~Thoughts that Wander~

Penn hill was always land to be conquered, a vast mound of grass covered, rocky dirt that towered high above the rest of the valley. It's presence was imposing, the prospect of climbing it; legendary.

Though it was two or three miles away from Middleham, directly opposite its neighbour, Bolton Castle, it was visible from the highest points of the Northern fortress. It's flat peak touched the clouds in a morning, playing host to the mist that turned the delicate water droplets resting on grass to fields of frost. In summer it was a beacon of light, one that basked in sun and highlighted the beauty of the Wensleydale valley, while in winter it was a cold land to be invaded, climbed.

And so, upon Catherine's fifteenth birthday, that's exactly what the small party that rode out from Middleham did.

꧁꧂

7th of November 1467....

"Everything is so white!" Catherine exclaimed as she dragged Margery behind her, their skirts and cloaks heavy with melted snow that seeped into the heavy fabric "I can't even see the castle anymore!" The wind grasped at their hair, at their faces, turning their cheeks pink; their noses red, but they did not care.

It was an adventure!

"I know!" Margery called, looking down to where the boys followed behind, hats crammed onto their heads while their boots fought through the drifts of snow they encountered "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Beautiful!" Francis agreed "But this is a long walk, Cat!" The young Duchess merely laughed, securing her woollen mittens while she hoisted her skirts ever higher, running through the snow like a small child, eager to reach the top of the hill.
"Well, it's my birthday, so what I wish comes true!"

Rob snorted at that, looking back to the small patch of woodland where they'd left their horses to graze.
"I didn't know your birthday wishes included me freezing my cock off!" He called over the howl of the winter wind whipping around them, stirring their damp cloaks and the warm laughter that echoed from their bellies.

"That wouldn't be difficult considering how small it is!" Francis yelled back, earning a snowball to the back of the head and an icy trickle of water down his back.
"And yet its still bigger than yours, Francis!"

"Oh shut up!" Catherine demanded over her shoulder, keeping her eyes trained on the ground ahead, the very peak of the hill which she had sworn that day to climb. Rob stuck out his tongue and Richard chuckled, slapping him on the back before he ran to his wife's side, taking her small hand within his own.

"Listen to your lady!" He commanded, pressing a kiss to her covered fingers "For today she is not a girl, she is a woman!" Catherine blushed at his words, even though they were true, and linked their arms, letting him tug her cloak more tightly around her body as they made their way upwards into the soft expanse of the clouds.

The snow crunched beneath their feet, a never ending rhythm as the party climbed higher and higher until the ground beneath their boots became flat. Hard with ice and with stone.

"Come!" Richard laughed, pulling her towards a rock jutting from the earth, covered in snow that was quickly brushed away with his gloves. Holding her waist, he hoisted her upwards, clambering up behind her while the others joined them, each cramming onto the grey rock to peer over one another's shoulders.

Despite the snowy haze that filled their air, there could be no doubt that the view was beautiful, a beautiful swirl of white mist that danced before their eyes. Each breathed in a breath of cold air, relishing the icy chill that entered their lungs while they gazed at their surroundings.

"I have never seen a sight so perfect" Margery whispered and the others nodded their agreement, gathering their cloaks around them so they could sit. The stone beneath them was cold but almost comfortable all the same, making them laugh and smile as they settled. Rob pulled a pouch from his belt, grinning as he undid the cork with a loud pop.

"The finest Northern whisky!" He announced, slapping Francis' eager hands away while he took a sip before passing it around the group. Each took a hearty swig, relishing the taste of the golden liquid on their tongue, the burn in their throat that spread throughout their veins; bubbling in their belly.

"To friends!" Richard announced when he took a large gulp, offering the pouch to Catherine's lips while the other's enthusiastically repeated his words.

All around them was ice, yet all around them was beautiful and as Catherine stared up at her husband she could not help but think how lovely he looked. His dark hair framed his face, the soft curls touching his determined chin, brushing his cloak. His cheeks were made pink with cold, his lips reddened, lips she wished to press to hers....

"If we stay up here any longer my cock really will freeze off!" Rob announced, breaking her train of thought while the others laughed, making to rise "Do you think we could run back down?"

"Run?" Francis exclaimed as Rob hopped from their rock, trying to peer into the drifts of snow below and taking another hearty swig of whisky "Well we could if you want to die and you shan't want to die before tonight!"

"Tonight?" Catherine repeated, letting Richard once more hold her waist to help her to the snow-covered ground. None of them answered her, exchanging looks of mischief and fun while they began to walk back down the mountain, leaving the young Duchess with questions she knew there would not be answers to.

"You'll see, ma belle!" Her husband simply told her, hugging her body to his while they tried to navigate their way back to safety.

Their descent was one of giggles and laughter, of slipping and sliding down while trying in earnest not to fall! Hands were clasped and cloaks tugged as they tried to cling to one another, chuckling through the cold that froze their very bones!

A screech of laughter arose when Rob slipped, rolling down the hill, covered in snow he all but screamed at.
"Fuck!" He yelled, trying to scramble to his feet while the others ran after after him, trying not to slip themselves! When he slipped again, the other boys ran to his aid, trying to haul him upright while Margery and Catherine watched, giggling when Francis and Richard quickly found themselves in the snow beside him!

꧁꧂

The sky had darkened from day to night, leaving a deep blue hue above, twinkling with stars but Catherine's world was all darkness thanks to the blindfold Margery had placed over her eyes! The scrap of silk was cool against her skin, the air around seemingly colder than usual as Catherine tried to blindly make her way through the castle.

"Where are we going?" She laughed, almost tripping out of a window when her fingers tried to feel their way along the stone walls lined with lit tapers. The light shone through the cloth covering her face but still she could not see a thing and clung to whatever she could!

"Come here!" Margery teased, watching the young Duchess wander until she finally took hold of her waist. Guiding her through the castle corridors, she shushed the girl whenever she dared to raise a question, once remarking she should have tied another strip of cloth around her mouth to shut her up! "All in good time, my friend" Was all she said before Catherine squealed as she tried to walk down a winding staircase.

"Who's idea was this?" She demanded, carrying an armful of skirt and clinging onto the stair rail for dear life while Margery followed. God forbid she should tumble down the stairs! That would ruin all of their plans.
"Take a wild guess, my Lady!"

Catherine hummed, squealing as she slipped down two steps before managing to regain her balance, cursing her long gown. Why women could not sometimes choose to wear breeches as men did, she would never know!

"Well it's inconvenient and definitely not thought through so I would say this plan belongs to my dear cousin Robert Percy!"

Margery's laugh was all she needed as an answer and she scoffed to herself. Trust her cousin to come up with something as ludicrous as this! Trying to find your way through Middleham Castle, at night while blindfolded! Not only that but she did not even know where she was going and one wrong step would send her straight to the grave.

Thank God Warwick was not there to see her! The two enemies had not set eyes on one another for fast approaching eleven months and Catherine for one far preferred their acquaintance to remain just so! If only they had moved to Fotheringhay during the summer months before, she would often think, for the Earl would be at Middleham for Christmas as always, but Richard had wished to celebrate her birthday amongst friends.

And, truth be told, so did she! For, if not the castle, or the Nevilles, she would miss the squires; their bawdy jokes and enthusiasm for fun!

"How much further?"

"This way!" Margery instructed, guiding her through a door to where a gust of icy wind hit them, stirring their skirts and making Catherine gasp in surprise.
"I don't have a cloak!" She exclaimed "Why are we outside, Margie? You know I am not one for surprises!"
"Oh hush!" Margery scolded, guiding her across the courtyard and trying to hide her mischievous smile, though the Duchess was not able to see it.

She may not be fond of surprises but this particular one would bring her naught but delight, all had been sure!

Catherine shivered as she was guided through a pair of doors, the scent of fresh hay and wood assailing her nose, mixed with the warming aroma of baked goods, bread and cakes. Hooves ground against the floor, tapping impatiently while fond whinnies filled the air.

"The stables!" She exclaimed, only to look sharply upward at the sound over shuffling coming from the hayloft above. Muffled voices hushes one another, some irritated, some excited before a thump was heard and a quick snigger silenced. Margery giggled, guiding Catherine to the narrow ladder let down through the small hatch above their heads and helped her hands to the rungs.

"If she falls, I'll have you all executed, you have my word on that!"

She grinned at the sound of her husband's voice, feeling hands reach down to raise her up into the hayloft, gently grasping onto her clothes to ensure she did not slip. Catherine allowed herself to be handled, carefully climbing the wooden rungs until Richard's hands landed on her waist, helping her onto the hay-covered floor.

Again more whispers rose while Margery followed and she let Richard settle her on the floor before he sat behind, cradling her against his chest.
"Am I allowed my sight restored?" Catherine asked with a giggle, her senses heightened at the smell of baked tarts, rich with sweet sauce she could almost feel were in front of her.

Gentle hands reached behind her head, undoing the bow Margery had so skilfully tied until the strip of cloth fell away from her eyes and the hayloft was revealed to her. A soft gasp filled the air as she took in the long chamber. Candles danced before her eyes, set in small lanterns and surely dangerous had the piles of hay been swept far to the side to make room for the blanket laid out.

Atop the fabric of blue and white linen lay plates of silver, laden with food that Catherine's mouth watered at the sight of. It was all her favourites, the sweet delights she loved to taste on her tongue until her belly was full and her laughs merry. Strawberry and apple tarts, freshly baked, lay in front, still hot from the oven and sending streams of delicious scent into the air.

Slices of apple, covered in honey lay on two other plates, the curved pieces set into a pretty swirl resembling a flower. Meat pies and such also filled the blanket, the steaming steak and gravy beginning to trickle through the sturdy pastry while thick slices of ham lay to one side.

"Happy birthday, Cat!" Francis said with a shy smile and soon the call was taken up by others until the whole hayloft rang with cries of well-wishers.
"Fifteen!" Rob laughed, popping a slice of apple into his mouth "You are growing up, cousin!"
"And you have already grown!" She returned, letting Richard pull her onto his lap while she blushed.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart" He whispered into her ear, gently pressing a kiss to her neck while Rob whistled, only to earn a rough shove from Francis and a laugh from Margery.

"Let us begin!" She announced, taking up a golden goblet and filling it with wine before taking a hearty gulp "This is meant to be a party is it not!"
"Of course!" Richard announced, filling his own goblet and bringing it to his wife's lips "We are here to celebrate Cate and that is what we shall do!"

꧁꧂

Catherine did not think she had ever felt so full as she lay against the hay covered floorboards, one hand resting atop her belly while a soft smile lingered on her face. The plates were cleared of all but crumbs, the jugs of wine drained to their last drop so that even mice would be able to quench their thirst.

The hatch in the thatch roof had been opened, a small opening to the stars above that Catherine and Richard now gazed through. Their hunger and need for laughter sated, they lay side by side, their hands intertwined while they watched the stars above. Many of the lanterns were void of light, their amber glow snuffed out as the candles guttered and died.

They were the only two souls there, alone and undisturbed, their friends gone to fetch the other squires who were undoubtedly eager for a good time. Still, the young Duke and Duchess indulged in their time of quiet, the gentle touch of their hands enough.... until it was not.

"Thank you" Catherine whispered into the darkness of the night, looking to the side to see Richard held the same expression as she. It was one of tenderness, of sweetness incomparable to any other and yet, there was something else there too, a second thing they shared, desire.

"It is nothing, ma belle" He replied softly, raising her hand and pressing a gentle kiss to her fingers, letting his lips linger on her skin while she blushed "When we arrive at Fotheringhay you shall have a feast worthy of the Lord himself!" His grin widened "And a castle too!"

"With you" She chuckled, shuffling closer until their bodies were pressed against one another, feeling her breaths quicken at such slight contact "Always with you....Richard?"
"Hm?"
"You do not look at me as if I were a girl anymore" She whispered, the thoughts running in her mind finally set loose on her lips "a child....you haven't done for more than a year now...."

"Because you are not a child!" Richard returned, propping himself up on his elbows to be nearer to her, to press a soft kiss to her lips "nor am I! How could we be when we feel....such things between us!" She gasped a little, feeling her cheeks redden beneath his palms as he gently cupped them.
"You do not deny it then?"

"I have no wish to deny it" He replied stoutly, his voice suddenly seized with a hunger no food nor wine could sate. His words were hurried, almost desperate and he kissed her again, reaching to take the pins from her braid "You are so beautiful" He breathed as golden curls fell about her face "So very lovely, sweetheart" Kissing her again, Catherine's arms were suddenly around him, bringing him closer, letting their bodies press freely together.

They had never been so intimate before, not once. They had kissed, whispered their love to one another and sated their growing desire with gentle touches but this was different. They were different. Now such simple caresses would not do and Catherine could feel her blood begin to burn in her veins as Richard's hot kisses descended to her neck, his hands gently pushing her back onto the bed of hay behind.

She went willingly, feeling her breath hitch as Richard eagerly climbed atop her, his weight gently pressing down while she sought his lips. Calloused hands, fuelled with lust touched her necklace, the golden chain around her neck holding the precious sapphire and his motto.

He pressed a kiss to the centre of the diamond shaped gold, his breath tickling her skin, eliciting an aching want between her legs. One she had only ever felt when he held her at night and all that lay between them were their nightshirts. Again, his fingers brushed the delicate pendant, a want burning brighter than fire in his blue eyes.

"What I would give to see you with only this adorning your skin"
Catherine shivered beneath him, a small gasp escaping her lips while her body arched upwards, wanting more, wanting him.

"Richard" She whispered through delicious delirium, feeling him eagerly nudge her legs apart and move between them while her skirts gathered to preserve her modesty. He did not reply, only pressed feverish kisses to her neck, her jaw, her lips, moaning ever so softly, ever so sweetly.

"Cate" She heard him murmur between kisses, between heavy breaths that seemed to fill the space around them, mingling with their desire "My Cate" He spoke the words with fierce loving conviction but she was well aware of how disheveled she must look with her golden hair strewn over the hay beneath and her skirts in disarray. Perhaps he thought her a goddess of the Autumn past?

The thought made her close her eyes in bliss as Richard continued to kiss her, slipping his tongue past her lips and flicking the roof of her mouth in a way that made her gasp. If she was a Goddess, he would worship her and the mere thought made her blood burn hotter in her veins.

Once again, her name escaped him, a prayer on his flushed lips that refused to settle as did his hands. Eager fingers plucked at the side of her dress, trying to access the heavy kirtle beneath that would give way to her shift and then....to her. Catherine groaned, arching again while the wanting between her legs grew stronger, almost willing him between them. It felt so right, oh so right.

"Oh, my love" She whispered when his hands slid down the sides of her body, making their way over her gentle curves to where her heavy skirts lay. He whispered a similar endearment, the loving words slurred on his tongue by the lust that consumed them in a cloud of sin both knew they would not repent. She wanted him to claim her, wanted so much to be his.

His hands slipped beneath her skirts, tracing the delicate embroidery on her stockings while Catherine gasped her contentment, her desire. Surely there could be nothing greater on earth than what she felt at that moment, she thought, the heat in her belly, pooling between her legs, the delicious coil she could feel waiting to snap. She wanted everything. Everything.

"Come on! And don't drop the food! Look, Thomas, if you drop that pie I will have your balls, I swear it!"

The two in the hayloft jolted from their time of pleasure, jerking up from the hay as if they had been woken by a dousing of icy water. Feet thumping below alerted them to action, Richard dragging himself and Catherine from the hay to the floor where they had stared up at the stars. Their chests heaved and their cheeks were red, blood pumping through their veins in a way they never could have imagined.

"Don't stop" Catherine wanted to say "Don't ever stop"

But they had to stop and only a few moments later the sound of boys ascending the hayloft ladder sounded. One by one, they bounded through the hatch, each trying to balance their plates of food and their pride without falling over! Catherine smiled at them, nodding in greeting while Richard grasped her waist but she could not deny her blood was singing with want. She felt as if she might faint!

Her ears rang with the calls of 'happy birthday' and she did her best to smile, to declare her thanks while she pressed her thighs together.
"A toast!" Rob proposed and all scrambled for goblets, Richard reaching out for one recently filled for he and Catherine to share.
"And what might this toast be for? Loyalty? Friendship?"

Rob shook his head, making to stand while the others watched, their bawdy nature tamed for a moment while he raised his cup.

"Family" He said with a smile, looking upon the others with fondness kindled over many years "For that is what we are, is it not? We have our own kinsmen, men whose blood runs in ours but we are a family all of our own and we always will be! We are brothers! Even you Catherine!"

Catherine grinned, raising her goblet in his direction.

"And you, Margery of course! What my dear cousin would do without you I will never know!"
"Fall out of a window?" One of the boys volunteered and the room was filled with laughter as the two girls shouted their agreement, sharing a fond embrace before Rob called for silence.

"To family" He announced "To us. The soldiers of Middleham!"