Hearthglen

by Daniel Schinhofen

  “You can try next tenday,” Fiona told Andrea. “Before then, Sean will have to open you to him.”

  Sean blushed, “I’ll have to give you energy a few times, and the first time will probably make you pass out.”

  “You can do that when you get home tonight, Master.” Myna smiled. “It'll be good for her to learn to accept you into her.”

  “I’m not Bonded,” Chastity sighed. “I find myself envious of the rest of you.”

  “Did you wish to Bond?” Fiona asked Chastity.

  “It would give me the Talents that you all have, right?” Chastity asked with suddenly eager eyes.

  “Yes. Master shares everything he can do— plus the things we can do— with everyone, and gives them energy to actually make use of those Talents,” Myna told her.

  “Can I?” Chastity asked, her eyes staring into Sean’s. “Is that okay?”

  Sean gave her a slightly strained smile, “Of course.”

  Chastity recited the words Fiona gave her, and Sean accepted her Bond. Everyone in their home was now marked as Bonded, except for Sean. As the women accepted the two newest additions to the family, Sean bowed his head.

  James… it looks like I’m growing a harem, but I swear I’m only with two of them, Sean said internally. Stop laughing, asshole.

  “Sean, are we going to the inn tonight?” Ryann asked.

  “Yeah,” Sean said, standing up.

  “I’m going to stay here and help Fiona,” Ida said.

  “You and me, Ry,” Sean said. “Let’s go. See you all later.”

  “I look forward to it,” Andrea said.

  “As do I,” Chastity added.

  Myna and Fiona’s lips quivered as they did their best to hold their smiles back. “So will we,” Fiona tacked on, noticing his discomfort.

  Sean headed out, shaking his head and sighing deeply. Except if I give them energy, they’ll… Gah.

  When they got to the Oaken Glen, Sean ignored most of those seated at the Shaper table, returning the friendly smiles and nods he got from a few. The other people there stared at him with expressions of disdain and outright dislike.

  “Silvertouch,” Sean said, coming up behind the Shaper, who was again seated with the smiths, “I’ve started on what we agreed to.”

  “I figured you might have,” she replied.

  “Evening, MacDougal,” Joseph chuckled. “I see you’re still not welcome with the Shapers.”

  “The majority of them seem to be with Denmur,” Sean shrugged. “A couple of them are friendly enough.”

  “Stoneeyes and Watercaller are friendly with him,” Silvertouch said, “as am I. I think Gertihs is okay with him, as well. Though I think I should be upset with you, shouldn’t I, MacDougal?”

  Sean frowned, “Huh?”

  “Dame Mageeyes presented an ornate, exquisitely Shaped silver blossom accented with sapphires to Lady Sharpeyes last night. It has been the talk of the town since it was unveiled. I was approached today to see if I could craft ten similar items for the next gala in two tendays. I’ll never be able to finish all of them in time, but turning down Lady Sharpeyes isn’t a good idea.”

  “If you’ll accept those instead of clips, we can amend our prior Agreement,” Sean said, understanding what Silvertouch was saying.

  “If I made the roughs and supplied the materials for all of them, would you finish them for me, then?” Silvertouch asked as she sipped her wine.

  The maid approached their table, smiling, “I see you have newcomers. Evening to you, sir. Can I get the table another round?”

  Werrick pulled out a coin. “Plus whatever Ryann and MacDougal are having.”

  Once she had their orders, the maid left with a backward glance at Sean that he tried to ignore. “Silvertouch, if that’s how you wish to amend the deal, I’ll agree. Send the roughs over to my shop when you make them. I’ll finish them and get them back to you.”

  “Agreed,” Silvertouch smiled. “I do hope this is the start of a profitable business association and friendship, MacDougal.”

  “That would be nice,” Sean replied. “I have a feeling my friends in the Shaper circle are going to be quite limited. Luckily, I have more friends,” Sean said, giving the others at the table a smile.

  “Friends indeed,” Joseph laughed. “Man breezes into town, and seems to be handing out gifts to everyone around him.”

  “Not just handing out gifts. I’m also learning,” Sean said. “Ida started showing me smithing, so I can better appreciate what you all do.”

  Eyebrows around the table went up at Sean’s comment, but before anyone could speak, the maid returned with a tray of glasses and mugs. “Your drinks,” she said, handing out the drinks. Placing Sean’s on the table in front of him last— as was rapidly becoming the norm— she leaned next to him. “Sir, the owner would like to thank you. The drinks and any food for the rest of tonight for those already at this table are on the house.”

  Soft whistles came from around the table. Several people’s jaws dropped at the announcement, and even Silvertouch looked impressed. “Well then, gentlemen and ladies, feel free to open up and ask for what you want.”

  “Since that is the case,” Silvertouch said first, “I’d like a glass of Immortal Reverence, please.”

  The maid blinked, but bowed her head. “As you wish.”

  The others all ordered drinks that Sean had not heard of, and Ryann asked for a selection of desserts to be brought out. The maid finally turned to Sean, as did everyone else at the table. “I’m unsure of what to ask for.”

  “If you will put your trust in me, sir,” the maid said warmly, “I will bring you a variety of our best ales for you to sample.”

  “That will be fine. Thank you, miss.”

  “Talk about being friends with the right person,” Avery chuckled. “Never thought I’d get to sample half of what I’m going to try tonight.”

  “You and me both,” Werrick added.

  “I didn’t even know they had Immortal Reverence here,” Joseph commented.

  “They have a bottle on hand. It’s said it helps one grow in power, but the cost is prohibitive. I’ll only be having the one glass, so as not to cause MacDougal problems.”

  “Please, call me Sean,” Sean told Silvertouch. “I’m an informal guy.”

  Lips turning up at the corners, she bowed her head slightly. “You must call me Eva, then.”

  “A pleasure, Eva,” Sean said. Picking up his mug of Dark Delight, he coughed once to get everyone’s attention. “To a night of friendship and profitable business.”

  A cheer rose around the table as everyone raised their glasses and drank to the toast. The noise drew attention from around the room. Denmur’s already sour face became more so, making Sean chuckle into his ale. A string of maids came out of the kitchen carrying trays, heading for their table. Eyes throughout the room turned to follow the bevy of beauties.

  While the food was being placed on the table, another two maids came with trays of drinks, setting each in front of the correct person. Six maids stood around the table as the original maid gave the last drink to Sean.

  “If any of you would like anything extra, don’t hesitate to ask,” she said, meeting Sean’s eyes deliberately and making him blush.

  Avery, Werrick, and a couple of others gave the maids a good look over as they headed back toward the kitchen. Ryann scowled after the women, while Sam and Eva shook their heads.

  Joseph picked up his mug and stood, clearing his throat. “To Sean MacDougal, a friend we didn’t know we wanted, but damned if we don’t want him now!” A deep guffaw echoed from Joseph as the others all cheered and drank.

  Sean shook his head, cheeks burning as he sipped at the Dark Delight. “Let’s keep it down. No need to disturb the others any more than we already have.”

  Laughing, people began to divvy up some of the food. Ryann kept her eyes moving around the room, but even she was able to enjoy her drink and a number of desserts. Eva sipped at the I
mmortal Reverence with a languid smile.

  The night wore on with the party in full swing and a number of envious looks thrown their way by other groups in the room. After an hour, the Shapers were gone. Stoneeyes, Watercaller, and Gertihs waved goodbye as they left.

  When Sean and Ryann finally called it a night, Sean was glad to see that Ryann was not drunk, though she was a little tipsy. Well, that probably cemented me as a good guy for the smiths. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

  When he and Ryann finally returned home, Sean was surprised to find Fiona sitting in the main room with a single candle lit, waiting for them. “Didn’t expect you to be waiting for us,” Sean said.

  “I didn’t expect you to stay out so late, either,” Fiona replied. “Andrea and Chastity are waiting for you.”

  Memory hit Sean in the face. “Oh, right…”

  “We would have been home sooner, but Dame Mageeyes paid for the bill tonight,” Ryann told Fiona.

  “Ah. Yes, that would have made it hard to leave quickly,” Fiona nodded. “Since you’re here now, we should take care of things.”

  “Okay,” Sean sighed as he followed Fiona.

  “I’m going to bed,” Ryann grumbled, going into her room and shutting the door firmly behind her. Sean looked after her with a bit of concern.

  “That’s a different bridge, Sean. Focus on the two young ladies tonight. Both are anxious. Myna and Ida have been sitting with them telling stories, since you were delayed coming home.”

  “Everyone is still awake?”

  “I believe Ven and Venn went to bed,” Fiona said.

  “It just feels wrong, since... you know…”

  “Because giving them energy will make them orgasm?” Fiona asked bluntly but softly.

  “Yeah.”

  “My first instructor via Bond was an older woman, who smiled as I writhed in pain. I’m honestly a little jealous of them both not having to feel what I did. On top of that, they get a warm and caring man, who feels awkward that his helping them causes them pleasure. I hope you never change, at least in some ways, my dear husband.”

  Rubbing at his face, Sean sighed. “I’ve been trying, Fiona. I really have. But sometimes, the gap between my old world and this one is just so wide.”

  “Do you trust me?” Fiona asked softly, placing her hand on his chest when they stopped outside the door.

  “Entirely.”

  “What you are about to give these two young women is a gift. A priceless gift that they will never be able to repay, and they know that even if you don’t. Neither of them would ever have been in a position to be Bonded and given energy or Talents to use. Yet, here you are, about to do just that. I hope one day you will see yourself the way all of us who love you see you. I never would have prayed to a god before you, but now I pray to Morrigan and the rest all the time, in thanks for you.”

  Leaning against the wall, Sean pulled Fiona to him and held her. “Please, stop me from ever becoming like some of the people we’ve met. If you can promise me that, I’ll follow your guidance. I just fear that I’ll start down the road of being an uncaring brute who uses others.”

  “You never will. That very fear will always hold you away from that fate. Myna and I will always be here to help you, as well. But if it makes you feel better… I, Fiona Mithrilsoul, swear on my power that I will do my best to help you be the good, kind, loving man you are today, for the rest of time.”

  Swallowing hard, Sean kissed her neck. “Okay, my loving wife. I’ll follow your path.”

  Following Fiona into the room, Sean noticed Myna and Ida both sitting with one of the girls, talking softly.

  “Here he is,” Myna said, getting up and going to Sean’s side. “They’re nervous but excited that you’re going to give them this gift, Sean.”

  Scratching his eyebrow, Sean nodded. “Close your eyes ladies. This will feel—”

  “We’ve been told,” Andrea said softly, her eyes closed. “We understand that it makes you uncomfortable, sir. Both of us are committed to this path.”

  “I never thought I would be given the opportunity to learn a Talent or given the energy to use them, sir. Thank you for this chance,” Chastity said, her eyes also closed.

  Ida gave Chastity’s hand a squeeze before she stepped over to where the others were. “Sean… I didn’t understand how you giving me energy affected you before. I wish to thank you for being kind and gentle about it, and giving me the time to adjust.”

  Cheeks heated well into red, Sean nodded. “Yeah, okay. No problem.” Stepping past Ida and letting out a deep breath, Sean connected to the two Bonds for the women on the beds. As gently as he could, he sent a trickle of energy down both Bonds.

  Andrea and Chastity both arched in tandem and gasped. Chastity let out a deep guttural moan, while Andrea let out stifled grunts. Sean lost control for a brief moment when he tried to ignore their sounds, which sent a surge of energy to them. That was enough to cause them to both collapse into unconsciousness as the surge of pleasure shut down their minds. Quickly reining in the energy, Sean looked panicked.

  Fiona touched his shoulder. “It’s fine, dear. They’ll just sleep in a bit later than normal today. It might be for the best this way; it made it easier on you.”

  “Maybe,” Sean shrugged. “I’m going to bed.”

  “Goodnight to you all,” Ida said, slipping from the room.

  “We’ll put you to bed,” Myna said, taking one of Sean’s hands. “I know you feel out of sorts, so tonight, we’ll just cuddle you.”

  “All the cuddles,” Fiona said, taking his other hand as they led him from the room.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Dear, time to wake. You have just enough time for breakfast before your next student gets here,” Fiona said, waking Sean.

  “Right,” Sean mumbled as he got out of bed.

  “We have the shop open downstairs. No one has shown up yet, but that’s likely because Maridis just left for the general market,” Fiona continued as she handed Sean his clothing. “Andrea will be making you a separate breakfast. We tried to wake you earlier, but you just rolled over.”

  “Sorry,” Sean said as he put his boots on.

  “You were up late,” Fiona giggled softly, “after we said we’d just snuggle, too.”

  Cheeks heating, Sean grinned, “I told you it has a mind of its own. It’s difficult to ignore both of you when you’re naked against me.”

  “Neither of us complained,” Fiona murmured, kissing his head. “I’m going down to help supervise Chastity on her first day. I’ll get your student settled in the sitting room if he arrives before you finish breakfast. Ida is out back with Ryann making more pipes. I also sent Venn with Maridis, so we’ll know if she has any trouble.”

  “Have I told you recently how easy you make my life?” Sean said, standing up and pulling her in for a hug.

  “Yes, but feel free to shower me with more praise,” Fiona murmured, leaning her head against his chest.

  “Nut,” Sean chuckled. A loud rumbling gurgle from his stomach reminded both of them that he should eat. “Looks like I should get going.”

  “Can’t have our husband collapsing from hunger,” Fiona said as she led him from the room. “Go see Andrea. She’ll give you what you need.”

  Declining to rise to the bait, Sean headed toward the front room. Fiona watched him go, a broad smile on her lips. When Sean entered the dining room, Andrea poked her head out of the kitchen and gave him a smile before vanishing.

  “Food will be out in a couple of minutes, sir.”

  “Sorry for being late,” Sean said.

  “It’s fine, sir. You looked exhausted last night.”

  Sean’s cheeks heated, remembering that she had seen him last just before he had given her energy. “It was a long day.”

  Andrea didn’t reply, ducking back into the kitchen. Delicious smells tickled Sean’s nose as the sounds of cooking food drifted out. Sean looked around for something to do, and Andrea came out of t
he kitchen with a cup.

  “I’ve kept the kettle ready. It’s black, but I thought that might be best for first thing in the morning.”

  “It’ll work fine,” Sean told her, taking the cup from her with a smile.

  Andrea beamed at him and disappeared into the kitchen again. Sean looked at the steaming cup in his hands, going over and over what had happened last night.

  She looks like she won the fucking lottery, Sean thought. Maybe I’ve done the right thing after all. If they want to be Bonded and understand what that means when I give them energy, at least the first few times... maybe I should just accept it. I mean, I’m not doing anything sexual to them. I’m just giving them energy so they can use their Talents… so it’s fine, right?