Hearthglen

by Daniel Schinhofen

  The women quickly began disrobing, and Sean turned to leave them to it, only to come nose to nose with Myna standing in front of him. “Let me help you, Master.”

  “No, it’s okay. We only have six tubs, so I was going to let you all use it now, then get mine later,” Sean said, trying to fend off Myna’s hands as she began undressing him.

  “But they might have questions that need your expertise in how to use the… showers. It would be best if you were here for that. Andrea will be doing the laundry, so one of us will be done long before she’s ready for the tub.”

  Feeling the jaws of her trap close on him, Sean sighed and stopped fighting even as he lowered his voice. “Are you trying to get me naked in front of them for a reason?”

  “Yes, husband,” Myna whispered back. “They have all expressed an interest in you. Maybe seeing you naked will cause them to change their minds. You’d like it if they did, right?”

  “I have a bad feeling about this,” Sean muttered, but he let her get him naked and lead him over to the showers where Ryann and Ida were waiting.

  Doing his best to keep his eyes off their bodies, Sean walked them through how to get the water to dispense. Once they began to do so on their own, he left them to it and realized a few more showers would be a good idea. Chastity and Fiona were still waiting to use them, but they were helping Andrea with the laundry while they waited. Sean pulled his eyes off the backsides of Chastity and Andrea, letting out a sigh.

  “Why don’t we just hang out over here while the others shower?” Myna said, directing Sean off to the side.

  “Thanks,” Sean muttered.

  His relief was short lived as Ida and Ryann finished their showers after a minute or two, and Chastity and Fiona went to take their turn. “Sir, might I get you to show me how this works?” Chastity asked.

  He realized the bathroom was now a minefield with Chastity by the showers facing him, Andrea off to the other side bent over the wash tub, and Ida and Ryann carrying water to two of the tubs. Sean no longer had an easy spot to look and not get an eyeful of flesh that wasn’t one of his wives.

  Crossing the room, Sean kept his eyes moving so not to stare, all the while wondering how he had ended up like this. He used Fiona’s shower to explain to Chastity how to use them, which at least let him focus on one of his lovers. Fiona was fighting back laughter the entire time, obviously humored at his discomfort.

  “I see. Thank you, sir,” Chastity said before she began to shower.

  As Sean went to walk away, Fiona caught his hand. “Sean,” she said softly, pulling him closer, “this isn’t a public bathhouse. None of them dislike you seeing them. Stop acting like a martyr, or you’ll make them self-conscious and have them wondering if their bodies offend you.”

  “I’m not used to this... the other tenday at the bathhouse was bad enough, but here it’s like they’re trying to get me to watch them.”

  “They are,” Myna sighed. “You still don’t get it, our dear, dense husband. Each of these women are very interested in you. We’ve explained it before, and you keep doing bigger and more wondrous things, which only makes them more interested in you. Ida and Ryann have it the worst, as you’ve basically saved both of their lives. With Ida, it’s multiplied by the fact you gave her father his life back. The only reason she hasn’t pushed you is because she’s waiting for Ryann.”

  Stepping away from his wives, Sean’s brow knitted. What am I doing? I said I’d man the fuck up, and here I’m falling back into the dense MC route, refusing to see what’s right in front of me. It’s not like I have to jump them, but maybe I should be a bit more forward and just accept what comes my way. Maybe if I stopped acting like a fucking Puritan, they’ll feel more comfortable telling me themselves instead of Fiona and Myna having to do it.

  “Thank you for the shower, sir,” Chastity said, stepping over to get water for her bath.

  Sean glanced over to see her downturned lips as she walked away. “Sorry, Chastity. I was lost in thought. You’re welcome. I’ll be improving on them soon.”

  Looking back over her shoulder and seeing his eyes on her, Chastity’s cheeks heated up and she gave him a tentative smile. “I’ll look forward to trying them out as well, if you’ll show me how.”

  “Sure,” Sean replied.

  “Our turn, Master,” Myna said as Fiona stepped away from the shower.

  “Oh good,” Sean breathed out.

  “Actually, can I take mine with Myna?” Andrea asked from to his side.

  Glancing at the young woman’s figure, Sean nodded. “Yeah. First; stand under the spout…”

  Chapter Thirty-two

  The bath was surprisingly relaxing for Sean once the shower training was over. Ida got out to offer him a tub, which displayed her full figure to him. Sean did his best to not stare, but smithing had truly worked her into shape.

  He added more hot water to it and submerged himself as much as possible while pushing the image of Ida’s glistening body from his mind. He was the last one out, and he didn’t raise his head when any of the others passed his tub. Eventually, Myna poked him to get him moving since dinner was going to be ready soon.

  Andrea had prepared a pot roast, made of a different kind of meat than Sean had ever had. It was tender, and had a buttery texture like the Kobe beef he had tried on a couple of memorable occasions. The sauce the meat was cooked in held a tangy edge, reminiscent of lime juice mixed with soy sauce. It was definitely different, but went well with the vegetables.

  “Amazing, Andrea,” Sean praised her.

  “I’m glad you liked it. Grandma taught me that recipe when I was younger.”

  “Now that we have a bathhouse of our own, we’ll be taking baths at least every other day,” Sean said.

  “Every other day?” Fiona asked. “That’s a lot of bathing, dear.”

  “Where I come from, most people bathed at least once a day,” Sean told her. “It helps keep you healthier, and it’ll make me feel better.”

  “If that is your desire, Master, I will do so,” Myna smiled.

  “I don’t mind it,” Ida chimed in quickly.

  “It will be different, but I don’t object,” Ryann added.

  “Well, it looks like everyone is on board,” Fiona said once Chastity, Andrea, and both Fairies had also voiced their agreement. “Maybe we’ll have dinner a little earlier and fit bathing in after that, so Andrea can join us.”

  “Thank you, Fiona,” Andrea said brightly.

  “I need to get going,” Sean said, getting to his feet.

  “If you don’t mind me coming tonight, my ban should be expired,” Ida said.

  “That’s fine,” Sean replied. “Myna?”

  “I think I’ll stay here tonight,” Myna told him. “I’ll see you when you get home, Master.”

  Shaking his head, Sean headed for the door, “See you when I get home, silly kitty. You too, Fiona.”

  “Enjoy the conversation, dear,” Fiona smiled.

  Sean, Ryann, and Ida walked together down the street to the Oaken Glen, Ryann beside him on the left, and Ida keeping pace on his right. He could feel the glances both sent his way, but didn’t look back at them.

  “That was a unique idea with the hot water summoning kettles,” Ida said, breaking the silence.

  “Showers like that are commonplace on my old world,” Sean shrugged. “It’s just going to take me a bit to figure out how to enchant them right. I’m hoping to see about the gem idea Fiona mentioned.”

  “Both Gertihs and Silvertouch are likely to be there tonight,” Ryann commented.

  “If at least one of them is, I can get an answer that I’m afraid I already know.”

  “What are you going to do if you’re right?” Ida asked.

  “Maybe renegotiate my deals with one or both of them to make it gems that I get instead of metal or coin. We’ll find out soon,” Sean said as they reached the square.

  “MacDougal,” Silvertouch waved at him, coming from the direction of
her home.

  “Evening, Silvertouch,” Sean called back as he slowed his pace to meet up with her.

  “Can I talk to you for a moment?” Silvertouch asked, glancing at Ryann and Ida. “Alone?”

  “Ladies, head inside. I’ll be right there,” Sean said, stepping away from the door.

  “Sean,” Ryann said with a raised eyebrow.

  “Just stay inside the doorway. If I yell, come help me, but it’s just Silvertouch so it’ll be fine, Ry.”

  Nodding stiffly, Ryann followed Ida into the inn. Once they were inside, Silvertouch looked to make sure no one else was close by before speaking, “Which of the smiths do you think has a child that would be a good apprentice?”

  Lips pursed, Sean was slow to answer, as the one he would suggest would be hard for him to explain away easily. “I’m teaching Hans Tackett... he’s come along nicely so far,” he finally said.

  Silvertouch eyed him for a moment before nodding. “If that’s who you would suggest.”

  “A gut hunch would suggest Derrin Werrick,” Sean added, unable to hold back from suggesting the better of the smiths that wasn’t apprenticed to him. “I’d suggest asking Tackett first, though.”

  “I shall do so. Thank you.”

  “After you,” Sean said, motioning to the door.

  “Of course,” Silvertouch said as headed for the door. “I was down at the proposed site earlier today. I must say, I think I would like in on this idea, as well.”

  “Talk to Knox and Tackett, then,” Sean suggested.

  “I did. They were both there when I stopped by,” Silvertouch smiled. “They both said you should be consulted.”

  “Well, that’s everyone,” Joseph said as Sean and Silvertouch got to the table, trailed by Ryann.

  Sean gave Ida a sad smile, as she had no other apprentices to talk with. “You’re fine with sitting with us?”

  “Of course,” Ida replied. “I’m sure other apprenticeships will happen in time.”

  “Funny you should say so,” Silvertouch chuckled softly. “But first, let’s order our drinks.”

  She had everyone’s attention but people ordered their drinks. Watercaller and Stoneeyes arrived while people were ordering. As Lilly started walking away, Gertihs showed up and added his order.

  “Okay, we’ve ordered. Now spill,” Joseph said.

  “Not the best way to ask a lady to speak,” Silvertouch replied with a raised brow. “However, I suspect you’re just anxious to hear what I plan to say.”

  “Guilty,” Joseph admitted.

  “I think we all are,” Knox said.

  “Fair. I’m going to be taking an apprentice,” Silvertouch said.

  The other Shapers at the table looked shocked, and the smiths looked intrigued. “Eva, you sure?” Gertihs asked.

  “Yes, Fredrick. It’s finally time. Since Denmur is likely going to cause trouble, I have no reason to hold off taking an apprentice. Everyone here is going to be getting the same grief, so I won’t feel bad about them being dragged in with me.”

  Fredrick paused, then nodded, “Fair.”

  “You raise a good point,” Stoneeyes nodded. “The problem is generally finding anyone with the Talent or enough energy to make them worth a look.” Grimacing slightly, she went on, “No offense to everyone here, but none of your kids tested with either Talent or latent energy, did they? Besides Ida, who’s already taken.”

  “No,” Joseph sighed.

  “Fuck it,” Sean sighed. “At least one kid from these five families has energy now.”

  The four who were sworn to secrecy sat back at Sean’s words, unsure where that left their Agreement. Joseph nodded, “Sean has been helping my Hans learn Shaping. He’s been doing so even while at the forge, now.”

  “Wait, why was I not included?” Avery asked.

  “Look who was,” Knox said. “Those of us who stayed and talked the first night.”

  “Oh,” Avery said, deflating. “Bugger, that was my worst decision ever.”

  “Cards on the table,” Sean said, then stopped as Lilly came to the table with drinks. Served last as was Lilly’s preference, he gave her a smile. “Did you tell them to come by when they wished to?”

  “They’re considering it, but are still a little leery. I’m sure you can understand,” Lilly replied.

  “Yes. Let them know I’ll give them a discount and will personally craft at least one hair clip each if they wish to buy them.”

  Lilly touched her clip, her naked body on display in her hair. “I’ll let them know… they were a little jealous over all of us having personal clips.” Touching his shoulder, Lilly gave him a wink and walked away.

  “She’s always so forward,” Ryann muttered under her breath.

  “As I was saying,” Sean continued as Lilly left, “I’ve been training a son from each of their families. They all have a little innate energy now, but I’ve only hosted Hans and Derrin for two sessions so far. If you want apprentices, any of the five will do.” Turning his attention to Avery, he continued, “If you want one of your kids to have a chance to learn from me, even just once a tenday, I’ll be happy to if one of the five get picked up for an apprenticeship. Same goes for you, Callon; if two of them go, I’d give you the same chance.”

  “How can you help that many people, even if only for a day at a time?” Fredrick asked with a curious expression.

  “I’m an Outsider; I don’t follow the rules you know. If we’re going to be in this cabal together, it’s fair for you all to know. I can and have broken a number of preconceived notions already, and will likely continue to do so.”

  Fredrick stroked his beard, “I see. That does explain the peculiarities I’ve noticed.”

  “Yes, like his willingness to see everyone as a person without the normal prejudices,” Eva nodded. “I had an inkling that he might be.”

  “If they all have some energy,” Fredrick mused, “it would also help cement our group together a bit more firmly. I’ll take an apprentice, as well.”

  “I would, but mine is based off family secrets. We don’t take apprentices that aren’t married into the family,” Watercaller sighed.

  “I don’t think many of us would balk at having one of ours marry into your family,” Knox chuckled. “If I’m supposed to be running this bathhouse thing, maybe it would be best if my son married in so he could devote himself to making sure it’s always running as it should?”

  “He has a point, Ryan,” Stoneeyes said with a grin. “Your niece from your brother would probably consider it.”

  Watercaller looked at Stoneeyes with a frown. “If you’re going to break out the given names, then so will I, Italice. As for my niece, she is a bit… homely.”

  “My son isn’t going to win any prizes, either,” Knox chuckled.

  “Hmm. I should jump in here quickly, then,” Fredrick chuckled. “Tackett, your son Hans... you’d be amenable to discussing terms?”

  “Of course,” Joseph said. “I can bring him by your place tomorrow.”

  “Werrick,” Eva said quickly, “since Gertihs is jumping on with the Tacketts, would you mind bringing Derrin by tomorrow?”

  “Sure. Of course. I mean, yes,” Werrick said, clearly at a loss.

  “Hmm... it seems like everyone is getting involved,” Italice sighed. “Which leaves me to pick last.”

  “Gralik, Botrel, why don’t you two both go by tomorrow and let Stoneeyes meet both of your sons? It’ll give her the best choice. I’ll continue to teach whichever one isn’t picked, and I’ll add on Avery and Callon’s sons.”

  “This has definitely turned into a more important night than I expected,” Joseph laughed. “If we get Agreements in place, we’ll have to hold a feast in a few days.”

  “Indeed,” Fredrick smiled.

  “I’d suggest becoming a bit more informal with each other, too. It will help keep the social barriers lower,” Sean commented. “Given names amongst ourselves.”

  “I’ll accept that,” Fredrick
said. “My brother is going to have a fit, but he’s taken our family in the wrong direction and it’s time to right the ship.”

  “It’s about time, Fredrick,” Eva smiled at him.

  “On an unrelated note,” Sean said, “I haven’t heard from your supplier of gems.”

  Fredrick grimaced, “I was afraid of that. They seemed disinclined to speak with you. Denmur is applying pressure on them to have nothing to do with you, and even trying to get myself, and I would assume Eva, removed from supply, as well. My Agreement is a long term one, so he can’t pull that off with me.”