The Bandit Scout

Chapter 14 -- Mates

For the third night, the Guardians escorted Stella to Carlos's tent and obtained her assurances that she wanted to continue the Final Courtship. Jane, the Leader of the women Guardians, said, "Stella, it is my opinion, at least, that this Final Courtship is almost over. Tonight, we will leave you tied up strictly. You can expect it to be uncomfortable. Are you ready to accept that?"

"Jane, you know I am."

"Then undress. We will tie you on the bunk in a back-arching hogtie, but we will start with you standing up." Stella undressed, and Jane continued, "June, tie her hands with crossed wrists. Carmen, tie her elbows as soon as June is through. Put your muscles into it. I want to see her elbows close together with the rope biting into her arms."

Stella turned her back to June and crossed her wrists behind her. Carmen stood in front of Stella and exclaimed, "Stella, I can't believe that I wound up with Boss Ralph. I am so lucky. He is the most wonderful man. I have fallen in love with him. Is this possible? Am I deluding myself?"

"You met Ralph the same day I did, Carmen. But I knew of him a lot longer from hearing about him from Medico Stevens. Everything that I have heard or seen is good. Everything that I have seen of you is good. So my answer is yes, this is possible. If Carlos and I can mate, so can you and Ralph. And no, I don't think you are deluding yourself. June is done. Do a good job with my elbows."

Carmen made a lark's head just above Stella's elbows and used it to lever her elbows close together. Close enough that Stella made a grunting noise. After wrapping several loops around her arms, she cinched the loops.

Jane spoke, "Good work, Carmen. Janet, tie a chest harness that includes a loop of rope behind her neck."

Janet gathered a long rope and moved up to begin her tying. As Janet was preparing, Carmen kissed Stella on the cheek and added, "Thank you once more. You claimed you would be my friend, and you are. You can call on me for anything you wish."

Carmen stepped aside so Janet could proceed. When Janet finished, Jane inspected her work and smiled. The Guardians helped Stella down on the bunk, face down.

June ordered, "Susan, cross Stella's ankles and tie them." That did not take long, and Jane started on the hogtie herself.

Jane took a rope and made a bight in the center. From the bottom up, she threaded the bight under the chest harness ropes behind Stella and up through the rope behind her neck. The other end threaded under her crossed ankles and over their top. Then Jane pulled it up to and through the bight forming a lark's head. She pulled that tight, moving Stella's ankles toward her hands.

"Okay, Guardians, I want someone at each shoulder and at each knee. I will pull this tighter while you lift, arching her back. Hold her until I tie the rope off."

She started pulling as the other Guardians lifted. Stella was limber and could take a big arch in her back, which this tie exploited. "Carmen, braid a rope in her hair and tie it to her ankles to pull her head back." When this was complete, she asked, "Stella, are you alright? I know it must hurt."

"I am fine, June. Am I right, you have one more step?"

"Yes. Susan and Janet, pack her mouth."

They stuffed cloth in Stella's mouth until her cheeks were full, and the packing pressed from the roof of her mouth down on her tongue. Then they placed a long, thin cloth between her teeth and wrapped it around her head several times before they tied it behind her neck.

"Let's clear out. We don't want to delay Carlos from getting to Stella."

They left. Jane reported to the Medic, and Carmen went to find Ralph and Carlos, who were having their last mugs of coffee. Carmen suggested to Carlos that he should wait no longer before going to Stella.

Jane found the Medico in his tent and said, "Sir, it is my opinion that the Final Courtship has served its purpose. Unless something unexpected happens during the night, I recommend you terminate this in the morning. They should be mates."

Frank replied, "I think you are right. Everything that I have observed supports that conclusion. I will meet with the Guardians as they leave Carlos' tent in the morning."

-----

When the Guardians separated outside of Carlos's tent, Carmen hurried to Ralph's tent. She had spent most of the ride today learning from Ralph. He was an excellent teacher. He loved his Ranch and enjoyed talking about it. She discovered she enjoyed learning about it and was determined to become a brilliant assistant for Ralph.

She remained confused about Boss Ralph himself. Everything that she could see about him indicated he had a genuine interest in her. She couldn't understand why. Stella had been in the world enough to have some understanding of the effect that her looks had on men. But Carmen had only been with the Comanche, and there, she was protected as the Chief's daughter. Carmen was unaware of the world's ways, but she was sure that she was in love with Boss Rider.

Entering his tent, she saw him at his traveling table studying a map. She was proficient at map reading, and when she came up to put her arms around his neck to hug him, she saw the map was showing Rider Ranch and the surrounding territory, including part of the badlands.

"I am looking at the part of the badlands where Stella must have hidden the Katana Documents. If Stella cannot retrieve them, we will have to mount a search."

"Boss, Stella is going to do what she said. She is a very honor-bound person."

"Yes, you are right. She is. I learned, however, that I should always keep a contingency plan ready in case something fails. But enough of that for now. I have you here and can think of other things that we need to do. Sensei worked us hard again. I have not kept up with my ukemi practice and expect I will have some sore muscles tomorrow."

Carmen answered, "I can think of some exercises we can do that would help stretch out those muscles. Are you interested?"

"Does it involve us getting in the bunk naked?" Ralph asked.

"Indeed, it does, Boss Ralph." Carmen was already moving to the bunk, removing her halter. Ralph was right behind her. She shed her pants, folding her clothes, and placing them on a trunk at the foot of the bunk. She climbed into the bunk, and Ralph was still right behind her.

Carmen took the seiza position on the bed and said, "Boss, the Guardians tied up Stella tonight in a very tough hogtie. Remembering the things we did started me thinking." While she was talking, Ralph sat seiza behind her, but with his knees wide apart so his front touched her back and arms. "A couple of nights ago, we had wonderful sex with my legs tied with each ankle tied to its thigh. I straddled you for the coupling. The ropes pulled my hands high behind my back. You crossed my ankles and tied them before, but I haven't straddled you but once. Would I be able to straddle you with my hands behind my back and my ankles cross-tied?"

While she was talking, Ralph had been rubbing up and down her front. "Damn if I know, Carmen. But I am game to find out." He slid back from her, giving him enough room to tie her. He started with a tight elbow tie."

Carmen asked, "Is the reason that you like to tie my elbows because it displays my tits better?"

He answered, "You know, I hadn't thought about that. I think you are right. Your tits are magnificent. They are larger than average, but not so big that they will sag later. I am enticed by your nipples. The softness of your tits is perfection. The way they stand out is also perfect. But with your arms and shoulders pulled back, their perfection gets even more perfect."

By the time he said that, he was ready to move on to her hands. He looped a doubled rope around her wrists three times and cinched it. He pushed her right shoulder, rotating her over her left foreleg until she fell laughing on the bunk. He pulled her back to the center of the bunk with her head to the foot. Ralph crossed her ankles and tied them with vertical and horizontal loops.

Ralph leaned over her, supported his weight with his left forearm, took a tit with his right hand, and gave her a long, lingering kiss, letting their tongues play. His right hand left her tit and went to her vulva, where his fingers stroked around her labia and deeper. This aroused her quickly. Ralph was aroused, too.

He rose from her and sat beside her with his legs stretched to the foot of the bunk. Ralph pulled Carmen into a seated position and continued pulling until her chest was resting on his. By placing her on her knees so that she straddled his hips, he left her crossed ankles over his thighs. By pushing on her shoulders, he lifted her until she balanced upright, and she could maintain that position by tightening her knees on his hips.

Carmen couldn't help much, as she was unable to raise her hips. Ralph used his hands to lift her hips. He maneuvered his cock into her pussy. That was exciting, but now the fun began. Carmen found she could grind her pelvis in a circle around his cock. With most of her weight pushing straight down on him, he was getting a very different but effective stimulation. He raised his hands to her breasts, and she leaned forward, pressing her tits into his hands.

Already breathing hard, Carmen said, "Boss Ralph, tell me what else to do."

He answered, breathless himself, "You are perfection. Just don't stop what you are doing."

Moaning, she clamped her mouth shut. Her vagina was starting to spasm, and the waves of orgasmic pleasure were rolling over her. That was still underway when Ralph reached his peak and discharged his essence into her. Ralph guided her breasts until she was lying on his chest once again. He put one hand on the small of her back and the other on her head with his fingers laced in her hair. Ralph remained inside Stella, although he was softening and all the spasms had subsided. They held that position for a long time.

Without moving, Carmen said, "It is so strange, by tying me up, you give me freedom. I hope someday you will tell me what you want of me. Whatever that may be, I will try to satisfy your needs. I am your slave and your hostage. I will learn to be the best assistant possible. I will be your bondage toy as much as you want. You don't need to tell me now. Whenever you are ready, I will listen."

"Carmen, don't you know? I want you to be my mate. It doesn't seem possible that we met each other so recently. I feel like I have always known you, and there was a hole in my life because you were missing. Now you are here, and I am complete. I am unsure of the protocols that would apply to us. Until I can speak with your father, I will consult the Medico for advice. But first, I would like to ask you. Will you be my mate?"

Carmen lifted her head and looked Ralph in the eye. "Yes, Ralph. There is nothing I could want more. Just remember, you will remain my Boss forever."

-----

Stella felt the strain of the back-arching hogtie. However, she was in superb physical condition and handled it well. She was excited because Carlos would walk into the tent at any moment now. Stella knew Carmen had given Carlos a heads-up, and he did not waste any time getting to her. He entered his tent, and the picture of submissive beauty that Stella was making overwhelmed him, but dismayed him at the same time because he saw that it had to hurt her.

He rushed to her side and started by untying her gag and removing the packing from her mouth. As soon as her mouth was clear, Stella said, "Carlos, isn't this the most beautiful tie-up on all of Newhome?"

"Yes, it is a beautiful tie-up. The Guardians do this very well. Tied or untied, you are the most beautiful woman on Newhome. I don't want you to be hurt. You will be loose in a minute."

"No, Carlos. I will not let you waste the efforts of the Guardians. They did this with love. Now, I want your love. You love me, don't you?"

"You know I do, Stella. What do you want me to do?"

"There are lots of options. Just to name a few: You could turn me on my side and play with my tits. If you pinched and twisted my nipples hard enough, I might scream so loud you would want to put that gag back in my mouth. Or sit down in front of my face and let me suck your cock. You wouldn't need the gag for that. Your manhood fills my mouth nicely. Another thing, roll me over on my back and lick my pussy. I'll bet it wouldn't take me long to cum, but you might need the gag again. What about this, tickle my ribs and my tits. This tie-up has my tits lifted almost off the bunk. Oops, gag again for that. There are more options, but you should get the idea by now."

"I notice that none of your suggestions involve any untying. You want to stay in that painful position and for me to just go on having a good time?"

"Carlos, I want you to have a good time playing with my body. I will have a good time too. As for this tie, if I weren't in excellent physical condition, it would be uncomfortable. But I am, and it doesn't. Now, what are you going to do?"

"Alright, you win. But not all the way. I will not replace the gag. Control yourself or let the camp know what is happening."

"Not fair, not fair!" Stella said with a cross between a smile and a smirk on her face.

He undressed and climbed into the bunk. "I will start by having you service me if you please," he said as he sat in front of her with a full erection. "Would you go to work on this?" as he guided his cock into her willing and waiting mouth.

A little later, he said, "Now it is time for me to play with you while I regain my strength. He knelt beside Stella and turned her on her side by lifting her knee and shoulder. Due to the cross-legged tie, he had to lift her knee relatively high. When she rolled over, the way the Guardians tied her legs left her neither flat on her back nor on her side.

Stella said, "Oh, this is comfortable. What are you going to do to me now?"

"I think I will continue to massage your tits. They look wonderful framed by rope as they are. The ropes make them very inviting." With that comment, he reclined on his side, facing her, and had a hand free to manipulate each tit. He would press his fingers and thumbs into the soft mounds and hold them there. Then he would press his open palms on her nipples and press her tits toward her chest. After that, he would finger her nipples. He took a tit in his mouth, sucking on it hard while his tongue licked her nipple. Repeating, he would pay attention to the other tit. Stella moaned, especially when his tongue was working a nipple.

Carlos was erect once more. He delayed his gratification to work on Stella's pussy. While sucking a tit, he cupped her mons, rubbing back and forth. Then he scooted down and replaced his hand with his mouth. His tongue circled her labia and jabbed at her clit.

Stella was breathing harder and harder. He kept one hand on a tit. The other reached between her legs and grabbed a butt cheek as a handhold to maintain his position on her pussy.

"Carlos, I'm coming. I'm coming!" she cried as that special sensation of bliss locked her muscles in spasm after spasm.

She was still having spasms as he rolled her onto her back. The hogtie had her ankles under her butt with her butt lifted to present her pussy for use. Carlos was careful to keep his weight on his hands and his knees as he entered and pumped. This triggered a new orgasm for Stella. He was already so close to the edge that her spasms shot him off as well.

Carlos wanted to collapse on top of her, but knew he shouldn't with her tied as she was. He withdrew and helped Stella turn back on her stomach. She did not complain as he released the rope braided into her hair, allowing her to move her head once more. Then he found the knots holding her in the tight hogtie and released them. Stella let out a long sigh when her feet returned to the bunk. When he untied her ankles, she stretched her legs straight out.

"Carlos, I wouldn't want to do that every day. But it was wonderful, especially as part of our Final Courtship. I will want to do it again, you know. I've got to get you over your squeamishness. I feel so wonderful right now."

Carlos turned her over on her back in a more comfortable position for her and rested his head on her tits. He lay there while he completed his recovery. Stella murmured, "Thank you, Carlos. Thank you for being you. Thank you for loving me and letting me love you."

"It is I who should thank you. You have become my world," he answered.

Later, he freed Stella from the last of her bonds, turned the lantern off, and pulled the cover over the two of them.

-----

Carlos woke at dawn and tied Stella until she was helpless again. He kissed her and left for breakfast.

As the first rays of sunlight hit the top of the trees, the women Guardians entered Carlos's tent. Jane went to the bunk and checked Stella's bondage. She asked, "Stella, once again I ask you, is it your desire to continue this Final Courtship?"

Stella replied, "Jane, I want to continue and complete it so that Carlos will be my mate."

Jane said, "Your restraints tell me that Carlos does as well. Guardians, free Stella and get her cleaned up and dressed."

Three Bucks Guardians rushed to untie her. Carmen fetched a pan of water and soap. The moment Stella was on her feet, Carmen began sponging her down. Susan held a towel, and as soon as Carmen had finished, she dried Stella. Janet found the formal buckskin dress Stella wore to the feast, and in moments, they had Stella dressed. Stella was looking around at the Guardians but couldn't frame a question before they ushered her out through the tent flap.

She saw the male Guardians, the Medico, Carlos, and Ralph waiting outside. The Medico said, "Carlos, Stella, would you stand beside me?" They did, and the Medico continued, "You have taken part in the Final Courtship ritual for three nights. Every sign that you have given shows you are both qualified to be mates. Carlos, do you take Stella to be your mate?"

Carlos answered, "I want Stella to be my mate with all of my heart."

The Medico asked, "Stella, do you take Carlos to be your mate?"

Stella answered, "I want Carlos to be my mate with all of my heart."

"Then by my authority as Medico of the Bucks, you are mates."

It would be difficult to say who pulled whom into the kiss, but kiss they did to the cheers of all around them. Much back slapping by the men and hugging by the women went on until Ralph called out,

"Alright, folks, we have a trip to finish. Coffee, bread, and sausages await. It is time to eat a bite and for us to get on the road."