Lucky Thirteen

By Mavis Applewater

yomavis@email.com

March 2004

Disclaimers, the characters and story are the sole possession of the author and may not be reproduced, posted or sold without the author's permission. If for any reason real or imagined you are uncomfortable with or do not wish to read a story with graphic descriptions of two consenting adult women in a loving and sexual relationship then do not read this story or anything else I have ever written. If for any reason it is illegal for you to view this material you have my sympathy but you must leave now. And don't come back until it is no longer a crime.

A special thank you goes out to my beta reader Mountain Girl.

As always this is for Heather.

Leila narrowed her eyes watching her roommate carefully. Phoebe had been glued to her computer for hours. "It is a beautiful day out," she glibly announced. She knew the small brunette was gone oblivious to the outside world. "I'll never understand just what is so amazing about those damn computer games," she added with a growl as Phoebe continued to ignore her.

"Sorry," the brunette muttered her apology as she studied the computer screen more carefully. "It is just so addicting," Phoebe confessed.

"If I may ask, just what in the in the hell are you playing?" Leila demanded.

"Solitaire thirteen," Phoebe mumbled as she snarled at the game.

"Solitaire?" Leila bemoaned. "Are you telling me that you've been chained to your computer for an entire day playing solitaire?

"Yeah," Phoebe sighed as she glanced over at her roommate with a glazed over expression.

"Unfreaking believable," Leila huffed. "Turn it off," she softly suggested to the smaller woman. It was almost the semester break, the both of them had already finished with their midterms and Phoebe was wasting her freedom playing solitaire.

"Okay," Phoebe conceded much to Leila's surprise. "I need a shower," she grimaced as she stood.

"No kidding," Leila scowled as she claimed her roommate's now vacant seat.

"Brat," Phoebe snarled as she playfully swatted her unsuspecting roommate.

Much to Leila's pleasure Phoebe began to gather up her belongings. Leila glanced over at the computer screen bewildered by just what was so fascinating about the game highlighted in red and green. She slipped the mouse along the desk and clicked deal. She studied the cards as she tried to figure out the game.

"You need to pair up cards to make thirteen," Phoebe explained as she lingered over Leila's shoulder. "All of the cards are face value, Jacks are worth eleven, Queens twelve and Kings thirteen. You can only match two cards together, except Kings, which are a freebie. So match like an eight and a five and if they aren't covered you get two points. The goal is to reach fifty-two. If you do you get a one hundred point bonus and a chance to move on. Oh, and you can only match up cards that are exposed."

"This is what you've been doing?" Leila scoffed at her normally level headed roomy.

"I'm telling you that it is addicting," Phoebe defended. "You come close to winning, so you have to keep going. Or you do badly and you can't end with a bad score, and it is worse when you win."

"Fine, let me give this a shot," Leila sighed as she clicked deal. The cards were spread out in a pyramid while a stack of unseen cards remained at the bottom.

"Just click on the cards you want," Phoebe explained. "When you need more just click the deck. You get three new cards each time you do that and it covers the three spots."

"Sounds easy enough," Leila shrugged as she began. She played for all of five minutes before she was blocked. "What does 'no more moves' mean?"

"Game over," Phoebe flatly informed her.

"Son of," she growled when she checked out her meager score of thirteen. "What is your high score?"

"Four hundred fifty," Phoebe yawned as she grabbed her towel.

"Maybe one more game," Leila muttered. Feeling challenged by Phoebe's score she clicked on the deal icon.

"That is how it starts," Phoebe cautioned her. "You keep saying that and starting a new game is just a flick of the wrist away."

"Whatever," Leila dismissed the brunette's warning while she tried to form a strategy as Phoebe left the room.

Leila fared better the second time and quickly decided to try just one more time. She barely noticed when Phoebe returned from her shower. Normally the sight of the petite brunette half-naked would definitely draw her attention. She silently wondered if the computer game might just be the distraction she needed to keep her mind away from the wayward desires regarding her attractive roommate.

"Alright!" She cheered when she cleared all of the top cards. "Wait how come I only scored fifty?"

"You need to clear all of the cards not just the ones on top," Phoebe explained as she peered over Leila's shoulder. The redhead shuddered as the scent of the brunette's shampoo invaded her senses.

"Okay," Leila conceded as she started a new game. "Now that I know all the rules I am certain that I can beat this sucker."

"Oh boy," Phoebe sighed. "I'm going out for a walk. I can't believe I wasted all of this time on that game. I'll see you in a bit."

"Later," Leila absently muttered while carefully studying her cards and planning her strategy.

She lost track of how many times Phoebe came and went. She barely acknowledged the perky woman who normally held her undivided attention. Phoebe did try to feed her and engage her in conversation. Sadly, as time passed, Leila's vocabulary shrank considerably. She was limited to expressions such as you suck, you cheat, I'm almost there and, of course, just one more game.

Leila's eyes were glazed over and her back and wrist were sore as she played on and on. She finally relented when she glanced at the clock and discovered that it was almost five in the morning. "What the hell?" She groaned as she gazed over and discovered Phoebe fast asleep and snoring like a foghorn.

Leila dragged her tired body over to her tiny twin bed and collapsed. After just a short sleep she awoke the next morning to discover Phoebe had left for the day. Leila' eyes lit up when she noticed that not only was the brunette's computer on but it was booted up to the yahoo game web site. "I'll only play three games and then stop," she vowed as she sat down at her roommate's desk.

"How is it going?" Phoebe inquired after she returned from breakfast.

"I'm sorry," Leila apologized failing to look up from her game. "Do you need your computer?"

"No," Phoebe giggled from behind her. "Trust me you are saving me from myself. Carry on if you get in too deep I'll be here."

"I won't play for long," Leila vowed confident that she was telling the truth.

Twelve hours later she was going strong thoroughly convinced that she was just one step away from winning at least two games in a row. "What is your high score?" Phoebe called out from her bed.

"Two hundred," Leila vacantly responded, as her gaze remained transfixed on the computer screen.

"Good job," Phoebe complimented her as the hair on the back of Leila's neck prickled. She knew without looking that the brunette was standing directly behind her. "Shut it off."

"Huh?" Leila squeaked.

"After you finish this hand shut it off," Phoebe asserted. "We are going for a walk."

"But?" Leila fussed.

"Promise me?" Phoebe whispered her warm breath caressing the redhead's sensitive earlobe.

"Okay," Leila blew out conceding to the only thing on earth that could tear her away from her newly discovered pleasure. "Crap," she grumbled as she lost by a few cards. Blowing out a heavy breath she shut down the web site.

"I told you that it is addicting," Phoebe giggled as she crinkled her nose.

"No kidding," Leila yawned as she stretched out her weary body.

"Get washed up and we'll take a stroll around the campus," Phoebe instructed her.

After she showered and changed Leila felt like a new woman, but she still felt a nagging itch to reboot the computer. "We need to set a time limit on how long we play," she theorized as Phoebe laughed hysterically at her.

"It is after midnight and we only have two days left before we head home for break," Phoebe began to explain. "I'd really like to spend that time enjoying your company."

"Why Miss Phoebe are you trying to sweep me off my feet?" Leila jested silently wishing that perhaps someday it would be true. Leila had been wishing for Phoebe to notice her as more than a friend for the past year. The shy smile Phoebe gave her made her heart flutter with renewed hope. She quickly dismissed the idea as she reminded herself that they were nothing more than friends.

Leila walked into the freshman dorm finally free of the small town life. Upon her entrance she met the one person who would turn her world upside down. Leila had already known that she was different. She had long ago accepted that the difference between her and her other friends was simply that she was gay.

Leila had just never been brave enough to share this discovery with anyone. From the first moment she looked into Phoebe's blue green eyes she was positively smitten. She silently prayed that the energetic brunette possessed a horrid personality.

Instead Phoebe possessed a sparkling personality and a heart of gold. They became the best of friends. The moment Leila realized just how close the two of them had become it sucked the life out of her. Being attracted to her roommate was bad; falling for her best friend was a disaster.

"What cha' thinking about?" Phoebe chimed in breaking through Leila' thoughts.

"Solitaire," she lied.

"Amazing isn't it?" Phoebe exclaimed. "Those games should come with warning labels. Come on my little card shark let's go outside and breathe semi clean air."

Leila blew out a sigh of relief as she followed behind the brunette. She felt the guilt stirring as she allowed her dark brown eyes to drift to Phoebe's shapely behind.

"Isn't this much better," Phoebe encouraged as the warm spring night air embraced them. "I like nights like this; it is late and most anyone who is still awake is busy studying."

"Hmm," Leila sighed while her body tingled as she felt Phoebe's arm slipping through hers. "Looking forward to going home for spring break?"

"Yeah, I guess," Phoebe muttered as she leaned slightly into Leila's body. The brunette's actions, once again, caused Leila's heart to beat just a little faster.

"You almost sound like you'd rather stay here?" Leila curiously questioned her friend.

"I'm looking forward to seeing my folks," Phoebe sighed again.

"Just your parents?" Leila questioned thoughtfully as she realized that Phoebe rarely discussed or mentioned any friends from back home.

"Yes," Phoebe flatly responded while Leila fought against the moan threatening to escape from her lips when she felt the brunette's breast brushing against her forearm. "I didn't have a whole lot of friends in high school."

"I find that hard to believe." Leila said as she shook her head in disbelief. "You're so outgoing and," she halted her words fearful that she was about to let it slip just how attractive she thought the smaller woman was. "I mean I'm the shy one and even I left a few mates behind."

"I use to have a lot of friends," Phoebe began sadly in a hushed tone. "Things changed," she added grimly.

"Such as?" Leila encouraged her suddenly quiet friend.

"I um," Phoebe grumbled as she clenched her jaw her body slipping slightly away from Leila. "I stopped lying or rather I told someone something in confidence and they felt it was their moral duty to tell everyone my secret."

"Jeez what a jerk," Leila retorted with a sneer. "Again I'm finding it hard to fathom that you did or were involved with anything that would make everyone in your home town treat you like a leper."

"Boogers," Phoebe grunted while running her fingers through her long dark hair. "I knew that this day was coming. I had planned on telling you. I just kept putting it off."

"Jeez what did you do murder the baby sitter?" Leila laughed at her friend's suddenly dismal attitude.

"Nope," Phoebe grimaced. "I slept with her, only she wasn't my baby sitter. That would be icky."

"Not to mention a disturbing illegal act," Leila piped in with a wry smile. "Is that it? You're gay? Or was it one of those BI-curious episodes?"

Leila held her breath as she waited for Phoebe to respond to her blunt comments. "Jerk," Phoebe lightly laughed. "You knew?"

"No," Leila corrected her as she felt her palms beginning to sweat. "I hoped," she added with a brilliant smile.

"Fine," Phoebe snickered while hooking her arm with Leila'. "Now that I've shared, do you have anything you'd like to get off your chest?"

"What do you mean?" Leila hedged as a lump formed in her throat. She cast a wary gaze over at her companion.

"You hoped?" Phoebe encouraged as she bumped the taller woman with her hip. "Come on, I just confessed how Debra blabbed about my relationship with Candy."

"Candy?" Leila barked with laughter until Phoebe shot her down with a challenging look. "Yes, I'm gay too. Suck the fun out of it for me why don't you?" Leila halted her steps the sudden stop jolted Phoebe causing the small brunette to fall against her.

"What is it?" Phoebe choked out with concern. "Your ex has a funnier name?"

"No, it is just that I've never said that before," Leila stammered as the reality hit her. "I'm gay," she repeated allowing the words to sink in.

"Never?" Phoebe probed comforting the taller woman by stroking her arm. "I know the first time you tell another person can be frightening. I just wish that I didn't have to keep announcing it every time I meet a new person."

"I'm not a new person," Leila protested as she smiled down at the brunette. "We've lived together for almost two years. I'd like to think that we are friends."

"Just friends?" Phoebe pensively inquired. Leila was about to explain that Phoebe meant much more to her than just a friend. She was finally filled with the courage to tell Phoebe just how deeply her feelings ran. The sound of Phoebe inhaling sharply cut off her words. "Wait? How could you've not have told anyone before now? What about old girlfriends?"

"No one," Leila muttered as she slipped away from Phoebe's touch.

"How is it that I'm closer to you than anyone else and I never knew that you are a virgin?" Phoebe sputtered. "Then again the both of us are masters when it comes to avoiding talking about sex."

"I'm not a virgin," Leila corrected her. "I dated this guy my senior year. He was so sweet but the intimacy lacked something."

"I understand," Phoebe agreed as she nudged Leila to start walking again.

"I've made out with a girl before," Leila expanded. "I even copped a feel. I think it was the way I felt when I touched her. I was so much more excited by so little that really broke down the barriers for me."

They fell into a comfortable silence as they strolled across the quiet campus enjoying the night air. Leila felt the warmth encompassing her soul as the short conversation kept replaying in her mind. "Lost in thought again," Phoebe hummed softly. "I'm happy we've finally talked about this. I felt like I was betraying you by hiding this."

"I've felt the same way," Leila nodded in agreement. "Only difference is I didn't say anything because I'm attracted to you. I was afraid if I told you the truth about me and my feelings you'd walk away."

"Never," Phoebe vowed with a tender squeeze. "Then again perhaps you should pay a little more attention to your surroundings. Do you honestly think I follow you into the shower every morning just because it is a convenient time for me? You know I'm glad we both became obsessed with that silly computer game."

"Huh?" Leila sputtered as she tried to follow her roommate's strange sense of logic. Primarily her focus was locked on the parts where Phoebe had said she'd never turn away from her and liked to watch her in the shower. As her mind contemplated the complexity of the situation Phoebe stepped in front of her. Leila's body was all too aware of the fact that the brunette's hands came to rest on her hips.

"If we hadn't gone gaga over that game," Phoebe softly began as she captured Leila in a smoky gaze. "I might have kept postponing having this conversation with you and I might not have mustered the courage to do this."

"Do what?" Leila whispered as they inched closer together. She could feel Phoebe's breath on her face as she caressed the smaller woman's back. Her world lit up as she felt Phoebe's lips brushing softly against her own. It was a shy promising gesture that somehow eclipsed the outside world. Entranced by the simple kiss Leila returned for more.

Her mind became devoid of thoughts as she gave into the feel of Phoebe's body melting against her own as they kissed deeply. Leila's knees buckled as soft lips departed from her touch. "Wow," Phoebe blew as she swayed slightly. "Just how many girls have you made out with?"

"Couple," Leila sheepishly answered as her body swayed. Phoebe's eyes twinkled up at her mesmerizing her completely. Her head dipped as her hazel eyes sought out Phoebe's soft lips. The sight of Phoebe's lips slightly parted and swollen from the kiss they had shared drew her in. Their breath mingled as her eyes fluttered shut. Her ears were filled with the sound of her heart pounding and just as she was about to touch those soft supple lips she felt a steady hand on her chest halting her movements.

"Not here," Phoebe's hushed voice cautioned her.

Leila's eyes snapped open as the gravity of Phoebe's warning reached her. She blew out a terse breath as she tried to calm her body. She swallowed hard as she watched Phoebe's tongue dart out and lick her lips. She knew that she should step away from the brunette's warm inviting embrace. Fearfully she clung to the other woman not wanting the moment to end. She needed the connection that they were sharing as if it was the force that was keeping her alive.

"Leila," Phoebe murmured her nimble fingers caressing the curve of the taller woman's body. They shared a curious laugh as Phoebe slipped her arm around the redhead's waist. Aimlessly Leila blindly followed as Phoebe guided them back towards the dorm.

They bypassed the elevator choosing to use the back stairwell to reach their room exchanging kisses in the dark recesses as they stumbled closer to the room. Phoebe kept a tight hold on Leila's trembling hand as she opened the door to the floor they lived on.

Leila bit back a laugh as she watched Phoebe peeking around the door. "Find something amusing did we?" Phoebe teased her as she spun around.

Leila cleared her throat as she tried to formulate an explanation as to just why it was that she found the situation amusing. "All of this cloak and dagger antics, we live here," she related as Phoebe blushed in embarrassment. "We just don't normally hold hands when we come back to our rooms," she added shyly as her thumb brushed tenderly against the back of Phoebe's hand.

Her heart warmed as she watched Phoebe's lips curl into a mischievous grin. "Right you are Watson," Phoebe jested as she yanked the unsuspecting redhead into the hallway. "Let them see us," she asserted. "I don't care. I'm tired of hiding who I am and how I feel."

Leila smiled down at the enigmatic brunette as they stood in the middle of the hallway. She cupped Phoebe's face in her hands. Her stomach fluttered as Phoebe released a soft whimper as she leaned into Leila's touch. "Kiss me," Phoebe pleaded with a purr as Leila guided her closer.

Leila captured the brunette in a soft smoldering kiss. Phoebe returned her affection with a deep intensity that literally made the taller woman's toes curl. If any of their dorm mates witnessed the passionate encounter, neither of them noticed. They were caught up in the feel of their lips and bodies coming together.

As the kiss deepened Leila released a deep moan. She became light headed as all of the blood in her body rushed to her aching nub. Leila was left quaking, her lips burning long after the kiss ended. Slowly she lifted her eyelids and her heart fluttered as she gazed down at Phoebe.

The brunette's face was flushed and her eyes were smoldering with desire.

Leila licked her lips while blowing out a calming breath in an effort to quell the inferno brewing from deep inside of her. "Why don't we go inside?" Phoebe requested. The husky tone of her voice and the under-lying meaning lingering behind her words sent a shiver through Leila's body.

Leila blindly followed wrapping her arms around Phoebe's slender waist as the brunette fumbled while unlocking the door. A sudden sense of panic encompassed Leila as they stumbled into the room. She stood silently in the middle of the room filled with a sense of nervousness. Her mind was trying to catch up with the strange turn of events.

She inhaled sharply as Phoebe stood before her capturing her trembling hands with her own. "It is me," Phoebe reassured her as she guided her closer. "Your friendship has been my guiding light. I don't want to lose that."

"Never," Leila promised with a smile leaning closer to the smaller woman.

"If this is too much, or?" Phoebe stammered.

"No," Leila smiled before stealing another kiss. "I can't resist this."

Leila felt the heat flowing between them as they stood there gazing deeply into one another's eyes. The sounds of their labored breathing filled the room. She reached out caressing Phoebe's hips. The brunette's hands glided up along her arms gently kneading and caressing as they made their ascent.

Leila clasped Phoebe's hips tighter as she pulled her closer. Phoebe clasped her neck caressing it gently as they explored the warmth of the other's mouth. Leila stroked the brunette's back her hand slipping lower and lower with each caress. Phoebe molded her body against Leila's as the redhead's hand massaged the smaller woman's firm round backside.

Leila filled both of her hands with Phoebe's bottom while the brunette's kisses drifted from her lips to Leila's face. Their hips ground against one another as Phoebe explored Leila's chiseled features. Leila felt their bodies moving against one another as they across the room. She released a yelp as they stumbled against her bed.

She laughed as they fell down onto her bed. Her body surged as Phoebe landed on top of her. She caressed her lover's body enjoying the feel of the small brunette's body covering her own. They smiled while studying the other's face not only with their eyes but their fingertips.

As she traced the contour of Phoebe's delicate features Leila was filled with a sense of belonging. They were drawn together kissing passionately their bodies rocking slowly as the heat between them grew. Leila's hands slowly explored the soft, supple curves of Phoebe's body. The brunette moaned deeply as Leila's fingers brushed against the swell of her breast.

Encouraged by the urgent sway and sweet murmurs Phoebe released Leila's hand slipped between their bodies. Her body arched as she filled her hand with Phoebe's breast. She massaged it tenderly her body quivering as she felt the brunette's hardened nipple greeting her touch. Phoebe was gasping as she tore her soft lips from the fiery kiss.

Leila's heart soared as Phoebe gazed down upon her through half open lids. The brunette's face was flushed with desire. "We have to stop," she whimpered forcing Leila's heart to sink.

"Why?" She stuttered not understanding what she had done wrong.

"If we don't," Phoebe struggled with her words. "I won't be able to stop. You're driving me insane."

"Did I do something wrong?" Leila questioned her hand still caressing Phoebe's breast. The brunette's hips ground against the redhead's body as she released a haughty moan.

"No," Phoebe groaned her hips still grinding against Leila's over heated body. "You're doing everything right," she confessed while her body trembled. "I don't want to rush this or you."

Leila smiled with a sudden understanding her hand pressing harder against Phoebe's breast. "I've wanted this since the first moment I saw you," she confessed in a breathy whisper as her hips matched Phoebe's sensual rhythm. "Don't you want this?"

"Yes," Phoebe choked out as she slipped her thigh between Leila's legs. The redhead cried out as she felt Phoebe's firm thigh pressing against her aching center. Leila's thighs clenched and her body arched as she pressed her aching need harder against her lover's body. "You've never done this before," Phoebe cautioned her while they thrust harder against the other's body. "It should be special."

"I'm with you and that makes it special," Leila managed to sputter out as she ground harder against Phoebe's warm inviting form. "I don't want to stop. I want it to be you."

"Sweet Jesus," Phoebe moaned as her body collapsed against Leila. She laced her fingers through Leila's long red hair and drew her in for a searing kiss. Leila's hand became trapped between their bodies. She reluctantly withdrew it from the softness of the brunette's breast.

Leila could feel her desire dampening her jeans as her clit rubbed against the seam. Her body was screaming for release as she caressed Phoebe's body. She kneaded the smaller woman's back as she felt Phoebe's curious hands tugging on the hem of her shirt.

A jolt of excitement soared through her as Phoebe raised her body while she slowly lifted Leila's shirt up her body. The redhead's stomach fluttered as she raised her arms and Phoebe removed her shirt. She fell back against the pillows as Phoebe curiously studied her half-naked body with both her hands and eyes.

The brunette's touch and gazed filled her with a sense of being worshiped. She inhaled sharply as Phoebe's fingers danced lightly against her stomach. "You're not the only one who has desired this since the day we met," Phoebe absently murmured as her fingertips glided up along Leila's quivering flesh. "So beautiful," Phoebe sighed happily as she slowly traced the swell of Leila's breasts.

Her ears were pounding with the sound of her thundering heart as Phoebe began to kiss her neck while filling her hands with Leila's breasts. Leila bit down on her bottom lip as she pressed her breasts against the palms of Phoebe's hands. The brunette massaged her firmness as she suckled Leila's neck.

She felt dizzy from the feel of Phoebe pushing her bra up exposing her hard nipples as her lips urgently teased the pulse point on her neck. In a need to feel more Leila reached behind her and unclasped her bra. Phoebe tenderly lowered her down as she slipped Leila's bra from her body. Their hips maintained a slow tantalizing pace as Phoebe's long dark hair tickled Leila's trembling flesh.

She clung to her lover's shoulders as she gave in to the feel of Phoebe's lips and tongue tracing her breasts. Her body jolted up when the roughness of Phoebe's tongue grazed against her nipple. "I want you. I need you," Phoebe whispered against her skin before capturing her hardened nipple between her lips.

Leila dug her blunt nails into Phoebe's shoulders as the brunette suckled one nipple while her tiny fingers captured and teased its mate. Her mind was filled with the aching need to rip Phoebe's clothing from her body and ravish her. Leila's body gave into the smaller woman's knowing touch. She felt a pang of jealousy striking her heart as she realized that she was not the first woman the brunette had touched this way.

The ugly feelings quickly departed as Phoebe murmured soft promising words. "Leila," Phoebe whispered as she teased one breast then the other. "I love you. I have since the very beginning." The sincere words struck Leila like a thunderbolt further igniting the passion burning inside of her.

"Phoebe," she gasped as she felt a shy hand slipping between her thighs. She captured her lover's hand with her trembling body grinding urgently against Phoebe's touch. "I love you too," she confessed her long hidden feeling as she ground her throbbing clit against the heel of the brunette's hand. "Oh my God," she cried out as Phoebe's touch grew more insistent.

"I want to feel you cum," Phoebe whispered hotly in her ear driving the redhead closer to the edge. Leila released a strangled cry unable to speak as she felt Phoebe straddling her body and lowering her zipper. Leila tried to steady the rapid beating of her heart as she felt her jeans being lowered down her body.

She shivered as Phoebe's hair caressed her body while the brunette kissed her quivering stomach. Her wetness was over flowing as Phoebe's mouth drifted lower while she yanked the redhead's jeans down her body. She was a quivering mass of desire as Phoebe teased her as her lips followed the descent of her jeans.

Leila tried to cool the aching need as Phoebe cast off her pants and socks before she began kissing her way back up the redhead's legs. The feel of Phoebe's clothing brushing against her skin frustrated her. "Hold on," she managed to squeak out as Phoebe began kissing the inside of her thighs. Phoebe smiled up at her as she raised her head.

"Yes?" Phoebe coyly inquired with a sly smirk. The smoldering gaze the brunette cast down upon her stole the words from her. Unable to speak Leila responded to Phoebe's inquiry by raising her body and gripping the brunette's T-shirt. Phoebe held her in a fiery gaze as Leila tugged the shirt from her lover's pants. Phoebe kept smiling at her as Leila removed the unwanted garment from the brunette's body.

She blew out a terse breath as Phoebe cupped her own breasts slowly teasing her nipples. Leila was riveted by the sight of the brunette's nipples straining against the sheer material of Phoebe's bra. Leila released a tiny squeak as she watched Phoebe intently. Leila reached out her eyes never drifting from the sight of Phoebe's tiny fingers pinching her nipples. Her hands moved quickly as she undid the button of Phoebe's pants. A jolt of excitement shot through her as the sound of Phoebe's zipper being lowered echoed through the room.

Leila lowered Phoebe's pants to her hips as the brunette raised her body while reaching behind her back. Leila stared as the brunette's bra fell open and Phoebe removed the garment from her body. "Can I touch you?" She pleaded, as her gaze remained transfixed on Phoebe's firm full breasts.

"You can do anything you want," Phoebe promised as she rolled off of the redhead's body and removed her pants. They reclined next to one another clad only in their panties as Leila's curious fingers reached out and brushed against the softness of her lover's breast.

She could feel Phoebe's hand massaging her hip while she brushed her fingers against the brunette's pert pink buds. Her passion grew as she felt Phoebe trembling from her touch. Her mouth quickly followed her fingers and she captured one of the buds with her lips. She suckled her lover urgently as she felt Phoebe's fingers gliding along the waistband of her panties.

Leila's touch quickened each time she felt tiny fingers slipping beneath the elastic barrier. Phoebe pressed her breast deeper into the warmth of Leila's mouth as she lowered the redhead's panties. Her panties hugged her hips while small fingers brushed against soft passion soaked curls. She tugged on Phoebe's nipple with her teeth as she felt a single digit slipping between her slick folds.

Leila shuddered as Phoebe slowly stroked her throbbing clit. The softness of Phoebe's breast brushed against her body, as the brunette's touch grew more insistent. Leila's hands roamed along Phoebe's body. With each caress she was filled with an aching need for more.

She slipped her thumbs in the waistband of Phoebe's underwear tugging them down to the brunette's slender hips. She lowered Phoebe's panties yanking the garment in an urgent need to see all of her lover. "This can't be happening," she gasped as her fingers dipped into Phoebe's overflowing wetness. The feel of her lover's desire filling her hands overloaded Leila's senses.

"This is happening," Phoebe promised her warm breath tickling Leila's flesh. Leila mirrored her lover's movements as they slipped gently inside of one another. Phoebe gently kissed her as they pleasured one another. Their bodies became one as they clung to each other. Leila cried out in ecstasy as Phoebe's touch drove her over the edge.

Phoebe rolled Leila onto her back as the last waves of ecstasy rushed through them. Her head was still spinning as Phoebe kissed and tasted her way down the redhead's body. She released a throaty chuckle as she watched Phoebe's descent. Her chuckling quickly gave way to needy moans and passionate pleas. Phoebe's warm breath tickled her heated center.

Leila was certain that her heart had ceased beating as she felt the roughness of Phoebe's tongue gliding along her sex. Leila clenched the bedding as she felt Phoebe tongue curling as it slid inside of her. She was lost set adrift in oblivion at Phoebe's touch. Leila was unable to think or speak as Phoebe's tongue glided in and out of her wetness.

She was filled with a sense of belonging as her world exploded. She had barely caught her breath when her mouth began a slow assault on Phoebe's nubile body. When her mouth first tasted the sweet ambrosia of Phoebe's passion her body tingled with excitement.

She wanted to drown in Phoebe's desire, as she became lost in her taste. She kept pleasuring her lover with her mouth. Leila reluctantly ceased her actions when Phoebe pleaded with her to stop. Leila kissed her way up Phoebe's trembling body until she was nestled safely in her lover's arms.

She stroked Phoebe's face before stealing another kiss. "I'm so sorry," Phoebe murmured as Leila gave her a curious glance. "I shouldn't have kept my feelings a secret."

"You mean we could have been doing this all this time?" Leila quipped as she relaxed into Phoebe's embrace. "We weren't ready," Leila reassured her lover.

"I'm so happy," Phoebe sighed happily as she dragged her blunt nails along Leila's shoulders. "Who knew we'd finally get together because of a computer game? When I tried to imagine what would win your heart I honestly never thought of becoming obsessed with a computer game."

"I'm just happy to finally know that you share my feelings," Leila sighed contently. "And if either of us gets trapped by solitaire again we can always rescue the other with sex."

"Good plan," Phoebe squealed with delight.

The End.

The Lost Amazon Tribe

By Mavis Applewater

June 2003

Disclaimers: This story and characters are the sole possession of the author and may not be reproduced, posted or sold without the author’s permission. So there! If for any reason real or imagined, you are uncomfortable with graphic descriptions of a loving sexual relationship between two consenting adult women, then do not read this story or anything else I have ever written. If for any reason it is illegal for you to view this material then please leave and don’t come back until it is no longer a crime. Under the heading of giving credit where credit is due, for a complete list of whose who in the Amazon nation, I got all the information from Julie Ruffell’s, Brave Women Warriors of Greek Myth: An Amazon Roster.

A very special thank you goes out to my beta reader, Mary.

As always this is for Heather.

1949

Bedelia groaned heavily as she turned onto her side. The pain shot through her as she slowly blinked open her eyes. The sun blazed down upon her as she felt the wet sand clinging to her body. "What happened?" She moaned as she tried to sit up. The movement instantly assaulted her head. She looked around the barren beach still uncertain how she ended up lying on the desolate beach with mud covering her ripped clothing.

Her body groaned in protest as she pulled herself up onto her knees. She felt the nausea rising up from her injuries as the memory of the night before came back to her with painful clarity. She could still hear the hum of the engines of the tiny airplane that she and her parents were in. The crash happened before they had time to prepare themselves for the inevitable.

Bedelia recalled thinking that the ocean waters looked like black glass as it consumed the tiny aircraft. Her mother screamed. Everything that followed seemed like a dark nightmare once she had managed to swim to the surface. She felt positively euphoric when she broke the surface. Her joy was short lived as she heard her father exclaiming that John Borrows, the pilot, was dead. She watched in horror as her mother slipped below the surface of the icy water.

She had grabbed onto a broken part of what she could only assume was once the airplane. She released her grip so she could go after her mother. Her father ordered her to hold onto the wreckage. She watched as his large frame dove beneath the surface in a futile effort to save her mother. That was the last time she saw him.

In the silent darkness she shivered from the unbelievable cold as she clung to the tiny scrap that was miraculously keeping her afloat. Her body was numb as she drifted aimlessly in the darkness. The only warmth she felt was from the tears that were streaming down her face. Her fingers were so cold and cramped that they were glued to the piece of wreckage that was proving to be her lifeline. She had no concept of how long she had been adrift. She only remembered the cold darkness of the moonless night. She must have fallen asleep only to awaken on a very narrow strip of sand.

Her emerald eyes narrowed as she looked out upon the crystal blue water the thin piece of white metal that had been her salvation teetering half in the water and half in the sand just a few feet from where she was kneeling.

She tried running her fingers through her long auburn locks, as was her habit when she was nervous. Her fingers instantly became entangled in the snarled mess that had once been her silky crown of glory. She could feel her fair skin burning from the afternoon sun as she looked at the dense forest that surrounded her.

In a few hours the tide would begin to rise and she would be forced into the thick foliage that revealed nothing of what dangers or treasures the forest yielded. "Where am I?" She sobbed as she buried her face in her hands.

She and her parents had been so excited about the trip. Finally the tensions of the war were behind them. At last she and her parents could return to the passion all three shared which was traveling. At the tender age of twenty-two Bedelia Maloney had seen more of the world than most people would ever read about. This journey had been one that she and her parents had eagerly anticipated until the war broke out.

The first leg of their journey would be Africa and Mount Kilimanjaro. She was eager to see all of Africa from the plains to the Congo. Then they were off to Egypt. Seeing the Valley of The Kings, The Sphinx, and the Pyramids had been a life long dream of hers. She had heard the tales of how her parents met on a trip down the Nile and fell in love the first moment they looked into one another’s eyes.

A dark shadow was cast over her as she wept into her hands. Her head pounded furiously as she jerked it up to see what was casting a shadow over her. She swallowed hard as she discovered that she was surrounded. Bedelia was shocked that she had not heard them approach and that they were all women. Adding to her startled state was that not a one of them wore any clothing above the simple loincloths that covered their hips and private areas.

Once she stopped gaping at their naked breasts she was confused by their appearance. Most of the women were dark, as she had expected, with ebony skin and soft brown eyes. Others were lighter skinned almost Asian looking in their skin tone. One woman who stood in the center of the curious party captured Bedelia’s attention. Her caramel skin and long curly brown hair was off set by her piercing hazel eyes. "Din obi?" the woman addressed her in what Bedelia could only assume was a question or a greeting of some sorts.

The women looked at one another and at her as they chatted in a language that was unfamiliar to the young American. Bedelia was fluent in many languages, but the words and the dialect these women were speaking left her confused. At times their words sounded almost like Swahili, and at other times there was something distinctively Parisian about their dialogue.

Two pairs of rough hands lifted her to her feet. "Where am I?" She timidly inquired in English only to receive blank looks as a response. "Where am I?" She repeated in French hoping that, just perhaps, her well-trained ear had not deceived her.

"Come with us," the woman in the center, who had captured her undivided attention, gently informed her in a broken, mangled version of French.

Bedelia smoothed out the rumpled crease of her skirt then blushed at the silliness of her action. "It isn’t as if I’m going to have afternoon tea," she mumbled as she followed the party of half naked women who were either her savories or captures.

The women surrounded the confused Bedelia as she helplessly followed them into the thick foliage of the forest. They chatted in a joking manner, most of the words lacking any meaning for Bedelia, although some words did seem familiar. Their speech was a mangled mess of French and Swahili added with another that Bedelia was completely unacquainted with.

The words that she could comprehend troubled Bedelia as they descended deeper into the jungle. Most of them seemed harmless enough, ‘Woman, Queen, hunt, beach,’ but then she heard two words that chilled her to the bone, ‘virgin and sacrifice.’ For the first and only time in her life Bedelia wished that she had actually given into Freddie Marlstone’s unwanted advances.

Bedelia’s heart was pounding with fear as the sun disappeared and the jungle encased her and her strange companions. ‘Surely I must have misinterpreted them,’ she tried to reason as fear filled her. The fear that was making her tremble slipped when the would be leader looked over at her, and Bedelia once again found herself completely mesmerized by her eyes.

Bedelia felt her fears stirring once again as she was led into a dark cave. Hands covered her body in an effort to guide her through the dark expanse. She was gasping for air as her panic grew. Suddenly she was shielding her eyes as the sunlight was once again shinning down upon her.

Bedelia’s mouth hung open as she took in her surroundings. It was small city carved into the side of a small mountain. The entire city formed a circle stopping only at the waterfall that cascaded down into a small lake. From the shore and from the air the city was invisible, hidden away from the rest of the civilized world. Bedelia’s eyes darted around as she followed her escorts. Not a single male face appeared as the residents approached her. They touched her bright, red hair and pale skin. Bedelia stifled a laugh at how most of them seemed confused by her attire. She blushed and gasped as one woman fondled her breasts. The leader nudged the curious woman away as she led Bedelia deeper into the peaceful village and up a stone staircase.

Bedelia shivered as the woman looked deeply into her eyes. Hazel eyes that were filled with questioning as she tugged on Bedelia’s blouse seemingly asking why would she wear such a thing? "Because that is what we do where I come from," Bedelia responded in French. She watched as her companion tried to decipher what she had just said. The woman’s brow creased as she pondered Bedelia’s words then she simply nodded as they reached the top of the staircase.

Bedelia was nervous as she stepped into the chamber. Her eyes widened at her surroundings. The furniture was teak; the floor and walls were adorned with the most amazing tapestries Bedelia had ever seen. What stunned her most was the shimmering gems cast about the room. "Diamonds as table decorations?" she muttered with disbelief.

Bedelia stumbled as a very tall, ebony woman looked down upon her. The redhead wasn’t small in stature yet when she found herself suddenly standing in this woman’s shadow she felt almost miniscule. Her escort placed a gentle hand on Bedelia shoulders and guided her down to her knees. Bedelia quickly realized that she was in the presence of the tribal queen. She respectfully bowed her head.

Her companion knelt beside her casting her a reassuring smile. "Lykopis," she said as she placed her hand on her bare bosom.

"Bedelia," she introduced herself feeling a small sense of relief that they were communicating.

Lykopis waved her hand towards the imposing woman who stood above them, "Marpesia," she introduced her queen.

"I am honored," Bedelia respectfully responded as the queen grunted with what seemed to be her approval. Bedelia was surprised by the familiarity of their names. She had heard them as a young girl sitting by her father’s side as he spun the mythical tale.

The queen’s voice was gentle yet commanding as she spoke to Bedelia. "You, welcome here if you are one with us," Was what Bedelia deciphered from the queen’s words. The only other words Bedelia could understand were innocent and virgin. Once again she could feel the panic spreading through her body.

"I don’t understand," Bedelia said as best she could using the fragments of language she hoped the queen could understand.

"Hair the color of fire," Marpesia responded seemingly ignoring Bedelia’s question. As she gently stroked Bedelia’s head the redhead shrunk back from the pain of her injuries reawakened from this woman’s tender touch. Marpesia rambled something to Lykopis; the only word Bedelia recognized was the Swahili word for healer.

Lykopis nodded respectfully as she helped Bedelia to her feet. Each of them bowed to Marpesia before Lykopis led the still confused Bedelia out of the Queen’s chambers. Bedelia’s ability to communicate with these women seemed to be improving. The only thing troubling her was that she kept staring at their exposed breasts. It embarrassed the shy American at the way her eyes kept traveling to Lykopis’ firm, full breasts. She would look away as her stomach knotted in the most peculiar fashion.

The healer’s hut was modest in comparison with the Queen’s, but still Bedelia found it comfortable, and the older, dark skinned woman, named Alcinoe, completely charming. The conversation between Bedelia and her two companions was limited. Still they did manage to communicate.

Bedelia asked just why she hadn’t seen any men in the city. Alcinoe explained as best she could that the tribe didn’t offer what they desired so they were sent away. Bedelia could only assume that any man who had stumbled upon their secret city and found it filled with diamonds and half naked women, probably asked for far more than the residents were willing to give. She also noted that some men might have been welcome even for a brief period of time, which would explain the ethnic diversity of the women.

"How can you send them away?" Bedelia asked as Lykopis laughed. "Men can be quite persistent," she added knowing that many a man simply wouldn’t walk away from the riches housed in the city walls. Alcinoe laughed as well giving Bedelia a lengthy explanation as she held up a strange looking root. The only words Bedelia understood were forget and water.

"I understand you drug them so they forget they were ever here and cast them out to sea," she said as her companions looked at her curiously not understanding what she was saying. Alcinoe shrugged and continued tending to Bedelia’s wounds as Lykopis watched carefully.

When the older woman began removing her clothing Bedelia resisted embarrassed by being exposed in front of Lykopis. Alcinoe’s voice was comforting as she brushed Bedelia’s trembling hands aside. The only words that Bedelia understood were hurt and help. The frightened redhead couldn’t stop the tears as they escaped. In less than twenty-four hours she had watched her parents drown, and found herself being held captive by these women. Despite how well she was being treated the words; virgin sacrifice had been used far too many times for Bedelia’s liking.

Alcinoe wrapped the weeping woman up in her arms and rocked her gently. Bedelia was stunned at how much she trusted this tiny woman. After she had shed her last tear Alcinoe gently brushed it away. Bedelia sniffed, as she looked up she noticed that Lykopis had respectfully turned her gaze away. "I help," Alcinoe offered again as she returned to removing Bedelia’s torn clothing. Bedelia simply allowed the woman to undress her and tend to her aching body. Her spirit was another matter that she would have to deal with later if she ever found her way home again.

Alcinoe’s touch was gentle as she used oils and strange smelling lotions on Bedelia’s various cuts and wounds. Bedelia’s winced when Alcinoe’s examination turned to a very sensitive area. Alcinoe smiled as she moved from Bedelia’s womanhood and cleansed her body. Alcinoe helped her dress. Bedelia was mortified as she sat on the bed wearing absolutely nothing but a sheer loincloth. Both Alcinoe and Lykopis seemed amused by the way she kept her arms covering her breasts.

After several frustrating attempts Bedelia finally conveyed to Lykopis and Alcinoe the one question that had been plaguing her since she first encountered the unusual women. "What is to become of me?" Slowly she pieced together the words that Lykopis and Alcinoe offered. When she finally put the puzzle together she was even more confused than ever. The only relief she felt was that by virgin sacrifice she wasn’t going to be tossed into a volcano or some cliff like in the cheap dime store novels she read in secret.

"I don’t understand," Bedelia said out loud as Lykopis blushed. "I can be sent away. Which means you drug me, set me adrift in the ocean, and I won’t even remember being here." The thought of forgetting Lykopis troubled her for some unknown reason. "Or I can become one of you, but only if I sacrifice my innocence to someone who requests me to do so. But how can that be when there aren’t any men here?"

"A man? Why would you want a man?" Lykopis asked after she and Alcinoe stopped laughing. Bedelia tried understanding just what was so funny when the duo erupted into another fit of laughter.

"Why would you need a man?" Alcinoe asked with utter astonishment.

"How else am I going to . . ." Bedelia blushed as she tried to convey the question without actually saying the words. "You know."

Much to her dismay both women just stared at her not understanding what she was trying to say. "Rest," Alcinoe finally offered as she guided the frustrated Bedelia down onto the straw mattress. "Moon rises you will be called upon," Alcinoe tried to explain. "Marpesia has first right, then her second. If either refuse then you offered to tribe. You pretty someone will offer."

Bedelia’s head pounded in protest as she bolted up. "You mean I’ll be asked to make love to a woman?" she squeaked out in horror, as Lykopis and Alcinoe seemed stunned that she would object to the idea. "What if I don’t want to?"

"No want no stay," Alcinoe flatly explained as she caught the hurt look dimming Lykopis’ brilliant eyes.

"Great I can either have sex with a woman or be set adrift half naked in the middle of nowhere," Bedelia grumbled more to herself than to the others. "I’m already starting to freckle just walking around here. My God I don’t know what to do," she choked out as she looked over at Lykopis. Bedelia’s stomach fluttered once again as she drank in the other woman’s body.

"No heart," Alcinoe tapped her on her chest. "Refuse."

"I can say no even to the Queen?" Bedelia asked in a blind panic.

"No love, refuse," Alcinoe reassured her. "Rest," she repeated as she gave Bedelia a small cup made out of some kind of shell. Reluctantly Bedelia drank the pungent smelling black liquid. Whatever Alcinoe had given her made her sleepy. In her groggy state, her mind wandered, as her focus turned to Lykopis’s well-sculpted body.

When Bedelia woke up she was confused at first by her strange surroundings. Then as the events of the day came back to her so did the rolling waves of sadness. Alcinoe comforted her as she broke down once again.

Later, after she cried herself out, the older woman sat by the side of her bed working on a tapestry similar to the ones she had seen in the Queen’s hut. They struggled to engage in conversation. Once Alcinoe’s words fell into place some of Bedelia’s fears were put to rest. Alcinoe explained that Bedelia would not need to choose whether to stay or go until the moon rose fully in the sky. The next full moon was almost a month away.

If Bedelia left she would have no memory of her time on the tiny island that seemed to be hidden away from the rest of the world. If she chose to stay, and sacrifice her innocence it would only be because she chose to grant some lucky woman this precious gift.

The ceremony sounded very interesting to Bedelia. Under the light of a full moon, torches would illuminate the center of the village. She would stand before the tribe and ask to become one with her sisters. If Marpesia agreed then the Queen could request Bedelia’s gift. Alcinoe doubted that the Queen would make the request since she was still devoted to her lover who had passed only a few turns of the moon ago. The princess or the Queen’s second could ask for Bedelia’s hand if she so desired. Something in the way Alcinoe smirked convinced Bedelia that the Princess might just do this. If the Princess did not make her request, Bedelia would be offered to the other women of the tribe.

She asked how one goes about publicly requesting someone give up their innocence. Alcinoe seemed surprised by the question; apparently it was a tradition in the tribe. Alcinoe explained that if one chooses her they would kneel before her. If Bedelia accepts the offer she need only to take her lover by the hand and kiss the palm. If she did not wish to accept the offer all Bedelia had to do was turn away from her would be suitor.

If she accepted Bedelia would be led to her lover’s chamber’s by the Queen’s handmaidens and, as her lover watched, the handmaidens would bathe her. Then they would bless her body by massaging it with sacred oils before she is laid out before her lover. The ceremony sounded almost romantic to Bedelia.

She encouraged Alcinoe to continue, and the older woman did. She went on to explain the rest of the ceremony of how her hands would be bound and her lover would prepare her for her sacrifice. Bedelia was confused as to how she would be prepared for such an intimate encounter. She was far too embarrassed to ask for the details as Alcinoe continued with her tale. Bedelia blushed as Alcinoe explained that the handmaidens in attendance would watch, as her lover would offer up her innocence to the Goddess Artemis.

"So she will have a . . . prop strapped on?" Bedelia managed to stammer out blushing to her roots unable to look at the older woman.

"Prop?" Alcinoe echoed with confusion.

"You know a phallus?" Bedelia blushed harder as she used her hands to demonstrate her meaning.

"Yes," Alcinoe confirmed with a toothy grin that made Bedelia’s blush grow deeper. "You will be called upon by your lover for thirteen nights in honor of the Goddess Artemis."

"Thirteen the same number of moons in a year," Bedelia nodded in understanding. "I don’t understand how do you know of Artemis and why is it that the roots of your language comes from the continent, but all of your names are from Greek mythology?"

"The continent?" Alcinoe asked in confusion.

"Yes," Bedelia began. "Your words come from either Europe or Africa, yet your names are Greek. How is that possible? Do you leave this place or do others come here?"

"Others come rarely," Alcinoe explained. "We never leave. Cleite is our home, where the Queen delivered us from our enemies. She sailed here and made our home here, now we honor her and our ancestors by taking their names. If you stay for thirteen moons and are welcomed into the tribe you will be given the name of our ancestor."

"Cleite was sailing to join Penthesilea at Troy when her ship was blown off course," Bedelia exclaimed with disbelief. She ended up in Italy and founded the city of Clete."

"You know of our Queen," Alcinoe exclaimed with delight. "What is Italy?"

"I know my mythology," she argued. "My father told me every story. Cleite was an Amazon queen. And Italy is a country far from here. Alcinoe all of the women I’ve encountered today have Amazon names, how is that possible?"

"That is who we are," Alcinoe casually responded.

"That is not possible," Bedelia argued. "The Amazons are nothing more than a myth." Even as she protested she realized that the ethnic diversity in the tribe fit with the legends she had learned.

"Believe what you will child," Alcinoe chuckled. "We learn our traditions before we can speak. We know who we are. You need to focus on the sacrifice."

"Right my big date." Bedelia sighed thankful that she had been able to forget about what she would have to face in just a few days. "Not only do I give myself to a stranger, but I must do it in front of others. How many handmaidens will be watching the show?"

"Twelve," Alcinoe gently answered her. "The same as the number of companions who were with Penthesilea at Troy. And not a stranger, your heart must follow."

"Great," Bedelia huffed. Wondering how it was that they knew about the legends of Troy and the Amazons, but no one knew how to sew a shirt? "I can’t wait to meet the rest of the tribe so I can pick out my new girlfriend. So what is the Princess like?"

"She is like her name," Alcinoe informed her with a knowing smile. "But not in her heart."

"That was very helpful thank you," Bedelia sarcastically spat back.

"Never a woman?" Alcinoe pried.

"You looked," Bedelia blushed. "There hasn’t been anyone."

"I’m not talking about your body," Alcinoe scolded her. She said something else that Bedelia failed to grasp.

"School girl crushes nothing more," Bedelia tried to dismiss the notion as Alcinoe’s knowing eyes bore into her. Embarrassed she pulled a blanket over her half naked body and tried to turn away.

"Last time when?" Alcinoe’s motherly tone forced her to turn around.

"Last summer," Bedelia reluctantly admitted.

"Not a girl," Alcinoe corrected her as she waved her hand over Bedelia’s lengthy frame. In her simple words she managed to enlighten Bedelia to the fact that she was beyond the age of a schoolgirl crush.

"After she takes my sacrifice then what happens?" Bedelia inquired in an effort to change the subject. "After I spend thirteen nights with this woman am I free to go?"

Alcinoe gave her a strange look. "No," she began to explain. "In exchange for your gift she is pledged to you for thirteen moons. You are becoming an Amazon by bonding with an Amazon."

"Thirteen my lucky number once again," Bedelia sighed. "I have to live with her for a year."

"What happens during this pledge is no one’s concern," Alcinoe reassured her.

"Finally some privacy," Bedelia grumbled. "Why do I have to lose my innocence with so many people watching?"

"It is a special gift," Alcinoe reminded her.

"You must really care for someone to be willing to go through all of that," Bedelia reasoned thinking how much each woman was willing to endure in front of the entire tribe.

"Yes," Alcinoe agreed. "It is not about passion. This sacrifice must come from the heart. Is it not that way where you are from?"

"I had always hoped it would be," Bedelia sighed again. "But no it isn’t always that way."

Over the next few days Bedelia struggled with her shyness. It was hard for her to parade around in nothing but a short leather skirt. The other’s often teased her at the way she kept her arms folded over her breasts. Adding to her discomfort was the ritual of bathing in the pool on the other side of the waterfall. The other women seemed to be overly fascinated by the fair color of her pubic hair.

As the weeks passed Bedelia found her shyness ebbing as she focused more on learning to communicate with the other women and learning about them. The language barrier also began to fade as she learned and taught her new companions. Almost everything she learned about the tribe matched the mythology she had learned as a child. The subtle differences seemed more believable than the myths.

As the night of her sacrifice approached Bedelia wondered who among her new friends would try to win her affections. She thought she knew those that might ask for her hand. Although she still hadn’t learned whom the Princess was. She thought about who might be one of her would be suitors. She had narrowed it down to three women she had become friendly with, Echephyle, Iphito and Kreousa.

She liked each of the three women equally but none of them could erase the pang of disappointment she felt each time Lykopis failed to show any interest in her. She was drawn to the woman for some inexplicable reason and it hurt each time Lykopis failed to show any interest. There was a coolness in the woman’s demeanor that surprised Bedelia, since she could only find warmth whenever she looked into her captivating eyes.

The night of her sacrifice arrived and she was pacing around Alcinoe’s hut still uncertain if she should offer her body in exchange for not being set adrift. "Follow your heart," Alcinoe reminded her as she led her out of her hut and delivered her to the handmaidens.

The twelve women’s faces were hidden beneath large wooden ceremonial masks. Bedelia’s heart was pounding in a steady rhythm with the drumbeat she could hear off in the distance. She was still uncertain she could go through with the sacrifice as she was led before the tribe through a row of brightly burning torches.

As she approached Queen Marpesia, who was cloaked in an ornamental robe, she was certain that this would be her last night amongst these women, until she saw a pair of hazel eyes shimmering in the night. Lykopis’ gaze never left her as she knelt before the Queen. Now it was up to the Queen to invite her into the tribe.

It had taken Bedelia some time to understand why her virginity was important. She couldn’t be pledged to another. She was becoming an Amazon by bonding with an Amazon. In a sense she was marrying into the tribe. If her love were true Artemis would bless her with a child. She almost fell over when Alcinoe explained that little piece of information. Of course Bedelia didn’t believe the healer, but still when she asked why there weren’t any male children around the explanation was given that they were all born from Artemis’ blessing.

Then again there were an awful lot of women and female children in the city and it appeared that they hadn’t had very many male visitors over the years. Bedelia shook off the ridiculous notion as the Queen approached her.

She bowed her head out of respect only glancing up to catch a glimpse of Lykopis’ body shimmering from the flames that surrounded them. The drum stopped as Marpesia raised her arms. "Bedelia you have proven yourself as a kindly soul," she began as Bedelia tried to still her rapidly beating heart. "I would welcome you as one of our sisters."

Bedelia lifted her gaze slightly knowing that it was the moment of truth. The sight of the firelight dancing across Lykopis’ body brought the words to her lips. "I would be honored," she offered her gaze never leaving Lykopis’ body as she spoke.

"Since you were not born of our blood there is only one way you can join us," Marpesia continued. "If you bond with another. Stand my child and if in your heart you don’t share the heart being offered to you then simply turn away. If you wish to bond then kiss your lover’s palm. Do you understand?"

"Yes my Queen," Bedelia answered her voice squeaking slightly as she stood before the domineering woman. She felt a sense of relief wash over her as Marpesia stepped back. She admired the Queen as a woman and as a ruler but she was thankful that the Queen wasn’t interested in courting her.

"By right of birth and honor I call upon the Princess," Marpesia announced as she looked across the crowd some of who looked a little nervous.

Bedelia held her breath waiting to see whom the Princess was. She scanned the crowd her gaze stopping upon Lykopis, their eyes locked for a brief moment before the darker woman stepped forward. ‘She is like her name,’ she recalled Alcinoe’s words as the Princess approached her. ‘She wolf,’ she thought with a smile as she was held by the eyes that had captivated her from the first moment they met.

Her heart was pounding harder as she willed the Princess to continue her approach. Lykopis obeyed her silent plea as she knelt before Bedelia. Her lips trembled as she wasdrawn in by the warmth of Lykopis’ eyes. ‘Follow your heart,’ Alcinoe’s words echoed in her mind as she took Lykopis’ hand and turned it in her own. She stared at her fair skin against the Princess’ darkness. She raised Lykopis’ trembling hand to her lips and kissed her palm.

The city was filled with silence as everyone awaited the Queen’s approval. "A royal marriage," Marpesia announced with a hint of mirth. "This pleases me." Bedelia and Lykopis each released a nervous breath as the city erupted into cheers. Bedelia had no time to fully digest the situation when, once again, she was surrounded by the handmaidens.

Alcinoe stepped beside her as she was led towards the falls. "How can she be Marpesia’s daughter?" Bedelia pondered out loud noting the contrast in their eyes and skin tone.

"Oreithyia was almost as fair as you," Alcinoe explained. "She, too, came to us from far away. Many believe that they were bonded in their hearts the first moment they met."

Bedelia pondered Alcinoe’s explanation as the handmaidens bathed her. She could see Lykopis standing on the crest watching as they washed and caressed her skin. "She is so beautiful," she confessed as she drank in the vision of Lykopis’ body bathed in the moonlight.

"If both of your hearts are filled with love when Lykopis touches you then she will bless you," Alcinoe reminded her as she was led through the now deserted city.

Bedelia didn’t want to even think about whether or not Lykopis really could get her pregnant. She was far too nervous thinking about giving her body to the captivating woman. Her nervousness held her so tightly she was only dimly aware of her surroundings as she entered Lykopis’ chamber. She saw the soft glow of candlelight as her body was anointed in oil that smelled like Jasmine.

In the dimness she watched Lykopis watching the others caressing her with oil. She could see her fair skin shimmering in the candlelight as she was laid out onto the bed. She looked over at Lykopis who was smiling as Bedelia’s hands were guided above her and her wrists secured with leather straps. She watched as Lykopis’ cupped her own breasts as she approached the bed.

She tugged at her restraints quickly realizing that if she wanted to flee she could. "It is not about holding you captive," Lykopis reassured her seemingly reading her thoughts. Bedelia nodded in understanding as Lykopis placed a promising kiss on her lips. Bedelia’s lips were still burning as the others gathered around the bed. She swallowed hard as she watched two women removing Lykopis’ skirt.

Bedelia inhaled sharply as her lover turned to her. The fiery gaze Lykopis’ cast down upon her was filled with trust and desire. She drank in her lover’s body her eyes lingering on her full breasts and then drifting down her firm stomach. Her gaze lingered once again as she drank in the dark curls that hid Lykopis’ treasure.

The others formed a circle around the bed as Lykopis removed Bedelia’s skirt and handed it to one of the maidens. Each of them swallowed nervously as Lykopis’ hands caressed Bedelia’s thighs. Lykopis’ movements were sleek as she climbed up onto the bed and joined Bedelia.

She could feel her desire flowing from her body as she felt the heat emanating off of Lykopis’ body. She looked deeply into her lover’s eyes as her rough hands clasped her hips. "Beautiful," Bedelia whispered as she felt their nipples brushing lightly against one another. Her eyes fluttered shut as she felt Lykopis’ skin melding against her own.

The kiss was deep and sensual as their bodies became one. Bedelia struggled to free herself needing to feel her lover’s body. Her hips rose up greeting her lover’s desire. She released a moan into the warmth of Lykopis’ mouth as their tongues greeted one another. Bedelia’s body shuddered as she felt her lover kissing her face while her hands roamed her body. She groaned as she felt Lykopis’ thigh slipping between her legs. Her body took over as she tightened her thighs and pressed herself against the firm thigh nestled against her throbbing nub.

She could feel Lykopis’ body moving in rhythm with her own as the Princess kissed her neck. Her eyes fluttered open as they swayed against one another. She could see approval in the eyes of the twelve women watching them as they thrust against one another. "We are one," Lykopis promised in a breathy voice as she parted Bedelia.

"I’m yours," Bedelia cried out as she felt their clits meeting. She reeled from the feel of their desire blending. She couldn’t still her body as the wild rhythm of their passion beat in unison. She could feel their wetness flowing down her body as they danced, the need consuming her as she felt her lover’s tongue teasing her nipple.

Her body was crying out for release as Lykopis’ hands and mouth explored her. The fire of Lykopis’ touch burned her as she kissed her way down Bedelia’s quivering form. She felt Lykopis’ breath caressing the patch of red curls. She looked down her own body mesmerized by the sight of dark hands caressing her skin and a pair of brilliant hazel eyes gleaming up at her.

Bedelia opened herself up as she felt her lover’s tongue gliding along her slick folds. Lykopis moaned with pleasure as she drank in Bedelia’s essence. Bedelia couldn’t control herself as she pressed herself deeper against her lover. She felt the world spinning as her clit was captured between Lykopis’ lips.

She felt her lover’s hands caressing her ass as she was drawn in deeper. "Yes," she cried out as her lover feasted upon her. She could feel her body erupting with uncontrollable passion. She groaned with disapproval as she felt Lykopis’ touch retreating and her body being lowered back down onto the bed.

She was confused when she saw Lykopis standing at the end of the bed. She watched as the phallus harnessed by a thick leather strap was tied across her slender hips. She swallowed hard as she opened herself even further silently pleading for her lover to take all that she had to offer. "Gentle," Lykopis promised as she climbed up onto the bed and knelt between Bedelia’s quivering thighs.

"Please," Bedelia implored her surprised by the harshness of her voice. Gentleness was not what she was seeking at that moment. She needed to feel her lover completing her as no one else could.

She thrust her hips forward as she felt the shaft of the phallus stroking her. Lykopis kept her movements gentle as she held the phallus firmly with one hand while she ran the other up along Bedelia’s body. She watched as Lykopis lowered herself down along her body. She cried out as her lover teased her pink nipple with her fingers while still gliding the shaft of the phallus along her swollen sex.

Bedelia was ready to chew through her restraints when she felt Lykopis suckling her breast and the tip of the phallus pressing against the opening of her center. Once again Bedelia pushed her hips forward in an effort to impale herself on the phallus. Lykopis kept a firm grip as she suckled her nipple harder. The feel of teeth grazing her nipple distracted her as the phallus slipped inside her wetness.

She winced as she felt the tip pressing against her veil. Lykopis held it still as she suckled her harder. Distracted by the pleasurable feeling her lover’s mouth was lavishing upon her she accepted the pain as her innocence was torn. Lykopis looked up with concern as she waited for Bedelia’s body to adjust.

Bedelia looked down upon her lover’s breast the dark nipples taunting her. Lykopis raised her body and pressed one of the brown buds against Bedelia’s trembling lips. She suckled her lover’s breast as she felt the phallus filling her body. She moaned as she felt it pressing against the back of her center.

She licked and suckled her lover hard as she felt Lykopis’ hips moving slowly against her. The pain ebbed as she became lost in her lover’s touch. She moved her own hips urgently needing to feel more. Soon their bodies moved as one. She cried out as Lykopis clasped her hips drawing her in harder and closer. They kissed again and again all the while the others were watching them as Bedelia felt her body burst into flames.

She was lost in a haze of sheer ecstasy completely unaware that her hands had been freed or that her lover was no longer pleasuring her. She groaned as she felt the phallus slipping from her body. She felt Lykopis’ arms encircling her body. "Good?" The Princess shyly inquired.

"Uh huh," Bedelia managed to squeak out noticing for the first time that they were alone. Her lover’s brow furrowed in confusion. "Yes, good," she reassured her lover before reclaiming her lips. "Teach me," she whispered between lingering kisses.

"Touch, taste," Lykopis encouraged her.

Bedelia’s hands quickly began to explore her lover’s pebbled flesh until she was stroking Lykopis’ throbbing nub with the tips of her fingers. She stroked her harder as Lykopis released a series of needy moans. She could feel her own desire returning as her lover trembled against her body. Lykopis cried out using words that Bedelia had never heard before. By the way her lover’s body was trembling and her head fell back she could only assume that they were good words. "Taste," Lykopis panted as she guided Bedelia’s glistening fingers to her lips.

The musky aroma made her stomach clench with renewed passion. Her tongue peeked out and tasted her lover’s passion for the first time. She moaned before plunging the digits deep inside her mouth. Her lover looked, her eyes hooded by desire as Bedelia swirled her tongue slowly around each digit savoring each drop until there was nothing left. "More?" She pleaded. "Taste more?"

Her lover moaned deeply as she guided Bedelia down onto the bed. Bedelia drank in the musky aroma as she felt her lover’s thighs pressing against her face. Bedelia reached up and clasped her lover’s backside and drew her down to her.

She could feel Lykopis’ hands on her breasts as she feasted upon her. She suckled the throbbing nub urgently as her lover teased her nipples. She pressed her thighs together as she felt the fire blazing and her clit throbbing with need. Her only desire was to feel her lover’s ecstasy wash over her body.

As she felt Lykopis’ exploding against her she felt her own body quaking in response. She guided her trembling lover down onto the bed and straddled her backside. Soon their hips were swaying as she pressed her wetness against her lover’s body. She brushed her erect nipples across her lover’s back as she rode against her until they screamed out in pleasure.

Once their bodies quieted she rolled off of her lover. They gravitated towards one another and wrapped their arms around each other. "Twelve more nights of this," Bedelia sighed contently against her lover’s skin. "I don’t know if I will survive." Lykopis released a throaty chuckle in response.

Thirteen moons later

Torches once again illuminated the city as drums beat loudly off in the distance. She handed her infant daughter to her mate before she knelt before Queen Marpesia. "Time for you to join us completely," the Queen addressed her in a serious manner. "Do you wish to stay?"

"Yes," Bedelia respectfully responded.

"Good since you’ve already made me a grandmother," Marpesia teased. A few chuckles could be heard from the tribe. Bedelia fought against the smirk that was forming on her face as the Queen cleared her throat. "Do you wish to remain bonded with the Princess Lykopis?"

"Yes," Bedelia proudly proclaimed.

"Wise choice," the Queen teased once again. "From this day forward you will be forever known as our sister Telepyleia. She who sails far. Since you sailed very far to find your home. Rise and join your sisters Telepyleia."

Telepyleia stood before the Queen and Mother in-law as her sisters cheered. "Silence!" The Queen commanded as Lykopis took her place beside her mate. "Speaking of names," the Queen offered warmly as they handed their daughter over to her grandmother. She lifted the tiny infant up to the moon. "Artemis bless our sister Princess . . .,"

"Oreithyia," Telepyleia and Lykopis responded proudly in unison.

"Princess Oreithyia," The Queen announced as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

She lowered the child and kissed her on her cheek before reluctantly handing her back over to her parents. "Welcome home," she offered to Telepyleia.

"Thank you Mother," Telepyleia said as she took her lover by the hand and kissed it tenderly.

The End