As I roamed around the nearby woods, Ax in hand, I found a particularly straight sapling. Games hadn't seemed to exist here, so I thought maybe I could make something, and either Checkers, or Reversi would be simple enough. Not wanting to risk being unable to find this specimen again, I went ahead and started to cut it down. I was probably half way through, when a snapping, and cracking sound drew my attention, and instantly put me on alert.

Taking a ready stance, with the Ax raised in preparation for a downward angled swing, I stood still. Crashing out of the underbrush was a massive boar, and clearly irritated by the noise I had been making, and rather than leaving, as a sensible animal would have, it was charging me. I waited nervously as I let it approach to what I determined the perfect striking range. I wasn't going to stand still as I struck, but attack as I dodged forward and to the side. I made my leap, and swung the ax as I leapt. The ax missed my target, but did manage to tear through a good portion of the leg, hampering its movements.

The squeal it let out was intense, but I had no time to focus on it, as I swiftly turned, and leapt backwards in order to prepare for another swing, this time intending to leap to the other side. Its charge was slower, and more fumbling due to the earlier injury. I made my leap and missed again, but managed a similar injury to the other front leg, and also on a back swing, chopped into the hind leg. Another ear piercing squeal sounded out, and I instantly prepared for another charge.

Brother John, and two of the men at arms came crashing into the scene, and seeing me unharmed, with a bloody ax, instantly drew their blades. "Tina, get back, we'll handle this!" I was all too eager to oblige, but I knew enough about animals to not turn my back. I shook my head at John. "No Brother, I'll not let my guard down, I'll hold my stance, and let you finish it, but I won't run, that's just a quick way to get needlessly hurt." John grunted, but nodded. The men were cautious, but with the injuries already sustained, they had little difficulty finishing it off.

"Begging your pardon young master, but miss Tina was correct in not running. I wanted to say as much earlier, but the boar was the more pressing matter at the time. Please don't scold her for a correct decision." John chuckled. "I'm not going to scold her for that, but if she was out here hunting a Boar with only an ax, even if she did do rather well, I'll scold her for that. So, care to enlighten me dear sister Tina, how this came about?!"

Shaking my head, as I sighed in a combination of relief, and frustration, I pointed at the sapling. "I originally was just walking around, trying to get my thoughts in order, but I saw that almost perfectly straight sapling, and since I had the ax, just in case I needed it, I decided to chop it down. Apparently the Boar took exception to the noise, and wanted me to stop, I didn't agree, thus our altercation." The two men at arms chuckled at my telling of the events, lightening the mood slightly. "Seriously Brother John, I'm not half so suicidal as to deliberately hunt a Boar, of any size, with a puny ax. I do know, that running wouldn't have been an option, even had I been closer, my only chance at surviving was to fight, so that's what I did. The only good thing about this whole mess, is we can harvest the meat of the Boar. Might want the Huntsmen to track where the Boar came from, if there's a Wallow nearby, we'll want to either know about it, or remove the Mate, and capture the Piglets if there are any."

"Begging your pardons, but I can track where this one came from, see if there's aught to worry about, miss Tina is right about checking." John nodded, and I couldn't hold back anymore, as I flung myself, bloody ax and all to wrap my arms around John, for the second hug ever. "I was so scared, it's a wonder I didn't freeze up!" He hugged me back tightly. "That makes two of us, seeing you facing that Boar, that really was too close of a call, Tom, please finish chopping my Sister's sapling, and bring it for her, I want to take her straight back, my nerves are on edge, and I'm sure hers are too." Tom took the bloody ax, used his water flask to clean some of the blood off, and took out his whet stone to remove some of the burs my fight had given the blade. "Not a problem young master, we'll get the Boar trussed up, and bled too, well fought young lady, but please don't make a habit of arguing with Boars in future." He chuckled good naturedly, and I smiled at him.

When we left the tree line, Elaine, and Moreen, as well as several of the maids were waiting anxiously. "Tina, what happened? We heard that Boar screaming, but why didn't you run away?!" Elaine had asked, but Moreen didn't even have words, as she flung herself into my arms, hugging me fiercely, then pushing me away, to start inspecting every inch of my attire. "I'm ok Moreen, relax, I wasn't even scratched, not even by a branch, let alone that stupid Boar, who didn't know to run from noise, instead of trying to attack the source. I was chopping a sapling so I could make something later, not doing anything stupid, that Boar came out of nowhere, I'm just glad I had that Ax on me, if I hadn't grabbed that, the stupid Boar might have still attacked me. We have someone checking to make sure there's nothing else out there, so everything is fine now." She was still not listening, so I did the only thing I could think of, and pulled her lips to mine, and kissed her properly.

Elaine, and the Maids all gasped, and John's face turned crimson. "Sister Tina! What,...what is the meaning of this?!" Elaine forced out. I chuckled sheepishly. "Well, you know I don't want a Man, so what else would I want? Moreen is the same, and with her being all hysterical, and me kind of emotionally charged what with the Boar and all, I kinda just gave her a Kiss, which is what we both wanted, but I WAS trying to be good. Sorry for the Scandal, but not the being into Moreen." Moreen hugged me tight. "So that's what you meant by a real kiss huh?" She giggled, and kissed my neck, causing me to blush, and squirm.

John cleared his throat, in that obvious fake way. "This is hardly appropriate behavior, even if you do intend to be together, have some decorum. I assume Father does know about this?" I waggled my hand back and forth. "Yes, and no. He knows I'm into Women, and Why, and I'm guessing he assumes the same for Moreen, but maybe doesn't know for certain that the two of us are likely to become an official couple in future." Moreen pouted. "Why official in future?!" I sighed exasperated. "Because we're too young to be certain that we want to be a couple, and aren't just a couple confused adopted sisters who share a common interest in women. I for one think you're adorable, and hope things work out for our future life together, but I don't know the future, and how our hearts may change as we get older. Just be patient, and let things happen naturally."

The maids were all abuzz clearly whispering under their breaths about this development. I smirked at all of them, and they blushed. "I must say, I am quite surprised, and I suppose it's better this happened here, rather than in the Capitol, but do try and behave while in public." Elaine hugged us both, and took a sniff. "Also go take a bath, Moreen should join you I suppose, having gotten all the Sweat off you." I gasped in mock outrage. "Doth my dearest Sister Elaine, not approve of my Battle Earned Musk?!" I laughed, and Elaine did smirk at my joke. "It may be well earned, but it still isn't pleasant to smell, now off with you both, I shall need my own Bath after hugging you as well."

Our bath was piping hot, I suspect the maids were still somewhat distracted by the newly discovered relationship between Moreen and I. Only one Maid was in attendance on us for our bath, and I got a suspicion in my head. "Jessica?" I asked. "Hmm? Is there something you need Mistress Tina?!" She was flushed red. "Am I correct in my assumption that you're the only Maid with us, because you yourself are interested in Women, while the others are possibly worried that I, or Moreen here, might try something with them?" Jessica's eyes widen in surprise. "Mistress, I would never believe you'd do anything untoward?!" I harrumphed. "I don't care if they have an unfounded fear, I'm asking if you'd actually want something untoward to happen as long as it was one, or both of us. It's not an invitation, or a trap, but if you like Women yourself, then it would make sense for you to stick with us, rather than possibly getting into the service of a Man that wouldn't leave you alone doesn't it? I'm literally asking if we SHOULD make you our personal maid, for your own protection. I don't mind being ogled by other Women, but being ogled by Men would disgust me, and that's assuming he can't touch me."

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Jessica's eyes started tearing up. "Please Mistress Tina, Mistress Moreen, I'd be so relieved if you made me your personal maid, even if you travel, or leave the country all together, I'll be happy following you, just to keep safe from Men, even,... even if I'm not good enough to receive your attentions, it's still better than that!" Moreen looked a little embarrassed now knowing that this Maid at least thought she was attractive. "I think it's fine, we're still too young to act on our own desires, but there's no chance of accidental pregnancies between us, so later on, at least in my opinion, I don't see a reason why we can't all play together, assuming everyone agrees at the time. I'd never force anyone, only invite, and not get upset if I'm refused. Moreen, can you muster an opinion here?!"

Her face Crimson, she manages to reply. "I think,... she's plenty beautiful, and if you are fine with it at the time, well just remember I'm with you, and you with me, she'd only be a playmate, and perhaps a friend. Just don't think you can leave me for her, and I'll be fine with it! I think." I barely heard the last words, but I managed it, and kissed her on the cheek, and gave her a side hug, not wanting to get her too excited while in the bath.

"In that case, we should talk with Brother John about assigning you as our personal maid, and getting you moved into the side chamber, that way you can 'attend' us at night if needed." Jessica smiled teary eyed, and Moreen now looked almost hungry at this maid of ours. "Easy there Moreen, we're going to behave right?!" She pouted at me. "Why should I behave with her, if you're making me behave with you? I could play with her, while I wait couldn't I, she's not too young is she?!" I kissed her, "She isn't too young, but YOU are, we might get a nice view once in a while, but hands off till we're older. You at least should be fifteen before getting physical, then I'll have two more years after that before I can play. Just behave ok, we've done enough scandalous things already since getting here, plus what I did at the Tea Party, we need to behave ourselves for quite a while till things calm down."

We climbed out of the bath, and Jessica was VERY thorough about drying us off, which made us both grin in naughty amusement, and seeing the grins, Jessica blushed happily. "I almost thought you were going to give us a kiss to signify a properly clean and dry body while you were down there." I chuckled mirthfully. "Well, mistress hadn't given me leave to do so,... but I was tempted." Jessica answered boldly, knowing we understood her dilemma unlike most of the other maids would be able to. Clearly we three were the odd ones out, but we could stick together, and that would make all of us happy.

John had no issues with Jessica becoming our personal maid, and the other maids who overheard the request seemed to almost sag in relief, but at the same time, they were also somewhat disappointed to not have been chosen, from a professional standpoint. "I did get a message back from Father by carrier fowl, he confirmed that the idea for the Tarmac was indeed yours, and mentioned in a rather coded fashion, as to your circumstances. I must confess I doubted I had translated that code correctly, I redid it several times. That's truly a remarkable situation, and I do feel proud that you were able to talk about it even with father. I sent the fowl back with a coded message of my own, about Sister Moreen, and your situation, so as long as I don't get any refusal from Father, then I guess you can proceed at your own pace. You're being rather reserved, and now I understand why. With regard to your investments, borrow any tools you need for prototyping whatever you're thinking, that will save expense in the short term, till you get your feet under you. Do talk to me, if you need any advice, such as if whatever you're creating is a good idea or not. I do think Moreen deserves to know your truth, if you intend to stay together as seems the case. That's all the more I'll say on the matter."

I was stunned at the level of intelligence John was able to get in that missive, especially in code. "Dear Brother, do please burn that message, even if it's in code, I'd rather not have that discovered later." He nodded. "Already done Sister. I'll inform Elaine in private myself. Oh, I nearly forgot, Sister Sarah is coming later this week, perhaps as early as tonight, but likely she won't be as willing to endure as long as you did. You should tell her as well, in private naturally, her Husband won't be attending on this trip, apparently there's some commotion with bandits in their territory, and he'd prefer her safe here, until they're all captured." I beamed at the news. "Sister Sarah is coming! It's been ages since I saw her!" John smiled. "I suspect it feels longer than it actually was, considering what happened to you." I shrug, "Well yes, I suppose that's true, but even before I felt that way, so I guess the two synergize so that it feels long for both versions." I think John was probing to determine if he did indeed decode Father's message correctly. "Tina, can I not know what you're talking about? I'm sure Sister Elaine want's to know too!" I shook my head. "It's not that you can't know, it's that, as much as I want to trust them, the Maids would overhear too. I'll tell you in private, I promise! Just wait till later please." She pouted a little, while Elaine just seemed to have a blank face, clearly she wants to know too.

"Wait a moment, if Sister Sarah's husband isn't coming, who's coming with her?" John smirked. "Grandfather is coming, since he isn't allowed to hunt the bandits, protecting his grand daughter on her way to the family estate was something "useful" he could do. Bless the man, he just needs to relax, he's retired!" I shook my head. "Being retired, doesn't mean you're dead, if he can't keep busy, he'll go crazy, and who knows what he'll end up doing, just to have SOMETHING to do! Get him out hunting, or have him build something nice for the garden, something, anything to be useful. You have no idea how often retired people end up killing themselves because of boredom. Teaching is another great option, no matter the subject. I for one, would love to go fishing, but I don't know how it's done." Elaine, and Moreen, as well as the maids all looked aghast at me, while John smiled indulgently. "I know good and well that Jason Des Arlos loves fishing, if his younger grand daughter genuinely wants to fish, I'm sure he'll be delighted to teach you."

It was at that very moment, that much ahead of schedule, the very man, and my Sister arrived in the dining hall, much to everyone's surprise. "Certainly I'll teach you,...Tina,... why exactly are you dressed like a boy?" John took out the coded message from his jacket pocket, and held it for Grandfather Jason, who knowing the code as if it were plain text, instantly understood exactly what was written. "This isn't some sort of joke is it?" John shook his head. "Did you notice the new black pathway?" Jason nodded, "indeed, that's how we got here so quickly, had to go round the freshest bit, but then the ride was so smooth, and quick, truly remarkable work." John smiled. "That's Tina's work, or rather, she made a test patch, and the men have been working to expand it to the Capitol as quickly as possible. Hopefully we'll reach the Capitol before tax season, and not have to pay Taxes at all."

"Oh ho, something from before I take it Tina?" I decided that decorum could fry, and slipped out of my chair, and went to hug both Grandfather Jason, and Sister Sarah. "It is indeed, quite common, surprised how easily I could recreate it, thought it would take a lot longer, even if it is simple, getting the balance right is tricky. Welcome home Sarah, welcome home Grandpa, I missed you both!" They were stunned to say the least, that I would leave my seat during a meal, and to openly embrace them was unheard of for the Tina they knew. "I'm trying to behave myself, but the change is as you've noticed, quite drastic. Also, did the letter mention my being barren?" Sarah gasped, but Grandfather just nodded, a little sad. "Sister is that true?!" "It did indeed say as much, as well as it being poison, willingly taken, in order to avoid a marriage with the Prince no less. That would have been unthinkable, except, well I expect you're talking around that subject to avoid unacceptable ears from hearing that detail. You'll tell Sarah yourself, and I expect John has yet to tell Elaine, so I'll attend that conversation rather than saying anything here." I gave him another hug. "Thanks Grandpa!"

"Sarah dear, why not go with Tina, and your newest Sister Moreen to catch up in Tina's room, while the servants handle your luggage, I'll send tea later." I interjected, "I'll have Jessica fetch the Tea for Sister Sarah, I've selected her as Moreen and I's personal maid, and John approved." Grandfather nodded, and shoed us out of the room. Once we were in my room, I sat Sarah down at the table in the corner, which had three chairs, now that Moreen was sleeping in my room. "What's everyone talking about? Can nothing truly be done about you being barren?" Sarah was clearly concerned, but that was to be expected. Once I had sent Jessica off for tea, and had ensured the door was locked behind her, I went into explanation mode, and left nothing out.

Sarah was clearly shocked, about everything, but mostly that Moreen and I were quite likely to become intimate in the future. "Well,... you understand I how difficult it is to believe all this. Then making yourselves barren just to avoid marrying the Prince, I just can't understand that. Then again, your explanation of everything in your past life, some of the things are so fantastic, there's no way you could not only imagine them all, but be able to instantly explain the basic principals, while also not knowing enough to copy any of it, that's too much to believe is imagination. Your personality change can't be ignored either, and clearly Father believes it. I'm a little put off by your relationship, even if you're behaving yourselves, but I suppose that's because I like Men, so it's just hard for me to understand someone not liking them. You're my Sisters, both of you, and I treasure you as you are." So saying, she hugged us both. "I'll take my leave now, rest well, I need time to think, have Jessica bring the tea to my room instead." She unlocked the door, only to find Jessica with the tea tray waiting. "I heard Mistress, I'll follow you, and set the Tea in your room before returning to my duties."