thegoodfellas/blogset-br huggingface dataset:
there was no way for Henry toask his advice on this matter.Besides, he neededto start making decisions for himself.He would think aboutit, seriously think, and hed figure something out. In themeantime, he would be loving and kind and generous and above alldeserving, and would hope Martin could read between the lines anddiscern his intent. For now, he could demonstrate the depth of hisfeeling without saying the words. He felt confident the new yearwould present opportunities to say I love you if he would onlylook for them.Settled on thiscourse of action, Henry smiled against Martins skin and let Martindraw him closer still. He petted Martin's chest, possessive and fond,and fell asleep to the steady slow beats of his heart.TO BE CONTINUED...Ganymede Quartet Book 3 coming inMarch 2015Blackwell FamilyHenry Blackwell & MartinHiram Blackwell & TimothyLouisa Wilton Blackwell & PearlCora BlackwellWilton FamilyGilbert Wilton & HaroldVirginia Wilton & DollyBette Wilton & VeraJesse Wilton & RussReggie Wilton & BenjaminEli Carmichael & OwenLyle BensonDarwin HatchBlackwell SlavesNurse: EstherButler: RandolphFootmen: Paul, BillyHousekeeper: DoraCook: BertieScullery Maids: Vida, RubyChambermaids: Peggy, Delia, KatieParlor Maids: Lucy, Ruth, EllenLaundress: MaryLaundry Maid: SallyGardener: PatCoachmen: Old Bob, JackGrooms: Jerry, ArthurStable boys: Little Bob, DannyErrand Boy: JohnnyAlgonquin SchoolWalter Addison & HarveyJeremy Blankenship & RayJoshua Brand & Miles*Louis Briggs & Peter*Freddie Caldwell & Tom*Albert DeWitt & Stuart*Randall Fox & HowardWendell Franklin & Ralph*Maurice Gaines & OllieDaniel Hollingsworth & AllenGordon Lovejoy & Julian*David Maxwell & Alex*Adam Pettibone & SamCharles Ross & Simon*Victor Spence & Will*Robert Townsend & Dick*Philip van Houten & Davey**HenrysfriendsThanksto Leta Blake, Ajax Bell and Anne-Marie for reading, critiquing andmaking good suggestions. Thanks to Pun for encouragement. Thanks toNozman Glass for patiently listening to me talk about Henry andMartin for these many months.Thanksto everyone who has read, reviewed and responded to the GanymedeQuartet books so far. I wasnt sure anyone beyond my close friendswould want to read this story, and I am so pleased and honored by theresponse Henry and Martin have received.DarrahGlass is a writer and generally inquisitive person who likes herfantasies to be as historically accurate as possible. She lovesresearch, sex scenes, and researching sex scenes. Shes married andhappily childless, does yoga, never cleans her house, likes shoes andtoenail polish, and is vain about her hair. As far as her prioritiesare concerned, shed rather write than do just about anything else,and she drives a 15-year-old car but carries really nice purses.Darrahpreviously published fanfiction under the name velvetglove. The booksand side stories of the Ganymede Quartet are her firstpublished original works.GANYMEDE QUARTET SERIESASuperior Slave (Ganymede Quartet Book 0.5)AMost Personal Property (Ganymede Quartet Book 1)AProper Lover (Ganymede Quartet Book 2)AMasters Fidelity (Ganymede Quartet Book 2.5)
onlychild of Symon Barash. Formerly apprenticed to the master jewellerand now his assistant, Yuilan fell hard for Gelen Barash and wooed,bedded and wed him in the span of a year. The kerfuffle over thepremarital impregnation of his employers son had been as explosiveas it had been brief.Suchbehavior had been expected of Fileg, who, as soon as he reached theage of consent, made it clear that he was eager to learn his bedmanners and not necessarily from one teacher alone. None foresaw thathis first teacher would be one of the constabulary officers. Or thatAraen Mihar would refuse to share Fileg and claim him in wedlockbefore Fileg could turn his eyes elsewhere.Araenwas reassigned to the military base in Edessa two years ago.Therefore, Fileg, like Lassen, no longer resided in Tal Ereq. ButFileg, unlike Lassen, was married to the sire of his son.Lassensighed, his gaze focused on nothing in particular. Are you well,Las?Yuilanwas looking at him with concern. Yes, Lassen quickly replied.Im well. His brother regarded him doubtfully. If you sayso. Tis just that you remind me oftheway Gelen behaved when he was childing. Oh? How did he behave?Heoften seemed abstracted, Yuilan said, tucking his package underhis arm. As if his mind was miles away. It unnerved me enough tobadger Addaabout whether twas normal or not.AndI act as if Im expecting? Lassen asked lightly.What?Oh, not at all! I only meant to say that your absent-mindedness ismuch like Gelens. It comes over you at the oddest times. Not atall like old Harod who would forget his own name if his mate didntshout it at him several times a day.Lassenfaintly smiled. If Im abstracted, tis only because I worryover where I can settle down without fear of discovery.Yuilangrimaced. As to that, is it truly the right thing to do? Rohyrwill be furious when he discovers youve left him. Cant you tellhim about Tyrdes threat?MustI repeat myself? Lassen snapped back.Heabruptly turned away and began to walk down the aisle between stalls.But as soon as Yuilan placed a hand on his arm and voiced anapologetic plea for him to slow down, his irritation died away.Saints!He was so short-tempered these days. He had to control his moodinessif he desired to keep his secret. He looked repentantly at hisbrother.Imsorry, Yul, that was uncalled for, he murmured.Yuilanthrew his arm around his shoulders. You are beset by the troublesfoisted on you by that pathetic excuse for an Ardis. And it pains yougreatly to leave Rohyr, doesnt it?Lassenforlornly nodded. I would have happily lived out my life as hisleman, he whispered.Youwerent supposed to fall in love with him, Yuilan commented.Only... Service him, Lassen finished. But much as Itried, I couldnt help myself anymorethan you could resist bedding Gelen when the chance presenteditself. This last he said with a crooked grin and his brother didnot take offense.Ishould have avoided being alone with him once I started having dreamsof him bent over my worktable with his breeches down around hisknees, Yuilan remarked.Lassenpulled away with a snicker, his face screwed up. Please, Yul, keepthose thoughts to yourself. Else I wont be able to look Gelen inthe face
again without imagining him thus displayed!** * *Mithrewas the only one who knew he was with child. Lassen apprised Dael andYuilan of the situation with Tyrde that they might accept the needfor him to part from Rohyr and go into exile. But of his condition hesaid nothing, fearing that, should Rohyr come after him and find hisfamily unwilling to divulge either his whereabouts or reasons forfleeing, the king might resort to taking the information directlyfrom their thoughts.Hedid not know if Rohyr would deem finding him worth thedistastefulness of a forced mind probe but Lassen preferred not totake the chance. However, he knew he could not carry out his planalone. He had to tell one of his parents. Needless to say, Mithre wasshocked and angered when told the truth.Youare below breeding age! he exclaimed in dismay. How couldyou imperil yourself this way?Ihad to, Adda,Lassen replied. If Im never to see Rohyr again, this is theonly way Ill be able to endure it.Doyou realize how closely youll need to be monitored? Mithrepointed out. Even our choice of destination will be dependent onthe availability of an able physician. No mere birthing helper orbackwoods practitioner will do.Iknow, Lassen meekly agreed. Will you help me?Mithreexhaled. As if I can refuse you, he said. He paced around hisworkroom as he thought about their options.Therewere times Lassen thought Mithre was better suited to be an Elderthan Dael if all it took was the ability to keep ones head in themidst of turmoil. True, he was not adept at remaining objective aboutissues that directly affected him nor could he remain civil withanyone he came to dislike. But it was his birthing fathersequanimity under fire that Lassen needed at present.Areyou aware that what youve done can be regarded as treason?Mithre sharply asked.Lassennodded. Tis why I must have this child where I am not known.Andlive in exile until Rohyr tires of looking for you, Mithre said.If he ever does. He doesnt strike me as one to take betrayallightly. I fear he will not cease to search for you. You may never beable to return home, you or your child.Hesoftened when he saw Lassens stricken face. With a sigh, he wentto his son and gathered him into a hug. Ah, pay my ravings nomind. Let us determine where we can safely hide.Twillhave to be as far from here or Rikara as possible, Lassenmurmured. Which means we must head west, Mithre decided. Andwe shall have to avoid thefiefsat all costs. Methinks Camara will be our best chance at concealment.The Camarans are sedyrafor the most part and their speech not too different from ours.Twill not be too difficult to adjust to living amongst them.Camarathen. Lassen looked at Mithre entreatingly. We should keep thisto ourselves. Abaand Yuilan mustnt know.Youthink Rohyr might force it out of them? Mithre asked with somealarm. He will not need to. If he chooses, he can simply pluck itout of their minds.Lassensmiled sadly. What concerns me more is that they could unwittinglyprovide him with the information. Best they know nothing at all.Yoursire wont be pleased when he learns the real reason for
your needto go into hiding, Mithre warned.Butperhaps there will be a new grandchild to appease him by then.** * *Lassenand Mithre decided to leave as soon as the seasonal rains passed.They did not disclose their destination to Dael much to hisbewilderment.Ifsomething should befall you, I wont even know where to startsearching, he protested. What then, Mithre? Saints above, whysuch secrecy even with me?Becausethe less you know, the less you can reveal to Rohyr should he chooseto read your thoughts, Mithre pointed out as he and Lassen foldedclothing and placed them in a large wooden trunk.Yethe told you, Dael bit out.Lassenleft his packing and went to hug him. Only because Addawill be with me and cant be questioned should Rohyr comesearching. Verily, if I thought I could do this alone, I wouldnthave asked him to accompany me either. I dont want you to reapRohyrs anger. This way, you cant be accused of intentionallyhindering him. Please, Aba,this is as much for your protection as mine.Daelheld him tightly. I should have denied him, he whispered. Ishould have told him he couldnt have you.Lassenshook his head. Twas never your choice. But even had it beenand you declined, I wouldnt have known him then. I wouldnt havelived the last ten years in such joy had you refused to yield me tohim. Dont grieve for me, Aba,he said with a sweet smile.Hissire looked searchingly at him. Twould have been better had younot learned to love him, he unhappily remarked.Mayhap,Lassen said. But my life wouldnt have been as enriched either.I am content with my lot. I dont regret a single day of my timewith him.Daelsighed and let him get back to the business of packing. What shallwe tell Commander Henaz? he asked at length. Hell beexpecting your request that he escort you back to Rikara. And theresRohyr. What if he comes looking for you?Mithrestraightened after locking the trunk. Well tell Commander Henazthat I intend to sell my wares in the northern markets this summerand that Lassen decided to accompany me via our trade route that hemay see something of the land. And since Rohyr expects Lassen back noearlier than midsummer, he wont notice his absence until then.Time enough for us to find ourselves a safe place to settle.Hewent to his morose spouse and kissed him. Ill send you word ofour arrival that you may know we are safe, he promised.Butwhat if Rohyr has your correspondence watched? Dael said. Hecould trace your letters back to wherever you are.Mithrefrowned. I didnt consider that. He looked at Lassen. Wellthink of some way to contact you without giving away our location.Perhapswe could pay messengers to take our letters and post them elsewhere,Lassen suggested.Yes,that we could, Mithre agreed. He looked at Dael again. There,you see? Well manage somehow.Youllbe so far away, Dael muttered. And with no surety of when youcan return. He sighed. If you ever do.Wewill return, Mithre assured him. And, Veres willing, we shantbe parted for far too long.Daelgazed at his spouse, eyes bright with worry and sorrow. He caughtMithre in a tight embrace and sealed their mouths together.Lassenquietly slipped out of
bars continued to lose color andsubstance.Rohyrpressed his advantage. I would have you as my mate.Asad smile curved Lassens lips. There is naught I want more. Butwe cant wed. Youre already espoused.Onlyin name, Rohyr pointed out. My heart and spirit are free tomate with yours. Bind to me, Las.Lassengaped. Had Rohyr just asked that they soul-mate to each other? Surelynot. Soul-mating could not be broken by death or the multiple cyclesof lifetimes Deira passed through before they finally entered thehallowed halls of the Maker. The soul-bound were wed for eternity,their vows blessed and affirmed by the Creator himself.B-butour son? Lassen stammered. I shall name him my heir.Lassenshook his head. Tyrde wont allow it.Hehas no power to allow or disallow it. Hes merely my consort.Youll be my true mate. You aremy true mate. You always have been. Rohyr gazed at Lassen, hidingnothing from him. I should have declared your place with me fromthe start.Afterwhat felt like an interminable while Lassen nodded. Rohyr held hisbreath as the bars dissolved completely. He entered the chamber andhastened to Lassen. Still wary of spooking him, he set the torchaside then knelt before Lassen and gingerly took his hands betweenhis own. To his relief, Lassen did not pull away. Rohyr lookedimploringly at him.Bindto me, ariad,he whispered.Lassenlooked at him wide-eyed. Rohyr had called him his beloved. This isno illusion, is it? he said in a hushed voiceRohyradamantly shook his head. It has been my hearts desire for manya year now and I deeply regret that I didnt grant it.Lassenbit his lip. And even now you shouldnt grant it, hereluctantly said. You are Ardan and Ylandres welfare comesfirst with you.Iwill serve Ylandre to my dying day, Rohyr replied. But it neednot be as Ardan. Im done with making do with the paltry rewards ofa lonely soul and an empty heart. I will rule with you as my mate orI wont rule at all.Lassengaped at him. You would abdicate? Nay, you cant! You mustnt!The kingdom needs you, Rohyr.Rohyrbeamed at him. Then stop me, my love, he challenged. Grantmy hearts desire. Bind to me.Heopened his arms to Lassen. With a blinding smile that was equal partsdisbelief and joy, Lassen went into his embrace and laid his head onRohyrs shoulder. Rohyr pressed a kiss to Lassens golden crownand held him fast.Suddenly,he heard Eirens voice once more, clear and close at hand, urginghim to come back. Looking around, he saw that the cell haddisappeared and that they were in a brightly lit forest glade. Astone-paved path lay to his left and he huffed a relieved chucklewhen he saw Eiren on it, hand lifted and beckoning to him.Come,Rohyr invited, and rising to his feet, pulled Lassen up with him.Firmly placing his arm around his love, he led him down the path.Rohyrcame to with a sigh, Eirens steadying hand on his back. Shakingaway the last of his trance-induced daze, he looked down at Lassen.Golden-lashedeyelids fluttered faintly. Rohyr bent to kiss him. He felt Lassensmile against his lips and he drew back in anticipation. Lassenseyes opened. Rohyr could have wept again from the utter devotion thatshone out of
the capital either.Keosqe and Gilmael had seen to it that all communication with theoutside was restricted until such time that Rohyr lifted saidrestrictions on the propertys residents.Theygathered around the long wooden table, Rohyr at one end, Dylen seatedto his left, Lassen to his right, and at the opposite end, Yovan. Thesitting arrangement was telling for it assumed the appearance of aroyal council. In such a council, the chief advisor sat facing hissovereign while the left-hand position was always held by the eldestof the monarchs brothers or, if he had no siblings, the mostsenior of his first degree kin. The right-hand seat was reserved forhis spouse.Itwas customary for either of the latter positions to be left vacant inthe event of their respective occupants absences. Lassensappropriation of the seat revealed something of Rohyrs intentions.Hewaited until Vaeren signalled that it was safe to speak beforerecounting the occurrences of the past several months to those whodid not know the full story of his brief separation from Lassen. Assoon as he was done, he broached the reason for their gathering.Itook Tyrde in wedlock to protect Ylandre and its people. All my life,I have lived by the dictates of what will benefit this realmregardless of the cost to myself. What joy I could snatch I took, butalways in readiness to relinquish it should it be required of me.He reached to his right and clasped Lassens hand. I believed Icould endure any loss for the sake of the country and so I gave in toUncle Imcaels proposition. That I did what I could to keep Lassenwith me gave the lie to my belief. And when I thought I had lost him,I realized that this was one loss I couldnt endure.Rohyrseyes glittered darkly, warning them of the appearance of the nighadamantine streak of stubbornness inherent in almost all theEssendris.Iintend to soul-bind to Lassen and Im prepared to abdicate if anyshould forbid me to do so, he bluntly informed them. Ignoringtheir shocked exclamations and expressions of incredulity, hedeclared, Try as I may, I can no longer ignore our bond. Itpre-dates my first meeting with him. Rohyr sensed Lassenssurprise and squeezed his hand reassuringly. That was the reason Imade him my leman. I recognized him almost from the start.Silencereigned for a while as they digested his words, some more taken abackthan others. Yovan was first to respond.Hegently said, I think weve long suspected that something fardeeper than mere attraction drew you to Lassen. Indeed, we grievedfor you that duty superseded your hearts desire. The othersreadily concurred. However, much as I am loath to point it out...Roh-min,its unheard of for a sovereign ruler to be wedded to one partnerandsoul-boundto another.Thereis no precedent, Rohyr agreed. Therefore I shall set it. As Ishould have from the moment Imcael forced me into damnable wedlock.Yovansighed. Many will gainsay such a move. I mean no offense to Lassenbut he is a sedyr.The last time a Half Blood married into the royal family, he wasblamed for the decline in talent in the generations that followed.Bollocks,Eiren scoffed. A single union between castes cant dilute abloodline sufficiently to cause a marked
do a littledigging in the archives as soon as we return from Ziana?Zykrielblinked.Ziana?Keiran repeated.NeitherTenryon nor Shino is here and Roh has stated his intention to bind toLassen forthwith, Jareth reasoned. Am I too far off the mark tosuggest that they will bind in Ziana?Rohyrsmiled. They indeed await us in Ziana. I can think of no morefitting place to soul-bind to Lassen than in the most ancient templein Aisen. He swept them with a searching gaze. Youveindicated that you would accept Lassen as Ardis rather than have meabdicate. But what of the nation at large? Will the people be asaccepting?Ibelieve so, Ranael answered. In all my travels around thecountry, Ive heard naught but praise for you. The people love you.Youve governed this realm so well that they would resist a changein leadership. There is no surety that whoever replaces you wouldrule Ylandre half as wisely as you do.Keosqeagreed. Perhaps in the early days of your reign it would have beenimprudent for you to do as you pleased if it meant floutingtradition. But youve proved yourself more than worthy of thepeoples trust and they highly esteem you. I dont think theydbegrudge you this one indulgence of a personal desire. And I warrantit will please the common folk that you are capable of loving one notso high above them.Itwould hardly please the more hidebound amongst the nobility,Reijir dryly remarked. But I doubt theyll make much of a fussif they find themselves in the minority. Which I think they willjudging from what we know of the peoples sentiments.Rohyrrelaxed when the rest readily agreed. I have your support in thisthen? Was that ever in doubt? Yovan said with a smile. Whendo we depart? Tomorrow morn that we may reach Ziana by midday,Rohyr replied. The templeisclosed to the public from noontide until the third bell after.Asthey made their way back to the house afterward, Rohyr looked atLassen inquiringly. As was his wont, Lassen had not taken part in thediscussion. Long experience in the politics and intrigues of courtlife had taught him to avoid being perceived as having overmuchinfluence on Rohyr. It was usually better to keep his opinion tohimself in public.PullingLassen closer, Rohyr murmured, What troubles you? Lassen shookhis head. Im not troubled. Only curious. About what?Youmentioned a bond between us and that it pre-dates our first meeting.What did you mean by that?Rohyrpressed a kiss to his temple. Ill explain everything to youwhen this is over.Bestyou know nothing that may be of use to Tyrde should he try to readyour thoughts. Would he dare? Lassen wondered. Ivenever felt him attempt it.Onlybecause of the imprint he believes you still bear. An invasion of themind counts as much a violation as bodily rape and that would triggera warning. But you are no longer in thrall to me though he doesntknow that. Theres no telling if desperation may push him to forceinformation out of you. Speaking of which... Rohyr grimaced. Imguilty of the same sin against your sire.Lassenreached up and ran his knuckles down Rohyrs cheek. Abatold me what happened, he softly said. Though you frightenedhim at the time, he doesnt