her shape. I checked her branded ass, I smiled most pleased and bit it viciously, I was healing nicely, I rose behind her kissing her hips and ribs and spine as my hands cupped, washed and massaged her breasts.
Melete A soft smile curved my lips as I surrendered to my Master's attentive hands, savoring the warmth of the water and the slow, deliberate caress of his calloused palms against my skin. Each lingering touch sent a pleasant shiver through me, and I watched his face with half-lidded eyes, fascinated by the intimacy of being tended to so thoroughly by the man who held my heart. I shifted closer to his touch, allowing my body to relax beneath his hands, my cheeks warming with a mixture of pleasure and affection. When his teeth bit into my branded flesh, a soft gasp escaped me, followed by another shiver as his kisses traveled along my hips and spine. I leaned back ever so slightly into his warmth, a quiet moan slipping past my lips as I savored the contrast of his rough hands and tender kisses. There was nowhere else I wished to be, for I was content in our shelter with my Master giving me his undivided attention, feeling cherished in a way that
* Kilirniku My hands released and slid smoothly upwards and out along the lengths of her arms; my hands washed hers tenderly.
* Melete watched my Master’s hands glide along my arms, a tender smile touching my lips as I savored the gentleness of his touch. I turned my face toward him, my eyes warm with affection, quietly cherishing these moments when his tenderness spoke without a single word.
* Kilirniku I dried her gently and treated the marks of the branding iron and the whip which lingered upon her flesh. I blew upon the back of her ears as I dried and fondled her. I allowed my lips and hands to explore her at will as the moved to tease and dry her. I flickered my tongue about the ring of her navel as my hands moved along the supple muscularity of her legs. I blew softly, wickedly across the apex of her thighs as I dried her feet and berrylike toes.
* Melete shivered beneath my Master's attentive touch, my skin tingling wherever his warm breath and tender kisses lingered. The gentle care he gave the fading marks upon my flesh stirred a quiet tenderness within me, and I found myself watching him with softened eyes, feeling cherished in the intimacy of his ministrations. When his breath brushed the backs of my ears, I tilted my head instinctively, a small, pleased smile curving my lips as I leaned into him. His unhurried attention left me feeling wonderfully pampered, and I savored every moment of being close to him, I had never imagined I could find such contentment in these simple moments of care, yet with my Master, I found myself wanting nothing more than to linger in his warmth, and the opportunity to return the favor.
* Kilirniku laying aside the cloth I had used to dry her, I took up two large handfuls of the snow and rose to stand before her, stepping to her I pulled her within my arms and took her lips before bringing the handfuls of snow against the back of her shoulders. I pressed her tight and sank my teeth upon her lower lip before my hands began to guide it slowly over her smooth, warm, fresh body. I held her firmly in place by the lip, writhe as she would against the melting ice between my hands and her shivering flesh.
* Melete A startled cry escaped me as the melting snow met my shoulders, and I instinctively writhed against my Master's firm embrace, caught between the shock of the icy touch and the warmth of his body pressed against mine. My fingers curled into his arms as I shivered, my breath catching when his teeth captured my lower lip, leaving me unable to do much more than cling to him and endure his wicked little surprise. I twisted beneath the cold, seeking relief against his warmth, my dark eyes lifting to his face with utter disbelief as the last of the snow melted against my skin,
* Kilirniku kneeling before her, my tongue waited for the moment to leap and wallow upon her navel as my hands refilled with snow. She threw the beautiful ring of her birth against my mouth as ice filled hands raked upwards against the backs of her legs; icy fingers firmly gripped and tightly squeezed the plush mounds of her ass.
* Melete A sharp breath caught in my throat as the icy touch traveled up the backs of my legs, my body shivering beneath the startling contrast of cold snow and my Master's warm hands. My fingers slipped into his hair as I lowered my gaze to him, my lips parting softly while I tried to steady my breathing. I stood trembling before him, captivated by the intimacy of the moment, my attention fixed entirely upon my Master.
* Kilirniku laughing soft and wickedly I moved around her girl and assaulted the loveliness of her form at the toes with ice, my hands swept upward fluidly along her legs and belly. My lips explored her back restlessly as she pressed herself against me.
* Melete shivered beneath the icy path of my Master's hands, my breath catching as the cold swept over my skin and his warm lips followed along my back. I pressed closer to him instinctively, seeking the warmth of his body while tilting my head to one side, my eyes closing as I surrendered to the strange, tender contrast of his touch mewling softly and needily.
* Kilirniku My fingertips lingered with the touch of the snow against her trembling stomach before slipping away to wrap themselves firmly upon the magnificent shape of her full breasts to chill and tease them with ice pressed and held to her erect nipples. My hands would fully dry her a second time; I found moving my hands over the supple curvature of her form to be a more pleasing task, and one I held no objection to.
* Melete A tremor ran through me as the icy touch startled my chilled skin, and I drew a sharp breath, my fingers reaching back to curl around my Master's arms. I pressed closer to the warmth of his body behind me, shivering as the melting snow teased my sensitive skin, my head tilting slightly and my eyes fluttering closed. My lips parted on a soft, unsteady breath as I savored the intimate closeness, caught between the delicious warmth of his embrace and the startling chill of the ice. I moaned as he dried me once more.
* Kilirniku A fifth time now my hands would follow and linger, tease and enjoy the full shape of my woman as I oiled her skin with a lightly scented cream of purified fat and sweet-smelling herbs.
* Melete A soft sigh escaped my lips as my Master’s hands moved over me, the scented cream warming beneath his slow, lingering touch. I leaned back against him, my head turning slightly as I savored the firm tenderness of his hands, each unhurried stroke sending a delicious shiver through me. The sweet scent of herbs mingled with the warmth of his body, and I found myself pressing closer, wanting nothing more than to feel his hands continue their gentle exploration. My eyes drifted closed, a faint, contented moan escaping me as I basked in the intimate care of my Master.
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That adult content label really cracks me up, I laugh every time I see it. I write Gorean smut and y'all are out there like this 🫣.