This is a story of fiction and is not intended to reflect any factual basis upon the characters mentioned.
This story is hopefully enjoyed by those who like a more romantic tale. I hope I've done justice to those this story reflects. F/F.
*****
Joan
A test. A test from The future king of France, Charles VII. She was to travel to a small village and slay a monster that was reportedly killing the villagers there. Her claims of saintly visions would be tested if this eighteen year old peasant girl should succeed. If she failed, then a brief glimmer of hope in defeating the English would be snuffed and a momentary distraction removed.
Joan was provided with some old armor and a dull sword for her mission. Many scoffed that this illiterate child, a girl no less, could be the salvation that France needed in it's floundering campaign to rout the English from French soil.
Joan traveled alone to the village of Les Brousseau on an old war horse. Joan spoke to the keeper of the small inn upon her arrival. Her claims of being sent to rid the village of the monster of the night was met with skepticism and quiet ridicule.
The innkeeper decided to humor this child, in her old and rusted armor. He told her the monster came at night, and had recently killed the local tax collector.
He also confided that the village saw this creature of the night as more of a protector of the village. The victims were the sick and dying. The tax collector was not liked and was harsh in his methods of collection. The man perished after the children of a family had died after being driven from their home for not being able to pay.
Joan considered what the innkeeper told her. She found others in the village would not speak to her of what ever, or who ever it was that moved in the night. She was uncertain if it was fear of the monster, or of her removing a creature looked upon as more a savior. Villages and cities were only now beginning to recover from the curse of the plague that had killed so many.
The innkeeper provided Joan a room, as she carried papers from the Royal court.
Joan was out that night in search of this monster. Moving quietly among the few alleys and woods of the village. Joan was fearful, but held to her faith that she had been selected after visions of saints had visited her.
Joan felt a breeze upon her neck as she walked among the trees, though noticed no movement of the leaves. Turning quickly, she saw but a dark blur moving away further into the woods. Joan attempted to follow, but soon realized there was no further movement ahead of her.
Joan returned to the inn as the sun began to rise. After a brief meal she went to her room. After kneeling and saying her prayers and giving thanks, she slept.
Joan returned to her hunt again that night. While moving between homes, she heard soft voices from around the corner. Moving silently to the end of the home, she peeked around the corner and beheld a person dressed in black, kneeling with an old woman, who's head lay upon her lap. A cowl covered the head of the dark form. Joan could hear the old woman softly speaking, coughing intermittently.
"Thank you for answering my prayers and coming to me. The pain is so unbearable and I know that I can no longer help my family and am only a burden to them."
"You have never been a burden Patrice. Your family loves you. And knowing how much you have given to them and others, this is the least that I can do."
"I am fearful though. I don't know what God's will would be for me when we meet."
"Do not worry, you have had a life of loving and caring for those around you. No god will find fault with you."
"Thank you my lady. You have been a saint and protector of my family and village. I only wish there was something I could do to end the sadness I see in your eyes."
"Shhh, Patrice. My fate shall be what it is. Are you ready for your next journey?"
"Yes my lady. But, will it hurt?"
"No my dearest, it will be like closing your eyes to sleep, no more cares, no more pain."
"Thank you."
Joan watched as the cowl bent to the women. Joan heard a soft sound from the old woman and then, a contented sigh. The cowled figure stayed bent over the women's body, which had ceased all movement.
Joan's sword, previously held in the ready position, had dropped in front of her. She knew she had just witnessed the end of the woman's life, though done by some fashion that appeared to have brought only relief.
This could not be the murdering creature she had been told to find and kill, could it?
Joan was stilled by her thoughts when she heard a woman's voice. The sound so sweet, that she looked up in surprise to see a beautiful face framed within the cowl.
"If you are here to slay me, I would think it better that you have your sword up."
Joan moved from the corner towards the woman. As she approached she noticed rich black hair framing the woman's face and falling to the swell of her breasts, hidden under her cloak. The woman's eyes were almond shaped, dark brows above brown eyes, the depths of which Joan felt here self captivated by. Joan's eyes moved to the woman's full red lips.
Joan felt a heat rush through her body. A yearning to move into this woman's arms. To be close. To be kissed.
"If you wish to strike me down child, I will not resist. My time has been long. Perhaps it's time for me to make my leave."
"I was sent to kill a monster. I see no monster here my lady," Joan stated quietly.
The woman tilted her head slightly as she looked upon this young woman, barely removed from being a girl. She felt the goodness of Joan as she stood fearlessly before her.
She was surprised to also feel a yearning to be near this young girl. With her brownish hair cascading from under the helmet she wore. Her blue eyes, long, thin nose and pale lips. She could not recall a time she wished to be near someone and hold them tightly to her.
"Tell me child, what is your name?"
"Joan D'Arc, my lady." "And if I may be so bold as to ask yours?'
Joan watched as a brief sadness descended upon the brown eyes of the woman.
"I have had many names, but for you, I will give you my true name, Cosmina."
The women stood, simply staring into each other's eyes. Joan again saw sadness descend and flicker across those brown jewels.
"With your leave then Joan, I leave you."
As the woman turned to leave, Joan felt a pull she had never known before. "Will I see you again Cosmina?"
The woman paused, turning to Joan with a raised eye brow." Do you wish to see me again?"
"Yes. Yes I do." Joan replied softly. A slight smile came to the woman's face.
"Then you shall. I shall be at the ruins in the forest tomorrow night. Ask Pierre, the innkeeper. He will provide you with directions." And with that, the woman was gone, so quickly that Joan looked around, but saw no sight of where she had disappeared to.
Joan returned to the inn. Deep in thought of these strange feelings she was having towards Cosmina.
Joan learned of the ruins from Pierre. A questioning look from him, though still he provided her the information.
Joan returned to her room and sunk to her knees in prayer.
"Lord? Is this a test you have placed in my path? Have I been mesmerized in some way by this woman?"
Joan could not bring herself to believe that Cosmina had some how clouded her mind. She had no experience with needs of her body. She had had no lovers in her life as no man had ever been of an attraction to her. Yet she felt a yearning that coursed thorough her body, centering on the junction between her legs.
Joan stayed upon her knees in prayer and thought until exhaustion forced her to her bed. For the first time she dared to sleep unclothed. The rough blanket scraped across her hard nipples, sending shivers of excitement through her body.
She would not allow herself to touch the wetness that she noticed in her nether region. She knew such things were forbidden by her church.
Joan knew that she would be in the ruins that night, for she could not bear the thought of not seeing Cosmina again.
Joan awoke in the late afternoon. Pierre was very generous in providing her with a dinner. A look of contemplation upon his face. She noted none of the other diners would speak to her, instead speaking with each other quietly. She felt the looks that she was receiving from the other diners, but when she would turn their way, eyes were quickly diverted.
Joan felt the need to hurry to be with Cosmina again. She questioned this desire, but was powerless to stop herself as she hurried from the inn before the sun set.
Joan was able too find the ruins from the directions provided. They appeared to have been an old castle, now partially crumbled and buried in the woods.
As darkness enfolded her, she began to question her choice to be at such an isolated location. The movements in the woods around her and the howling of a wolf set her nerves on end.
Joan felt her breath leave her body as a voice sounded behind her.
"Thank you for coming Joan D'Arc." A quiet voice said.
Joan turned to see Cosmmina standing behind her, still wrapped in her long black cloak. Cosmina's hood was down now and Joan could see her full rich hair cascading down across her shoulders.
"I could no more avoid this then my need to breath," Joan said.
"I'm sure you have many questions for me child. And for some reason, for you I am willing to answer them."
Joan again felt herself lost in the rich brown eyes of Cosmina.
"Have you enchanted me? Is this why I feel so drawn to be with you, to be near you?" Joan whispered out.
A small laugh came from Cosmina. "No child, for if I have enchanted you, then I have also enchanted myself."
Joan smiled back at Cosmina as she moved to her. Joan stopped in front of Cosmina. Inches separating them. Joan felt the need to touch this woman. TO see if she was actually real, or some trick that God was playing upon her.
With a trembling hand, she reached up and softly stroked Cosmina's cheek. She felt her warmth and the smooth, unflawed skin under her fingers. Cosmina's hand moved to cover Joan's hand. Pressing her warm caress against her skin as she tilted her head firmer against it's pressure.
With a sigh, Cosmina moved from Joan's touch while still holding her hand. Come Joan, let us find a more private place to speak.
Joan entwined her fingers with Cosmina, allowing herself to be led along a path she had not noticed through the rubble of the decaying castle.
Cosmina led Joan to a portion of the castle that was undisturbed. A fire burned in the large fireplace, providing a warm sanctuary from the cool night air.
