The Valley of the Beast Part III

She sat in her robes near the hearth where the knights and lords would gave to trade stories.  She blew on the hot tea and watched the steam continue to rise before taking another sip.  The normally boisterous men were having quiet discussions, trying to appear civil and cordial.  Kiera smiled at the notion, many times she found eyes on her that quickly looked away when she looked up.  She could feel their desire, their curiosity that pushed boundaries that were supposed to be stone walls. 

"You're making them nervous," a feminine voice said from behind.  Kiera turned to see a young woman clad in form fitting plate and chainmail.  She moved with grace like a cat circling its prey.  Immediately Kiera recognized a Valkyrie when she saw one.  The flowing blonde hair and deep blue eyes of her people were easy to recognize if her warrior armor did not already give away that secret. 

"You're making them nervous.  They have never known a priestess of Tesha, One of the Seven."  The Valkyrie finished he circle to stand in front of the fire casting herself in a silhouette of light. "They are only used to seeing beauty in battle."

"I don't see you battling now," Kiera smiled coyly.

"Who says we aren't?"  The Valkyrie was smiling, enjoying this entirely too much.  She walked towards Kiera who uncrossed her legs and let the robe fall just a little from one shoulder.

"My fellow knights are enchanted by your beauty, your...sensuality.  I have even been healed by a priestess of Tesha a few years ago when I was traveling east." She held Kiera's gaze with her eyes and there was a fierce current just beneath her calm demeanor.  "I know you are here for a reason, I believe I know that reason.  If it is true it is our sworn duty to help.  But do not think for a minute that I will allow you to manipulate my brethren."

"I come seeking aid from those who have the power to help.  That is all."

The warrior woman looked her over for a moment longer then smiled and bowed.  "I am Rota, when the time comes I will be there with sword and spear."

Kiera stood and kissed Rota on both cheeks, whispering a blessing that hung in the air.  "I am Kiera, priestess of Tesha, One of the Seven."

"I had heard you were beautiful," a voice from behind brought the already quiet room to a hushed silence.  "I just hadn't expected your beauty to stand so tall when next to our Rota."

"Be careful he's charming." Rota said quietly as she left Kiera.

Kiera turned to face the man she assumed to be the Red Line.  For the first time in many years she speechless.  He was said to be handsome, as most famous knights are.  Yet here was a young man with too much confidence.  Handsome in the face, a chiseled frame bearing a few scars and tattoos of protections on either arm.  All eyes were on him as he walked in and Kiera found herself staring for far to long at his body as he stood before her.  His body almost glowed in the soft light of the fireplace.

"I think you forgot your clothes, Sir."  Kiera said, almost laughing at herself by being caught so off-guard by a naked man.  "Although I appreciate the sentiment."

"I simply wanted to make my lady feel at home."  Kiera offered her hand which Pierre kissed with a bow.  "I am Sir Pierre.  Please, sit."

They sat by the hearth, Sir Pierre trying to stay charming.  Kiera holding his gaze and taking slow sips of her tea.  Sir Pierre slowly began to wilt under the scrutiny of her gaze.  After a few long moments it was Kiera who broke the silence.

"I hear you are good with your sword."

"So I am told."

"If your enemies are still speaking after you use your sword then maybe I need another knight."  Sir Pierre was about to interject when he was cut short.  "And if your women still have the strength to speak after laying with you then I certainly need another man."

Laughter boomed from all the knights in the room.  Kiera expected him to be cowed but was pleasantly surprised to find Sir Pierre laughing along with the rest of the room.  He was confident, very confident but humble enough to laugh at himself.  Kiera knew that her prayers had been answered.

"All right, all right!  Go back to your own conversations!"  Sir Pierre called for his squire who came running with a robe.  He helped Pierre into the robe, took one look at Kiera, smiled meekly and almost fell over himself trying to run out before Pierre caught him and held him up.  "Kip, this is a priestess  of Tesha, greet her as a knight would."

"M'lady," Kip kissed her hand.  Kiera thanked him and then moved forward and kissed the young squire on both cheeks and intoned a blessing.  Kip looked lightheaded as he walked out.

Sir Pierre turned to Kiera, "now, tell me about this curse."