Birthright

Tara woke up ready to start the day, lying in bed waiting to hear the knock on the door that always came. She laid there smiling, anticipating knowing her best friend in the world would soon bless her with her presence. Having Nahari be her wake-up call since they were little made waking up early pleasurable. Tara's day always started with a smile as she oped the door and saw a tall, athletic build, mocha skin woman. She thought about the rugged yet caring look in Nahari's light brown eyes as she said, "Good morning, my princess." Tara stood at the window smiling, thinking about seeing her friend.

Knock

The abrupt knocking made her heart jump into her throat, beating fast as if she got caught doing something she wasn't supposed to be doing. Tara could hear her heart thumping in her ears like drums. She felt every atom in her body start to shake with anticipation. Tara jumped toward the door and placed her hand on the handle. She took a few deep breaths to calm herself to not seem so eager to see her guard. Tara could see the smirk that came across Narahi's face whenever that happened. And tara had a love-hate relationship with that smirk. She loved how it made her feel to see it. But she also hated that it made her feel anything. She dimmed the bright smile she had and opened the door.

"Mother!" she said with more shock than she intended

"Well, good morning to you too, dear," the Queen's eyebrows raised.

“Good morning. Where’s Nahari?”

"She's gone for the next two days. Her mother has taken her out for a trial. She got a high rank. When she returns, she will be the new second guard to her mother." the queen smiles, "she deserves it. Taj asked me last week, and I approved."

"A high guard trail," Tara said worried, "Aren't those dangerous?"

"They can be, but I'm sure Nahari is more than capable of handling herself."

Tara's smile couldn't be contained. She glowed with excitement for Nahari but was still sad she wasn't there. She was worried about her. she knew Nahari was nothing but a skilled warrior. But she had heard about how some of the warriors get seriously injured, and at least three had died. She didn't want to feel sad and worried at this happy moment but knowing that she wouldn't see Nahari for two days and what could be happening to her made her stomach flip. She felt an empty space in her heart and didn't understand why. She could hear her mother talking, but her words were inaudible. All Tara could hear were her own thoughts of Nahari being gone.

"Tara," her mother snapped in front of her face, "Where are you right now. Did you hear anything I said?"

Tara shook her head and stood there again to listen to her mother tell her about the day she would have. First, it would be classes for the morning part of the day. Then after, a fitting for a gown for the party when Nahari gets her promotion. Tara didn't care about any of this; the day no longer felt bright. She missed Nahari. She just found out she wasn't there and she missed her.

Tara didn't understand. Nahari was just a friend, someone she grew up with. Of course, she cared for Nahari, she thought. She cares for everyone she calls a friend, but she doesn't feel empty when they are not around. She didn't feel like she missed them unless it had been a week. But within an hour of knowing Nahari wasn't there, she missed her.

The day seemed to drag. The history lesson seemed like it would never end. She found herself staring out the window to where Nahari would have been. She couldn't focus on the study even if she tried. Instead, she looked towards the forest, wondering what Nahari was doing, if she was safe, and if she would return. Her mind was occupied by the stories from Nahari about how the trials were conducted. First, a ceremonial warrior paint, then a journey to the cave where the beast lives for half a day. A warrior has to go deep into the cave and retrieve the young from the beast. Battling through the wild cave animals, the cave terrain, and the beast itself. After the warrior returns with the untamed young, it is killed and made into dinner for the ceremony. The thought of the ceremony to celebrate Nahari was the only thing that made the situation bearable.

For the next two days, Tara moped around, walking around the territory without really paying attention to what was going on. She wasn't herself. Tara always looked like she floated on the air, gliding around while walking next to Nahari. She usually walked around with an air of happiness. Laughing and talking with everyone. Sometimes stopping into certain places to check on the families well being. But no matter where Tara floated off to, Nahari was always her return point. It was like she tethered tara to the ground, so she didn't just float off.

But now, she slugged around, feet planted firmly to the ground. Slowly walked and tossed fake smiles when people called out to her. She didn't have the same light airiness she usually had. She wasn't full of her usual excited energy. The people started to notice the difference in her quickly. The word spread fast, and people questioned her as the princess roamed. It didn't take long for word to reach Rami about her daughter's unhappiness

"What's wrong, my child," the Queen called to Tara as she walked through the door.

"Nothing. I'm fine." Tara looked up to notice her mom staring at her.

"You don't look fine. You've been moping around for two days. People have become worried."

"People," Tara scoffed, "I don't care what people are saying."

"Something is clearly wrong. Are you worried about your friend? You look like a love-sick puppy," Rami said, laughing.

"I am not a love-sick puppy. I'm just worried," Tara's face began to burn hot, trying not to betray herself.

"It seems I have struck a chord," Her mom poked and joked with her.

"I don't know what you mean." Tara "No cords have been struck. I am not love-sick over Nahari. That is just ridiculous. The rule clearly states that she and I could never happen.."

"So you've thought about it," Rami questioned her daughter, with her eyebrows raised. She laughed at the look of shock and horror on her daughter's face.

"MOM," Tara screamed.

"Well, okay. If you say so, but your face says otherwise. I'll leave with your thoughts" Rami turn and walk away, turning around to say, "She be back soon. Alive, well, and just as happy to see you as you are to see her."

Tara sat there looking at the empty space where her mother was. She couldn't believe that her mother would imply that puppy love was the reason for her sadness. Love never crossed Tara's mind that she could love Nahari. She always cared deeply for her, but now that her mother has mentioned love, she wondered. She sat there staring off, lost in her own thoughts. Thinking about how hard her heart jumped and danced around, making her body burn whenever she knew Nahari was around. The heat spread through her. Starting as a ball of fire in the pit of her stomach that burst, spreading like wildfire. When the sensation reaches the tips of her ears, causing her body to shudder. She couldn't believe it. She loved Nahari. Tara sat there wondering why it took her mother to bring it up. Tara was already excited for the return of Nahari, but now there was a twinge of nervousness.

That evening the trumpet sounded. It was the signal of the guard's return. Tara stood for a second, listening for the second trumpet to signal the death of one of their own. When it didn't sound she ran to the entrance. Her mother was already there, and when Rami saw Tara sprint, she chuckled. Tara saw the smirk on her mother's face, but she could care less. Narhari was back. Narhari was safe. That was all that mattered to her. When the guards came through the gate, they were surrounded by the tribe, throwing flowers in celebration. Cheering at the success of the trip. Tara scanned the crowd looking for Nahari and saw Taj was not smiling. She was holding Nahari up, supporting her through the group. Tara was ready to burst into tears. Nahari and Taji stood before the Queen and Tara as the crowd cleared. They both dropped to one knee and bowed their head to them.

"We have brought the youngling, my Queen," Nahari spoke in spurts of breath. Tara was fiercely looking Nahari over. Looking for what was causing her pain. She could see the bloodied cloth that wrapped around Nahari's torso.

"Are you seriously hurt," Tara spoke softly, stopping herself from reaching out to comfort her.

"No, princess, just scratches," Nahari looked up and forced a smile. But the pain in her eyes show. They were sinking in and red. She looked as if she had been fighting back the tears for a while.

"My queen," Taj spoke up, "I would like to get her to a bath and tend her wounds better."

"That is fine. The youngling beast will be taken to the cook immediately for preparation for tonight's celebration." Queen Rami smiled and waved everyone off.

"Don't you think we should wait until Nahari is better?" Tara whispered.

Nahari was slowly helped to a standing position by her mother and the other guards. When she stumbled, Tara ran forward and put her hand on Naharis's chest. Taji looked from Tara to Nahari. She looked at Rami and saw the smile on her face. When Taj looked back at her daughter, she saw it. The softness in her eyes and in her smile when she looked at the princess.

Taj cleared her throat, "Thank you, my princess, but we will take her."

"Okay, but I will be coming with you," Tara said, so forceful Taj stood still. She looked at Rami, and she held her hand up. Letting Taj know she was okay with everything.

"Yes, Princess Tara," Taj said as she walked forward with her daughter.

Tara paced back and forth outside the door of the private bath, waiting for Taj to come out. She didn't know what to do with herself. Seeing Nahari hurt sent cold shivers down her spine. All she wanted to do was hold and comfort her. Never since her father had she felt such a desire to wrap her arms around someone and never let them go. The pain in Nahari's eyes sent daggers into her heart. Her eyes became full of tears. She couldn't stop them. Before she knew it, they poured from her like a fountain. The thought of losing Nahari hurt her to her core. She didn't know what she would do if she didn't have her. The wounds on her body looked horrible. The gash on her thigh from the beast's claws was oozing blood. She left the room when they brought the needle and the hot rod. That's when she smelled the burning of the Indica plant used to lessen the pain Nahari would feel. She could her Nahari yell out in pain, and she cringed.

It seemed like it took forever before she was let back into the room. Nahari lying in the bath that smell of tea tree oil, rosemary. She had the medicinal pipe in her hand and a smile. It seems to have kicked in. Nahari looked over to her and smiled. A smile that Tara had missed. The broad smile from thick lips that now looked so kissable to her that Tara licked her own. She stood there really, taking in the beauty Nahari possessed. The smooth mocha skin glistened in the water. Her plump breasts bobbed up and down, teasing Tara. She looked at the water hard, trying to stare further down, trying to get a glimpse of what could be heaven.

"Are you just going to stand there and stare at me, or are you going to come to talk to me."

"You want me to come to the bath and talk to you?"

"I believe that is what I just said. Come sit with me," Narhari said, smiling at Tara, reaching her hand out towards her, "Are you scared? I won't bite unless that is what you would like. My princess."

Tara stood in a place frozen at the thought of joining Nahari in the bath. She looked at the goofy but sexy smile on Nahari's face as she wiggled her finger, beckoning her to come closer. Tara wanted to move, but she couldn't. Her nervousness surprised her. Tara had never been nervous around Nahari. She looked at the gleam in Nahari's eyes and felt a surge of energy run up her spine, making her visibly shudder.

"See your cold. Come warm yourself in the bath." Nahari giggled.

"You are being very forward asking me to join you in the bath," Tara finally spoke with a dry throat, trying to muster up an authoritative sound. Tara looked up to find Nahari looking at her. Smiling at the indecision on tara's face. Tara had never been so conflicted. She couldn't deny the throb of her pussy every time Nahari smiled at her or saw Nahari's ample breast covered with water. Her mouth began to water, thinking about sucking on Nahari's nipples. She tried to shake the thought but, it wasn't long before Nahari stood slowly so that Tara could take all of her in. Tara realized that she loved the site of her body. Tara couldn't think about anything else but touching Nahari. She always found her very attractive but never had these thoughts.

"It isn't like we haven't bathed together before," Nahari said.

"We were young then. And not so." Tara's voice trailed off as she let her eyes run over Nahari's body.

"Grown-up and developed." Nahari interrupted as she slowly walked toward her.

Her knees trembled as she watched the slow, slight sway of Nahari's hips. Grown-up was an understatement. Nahari body was the definition of enticing. Why hadn't she noticed the subtle curve of her body before? She felt like she was really seeing Nahari for the first time. Tara stared at the serious look that came across Nahari's eyes. The glistening and twinkle in her eyes spoke volumes to Tara. Heat seemed to pass through them as she approached Tara, and she could feel the energy that flowed off Nahari as it hit her in waves. It was intoxicating. Tara let her eye leave Nahari's face again to admire her again.

"You shouldn't be out the water. They put oils and medicine in there to make you feel better." Tara spoke hoarsely.

"You make me feel better," Nahari said as she grabbed tara's hand, "Come sit with me, princess." Your presence makes everything better."

Tara couldn't believe what she was hearing. This was insane. Two days ago, she thought of Nahari as only a friend she had deep feelings for. Her absence and the sight of her being hurt changed everything. She had never said such things before, and Tara didn't know what to make of it. Was it really Nahari, or was she so medicated that she was deliriously saying things.

"Does it," Tara spoke softly.

"Yes, My princess," Nahari lifted Tara's chin.

Nahari's touch sent shivers through Tara's body, making her knees feel weak. She looked up and saw the yearning look in Nahari's beautiful hazel eyes. Tara saw Nahari wanted more, and she was willing to give it to her. She had never felt such an urge to kiss or touch anyone. Tara lifted her hand to touch the wound on Nahari's stomach, and tears began to fall. Then she pushed her back into the medicine bath.

"You could have died!" Tara cried, "You could have died and left me. Why did you have to do this? Why couldn't one of the other guards have done this? Let them go out and do the hard stuff. You are to stay with me at all times."

"My Mother needs a second. Someone to have her back. Who better than me. She has been training me for this since birth. Just like you have been trained to take over for your mother."

There wasn't anything Tara could have said. She knew Nahari was right. Nahari was the best because her mother trained her to be. No one else would have survived that ordeal. The last two guys didn't. Nahari was the first person to make it back and survive in almost 5 years. And every time Narahi would say that she would pass when it became her time, Tara never really thought it would happen.

"Tara," Nahari spoke softly, "I am okay. I have never been better."

"WHAT," Tara screamed. "You are sitting in a bath with deep gashes from a beast, and you have never been better."

"Yes. I am now my mother's second, and I will be able to protect my princess better because I will now be allowed to be everywhere you are."

"You are already everywhere with me. Where cant you go now?"

"This is true, but I always had to get permission from my mother or the Queen, but now I don't have to ask. I am expected to be everywhere you are. You remember Eara. She was always with you, and it pissed me off."

Tara stared at Nahari's serious face when she said this. She thought about how upset Nahari would be every time she left with Eara out of the tribal territory. Tara giggled to herself after remembering the time she tried to force her way through the gate after them. She took out 3 guards before her mom stopped her.

"You really didn't like that she was always around," Tara looked into Nahari's eyes. The look of anger, jealously but love, and lost most of all love. Tara was waist-deep in the warm, fragrant bath, fully dressed before she knew it. She ran her hand lightly across Nahari's scar, looked up, and kissed her. Their lips met, and it was everything Tara could have imagined. Nahari's lips were softer than she expected. Tara could hear Nahari moan as she bit down and sucked on her bottom lip. Nahari couldn't resist longer and grabbed Tara's plump behind with one hand and pulled her chin up with the other so that she could kiss her.

"I never thought this would ever happen," Nahari spoke, "I have wanted to kiss you for so long."

Tara bit down and sucked on Nahari's bottom lip, causing both women to moan. It was loud enough that they both pulled away and looked at each other, smiling breathlessly. They stared into the eyes of each other as if seeing each other for the first time. In a way, there were. They were no longer girls splashing and playing tag in the bath. This moment in the bath would change their lives forever. They are entangled with each other, bodies pulled close together in an embrace that both women need. Tara runs her hands through Nahari's long locs and tugs slightly let her know she wanted more kisses. Nahari bent down to give her princess what she wanted.

"I never knew this would be so good," Tara said, "Touch me..please."

Nahari always followed orders and wasn't about to stop now. She did as she was told and slowly ran her hands down Tara's body. She cupped Tara's breast and squeezed, and Tara let out a low moan sending electricity through Nahari's body. Her hand glided down Tara's body until she reached the wet entrance. Nahari played with the wetness, twirling her finger around teasing the damp opening. She slipped her fingers to Tara's swollen click and started to rub slow circles. Tara's moans became louder as she held onto Nahari.

"Shit," Nahari said as Tara jumped back quickly to look at her. She scanned Nahari looking for open wounds or bleeding. Tears start to fill her eyes think that she just could have hurt Nahari more.

"I should go. You are supposed to be resting. Not getting worked up." Tara's body was still shaking from body pleasure and worry, "When you get better, we can finish what we started."

Before Nahari could protest, Tara pushed her back into the water and left. Nahari reaches for her, but her wounds won't allow her arms to reach out far enough. She smiles watches as Tara leaves the room.

Tara was by Nahari's side, taking care of her for the three days. Her mother had to insist she stayed in her own room when Tara tried to sleep there. Tara emphasized that the beast be preserved in several ways and saved until Nahari was healed so that she could be appropriately honored. And she wants to make sure no extra time would be needed because Nahari not staying still. Their time was full of kisses and Tara forcing Nahari to take her herbal medicine and ointments.

The tribe was vibrant and a buzz. The feast was underway, and the dancers performed as the tribe sang and played drums. The smell of cooked beast filled the air. Everyone swayed and danced in celebration. The Queen and Tara sat and watched as the people of the tribe danced and celebrated. Tara scanned the area looking for Nahari and her mother.

"Don't worry, she will be her. This is all for her, remember." The Queen chuckled, "I promise this will be a night you won't forget."

Tara sat there listening to her mother, trying not to roll her eyes at her mother's amusement. She knew this night would be unique. Her mom didn't need to say it. Nahari was finally getting the title that she deserved. At that moment, the drumbeat and the song changed. The crowd parted, and there she was. Standing there in her warrior tunic beige with red trim and gold accents. Her hair was up in a bun decorated with red and gold ribbons wrapped around it. Her eyes trailed up her body until their eyes met. They stared at each other like they were the only ones there. Nahari smiled as she and her mother walked through the path created by the crowd as they threw flowers of celebration at Nahari. They stopped and kneeled once they reached the Queen and Tara.

"Nahari, please stand. As we know, you were victorious in your trial, which is why you stand here tonight as the new second guard. I know that our future as a tribe is safe with you and my daughter. As a reward, you get to ask me one favor." The Queen smiles.

"I would like to court your daughter. Please give me permission too."

"Nahari," Tara screamed, "I-Mom."

"GRANTED! Let's eat. Took you long enough, damn." The Queen smiles, look at her daughter, and walks away.

Tara stands there, blinking in astonishment. She looks at Nahari, who is standing in front of her with the biggest smile on her face. Tara noticed the Nahari's hand was out to her. She grabs it, and Nahari pulls her in and kisses her.

"What just happened?" Tara asked.

"We are stepping into our birthright," Nahari says as she Tara kisses again.

The End