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The three companions mount up, heading away from the village of Mondale. After a short ride the two Rangers slow their mounts to a slow walk. Digna, Culpepers horse, follows their lead, also slowing to a slow walk. While Jonny is looking up and down the road, making sure no one is around, Mirian is riding Bigor short distances up and down the road, staying close to the edge of the road. From time-to-time Culpeper can hear her mumbling something to Bigor. A short time later, both Rangers stop and look at each other, “all clear,” they declare together.

Jonny jumps down from Amis, his Ranger horse, looks around one last time then moves to a spot on the side of the road. He shoves a boulder and some branches to the side. As Culpeper watches he thinks too himself, that was a lot easier looking than it should have been, that boulder looks heavy. Mirian notices his look of surprise, smiles, and informs him, “it is a false boulder. It is made to look much heavier than it is. This is part of why we call it the hidden trail “as she finishes explaining, Jonny steps back from the trail entrance, breathing a little heavy, “go, go, go, enter the trail,” he urges Culpeper. Mirian is a pace behind him. Jonny directs his horse Amis to follow Mirian and Bigor onto the trail. Jonny immediately replaces the camouflage over the trail entrance.

Jonny remounts Amis and kicks him into a fast trot, not wanting to go any faster on the trail so as not injure his horse. Once they are a fair distance from the entrance to the trail he stops his horse. Turning to Culpeper, “Mirian already knows this, so this is for you Culpeper. I do not suggest you go any faster than a trot on the trail. Don’t want the horses to get injured by stepping on something and having it poke them. Also, we Rangers own this trail, however, I believe that there are some non-Ranger folks who know and use this trail, so stay alert. Mirian and I both know some off the trail camp sites we can use overnight. We will likely be on the trail for three days, exiting on the fourth day around noon.” Before continuing, he gives both Culpeper and Mirian an amused look, “Lastly, be aware how much noise you are making, especially after dark,” with a good laugh he kicks Amisinto a trot, not waiting for a answer.

The trio ride for several hours before Mirian calls for a stop. Looking at Culpeper she asks, “how you holding up? This is likely going to be a lot of riding for you. Let us know when you need a break,” looking over to Jonny she adds, “I think this would be a good place to take a rest and eat some food.”

the three companions’ dismount, Culpeper looking a little stiff and sore, but trying to hide it. they all reach into their saddle bags pull out hard biscuits and deer jerky. By mutual understanding, everyone drinks from Mirian’s ever full (magical) canteen, so as to not empty their own canteens any sooner than necessary. They sit on the ground in a circle, chatting and passing around Mirian’s canteen. Culpeper holds up his rations saying, “the only thing missing from this gourmet food Is a fine wine.” Mirian and Jonny laugh, understanding what Culpeper means. Mirian suggests walking the horses for a while as Dilda still looks a little winded. Jonny looks over at Dilda also, “I agree, he’s not a ranger horse and isn’t bred for long distance like this. We should probably ride for a couple of hours and then walk for half an hour. That should work for Dilda.” Jonny looks at Dilda again, then turns back to Culpeper, “that horse of yours is working hard to keep up with our two Ranger horses. He has a lot of sprit, but we need to make sure we don’t work him too hard.” Culpeper nods his acknowledgement of Jonny’s concern for Dilda. As they finish the last of their rations, they stand and move out.

As usual Jonny moves out front to be on point. He moves out far enough that he can’t hear them talking but they can still support each other if needed. Just as they are getting ready to mount up, both Ranger horses suddenly jerk their heads up and look to the sky through the trees. Both Ranger immediately position their Bows with arrows knocked. as they look up they see a huge creature flying down towards them from above. The creature is about thirty feet long with a wingspan of fifty feet. The two Rangers immediately recognize it as a Roc. They both wonder why a mountainous creature is in coastal territory.

As the Roc is flying down towards them, Jonny moves to rejoin Mirian and Culpeper. The Roc soon discovers getting to the group will not be easy thru the treetops and screams its displeasure to the world. Mirian and Jonny have their bows drawn and ready in case it should break through. Culpeper has his Hands full trying to keep his horse DIlda under control. The well-trained Ranger horses are a little skittish but are holding their ground.

Mirian and Jonny move with the Roc as it circles overhead. Keeping their long bows trained on the Roc. “Culpeper, if Dilda gets away from you, let him go, don’t chase him. The Roc will likely go after him once he clears the tree line.” Still trying to reign in Dilda, Culpeper replies, “I understand, I would really prefer not too lose him, we are old friends.” Despite the tension all three laughed.

“what do you think Jonny? I think we can shoot thru that opening over there.” With her drawn bow she gestures towards an opening in the treetop. Jonny looks where she gestures. Distractedly, he replies, “yeah we can. Lets make sure we coordinate it well. Both arrows should hit the same target. Head? Wing or body? Your call.” Jonny knows she is the better shot and wants his shot to back up her shot. Mirian watches the Roc for another circle around the treetop before replying, “lets aim for the head. Hope we get lucky and hit an eye.” Both Rangers align themselves with the treetop opening, preparing to shoot the Roc.

the Roc continues to fly around overhead waiting for its prey to move out from under the trees. Mirian and Jonny watch it as it comes closer to the treetop opening. As it approaches, both the Rangers pull their bows as far back as they can to get all the power they can into their shots. Mirian counts down for them, “3, 2, 1, FIRE!” both Rangers release their arrows at the same time. One hits and goes thru its beak. The other deflects off the side of its head, hitting hard enough to hurt but does no damage. Shaking its head, trying to dislodge the arrow sticking through its beak. It flies down lower, scraping thru the top of several trees before rising again. It loses several feathers in the process and again screams its displeasure to the world.

The Roc lands about 50 yards away in a small clearing, scraping the arrow on the on the ground trying to dislodge it from its beak. Mirian and Jonny mount their horses, Mirian tells Culpeper, “Mount Dilda if you can and ride away from us. That Roc is distracted by the arrow we put thru its beak. That may not last long. If it gets the arrow out it may decide to come after us on the ground. Jonny and I are going to ride out and try and deal with it before that happens.” Culpeper looks from Mirian to Jonny to the Roc, “be careful out there. I have plans for you.” He quickly kisses her on the forehead then shoes her towards Bigor. The two Rangers mount up, check Culpeper is moving away from them, saying a prayer to Nomar for guidance in stopping this wild beast.

the Rangers move towards the Roc at a slow trot. As they clear the tree line they move apart to come at it from two sides. Both have their bows at the ready but not drawn. The beast is still fretting over the arrow and trying to get it out of its beak. They take up positions on either side of its head, ready to draw and shoot if needed. The Rangers sit on their mounts watching the beast. They would rather not kill it if they do not have to. Mirian signals for them to ride back around the beast to talk.

they both say at the same time, “I don’t want to kill it!” they both laugh, while keeping an eye on the beast. Mirian asks, “do you believe it will be entertained by that arrow in its beak long enough for us to get by?” Jonny looks at the Roc, “at the moment it is pushing the arrow further in, so, yeah, I think it will be distracted long enough for us to get by.” Jonny holds up a hand as Mirian is getting ready to say something, “the only problem is, will we be able to get your boyfriends horse to go by? He is not a trained Ranger horse…hell, our own horses don’t like being this close.” Mirian looks to Culpeper and Dilda, “Yeah, you are right. Dilda is no Ranger horse. Perhaps one of us could ride Dilda past the Roc then give him back to Culpeper?” Jonny shakes his head, “not a good idea, Culpeper sounds like he wants to do more adventuring, if he does, he is going to need to control his mount. I have seen worse behaving horses before.” Mirian looks at Culper…and Dilda, for a moment before replying. “I love that he wants to travel more, or adventure, as you put it. He really isn’t cut out for this kind of life, he wants to do it for me, I don’t know if I can let him.” She pauses looking from Jonny to Culpeper, “come on, lets go tell him we are going to try and sneak past the Roc before it can get that arrow out.” The two Rangers turn and kick their mounts into a fast gallop back towads Culpeper and Dilda. Jony quickly stops on the way back and grabs a couple of lose Roc feathers.

the two Rangers pull up their mounts as they approach Culpeper and Dilda. “Culpeper, here is the plan”, Mirian starts, “the Roc is injured, it has an arrow lodged in its beak and can’t get it out. We are going to ride behind the Roc and try to sneak past it. We really don’t want to have to kill it,” she finishes. Jonny asks him, “are you ready to try this?” Culpeper looks towards the Roc and asks, "do you really think this will work?” "we already rode all the way around it and it paid us no attention, “replies Jonny.

“well,” replies Culpeper with a sardonic smile, “I did say I wanted to be trained to watch Mirian’s back,” he turns Dilda back down the path towards the Roc and the next step into their adventure. Mirian moves Bigor up next to Dilda, "I want Jonny to clear the trees first, then you and I together. I will be closest to the Roc. If it looks like we got its attention, I want you to kick Dilda as hard as you can, going down the trail. I will deal with the beast until your are under cover again. I can do a better job of dealing with it with my bow than you can with your mace.” Culpeper looks at her clearly unhappy with her putting herself at risk on his behalf, but he nods his understanding, acknowledging the truth of it.

Jonny clears the tree line first, entering the clearing, kicks Amis into a hard gallop. He races across the clearing heading for the next part of the trail. As he approaches the trail he slows Amis to a trot, then to a walk as he enters the trail. He turns around to check on Mirian and Culpeper. As soon as Jonny turned around Mirian asked Culpeper, “ready,” Culpeper gives her a determined look, nods his head. “On three, we go. 1…2…3 go!” they both kick their mounts into a hard gallop. Mirian had to hold Bigor back to allow Dilda to keep up. Once they reached Jonny at the trail opening they stopped their horses, turning to look at the Roc. “We got past it ok,” says Culpeper. “do you believe it will be able to remove the arrow? It looks pretty deep.” The two Rangers look at each, then Mirian replies. “Roc’s are tough. It will get the arrow out then go back to being its usual self.” Culpeper still looks concerned for the Roc, he can’t help it, it’s the Healer in him. The two Rangers look at Culpeper and shake their heads, “Culpeper, let’s go, before it gets that arrow out. We don’t want it thinking we look like lunch again.”

The three companions once again move down the trail at a trot, with Jonny out front on point. They ride for a couple of hours then walk for a while until both the Rangers see that the sun will be going down in about an hour. jonny slows his walk to allow the the others to catch up. Mirian looks to Culpeper saying, "the sun will be going down in an hour. My preferred camping spot is about a 20 minute walk from here. I think we should walk the rest of the way, Give Dilda a walking rest." Culpeper looks to Dilda and agrees, he still looks pretty tired, with his drooping a little. Jonny smiles at them saying, "Amis is still eager to go. you two go ahead and walk in, I am going to give Amis a good run." looking at Mirian, "Its your turn to hunt." now looking to Culpeper he says, "you set up the camp and get a fire going while she is hunting." Mirian and Culpeper nod their heads in agreement as Jonny turns Amis and icks him into a full gallop, kicking up dirt and pebbles. Mirian looks at her old friend riding away, shaking her head, "he is a little boy at heart. he is a good guy to have around to watch your back, but a little boy!" she laughs as she looks to Culpeper.

When they reach the campsite, Mirian immediately jumps off Bigor. she strips everything off him and gives him the signal to stay here. she turns to Culpeper, "i am going to try and get us some game, or its dry rations tonight." Culpeper wishes her luck and watches her walk away, nice ass, he thins to himself, then starts working on setting up the camp.

after the camp is set and the fire is burning Culpeper goes over to care for Dilda. brushes him down, combs his tail and mane, checks his hooves. He looks around, is happy with how the camp looks. Grabbing his mace, clippng it to his belt like Jonny showed him. leaving Dilda and Bigor at the camp he crosses the trail goes slightly into the trees, sits and leans against a tree.

about an hour after full dark Mirian returns to the camp loaded down with a supply bag, a game bag. "Culpeper?" she calls out softly. Head snapping up from where he had been dozing, he gets up and returns to camp. Giving Mirian a kiss, he asks whats in the bags. She hands him the supply bag telling him, "It is a mixed bag of forest goods. you prepare what is in the supply bag, i will prepare whats in the game bag." Culpeper nods as he opens the supply baf to look inside. He raches in to pull out a pouch at the top of the bag. Opening it he sees a bag full of Blackberries. "Its been a long time since I have had Blackberries, " he comments as he observes her kneal down and dump out a rabbit a two squirells from her game bag. He goes to his saddle bags and gets a bowl, mortar and his kit. Returning to Mirians side he dumps out the supply bag, asking for Mirians canteen to wash everything. Mirian finishes preparing the rabbit, goes to her saddlebags and gets her kit along with a small travel pot. She picks up the prepared rabbit, drops it in her pot, plaes it at the edge of the fire. Stirring it from time to time while Culpeper finishes getting the Vegetables and spices ready. Culpeper cuts in half then dices have of a Parsnip, Turnip and onion. Chopped less than half a head of Garlic and ground up some Marjoram leaves, sliced up several wild Mushrooms. He reserves the Blackberries, apples and walnuts. He sees that she has skinned and gutted the squirells but has left them on the ground away from the fire. Mirian sees his curious look tells him, "the squirell has to be prepare over night to be any good. They will be soaked overnight with some salt. They can travel in my game bag until evening meal tomorrow." she sees him make a face, laughs, "dont worry, on our third night we will be close to small lake and we will catch some perch. Have you ever had poached fish? Its truly excellent! I brought a skin of wine and some of the herb mixes you gave me. We should be able to catch enough for the fourth night also. By the fifth night we should be at the Castle." Mirians head gives a little twitch then she looks towards Dilda, who is looking towards the game trail she used to go hunting. "come on out Jonny," she laughs. "I dont now why you bother. all these years and you till can not sneak up on Dilda...or me." The two friends laugh. "what are we eating? I am starving!" Culpeper and Mirian look at each, Culpeper answers, "She caught a rabbit and a couple of squirells. she also fond some vegetables and herbs. i prepared them and am about to added them to the pot. let them cook for a bit then add a small amount of water. should be redy in about an hour." Culpeper looks towards where he left the Blackberries, apples and walnuts suggesting, "why do not you have an apple while waiting. that should hold you until its ready."

As Mirian and Culpeper sit by the fire, Jonny lets out two short shrill whistles. A few moments later Amis comes trotting out of the game trail that both Jonny and Mirian had used. I am going to take care of Amis while the food cooks. Jonny moves far enough away to not get horse hair on the others as he brushes down Amis. Jonny removes all of Amis and his own equipment, brushes him down, combs out his mane and tale, checks and cleans his hooves. Jonny steps back looking at Amis, decides he is done, puts all the equipment back onto his horse. Jonny looks over to see Culpeper checking the Stew. Culpeper gives it a good stirring and declares it ready.

Jonny breaks out his kit and rejoins his two companions. Culpeper scoops some out for Mirian then Jonny, lastly himself. The three friends eat their meal in silence. Culpeper is toying with his Mace between bites. Mirian looks at him playing with the Mace asks him, "are you up for practicing tonght? If you are, i am going to make you work tonight." Culpeper laughs asking, "like you haven’t been already? " Jonny breaks out into a full laugh, gets his breath back loos to Culpeper, "Culpeper my friend, if she was pushing you, you would be in a whole lot more pain than you are now. I now Paladins that spar with her. no, she is training you the right way. keep following her lead." Culpeper looks between the two Rangers, wondering about the Paladin part. while they have been a couple for about 7 months, he still does not know a whole lot about her Ranger activities because she will not talk to him about it, not wanting to worry him. He looks to Mirian, "I want you to push me as hard as you think is a good idea, then push harder." he continues to look at her, wanting to make sure she knew he meant it.

Once they were done eating Mirian and Culpeper got up to start their training session. Jonny volunteers to clean up the kits and camp while they train. Mirian faces Culpeper with her Sword in hand. Culpeper holds his Mace in the fashion the she has shown him. "Attack!" barks Mirian. Culpeper makes a sideways move then twirls around hoping she wont be ready for the move. She does not move until the last second, then bends over at the waist. After the Mace swings over head she stands up again, shouldering the off balance Culpeper in the side and shoulder. she nearly knocks him over, pushes him again with her hand. When Culpeper rolls over to get up he finds her Sword at his throat and freezes in place. Mirian steps back, offering her hand to help him up. Once he is on his feet she steps back a little and smiles at him. "I understand with a Mace you want to twirl around like that to get as much power as you can, do not do it. A smaller, faster fighter like myself will almost always avoid it leaving you off balance. If this had been a real fight you would have a sword in your back right now." Culpeper heeds her warning. Steps back then attak again. They continue to practice until Mirian calls for a halt. "I think that is enough for tonight Culpeper. I believe you are starting to get the idea, but you still hve a ways to go. lets get some sleep."

They return to the fireside where Jony is still sitting. "That was a good pratice Culpeper. you will ready to fight in no time. Mirian is one of the best fighters in the Guild. If you and Mirian are good with it, on the trip home, I will take over your training so that you can get a different perspective on fighting style." Culpeper looks to Mirian for her thoughts, he raises an eyebrow. "I think that would be a good idea. Jonny and I have very different fighting styles. besides, Jonny loves to teach. I am sure he has wanted to join us already. " Mirian and Jonny share a laugh knowing that Jonny is a teacher at heart. Culpeper replies, "I will take all the training i can get, thank you Jonny." Jonny smiles, knowing his motivation is to protect Mirian, I am not going to argue with that! he thinks to himself "alright, you two, off to bed. I have the first watch. Mirian, I will wake you for your turn at the watch." Mirian nods, Looks to Culpeper, "we will be waking you for the watch also. you want training? watch duty is part of adventuring." Culpeper nods his understanding, wishes Jonny a good night, takes Mirians hand and heads towards their bedrolls.

Culpeper folds the top blanket back, lays down on his back, holding up one arm offering for her to cuddle up. She takes one more look around the camp, noting where Jonny went to stand watch. good, he went across the fire, he will not be able to see us,she thinks to herself smiling. "Jonny said we had to be quite, well handjobs and blowjobs are quite!" she lays down on her side in the crook of his arm, resting her head on his chest and shoulder. She can hear his heart, "good, his heart is slow, he isn"t expecting anything to happen tonight. She puts her arm on his chest like she is going to sleep.

She waits until his breathing tells her that he is almost asleep. She moves her hand down his body, still listening to his heart. When her hand reaches his cock she cups and rubs it thru his pants. After a moment she can feel it start to grow, his heart starts to speed up. Mirian giggles to herself, she likes the affect she has on him. Culpeper reaches down taking hold of her hand. "Jonny said we had to be quite while on the trail, you said there would be no play time." Mirian continues to rub his growing cock thru his pants, "he did and I did. I changed my mind, besides, a blowjob is pretty quite." she pushes her hand under his waistband rubbing the palm of her hand over his now hard cock. She pulls her hand out, tells him to lift his hips, kneels, pulls his pants down to his knee"s. She lays beside him again, running her hand down his still clothed body until she reaches his bare cock again. She takes hold of his cock and strokes him up and down for a minute before switching it up. Using the palm of her hand she gently rubs down to his balls, taking them into her hand jiggling and juggling them. She reaches under his balls to rub at the sensitive spot under and behind them. Coming back up she plays with his balls somemore. She tickles her way back to the top. She holds her hand flat to the tip of his cock head, extends her fingers down. She moves her hand up and down moving her fingers in a massaging motion. Culpeper starts to buck his hips in pleasure, lets out a quite moan. She strokes him slowly from the tip to the base. she is happy to see him starting to leak pre-cum and uses it as lubricant. Rubbing it around the head and glans. Taking hold of him by the shaft she rubs her thumb back and forth, then up and down. Mirian senses that Culpeper is going to shoot his load soon. Not wanting to make a mess and to give him all the pleasure she can, she moves down his body, keeping eye contact. Lining herself up to take his cock deep into her mouth, while looking him in the eye. She knows Culpeper like watching her suck and stroke his cock. She likes putting on a good show for him. Still looking him in the eye, she licks the pre-cum from the head working her tongue around to the glans. Once she is satisfied she got it all she opens her mouth. Slowly, inch by inch, looking him in the eyes, she takes his cock into her mouth and throat. Once her nose was pressed into his pubic hair she started humming and playing with his balls. Culpeper shudders, moans. They both know he isn"t going to last much longer but he is trying. needing to breath she works her way back up to the head. he moves down to suck, lick and nibble on his balls while stroking his cock with her hand. she feels his whole body start to stiffen up, moves up to take him into her mouth again. She moves slowly up and down moving her tongue over the glans. Culpeper bucks his hips in rhythm with her mouth, low groaning with pleasure. "yeah, yeah, yeah keep that up and I am going to cum all over your mouth," he whispers. Mirian likes the sound of his strained voice, knowing she is doing it to him. Soon Culpeper shoots his load into her mouth with another groan. As Culpeper cums Mirian moves her mouth back so he can take it all while running her tongue over his glans. When Culpepers body relaxes, she runs her hand from the base of his shaft to the head a couple times to get the last of his cum. Mirian rolls over, grabs her canteen, rinses out her mouth, takes a couple of swallows. She wets her hand turns back to Culpeper and washes off his deflating cock. when the cold water hits his cock and balls his balls suck up to his body. Mirian laughs, whispers, "whats the matter? the boys don"t like the cold?" Pulling his pants back up he replies, "no, no they don"t," he laughs. "Now, what can I do or you?" She looks at him for a moment, before replying. "You want to know what I would really like you to do?" she asks, "yes," he replies. "I would like you to hold me while we sleep. I like it." she smiles at him, lays down facing away from him. Culpeper lays down, snuggles up and wraps a arm around her. She nestles back into him and is soon asleep.

Jonny wakes them a few hours later for their watch, stirs up the fire so it doesn"t die out, Breaks out his bedroll, lays down to sleep. Mirian and Culpeper are up and ready for their watch. Mirian quikly explains that they will take seperate hiding places a short ways from the camp. They are to keep a eye on the trail, their surroundings, even the air. Listen to whats going on around you. A breaking branch or twig doesn"t always mean someone or somethin is there. She walks him over to where Jonny held watch, placing him close to a tree, behind a bush that will conceal him. Mirian moves a short distance down the trail then disappears fom Culpepers view.

In the moning Mirian gets Culpeper. They walk back to camp together. "What did you hear while on watch?" They enter the camp as Culpeper answers. "A few times i heard what I believed to be bats flying around by the clicks and chirps they were making. I heard what i believed was an owl hooting and shrieking. I believe it swooped down on some kind of prey. I heard a crash then what sounded like a animal in pain and scared. I also saw a fox running on the the trail. I didn"t percieve any of these as a threat so I didn"t sound the alarm." "Very good," replies Mirian, "that is all I heard also." While Jonny puts out the fire and clean up the camp site Mirian talks more about watch duty, while putting the prepared squirells in her game bag. The three look around the camp, decides it looks good. Mirian and Culpeper gear up their mounts, Mount up and the three friends move out.

The three friends continue the routine of riding for a ouple hours then walking for a while. They had concerns about Dilda, Culpepers horse, being able to keep pace with the Ranger horses. So for he is making a good showing of himself. He is a little winded but not as bd as the Rangers worried about. As the sun is directly over head they stop for a noon meal. They are especially hungry since they didn"t eat before moving out this morning. Culpeper surprises the Rangers by producing the apples, blackberries and walnuts Mirian had found yesterday. There are enough apples for everyone, including the horses, to have two each. The Human will all get a large large handfull of berries and several walnuts each. Mirian suggest holding onto the berries and nuts until they get to the lake, they can be added to the fish for a delightful flavor. crush them up and put them inside the fish while they cook, add the wine I brought to the pan and we will have something special. They all agree returning them to the bag. They break out some dried jerky to go with the apples. Washing it all down with water from Mirians everfull canteen. They feed one of the apples to te horses saving the other one for tonight.

As they are right on schedule they decide to walk the horses for a while. Mirian and Culpeper walk side by side with their horse right behind them. Jonny walks right behind them with his horse following along behind. Mirian and Jonny tell Culpeper about Castle Ravenstone. The near by castle town that services the Castle. Explaining that since the are not attached to the local Ranger Guild we might have to stay in the town while we are there. Culpeper is ok with that. They have plenty of coin to pay for lodging, food and stables for the horses. It will be nice to see a big town again. "I am happy with my life now but I do miss the city sometimes."

They mount their horse, starting the next two hour ride. they continue like this until they are about hour away from the next camp, Mirian suggest Jonny ride ahead to set up the camp and start tonights squirell stew. Jonny agrees as Mirian hands him the game bag, vegetable bag and a small pouch with a herb mix that Culpeper made. Jonny turns Amis towards the camp, kicks him into a hard gallop with a whoop and holler.

Mirian shakes her head, laughing, "Is that going to be a problem with you also?" she asks. Culpeper looks at her confused asks, "what problem?" Mirian laughs even harder, pokes him in the ribs, "Refusing to grow up. almost all the men I know are Rangers and they act like little kids every chance they get." It is now Culpepers turn to laugh, "Most men grow older, they don"t grow up. It"s just how we are made. I think most of us behave like adults when we need to and act like boys when we don"t" They both laugh again. Holding hands, they walk the rest of the way in silence.

As they approach the camp they can hear voices drifting to them on the wind. Mirian stops Culpeper, putting her finger to her lips for silence. She signals for Culpeper to wait here, then signals Bigor to wait. She slips ino a small game trail nearby, disappearing. A few minutes later she returns telling him, "It is ok it is a cleric of Ragnok. She has worked with the Rangers before so knows about this trail. She is known as Shilla the Brave. She looks and acts like A Paladin with great Clerical abilities. You will see what I mean when you Meet her. I don"t believe there is another Cleric like her anywhere. She is a Healer Cleric with armor and a mace." Mirian signals for Dilda to follow and moves towards the camp. Culpeper hesitates, he has a history with the Clerics of Ragnok. He hopes that this "Shilla the Brave" doesn"t know of him. He follows her to the camp thinking to himself, "this was going to happen eventually. I just thought it would be once we got to the city."

As they enter the campsite, Culpeper looks to the Cleric Shilla. He has seen her before, now he hopes she doesn"t recoginize him. Shilla and Jonny looks to the two of them. Shilla"s eyes hesitate on him for a moment her brows twitching. Culpeper fears that she recoginizes him, then her face clears. "May the blessing of Ragnok be upon you. I am the priestess Shilla of the Order healers." She holds out her hand first to Mirian then to Culpeper. She looks at Culpeper again, holding his hand slightly longer than she needed to. Thankfully the Rangers didn"t appear to notice. Culpeper noticed her taking a long look at him, but says nothing. Jonny announces to the group that the food is cooked and ready to eat. Eveyone gets out their kits, moving towards the fire. While everyone iseating and chatting, Culpeper notices Shilla taking looks at him and not joining in the conversation. "She recoginizes me. Damn! I am not ready to tell Mirian about my fall from the order of healers." Culpeper tells the group he is tired. "I am going to take care of Dilda then lay down." He removes all the gear brushes him down, checks his hooves. Deciding Dilda is all good, feeds him the last apple. Stroking Dilda"s muzzle while he chomped the apple. Culpeper takes his and Mirians blanket, setting up far from the fire and into the shadows. He lays down on his side facing away from the rest of the group.

When Mirian finally comes to lay down, in very serous tone of voice she whispers, "whats between you and the cleric? don"t tell me nothing, I saw how you looked at each. You looked scared, she looked unhappy." Mirian waits for Culpeper to roll over and look at her. When he finally does, he still hesitates. "You now how I don"t like talking about my past," he says it as a statement, not a question. She Nods, silently, wanting him to go on. "I dont now how to say it, other than to say it." Mirian tenses up fearing that it is going to be very bad. Culpeper lifts his head to try and see where the Cleic is. "If you are looking for Shilla, she is sleeping close to the trail. As an experienced campaigner she nows better than to lay that close to the road. Part of why I believe there is a problem between you two. I am concerned about how you are reacting to her." She can see tears in his eyes now, reaching out her hand she puts it on his arm. She waits for him to get control of himself. He takes another breath, gushing it out, "I used to be a Priest of Ragnok and a member of the Order healers. I...I had a failing and was removed from the Order. While the order has cast me out Ragnok has not. She is why I am such successful healer. Shilla recognized me as soon as she saw me, I am surprised she didn"t say anything when she saw me. If she recognized me she probaly knows I still have my Clerical powers, I just don"t use them unless I really truly hve no choice." He takes a deep shuddering breath, "I am sorry Mirian, I should have told you sooner, I just didn"t want to burden you. Just being a Ranger is enough for you to worry about, you don"t need my problems on top of it." Mirian dries his eyes and face with the cuff of her sleeve, then lifts his chin so that he is facing her. "You are my man. We will get through this together if thats what it tkes. As for Shilla? She better not fuck with my man or you and jonny will be treated to a full on bitch fight!" Culpeper actuall manages a chuckle replying, "That would be a fight worth paying to see. You are both favored by your dieties" He looks at her for a moment, takes a breath, "Thank you Mirian, someday i will tell you what my failing was but not today please. let us get some sleep." With that he rolls over but doesn"t sleep. She moves closer to him resting her hand on his side. He wiggles back a little letting her know the contact is welcomed.

Mirian wakes Culpeper late, telling him that they are almost ready to go. She got Dilda ready ready for him and has a light sna for him. He eats the food, steps into the trees, relieves himself and is ready to go.

As Culpeper approches Dilda, Shilla calls to him, "Culpeper, i would speak with you. will you speak with me for a moment before you and your friends continue your journey?" Mirian and Jonny are already mounted waiting for Culpeper. Culpeper loks to Shilla for a moment then nods his head. Mirian starts to dismount when Culpeper waives her off. Mirian, looking straight at Shilla loosens her boot dagger, then reaches up checking her arrows. Shilla did not miss the threat, nodded her acknowledement of the threat. Jonny didn"t miss the threat either, not nowing what it was about is still ready to back Mirians play if needed.

Culpeper approaches Shilla with his head and eyes down. "Priestess Shilla of the order of Healers, how may I serve you?" Shilla looks surprised that he gives her the formal greeting of one lower in rank. she looks at him for moment before speaking. "Yes Culpeper, I know who you are. We served together on a mission for the Church once, do you recall? we were serving in support of the Paladins. I was wounded, you healed me. I recall it like it was yesterday. I wanted you to know, I do not believe the Order treated you fairly. I am guessing Ragnok believes the same as she comtinues to bless you with her protection. plenty of us feel the same way, you were wronged by the order. I wanted to let you now, Not everyone in the order sees you as a outcast." Culpepepr looks at her for a moment, breaths a sigh of relief, asks, "Sister Shilla, would you give me a blessing? it has been a very long time." She smiles at him, "of course child of Ragnok, kneel." Culpeper sinks down to his knees before her. Placing her left hand on his head, she takes hold of her Holy Symbol with her right hand. Looking up to the sky, "Ragnok the merciful, bless this child of yours. While he has fallen from the grace of some humans he has not fallen from yours, we are grateful for this." Culpeper can feel power going from her hand into his body, he feels truly invigorated by the blessing of his God Ragnok. "Rise Culpeper child of Ragnok, for you have been blessed." Culpeper rises, thanks the Priestess. "go now Culpeper and know that you still have some friends in the Order." He tuns to join hs friends when Shilla says, "Culpepepr?" he turns back to her. "would you do me a favor and tell the Lady Ranger I am not your enemy? She really looks like she wants to stick that dagger from her boot right into my heart." Culpeper looks from Shilla to Mirian. "She"s not just a Ranger, she is my girlfriend, hopefully some day my wife, she tends to be very protective of me. I told her I was worried about a bad encounter with you. Yes, I will tell her you are not a enemy." He turns, walks to Dilda, mounts up and they move out.

Mirian and Jonny walk the horses away from camp, they both want to talk to Culpeper. Once they are out of hearing range both Rangers turn to the Healer, "you want to tell me what that was all about???" Culpeper looks at the two Rangers with an unreadable face, "no, not really, but I suppose I should." He takes a long moment to gather his thoughts. "I used to be a Cleric of Ragnok. I belonged to the Order of Healers. The faction that I was in are mostly Surgeons. That is where I had my failing as the Order saw it. Several of us were assigned to work with a Platoon of Kingdom Soldiers and a squad of Paladins. The Paladins also followed Ragnok. They belonged to the order of The Timeless Shield. The Kingdom of Lulia, our neighbor to the north, asked for our help in dealing with bandits in the towns and villages close to our border." Culpeper pauses here to catch his breath before continuing. It is obvioisly painful for him to discuss this, the Rangers wait patiently for him to continue. "I was assigned to the Paladin squad. It was my responsibility to aid them if wounded. The plan was that we would quarter in the largest town and wait for the bandits to come. And come they did. they weren"t just a group of bandits. There was about fifty of them. they were well armed, organized, ready to fight." Culpeper looks away from the other two, mumbles to Ragnok, "Please give me the strength to finish this." Out load he continues, "we had been there a couple days when the Bandit hoard rode up to the town, in force. They waited, until the Paladins rode out to talk to them. They told the Paladins that if they and and their soldiers left, they would be allowed to leave unmolested. The Paladin leader declined the offer, rode back into the town. While the Paladins were in parley the soldiers spread out thru the town getting ready to fight. While the Paladins rode back into the town the Bandits spread out to half surround the town. The citizens were told to stay inside, in their cellars if they had one. ... evetually, the Bandits attacked. It was obvious that their leaders had some Military training by the way they advanced on their attack. The Bandit leaders came straight for the Paladins. The battle was joined. I saw a little boy run from one of the houses. I left my position, caught him, pushed him into the closest home. One of the sections of the town was overrun, causing panic to spread. I saw it happen all at once. One of the Paladins went down, at the same time a little girl was struck by one of the Bandits. I was supposed to go to the Paladin. I chose the little girl. Without details, they both died. I was so convinced I could save her, I even tried a Healing spell but Ragnok denied me the spell. Both the Healers and the Shields believe that I "wasted" time on the girl after the spell failed. because of this wasted time the Paladin died unnecessarily." He pauses again, looks away. With a false hearty voice he concludes, "There you go, my whole dirty, shameful past. I...I need a moment, I think I will take point for a while." Without waiting for a response he kicks Dilda into a slight trot. Once he is about fifty feet ahead he slows to a walk again. By unspoken agreement Culpeper is leading the ride for a couple hours, walk for half hour sessions today.

"Ragnok, that was difficult for me. I will likely be confronted by members of both the Healers and the Shields. Give me the strength to handle it with grace. I did fail the Shields. I thank you for forgiving me but my fellow man has not. Or, according to Shilla, some have not." keeping his mind as quite as he can, he tries to admire the scenery.

The two Rangers look at each other, Jonny speaks first, "did you know about any of that?" still looking stunned she replies, "I knew he had a past he didn"t talk about. This? I knew nothing about this, its quite amazing." Jonny looks at Culpeper, "Did I understand right? He"s not a Cleric anymore but still has Clerical powers? He just doesn"t use them? How do you have powers and not use them?" Mirian laughs at that last part," I have spells and usually choose not to use them. Knowing when Nomar is likely to grant them or not, is an important part of it." Jonny looks between Mirian and Culpeper. He doesn"t know what to think, "a fallen Cleric? Because he tried to save a little girl, while trying to save the girl a Paladin died. Dying is part of being a warrior, why would they shun him for that?" Jonny continues to go in a circular argument in his head. Looking to Mirian, he sees her looking to Culpeper. He wonders if this will cause her to have a different and unpleasant feeling towards Culpeper. The three ride in silence until Mirian calls for a rest stop.

When they dismount Mirian goes to Culpeper, gives him a big hug. With her arms still around him, she asks, with obvious concern, "Are you alright Culpeper? that is alot you have kept inside yourself. You could hve shared it with me. That Paldin dying was not your fault. It was the fault of the bandits, not yours." He looks down at her replying with deep regret. "It might be my fault. When Ragnok denied me the Healing spell for the girl, I should have went to the Paladin. I didn"t, I defied Ragnok and continued to try to save the girl. Usually the only times she denies a Healing is when it will not help. That delay might have been the death of the Paladin, I ... we, will never know." Culpeper rests his cheeck on top of her head, taking comfort from her closeness.

Culpeper pulls back from her, looks to Jonny, "Do you have any thoughts here Jonny? If you do I would like to hear them now." Culpeper looks at Jonny with a raised eyebrow. "I am more confused than anything else. You tried to heal a girl, it caused a delay, a Paladin died. People die in battle, its a part of it. The Paladins and the Clerics know this...." Jonny drifts off to silence not knowing what else to say.

The three of them stand silently looking at each other. Culpeper is happy to see no judgement on the faces of the two Rangers. "Culpeper, I know this will be hard, but you need to move past this. This is your life now. I am your woman and Jonny is your friend. We are on joint missions. First to get me away from Jaffa for a while, second Jonny and I need to deliver documents to the King, third, unofficially, we are training you to be a warrior, or adenturer." she says with an attempt to lighten the mood. Jonny goes to Dilda, grabs the ever full canteen, takes a swig, hands it to Culpeper. Culpeper take the canteen, looks to Jonny, "I dont normally indulge in Spirits, Ragnok knows, I sure could use some right now." The two Rangers laugh knowing the feeling.

All three break out some dried fruit and jerky, washing it down with Mirians canteen. they give some grain and water to the horses. when it is time to go they walk the horses for a while. Culpeper requests that Jonny take point once again so that he and Mirian can talk while traveling. Jonny readiy agrees and does so.

Once Jonny is out of hearing range Culpeper trurns to Mirian, "You don"t know how much it means to me that you and Jonny still want to associate with me after what I told you. I really should have told you sooner. I...was scared how you would react." Mirian looks over to him, quitely replies, "I love you Culpeper. That has not and will not change." Mirian reaches over to Culpeper taking his hand. They travel the rest of the day mostly in silence until they reach the next camping site for the night.

The three set up the camp with Mirian cooing the meal, using the last of the squriell meat. When the camp is set, the horses taken care of, the three sit around the fire. The two Rangers set themselves so that they are looking up and down the trail. They sit quitely for a long time, the two Rangers not looking at Culpeper, Culpeper staring into the fire.

After awhile Culpeper finally speaks, "Should I tell you the rest?" looking to Mirian he continues, "If we are going to be together you need to know the rest." "Culpeper, I only want you to tell us if you want to tell us. I would like to know what to expect from the Shields and the Healers when we get into town. Otherwise, only tell what you want to tell," Mirian replies, putting a comforting hand on his leg. Culpeper looks to Jonny who nods in agreement, "Culpeper, I can move away if you would like? Let the two of you talk in private." Culpeper shakes his head no, "no Jonny, I would like you to hear also. I need to get this out." Culpeper loks around for a moment taking a few deep breaths. "I already told you about my failing. Not going to the Paladin when Ragnok refused me the healing spell for the little girl. The Healers held a trial. They had villagers, Clerics from the Healers, Paladins from the Shields, Soldiers from the Royal army and surprisingly they even got the bandit who struck the girl to testify. The one that surprised and hurt the most was one of the Healers testifying. He was my best friend for years, we grew up in the same village and entered the church together. His testimony was the most damning. He testified that I let the Paladin die on purppse, that I deliberately ignored him and let him die, using the girl as an excuse. The rest mostly testified that they saw me try the healing spell and that it failed. The Healers and the Shields all testified that as soon as the spell failed I should have gone to the Paladin. That the spells failure should have told me the girl was beyond help." Asking for the Canteen from Mirian, he takes a few swallows. Looking at the two Rangers he continues. "I knew somewhere in my head that the girl was beyond help, but in my heart I couldn"t let her go. At the end of the trial I was found to be at fault for the death of the Paladin. I banished from the Church. I am not supposed to be recieving the blessing from a cleric of Ragnok. When Shilla gave me the blessing yesterday, she defied the church. I still retain my Clerical training and Ragnok still grants me spells." He pauses here for a moment, with a look of genuine amusement he tells Mirian, "By the way, Shilla asked me to tell you that she is not my enemy. Something about you looking like you wanted to stick your dagger in her heart." Mirian replies much more seriously than Culpeper, "when you went to talk to her, lets just say, I did a weapons check to let her know, I was ready if she did something I didn"t like. Jonny backed me up. you say she is not the enemy, then she is not the enemy." Culpeper looks at his friends in surprise, "you would have fought Shilla for me?" Jonny laughs before Mirian can answer, "of course she would have fought for you. yes, I would have backed her up. She loves you, she is my friend and fellow Ranger." Culpeper shakes his ead again, continues. "I was given two sets of clothes, food for three days and a few coins. I was told I was never to approach one from the Healers or the Shields. If I did I would be shunned by the Healers and attacked by the Shields. So i left. i wandered for a long time, maybe a year. I finally came upon the place where my cottage is located. By this time I had acquired a bit of coin. I went to Mondale village, hired a few men, bought supplies and had them build my cottage. I have lots of skills but building is not one of them." He looks to his friends, concludes, "now, now you know everything."

The three sit quitely looing around, stealing peeks at each other. Mirian squeezes his leg, "I heard nothing in your telling that makes me feel differently towards you. I will keep saying Culpeper, it was the fault of the bandits, not you. This is your life now. You and I are together. you are a well trained healer, who is training to be a warrior." She continues with some amusement, "you are a cleric, not cleric, healer, mid wife, herbalist and more. now, you are in training to be a warrior. Only a foolish woman wouldn"t want you!" Culpeper smiles while Jonny and Mirian laugh. Mirian turns serious again saying, "I think that is enough of this talk. The food is ready so lets eat!"

Culpeper nods agreement, saying, "will we be continuing my fighting and watch duty training tonight?" Mirian takes on a look that neither of the men can read, "Oh yes, my dear, we are continuing your training. I wont be taking it easy on you tonight. You should be ready for a long uncomfortable ride tomorrow. A bruised body doesn"t travel well."

Jonny volunteers to clean up so they can get to training. They move to a clearing close to the camp. As soon as Culpeper raise his Mace Mirian begins attacking, retreating, he is barely able to block the attack. He takes another step back takes a two handed grip on his Mace, lunges forward in a fake over head attack, switching it to a side attack. Mirian isn"t fooled, blocks his attack easily. She keeps the pressure on him, not letting him slack for a moment. He does his best to counter attack but she easily avoids or blocks his every move. They keep at it until he drops to his knee"s in exhaustion. "Thank you. I don"t now if I learned anything tonight. I needed that work out." Mirian smiles, "Yeah, I thought you might. you learned tonigt, you just don"t realize it now. You tried a couple of new moves, you need practice but they were good moves." She moved to him giving him a hug and kiss. "wheww, Culpeper, I love you, but, you smell like bigor after a hard day of running!" They both laugh as Culpeper tells her he will clean up before bed. He suggests she go visit with jonny while he gets her canteen and some cleaning lotion.

As Mirian sits by the fire Jonny looks towards where Culpeper went to wash up. "Do you think he knows he didn"t have a chance against you tonight?" Mirian also looks in Culpepers direction, "probaly not. I really just wanted him to work off his emotions. when we get to the Castle and neighboring town, I want him to have a clear head. Once we move out in the morning it will be a half day to Ravenstone. We camp just inside the exit from the trail tonight. Then we should be there by noon. I will suggest to him that he keep his hood up when he can." The two old friends chat until Culpeper joins them at the fire. Mirian leans towards himm sniffing. "much better, but you are getting in the lake tomorrow evening. Culpeper seems a little better, the three friends chat until it was time to sleep. Mirian and Culpeper go to their bedrolls, while Jonny moves away from camp for watch duty.

It was a quite night, Jonny wakes them when it is their turn for watch duty. Mirian assists Culpeper in finding a hiding spot, then finds one for herself. They hear or see nothing tonigt. About an hour befor sun up, Both stand at about the same time. They walk back towards the camp again. Culpeper stirs up the fire to reheat last nights stew for the morning meal. They eat, clean up the camp, ready their mounts and move out.

Since the horses are well rested they started the day cantering the horses for a couple hours, then walking for awhile. When they were walking, Culpeper seemed almost back to normal. He actually started talking about the future. He asked her about her thoughts on marriage as a ranger. If she would like children some day. Mirian was almost giddy with this discussion as it continued. "I believe he is getting ready to ask me!"

Jonny Mounts up, they start cantering again. When they stop to walk again Culpeper kneels before Mirian. reaching into a worn leather satchel hanginging at his waist he pulls out a woven ring of dried Lavender and Ivy. His hands shake as he looks up to her with a look of hope as she stands before him, gaurded but softened by happy surprise. Culpeper asks her to marry him, "If it please you, I would ask for your hand — that I might walk beside you not as healer and ranger, but as husband and wife. I would build our days with care, and stand with you through all storms and seasons. When I see you draw your bow, I see strength. When you smile, I see peace. I would not bind you, nor steal your freedom — only walk the path with you, if you’ll have me, I would ask to call you my wife." Mirian drops her bow as she accepts the ring. Culpeper stands, taking her into an embrace twirling her in celebration.

"Thank you Mirian, you make me whole." about this time Jonny rides up, Did I see what I thought I saw? Are you married now? Congratulations! Mirian, my old friend I am very happy for you, Culpeper you also." Mirian looks to the two men, "Culpeper, I couldn"t be more delighted than to become your wife." She turns to jonny, giving him a big hug also. "And you, my oldest, closest friend. I am very pleased you were here to witness it." The trio celebrates a while longer before Cupeper says he wants to get to the lake. Jonny, being the joker that he can be comments as he mounts up, "you will still need to keep the noise down tonight!" he rides ahead on point

Mirian and Culpeper both laugh, "he"s not ever going to let that go is he?" asks Culpeper. "Not likely," Mirian agrees. "jonny really is a little boy at heart." They walk the horses for a little longer before mounting up again. After a few more hours they reach the campsite

Mirian suggests that first thing they should do is catch some fish. The Rangers tell their horses to stay at the campsite, Dilda stays with them. The two rustle thru their saddle bags coming up with some line with a hook on the end. They also pull a small pouch each. Mirian turns to Culpeper, "We will have to get you geared up for future adventures. Most Rangers only carry two fish lines. Dont worry, we will catch enough for you," she finishes with a smile. The Rangers walk towards the lake then steps into the woods again. The Rangers are looking for something but Culpeper doesn"t know what. Finally, Mirian lifts a long tree branch from the ground, "this will do," she turns to show Culpepepr. "it has to be long enough to get out over the water and strong enough for a good sized fish. You will need to clear the little branches and twigs from it." She pulls her dagger and proceeds to do so. once the pole is prepared she picks up another, shorter, stouter branch doing the same. Once the two poles are ready she returns to the lake, sitting not far from the shore. He looks around seeing Jonny doing the same thing. Mirian ties the fishing string to her pole, opens the pouch pulls something out and attaches it to the hook at the end of the string. "Ready?" She asks Culpeper. "Ready for what?" he replies. "To catch some fish. The fish in this lake are usually good sized. Two or three a each should be enough. We all have some vegetables to throw into the pan. Dont forget we saved the walnuts and blakberries for the fish. I also have some wine to poach the fish. just wait! You will love it. She throws the baited hook into the water. It isn"t long before she gets her first bite. She pulls it in, removes the hook from its mouth, making sure Culpeper can see what she is doing. She runs the short stick thru the fishes gills then stabs the pole into the ground in the lake. "we do that to keep the fish alive and fresh. you ready? want to try?" Culpeper takes the fishing pole, Mirian opens her pouch pulling out a small ball of dough. Culpeper looks at it with curiosity, "What is it?" he asks as she attaches it to the hook. "Its a ball of dough with Anise wrapped in the middle." She shows him how to throw the hook out ten hold the pole. It takes him longer to get a bite, when he does he gets all excited like a little kid. They keep fishing until the have a total of nine fish for the evening meal. Jonny joins mirian and Culpeper. They show Culpeper how to clean and scale the fish. When all the fish are cleaned they move back to the camp Proper. Everyone breaks out the last of the supplies thay have in their saddle bags. Once everything is gathered Jonny looks to the young couple, saying with amusement. "The food wont be ready for over an hour. I already know you are not going to be quite tonight, why dont you get hit the lake and get cleaned up. Wash a set of clothes, so you have clean clothes to put on in the morning. we will be at the castle by noon tomorrow." They almost run to their horses, to do the evening care. They pull out a change of clothes to change into and a set to wash in the lake. They also get their cloaks out. Culpeper grabs a vial of scented oil, they head for the lake. As they are walking Culpeper thinks to ask Jonny if he needs a set of clothes cleaned. Jonny nods his appreciation as he moves to Amis to get his clothes. "Thank you Culpeper, you kids take your time I will keep the food warm for you." Culpeper and Mirian move towards the lake.

As they approach the lake they drop the piles of clothes they are carrying. They strip off the clothes that they are wearing. They check the pockets making sure nothing got left behind. The only thing they find is a kingdom copper piece in Mirians pants pocket. They wash all the clothes using some of Culpeper scented oil on all of them. They get the washing done quickly, then hang the clothes to dry on some nearby bushes and branches.

After the chores are done they look to each other, reaching out their hands. They walked into the lake together. As they both enjoy swimming, they dive into the water. They swim around for a while, splashing each other. Mirian moves closer to the shore where she can stand up, they water coming up to her mid thigh. "come here Culpeper, I want to scrub you, then eat you. we will be making love all night long celebrating our getting married.

Culpeper joins her in the shallow water, standing up. They embrace, Culpeper leans down giving her a slow, gentle, passionate kiss. She wraps her arms around his neck, in a kiss that was both love and lust. Their mouths move together. He breaks the kiss, his lips trailing down her neck, sucking and nibbling at the sensitive skin. She arches her back, a soft moan escaping her lips as his mouth works down her collarbone. She gently pushes him back, taking the scented oil vial from him. She lathers up her hands. starting at his shoulders, she lathers him up in slow gently circles. She rubs the oil into his skin taking time to play with his nipples in a slow, a little rough, movements. She works her hands down to his waist, just barely allowing her hand to touch the back of his already throbbing cock. She pours more oil onto her hands. Stepping up to Culpeper, Mirian presses her boobs against his chest, trapping his cock between their bodies. She reaches thru his arms, she starts at his shoulders again, scrubing every inch down to his ass. Once she is done washing his ass, she just holds him for a moment, appreciating the feeling of him. She looks up to him, gives him a quick peck then drops to her knees. She is in the water just deep enough for her titties to float. Culpeper looks down appreciating the view and Mirian knew it. Using the last of the oil on her hands she cups his ball giving them a thorough, playful cleaning. When she moves to his cock shaft she wraps both hands around it, stroking up and down, with her hands rotating in opposite directions. Suddenly her warm, wet mouth wrapped around his cock, causing it to jerk and him to shudder. Her tongue swirling as she takes him into her throat. Her hands grabbed his ass holding him in place, her throat constricting around his cock causing him to moan in pleasure. He tangles his hands in her hair, thrusting gently in and out of her mouth. Her warm wet lips sending waves of pleasure through him. She pulls away from him, stands, with need in her eyes. "Take me, take me now!" she demands. lifting her with ease, her wet pussy takes his hard cock all the way to the balls in one push. The walls of her pussy grip him tightly, causing them both to moan. Her nails digging into his shoulders he begins to move, pounding into her. She wraps her legs around his waist, digging her heels into his ass, pushing him deeper. He leans her back, her orgasm building, the pleasure intensifying with every thrust. She screams his name her pussy clamping around around his cock as her orgasm over comes her, shaking with her release. His thrusts becoming more erratic as he fills her with his hot cum, his groan of release echoing across the lake. They collapsed together into the shallow water, their hearts pounding, as they cling to each other. Once they have their breath again she reaches over to clean his now half hard cock. "Get you cleaned up again, then I will clean up myself." By the time she is done cleaning him he is nearly fully erect again. She smiles at his resilience as she dives into the water again. She surfaces not far from Culpeper, the water about waist deep on her. She smiles to herself as Culpeper makes himself comfortable sitting in the water watching her, "He really does like it when I put on a show for him, and I have to admit, I like watching him watch me." As she rises the water cascades from her body, with streams running back to the lake water. A game suddenly enters her mind, "would you like to tell me what to do, how to wash myself?" she asks him. Culpeper sits up more in the water, smiles, "Yes I would. this sounds like fun." He stops to think for a moment then, "Alright, lather up your hands. starting at your shoulders lather up your whole body to the waist. Extra lather to your boobs, they are getting a special cleaning" Mirian, as instructed starts at her shoulders lathering up with the oil, working her way down, she starts to cup and play with her breasts, "no, no," chastises Culpeper in a playful serious voice, "I said lather up your whole body. I will say when or if they get played with, understand?" She lathers her boobs the rest the way, then moves on. She takes a step forward so that more of her body is out of the water. Culpeper looks her up and down, lingering on her well manicured pussy. "now, what shall we do next. I think you are to eager to play with your titties, so I think I will hve you do something else. I think we should stay away from the fun areas for for now." Mirian looks disapponted but says nothing as Culpeper continues. "Without touching the kitty wash everything below the waist, legs and feet. take it slowly, I am enjoying this." Mirian slowly rubs the oil into her skin, starting very close to her pussy lips. She wants to play with her pussy, titties but he told her not to. Culpeper sits watching her, getting more turned on himself. when she reaches her feet, "work your way back to your pussy and give it a good lather. go slowly, I like watching your titties move while you are bent over like that." working her way up slowly, moving her shoulders more than needed to give her titties more movement. Mirian was busy doing what she was told and didn"t notice right away that Culpeper had started to stroke his hard cock under the water. She was already turned on taking his orders, now to see him stroking himself, something she had never seen before, she almost orgasmed again. As she stands, they look at each other for a moment before Cupeper speaks again, "Turn around, let me see that tight little ass of your, spread your cheeks, let me see your hole." Mirian makes a show of turning around playing with her pussy as she turns. Once turned she bends slightly spreading her cheecks as wide as she can giving him a good look. "give that hole a good lathering, we might be sticking something in it later," commands Culpeper. The now obedient Mirian lathers up her asshole, swirling her fingers around, teasing the opening with a finger for his viewing pleasure. She looks around her shoulder at Culpeper, making sure he is still watching slowly inserts her finger into her asshole, pumping it in and out a few times. "I see that you like that now. who was the first to stick something in your ass?" he asks. she moans out her answer, "you were!", he looks at her for a moment. "what was it I stuck in your ass, for the first time?" "Your hard cock Culpeper and I loved it," she replies. "Very good. Its starting to get dark and you need to finish washing. Slowly, turn back towards me." As she turns back to him she can see tht his hand is still on his cock. "that is so sexy, I hope he lets me have it before he shoots another load." She stands their quitely, with her hands at her side waiting for Culpepers next command. Culpeper sits there looking at her, stroking himself. "Now cup your tits with your thumbs on your nipples," Culpeper instructs. "I don"t know what he likes watching more, me playing with my titties or my kitty. Whichever let me play, I want to get off, then move up to the camp to the serous fucking," Mirian slowly brings her hands up fom her sides to her breasts, cupping them, rubbing her thumbs over the nipples. "now, squeeze them, while leaning forward like you are offering them to me. continue to use your thumbs on the nipples," Swaying her ass from side to side, she leans slightly forward. While squeezing and rubbing her tits and nipples, he lifts them up offering them to Culpeper. Culpeper starts to stroke his Cock harder, while gazing upon her proffered titties, loving the view. "Mirian, I am getting close to cumming!" He continues to strokes himself, "stand before me, wash and play with your pussy, we can cum together!" "I have never seen him cum before. wonder how far he shoots a second load?" She slowly traces her hands down from her titties to her pussy in a slow drawn out way. She runs the fingers of her right hand over her clit down to her opening. She rubs the heel of her hand over her clit while sticking two fingers in her opening, groaning in pleasure. Culpeper recoginizes the sound of that groan and knows she is close to cumming. She moves her other hand back up to her tits, pinching one of the nipples, almost pushing herself over the edge. Culpeper feeling himself getting closer, stands up. The two lovers face eah other, pleasing themselves. While stroking his cock Culpeper reaches down cupping his balls, causing his head to go back, emitting a loud groan. Seeing and hearing this Mirian insets her two fingers deeply into her pussy, rubbing the her clit harder and faster. "oh! Culpeper. I am cumming!" Her whole body shakes and trembles as her release passes thru her, forcing her eyes closed. "Oh, oh, oh." Grunts Culpeper ready to pop. Just as Mirian is able to open her eyes again she raises both hands up to her titties rubbing and pinching the nipples holding them up for his viewing pleasure. Culpeper can hold back no longer and shoots his load into the lake. The first long string shoots about a foot away from himself, the seond and third closer. Starting at the base stroking close to the head, he gives his cock a shake, spraying cum around. The two look at each for a moment, move forward, embrace and kiss. Culpeper looks down at her, that was fun, but I sont think I would want to do it all the time. Its not really you and I will always want the real you." He kisses her again then leads her to their clothes on the shore of the lake.

It is full dark as they come up to the fire. They find their kits close to the fire with cooked food in them. They have fish and vegetables in them needing to be reheated. They move their kits closer to fire. They find Mirians ever full canteen and drink deeply from it. A short while later they can smell that the food is ready. They chat and look at each whie eating, not rushing but still eating faster than usual. Once they are done they clean thier kits then move to their bedrolls.

Soon their hands are all over each other, clothes dumped onto the ground in their desperation for skin-on-skin contact. Mirian pulls Culpeper to her as they kiss as their hands roaming, pinching and rubbing each others nipples. He pushes her back as his mouth closes over a nipple, sucking it hard, making her wet. Mirian moans as she runs her fingers thru his hair with one hand while the other roams down to her pussy while he continues playing with her titties. His fingers twirling and pinching, his mouth and fingers going back and forth. Mirian moans her first orgasm as her fingers work her pussy and his mouth and fingers work over her tits. Giving her a moment to catch her breath he dives face first into her pussy. She tries to push his face away, "I want your hard cock inside of me Culpeper. I have cum already, I want to fuck!" Culpeper looks up to her, "When I am done with you tonight I want you completely spent. We aren"t there yet." With her still looking at her, he laps his tongue into her pussy folds. Thusting his tongue into her pussy as he rubs her clit with his fingers. Groaning, she reaches up to her tittties, squeezing them, flicking and pinching her nipples. Wetting her thum and forefinger she rubs the moisture onto them. The cool breeze flowing over them, intensifying the feeling. Causing her to moan more as his tongue reaches her clit, his fingers thrusting inside of her. "Nomar! Bless me, I am cumming again!" Breathing heavy she pants, "now, Culpeper, now! put it in me!" Looking up to her again he pumps his fingers in and out of her pussy a few more times, lapping at her pussy.  "We got one more thing to ty tonight. Then and only then will I put it in you." he slowly pulls his fingers ot of her dripping wet pussy. Slowly, the fingers that were jut in her pussy are slowly inserted into her ass. She almost stiffens, then relaxes, then her asshole clamping around his fingers. Mirian reahes down rubbing her clit. While she rubs her clit he licks all around her pussy, quickly bring her to another orgasm.  With his fingers till in her ass, he kisses his way up her body. reaching her tits he sucks hard and nips at each of the nipples. He now guides his rock hard, dripping cock into her waiting, wet pussy. He wants to push all the way into her with one thrust, be balls deep. Instead, he moves into her slowly, his fingers still in her ass. Her er eyes go wide as she feels completely filled up. Cock in her pussy and fingers in her ass. "how do you like that?" he asks in a deep, husky, lust filled voice. Almost overwhelmed, Mirian is barely able gasp out her answer. "I love it Culpeper it fills like you are filling me with two cocks, now fuck me!" She wraps her legs around him, pulling him deeply into her wet excited pussy. At first he thrustd slow and gentle. Moving his hips in circular motions so that his cock rotated around like a stir stick. He pushes his fingers as deep into her ass as he can, then starts thrusting them in and out. Her whole body goes as stiff as a board, with her most powerful orgasm,  her pussy clamping down so hard on Culpepers cock that he can barely move it in and out of her. As she recovers fom orgasm, she reahes up, wrapping her arms around his kneck, kisses him. "whhheww, Culpepepr that was incrdible. I really like having both holes filled. I also like a good ol" fashioned pounding, Now get to it!" Culpeper pulls his fingers out of her ass as he rises to kneeling position between her legs, his cock sliding out at the same time. Mirian thinks to herself, "good kneeling is his pounding position, I am about to get it!" He scoops her up under her knee, pulling her closer to him. "pounding you want? pounding you shall get!" reaching down he slides his cock back into her pussy, going all the way in. He stirs his cock around inside her again. Pulls all the way out, slams it back in slapping his balls against her ass. He does this several more times, pushes into her and grinding. He pulls out to just the head, then slams it in and starts pounding her pussy very hard causing her to raise her knees more, giving him even more access to her. He pounds and grinds at her pussy with all the power he can. He reachs down to rub her clit with his thumb. This pushes her to another orgasm, she lays back limp, eyes barely open. He smiles down at her, "I am about to cum Mirian, where do you want it?" She takes a moment to answer as he continues to pound and grind into her, "Shoot onto my tits then stick itin my mouth to clean it up. Hearing those words he almost cums right then. He pulls out, climbs up to her tits, slides his cock between them.  She aqueezes her titties together for him. He cock slaps each nipple a few time then rubs himself around her tits, leaving a sticky trail of pre cum behind. He slides his cock back between them just as he starts to cum. He shoots his load up to her knck and down to her tits. As she had to told him, he moved up enogh to stick his cock into her mouth. Swirling her tongue around the head, she takes the shaft into her hand stroking it. She uses her other hand on his ass, encouraging him to move forward so she can have more of his cock in her mouth. He slowly pumps in and out a few more times before pulling out and moving to her side. "let me get your canteen and something to clean up."

Jonny laughs to himself once he can no longer hear them, "I think I will keep the watch for the rest of the night. I doubt they know get up time is in about two hours. Once that time arrives, he goes to the fire stirring it up back to life, Waking Mirian who wakes Culpeper. "why didn"t you wake us earlier to take watch?" Mirian asks, standing Jonny hands her a cup of Tea and one for Culpeper. Jonny looks at the two of them while they sip their Tea. Lookig innocently into the fire, "you two didn"t quit making noise until about two hours ago." Mirian and Cupeper blush slightly. Jonny looks up to them sees their response and laughs. The newly married couple look up and laugh also. "Thank you Jonny, you are a good friend," replies Miriian. Culpeper looks to Jonny, "I don"t have many friends since breaking with the church. I would like to count you among them." Culpeper holds his hand out for Jonny to shake. Jonny takes it replying, "It is my honor Culpeper." The three finish their Tea and eat. They check and prepare their mounts and move out.

Leaving the trail is a similiar process to entering the trail. Mirian and Jonny dismount, command their horses to stay where they are. The two Rangers disappear into the tree line telling Culpeper to be ready. Sitting atop Dilda where the wide open trail narrows down to a game trail. He keeps an eye on the two Ranger horses. The signal comes several minutes later, the Ranger horses run down the game trail with Dilda and Culpeper right behind them. Once they they are on the road proper the two Ranger horses face in opposite directions on the the road, with Dilda between them. Culpeper looks towards the Rangers, sees them replacing loose boulders and trees on the trail entrance. Both Rangers quickly mount up kicking their horses into a trot down the road. A short distance down the road they pull up to a stop. Both the Rangers l0ok up and down the road dont see anyone. Mirian turns to Culpeper saying, "we are about a half days ride from the castle. We will be following the ride for a few hours walk for half an hour plan. When we reach the Castle we will be given automatic entrance up to the kings offices. Once there, we will need to check in with his Chamberlain. He will tell us when the king will be available to meet with us. You may or may not be invited to join us in discussion." holding up her ring, "Even though we are married now, you wont have a official position. Sorry dear, but it might be better, at least at the begining, if you stayed quite until spoken to." Culpeper takes a deep breath, "I understand, I am almost more worried about running into members of the Healers and the Shields. Well? shall we go.

The three companions lope their horses down the road. They see many people on the road. Peasants and peasant families, merchant trains, soldiers on patrol, a shepherd herding his sheep and more. At a certain point, Mirian pulled the up short, just before a bend in the road. "the castle is a short distance around the bend. I want to take a break here. Lets eat and drink then we can walk the rest of the way for the sake of the horses.

After eating they care for their mounts, giving them grain and water. The two Rangers look to Culpeper, asking together, "Ready?" He nods his head, following the Rangers they walk down the road. As they round the corner, they come face to face with Castle Ravenstone.