Thanks to Rae and Georgi, who beta'd and advised and are therefore equally culpable.

Lastly: You read you feed. That's the deal.

FB good or bad to msprism@hotmail.co.uk. Thank you.

Li'l Red

Part 1:

"I looove to goooo awanderinggg…"

"Shut up"

"…aloooong the mooountain trackkkkk…"

"Shut up"

"…and as I gooooo.."

"Shut up"

"…I loooove tooo singggg with a….."

"I'm warning you I'll thrash you with a stick if you don't shut up."

"….knapsack on my backkkkkk….."

"Look…I'm picking up a stick now. It's a big one!"

"Valdereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…"

"This might be more of a poking stick that a thrashing one…"

"Vaderaaaaaaaaaaaaa……eek, oi, stop that…"

"Told ya it was a poking one." Leone smirked as she prodded her girlfriend's curvaceous butt cheek with her bespoke pokin' stick. She loved their teasing little games. Amy was an atrocious singer and had relished torturing her girlfriends aching ears for miles now with a series of camp songs in revenge for the ten mile hike Leone had dragged her on. Swatting ineffectually at Leone's prodding Amy looked around the forest floor for a broken branch of her own,

"Wait til I get me a whupping stick we'll see who's singing then!"

As she spoke both hikers crested an incline and there in a soft, hazy blue Little Dip, a small fir lined valley in the heart of the Claw Ridge Mountains rolled out before them. They both stood silently soaking up a scene so beautiful and tranquil it seemed time had sat down and rested in this blessed little nook on God's earth. From the barren mountain crests rimmed with cerulean sky steep verdant slopes tumbled to the valley floor and the silver ribbon of river that ran through it. It sparkled like an emerald in the belly of the majestic mountains. A secret oasis of peace and natural beauty.

Insects buzzed idly nearby. A warm breeze ruffled through the pine needles fluttering the petals of Blue-eyed Mary huddled in the forest shade.

The two women rested and drank in this little bit of wonder in reverential silence, until,

"Wow." Amy simply stated.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" Leone stood behind her resting her chin on top of her girlfriend's shoulder.

"And your family own all this?" awe entered her voice.

"Well, just the valley up to the Ridge, then the National Park takes over."

"Looks like I got me a keeper!" Amy laughed playfully smacking Leone on the backside as she started out down the trail into the valley.

"You only love me for my pine cones." Leone grumbled adjusting her backpack as she began to follow.

"Hah," Amy smiled back green eyes sparkling, strawberry blonde hair lifting in the breeze, "I love your for your poking stick! Valderaha ha ha ha ha. Valdereeeeeeeeeeeeee…"

"Damn," Leone scanning the wiregrass, "I threw that thing away."

They arrived in the heart of the valley shortly after lunchtime. This was down to Amy's meticulous planning of their hike, she liked to use mealtimes as the header and footer of any logistical exercise. If a task couldn't be done within the boundaries of two set mealtimes then you were biting off more than you could chew and a rethink over a light snack was probably necessary. Leone was quite happy to blunder through anything with a strip of jerky as long as someone pointed her in the right direction. It was one of the many essential differences between the women that made their mutual friends frown at the strange but unmistakably strong bond between them.

Even to look at they were chalk and cheese, Amy Fortune was a 5'4in feisty little country girl. She had grown up far away in the corn-belt but had relocated to Portland Oregon and now taught kindergarten. A job she loved and which enhanced her natural assets of bossiness, playfulness and always knowing best.

Leone Garoul tall, dark and very intimidating in looks was actually incredibly easy going by nature. In fact she was so good natured and laid back she might as well have a hammock in her hip pocket. Life was a slow, meandering river to Leone. Everything moved along at a nice even pace, relaxed and peaceful. She was a veterinarian with both a city and country practise. City based was obviously for pets and domestic animals but in the country she dealt exclusively with horses and the local stud ranches.

They had actually met when the kindergarten acquired Cookie and Oreo as new classroom pets. Dr Leone Garoul had come in to show the children how to care for the Dutch rabbits and came away with a huge crush on the petite teacher. One it seemed she shared with every kid in the classroom. Except the kids couldn't make a follow up call on the welfare of Cookie and Oreo and invite Miss Fortune out to dinner…hah! Suck it up rugrats!

It was this childish streak that actually sealed the deal between them. Amy took to the dynamics of their relationship like a fish to water, Leone was just taken. She totally adored her girlfriend, was so deeply in love with her as to be incredibly anxious about this long weekend break.

Effectively she had dragged Amy all the way down to her family's holiday homestead here in this remote but beautiful valley so that the woman she privately saw as her intended could meet her kin. Of course she hadn't told Amy any of this for fear she would turn and run, after all they'd been together for less than a year and she didn't want to look too pushy. Plus she knew Amy to be very independent of her own family and she might not appreciate how much Leone pandered to hers. But it was important to Leone that Amy like the Garoul clan, as important as it was for them to love and respect her as deeply as Leone did.

A little further into the valley Amy turned to her companion,

"So, if you want me to top singing you better start talking. Tell me how your family got to own a whole valley."

"I already did."

"Yea, ages ago and it was the canned version. Tell me again Scheherazade and if I am pleased you shall live to see a new dawn. Come'on bard it up a little."

As there were still a few miles to go and it might waylay an incessant parade of trail songs sung badly off key Leone sighed and complied as usual.

"Well, the Garouls were a noble family from France, near the Mageride Mountains in Gevaudan. There were two brothers, twins. And they argued about who would inherit because the older one was sort of soft and the younger much more aggressive. The younger decided to kill his brother and take the lands and title. So they fought but the elder meeker one won and the younger one was sent into exile cos his brother was merciful and sent him to the New World and we got to own this valley. See?"

"That's a rubbish story if I was the Shah of Arabia I'd be asleep by now and you'd be toast in the morning!"

"I told you I can't do stories…"

"You need to sex it up…like they fought at midnight under a full moon in a field of snow. The Duchess…he was a Duke right?" she got an enthusiastic nod in affirmation, "…the Duchess watching from the castle ramparts hands clasped to her heart. Would her Sire survive this profanity from his younger more garrulous brother? Would her world and heart be torn asunder for she knew the cruelty of the younger would bind her forever to him as a courtesan."

"Oooo…" Leone's eyes widened, "you're good at this."

Amy smirked at the handsome profile. Leone was a truly terrible story teller, an awful joke teller and incredibly bad at lying. She would be the worst eye witness ever as she seemed to find it impossible to match action to description. But she loved listening to Amy's stories about her day at school, the exploits of the rugrats, even what happened at the food store on the way home. She could listen to Amy's voice forever it caressed and soothed places her hands couldn't reach.

"Slowly they circled with the moonlight flashing off rapiers, taking each other's measure, fixed upon each other's quivering move. Shadows stretched ghostly across the frothing snow deadly dance churned like sea foam."

"Wow…" Leone could see it all like a little movie in her head. Family history suddenly felt much more exciting.

"And then the lunge, the flash of eye and blade, the sharp snap of steel on steel. Again and again they parry and twist. Until blood like fevered crimson melts design onto the crystal ice. And it is done. One holds the bloodied point to his sibling's throat. But he cannot kill, he is too noble. His nature is to protect, his lands, his subjects, his family. He cannot destroy his brother and so he banishes him forever!" Amy flourished dramatically here.

"Yea…and then he comes to America and gets a valley. The End." Leone concluded.

Amy pouted,

"I was gonna tell you all about the penniless trek through France, living off the land, stealing from farms and hunting along the way for survival. Then the long sea journey where he had to work his passage. The disease and hardship among a mutinous and murdering crew. The bloody battering of the beleaguered and bereft on those floating cities of death. And finally he arrives in his promised land. Swathes of wild forests, a noble savage for a wife and a million opportunities to start afresh. He begins to build a new kingdom for his progeny, and so future Garoul generations move slowly west…" with a sigh and a flourish Amy indicated she was finally finished.

"Shit, you make up a hell of a story. Wonder if it was really like that?"

"Hey what happened to the French Garouls? Do you have a whole family connection in Europe?"

"Nah, they all disappeared in the 1700s. Plague or something…dunno."

"Ah, Death upon a blackened stallion riding on a seething cloud of rats…"

Her effigy on the Black Death was suddenly cut short by a loud growl. They both looked down at her tummy with amusement and surprised affection.

"Oh," Amy blinked, "are we there yet? I'm starving. It must be past lunchtime. I need to eat."

"Here, before you pass out." Leone offered her an energy lozenge and shook her head.

"Hey, Leone!" A call from up behind stopped them in their tracks. Turning as a big barrel of a man descended on them in a rush, the rod and reel box flapping at his side in time with his big feet.

"Claude." Leone cried delightedly and allowed herself to be swallowed in a massive bear hug, "You got here early?"

"Yea we did. Folks are still straggling in but we arrived last night. It's good to see you, sunshine." With one more bone crunching squeeze the big man let Leone go and turned to look expectantly at Amy extending a huge hand.

"Is this your girl?" he asked.

Leone blushed to the roots of her hair much to Amy's amusement,

"I better be." She smiled allowing her smaller hand to be absolutely engulfed, "I'm Amy. I'm glad to meet you Claude."

Her hand was so enthusiastically pumped she thought she'd have tendonitis for the rest of the week.

"Mmm, Amy this is my Uncle Claude, he and his wife Louise came all the way down from Jefferson Wisconsin for the weekend." Leone introduced them slightly belatedly.

"And I am so happy to meet you Amy. Maybe we'll get a chance to talk later this evening at the barbeque. You can meet Louise and the rest of the family then."

"Barbeque tonight?" Leone tried to distract Claude from wrenching Amy's arm off at the elbow. The man had no idea about his own strength.

"Yup," Claude disengaged and beamed at her, "Paulie got a deer so tonight's a big party. Everyone should be in by then. It'll be a hoot. I brought my fiddle and Maurice has his new accordion."

"Great. Good for Paulie I'll bet he's over the moon."

Claude began to makes moves to head off in the direction he had been going before spying his niece and her companion wandering along the trail.

"I gotta go. I'm meeting Pascal for some fishing. I think Marie left you some lunch in your cabin…" he had turned fully away now and was heading off back up the trail.

"Hey," Leone called after him, "what cabin's mine?"

Without looking back he guffawed,

"Why the Honeymoon cabin, what else?" he boomed and lumbered off still chuckling.

Amy turned raised eyebrows to her girlfriend, "Honeymoon cabin?" Leone blushed hotly again.

"It's only called that 'cos it's set so far back from the main group. Ignore him, he loves to tease."

"Don't care if they call it the Love Shack, there's lunch in it so let's go!"

Another twenty minutes and they finally walked into the homestead clearing at the southern end of Little Dip. It was dominated by a huge BBQ and fire pit surrounded with a variety of picnic tables and benches. About half a dozen people of all ages wearing all colour of flannel roamed around obviously preparing for an excursion of some sort. Maps were being perused and backpacks attended to. It seemed like a small hiking party was preparing for an afternoon's trek through the beautiful valley.

Leone hesitating beside her lover took a big breath and nodded to her,

"Okay, this is it. Are you ready to meet my Mom?"

Amy widened her eyes in mock horror then smiled,

"Yea. Com'on Hot Stuff, you've dragged me nearly ten miles through deepest darkest forests to meet these people. Don't chicken out on me for the last two yards. Take me to your Matriarch."

She reached over and grabbed her suddenly hesitant girlfriend's hand. Looking carefully she could see the gleam of excitement and the slight flush on Leone's sweet features.

She's so cute when she gets all flustered like this. I'm really gonna make this work. Her family will be eating out of my hand by the time this weekend's over. I'll make her so proud of me!

They shouldered their packs onto the ground. Amy looked up with fascination as an older version of Leone descended on them in several long strides.

"Leone." She cried delightedly, arms outstretched.

"Mom." Leone grabbed her in a big happy hug. Amy stood back a few feet anxiously wiping a sweaty palm on her jeans, preparing for a hearty handshake. Jeez, they're the spit of each other and just as tall. Guess she gets everything from her Mom's side. She watched as Leone's black tresses mixed with the older woman's flashes of silver. They were of similar height and muscular build, though Leone was broader in the shoulders and slightly leaner in the hips. But then Leone had never had kids, her figure lacked the softer curves motherhood could bring to a stern physique.

It had always been an issue with Amy that her girlfriend towered over her. Well, to be honest it had also given her a cosy feeling of protection too…and it was kinda nice those nights when they fooled around on the settee and Leone would swoop to bodily carry her up stairs and…

"…is my Mom." Leone beamed down at her, her mother smiling by her side taking in every little detail.

Amy startled out of her extremely unexpected and inappropriate thoughts to fumble for Mrs Garoul's large warm hand. She looked up into the deepest blue eyes she had ever seen. Leone's were a startling blue that changed hue with her mood, but never as deep as those smiling gently down at her now. These were almost Prussian blue, warm and friendly and very, very welcoming she was pleased to note. Little crinkles of laughter permanently creased the corners and coerced a responding and sincere smile from her.

"It's a pleasure Mrs Garoul."

"Please call me Marie. I'm so pleased to finally meet you Amy. I've heard so much about you."

"You have?" she blinked with surprise as Leone's colour heightened.

"Most definitely. I'm really pleased you could make it down for the holiday weekend. Come and meet some of the clan. You just caught us before we left for a short walk." The blue eyes crinkled even more.

The Garoul family was all one big basketball team as far as Amy was concerned. One after the other she shook friendly outstretched hands and smiled up...always up, into beaming blue eyed faces.

They got a clone factory out here in the woods or what? At least if I break her I know where to go for another model.

"…and this is Uncle Pascal, and Aunt Stella and Maurice. They've come down from Illinois…"

It went on for several minutes, each as affably generous to her as the next until she thought her arm was gonna fall off with all the hand wringing. All a total blur but she knew she'd get her chance to reacquaint later in the evening. At last the introductions began to peter out much to her relief.

"Hey Mom, are Jori and Anita here yet?" Leone hollered over.

Ah, this one I do know, Jori's her brother. He married Anita last year. Amy grinned to herself. She'd seen photos of the wedding that had occurred a few weeks before her and Leone met. She was looking forward to meeting her brother.

"He's in town with Kit collecting Anita from the station. They shouldn't be long." Marie smiled back, a truly happy woman that all her family were gathered together in the one place for a weekend of fun and reunion. "Now I got a flask of coffee and a platter of sandwiches waiting for you at the cabin. The fridge is already stocked up but you can take my car into town if you need anything else."

Marie hovered around them constantly touching her daughter, her warm hand sometimes falling on Amy's shoulder too as they moved around the dining area chatting and laughing. Everyone was in a happy relaxed holiday mood, and even though Amy felt curious eyes upon her all seemed benign and non intrusive. She felt herself slowly let go of a tension she didn't know she had been carrying in her shoulders. Out of the blue those same relaxed muscles suddenly got a tender squeeze from Marie's hands as she stood directly behind her.

"Will you two be okay if I chase on after these guys?"

"Sure Mom. Is it a herb hunt?"

Marie smiled, "Yes, well it is for me. I need to stock up. I make herbal remedies from the plants that grow here." Her eyes turned to Amy as she explained, "The forest is a full and free larder."

"The best type of shopping." Amy smiled back.

With another quick squeeze Marie moved away and casually threw her pack over a shoulder,

"I'll see you in a few hours at the barbeque. Go have a rest and wash up. We'll be eating about sevenish and I expect to hear all your news. And Amy," their eyes locked, "you are very welcome. It's great to meet you at last." Smiling she trudged off after the rest of the group.

Alone in the clearing now Leone moved to pick up her own pack and also grabbed Amy's.

"You never said you were taking me to the Land of the Giants," Amy teased. "Everyone's tall and blue eyed. Do you all inter breed or what?"

"Hey, we got lots of short people married into the family. It's just our superior dominant genes win out every time."

"Oh, so you're a super race then? And who are you calling short people?"

Leone snorted at the familiar banter pattern she saw emerging as she strolled towards the trail that lead back to their allocated cabin.

"Munchkin." She murmured just loud enough to be heard.

"What'd you call me?" her target spluttered outraged.

"Leprechaun," Leone smirked as she led the way down a trail path between two cabins. Amy stomped after her,

"Oi, Lurch. Wait up I want a word with you!"

"Come on Gimli. Our cabin awaits us."

"I'm gonna kick your ass…"

"With those little legs?"

"Laugh now Big Bird but ya gotta lie down sometime and on a level playing field you're the dug out…"

Their cabin was one set well back from the main communal clearing. A sturdy functional structure. One bedroom, a small kitchen, bathroom and lounge with an open fireplace for winter evenings. Lighting was by oil lamp Amy was excited to see, and the kitchen equipment and hot water ran off a propane tank set discreetly out the back. It was decorated with warm earthy tones and Klamath textiles.

"Mmm, cosy enough for ya." Leone asked dumping their bags in the bedroom as Amy had a quick rece.

"Oh yea, and romantic…" she came up behind her and wrapped her arms around the taller woman's waist stroking her cheek against the broad back.

"Hey," Leone murmured delightedly, "looks like all that healthy air got to someone. Fancy a little nap?"

"Snack first, you outta know by now. Where's the kitchen?"

The lunch Marie had prepared was delicious and most welcome. Replete from fresh coffee and thick juicy sandwiches Amy lay back in her porch chair hands contentedly resting on her little round belly.

"Mmmhmm. That was a good start to the weekend, especially after the hike you put me through to get here."

As if on cue she roared a wide yawn glancing over to where Leone stood by the railing drinking in the scents and sounds of the forest that snuggled up close to the cabin. Already Leone's whole body had somehow relaxed and reformed itself into abstracted serenity. The harshness and constrictions of everyday living pouring out of her leaving only a deep seated contentedness and tranquillity. Amy rose and came to stand beside her. A small hand covered a larger one resting on the railing, her head dipping in to lean against a strong bicep,

"It's so quiet and peaceful here." She pulled the arm she rested against around her, "I love you Leone." Nestling into her lover's side.

She sighed at the warmth and security of the contact. Looking up into her own private sky rimmed with impossibly thick lashes she murmured,

"I think I just about sucked up enough of that healthy mountain air. What about that nap you promised me?"

"Mmm, a nap would be very beneficial right now." Wiggling her dark brows suggestively Leone gently twisted round and cupped the face glowing up at her. Their lips met in a soft full kiss as she breathed,

"I love you too. So, so much," before the kiss engulfed her and all thought span away.

They gently settled across the bed fingers nimbly working buttons and buckles, lowering zippers easing aside cloth with the skill of lovers who had undressed each other many times before. Bodies moved with fluidity, again the right buttons were touched with knowing fingers, skilful lips.

Leone's long frame lay back on the bed. Amy on hands and knees straddled her, breasts dangling, nipples stroking brow and cheek, tracing the outline of full generous lips. A lazy tongue reached out to swipe and flick at a pink tip as it came too close on one of its torturous circuits. Leone's large hands caressed her lover's back and down her sides, cupping buttocks and trailing languidly across the soft belly. She playfully tickled crisp damp curls her nostrils quivering at the musk rising from such a soft touch.

Growling she spun them over and nestled between opened thighs nipping and licking Amy's sensitive neck.

"Oh no it's the woolif, the woolif…" Amy giggled at the deliberately ticklish kisses. Leone knew all her secret tickly places. Two big hands swamped her small breasts kneading and massaging. She immediately felt her temperature rise. Leone knew all her secret sexy places too. Hot lips trailed down from her throat and a raspberry nipple was hungrily pulled into an equally hot mouth.

Moaning Amy's hands crept over her head and she arched up in to the mouth in an act of play surrender. This was where their love making moved up a gear, the ticklish playfulness gone now they were committed to another more lusty game. That long tongue lashed her sensitive tips, elongating and hardening them even more. Their reward was even more nipping and laving. Mons ground together in their own private rhythm, coal black curls scraping and scratching over damp rusted gold.

Leone slid a hand between the sweaty bodies and dipped into the golden heat. She knew these contours as intimately as she knew every coloured speck in Amy's iris. Skilful fingers found the sturdy little nub of nerves and stroked carefully round it with just the right amount of pressure. It pouted under her touch, humming under fingertips slick and pulsing.

"Ooooo….baby…." small hands bit into her shoulders. They were in another gear now, another place. No more acting no more games, in this place body commanded mind as they moved together in trust and eager abandonment.

Feeling her lover's rhythm hit its perfect pitch Leone stroked lower teasing open the folds, drawing out the slick moisture spreading it liberally all over her lover's sex. Again and again her fingers drifted back stroking over the petaled flesh gently nudging, intimating what she wished to do.

"I want to fuck you." she mumbled into a softly undulating breast, her fingers applying sweet pressure, slowly pushing into the soft wet cavern, "I want to be inside."

Amy reached down and circled her wrist whispering,

"No baby, I don't want penetration. My period's coming soon and I'm a little bit tender." She softened her whispered words with feathery kisses along a strong jawline.

"Are you sore?"

"Little cramps is all. But Dr Garoul…they say an orgasm helps." She smiled suggestively her hands on the broad shoulders beginning to press her lover downwards.

"Aaah, I see," Leone's smokey blue eyes twinkled as she slowly complied and slid down Amy's belly. "You're looking a spoonful of sugar…" she smirked at their old joke as she drew level with rusty curls

"Mmmm," drawled Amy, "helps the medicine go down…ouh..." she gasped in bliss as a hot, sweet tongue burrowed deep.

They actually did have a nap of sorts. One of those cosy post coital affairs drifted into through whispers and lazy smiles and loving little touches.

The change of light woke Leone up. Early evening was approaching and she felt rather than noticed a change in shadows coming through the open bedroom window.

Padding nude into the bathroom she smelled her fingers still suffused with Amy's sex and smiling cleaned them with her tongue.

"We're not meant to be at a family BBQ every night are we?" Amy frowned as they wandered down the pathway back to the central clearing. Music, laughter and the rich smell of barbeque filtered back through the trees.

"I mean I'm looking forward to it but I do want to cook for just the two of us sometimes," she hastily amended not wanting to offend. Leone smiled and squeezed her shoulder,

"This is for the first night. Also Paulie got a deer so we're having a celebration cookout. It's his first big kill."

"Paulie's the teenager right?" Amy frowned back to her initial introductions remembering the lanky boy and his shy welcome. He had blushed furiously and with a sudden softening of her heart Amy had an insight of Leone as a tall, gangly and awkward teenager. She couldn't imagine the shy young man with a rifle, sights settling on a deer's neck and shoulder.

It unsettled her somehow and she found herself defensively flippant,

"What was his first little kill? Your family are big into the 'beat it n eat it' sports categories, aren't they?"

"We like hunting and fishing, yeah. It's just an activity that's always run in the family." Leone shrugged unperturbed. 'Beat it and eat it'?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, okay, but it's better than…than flay and sauté…"

"Or shake n bake…?"

Giggling they carried on down the dirt trail to the gathering.

Not only did they enjoy killing things, it seemed the Garoul's liked to party too. With one on the banjo, one on the fiddle and another with an accordion slung round his neck the music was raucous and very, very good. She winked back at Claude as he did a mean number on that fiddle of his and guessed the skinny guy beside him on the accordion was Maurice. She had still to meet him and the banjo player. In fact there were a good few more Garouls to meet as she noted the inflated numbers now most of them were gathered together for the evening festivities. She took the beer Leone offered and ambled over to a massive picnic table happy to slide under its protective wooden shell. Sipping her suds and soaking in all the laughter and activity around her Amy soon found her toes tapping and a general feeling of bonhomie filling her.

"I see your toes under that table…"

She looked up from her beer as Marie grabbed a seat on the bench across the table from her. Amy gave her a bright smile,

"Well the music is infectious. I can't keep'em under control."

"Where's Leone? I haven't seen her this evening."

"What? You mean you lost her in this sea of tall, dark and handsomes? I think she went off to congratulate Paulie."

"Ah," Marie laughed delightedly, "so do we meet with your approval?"

"Well if I was a fortune teller this family would be my dream come true. But I thought I was the one up for approval?."

They giggled together,

"Ok," Marie suggested, "lets both be on our best behaviour. But seriously I'd love for you to get to know the family."

"So where are all the kids?" Amy asked, "You know, the little Garouls."

"Ah, kids. Leone tells me you're a kindergarten teacher." "Yea, we met over a Dutch rabbit…"

"I know. I heard every little detail right down to it pooing on teacher's desk much to the delight of the class."

Amy chuckled, "Oh, they're fascinated with anything to do with poo at that age. Except cleaning it out of rabbit hutches…I think I got conned there."

"I heard about that too. One day they decided to try rabbit chocolate raisins and you had more that just poo to clear up..."

Amy wagged a finger at her, "Hey they all could've died for all I knew. Coulda poisoned themselves. No more chances. I clean it myself and am never tempted…"

Marie laughed again her deep blue eyes twinkling so like her daughter's Amy felt a rush of affection for the woman.

"Can I be introduced?" a cool voice came up behind Amy. She twisted in her seat to see the speaker and low and behold another six footer peered down at her. This time however the eyes were not welcoming, this blue was glacial utterly mistrustful and unfriendly. Amy was slightly shocked at first, it was so contrary to the cordiality she had come to expect from this family.

"Kit, this is Amy. She's here with Leone. But you know that already. Amy, this is Kit, Leone's younger sister." Marie affected the introduction smoothly enough but Amy thought she could hear an undercurrent in the older woman's voice. A subtle warning to the…sister?

Sister? Leone has a sister? She's never ever mentioned a sister. Her brother Jori yes, but never a little sister.

Quickly covering her surprise Amy held out a hand for the perfunctory shake. She decided to be as unenthusiastic about her new acquaintance as she seemed to be about her.

Humph! She obviously never mentioned her cos she's a sullen brat! Way to go with the first impressions Kit.

"Hi Kit," was all she said, she got the vibe she didn't need the fax! Her hand was squeezed tightly in a big grasp but not shaken, merely squeezed. It was hard to say if it was malicious or not as all the handshakes she'd had earlier had nearly dislocated her shoulder with pure friendliness. To be honest this decidedly cooler reception had its advantages for her shredded arm muscles despite her gut reaction of dislike towards the woman offering it.

"You're a tiny wee thing ain't ya."

"Nope, I'm the average height for an American woman. Whereas you…you're a big streak a something ain't ya…" she was actually a little surprised at her aggression, but what the hell this woman was pissing her off mightily.

"Just average huh? See ya around Amy," Kit turned sauntering away.

"It'll be my treat." Amy muttered before realising Marie was watching the exchange impassively. She managed to look a little chagrined before Marie rescued her,

"They don't get on. A sort of sibling rivalry thing they never quite grew out off. But there was no need for Kit's attitude. She needs to save that for Leone to deal with not you."

Just then they both heard Kit's call as she approached her sister over by the fire pit,

"Hey Leo, hear you brought carrot sticks…"

Amy's face flamed and her green eyes glowed like a Harpy, She better be referring to the salad bar cos I Am A Strawberry Blonde!!

Marie blinked at the violent flush,

"You're one of those small but extremely bad tempered people aren't you?" she asked good humouredly, immediately diffusing Amy's coiled anger.

"I'm a kindergarten teacher. I know how to look after myself!" she shot back with equal good humour.

"Good, cos you got two big babies out there to knock into shape," Marie lifted her beer bottle in a little salute. "It's gonna be an interesting long weekend." Smiling both woman clicked bottles before taking a long draw.

It soon became apparent there was no salad bar, ergo she was carrot sticks! Well, no salad bar if you don't count a platter of homemade bread and a bowl of tomatoes that no one seemed particularly interested in except Amy. Venison it seemed was aplenty.

Amy looked down at the plate Leone had brought her laden with charred flesh. She had been a lapsed vegetarian when they had first met. Lapsed in the sense she had decided her body needed the proteins in fish and the odd little bit of chicken. But for some reason it had been so hard around Leone and slowly but surely her diet was assimilated by red meat. She was never too sure how or why it had happened it just did. Not that she imbibed regularly, fish was still her first choice.

Now standing there looking at the big slab of Bambi on her plate she was certain she had slid all the way back down the evolutionary ladder into the primordial slime she had come from.

Since when did I start eating Disney products? She glanced balefully at the bowl of tomatoes, it'll be Thumper next then the Little Mermaid in a kebab…

"Something wrong with the food?" She recognised the cool tone as Kit's.

"Some potato salad would be nice. Maybe those carrot sticks you mentioned earlier."

The taller woman didn't even look abashed,

"Potato salad?" she scowled ignoring the dig at her earlier rudeness.

"Yes, potato. It's a starch foodstuff, like rice or corn," Amy sniped back, "If you tried some you might get that constipated look off your face!"

A few nearby snickers told her other ears had been prying. She swiftly retreated, she didn't like Kit one bit and had the feeling the woman would not forgive or forget easily.

Like I give a rat's arse. She started it! Best give it your best shot and run that's what Grandma used to say, she decided looking around for Leone.

"Hey did I hear you asking for potato salad?"

She turned round to meet a questioning gaze on a level with her own. Blinking she realised she was face to face with a young Hispanic woman with beautiful dark eyes and shoulder length black hair. She was offering up a bowl of homemade potato salad,

"I just made some and it looks like you and I are the only ones wanting any," she smiled.

"Are you standing in a hole?"

The woman just burst out laughing and held out a hand,

"I was gonna ask you the same thing. Hi I'm Anita, Jori's wife. I take it you're here with Leone."

Shaking the hand warmly Amy smiled back,

"Yea, I'm Amy, Leone's partner. It's nice to meet someone who's not gonna give me neck ache."

"Me too. Here have some," she spooned a generous helping onto Amy's plate and they moved in unison to sit at one of the long picnic tables.

"Ignore Kit. She's a bit of a hard nose but she doesn't really mean any harm," Anita advised as they settled into their seats.

"Believe me I'm more than happy to ignore her. Hopefully it's a two way street and then we'll get on just fine."

"To be honest I think she's been out here too and has lost some of the social graces."

"She lives in the valley?" Ah that explains it…a wild child raised by sarcastic chipmunks.

"Yea. Kit works in the National Park over the Ridge but I know she wants a transfer soon. Says she needs to get away for a while. Can't blame her, I'd go mad stuck in the forest morning, noon and night. At least the other Rangers go home after their shifts to whatever town they come from. Kit lives here in the valley only even deeper in than this."

Amy cut into her steak and looked more than a little perturbed to find it quite bloody. Sighing she plucked at her bread instead, plopping a cherry tomato into her mouth. Anita looked over at her plate, she wasn't faring any better herself,

"Under done? Same here. I told Jori to make sure mine was cooked thru but I don't think he's capable of understanding what that means," she too gave a heavy sigh.

"Do you want me to take them back and tell them to incinerate them some more?" Amy offered.

"To be honest I'm not that interested now. I'm off my food as it is these days. The last thing I needed to see is a plate full of road kill."

"I know, I've been having Bambi drama since I got my Gore to Go," again they giggled like co-conspirators.

"What are you two gigglers plotting?" Jori swung a long leg over the bench and settled in beside his wife wrapping an arm around her waist. He was the male equivalent of Leone and Kit, tall, dark though his eyes were a deeper smokier blue. And obviously utterly charming.

"A vegetable garden," Anita snuggled in closer. "God knows your diet needs one. Hun, this is Amy. She's come down with Leone for the weekend."

Another massive paw enveloped Amy's,

"Very nice to meet you Amy. I've heard a lot about you."

"Does this family have a bulletin board or something cos I need to read it? Everyone seems to know all about me but I know nothing about the Garouls. I didn't even know Leone had a little sister."

Jori laughed goodnaturedly,

"Well they're not too many of us and it's easy to keep in touch on-line, so yea, we're pretty much up on each others gossip."

With a little look if askance he reached over and began to eat Anita's abandoned steak,

"You should be eating this protein as much as I should be bean munching," he muttered at her.

"One day you're gonna burst, you know that don't ya." Anita slowly shook her head as her husband devoured her leftover meat.

Resting her head on a hand Amy watched them interact. She felt very relaxed around this couple, glad to have another 'outsider' like Anita to chat to and maybe become friends with. She'd a feeling it would be fun to hang out with Anita.

"So help me catch up with the family headlines. You two were married just before I met Leone so there must be an anniversary coming up soon."

"Five weeks and two days time." Jori answered drawing a look of surprise from both women.

"Wow!" was all Amy could say as she watched him lean in and kiss Anita on the nose.

"Told ya I counted the days." He smiled into her dark shining eyes.

What a sweet guy. Amy mused, actually Leone's sweet like that too. Aaah, they seem so much in love.

"So where did you guys meet?"

"Well we're both botanists…" Jori tore his eyes away to look over at Amy.

"So we obviously met at a rodeo…" Anita broke in laughing, "We have mutual friends in Tucson and just hooked up when a crowd of us went to La Fiesta de los Vacqueros."

"So you don't work together?"

"No, Jori lectures at UW and I'm in pharmaceuticals. You'd think a guy that interested in plants would eat some."

"I do. Look…" and he popped a tomato into his mouth looking very pleased with himself.

"Leone told me the Garouls were originally from France and migrated over in the early 1700s." Amy asked wondering if there were another slivers of information as Leone was so useless at telling her things.

"Yea, through the Hudson and travelled slowly west. Arrived here in the early 1800s. And what about you, you're not local."

"Nah came here from Nebraska to study then gotta a teaching job and just stayed. I love being in a state with a coastline."

"Cornhusker!" Leone appeared at her shoulder and slid in to sit next to her cuddling up, "Tell the truth. You loved being in a state with an abundance of beaver!"

The other couple snorted with laughter while Amy glared at her,

"What did I ever see in you?" she asked as if mystified, "You're a curse!"

"Hey, you're not eating your steak?" Leone eyed the abandoned plate hungrily. Shaking her head in disbelief Amy pushed it over to her,

"Too blue for me. Here you can finish it you big piggy." She rolled eyes with Anita.

Leone's appetite had always amazed her, the woman was an eating machine and to add insult to injury she never seemed to add an extra pound of weight to her trim, muscular figure.

"He's the same," Anita nodded at Jori. "He'll eat us out of house and home yet," she turned to her husband, "Okay big boy, I'm tired think I'm gonna call it a night."

She stifled a yawn but not before Amy caught it and yawned too. Jori stood up with Anita,

"I'll turn in with you. G'night you two. See ya tomorrow." And with murmured goodbyes they both followed the track to their own cabin.

"They're a nice couple. She's very sweet. We had a little laugh at your family's expense…it was nice…" Amy sighed and traced a finger over a knot on the tabletop. Leone smiled and just kept wolfing down her steak shoving the salad and bread aside.

"Hey eat yer greens," Amy admonished her.

"Scared I'll get constipated too?"

"Ah, so you heard that. And what about this secret sister, how come I know nothing about her?"

Leone shrugged, "Well she was there in the wedding photos I showed you. It's not like I'm hiding her, I just don't mention her much. I don't mention anybody much do I?"

"True. You are very reticent about your family, yet you all seem to get on well and keep in touch."

"Mmm," a nod of agreement as Leone pushed her plate away. "I brought you here to meet them face to face. Saves a lot of explaining."

"So if this is an annual get together where are all the kids? Or do your family eat them?" she looked down at the rapidly emptying plate, a pool of bloodied gravy the only evidence of the venison.

"Hardee har. You and kids, you'd think you'd like the break from the little monsters?" Leone licked her fingers after using the bread to mop up the gravy.

"This is not the only family get together, there are others but this is the main one in Little Dip. And it's a family rule, no kids, teenagers only."

Finished now she turned to fully face Amy, covering a small pale hand with her bigger darker one she continued,

"The littl'uns to tend go feral when they get up here and this weekend is all about hunting so the rule is to keep'em away as it's dangerous. In the summer all the little cousins have a fortnight camp up here and can run rampant safely with their parents in tow. Now that's a real hoot of a get together."

"That sounds like fun. What a great idea. So Paulie's actually the youngest here this weekend?"

"Yea, he's fourteen and it's his first real hunting trip. He's so proud of that deer." Leone smiled happy for him, "Next year he'll be joined by his sister Adele and their cousin Corinne cos the girls will be old enough. Before you know the place will be over-run with teenagers, just like the Mall back home."

"Okay. Well I suppose if your family owns a whole valley it's silly not to use it for R&R for everybody. Even if it is for terrorising Mother Nature."

"Com'on. I can see you're tired. Let's call it a night."

They stood up and holding hands headed back up the trail to their cabin leaving behind the music and laughter.

Leone stood on the porch looking at the moon. In a few days it would be full. She listened to Amy bumbling around their bedroom now she had vacated the bathroom. Beyond that she could hear the sounds of the forest. The rustling if undergrowth as small nocturnal creatures scurried about their activities. And deeper in the movements of their hunters, of padded paw, the sweep of wings. Her ear caught the soft calls of night. Scent was stronger as well, the richness of the earth, sap and bark all sang out to her.

Behind her warm citrus and sandalwood, the soap Amy used wafted from within the cabin. And underlying that was Amy, her scent, her heat, her woman, her mate.

"Hey dopey, didn't ya hear me calling? Bathroom's free." Amy came out onto the porch. She wore a large Winter Hawks T her favourite to sleep in, "Jeez, it's chilly out here…oof…"

Leone pulled her into her arms and buried her face in her soft neck.

"My," Amy put her arms on her shoulders attempting to push her back, "someone's got a little red meat buzz going on. Or are ya gonna blame it all on the fresh mountain air again, mmm?"

Leone refused to answer too engrossed in cupping her large hands over the thin cotton panties.

"Hey, stop that." She tried to swat the hands away. The mouth at her throat licked and sucked up to her jawline. Her earlobe was nibbled as her ass was squeezed and massaged as she was forced up onto her tiptoes. She knew what was going to happen next. Leone would hoist her up onto her waist so Amy's legs would wrap tightly around her as she was carried inside and then lowered onto the bed. It was one of their favourite moves but tonight she was just too tired. Plus they'd had an afternoon of good luvin, and her belly cramps were back. Her period would probably be here in the morning.

Again she pushed against the broad shoulders,

"No, honey. I'm not in the mood," she murmured though she did enjoy the tingly little kisses. A growl was her response as Leone lifted her up anyway, hands tight on her ass cheeks pulling her apart to straddle Leone's hips. Suddenly her back was pushed against the rough cabin wall,

"Hey, I said no. What's got into you?"

A hard kiss silenced her protests as her lips were ground apart and a thick tongue hungrily filled her mouth. It muffled her anger and she tore her mouth away attempting to push Leone back with all her strength. She didn't move an inch. Her breath blazed across Amy's cheeks hot and aroused. She pushed her groin harder against Amy's opened centre.

"For Gods sake what are you doing? I told you I'm not interested." Amy snapped trying to wiggle her legs down to the plank flooring.

Fingers momentarily tightened on her thigh flesh pulling her legs further apart for an instant in a silent and sullen show of dominance before she was slowly released. She slid down the wall to her normal height as her feet found the floor, her eyes level with Leone's panting chest. She didn't move back and Amy had to slip out from the side of her. Even in her anger she found she couldn't raise her head to meet what she knew to be angry eyes. It was so rare for Leone to be pushy like this and Amy felt uncomfortably unsure.

"You're really pissing me off. I'm going to bed." And glowering at her presumed stupidly drunken lover's breastbone, not her face, she stomped off indoors fuming.

Turning back to face the forest Leone lifted her head to a faint stirring of shadow in the tree line. She cocked an ear to listen to the faint intrusion. Scowling angrily she turned and headed into the woods in the opposite direction.

Part 2:

Birdsong awoke her. Not the muted warbling of city species but loud, raucous, and totally grating to her irked ears.

"Oh shut up!" she rolled over and reached for her watch on the bedside table, "Gimmie a break. It isn't even daylight."

It was then she noticed she had the whole bed to herself. Did Leone come to bed last night? She couldn't be sure. She'd went out like a light as soon as her head hit the pillow too tired and angry to give a stuff what time Leone had followed her in. Now she sprung up in alarm looking around the room feeling totally disorientated and worried.

Just as she flung back the bedding to get up she heard the front door latch click open. Footsteps padded quietly across the lounge to the bedroom and the door swung silently open. Leone stood there totally nude.

"Bloody Hell you nearly gave me a heart attack," she sat clutching the blankets to her chest. "Have you been outside naked?"

Leone crossed the room and slid in beside her causing a squawk of protest,

"Ack, you're freezing! Get away!"

"Cuddle me."

"No way! Stop it, your fingers are like ice. Why is your hair wet?"

"Com'on let me snuggle up."

"Where the hell were you? Were you outside all this time? Where are your clothes? Keep your hands where I can see them!"

They snuggled down under the blankets nose to nose. Leone full of smiles and Amy with a furrowed brow.

"I got up early and went for a swim in the river. My clothes got damp so I hung them over the porch rail to dry," she kissed the tip of Amy's nose.

"You went for a swim? But it's still dark?"

"No it isn't dufus. Dawn's coming up, I could see really clearly."

"I didn't hear you come to bed last night."

"Not surprised, you were snoring like a buzz saw."

"I was not!"

"Were so. All the trees were shivering with fright. Thought you were a lumberjack come to get'em."

"You are such a Fibber McGee…eek…keep those hands to yourself…"

She got a kiss on the nose, then one on the lips, and another. Smiling they wrapped their arms around each other, legs intertwined. Cuddling in close they soon drifted off into a delicious early morning doze. Last night's tiff completely forgotten.

Leone was yodelling atrociously in the shower. She believed it was singing but Amy and seventy million Austrians couldn't be wrong. Shaking her head ruefully at the hullabaloo she packed a picnic into a small backpack. Fruit, cold chicken, juice, bread and cheese. The Jarlsberg hard rind she'd brought along for herself, Leone never ate cheese or milk.

"The closest I've come to dairy is cow," she once pronounced proudly.

Smiling at the memory Amy noted it seemed all her family shared the same intolerance. The small fridge stocked up for their arrival carried no dairy whatsoever.

She was looking forward to a day of strolling, resting and picnicking. Leone was taking her to one of her favourite spots where she hoped to catch some fine fish for their supper later that night. Amy was more than thankful she didn't think she could cope with another full on barbeque. What she really wanted was to cook for her lover in the intimate setting of their cabin.

As Leone padded about getting dressed Amy opened the bedroom windows fully, checking the screens were in place. Frowning she noticed deep gouge marks on the wood of the window sill. Four ragged parallel lines of unequal length…

"Ready, steady, go!" behind her Leone swiped up the small backpack and shouldered it, "Com'on idler, we're getting a late enough start as it is."

"Hey, it was your aquatic yodelling held us back." She turned away to follow.

"That was Bluegrass I'll have you know."

"That was painful. My ears are still bleeding…"

Passing through the porch Amy placed a palm on Leone's clothes hanging over the rail form early morning. Despite the mid morning sunshine they were still damp.

"Leone these are still wet! Whatya do jump into the river wearing them?"

"It's the shade. They'll be dry when we get back. Now com'on."

Noon time and they had finally arrived at the small pool Leone liked to fish from. It had broad rocky banks of flat stone that carried on out into the river like massive stepping stones. They settled down to eat before relaxing into the afternoon.

"The river runs a little shallower here but just under those rocks are some deeper pools where the steelheads rest in the cooler water." Leone was pointing out the slabs that seemed to float mid stream. The sun had heated the stone under them to a pleasant temperature and the whole riverbank seemed hot and hazy and very languorous.

"And you just tickle their bellies and they land at your feet? That's your secret?" Amy bit into an apple for dessert offering one over to Leone.

"Worked on you didn't it?"

"Smartass. I was the one reeled you in. Not that it was hard…you resisted like flotsam."

"No, I'm pretty sure I tickled you into submission. Here let me remind you…"

"You dare and I'll make you eat cheese."

"Ack! I'm gonna go and find us some supper woman. You get naked and wait here for your warrior's return!"

Amy's eyebrows rose sceptically as she snorted,

"Typical, butch in the wood, femme in the 'hood."

"Hey, a holiday like this is meant to let you explore your pioneering spirit."

"Okay Pocahontas, go get me some fish," a thought occurred, "Mmm, there's no bears around here are there? I mean the fish won't attract them or anything?" she glanced about her nervously.

"Nope, no bears in the valley. Never has been. They don't come over the Ridge. Look I'll be right over there if you need me." She pointed to a big flat stone in the river as wide as a double bed.

They both undressed slapping sun lotion on each other, Amy to sunbathe, Leone to fool around on the water. A quick kiss and they went separate ways. She stood and watched the taller woman wade out to the central rock and lie down belly first on the sun heated stone. Her hair shone blue black in the shimmer off the river, her body long and bronzed. Amy squinted the across glaring water with a private look of adoration, always amazed that such a beautiful vibrant woman would pick her to be with.

Gazing raptly into the water beneath Leone gently slid in both arms until they were elbow deep, her beautiful profile etched with blissful concentration. Smiling Amy turned back to her own choice of afternoon activity. She's such a big goofball, but she's my big goofball!

Stretched out on the towel she quickly began to fall into a pleasant light doze. The harmless hum of bees and the bubbling of the river were complimented by the warmth of the sun easing her back muscles into total relaxation. Burying her face into the nook of her elbow she settled belly down for a little siesta, happy because Leone was happy.

My baby's such a big kid. Doesn't take much to make her smile. A little fishin, a little luvin, no cheese. With that thought her sleep deepened and she drifted away.

She wasn't sure what woke her. Her eyes popped open and she felt chilled even though her body still sucked up warmth from the sun overhead. Lifting her head her hair swung red-gold catching the light as she scanned the tree line surrounding the bedrock riverside. Birdsong had stilled, an eerie quiet had descended. Was that what had awoken her? Silence?

It drifted into the left of her periphery vision, dark velvet slinking through the shadows swallowing the darkness. She squinted trying to focus on its fluidity a liquid whisper that melted from tree to tree. A penumbral watermark on the surrounding gloom. No sooner had she caught it than it dissolved away into nothingness. Rising to her knees she looked harder but all was now uniform darkness. Slowly tentative bird calls began to fill the quiet and the ominous pause in nature seemed to flutter then lurch hesitantly into the everyday life of the forest.

Unsettled she turned to the river to locate Leone, it was then she noticed the fish. A brace of cleaned trout lay several feet away. How long had she been asleep? And why hadn't Leone wakened her when she'd finished fishing? She stood as if that would give her a better perspective on events and in doing so noticed the rapidly drying paw prints circling the fish. They were massive and clawed and raised every fine hair on her already goose bumped skin even as they dissipated before her eyes in the afternoon heat.

"Been fishing?"

She spun round simultaneously grabbing the towel from the ground to cover herself. Kit stood behind her with a cold smile.

As if all this wasn't unsettling enough I got a peepster ogling me behind my back! Amy glowered at her completely disadvantaged, her distaste for this woman growing and growing.

Kit stood silently watching her sister's girlfriend scrabble to cover her nakedness. But she had plenty of time to take in the pendulous sway of full breasts and russet curls nestling under a soft rounded belly as she bent to retrieve the towel. Saliva flooded her mouth making her swallow hard. Her stomach tightened as a primal power shifted bringing heaviness to her chest and belly. Her nostrils quivered even as her mouth twisted into a smirk.

"Leone caught them. Have you seen her? It's just that something's been at them and she told me there were no bears in the valley." Amy managed to bury her discomfort at the rude intrusion and voice her immediate concerns at the same time. She pointed over to the fish. Frowning Kit walked over with her but the prints had completely dried away. Shrugging at the lack of evidence,

"Nope, there're definitely no bears in the valley."

"Now can you be sure? Those paw prints were massive."

"Cos I work for the Forestry. I'm a Ranger and I know for a fact there are no bears this side of the Ridge. Never has been in living memory or beyond. Musta been a possum." She smirked again.

"One big mother fucker of a possum," Amy scowled the words out before she could hold her tongue. Kit's smirk tightened as she scored a point off Amy's temper. She nodded towards the river,

"Leone's swimming just round the bend where the waters deeper. If you wade out to the central rock you'll see her."

Amy turned to look at the rock platform Leone had been fishing from earlier.

"Oh, okay but…" she turned back but found herself alone Kit has simply disappeared into the trees. Jeez, would it hurt to say ciao!

The hike back was downhill and quicker which was good as Leone declared herself starved half to death and couldn't wait for her fish dinner. But no matter how much she proclaimed her love of Amy's cooking the smaller woman would not be distracted from the fact there were now bears in the valley. Humongous bears. Sabre toothed bears left over from the Ice Age.

As they walked into the clearing Amy was telling her for the seventh time how big the invisible paw prints had been…

"…I'm telling ya it was this big…" she held her hands about a foot apart under the wary eye of her girlfriend.

"Fishing stories? The one that got away?" They both looked across at the laughing eyes of Marie, "Come over here you two and have a beer before you disappear again."

She was sitting at one of the wooden tables tying bundles of various plants and herbs into bushy bouquets.

Joining her at her bench Amy began to enthusiastically explain her afternoon adventure while Leone rolled her eyes.

"So," Marie interrupted, "have you ever seen a bear Amy. Ever?"

"Well, at the zoo…"

"There are many types and sizes of bear. The smaller ones would have been too timid to approach you even for the fish…which weren't touched by the way. A bigger bear would have eaten you instead." She stated simply. Amy frowned at the simple logic.

"But the prints…."

"My guess is a heron of some sort. The larger ones have pretty big feet and with some splashing the imprints can look much larger. Plus it would make sense as whatever it was went after the fish and not you."

Again Amy frowned as she digested this watching Marie's hands move deftly over another bunch of herbs.

"But the fish were left alone." She struggled against the older woman's logic.

"Ah, how many were there to start with. I bet a few are missing, stolen away."

Amy bit her lip,

"Mmm, okay…" she muttered slowly, reluctant to give up her amazing bear theory.

"No Mom, I think Amy's right." They both swung round in surprise to look at Leone's serious face, "I'm certain it was a Giant Panda…oof!"

Amy slapped her on the belly,

"Stop teasing me! I was worried out there and you're showing no sympathy." She turned back to Marie, "Are these being all bundled up for drying?"

Marie nodded,

"Some are wild some I cultivate myself in the sunnier parts of the forest. I love heading off to pick them the year after I've planted."

"And are they all medicinal or for cooking?"

"Medicinal for the most part. It's also a sort of hobby that Jori has managed to extend into an actual career." She laughed, "All my children in one form or other embraced the outdoor life they grew up in. A botanist, a vet, a Forest Ranger. It amazes me how they have evolved. I love watching them live."

She blushed a little after that as if embarrassed for her little emotional outburst of pride and happiness in her children. On the inside Amy thrilled, as a teacher and protector of small children she totally empathised with Marie and her take on motherhood. Maybe one day she and Leone would discuss parenthood. She shook herself mentally, that's a little premature isn't it? You've only been together for several months and already you want to U Haul in a crib.

"Do you want a few trout for your dinner, Leone caught loads." She dragged her thoughts and the conversation to much more practical matters.

"I'd love some. And here," Marie pulled a paper envelope from her pocket handing it over to, "this'll help with your period cramps."

"Oh," surprised Amy accepted the packet it was a sachet of loose herbal tea, "Thank you."

How did she know I'm having period cramps? Has Leone been spilling all my business? I better tell her there are limits as to what she can put up on that bulletin board!

Supper was wonderful. The trout steamed with greens turned out mouth-wateringly perfect and the chilled Semillon complimented it beautifully. They sat quietly on the porch holding hands, sipping their wine star gazing. So connected to the cosmos and to each other in that little bubble of sublime togetherness Amy could easily believe in reincarnation and life after life with the same soulmate. She giggled slightly at her fanciful dreaming as she stood to wander off to the bathroom. Passing by Leone she dropped a kiss on top of a glossy black head,

"I love you," she murmured.

A few moments later a smear of blood on tissue told her why her cramps had been such a bitch all day. Grumbling to herself about lousy timing and holiday weekends she fumbled through her wash bag for a tampon.

Moving back out on the porch her hand was grabbed and she was drawn down onto Leone's lap and snuggled up tight. Snuggles turned to kisses along her sensitive neck to her shoulder. Big hands began to stroke her back and along her thighs. She sighed moving into it, her own hands threading through black silk, massaging broad shoulders and rounded biceps. Soft lips and tongue traced along the curve of an ear.

"Leone," she sighed into a pink ear, "I've just come on. But let me be good to you tonight hmmm?"

Leone stirred, she knew Amy did not like to be touched during her flow but was happy to love her if she needed it.

"Oh baby. Why didn't you say sooner you little stone butch," she dug into the pockets of Amy's shorts, "Where's that tea my Mom gave you. I'll make you a cup. Just sit here, okay?"

Fishing out the sachet she headed towards the kitchen leaving Amy on the porch swing,

"Hey, about that! How come your Mom knows about my menstrual cycle? Have you been blabbing Garoul?" she called back into the cabin.

Sounds of water running and tea making nearly drowned out Leone's answer,

"No! Well, maybe…I can't remember. I may have mentioned it…"

She came back with a teapot and a single mug.

"Aren't you gonna have some?" Amy noticed the one cup.

"Nah, I hate it."

"Then why make me?"

"Cos it's good for you and if I needed it I'd take it. Okay?" she poured a hot cupful, "Now shaddup and drink."

"Ack…it's fuggy…"

"Drink, it's good for you. It'll help you relax."

Forty minutes later Amy sat beside Leone tingled cheeked and giggling. Her eyes were dilated and her head swung on her girlfriends shoulder as they looked up at the starry canopy.

"So what else do ya see…" she demanded.

Leone sighed, "Mmmm, lets see, I can see Virgo. Well I can see Spica so the rest is Virgo."

"Look, look…I can see an astronaut hahahahaha…"

"Com'on lets get you to bed Buzz Lightyear."

"Buzzie'll do…"

"I bet it will. Com'on." She scooped up her high as a kite lover and carried her into the bedroom.

"You're Mamma makes good tea…"

Sigh, "I'll tell her."

"Skanky taste but nice mellow aftertone…"

After getting Amy undressed and tucked under the covers Leone was too wired to crawl in beside her. The moon was teasing peeking in and out of the clouds soon it would be full and heavy like a pregnant belly. She kicked off her shoes and stepped off the porch digging her toes into the cool earth as she strode off towards the woods.

There was heat beside her, all along the length of her body, and then it rolled and rested on top of her pushing deeper into the soft mattress. She welcomed the weight of the long naked body covering hers, it felt good.

Dreams are good. Too heavy headed and sluggish to even open her eyes she languidly reached out her arms to cradle a broad hard back. Happy to feel the sublime sensations from deep within her stupor. She felt lulled and relaxed, and horny…mmm yes horny.

"Hmmm," she murmured burying her face in a warm neck feeling silky strands of hair brush across her cheek, "Leone…" Her hands stroked the long lean back. A rumbling growl resonated against her throat making her skin tingle and with a dreamy smile she arched her back into the strong body covering her.

Her reward for this act of acquiescence was to have her breasts fiercely ravished. Suckled and chewed for seeming eons until they ached, her nipples throbbing with dull pain mixed pure gut churning lust. The ache ran like liquid fire right down to her groin. Still she pushed forward into the greedy mouth her low moans mingling with her lover's hungry yet satisfied grunts. She took satisfaction that her fierce suitor was content with her offering. It warmed the blood in her heart as much as that in her lower belly and she pushed up into the eager mouth even more. All the time moaning and squirming trying to give up more.

Time floated by and then she felt her legs pulled even further apart. She was happy to be lying open and ready for more attention. The night air was cool on her breasts as the saliva and sweat dried, puckering her aureola, not lessening the ache in any way. And then that same hunger descended onto her sex, gorging and swilling, tearing into her. Her ass was lifted, legs pushed over broad shoulders and she was raised up her own shoulders pinning her to the bed.

Hands tore at sheets as she was thrashed over and over from anus to apex with a long, thick tongue. She felt her sex laid out like a platter to be feasted on, totally consumed. Nothing hidden, nothing sacred, all was for the taking, and it was with great vigour and appetite. Her clitoris roughly suckled, tender folds ground down, divided and plundered. Rich and moist suckling noises filled the air. Deep growls and grunts and her own pitiful mewling.

She cried out trying to strain for the sexual release that was masterfully kept just out of her reach. Twisting and levering her hips for that one saving touch that would give her what she craved. But she was kept artfully balanced on the orgasmic precipice much to her toe curling frustration.

Tired now she tried to buck and kick her way free but the punishing reaming only intensified enflaming her need. Panting with lust and growing sexual frustration she dragged open her eyes and grabbed at the dark head buried between her raised thighs, trying to convey her angst, her command. The room tilted alarmingly and then began to spin. She groaned from her arousal, confusion and a growing exhaustion…and then she came, without warning in a tidal wave that melted every bone in her body and blew off a dozen pyrotechnics in her skull.

Above her own shuddering cries she faintly heard a deep panting growl, her eyes fluttered open and briefly glimpsed blue shining down at her, and white, sharp white…and all around the coppery smell of blood. No sooner had she opened her eyes than they drooped shut again as darkness and collapse rose up and claimed her.

Part3:

"I feel like shit," she mumbled in self-pity rolling on the bed to try and block out the morning sun from her tortured eyes. In fact everything felt tortured, except her nose, it was appreciating the smell of freshly brewed coffee and bacon coming from the kitchen. Her stomach growled like Pavlov's alpha bitch. Lurching to her feet she stumbled to the bathroom.

"Shut up you fuckwits!" she bellowed at the cacophony of birdsong as she passed the window.

"Hello Goddess of the Morning," she heard Leone's cheerful voice call jokingly from the kitchen. "Breakfast awaits after your ablutions oh majesty of the happy sunrise…"

"Go ta hell," she grumbled back and slouched into the shower cubicle sighing at the cascade of warm water. Gods I ache everywhere. I feel like I fell off a mountain and bounced all the way down.

Grabbing the soap she began to lather but stopped with a hissing squeak. She looked down at her body, truly looked…she was black and blue! Cuts and scrapes criss-crossed over her belly and thighs. Her tits were bruised, nipples swollen. Stumbling from the shower she headed back to the bed room and looked at herself in the full length mirror, twisting and turning eyes wide and aghast. Holy fuck…I'm a relief map of that mountain I fell off!

Vague floating memories of last night came back in fragments. Yes she'd definitely had sex. She groped between her legs, hardly any stain? Usually her first day was heavy. Look at my tits, poor wee darlings.

Now she concentrated on her body it hummed happily back at her on some sated primal level. It felt good, sore but good.

Fuck that! It didn't matter. It didn't matter what it felt like in the aftermath. She'd been out of it, probably drunk with the wine and that concoction Marie had given her. And that was another issue! But first and foremost Leone knew she didn't like sex on her period but still she took advantage!

"Leone! Leone!" A dark head appeared round the bedroom door.

"Hey, do you want maple syrup with the pancakes?" she asked with a big cheesy blue eyed grin that could melt ice caps quicker than global warming…but not today. No way today.

"Look at me. You're one sneaky underhand bastard to do this!"

Leone looked shocked at the outburst. Amy thundered around the room dragging clothes over her still wet body,

"How dare you maul me when I'm out of it? You know I hate period sex...it's...it's icky! Can't I even trust you to take care of me, is that it? You and your needs come first, huh?"

"What…" Leone barely opened her mouth before Amy flew past her out of the room roughly shouldering her against the door post.

"Leave me alone, do ya hear? I don't want to see you for the rest of the day. I'm gonna give some serious thought to if I even want to spend the rest of the holiday with you," she glared up with full aggression into shocked blue eyes. "Quite frankly if you don't get your fucking act together I'm heading home early. Got that? Now outta my way." And grabbing her bag flew out of the cabin like a whirlwind leaving a totally stunned Leone behind.

Twenty yards out from the cabin her temper was exhausted. Her hangover wasn't, she fished out her sunglasses and scrabbled for a strip of aspirin and her bottled water. Puffing a sigh as she swallowed two tablets,

Now what? Christ but I'm beginning to hate this stupid valley. They should turn it into a reservoir…

"You look rough? Had a bad night?" Anita appeared alongside her. With a rueful smile she shrugged back,

"Something like that. Hung over from Marie's tea…"

Anita groaned in sympathy, "She makes a killer cannabis tea. Sometimes I think she's a little heavy handed. But the one she gave me for my upset stomach worked wonders. No cannabis, just weeds and whatnot."

"Huh, Marie makes cannabis tea? How sixties is that?" frowning, neither Marie nor Leone had mentioned the ganja content to her. Again she felt anger and disappointment. Leone's behaviour was really souring this holiday break.

"Yea, she makes all sorts of herbal remedies, some are even legal. As a botanist I want all her recipes…for research only you understand." Anita smirked.

"Mmmm" Amy shot her a sly sideways glance, "Yea I can totally see you as a hippy chick…"

"Love and Peace babe. Hey, I'm heading into to town, fancy a drive in with me?"

"Only if you let me treat you to a coffee and a breakfast muffin." Maybe I can pick up a train timetable. I've a feeling my holiday's about over.

"Oh," Anita looked in askance as they retreated down the long path towards the clearing where the vehicles were parked, "somebody not get any breakfast?" her eyebrows rose.

"No, somebody was too busy shouting at their bitch of a girlfriend to grab a slice of bacon before storming out."

"Hmm, muffin and coffee it is and you can tell me all about it…if you want of course…"

The walk down to the parking area was a good half mile away but it was a beautiful morning and the women enjoyed chattering and laughing as they strolled along.

"So, what are you going into town for? Groceries?" Amy asked, "Oooh a newspaper that would be nice. Find out what's happening in the outside world. I sort of feel I'm trapped here in Little Dipstick. Did you hear about my bear tracks yesterday? "

"I heard it was panda?" Anita looked over slyly.

"Hardeehar, nobody takes me seriously. Marie tried to tell me it was some big bird splashing around after the fish but let me tell you it musta been wearing flippers…"

"Or from Sesame Street…"

They both giggled. Anita sobered first,

"If it wasn't a bear could it have been a wolf?"

Amy froze for a second, for some reason she found that even scarier than a bear, then she shrugged it from her mind,

"Nah, never a wolf. Whatever it was walked upright."

"Look there's Kit she must be just coming back from town."

Amy followed Anita's gaze to see the tall frame of Kit heading towards them carrying a brown bag of groceries and a morning paper tucked under her arm.

"Morning," she drawled as she drew close.

"Morning Kit." Anita smiled warmly. Amy nodded coolly.

"Hey," Kit waved the newspaper at them, "heard the news? There's been a Big Foot sighting right here in Little Dip! Imagine!"

Anita snorted with laughter while Amy burnt bright red right up to her hairline.

"You saw those paw prints!" she blustered.

"Actually all I saw was a few damp splodges drying out even as I looked at them. But being a trained tracker and forest ranger I didn't understand what I was looking at. I shoulda run and got Goldilocks for a second opinion."

Amy held her hands up,

"Okay, okay, go ahead and mock but if you all end up mauled I'll be the first to carve 'I told you so' on your gravestones. Laugh all you want but there's something plodding around this valley on two nasty big feet. I saw those prints and my blood ran cold!"

Head held high she stomped off in a regal huff but the effect was lost when Anita and Kit continued to stand and chat.

"If you'd have given me a list I'd have got your messages for you."

"Nah, I wanted to go and mooch round the shops anyway Kit. Amy and I are gonna grab some brunch. Thanks for asking."

As they continued their journey to the car Kit called after them,

"Hey Goldilocks, don't forget the porridge for them bears."

Anita laughed as Amy glowered muttering under her breath,

"And why not bears? This whole valley's a freaking circus. Wouldn't be surprised to see a poodle on a pony trot by."

She was astounded when Kit's obviously very acute hearing picked up her mutter.

"With a tongue like that maybe you're more a copperhead than a Goldilocks," she snapped back.

Inadvertently proving her point Amy shot a venomous look back before continuing to move away with an even faster pace. Best to get out of here before I really show her poison. First I'm a carrot now I'm a snake! I hate this bitchin' place. Leone's an idiot for bringing me here.

"You two sure do not gel." Anita mused as she caught up.

"Yup, she's been crawling under my skin since I met her. And I'm easy to bait right now cos…well to be honest I'm having a really shitty time with Leone and I wanted this weekend to be so good."

They had reached the 4x4 Jori and Anita favoured and climbed in. Quickly reversing Anita had them on the dirt track out of the valley in no time. Their conversation continued as she drove,

"Because you were meeting her family for the first time? Don't you like them?"

"Of course I like them? Well bar Kit who's been rude to me since the minute we met for some reason. I think it's more to do with her and Leone not getting on than me but if that's the case I wish the two of them would grow up and get out of my face!"

Anita looked over,

"Is Leone annoying you too? You said you had a fight this morning?"

"Yea, she's been more or less a jerk since we got here." Amy looked out the window and shrugged, "I mean…" she swung round to Anita, "Can I level with you here? Seeing as how you asked and all?"

Anita looked back surprised,

"Sure, hit me with it. I offered to listen didn't I? And I promise it's between you and me okay, it won't leave this car."

Amy smiled in appreciation,

"Well…it's just Leone's sex drive seems to have gone off the Richter scale since we got here…"

Anita laughed,

"Oh Amy. It must be a family trait Jori is exactly the same. Maybe the fresh mountain air affects them like that. For me it's a good thing cos we've been having 'pee on the stick' sex for a few months now…"

"'Pee on the stick' sex?" Amy's eyebrows rose.

Anita laughed again,

"We're trying for a baby...you know, pee on the stick…pregnancy test! And it suits me no end that Jori's found a new gear since coming out here.

We've been having monster sex, it's been great!"

"Wow!" Amy wasn't sure how to respond. Monster sex? That's sounding familiar. Wonder if Leone's libido is working the same way as Jori's? She sighed heavily,

"Maybe it's just me then. I've been out of sorts this weekend." She mumbled not at all sure of anything anymore. Yes she'd been sharper and bitchier than usual since arriving but she'd put that down to her period.

Anita looked across sympathetically,

"Hey, they are a pack of weirdoes, there's no denying that. How many mother-in-laws you know would ply you with cannabis? She takes it for her arthritis you know. It's not just a kick." Anita rushed to qualify.

"Shit I'm not complaining about someone using grass, but Leone shoulda told…mother -in -law?" Amy caught up with Anita's comments, "She's not my in-law anything, me and Leone aren't like that."

Anita slid a guilty sideways glance over to her passenger,

"Oh? Sorry, I thought you were. Isn't that what this weekends all about? For them all to meet you and welcome you into the fold?"

Amy snorted,

"I don't think so. It's just a break and her family happen to own a whole freakin valley so why not come down here? It is nice to meet her family and I really want them to like me don't get me wrong, but don't be holding your breath for a white wedding either."

"Damn, I'd picked out matching shoes and handbag too. You're so selfish Fortune!"

"Forget it Garoul. No fancy hat no can do!"

The visit to town was jus the break they both seemed to need. Anita ran to the pharmacy for another packet of pee sticks while Amy surreptitiously snagged a train timetable from the Tourist Information Centre. She felt it gave her options but a sad nagging feeling accompanied the action. Oh well, she could psychoanalyse it all later.

After grabbing a sack full of groceries each, she ruefully noted her resolve to head home early the next day had already started to fragment. Well so much for the next train out of Loopyville, she mused as she packed away milk, cheese and chocolate before on impulse picking up a six pack of Leone's favourite beer. The coffee shop did not disappoint for lunch either and by mid afternoon they were on their way back to Little Dip. Listening to the local radio Amy hummed along feeling a lot more relaxed and upbeat. We need to talk. Maybe it's me? I can get really moody during my period. But Leone crossed a line too and we need to sort that out.

Parking up in almost exactly the same spot they gathered their bags and set off down the trail laughing and solidifying the new friendship that seemed to have sprung up so easily between them. Looking up Amy noticed the overcast sky,

"Hey is there rain forecast for today?"

Anita looked up too, the air had gotten slightly cooler but it was welcomed,

"Dunno," she shrugged, "Com'on lets try and beat it back home."

After about twenty minutes Anita started to look around,

"Are we on the right path?"

Amy looked around her in askance,

"I've no idea. I thought there was only one trail down to the cars?"

"Nah, there's a whole load of hunting trails leading off from the car park. I think we're on one of them cos I'm not seeing anything familiar."

"Oh. Let's turn around and go back the way we came. Guess we'll not beat the rain now."

It was a sensible plan until they came to a fork on the pathway,

"Oh bollox! Typical. Any ideas?" Anita huffed.

"Mmm, something about always turning right and you end up where you started?"

"Like the car park? I don't think you've got that quite right. You weren't a Girl Scout were you?" dark eyes looked very sceptical.

"Nope, just hung out around them."

Anita looked at her in askance. Amy shrugged and added,

"So I was into uniforms even then. Let's go to the right seeing as how it's a fifty- fifty coin toss."

It was the wrong choice. That became apparent after another twenty minutes and the surrounding trees became denser and the light a lot gloomier.

"Oooh, I don't like this. It's creepy here." Anita looked around her suppressing a shiver, "Has it got colder? I'm shaking like a leaf."

"Well that rain front is moving in over the Ridge and we're in the shade big time. But wherever we are it would scare the bejeezus outta ya anyway."

"Yea, this is really not nice. Okay I've made up my mind, I don't like it. Take me home."

"No, you take me home first."

Their bantering kept their spirits up, that and the bar of chocolate Amy had broken open.

"You're the one who said go right…what was that?" Anita suddenly looked over her left shoulder very ill at ease.

"Huh? What?" Amy found herself almost whispering.

"I thought I heard something."

"What?"

"How the hell do I know!"

"Well let's stand still and listen." They did and heard nothing particularly alarming. In fact they heard nothing at all.

"Shit, I hate it when the birds stop singing. Never thought I'd say that but there you go." Amy muttered. Even as she spoke she felt the hackles on her neck rise as they had that afternoon down by the river. Please God don't let it be that bear again…

"Amy," Anita's voice grew rather small as her eyes grew large.

"What?" Amy subconsciously copied her. Please don't let her see a bear coming up behind me, please Lord.

"Look at the trees," she whispered.

Slowly Amy turned her head as if it was in a neck brace and might snap at any sudden movement. At first she didn't see it because in reality she was expecting a Grizzly but there was nothing.

Relaxing slightly, "What about them?"

Maybe this was a botanist thing Anita was freaking her out about.

"Look. Look at the bark," Anita whispered hoarsely.

And then Amy saw it, all around them nearly every tree was lacerated and torn with huge long vicious clawing. On some the bark hung in shreds the gouges going deep into the living wood underneath.

Amy just swallowed at the sheer sinister malice of it all. It was destructive and malignant and the air around her seemed to reduce down to a sickly almost un-breathable syrup of pure terror.

"It's very high up." Anita managed to croak out, "Whatever did this was very tall."

"Like a moose?" Amy squeaked back. Anita shook her head,

"No, those are claw marks."

"Oh."

"Maybe you're right about bears."

"I don't want to be right any more. Let's just go."

"What way?"

"I don't care lets just go."

Their feet of their own volition started to move slowly back the way they'd come. Amy still felt that claustrophobic tightness in her chest that screamed at her that danger was close by. Not wanting to alarm Anita who seemed blissfully unaware she picked up their pace slightly. Again she swore she saw that slinking smoothness blur through the trees this time to the right of them. Her breath hitched,

"Let's just get back as fast as we can huh? Without outright running until I say so, okay?" she kept a wary eye on where she thought she'd seen the flicker of movement.

"What? You're freakin me out here Amy."

"No, it's nothing I'm just a bit of a cowardy custard that's all." Thank God this stretch is downhill and we can move on at a trot.

No sooner had she had her first positive thought since leaving the car park than she blinked twice in horror at on another dark unfocussed shadow shimmered to the left. Oh shit, I think there's two of them…whatever they are.

Her heart was pounding like a drum. Sweat broke on her brow and also ran in rivulets down her spine. If they can smell fear I must be like Cajun BBQ by now, oh shit, shit. Stay calm we must be near the car park. We'll get there soon.

Anita finally asked after several minutes of quick paced but not quite panicked tramping,

"Where the hell are we going?"

"Dunno." Amy noted her companion still seemed unaware they were being literally shadowed. And outflanked, let's not forget outflanked!

"You're a teacher don't you teach the kids about geography and moss in on the north side of a tree and stuff?"

"Look I teach kindergarten. My mind is so frozen at the moment all I can think of is The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round. You're a botanist, you're meant to be at home with nature and forest and flowers and fuck knows what else! You do something!"

Anita looked at her in consternation,

"Me!" she squeaked glancing around she suddenly pointed, "Oh look, its Trillium Ovatum…"

"Huh?" Amy scanned the forest floor hopelessly trying to see what Anita was pointing at then spotted a small white flower.

"…maybe it can grow feet and run for help?" Anita continued.

"You are such a bitch. I thought you really had a plan!" No sooner had she said the words than the tightness left her skin and it felt as if a weight had been gently eased off her tense shoulders.

"Hey!" a voice hailed them.

"Jori!" Anita broke into a run. Jori stood on the trail about several metres ahead so deep in shadow they hadn't seen him until he moved forward. He wrapped his arms around his wife.

"Where were you? I saw the car was back but no you?"

"We took a wrong turn got lost. Here." She dumped her grocery sack in his arms, "Come and see this!" turning back the way they'd come.

"See what?" he asked following.

"Do we have to go back?" Amy was anxious. Now they had been more or less rescued she just wanted to get the fuck outta this part of the valley.

"Yes! Wait 'til you see this Jori. Amy was right there is a bear in the forest. The trees back here are mangled!" she dragged him along by his shirt sleeve, suddenly a dynamo now he was close.

"It was a moose, let's go home." Amy whined.

"No way it was a moose and you know it. Com'on Fortune or we'll leave you standing there like a jar of honey."

Amy's eyes widened and she quickly followed to catch up. All along the route she glanced from side to side trying to pierce the impenetrable depths but no strange movement or sensation visited her. By the time they'd reached the section with the shredded tree trunks Amy had begun to wonder if she was being over imaginative. Until she stood again and looked at the wanton damage surrounding her. Her blood ran cold. This was such an unnatural crazed thing to her inexperienced eyes.

Jori stood silent for a moment looking slightly taken aback.

"See, see." Anita waved an expressive arm around her, "it looks like a bear, a big bear had been sharpening his claws. Right?"

Jori didn't respond at first, he stood tense and still as if imperceptivity picking up a vibration. His chin lifted everso slightly and his nostrils seemed to flare. Watching these tiny details that even his talkative wife missed with morbid fascination Amy found herself reminded of her Pa's old hunting dog picking up a scent. Again the moment and the fleeting thought accompanying it flew by and she shook herself out of her stupidity. I'm far too fanciful today, must be the comedown from Marie's delightful tea!

Their new escort took them straight back to the cabins unerringly without even having to go via the car park at all.

"So, what did you think Jori?" Amy drew up along side him as they strolled along one of his arms wrapped casually around Anita's shoulders the other cradling their groceries.

"Dunno," he shrugged, "I'm gonna go back with Kit, she'll have a good idea what's going on."

"It's just that I think I saw something similar on the windowsill at our cabin. Not as many as back there obviously cos the damn shack would fall down if something went at it like that! But one sort of swipe with four long scratches…" she made a sort of claw like swoop with her hand. Jori frowned darkly at this but Anita seemed very interested.

"We'll come over and have a look," she said adamantly, "Won't we Jori." It was a statement and he wisely nodded his agreement.

"We pass close to your cabin on our way in Amy. In fact we're almost there now."

Soon they were approaching the isolated cabin from the front. Amy bounced up the porch steps and opened the unlocked door,

"Leone I'm back and guess…"

The cabin was empty Leone had obviously headed off for a day to herself as well.

"Can I use your bathroom?" Anita followed her in looking around her.

"Sure, it's off the bedroom."

"This layout is just like ours…" she ambled on towards the bedroom and the ensuite. Jori came in directly behind her and set his bag on the small kitchen table.

"Fancy a coffee?" Amy asked clicking on the kettle, she desperately needed a caffeine hit after that nasty little adventure.

"Yea, I'd love some," he admitted.

"Guys?" Anita's voice called through from the bedroom, "Come here a minute will ya."

They both followed through to find her standing frozen in the middle of the bedroom staring at the bed.

"Is that Lesbian bed death?" she raised a finger pointing at the quilt. They both looked and flinched simultaneously at the coiled and bloody snake carcass lying in the centre of Amy and Leone's bed.

"Shit!" Amy exclaimed.

Jori strode over and distastefully lifted the headless serpent taking it outside. Wordlessly the two women followed him and stood at the bottom of the porch steps watching him fling the offending thing far into the tree line. Wiping his hands on his pants he came back his face grim.

"Please don't tell me that was a copperhead?" Amy blurted a sudden horrible thought surfaced through all the drama and confusion of the day. Anita stiffened and locked eyes with Amy not wishing to say anything but remembering Kits name call from earlier that morning.

"Nah!" Jori looked at her in surprise, "We don't get them here. It was a bull snake."

"How the hell did it end up headless on my bed?" Amy relaxed everso slightly now that the association with Kit could be scrubbed. Jori and Anita looked at each other and then looked at her, both shrugged silently and almost sorrowfully at not having a plausible answer.

"Could it have been thrown through the window?" Amy tried again. She really needed these people to come up with an answer that would pull her back form the chasm of panic she was about to throw herself into at any moment.

"Let's look," Jori moved towards the back of the cabin, Amy and Anita in tow. They turned a corner and stood transfixed.

"Oh," was all Amy could manage in a flat everyday voice, "seems these cabins are sturdier than they look."

The back of the cabin was cross hatched and slashed in a similar set of gouges and rips as they'd seen in the forest. Only these were far more localised around the window. Amy had seen just the one mark on the sill from the inside but the entire window area was clawed and scarred.

The ground underneath trampled and flattened was baked too dry to hold prints of any discernable nature bar one. A portion of a print, but not of a paw of any creature Amy's limited knowledge could come up with. Definitely comparable to a large bear in size, but the fully extended claw marks that could barely be made out in the dust and gravel seemed more that of a wild cat?

"What the fuck is it?" Amy asked in awe. Anita stood beside her totally flummoxed too.

"Dunno but it looks really big. Some of those marks are easily eight foot off the ground." She turned to her husband, "Jori you gotta get Kit and your cousins to check this out. It's not a joke any more. This is one motherfucker you'll have to hunt down. I mean it's coming right up to the cabins for freaks sake!" her voice had risen considerably towards the end of her sentence.

Jori spread out his hands in a placatory gesture,

"And we will. Believe me hun, we will. Now com'on you two, let's go over to our cabin and I'll go get Kit and Maurice. Pascal's still around this afternoon so we'll sort something out. Okay?"

Wrapping reassuring arms around both women's shoulders he carefully led them away from the cabin towards his own.

Not long after Jori left them Marie appeared at Anita's open cabin door rapping softly before entering. She had a concerned frown on her face as she joined the two women at the kitchen table.

"Hey, Marie, do you want a coffee?" Anita offered standing to fix one before she even had an answer.

"Thanks yes," Marie noted the nervous energy bouncing of her daughter in law, "So there may be a bear after all?"

"Jori thinks so. He's away to find Kit," Anita answered.

"I just bumped into Jori. He said there were tracks around Leone's cabin. Well I suppose it is one of the furthest away," Marie looked quite fretful.

"It was the only one visited. Claude checked all the others." Anita placed a steaming mug before her mother in law.

Putting a reassuring hand on her forearm Amy soothed,

"It's okay. No harm was done and we don't know how old the marks are. Maybe it only came round when the cabin was empty and the fact it's now occupied sent it scooting?" she tried to sound upbeat but her unsettling pseudo sightings in the forest the last two days did not reconcile in her mind. What she really wanted was Leone back from wherever she was so they could sit down and discuss this without Amy feeling like she was losing her mind.

Her wish was soon answered. Leone appeared by late afternoon with news from over the Ridge.

"Hey you guys. I've just left Jori and Kit over at the Park. He says to tell you that there's been a hunt on for a wounded bear. Some illegal hunters set hounds on a black bear. It escaped but was badly mauled and probably out of its mind. It's been rampaging well out of its territory but was finally tracked down and shot earlier today," she shrugged away the upsetting story. "Anyway Kit wants to know if it would set your mind at rest if you drove over to see for yourselves?"

"What?" Anita squawked, "I'm not going all the way over there to look at a tortured animal. Hound hunting! I've never heard of anything so barbaric."

Amy shuddered along with Anita while Marie looked across to her daughter,

"So that's what it was, a poor creature demented with pain?"

Leone nodded, "Sucks don't it."

It wasn't until they'd thoughtfully trudged more than halfway to their cabin that Amy suddenly remembered the snake. How the hell could I forget about the snake? Just shows how all over the place I am today…

"Mmm, do you know any reason we might have had a dead snake thrown onto our bed?" she turned to Leone. A frown covered the other's face,

"Huh? A snake?"

"A dead snake…headless in fact. Lying on top of our bed. Can you think of how it might have gotten there, apart from voodoo…" she tried to lighten the ridiculousness of her statement. Leone stopped walking and turned to look fully at her,

"A headless snake was left on our bed?"

Amy shuffled uncomfortably,

"Yea, Anita found it. We'd just got back from town. Jori threw it away for me. It was just lying on top of our bed. I've no idea how it got there. We wondered if it had been thrown through the window. That's how we saw the claw marks…" she sighed, she was sick of the holiday now. Sick of the whole mess. "Leone let's just go home."

Leone started at her words,

"Hey, hey let's not be too hasty. I know it's been scary but the bear is gone." She reached out and pulled Amy into her arms burying her nose in the sweet smelling red gold hair. Citrus and sandalwood infused her senses bringing comfort and familiarity, and under that barely detectable the musky menstrual copper. It seemed to seep out of every pore. Her embrace tightened fractionally as a delighted tremor ran through her.

"What about the snake? What's that all about? And there's other things out there too. I don't believe it's just the bear." Amy's arms wrapped round Leone's waist hugging tight for reassurance.

"What do you mean 'just the bear'?" Leone's frown deepened her voice gruff and muffled in Amy's hair.

"I've seen things, well sort of seen things. Shadows in the trees. And it's not just me, the birds stop when they're around and the air grows cold. I swear I've seen them, I'm not mad or anything."

"When did this happen?"

"Well, first when I saw the paw prints round the fish. I didn't mention it 'cos I thought I was just being stupid. But earlier today when Anita and I got lost in the woods. I saw two of them trailing us just after we found the claw marks on the trees." She let it come in one big embarrassed rush just wanting to share it in all its preposterous detail with someone she trusted.

Leone turned them both to begin their walk again, her arms around Amy's shoulder, Amy's arm resting on her waist.

"Be absolutely honest Amy, you know nothing about the woods and have been seriously spooked by what could under different circumstances have been a threat. I mean tell me what you actually saw, not how you felt."

"Well, mmm, I saw nothing just shadows sort of moving between the trees following me. I felt watched…" "Ah, no feelings, just facts. So you saw shadows deep in the forest."

Amy sighed feeling silly, "It was more the feelings Leone. It was incredibly unsettling."

Leone drew her in tighter and dropped a kiss on her head,

"What if we did more things to get you actually involved with the valley asides from just sunbathing? Hmm, would you like to learn about the flora and fauna? I could teach you to fly fish? I know you're probably not interested in rifles or actual hunting…"

"No way! Not hunting."

"Well…even climbing a tree my little chipmunk. Anything to make you more at home. To make you feel more involved with it as an organic, living community." She gave another little squeeze, "Please give it a try before we go home?" she gave her best bottom lipped baby pout.

Amy melted a little but not enough,

"I'll think about it. But I still want to now how that snake got into our cabin."

"I'll check on it when we get back. Could be something else brought it in for lunch and was scared away. Like a raccoon."

"No shit Sherlock. You sound just like your mother telling me about that big bird." Amy's sarcasm caused Leone to glance over quickly.

"All I can do is take a look." She defended herself.

"Raccoon" Leone announced carrying the laundry basket from the bathroom into the lounge. From over the kitchen counter Amy could see the bed linen flowing over the edges.

"I stripped down the bed," Leone offered as explanation, "I'll drop this into the Laundromat tomorrow. I want to head into town anyway."

"Raccoons?" Amy turned back to the stove where she was throwing together a light supper of leftover fish and rice with peas.

"Yea, they can get into the roof rafters and stuff. They can be a real pest I'll get Kit to have a look at it after we leave."

"Why Kit?"

Leone looked up from stashing the laundry basket near the door for collection in the morning.

"She manages the valley when it's not in use." She explained, "It's preferable for us all to take turns but life doesn't always work out that way. Jori is busy, me too. Mom comes and stays regularly now she's retired. But I suppose it's fallen onto Kit cos she works locally. When we were all at college Claude and Louise lived here but when little Corinne came along they moved back to Wisconsin to raise their new family."

"Wow, I never thought that the valley had to be managed?"

"Yea and it's mostly fallen to Kit."

"Wonder if that's why she wants a transfer." Amy mused.

"She does? Who told you that? Have you been talking to her?"

Amy looked over in askance of the sharp tone,

"No. Anita told me."

Leone simply nodded seemingly happy with the answer.

"You don't get on with your sister do you?" Amy ventured.

Leone shrugged,

"We never were close. I get on better with Jori. We share the same sense of humour. Kit and I were always too competitive and never really grew out of it. When's supper?" she clumsily changed the subject and Amy accepted she didn't really want to talk about her sister.

"How come I always have to fix what you wreck?" Amy complained as she scrambled over the bed tucking a clean sheet in at the far corner.

"Hey, I did the dishes." Leone protested appearing at the bedroom door, her chore completed. She leaned against the post watching the smaller woman throw another sheet over the bed before crawling across to repeat the tucking in process. Coming up behind her she wrapped both arms around Amy's waist and leaned over to nuzzle the back of her neck.

"I wouldn't spend too much time tidying this bed as I intend to unmake it with you in a minute," she murmured in to the soft hair before nipping her on the nape.

Amy tensed for a split second before wiggling against her in an effort to free herself. This only encouraged Leone to tighten her hold taking the squirming as excitement. She began to move her hips sinuously across the firm little ass cheeks under her with a little moan. Angry now Amy brought her elbow round to prod the taller woman in the ribs as she snapped,

"Get off me. For fuck's sake didn't you get enough last night when I was off my head thanks to your mother's herbal ketamine!"

Leone slackened her grip and Amy spun away to face her,

"Stop pawing me! I told you I'm not interested. And as for last night, that was really low, I'm covered with bruises and scratches. Can't you just keep it in your pants for a night?"

Leone recoiled, her face flushed and her eyes sparked angrily,

"You know damn fine you were not deliberately drugged. Stop being such a sanctimonious bitch. You get drunk and high anytime you want back home and fuck like a banshee. I'd say you got exactly what you wanted last night!"

The last words were flung over her shoulder as she stormed out of the cabin nearly taking the sturdy door off its hinges.

Stomping around the room in an equally bad mood Amy finally got herself into the freshly made bed. Thumping the pillow until it felt just right she lay down and fumed. That's it! Tomorrow I'm definitely on the next train outta here. This whole holiday sucks and Leone is turning into a mauling whore hound!

The small noise that woke her up threw her immediately into a minor palpitation attack. It didn't matter that a bear had been shot something was moving through the cabin! Maybe there was more than one bear, a whole army of bears? She sat bolt upright, eyes adjusting to the gloom even as she reached for a penlite torch she kept at the bedside. The sudden flash of concentrated light poured directly towards the open bedroom door picked out the contours of Leone standing there.

"Oh holy Jesus!" Amy gasped, "You scared the shit outta me. What the hell are you doing standing there?" and then she noticed the shining dark stain on Leone's shirt and neck. She scrambled out of the bed,

"You're hurt! Oh God Leone what happened…that's blood!"

Leone flinched past her into the bathroom closing the door firmly behind her,

"I'm not hurt. I'm okay."

Amy rattled the handle, "Let me in, that's blood all over you. Let me in Leone…Right now!" she demanded her anger keeping apace with her fright and concern.

"I'm okay I told you. Claude's truck hit a deer. It was a fucking mess. Let me get showered first. I'll come to bed in a moment."

"Leone…" she rattled the door handle again but it remained resolutely locked.

"Amy, go back to bed. I told you I'd be there in a minute," came the curt answer.

The gush of water told her the shower was running and her words of frustration would be drowned out anyway. Disgusted with her inability to be with her obviously upset lover Amy moved through to the kitchen lighting the paraffin lamps throughout the cabin and turning on the stove to make some tea.

She padded back into the bedroom surprised to find Leone already in bed lying on her side facing away from her.

"Do you want some tea?" Amy asked almost in a whisper.

"No, I'm okay." Leone murmured then rolled onto her belly looking over to her partner, the smooth skin on her back shone like satin in the mellow lamplight. "I'm sorry I scared you. I didn't want you to see the mess I was in. I shoulda washed at the creek or something but I didn't think."

"What, in the creek! No way. What happened? You said you hit a deer? What were you doing driving Claude's truck?" Amy moved to sit on the edge of the bed shivering slightly in the large T shirt she slept in.

"Claude was with me. We were heading into town for a brew when this deer ran in front of us. We brought it back. It'll do for another barbeque. Here, climb in, you're shivering." She drew back the covers. Amy scanned the warm nakedness underneath, there were no marks. Leone hadn't been hurt. The blood must have been all the deer's.

"Gimmie a mo, gotta pee," she moved towards the bathroom first. The lamp had been extinguished so she used her small penlite torch to move around. She paused over the sodden clothes lying in a heap in the shower basin, bloody water pooled around them slowly draining away. There were dried specks of blood and soap suds further up the tiles where Leone had lathered her hair to remove the gore. Sighing she left the clothes as they were, they could be rinsed and sent off with the soiled bed linen in the morning. What will the Laundromat think of all this blood and guts to wash away? Maybe it's common enough in a hunting town?

Turning off her little light she returned to find Leone already fast asleep. Securing the cabin doors and dousing all the lamps she too eventually slid in beside her. But it took many more hours frowning up at the shadows on the ceiling before Amy could drift off to sleep.

Part 4:

In the early hours when the room was washed in muted greys she opened her eyes as Leone's arm snaked under her waist to hook round her belly. She had rolled onto her stomach as she usually did in deep sleep and now found Leone's head pillowed on her buttocks.

How'd she get to sleeping down there? Amy thought groggily trying to raise her head and twist round. The grip on her waist tightened pinning her in place. She lay totally still her entire body goose-fleshed as she felt hot breath caress her bottom and heard the deep inhalations of Leone sniffing over the intimate curve of her flesh. This is different…this is very, very different. I'm not sure I like this…Leone's low growl reverberated again her left cheek as if to confirm her concerns.

Again she gingerly tried to move but found herself trapped by the other's strength and weight.

"Leone?" she murmured quietly and then expelled a sharp gasp as her ass cheeks were roughly snuffled into and then nipped,

"Ow, Leone…" she tried to jerk away.

Several sharper nips immediately covered both her cheeks and a deeper growl warned her to keep still. All uncertainty at Leone's intentions was unceremoniously stripped away as her crease was pulled apart and a thick tongue run up its entire length. Contented grunts accompanied this action. Amy's head kicked up and she gave an involuntary whimper, this had never happened before, they didn't do this, she didn't like ass play! The tongue laved her again and again. She tried to clinch but a full handed slap on her right buttock shocked her momentarily and immediately the tongue pushed deep into the groove this time concentrating solely on her anus worrying it and rimming it firmly. Her skin leapt with prickling heat, and as alarmed as her mind was her body seemed eager to embrace the new sensations washing over it.

Wriggling under the attention only managed to increase the grip on her waist and the ferocity of the investigating tongue. Amy's face burned as slurping grunts and lip smacking that echoed round the bedroom. Her own breathing had quickened too through alarm and the heat that rushed through her in waves. Her heart thumped in her chest. Leone's free hand wormed between her thighs and unerringly found her clitoris which much to Amy's dismay was plump and erect betraying her moral indignation for this new sexual high.

"Leone," she managed to whine before the practised fingers began to thrum, "ooooo…oooo..." She was being cleverly played by a knowing lover. Her clitoris was circled and rubbed with increasing pressure as her ass was tongued and rudely speared. Her thighs splayed involuntarily giving more of herself to the questing fingers pushing her cheeks slightly higher. She was panting now. Orgasm took mere seconds to arrive but wrung her out for spine tingling minutes. All inhibition lost in her release she mewled like a horny tabby her hips milking the last sweetness from the fingers kneading her clit her backside pushing up against the demanding tongue still flickering over and around and in her ass.

Finally as she lay stunned and gasping Leone moved to straddle her pushing her face down onto the mattress. Large hands squeezed both buttocks together firmly into a high swell as the taller woman ground her own aching need into the pert raised bottom. She too came quickly after just a few short strokes grunting softly,

"Mine,"

The smug word drooled from her throat pitched somewhere between a groan and growl. A thickening of shadow skirted the wall causing Amy to spin a glance to the window certain the movement had come from there. The space was empty there was nothing bar the windblown sway of the trees beyond. Nevertheless the fleeting shadow was enough to unnerve her. There were too many might have beens lurking in this valley.

Sated Leone fell away onto her side and much to Amy's dismay was asleep as if she had never even been awake. Sighing she lowered her troubled head back to her pillow.

Sleep fucking, that's what it is, a whole new category for somnambulism. We have so got to talk about this. Her sex drive is either out of control or I have totally lost mine somewhere out there in the woods. And God knows what's out there with it!

It was mid morning when she awoke again. Exhaustion of heart, body and soul had allowed her to sleep through the dawn chorus. She awoke alone. After last night's episode Leone had obviously decided to disappear rather than talk over their growing problems. The way she had been behaving over the past few days it came as no surprise.

Sighing she wandered into the bathroom to find the soiled clothing still lying in the shower stall. A faint rush of anger filled her: she was always clearing up after Leone. They didn't even live together, well not yet, and every time she came over to Leone's house she seemed to spend the first twenty minutes just straightening things out and putting on a wash. Even on holiday she was pushed into the same freakin' role, caretaker, mother, maid and now it seemed whore.

Her bad mood instantly dispelled as she reached over to lift the offending articles, they came away in a stream of bloodied water. Her heart stilled as she remembered vividly Leone framed in the doorway her body glistening with the thick pungent slick of another creature's blood.

Amy's stomach contracted and she heaved dryly for a milli-second glad she hadn't already eaten breakfast. Slopping and wringing the clothing out as best she could she wrapped them in a thick bath towel added them to join the other soiled linen in the hamper by the door. She noted Leone had managed to walk straight past that too on her way out.

Taking the laundry to town was her freakin idea! Amy felt her anger rise again but pushed it back down. It might be nice to have an excuse to escape Little Dip for a few hours. If Leone couldn't be bothered to leave a note saying where she'd gone then Amy could arrange time to herself too. Maybe Anita would like to join her? They could have lunch while waiting for the service wash. She desperately needed sane company today. Brightening a little she dragged the hamper out to the porch for collection later before heading over to Jori and Anita's cabin.

Jori and Anita were directly across the entire site from the cabin allocated to Leone. However this morning Amy didn't feel like strolling through the main drag meeting and greeting all the straggling Garouls as they prepared for their hikes and hunts and fishing expeditions. Instead she took the circuitous route around the back of many of the more central cabins.

Halfway there she rounded a corner and came to an immediate shocked halt. Before her on an A frame an adult deer hung by its hind legs. Its body cavity was already peeled open and emptied. The carcass was headless and the stump of a neck was totally mangled as if the head had been literally ripped off. A few paces away in a fly infested bucket she could see what she assumed to be entrails. Once again the lack of breakfast seemed like a lucky break.

"Hi, Amy." The soft voice came from behind her. Spinning she saw Paulie approach with an impressively wicked knife dangling from his hand.

"Hi Paulie. Is this the deer Claude and Leone hit with the truck?"

The lanky teenager blinked before burning up beet red,

"Yea. They dressed it last night but left the rest for me to practise skinning. It's too warm to let it hang. Do you want to watch?"

He moved forward to the carcass and with great concentration drew the blade around the tied hooves before slitting inside each leg down to the pelvis. Slowly he began to peel back the hide scrubbing stubborn patches with the blade then changing to a balled fist once he had the skin pulling away fluidly.

"Gotta make sure the hide doesn't touch the meat." He explained to what he assumed was a raptly interested audience, "No one wants a hairy steak at the barbeque tonight…" he grinned amiably.

His casual words broke the spell that had Amy glued to the ground,

"Yea, that would be yuck," She responded in a flat monotone. Then she had a thought,

"Paulie whys the head missing and the throat so mashed up? Is that where the truck hit it?"

Again the youth hesitated,

"Suppose so. The head is in Claude's freezer. He has a friend who's a taxidermist he wants to mount it for Leone's birthday. Don't tell her in case it's a surprise." He added hastily.

"Nope. These lips are sealed. Hey thanks for the demo but I gotta get on. I'll see you tonight."

"Okay, I'll save you a nice loin steak," again he blushed furiously and Amy realised he had a sweet little crush on her. Smiling and a little boosted at the thought she resumed her original agenda and continued over to Anita's.

If the head is intact enough for mounting the only damage to that deer was its neck and throat. How the hell did they manage to hit an adult deer on only the neck only with a Toyota? Nothing adds up here. It's like the rules of mathematical formula don't apply to this valley at all. Her small smile was now replaced with a small frown.

Finally she appeared before Jori and Anita's cabin and knew immediately it was vacated. All traces of their holiday equipment were absent from the front porch. A quick glance through the windows proved every room was clean and empty awaiting the next arrivals. Her heart dropped as disappointment raced through her followed very quickly by a little pang of hurt. They'd gone and not even stopped over to say goodbye. And why so suddenly? She and Anita and even Jori had been walking and talking all day yesterday and their departure hadn't been mentioned once? Another thing that didn't add up.

Crestfallen and feeling lonely she returned to her own cabin. Maybe she could borrow Marie's car and get her laundry into town by herself? Even this plan was misplaced when she arrived onto her own porch to find the laundry basket was gone. Wondering if Leone had returned and carted it back indoors she entered the cabin, no basket, no Leone. Heading for the stove she decided the time had come to risk breakfast after all. There was not much by the way of blood, gore and headless animals she had not seen so far this morning and assuming that was her fill of blood n guts for the day she decided she was way overdue for a cup of coffee and a muffin.

Moving round the kitchen as she made her coffee she opened the pedal bin to dump the old filter. Staring down into its contents she hesitated, her train timetable lay shredded at the bottom of the bin. Frowning she knew she had kept it in her backpack. Dumping the filter on top of the ripped up remains of her escape route she moved over and fumbled through the pocket she had stashed the timetable in. It was empty.

A little friendly rap on the door sill pulled her attention over to Marie who hovered in the doorway.

"Hi," she smiled. Amy still stood with her hand in her backpack side pocket now glad of the distraction she answered,

"Hey Marie, I've just made coffee. Want a cup?"

Marie moved further into the lounge,

"No thanks, I'm good. I called over earlier but you were out. I wanted to tell you the news about Jori and Anita…"

"Is something wrong," Amy moved towards her suddenly concerned, "I called over this morning but they were gone. Is everything okay?"

Marie's warm smile broadened,

"Everything's absolutely fine. Anita found out she was pregnant and Jori decided to get her home. She was off her food and very tired. He says they'll come back in the summer when she's in her second trimester and bit stronger."

Amy's face was awash with a delighted smile,

"Oh I'm so happy for them. Anita said they were trying. We went into town yesterday for her to buy some pee sticks… pregnancy kits" she explained noting Marie raised eyebrows.

Marie laughed,

"You two certainly got on well. Anita said she was sorry they were leaving in such a hurry. She called over but Leone said you were asleep."

"Oh." Amy felt disappointed in Leone again. It upset her she hadn't had the chance to congratulate Anita personally never mind say goodbye. Then for Leone to disappear for the day without even leaving a note about any of this. That hurt too. In fact this whole day is one giant pisser.

Marie seemed to watch the emotions flood across the younger woman's face and placed a conciliatory hand on her forearm,

"Have you any plans for today?"

"Well I was gonna go into town and do some laundry. Except I can't find the hamper."

"Ah, the one sitting outside? Claude took it for a service wash. He and Leone were heading into the truck shop to get his fender hammered out after last night's little adventure. He took several loads as most everyone had a towel and bed linen drop to make anyway. I told him to pick up your hamper too. Was that alright?"

"Yea sure, I suppose. I was gonna see if Anita wanted to come into town with me but I guess that's not gonna happen now."

"Tell you what. I'm heading off on my own for a short hike to gather some more plants. Do you want to come along? I have some really lovely walks down by the river?"

Amy mulled this over for a few moments. Anita was gone, Leone was no doubt off having a massive huff with her over her lack of libido, and the laundry was being seen to. Basically it was eleven forty seven in the morning and her day had dried up already.

"Okay. Guess that would be a nice thing to do. I'll just get ready. Will I meet you at the clearing in ten?"

"Make it twenty and I'll pack us a light lunch," Marie squeezed her shoulder affectionately before leaving. Well at least I managed to make someone happy, Amy smiled to herself.

They'd been moving into the southern sector of the valley for almost an hour. Marie happily answering Amy's questions about her family and the beautiful valley they owned.

"The money was made from fur trapping for the North West Company in the 1800s. By then we were a small clan but powerful and rich enough. We laid claim to this valley and never let it go. This is where the Garouls have lived and hunted ever since."

"Wow. It was lucky the Garoul who landed in New Colonies from France could establish his family so quickly."

Marie gave her a strange look,

"The Garoul who came over from France was Yvette Garoul, a woman."

"What? But Leone told me they were twin brothers who duelled and the loser had to leave the homeland as a penniless emigrant."

"Yes," Marie nodded enthusiastically, "twins, but brother and sister. The brother married but the sister had an affair with his new bride. There was a big fight and the loser fled, penniless as you said."

"Shit, Leone really is rubbish at telling stories."

Marie laughed, "Leone isn't interested in anything that isn't going on under her own nose. But it's a fantastic story if you really delve into it. Yvette had to pass as a man to get passage across the Atlantic. Then she basically continued like that working as a trapper."

"So where did you lot come into it if she was passing as a man. How did she continue the line?"

"Oh eventually when she was established enough she took a young brave, or two as bed mates and began the American Garoul line. Her story is really amazing. Oh look, here's one we want." She bent down and began to trowel around the root ball of a pungent plant with long glossy leaves.

"What is it?" Amy squatted down beside her.

"Wild garlic. Good for the blood and the joints." Uprooting the plant she placed it in a plastic bag and packed into her backpack.

Coming into a glade with a fallen tree the older woman suggested they sit and have a sandwich and lemonade for lunch.

"You know your tea nearly flattened me the other night." Amy stated, "But this lemonade is excellent. Is it homemade?"

"Yes, another homespun recipe. Look I'm sorry about the tea. I meant to mention that. Anita said it gave you a stinker of a headache the next day. I suppose I'm so used to handing out teas and remedies to all my family I never thought to warn you to sip it slow and frequently."

"Leone should have told me. She made a pot of the blasted stuff and watched me down it all."

Marie shook her head laughing,

"I'm so sorry Amy. I make it strong to dull the ache in my bones. I guess you didn't need it anywhere near that strong for your cramps. How are you feeling by the way?"

"Good. To be honest this is one of my easier months. Usually I get killer cramps and become a sort of mad woman but this time it was okay. Pity you can't market that stuff without getting arrested."

Giggling they packed up and prepared to head off again.

"Here," Marie fished out three flash cards, "I use these when the others come along to help. And also to teach the youngsters when they come up here in the summer." Handing the plastic coated cards over to Amy she pointed out the plant picture on each.

"See, this is what it looks like and the back tells you what it's used for."

Amy squinted at the first card,

"These are a great idea. So we're looking for Butchers Broom and it's for…" she flipped the card over, "Blood circulation? Cool."

"Yup," Marie smiled, "and Devils Claw and Wolfbane, all for aching joints. Think you can recognise them from the photos?"

"Sure," Amy confirmed.

"Good, well I suggest we split up. I'll go up here as there's a little patch of Shepherds Purse I want to thon out. If you go down that way you'll see all these near the brook. Can you get me one of each please? I'll meet you back here in half an hour okay?"

"Okay." Amy was quite happy to go on her errand it was nice to have a chore to do on what might have become a dull day.

Heading off in the direction Marie indicated she immersed herself in identifying her selected plants among the myriad that grew at the foot of the tall firs or hid beneath brush and wiregrass patches. She found the brook and easily crossed it to the slope on the opposite side where the trees grew denser. Following on she eventually found all she needed and was pleased to have a nice specimen of each in her backpack.

"Amy!" She looked up as she heard her name called. It was Marie's voice echoing through the dense woodland she found herself in.

"I'm here," she responded realising she must be late for their rendezvous. Turning she made to head back but drew up uncertain. She wiped her forehead and the pungent aroma of the last herb she's culled hit her hard.

Yuck! What was that last one? Oh yea the Wolfbane. God it stank. In fact it made her sort of nauseous and almost immediately her sinuses started to ache. Shit, don't tell me it promotes migraines. I can do without that now.

But already the familiar pain was triggering behind her eyes.

"Amy!" Marie called again but Amy had trouble pinpointing the location of the shout between the pain in her head and the sound distribution through the trees.

"Okay. Coming." She called back deciding to retrace what was probably her steps. If she could remember them correctly.

"Amy!" Shit, this time the voice sounded further away. She paused and then turned a half circle and tried to follow Marie's calls.

"Wait for me Marie! You're moving away." She was stumbling now, had the underg