Podcasts about handmaidens

Lynne's Handouts can be found here:https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/ezra-and-nehemiah?searchId=0eb3e36bfb24dcd9bb1d1bece1531216b59539a8fde17ee80224af0653c92aa3-en-v=fadf3b9 What can we learn about the faithful women who helped preserve covenant identity during one of Israel's most important periods of restoration? In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Bible scholar Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah, focusing on the often-overlooked women who lived during the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Although these books primarily highlight the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah, careful readers will discover women whose faith, family influence, and covenant commitment played a vital role in the restoration of God's people. Join us as we examine the lists of returning families, the significance of women in preserving Israel's lineage and religious identity, the challenges faced by wives and mothers during a time of social and spiritual reform, and the covenant renewal that united the community. Lynne also discusses the difficult passages concerning intermarriage, the status of women in post-exilic Judah, and what these stories reveal about faithfulness, sacrifice, and covenant belonging.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, renowned Old Testament scholar Lynne Hilton Wilson explores 2 Chronicles 14–30 through the stories of the remarkable women who influenced the destiny of ancient Judah. From royal queens and princesses who shaped dynastic history to powerful women whose actions led nations toward righteousness or wickedness, this discussion uncovers the often-overlooked female voices behind the biblical narrative. Lynne examines the legacy of Queen Maacah, whose idolatrous influence led to her removal by King Asa, the courageous royal women connected to the preservation of David's covenant lineage, and the important role of unnamed women whose faithfulness—or rebellion—affected generations. She also highlights the touching account of the nurse who helped care for and preserve royal heirs during times of political upheaval. Through historical insights, cultural context, and careful scripture study, this episode reveals how women in 2 Chronicles were far more than background figures—they were leaders, influencers, caretakers, and witnesses whose stories deepen our understanding of God's work among His covenant people. Join Lynne as she uncovers these fascinating women and the lessons their lives offer modern readers of the Bible.

Lynne's handouts: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/2-kings-14-25?searchId=0eb3e36bfb24dcd9bb1d1bece1531216b59539a8fde17ee80224af0653c92aa3-en-v=fadf3b9 In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, scholar Lynne Hilton Wilson explores 2 Kings 15–25 through the often-overlooked experiences of women in the Old Testament. Set during the turbulent final years of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, these chapters tell a story of political upheaval, prophetic warnings, and the destruction of Jerusalem—but they also reveal the influence, courage, and suffering of women living through these events. Lynne highlights the roles of royal women, mothers of kings, prophetesses, and ordinary women whose lives were shaped by covenant faithfulness and national crisis. She examines how women participated in religious life, preserved family and covenant traditions, and responded to the spiritual decline of their societies. The episode also considers the reforms of righteous kings such as Hezekiah and Josiah, the ministry of the prophetess Huldah, and the devastating consequences of Judah's exile to Babylon. Throughout the discussion, Lynne invites listeners to see these familiar chapters with fresh eyes: not only as political history, but as sacred history that includes women's voices, choices, and testimonies. Their stories illuminate themes of covenant loyalty, repentance, resilience, and hope in times of collapse.

Lynne's Handouts: https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/2-kings-2-7-8-11?searchId=0eb3e36bfb24dcd9bb1d1bece1531216b59539a8fde17ee80224af0653c92aa3-en-v=fadf3b9 In this episode of Women in the Old Testament, Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the faith, courage, and influence of often-overlooked women whose actions changed lives and strengthened God's work. The discussion highlights Naaman's wife, the faithful Hebrew handmaiden whose testimony led to a miraculous healing, and the remarkable Shunammite woman whose hospitality, faith, and perseverance brought blessings to her family. Through their stories, viewers gain fresh insights into discipleship, service, and the powerful impact of righteous women in the Old Testament.

Join Lynne Hilton Wilson as she explores the powerful and complex stories of the Old Testament women in 1 Kings 12–22, including the wife of Jeroboam, the infamous Queen Jezebel, and the faithful widow of Zarephath. In this study, we examine how these women influenced kings, confronted prophets, and revealed themes of faith, idolatry, power, and God's provision during one of Israel's most divided eras. Join us as we uncover the lessons and spiritual insights hidden within these remarkable Old Testament accounts.

What happens when God's people trade prophetic guidance for political power? In this thought-provoking episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Lynne Hilton Wilson dives into 1 Samuel 8–16 to explore Israel's pivotal—and perilous—shift from prophets to kings. As the Israelites demand a king “like all the nations,” the prophet Samuel delivers a sobering warning about what monarchy will bring: oppression, inequality, and a distancing from God. Lynne unpacks Samuel's prophetic counsel and examines why the desire for a king represented more than a political change—it was a spiritual turning point rooted in fear, comparison, and misplaced trust. The episode then follows the rise and fall of King Saul, whose early promise gives way to insecurity, disobedience, and jealousy. As Saul begins to forget God, his fixation on power leads him to see young David as a threat rather than the Lord's anointed. Lynne explores Saul's tragic descent and the tension between divine will and human ambition, highlighting the consequences of choosing earthly authority over spiritual guidance.

Journey into some of the most tender and powerful stories of faith in this moving episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines with Lynne Hilton Wilson. Focusing on the Book of Ruth and the opening chapters of 1 Samuel, Lynne explores the lives of extraordinary covenant women whose loyalty, sacrifice, and trust in God changed the course of Israel's history. At the heart of the episode is Ruth—a Moabite widow whose devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi stands as one of the most beautiful expressions of covenant loyalty in scripture. Lynne unpacks Ruth's courageous choice to leave everything behind, her humble faith as she gleans in the fields, and her eventual redemption through Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer. Together, their story becomes a powerful symbol of belonging, divine providence, and the inclusive reach of God's covenant. The episode also turns to Hannah, a woman of deep sorrow and even deeper faith. Through her heartfelt prayers and unwavering devotion, Hannah becomes the mother of Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets. Lynne explores Hannah's covenant with God, her willingness to consecrate her long-awaited son, and the spiritual foundation she provides for Samuel's prophetic calling. With insight and compassion, Lynne weaves these stories together to highlight how women—often overlooked—play central roles in God's unfolding plan. This episode offers a rich, inspiring look at faith, family, redemption, and the quiet strength of covenant discipleship.

Step into one of the most dramatic and complex books of the Old Testament in this powerful episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines with Lynne Hilton Wilson. Exploring the Book of Judges, Lynne shines a spotlight on the remarkable—and often misunderstood—women who shaped Israel's turbulent journey between conquest and kingship. This episode highlights the extraordinary story of Deborah, a prophetess and the only female judge in the biblical record, whose leadership, wisdom, and faith guided Israel to victory. Lynne unpacks what Deborah's role reveals about women, authority, and covenant relationships with God in ancient Israel. The discussion then turns to one of the most famous—and tragic—stories in scripture: Samson and Delilah. Was Delilah simply a villain, or is there more beneath the surface? Lynne examines the cultural, political, and personal dynamics at play, offering fresh insights into this complex narrative. With her signature depth and clarity, Lynne invites viewers to reconsider familiar stories and discover how women in the Book of Judges navigated power, faith, and survival in a chaotic world. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the role of women in scripture and the deeper meanings behind these unforgettable biblical accounts. Thank you for joining us at Scripture Central! We hope that you have enjoyed this content.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the powerful women and pivotal covenant moments found in the book of Joshua. As the children of Israel finally cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land under Joshua's leadership, we witness the fulfillment of promises made generations earlier. From the miraculous crossing of the Jordan to the dramatic fall of Jericho's walls, this episode highlights how faith, obedience, and covenant loyalty shaped Israel's destiny. A special focus is placed on Rahab, one of the most surprising and courageous women in the Old Testament. Though known as Rahab the harlot, her story becomes one of redemption, faith, and divine protection as she risks everything to shelter Israelite spies and align herself with the God of Israel. Dr. Wilson examines Rahab's remarkable transformation from outsider to covenant participant and discusses her lasting legacy in scripture. Join us as we uncover how women like Rahab played essential roles in God's unfolding covenant story and what their examples teach us today.

Step into the world of the Old Testament with Lynne Hilton Wilson as she uncovers the powerful, complex, and often overlooked stories of women during one of Israel's most transformative eras. In this episode, we follow the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land—a moment filled with hope, covenant renewal, and profound social restructuring. But beneath the surface, what did this transition mean for women? From wives and mothers to servants and slaves, Lynne explores how women navigated a shifting religious and cultural landscape, revealing both their resilience and the limitations placed upon them. This episode also takes a thoughtful look at the theological tone of Deuteronomy compared to the earlier Books of Moses. Why does Deuteronomy seem to centralize worship and, in some ways, move away from earlier temple-oriented practices? How might these shifts have impacted women's roles in covenant life and sacred spaces? With insight and clarity, Lynne highlights how scriptural developments can both elevate and restrict, offering a nuanced perspective on faith, law, and the lived experiences of women in ancient Israel. This is a conversation that will deepen your understanding of scripture—and challenge you to see it in a whole new way.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the book of Numbers through the often-overlooked experiences of women in the wilderness journey of Israel. Set against a backdrop of wandering, testing, and covenant renewal, this episode highlights how women were not only present but deeply woven into the spiritual life of the covenant community. From moments of devotion and faith to instances of struggle and consequence, their stories reveal how God's promises and expectations extended to all His children. Listeners will gain fresh insight into how women participated in sacred rituals, upheld family and communal faith, and experienced both the blessings and responsibilities of living in covenant with God. At the same time, this episode does not shy away from the challenges these women faced—uncertainty, displacement, societal limitations, and the consequences of disobedience. Through careful scriptural analysis, Lynne examines how these experiences reflect broader themes of trust, obedience, and divine mercy. Ultimately, the episode invites viewers to see the book of Numbers not just as a record of wandering, but as a powerful testament to God's enduring relationship with His people—including the faithful women whose lives exemplify both the struggles and the sacred blessings of covenant discipleship.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, host Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the powerful and often overlooked contributions of women during one of the most sacred building projects in scripture—the construction of the Tabernacle. Focusing on Exodus chapters 35–40 and key passages in Leviticus, this episode highlights how covenant communities are built not only through priesthood leadership, but through the faithful offerings, craftsmanship, and devotion of both men and women. From spinning fine linen to offering precious materials, the women of Israel played a vital role in creating a holy space where God could dwell among His people. Dr. Wilson also dives into the meaning behind the Tabernacle's sacred design, the holiness of the spaces within it, and how these patterns point to deeper spiritual truths found in temple worship. With thoughtful insight, she connects the ancient world to modern discipleship, emphasizing how women's service, sacrifice, and spiritual power have always been central to God's work. This episode invites viewers to see the Tabernacle not just as a structure, but as a symbol of unity, holiness, and the divine potential within each of us.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Lynne Hilton Wilson explores Exodus 19–34, a pivotal moment when the children of Israel leave Egypt behind and begin the sacred process of preparing to enter into the presence of the Lord. At Mount Sinai, the covenant relationship between God and His people is established with power, instruction, and divine manifestation. While the narrative often centers on Moses, this episode highlights the vital—though sometimes less visible—role of women among the Israelites as they participate in spiritual preparation, covenant making, and community sanctification. Their faith, obedience, and daily devotion become essential threads in Israel's readiness to meet God. As the people consecrate themselves, receive the Ten Commandments, and witness both divine glory and human failure—including the incident of the golden calf—this episode draws attention to the spiritual lessons embedded in their journey. Women, as keepers of homes, teachers of faith, and participants in covenant life, help shape a culture striving (and sometimes struggling) to become holy. Lynne invites viewers to consider what it means to prepare to enter the presence of the Lord today, emphasizing that holiness is a communal effort requiring both men and women to act in faith, repent when needed, and remain steadfast in their covenants. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts and insights regarding this video, and please consider subscribing to this channel and visiting our website for more content like this: https://scripturecentral.org/

Follow the Israelites through one of the most dramatic turning points in scripture—crossing the Red Sea and entering the wilderness—in this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines with Lynne Hilton Wilson. Covering Exodus 14–18, this episode highlights the faith and leadership of women during moments of both triumph and trial. At the center is Miriam, the prophetess, who leads the women of Israel in joyful praise after the Lord delivers His people from Egypt. With timbrels in hand and voices lifted in song, these women model gratitude, unity, and a deep recognition of God's power in their lives. But the story of these chapters also reminds us that even the faithful can struggle. As the Israelites face hunger, thirst, and uncertainty in the wilderness, murmuring and doubt begin to surface among the people—including their leaders. Miriam's later experience with disobedience and its consequences invites a deeper discussion about accountability, humility, and the refining process of discipleship. Lynne Hilton Wilson explores how these women teach us not only how to rejoice in God's blessings, but also how to navigate moments of weakness with faith, repentance, and renewed devotion.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, host Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the Book of Exodus chapters 7–13, where God's power is revealed through the dramatic plagues that fall upon Egypt. As Moses confronts Pharaoh again and again, the escalating plagues show that the Lord alone rules heaven and earth, giving Pharaoh repeated opportunities to recognize His authority. For the enslaved Israelites, these events must have strengthened their faith as they witnessed the Lord defending His covenant people. Through these miracles, the narrative builds toward the ultimate act of deliverance—the Passover—foreshadowing the saving power of the Lamb of God. While these chapters center on Moses and Pharaoh, this episode also highlights the often-overlooked experiences of women within Israelite homes during these pivotal moments. Israelite mothers played a crucial role in faithfully preparing the Passover meal, marking their doorposts with the lamb's blood, and teaching their children the sacred meaning of the night of deliverance. Their quiet obedience and faith helped preserve the covenant within the family and ensured that the memory of God's saving power would be passed from generation to generation. As Lynne Hilton Wilson explains, these women stand as powerful examples of covenant faith—participating in God's work of redemption within their homes and pointing symbolically to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Firstborn who delivers all God's children from spiritual bondage.

As the Savior's mortal ministry draws to its sacred climax, the New Testament highlights a devoted group of women whose faith and service quietly shape the final hours of Jesus Christ's life. In the days leading up to the Crucifixion, women appear as faithful disciples who minister with courage and devotion. The Gospels describe a woman in Bethany—identified as Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus—who anoints Jesus with precious ointment, symbolically preparing Him for His burial and demonstrating profound spiritual insight. Other faithful women, including Mary the mother of Jesus and Martha of Bethany, had long served the Savior and supported His ministry. Their acts of hospitality, discipleship, and devotion reflect a pattern of covenant service—women who recognized the Savior and responded with love, generosity, and spiritual sensitivity. At the time of the Crucifixion, when many others had fled in fear, several faithful women remained near the cross, becoming eyewitnesses of the Savior's sacrifice. Among them were Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Salome, along with other devoted disciples who had followed Him from Galilee and ministered to His needs. Their presence reflects remarkable courage and loyalty as they comfort one another and remain close to the Lord in His final mortal moments. These women would later play crucial roles in the sacred events surrounding His burial and Resurrection, preparing spices and returning to the tomb in loving service. From the preparation of the Last Supper to the sorrowful vigil at Golgotha, the women of the New Testament stand as powerful witnesses of Christ—models of faithful discipleship who served, mourned, and ultimately rejoiced in the triumph of their risen Redeemer.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Grounded, where women and men of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds gather together with me, Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner and my guests as we strive to build a bedrock understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and become more like him. Today, join me and Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson as we study Exodus 1-6!Click here to study Come Follow Me with Lynne on her Scripture Central channel, Handmaidens, Harems and Heroines: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhfh21X9suLdFq2rbJ5yhk-gqqNWauzgx&si=5vZaXDmIwidPCxlSGrounded Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundedpodcast_/Grounded Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGroundedPodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dBarbara Morgan Gardner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbarbaramorgangardner/?hl=enBarbara Morgan Gardner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.morgan.37051/Support the show

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Lynne Hilton Wilson explores Exodus 1–6, where the story of Israel shifts from refuge to oppression in Egypt. Centuries after Jacob's family was welcomed during Joseph's lifetime, their descendants had grown into a large and thriving people. A new Pharaoh, fearing their numbers, subjected the Israelites to harsh bondage. Yet even in this dark moment, the narrative highlights the courage and faith of remarkable women who quietly but powerfully advance God's purposes. The Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah refuse Pharaoh's command to kill newborn Hebrew boys, choosing reverence for God over obedience to an unjust ruler. Their bravery becomes the first act of resistance in the Exodus story, demonstrating how faithful women can stand as protectors of life and covenant. The account then centers on the women who preserve the life of the infant Moses—Jochebed, his faithful mother who entrusts him to the Lord; Miriam, his watchful sister who helps ensure his safety; and Pharaoh's daughter, whose compassion leads her to rescue and adopt the Hebrew child. In these opening chapters of Exodus, women act with moral courage, compassion, and spiritual insight, preparing the way for Israel's deliverance. As God begins to raise up Moses to lead His covenant people, these heroines remind us that divine work often begins through quiet acts of faith. For Latter-day Saint readers, their stories testify that obedience to God—especially in moments of risk—invites His protection and moves His covenant purposes forward.

In this compelling installment of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson continues her illuminating walk through the later chapters of Genesis (42–50), bringing to life the women and cultural dynamics woven through the final act of the Joseph narrative. Viewers will hear fresh insights about the ancient Egyptian world where Hebrew women—unlike in many neighboring societies—could own property, manage legal affairs, and exercise a surprising degree of autonomy in family life and commerce in some contexts—setting the stage for understanding how Jacob's family navigated life in Egypt's Delta. Drawing on historical and cultural sources, Dr. Wilson highlights how these social realities shaped the experiences of Israelite women in a foreign land. This video also explores Jacob's visit to Pharaoh in Genesis 47, a moment that underscores the dramatic rise of Joseph's family from famine refugees to honored guests in Egypt's royal court, with Jacob himself offering blessings and receiving respect from the king. We also meet Serah, the daughter (or granddaughter) of Asher, whose brief biblical mention belies a rich later tradition about her role in preserving family memory and legacy in the land of Egypt. Plus, Dr. Wilson ties in recent archaeological work in the Goshen region (Tell el-Dab'a)—ancient Avaris—where excavations reveal a thriving Semitic city in the Nile Delta that may illuminate the cultural backdrop of Israel's settlement in Egypt and offer tangible context for the stories we read in Genesis.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the rich and often complicated stories of women in Genesis 37–41, shining a thoughtful Latter-day Saint lens on narratives that are frequently overshadowed by the story of Joseph. Dr. Wilson brings depth and cultural insight to the account of Dinah, whose story in Genesis 34 echoes into the later family tensions surrounding Joseph; Tamar, whose courageous and calculated actions in Genesis 38 preserve covenant lineage; and Potiphar's wife, a powerful yet unnamed Egyptian woman whose encounter with Joseph in Genesis 39 raises questions about power, agency, morality, and voice. With careful attention to ancient Near Eastern context and covenant theology, this episode highlights how these women—whether victims, heroines, or antagonists—play essential roles in moving the Abrahamic story forward. Dr. Wilson invites viewers to look beyond surface readings and consider issues of honor, inheritance, justice, and faith in a patriarchal world. As Joseph rises from slavery to leadership in Egypt, the stories of these women remind us that God's purposes unfold through complex human experiences—and that even the most difficult narratives in Genesis offer profound spiritual lessons for modern disciples.

In this episode, Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the rich Old Testament narratives surrounding the matriarchs of Israel, highlighting the faith, courage, and covenant loyalty of women in the Jacob cycle. Beginning with the well-known scene of Rebekah's generosity in Book of Genesis—where she offers water not only to Abraham's servant but to his camels—Dr. Wilson connects this act of selfless service to the covenant marriages that shape the house of Israel. The story then moves to Rachel and Leah, daughters of Laban, whose lives intertwine with Jacob's through love, deception, longing, and divine promise. Through their marriages, and through the faithful contributions of Zilpah and Bilhah, the foundations of the twelve tribes are laid. Dr. Wilson carefully examines the births of Gad and Asher through Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and reflects on the complex family dynamics that shaped Jacob's household. She also addresses the wives of Esau and the contrasting covenant paths chosen by Jacob and his brother. With insight drawn from ancient context and Latter-day Saint theology, this episode brings forward the voices of these often-overlooked women—Rachel, Leah, Zilpah, Bilhah, Rebekah, and Esau's wives—showing how their choices, sacrifices, and faith played a central role in God's covenant story. Thank you for joining us at Scripture Central! We hope that you have enjoyed this content.

Genesis 18–23 highlights several remarkable women whose stories, read through an LDS lens, reveal faith, covenant, and the quiet influence of righteous women in God's plan. Sarah stands at the center: in Genesis 18 she hears the promise that she will bear a son in her old age and initially laughs, a deeply human reaction that the Lord gently turns into a lesson about divine power and timing. Latter-day Saints often see in Sarah a model of covenant partnership with Abraham—someone who grows into faith and ultimately receives the miracle promised. Genesis 19 introduces Lot's wife and daughters, whose experiences near the destruction of Sodom show both the dangers of looking back spiritually and the complexity of preserving family in a fallen world. An LDS perspective emphasizes agency and accountability, while also recognizing the difficult circumstances these women faced. Genesis 20–23 continues to show how women are woven into the covenant story. Sarah's protection in foreign courts underscores the Lord's watchful care over covenant mothers through whom promises flow. Her eventual joy in Isaac's birth (Genesis 21) fulfills God's word and highlights the doctrine that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Hagar and her son Ishmael are also remembered compassionately in Latter-day Saint thought: though separated from Abraham's household, they are seen as recipients of God's mercy and promises. Finally, Sarah's death in Genesis 23 is treated with great honor, showing her importance as a matriarch in Israel. Altogether, these chapters present women not as side characters but as vital participants in the Abrahamic covenant, whose faith, struggles, and divine encounters still teach modern disciples about trust in God's promises.

Genesis 18–23 highlights several remarkable women whose stories, read through an LDS lens, reveal faith, covenant, and the quiet influence of righteous women in God's plan. Sarah stands at the center: in Genesis 18 she hears the promise that she will bear a son in her old age and initially laughs, a deeply human reaction that the Lord gently turns into a lesson about divine power and timing. Latter-day Saints often see in Sarah a model of covenant partnership with Abraham—someone who grows into faith and ultimately receives the miracle promised. Genesis 19 introduces Lot's wife and daughters, whose experiences near the destruction of Sodom show both the dangers of looking back spiritually and the complexity of preserving family in a fallen world. An LDS perspective emphasizes agency and accountability, while also recognizing the difficult circumstances these women faced. Genesis 20–23 continues to show how women are woven into the covenant story. Sarah's protection in foreign courts underscores the Lord's watchful care over covenant mothers through whom promises flow. Her eventual joy in Isaac's birth (Genesis 21) fulfills God's word and highlights the doctrine that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Hagar and her son Ishmael are also remembered compassionately in Latter-day Saint thought: though separated from Abraham's household, they are seen as recipients of God's mercy and promises. Finally, Sarah's death in Genesis 23 is treated with great honor, showing her importance as a matriarch in Israel. Altogether, these chapters present women not as side characters but as vital participants in the Abrahamic covenant, whose faith, struggles, and divine encounters still teach modern disciples about trust in God's promises.

In this episode, Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the stories of faithful women in the Old Testament who demonstrated deep obedience, covenant loyalty, and unwavering trust in God—even when their discipleship required real sacrifice. Through an LDS lens, she highlights how women were vital participants in God's covenant work, not merely background figures. Their lives show that faith in the Lord often requires courage, patience, and a willingness to place divine promises above personal comfort or social expectations. A special focus is given to Sarah in Genesis 12 and the Book of Abraham, following the journey she and Abraham make to Egypt during a time of famine. There, they encounter serious danger as Abraham fears for his life because of Sarah's beauty, leading to complex moral and spiritual tests. From an LDS perspective, Sarah's faith, unity with Abraham, and trust in God's protection reveal a woman deeply committed to the covenant path. Her story—marked by risk, displacement, and divine deliverance—invites viewers to appreciate the spiritual strength of covenant women and to see how their examples still guide Latter-day Saints striving to live faithfully today.

In this episode, we dive into Moses chapter 8 and Genesis 6–11, exploring the powerful stories surrounding Noah, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel through a Latter-day Saint lens. These chapters highlight a world struggling with increasing wickedness, yet still touched by prophetic warnings, covenants, and divine mercy. Viewers will gain insight into how the Joseph Smith Translation in the book of Moses expands the biblical account, especially in emphasizing the role of preaching, repentance, and moral agency before the Flood. The discussion connects these ancient events to modern discipleship, asking what it means to remain faithful in a corrupt society. Special attention is given to the women mentioned or implied in these chapters—such as the “daughters of men” in Genesis 6, Noah's wife, and the wives of his sons—who are often overlooked but are essential to the story of preservation and covenant continuity. Their presence reminds us that families, marriages, and righteous women were central to God's plan to carry humanity forward after the Flood. By noticing these women in the text, this episode invites viewers to read more carefully and see how both men and women participate in God's work across generations, helping build a bridge from the world before the Flood to the renewed world that followed.

Why do Bible translations matter? In this video, LDS scholar Lynne Hilton Wilson explains how understanding different Bible translations can deepen scripture study, clarify meaning, and strengthen faith in Jesus Christ. Learn how language, culture, and history shape the biblical text—and why thoughtful comparison of translations can enrich both personal study and classroom learning.

Moses chapter 7 centers on the rise of the City of Enoch, a people who learned to build Zion by becoming “of one heart and one mind,” dwelling in righteousness, and caring deeply for one another. Under Enoch's prophetic leadership, the people rejected violence, pride, and inequality, choosing instead to live the law of consecration so fully that there were “no poor among them.” Their society was marked not only by moral purity but by profound compassion—so much so that the Lord Himself wept over the suffering and wickedness of the world. In contrast to the surrounding nations, Zion stood as a covenant community defined by love, justice, and unity with God. The chapter also teaches that Zion is not merely a place, but a condition of the heart that any people can strive to achieve. Moses 7 makes clear that Zion is built through repentance, obedience, humility, and collective commitment to God's ways. As Enoch's people aligned their lives with heaven, they became sanctified and were ultimately taken into God's presence, symbolizing the destiny of a truly Zion-like society. For modern readers, the City of Enoch becomes both a model and an invitation: Zion is achieved when individuals and communities choose righteousness, unity, and selfless care for the vulnerable, preparing the world—and themselves—for the return of the Lord.

Genesis chapter 5 and Moses chapter 6 take us into the earliest generations of God's covenant people, tracing the lineage from Adam through Enoch and revealing why these names matter far more than a list of ages and ancestors. In this video, Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson explains how these chapters preserve temple-centered themes of covenant, posterity, and divine identity. Genesis 5 quietly emphasizes continuity—life, death, and faith passed from one generation to the next—while Moses 6 expands the story, restoring prophetic voices, priesthood authority, and the doctrine that humans are literal children of God. Together, these texts teach that genealogy in scripture is theology: it shows how God works through families to move His plan forward. Dr. Wilson also highlights Moses 6 as a powerful doctrinal restoration that deepens our understanding of repentance, baptism, and spiritual rebirth. Through the ministry of Enoch and the teachings given to Adam, we learn that salvation comes through Jesus Christ, that hearts can be changed, and that Zion is built when people choose righteousness in a fallen world. This video helps viewers see how the Joseph Smith Translation clarifies missing or obscured truths, transforming familiar passages into a compelling invitation to walk with God—just as Enoch did—and to claim our own place in God's eternal family.

Historian Mary W. Craig returns to discuss her new book, *A History of Scottish Witches: The Devil's Handmaidens, which traces the arc from the 1563 Witchcraft Act through its abolition in 1736.Craig explores how beliefs that had existed for generations became capital crimes, examining the theological frameworks, political upheavals, and social structures that shaped prosecutions. The conversation moves from John Knox's influence on Scottish law to the chaos of 1661-62, when local courts abandoned proper procedures.Drawing on trial records and historical documents, Craig discusses who was accused, how interrogations were conducted, and why the trauma made Scottish descendants harder to trace than their New England counterparts. She also reflects on what medieval Scottish communities believed before the Reformation and how those beliefs were reinterpreted.*A History of Scottish Witches* will be available February 2025 from Pen and Sword Books and is now available for pre-order.**Keywords:** Scottish witch trials, Mary W. Craig, Scottish history, 1563 Witchcraft Act, Reformation Scotland, historical research, witch trial records, social history, legal history Scotland​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​LinksBuy the Book: A History of Scottish Witches: The Devil's Handmaidens Buy the Book: A Brief History of Time by Stephen HawkingBuy the Book: The Hammer of Witches Mary W. Craig cohosts the podcast "Borders Bletherings" MaryW.Craig.comEnd Witch Hunts NonprofitSalem Witch Trials Daily Program

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines: Find Their Messiah in the Old Testament, Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the Fall of Adam and Eve through the lens of Moses 4 and Genesis 3, highlighting how careful attention to language, context, and covenant reveals Jesus Christ at the center of the story. Rather than portraying Eve as reckless or malicious, Dr. Wilson explains that the Hebrew text suggests growth, perception, and timing—Eve sought wisdom, but before the appointed time and outside the proper divine order. The Fall is shown not simply as a mistake, but as a necessary step in humanity's journey toward knowledge, accountability, and ultimately redemption. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the profound symbolism of nakedness and covering, teaching that Adam and Eve's attempt to clothe themselves with fig leaves represents human self-reliance, while God's gift of coats of skins represents divine atonement. The Hebrew concept of kaffar, meaning “covering,” points directly to Christ's role in covering humanity's sin and vulnerability. The Lord's questions—“Where goest thou?”—underscore that disobedience moves us away from God, yet His response is still merciful, structured around accountability, repentance, and hope rather than abandonment. Ultimately, this lesson reframes the banishment from Eden as an act of mercy, not punishment. By preventing Adam and Eve from partaking of the tree of life too soon, God ensures they have time to repent and be spiritually prepared. Throughout the narrative, Christ emerges as the promised seed who will overcome Satan and restore what was lost. Through scripture that is carefully illuminated and faithfully defended, Lynne Hilton Wilson shows how the stories of the Old Testament—even those involving transgression, sorrow, and consequence—are deeply rooted in the redemptive power of Jesus Christ.

The Creation accounts in Genesis, Moses, and Abraham invite us to reflect on a world that began “without form, and void” and was gradually shaped by divine power into something beautiful and full of life. These scriptures teach that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are creators who work patiently and purposefully, bringing light out of darkness and order out of chaos. That truth offers hope in our own lives: when things feel empty or disorganized, God is still at work. Being created in His image means we have divine potential—to grow, to change, and ultimately to become more like Him. These Creation stories also help us better understand who God is and who we are. They testify that we are made in God's likeness, male and female, and that our bodies are sacred gifts. This knowledge shapes how we see ourselves and others, especially when we struggle with self-doubt or negative messages from the world. Rather than suggesting that we are already finished or perfect, the scriptures teach that God's creative work in us continues. Through humility and grace, weaknesses can become strengths, and we can be refined into who God intends us to be. Finally, the Creation narrative teaches us about sacred relationships and responsibilities. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and central to His plan, and we are entrusted with the stewardship of the earth and all living things. God also set apart the Sabbath day as holy—a time for rest, worship, and renewal. Together, these truths remind us that creation is not just a past event, but an ongoing invitation to live with reverence, gratitude, and purpose as we care for God's creations and honor the divine image within ourselves.

In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems and Heroines, we explore two of the most expansive and identity-shaping chapters in all of scripture: Moses chapter 1 and Abraham chapter 3. Together, these chapters lift our eyes beyond the mortal world and remind us who we really are—and why we are here. Beginning with Moses 1, we witness a powerful confrontation between Moses and Satan. This chapter teaches how spiritual clarity comes from knowing our divine identity as children of God, and how that knowledge gives us strength to resist the temptations, deceptions, and counterfeits of the adversary. Moses's declaration—“I am a son of God”—becomes a model for discipleship in a world filled with competing voices. Turning to Abraham 3, we are invited into a grand vision of the cosmos and the premortal life. Abraham learns of intelligences, divine order, and God's eternal plan—revealing that we existed before this life and were chosen to participate in God's great work. These verses help us see mortality not as an accident, but as a purposeful step in a loving, eternal design. Together, Moses 1 and Abraham 3 testify of the work and glory of God: to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. This study encourages faith, spiritual courage, and a deeper sense of divine belonging—reminding us that knowing who we are changes how we live.

Join Lynne Hilton Wilson for an inspiring journey through the Old Testament, centered on Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah. For many, approaching the Old Testament can bring mixed emotions—eagerness, uncertainty, even apprehension. As one of the oldest collections of sacred writings in the world, its ancient cultures and stories can feel distant or unfamiliar. Yet within these pages are deeply recognizable human experiences and powerful gospel truths. In this video, Lynne Hilton Wilson helps viewers see how the lives of men and women from the Old Testament point us to Christ. Though their circumstances were different from ours, they knew family joy and conflict, faith and doubt, success and failure. Most importantly, they exercised faith, repented, made covenants, and held fast to the promise of a Savior. As we learn how God moved in their lives, we begin to see how He moves in ours. This episode invites you to rediscover the Old Testament not as a distant or intimidating book, but as a living witness of Jesus Christ, echoing the psalmist's testimony: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Verse by verse study through the book of Acts Chapter Two and Verse Eighteen

Dear RLR family,This week's report is a sobering one: Nuclear War and the Handmaidens of the Apocalypse. A 1-megaton thermonuclear weapon detonation begins with a flash of light and heat so tremendous it is impossible for the human mind to comprehend. One hundred and eighty million degrees Fahrenheit is four or five times hotter than the temperature that occurs at the center of the Earth's sun.Humans created the nuclear weapon in the twentieth century to save the world from evil, and now, in the twenty-first century, the nuclear weapon is about to destroy the world. To burn it all down."Après moi, le déluge," Napoleon is said to have remarked. After me, the flood. Much of the content of this week's report is taken from Annie Jacobsen's book "Nuclear War: A Scenario" published in 2024. I hope the report does not upset you too much. If it does, take it to the Lord in prayer. God bless you.AJA

Graduation Day.  Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels."You know nothing of what you speak of, Ishara, yet you now feel free to insult us," she simmered."Don't know, don't care. It was all before my time. I care about the 'here-and-now' as well as what we do in the future. What I am asking you is what concrete item or 'thing' can be provided to House Zorja to put this blood feud behind you. Name it and House Ishara will endeavor to procure it for you.""We are not merchants," Jana's eyes narrowed."No. I didn't imply you were. If you want new sandals for everyone in your House, I'll find you new sandals. If you want 100,000 acres of ranchland, I'll find you the land. Name it," I persisted."Our prestige cannot be bought," she 'explained'."No, but a blood feud with House Ishara can be avoided by making a request of us in the same way as expressing your desire to harm my daughter can be expressed by denying my offer," I hardened. "And 'fuck you very much' if you think I won't use every son, daughter, mother, aunt, and uncle of Ishara when I come gunning for House Zorja too.""You wouldn't dare bring outsiders into this," Klavdiya interjected."Why not? The offices of Ishara handed House Zorja the coup of the century ~ the capture of the People's Liberation Army Navy nuclear carrier. A member of House Zorja commanded that task, yet they did so by leading forces marshalled by House Ishara, outsider forces. You may wish to keep playing by old rules concerning who is and isn't part of a House, but I am not so constrained, sisters.""So Klavdiya, if House Meenakshi pursues its blood feud with House Zorja, House Ishara will gleefully join them in the pummeling. And we have Isharans in the 9 Clans, the Khanate and the Illuminati who will gladly help us out in slapping them around like the old-fashion curmudgeons they are showing themselves to be, or, House Zorja may request a gift from House Ishara and we will happily clear accounts between them and House Meenakshi in the name of our daughter, Parvati. Their choice.""You are still on the mats," Elsa reminded me. Sikia coiled protectively next to us."And you said something about a lesson being long overdue," Pamela smirked, "Kitten.""Cáel Ishara," Shawnee said in a soft voice, "perhaps it is germane to the argument: the fault of the blood feud rests with House Zorja, not House Meenakshi."I fell on my back, carrying Tad fi with me. She gasped out in surprise while remaining closely cuddled with me. Her right hand never left my lips."Why does no one tell me this shit?" I moaned."You are hard," Tad fi announced. "Are you ready to have more sex?" She was sounding upbeat about our prospects. She was also ignorant of our surroundings being deaf and blind to the mortal realm."Gossamer Wing," I created a pet name for the augur, "we are lying on the sparring mats of a large combat arena in the central Full-blooded training center for Havenstone with roughly 500 sisters in attendance (the audience had grown). While I am enticed by your scent, words, proximity and sweet memories of what we've shared, I'm probably going to be badly beaten up really soon for a terrific diplomatic snafu.""But then we can have sex?""Yeah. I'm totally up for having sex with you after they release me from Medical," I assured her. I looked around her to a very unhappy Mahdi."Can you find it in your heart to forgive House Zorja? Anything I can,""Yes," she abruptly cut me off.What the fuck?"At this time, my hatred of House Ishara, and you in particular, make any grievance I have with House Zorja pale in comparison. You have bewitched my only daughter. She bares your child, and it will be a wonderful child if the soiled augur you've stuck your cock in is to be believed," she ground out bitterly. "I want to go home. I want to find enemies to kill. And when I do, Cáel Ishara, know each and every one of them will carry your face in my mind."She turned to Jana. "Do you agree that we both hate Ishara enough to put aside our current differences?"Jana studied Mahdi, me, then Mahdi again and agreed. She stood. Mahdi stood. They clasped arms like Amazons, then hugged like sisters."Agreed. He is much worse."My thoughts on the matter. Woot! I was having sex! Oh, and I was making Aya happy by ending a blood feud."My admiration of you continues to increase," Krasimira looked at me. "This diplomacy stuff is harder than it looks yet you pull it off so effortlessly.""Yay me!" I muttered."Keeper, are we done?" Sikia asked Krasimira."I believe so," the older Amazon rose to her feet. Sikia was far faster in rising."Mahdi of Meenakshi, you have insulted me and my augur. Defend yourself," she snarled. If Tad fi hadn't been immediately present, Mahdi wouldn't have even warranted a warning no doubt."Had you done your job," Mahdi flowed into her fighting stance, "you both wouldn't be pregnant.""Whoa now," I struggled to rise while keeping Tad fi close and my body between her and the Meenakshi/Zorja side of the mat. "Sikia, I can't let you fight. You're pregnant too.""Don't be stupid, Cáel Ishara," Sikia retreated off the mat, so she could shed her jacket and footwear. "Amazons have fought pregnant for thousands of years.""Hold on now," NYPD Sgt. Larisa Kutuzov said in English as she moved forward. I was a millisecond too late. Larisa's foot touched down on the mat and Marlene Zorja popped her one, a hand chop to the larynx. The senior cop stumbled forward."Mom!" shouted Nikita. Marlene followed up with a leg sweep, putting Larisa face first on the mats, then a fist strike to the back of the head, knocking her out. Neat and tidy in less than two seconds.Nikita was about to charge in when Chaz stopped her."Footwear," he advised in the tone of voice I had learned to associate with him and imminent violence. The moment he stopped her, he was quickly removing his own socks and shoes. Virginia and Pamela were doing the same. I was allowed freedom of movement because I was holding Tad fi. Krasimira exited because of her unique status. The rest were already barefoot."Gale, could you please stay with Tad fi," I tried to hand her off."No," Gale looked me over. "I will fight." No hint on whose side she would be fighting on. Krasimira came to my rescue."I'll take her.""Tad fi," I told the augur, "I have to go get beaten up now, but I promise I will be back for you directly.""This is not your fight," Krasimira said. "The words and deeds are Sikia's.""A, she carries my child and B, the deeds being called into question are my fault.""You told me once they were the Will of Ishara," Krasimira mused."We are one in the same," I gave a lopsided grin."Be careful," Tad fi pleaded. "Your future is a chaotic jumble, I cannot see,""Eh, I've been very bad. We'll talk about it later. Gotta go," I headed onto the mats.Pamela was giving the ground rules to the 'normals': No 'fair warnings'. No 'fair play'. No 'time outs'. You fought until unconscious, or you surrendered."This is going to suck," Virginia assessed our odds. Two Amazons had removed Larisa from the mats and were tending to her. Nikita was kneeling by her side until she heard Virginia, then came our way.Besides Sikia, we had Pamela, Chaz, Virginia, myself and Nikita. Oneida stepping up was nice. She wasn't a great combatant, but we dearly needed the help. Gale joining us was, unsettling. Amazons don't play fair, so this could be a ruse.Against us were all three Zorja and both Meenakshi ~ I imagined Rhada felt she had something to prove to her mother. They'd picked up ten other Amazons and Rhonwenn Nemain. Klavdiya joined them to counterbalance her baby sister. Eight to seventeen ~ ouch."Damn," a familiar voice from my first days on the job spoke up from behind me, "we almost missed this." I didn't dare look over my shoulder. Desiree stepped between Chaz and Virginia. Rachel came up on my left and Tiger Lily on my right. At the tail end of our line was Mona, Meridian, Brielle and Wiesława. Fifteen to seventeen was looking much better, especially considering Desiree had brought five Security Detail warriors with her, all of whom were moving to further bolster our numbers."Rachel," Elsa looked to her underling, "you have no idea why you are fighting.""It is for Cáel. So it must be for a better tomorrow," Rachel laughed."Very well," Elsa smirked."You!" Mahdi pointed at me, and we both charged. It was a jumbled nightmare of clashing bodies, war cries and flashes of movement all around. Our side had two main advantages -While Chaz was by no means the best hand-to-hand combatant present, he knew the basic Amazon style and most Amazons didn't know his. Added to his overall height and bulk advantages, he bought us time.Of greater importance, Rachel, Tiger Lily and Mona had extensive training working as a team, which none of the opponents had.Elsa was the most dangerous individual on the mat. Pamela was the second most dangerous, so Elsa grabbed a couple of partners and ganged up on her to drive her off the mats. Chaz went next, out-Elsa'ed and beaten unconscious. The issue was, it took her too long to accomplish those two feats. By the time she rounded on me, Rachel and Tiger Lily, our half of the field had wiped out theirs. It was six of us (me, Rachel, Tiger Lily, Gale, Wiesława and Desiree) versus four of them (Elsa, Marlene, Klavdiya and Rhonwenn).Still, I was facing Elsa, so a judicious bit of treachery was required."Gale," I huffed and puffed, "please retire. I don't want you to fight your sister.""What?" Gale snapped. She'd taken a beating, yet remained feisty."No, fighting her sister is okay with me," Desiree scowled. "We are still facing fucking Elsa.""All the other women you have mated with have failed. I remain," Gale trumpeted."Oh, you are right," I half-turned. "All the reason you are more precious to me.""Really?""Of course," I deepened my introspective appreciation of her."Oh," and Klavdiya punched Rhonwenn. That was an 'oh, Cáel Ishara must actually care for my baby sister and not be just a Playa' on Klavdiya's part. Yeah. I'm a horrible fucking person at times.Rachel, Tiger Lily and I rushed Elsa. Marlene pivoted to ward against Klavdiya while Gale and Wiesława stormed in against her. Desiree helped Klavdiya finish drubbing Rhonwenn before they combined to force Marlene off the mats. Elsa chose to go down swinging in a dogpile of bodies. I took an ear-ringing blow to the head which allowed Rachel to apply a chokehold and it was lights out for the Head of SD.After some water bottles went around and those concussed returned to wakefulness, the resolution of the brawl was decided. Mahdi apologized to Sikia. It was short, terse and sparing of any empathy, yet was within the bounds of Amazon etiquette. She departed with Rhada, which left me to pick up the pieces, starting with Nikita's mom."Oh," the older woman moaned then, "Ms. Fredrickson? What are you doing here?""Avenging you, Mother," Nikita fluffed up the truth. "She, Cáel and the others cleaned house on the woman who jumped you and her allies.""Desk Sergeant," Desiree gave a curt nod."This isn't over," Larisa winced as she moved to a sitting position."Mrs. Kutuzov, it is over," I headed off a colossal waste of time. "This is my daily life and part of your daughter's life with JIKIT. You will find scant witnesses and no tape recordings of these events. This craziness is just another day in the life here at Havenstone. You stepped on the mat and thus became fair game to any physical confrontation an opponent cared to mete out. Consider this sovereign soil of an independent nation-state.""We," she looked around. "You kicked their asses?""Definitely," Pamela gave a feral snarl."This is plain nuts," she shook her head, winced in cranial pain, then put her aching head in her hands."One of the reasons we've put our dating in hiatus," Nikita comforted her mother while looking at me, and smiling affectionately.Ah, for fuck sakes! I was engaged to someone else and having a dozen kids by ten different women. How could I still possibly be considered viable dating material? Oh yeah, martial valor, laughing at death, I hung out with truly exceptional cool people and I would always be in need of saving, a plus for a crusader like Nikita.I had so many allies to tend to, but only one who seemed to be making an exit. I swooped down on Tad fi long enough to place her fingers to my lips."I'll be right back, friend of a friend in need," and off I went. I caught Tavi of House Stolgos just outside the door. She wasn't avoiding me. She'd been observing Chaz and he had been otherwise occupied.My British companion had played a pivotal role in the combat and taken his beating like a man. He'd been rendered unconscious. So had many others, so no stigma was attached to his loss. Post-battle, he had chosen to sit on his haunches, knees up, talking to several of the Amazons, both kneeling and standing. A few had been bystanders and a few others foes.He stayed on his ass to reduce his height advantage. Letting Amazons make eye contact while not having to look up at you created definite benefits. His good natured approach to his role in the fight and pummeling earned him positive vibes as well. He made it clear the tussle to him was not macho-personal. He was my 'brother / sister / sibling' spiritually-speaking via Pamela adopting us both as her 'grandsons', so my fights were his fights. Sikia had my (Cáel's) child, so that bond extended to her as well ~ family.Pamela and I had schooled him on Amazon psychology and those lessons were now paying serious dividends. 'The Male' hadn't wanted to fight them ~ 'Amazons are tough' he'd confessed, he knew this because he worked with several every day on JIKIT~ but family was on the line, so he fought. Mahdi had apologized, so the matter was settled. The other Amazons he'd fought? They had fought for their reasons and he was okay with not questioning them about it.Why? He was conscious of his conspicuous status as a 'guest', knew he was in no way an Amazon, and was not privy to what motivated them. He didn't want to be an Amazon. He had his own, much younger, martial tradition he was proud of, yet was eager to learn from the vastly greater Amazon war lore because 'winners' didn't have a gender-bias and no other tradition could compete with the Amazons' 3,000 years.Under normal circumstances, the women around him wouldn't have given credence to his praise. He was a male after all. Through the tiny tear I'd created in their insulating social fabric, Chaz was building upon his own exploits. In the after-battle analysis, the Amazons reflected on the realization Elsa had concentrated on him as her number two objective, second only to Pamela who scared everyone who knew anything about her. That bolstered Chaz's appeal.For the Amazons who thought a male would get all pouty and cry over being beaten up by a girl/girls, Chaz was breaking the mold. He wasn't angry. He was amused. The fight had been a learning experience and he'd felt honored to watch, no matter how briefly, a warrior of Elsa's caliber fight. He'd explained 'I', Cáel Wakko Ishara, considered Elsa one of the top 5 combatants I'd ever seen, which included Ajax the Unconquered. The others were Sakuniyas, reborn Amazon and former Queen of Assyria, Saint Marie, the Golden Mare, and Pamela, the Cliff-walker.More happy Amazons because the list's only non-Amazon was a dead Hero from the Trojan Wars and it was well known I 'got around' (aka dealt with violent outsiders.) Chaz was telling the truth, almost. The 'fifth' person on the list was Alal, but explaining him would be difficult, so Chaz edited him for this particular audience. Good man.In the hallway, "Tavi, a moment," I called out. She slowed down, took a few more steps allowing me to catch up."Yes Ishara?" she gave me her best neutral look. Yep. She was jealous."I beg two favors from you," I quickly went down to one knee in her path. That caught her off guard and left her in the awkward position of me being terribly close and staring up at her."I, I will listen," she muttered."I would like to know if you are pregnant," I asked very softly. Yes, she was, but she didn't want to tell me. She contemplated pushing past me. It would be very easy. "I know I am stepping beyond the boundaries between warriors. Please. My destiny has brought you two together. I am at fault here." 'Fault' was the key word."If I have a son, he will be given to the Queen," Tavi's face was stern and unforgiving. "He will live.""That's not what he's worried about," I shook my head. "He wants to be a father to your daughter, Tavi. He wants to introduce you to his mother and grandmothers, maybe his sisters too, if that can be arranged.""Huh?""He is not like me, Tavi. There is no other in his life, but you.""I, I will not leave my House for him," she protested angrily."He would never ask you. That doesn't mean he doesn't want to remain at your side for years to come. He can be a father to your child and not be a part of House Stolgos in the same way you can be a mother to your child and not be a part of Clan Tomorrow.""Oh," she furrowed her brow. "How would this possibly work?""I have an 'in' with the Queen," I winked. "I'll work out something.""He knows I will never stop being an Amazon," she elucidated intensely."Absolutely. He is an intelligence operative after all. He's figured a few things out for himself.""Why doesn't he tell me these things?""Tavi, he threw his body on top of me to shield me from a bomb blast, so he's undoubtedly brave, but telling you what is in his heart is scary for him. As his brother, I see behind his silence,""Oh, what should I do?" she was vexed."Go back in there, demand to speak with him and tell him the truth," I stood up."The truth?""That you are going to have a little StolgosTomorrow-ite running around sometime next year," I exuded confidential friendliness."Cáel Ishara," she tilted her head slightly, "you don't know much about infants, do you?""Nope," I pseudo-confessed. I actually did know something about newborns. I'd studied up so I could make a move on a cute girl whose free time was eaten up by babysitting, so I 'helped out'. Oink."They aren't 'running around'," she turned to head back into the gym, "until the ninth month at the earliest. Normally, running doesn't happen until the eighteenth month.""My fiancée has a three-year old, so she should be able to help me through some of the hardest parts," I babbled along. Tavi didn't give a crap.In we went. Tavi stormed straight toward the bevy of Amazon babes concentrating on 'her' Chaz."Color Sergeant Tomorrow," she abruptly interrupted. "A moment of your time.""Ladies," Chaz uncoiled himself from the surrounding women. The Amazons were either mildly put off, they thought they were about to get laid, or pissed off, they were sure they were about to get laid, and Tavi was stomping on their happy."Yes, Ms. Gentry," Chaz linked his hands behind his back in a 'rest easy' stance. 'Gentry' was the fake last name Tavi used in the outside world. She motioned toward the windows with her head. Off they went. I couldn't hear what was being said, but my lip reading skills were up to the task.T: (I am pregnant)C: (I love you)T: (Oh) ~ stunned. Go Chaz!C: (Well, I don't imagine the Amazons have a marriage ceremony and an Anglican service would be inappropriate, so perhaps we could research a Scythian ritual which could make both families happy) ~ delivered in the patented smooth Chaz style.T: (Marriage? To you?)C: (I will not submit to being anyone's slave nor would I ever ask you to submit to me. Outside of that, will you be my partner and my partner alone until the cliffs separate us?)T: (Amazons are not monogamous)C: (I am)T: (I will, I mean, can I think about this?)C: (I am not going anywhere, Tavi){Pause}T: (Did you put Ishara, Cáel Ishara up to this?)C: (Yes)T: (Why?)C: (I imagine he explained what I am feeling better than I could)T: (Oh, do you want me to meet your mother and grandmothers?)C: (Absolutely)T: (Okay)C: (Okay ~ you would like to meet my Mother and Grandmothers?)T: (No, yes, I mean, yes I would like to meet them and I am okay with you being with no other woman until the cliffs separate us, and I will do the same, no other males)C: (If I pick you up, hug you and kiss you, will your sisters freak out?)T: (I don't know)So Chaz swept Tavi up until her head was higher than his (a feat, considering their 8" height differential) and kissed her deeply. Mumbled words followed. Tavi wrapped her legs around Chaz's waist and out they went. Around me were angry murmurings of the 'did that Amazon just run off with our man' variety. Not my problem. I had plenty of different Amazons wanting my attention. Hallelujah!{8:00 pmDon't try this at home.I covered my face with a pillow and pressed down hard. I'd already tried breathing exercises, meditation and even contemplated more cranial trauma before thinking up this particular crazy idea. It took some mental effort and accessing some of my Alal-'pain sorting' skills to accomplish, but in the end, I felt myself 'let go'.I sat up."Hello," Tad fi beamed."Hey," I took a deep breath. Since we were talking, I must have passed out. Her eyes wandered over the room."Is this the world as you see it?" she wondered. Oh yeah, I had to be creating the environment for her to enjoy.Sikia was kneeling on the bed a foot away, her gaze moving between the two of us. The 'grayness' of her form suggested she was wholly in reality and not in the 'Ishara-space' the goddess had shown me and I was now sharing with my augur."This is how you see me?" she examined her fingers, her wrists, then some long locks of her hair."You are more beautiful," I answered. The impact of my words crossing over drew her eyes back to me. It was the magic of hearing for the normally deaf girl. I concentrated, peeled back some fantasy and attached a realistic form to Sikia. Tad fi followed my gaze."Your hair," she addressed her guardian, "It is lighter than I imagined."Sikia said something I couldn't understand, muffled as it was by my dreaming."I cannot hear you, but I see you through his eyes," the augur carried on her conversation. They touched. It had to be somewhat bizarre for Sikia. As she reached for Tad fi's hand, her friend intercepted the extended member. Their fingers intertwined before completing the journey to the guardian's lips."Don't cry, no, we couldn't have, no, we shouldn't have knocked him out sooner. I don't think he was aware of this discipline when we first met. Were you, Cáel?""No. Perhaps if I had understood more about the consequences of seeing ghosts, I might have," I tapered off. "Now that we know. I can try this more often.""Your health?" Tad fi worried."I might be immortal," I confessed. I was confessing because I was desperately seeking a way to share some of my genetic quirkiness with her ~ some strength to carry her through this pregnancy and spare her life, Dot Ishara be damned."And you would seek a way to spare me," she graced me with her gentle presence. Lying in the 'spirit' world was a whole lot tougher than in the flesh."Yeah. I've got some arcane lore rattling around in my head, plus I have a few outside sources I can ask for help. I'm not giving up on you.""I have foreseen my death.""Well, un-foresee it," I scolded her. "Dot Ishara told me we see what might happen, though nothing is guaranteed. So even your death isn't an absolute. Since it hasn't happened, I see no reason to let it happen. You are going to live to hold our daughter. If not, my immortality is worthless.""You can never save everyone. Sometimes you must let a few go to save the rest," she advised."If I find someone I'm not attached to, I'll let them go. I promise. Until then, I'm, ugh, I'm fading, and I'm keeping you.""We shall see," she murmured. I fell back into my body and into wakefulness."Now we have sex," Tad fi announced in a melodic voice."He is ready to perform," Sikia agreed. She was fondling my balls with one hand while her breath played across my rod. I sat up to see the augur climbing up the bed between my thighs. She kissed my glans, licked across its top, then kissed it again."I've got it from here," she told Sikia."What?" Sikia was confused. Tad fi's lips began to engulf my sceptre."Sikia, come here," I gently pulled on her arm. She was conflicted yet up some came.We started out with tender kisses on the lips. I kept drawing her toward me. My lips and tongue migrated down her chin and throat to her breasts. When she thought my target was her breasts, she was all onboard. That was a mere stop-off point on my journey, though I played around for a while.At the same time, I had to use subtle movements with my hips and clenches with my gluts to school Tad fi on her fellatio. Thankfully, I was doubly-blessed. This wasn't my first time schooling two girls at once and Tad fi could determine more from such minimal reactions due to her heightened sense of my muscle contractions through her touch than any other woman I'd ever met.When I began running my tongue in large lashes underneath her breasts, I confused Sikia once more. She was resistant as my hands on her hips pulled her higher so that my lips and teeth could tease her taut stomach while I twirled my tongue in her belly button. She giggled.I had been slowly wiggling down the bed, backing Tad fi up, so when it came time to mount Sikia on my face, I had the headboard room. I kept her muscular thighs securely in hand because the moment I had her happy, I pushed her up. She looked down, seeking guidance and I motioned her to turn around. She did the eye-ball math, realized she'd be facing her augur, and hastily obeyed. Of course, her movement on the bed alerted Tad fi through mattress vibrations.Sikia was sitting on my face, leaning down so she could run her hands through Tad fi's hair and along her face and lips (and my phallus). I kept my hands pressed between our bodies. My right made the sojourn to my pubic area to play around and give them both something else to suck on, my fingers. My left loitered around between Sikia's breasts and her clitoris when my lips were otherwise occupied.I could cup her clit with my tongue in a U-shape, rubbing it along my taste buds. Most of my time was taken up with my tongue broad lashing her vulva or tightly-twisted and delving into her cunt and my nose pushing against her brown hole. I could tilt myself up so I could make tongue-intrusions into her back passage as well. The first time, she squealed.Before she could decide if she wanted to make me stop (she did, virtually all first timers always default to asking their partner to stop, so you have to distract them), Tad fi wanted to know what had brought her reaction on. Then came Sikia's troubled revelation of what I was doing, how the augur shouldn't suffer through it, despite the increasing pleasure she was receiving, only to finally be unable to supply the answer as to why Tad fi shouldn't experience it too.Sikia shot me a treasured look of bewilderment. I'd brought her to orgasm with my tongue alone. I was a guy after all."Switch?" I suggested. Tad fi was still administering one of the slowest, most considerate blowjobs I'd ever experienced. She wasn't rushing toward anything. Sure, she was unschooled, but was devoting her incredible sensitivities to my pleasure and taking pleasure in her ability to bring me to such excitement."Change places?" she mused. "Okay." Tad fi's lips slid off me with one final, loud 'pop', then she used her spider-like fingers to climb up my body while Sikia traveled south. She lavished butterfly kisses on my face ~ childish, yet so very appropriate between us ~ and I mirrored the gesture.With some reluctance, she mounted me, facing Sikia. My tongue flicking across her clit on its first exploration brought out a joyous gasp. It only got better from there.The Long Slide Into Domestic Life:"Twins?" Hana snuggled into my arms. We were at her place, naked in bed together after a late late-night unscheduled meeting with some VIPs. Despite the late/early hour, she was alert, tense even. It had been a mentally stimulating late night encounter which had brought me to her bed."Yes. That is what Tad fi predicted," I inserted between raining kisses down on her forehead. Hana liked non-distracting attention when she was in this kind of mood. She was exhausting herself mentally as she was building up to being amorous."Ana-Călina and  rp d?" she worked over the names on her tongue. "They have a special meaning?""Only if you are Hungarian and Romanian," I teased her. She elbowed me slightly. " rp d was the semi-mystical pagan warlord who led the Ten Tribes who became known as the Hungarians ~ the Magyar peoples ~ into the Carpathian Basin, present day Hungary. Ana-Călina was born a Byzantine princess of the storied House of Basarab; she married Radu Negru, thus becoming the first Princess of a free Wallachia ~ the foundation for a free Romania. She was also the great-grandmother of Dracula.""So they are famous names with regional historical significance, did they live long, happy lives?"" Árpád, no one knows for sure. His kids were quarrelsome, but they did manage to found a dynasty at the start of the second millennia which ruled for three centuries.""Ana-Călina, yeah. I think so," I continued. "She lived into her seventies and her eldest son left his country stronger, richer and safer than when he received it. She did out live her husband by over fifty years, and got to see her youngest grandson bury most of his rivals, the kids from her husband's first marriage.""Ah, what?" Hana rose up until we were eye to eye. Since she was naked, her boobs swayed slightly as she did so. My eye flickered. "Eyes forward, Mister," she playfully barked. "What happened to all her other grandsons?""Wallachia in the 15th century was a tad rough and tumble," I evaded."They killed one another?""Mostly they were killed by conspiracies amongst their boyars, nobles of the time.""Why does, Tad fi want to dredge up these names again?" she kept eye contact."Not a clue," I pleaded."But you think it is important?""No. I think you are important. Screw Fate. It can name its own kids. We can chose whatever names make you happy, except 'Up'. Up's been taken.""You've named another of your offspring 'Up'? That's cruel, or does that mean something in another language I'm unaware of?" she shifted her shoulders so her boobs wobbled again. Of course, I broke eye contact. I hadn't had sex in hours and her boobies were right there, damn it!"Actually, Pamela and I named this secret agent in Hungary that, just to fuck with his head," I divulged."Oh. Pamela. I should have known," she slowly smiled. "You are being very well behaved," she added. Woot! She noticed I wasn't throwing her down and pawing her delectable flesh. "One more thing before the nookie.""Name them. Their dead," I pledged."Not necessary," her sigh turned into a giggle. "If I'm going to be having twins, I'm going to be rather big come late March. We need an earlier wedding date."Oh, fuck me!"What do you have in mind?" I tried to keep the creeping dread out of my voice."New Year's Day?" she suggested. I did a quick calculation. That was annihilating 78 days out of what remained of my bachelor life. In 114 days my life would cease having any meaning whatsoever. I'd be a Mr. to someone's Mrs. The end"Sure, I can arrange to be killed before then," stumbled out of my mouth."What was that?" Hana pouted."Nothing Dear. Cosmic psychic intersection with an Al -demon; don't know what came over me," I fibbed."Man up," Hana bit my nose. "Our marriage won't be that bad if we both work at it. It isn't like I'm demanding celibacy from you." Then she mouthed 'yet'."Wait. Did you mean celibacy, as in no fun at all, or monogamy, as in only 'happy time' with you?" I desperately sought clarification."Oh," she pursed her lips. "I meant monogamy. I didn't mean to scare you.""Oh, thank goodness," I sighed."Here," her gaze turned tender. "Let me make it up to you." Hana placed one hand on my shoulder and rose up my body until my face was gently nestled in her bosom. Then she wiggled back and forth, basically because I'm a big baby and easy to please. I was alternating which nipple I was kissing in no time."Mmm," she murmured. "I've missed you." Her other hand's fingernails coasted down my abdomen and found 'Mr. Happy' had risen to attention. Okay, he'd been hopping up and down on my groin since she'd said we were 'going to bed' 30 minutes ago. Hana decided wrap up my shaft with her hand, then applied a few tender strokes. I reciprocated by cupping her left tit in one hand, forming a mound with her areola at the center, and began to twirl from the outside inward to her hardened nipple with just the tip of my tongue.It was 4 a.m. Why was I taking it slow when I had my final work review with Katrina in three hours? Hana deserved this and more. Why was Hana doing it? She was her own boss, plus her life was careening wildly outside of anything she'd imagined before she'd first laid eyes on me. Half of the financial empire she shared with her father was suddenly in the hands of a military dictatorship, her beloved father was dealing with the murder of her hated step-brother and she was marrying a Prince in a European cathedral which required someone high in the Vatican's approval process to use.Yeah, her life had gone nuts. Worse, she loved me. And I wasn't the kind of man she ever thought she'd love. She'd thought she'd never love anyone again after her life with her asshole of an ex-husband and their bitter, contentious divorce. I was barely someone she could classify, and Hana was a terribly ordered and organized person. Saying my life was messy was being generous. I was some mysterious warrior-diplomat-playboy-aristocrat who hung out with people more bizarre than me.Hana picked up her tempo. I switched breasts. Her motor was really starting to hum. Any other night, I could have moved straight to revving her up to an orgasm. I had the time to make it two without any problems. A good one and Hana would be happy and drift off to sleep. Instead, I intuited she wanted more, so we developed our own game of cat and mouse with her climax, and its suspension, being our ultimate goal.My left hand danced down the back of her ribcage like playing keys on a piano. It was a light, teasing gesture. Her hair the color of tarnished gold cascaded down as she began placing her own kisses upon my crown. Each move by one partner evoked a response by the other. Hana ran my glans over her glistening labia, getting it nice and slick. I worked down her waist, cupped her ass, and then glided over her thigh to the back of her knee where I started tickling her. She snickered."You are distracting me," she murmured. I wasn't. I knew these things."I like to get the feel of every inch of your flesh," I responded. More mirthful noises from her. Slowly, her gooey vestibule rubbed against and over the top, until I felt myself entering. There, she hesitated. I propelled my hips an inch up, twisted right then left before falling back down, a micro-fuck."Ah," she emoted her approval. "My turn." Hana's knees spread to the side, making a memorable sound on the silk sheets as she impaled herself. This time she rolled her hips forward, back, then did a slow 360 with me  inside her, letting the slow progress over her spark memories for her to savor. "I never believed sex could be like this," Hana hiccupped."How so?" I knew the answer, but wanted her to put her chaotic passions to words. It would make her happier."Experimenting, silly. Stopping in the middle and doing, this," she reversed her hip rotations this time. "I never imagined a lover having such patience, or,""Yourself as being so openly sexually adventurous?" I finished."Yeah," she huffed. "I really, really owe your college professor, plus you and all your diligence, for this," at the last moment, she encountered the gateway to her G-spot. I knew precisely where that gem was. Previously, Hana had gained a vague idea where it was from the perspective of masturbation and our prior lovemaking. Now I had let Hana rediscover that joy with my cock as her tool to utilize as she wished."You realize pregnant women want even more sex," she hummed. She was vigorously working my cock now. Hana had bridged a huge gap, sexually. Normally, a woman of Hana's quality tried to please her man first with the hope her orgasm would soon follow. I was different. My greatest sexual gratification came from her ecstasy. She was confident in that now. By bringing herself to climax, she was making me excited for what would come next."That's okay," I propped myself up on one elbow now that Hana was riding me cowgirl-style. "I dig big chicks." The open-palm slap to the chest was a given."Hercege, you, you are horrible," she growled around a feral smile. The lip-biting, tongue-sucking kiss was equally vicious, primal and leading Hana to the end of her tether. Not only was Hana's sexual trust in me/us expanding, she was putting extra effort into her physical workout regime too. She might still have a ways to go to compete with an Amazon, but it was still going to be a great night."Hercegn , I am nothing but a twisted shadow of masculine lust whose every contour is cast by your muliebrous glow," I teased. Her eyes twinkled. Yes, definitely still going to be a great night."Okay," Hana yawned, "I give up. What does 'muliebrous' mean?" She'd been holding on to that for an hour and a half. It was five-thirty and I was dressing in my biking clothes before heading into work."From the Latin 'muliebri' which means 'womanly'," I answered. Her sleepy eyes drank in both my response and my physique. I had discovered another thing Hana liked and that was to expand her academic/linguistic frontiers. She was enchanted with the idea that I liked to engage her mind along with her body, sparking on all cylinders.She'd crawled over to my side of the bed, her head resting on my pillow, soaking up my scent as she watched me. I knelt down, kissed her on her ear, cheek and finally the side of her lips. Hana was beat."Have a good day and be careful," she mumbled. Her eyes closed. Her chest rose with one last, waking breath before her sleep rhythms took her."Ditto," I whispered. I snuck into  Annela's room and planted a kiss on her head as well. The craziness of my life had a way of cascading over to the ones I loved. Loved? Oh boy,7:00 am Monday, September 8th, Graduation Day!Brielle and her buddy were humming along as the elevator doors closed. Once more, my 'hellish' schedule demanded I change in the elevator. I'd gone to gun practice with my bike clothes on, so I absolutely had to change into business attire in the magic box, in front of them.Juanita adjusting my tie was a less than subtle attempt to strangle me. I was about to be late to my final 'start of day' meeting as an intern in Executive Services, so her chastisement would have to wait. Who would have thunk it? Juanita would have to wait outside for this ceremony. Paula raced with me to be the last one in, only to have Daphne grace us with the 'news':"The meeting won't start for another fifteen minutes," she grinned. "Katrina is bringing up the 'new hires' for the fall program."I finger-flicked my head. The 84 days as an intern was merely the 'training wheels' period. To really be a member of ES was at least a two year training process. The Amazons around me had started their training for this gig when they were fifteen and were eighteen and nineteen now, their ID's said they were older for legal purposes.In theory, my four years in college was counted as 'preliminary' training and provided things such as acclimation to outsider culture ~ aka 'acting normal'. Logically, I would train under someone like Desiree or Buffy for a year before being a full-fledged member of the service."How many this time?" I asked Daphne since she seemed to be in the know."Twenty," she grinned. "We are getting two."I noticed there was still only my tiny desk in Katrina's office. That meant the new guys would be out in the office pool with everyone else. Probably for the best. The ladies were now used to having a male around, so would be careful in what they did and didn't say. I yawned."Tired," Fabiola smirked."Oh yeah," I stifled another yawn. "Met an emissary from the Pope." Fabiola glowered. "No. Seriously. I met an emissary from Holy See. I let Hana know I wanted to get married in a highly improbable place, a ruined cathedral, so she contacted the Catholic Church and one of their guys wanted to meet with me.""That had to be fun," Tigger grinned. "What does the Cult of the Nazarene think of you and the Goddess Ishara?""We actually discussed polytheism and the place of an omnipotent, omnipresent being in the scope of things," I placed my hands behind my back and rocked back and forth. "It was quite interesting. The guy knew his shit."By that, I meant he was probably with the Pope's Secret Service as well as a Brainiac with a PhD in something. He'd promised to be in touch as soon as he heard back from his superiors. He had this hot chick with him who I suspected was a nun. And if his driver wasn't ex-military, it was because he was still in the service. On the plus side, Hana had been beaming when we left, which assured me the meeting had gone well, so we had sex from 4 AM until 5:30, thus my current fatigued state."Are you going to abandon your faith?" Fabiola taunted me."I don't have faith, Fabiola of Minerva. Faith would imply I don't know there are supernatural entities screwing with our lives. I know they do exist, I've met a few. To satisfy your disingenuous curiosity, we discussed the nature of the Weave and it being the possible manifestation of God's Will.""How did that go?" Paula appeared interested."He strongly suggested I should 'revisit my Catholic roots' soon. By that, I think he meant I'm supposed to start attending church regularly," I shrugged. "The Pope is sending an envoy to the Great Khan too, so odds are good I'm getting married," I pronounced the last bit as the doom-laden prediction it was."Oh, yes," Fabiola reached passed Paula and smacked me in the chest with the back of her hand. "That is for insinuating you and I had intercourse to my Mother and the Council.""Was that chastising me for lying, or for not making it so?" I winked."Ah, no!" she pouted. "Stop lying about me."I looked down at my phone."We've got twelve minutes," I double-pumped my eyebrows. "Want to go to Katrina's bathroom?""What! No!" Fabiola

Bobbie Conner is a cultural leader and enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). For nearly 30 years, she has been the director of the Tamaslikt Cultural Institute on the Umatilla Reservation in Eastern Oregon. She works to preserve the languages and rich cultural heritage of the Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Nez Perce and other Indigenous nations from this region of the west. She offers funders insights into funding Native American causes and projects—spoiler alert—casino income isn't making these tribes wealthy.

We have t-shirts for sale! Please visit our Etsy store for our latests designs! Start a ConverSWation with us: converswations.com converswations on twitter converswations on facebook converswations on instagram converswations linktree We are proud founding members of the Red 5 Network

This week Will and Chloe discuss the Queen herself.. Padme Amidala and her handmaidens! we discuss the roles they played looking after Padme.

Investigative journalist Annie Jacobsen joins Dan to discuss the contents of her new book which, using insider and expert information, dramatically outlines how a nuclear war might unfold.  

Exposing the Debauchery In Christian Disguise In 4 parts, By Carole_n_Nice.Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. The Next Day Aftermath The next morning, Prudence and I sat on pillows at the kitchen table and broke fast. Grace had left to take care of both Melanie's and her children. Melanie made a large breakfast that we ate in silence. We finished clearing the dishes and looked at each other. "Okay, Last night needs to be discussed," Melanie stated. "First off, how did your father let this get so far out of control? [[MORE]] Both Prudence and I shook our heads not knowing. "This is too strange." This just happened?" "You both get picked for this Eden Conference out of the blue," she went on. "Why?" I had no clue and I just shook my head again. I heard my sister Prudence whisper from the side, "I might have said something to Prelate Mathias?" Both Melanie and I looked at her stunned! "He kept asking me how things were at home," Prudence continued. "How was our father since the divorce?" "How were you acting, Chastity." "Did I noticed anything different in the house?" "Oh my blessed mother," I cried! "How could you say anything to the Prelate?" Melanie shook her head visibly shaken. "Sister PRUDENCE you know better than to let the bishops and prelates to have knowledge of our inside family!" "What in Lords sake were you thinking?" Prudence broke down in tears. "Father spends all his time with you, Chastity." "Even at the family Eden Conference he was with you, not Melanie who he rightfully should have been." "It wasn't right!" "And you told the Prelate that, Prudence?" "PRUDENCE," Melanie repeated again at a shout. My sister just nodded. Melanie kissed Prudence on the cheek and told her not to worry about it. Just go up and get some rest. Prudence kissed me and apologized. She then went up to her room and slept again. "Melanie?" "What are we going to do," I implored her. She took me by the hand and we went up to my bedroom and laid on the pillow. Melanie I think had a fairly good grasp of the danger we were in. Prelate Mathias was a vengeful man and he somehow took slight at something our family had done. In addition, he knew that something was going on between my father and I, (although she didn't think he had figured out that we had married each other). Excommunication was a real possibility. The community owned all the land our houses stood on. If we were excommunicated, we had to vacate the land and the house that stood on it. We would be homeless and probably without employment. Melanie held my hand as we lay on our bed, heads together on my pillow when a loud knocking came on the front door. Both of us jumped up and came out of the bedroom. Prudence was already standing out on the second floor landing, looking frightened to death. "It is Prelate Mathias and his two grandsons, again." Melanie turned to both of us and told us to hide. She walked down the stairs and opened the door. Upon seeing Prelate Mathias, she curtsied to him and bid the twins good morning. "Good Morning, Sister Melanie," he said pleasantly. "I have come to collect the sisters Chastity and Prudence so that we might finish our Eden Conference from last night." "It wasn't properly consummated and, of course, it continues from vespers of the day until the evening vigil of the next." Melanie nodded unsure if the scriptures he was quoting were correct and said, "My sisters are not here." "I think they went to the Holy One's house in an attempt to see their mother." The Prelate nodded in understanding. "That is unfortunate because if it is not consummated, I would be bound to commence another twenty four hour period tonight or the next?" With that, I watched down the stairs as one of the twins whispered into his grandfather's ear. He listened intently and said, "Why of course!" "Melanie, my grandson has properly corrected me and explained the time would not restart if a surrogate were to replace them." "Perhaps you would like to substitute for one of them and maybe another woman?" "Your sister-in-law Grace maybe?" Hearing this I ran to the window and went onto the second floor roof. I told Prudence to hide and be quiet. I slid down the second floor rain gutter, (something I had not done for several years), and ran around the building to the front of the house. "Prelate, Melanie explained, Sister Grace is watching our children." "I am also certain that many women would be honored to share this moment of atonement with your Grandsons." "However with the late notice they would not be able to give up their household duties that quickly." "That is unfortunate," the Prelate said. "Eminence, I am an experienced woman and have attended a dozen or so of these conferences." "Surely I would suffice to satisfy two young men and we could..." Before Melanie finished her sentence, I opened the door and feigned surprise to see the prelate there. I was driven not to have Prudence go through what we had done the last night. I quickly curtsied to him and the twins and thanked them for the honor that they had given me the previous night. Prelate Mathias smiled and brushed my face. "It is nice to see you daughter Chastity." "I was just asking the whereabouts of your sister Prudence and was explained that she would not be back shortly?" I nodded. "Well the Eden Conference is not finished because it was not vaginally consummated last night." "We don't have your sister Prudence here but Melanie has volunteered to be her surrogate." "I think we have the required number of people here so we should go to my house." With that, he took both our hands and led us off the porch and to his car. As he reached the door, he waited, expecting to have his door opened for him. Melanie quickly ran around the car and opened the driver's side door. The Twins stood there looking at me. I swallowed and opened the door for them. The Prelate started the car and stopped for a moment. "Wait!" "I forget myself!" "I should call your father so that he should finish this most sacred occasion with us." "NO," Melanie said! "Father is out of town on business and will not be back before Vespers." "I see, well maybe I or one of the twins might be able to find a surrogate to fill in for him?" The Twins just nodded and off we went to the Prelates house. As we drove, the Prelate swerved into the auto shop my brother Thomas worked at. He got out of the car. Without a word, he went to the bay my brother was working in and started to talk to him. My brother listened and looked up, looking at his wife Melanie and shaking his head no. After several minutes of discussion, my brother Thomas threw the oily rag he had in his hand on the ground and grimly nodded yes. Several minutes later, he approached the car. Prelate Mathias turned to me and said, "Chastity, would you be kind enough to open the door for your brother?" "Yes your Eminence," I stated and scrambled out of the back seat to open the door for my brother. The prelate started the car and commenced driving towards his house again. After several minutes, he turned and said, "I know we all have had this occasion happen to us without planning." "It would probably be wise to shorten the time spent of consummation as much as much as possible?" "This would allow us to get back to our primary order of raising our families and flock?" We all nodded willing, no praying to get this over with. The two obese twins squeezing my sister-in-law and me together because they took up most of the back seat to themselves. "Sisters Melanie and Chastity, You may perform your self-stimulation rite in the back seat while I drive." Thomas immediately flared up, "That would be unseemly to have two women stimulating their vaginas in the back seat of a car while driving in the community, Prelate!" "Nonsense Elder Thomas!" "You just heard your sister and your wife agree that saving time would be of benefit to everyone." Melanie looked at me and we both knew we had to get this over with. I lifted my skirt up and bunched it around my hips. I reached into my panties and pulled them down my legs. I took them down to my ankles and then kicked them off. Melanie did the same with her panties. "Melanie, give your panties to one of the boys to safeguard them while you masturbate," the Prelate dictated. "Chastity, give your panties to your brother," he nodded to Thomas. I took my panties and bunched them up in my hand. I reached over the front seat and handed them to my brother. I spread my legs open slightly and moved my hand reluctantly over my mound. I started to stimulate myself. Melanie reached over and grabbed my hand. She squeezed it and we both concentrated on making ourselves wet. Several minutes later, the Prelate had another idea, "The twins are innocent." "Maybe you should show them how to stimulate a woman so they will know how to do it when they have wives?" I was bewildered. Melanie leaned over and said, "Watch." She took the hand of the nearest obese one and moved it between her legs. I watched as he took his finger and moved it along her slit. "Melanie, tell him how to do it and you help also Chastity." I grabbed the other twins hand and put it between my legs. I opened them more and watched Melanie, desperate to mimic her actions. Trying to mimic everything she did. Melanie spread her legs wider open, draping one of them over mine and pulling me open at the same time. She took the hand of the twin removed it from between her legs and kissed his fingers. Sucking them into her mouth. I continued to do exactly as she did. She turned to both of them, "Watch between our legs." "Look at our intimate places so that you will know how to finger fuck your wives." I was a little shocked at the language coming from my sister and how graphic she was. The Prelate seemed pleased with her lesson while Thomas just stared out the front window with my panties in his hand. She took his fingers back into her mouth and got them wet, "Make your wife spread her labia for you," she said as she opened herself up. "Have her wet your fingers like I did so that you will have lubrication on them." "This will place you in your rightful position as in command of her cunt." She took his fingers and placed them between the opening in her vulva. Spread wide she grasped several fingers and nodded, "Insert two or three fingers inside her." "That way you'll know if the muscles of her pelvis is responding to your stimulation." "Most women respond better if they have some bulk in their pussy." "Two or three fingers inserted inside her will make her go crazy for you." She took three fingers and placed them inside her pussy. I took TWO fingers and moved them inside me. Dreading that I would have to take three. Melanie reached and took his other hand. With the index finger she moved it just below the base of her mound. "Take the tip of your finger and find the hood of her clitoris." "Massage it until it starts to grow under your finger." "That is it, you have it," Melanie gasped! I did the same thing but I was far behind where Melanie was at. I could see her hips thrust upwards against her fingers. Suddenly, she was screaming, "Oh MY GOSH." "No one has ever made me feel this way!" She ground hard against him and screamed, "I'M COMING!" "I CAN'T STAND IT!" "YOU ARE A STALLION!" I looked up and noticed that the Prelate had pulled over to watch Melanie. She had this incredible orgasm. I couldn't believe it. She had a hard time controlling her breathing. My brother turned around and looked her straight in the eye. She looked up at him and they both smiled!?! Oh my gosh, She faked it. She faked having an orgasm! My brother was having a hard time controlling his laughter. I was not to be outdone! I could put on an award performing performance myself! I arched my back, feeling the obese boy's hard penis pressed between my butt cheeks. I squeezed my legs together and trapped his hand between them. I circled my arm behind me and over his leg and shouted, "PLEASE, allow me to cum, beloved!" "I need to feel your finger inside me." "I... I..." I pushed my backside against him one more time and screamed out, "I am cumming." "YOU MAKE ME FEEL MORE LIKE A WOMAN THAN I HAVE EVER FELT BEFORE IN MY LIFE!" All of a sudden, as I finished Act 1, Scene 2, I felt this wet sticky squirt on my back and dripping down the crack of my butt. He came. He ejaculated because I talked to him? He came all sticky on my back and pressed against his fat tummy. My brother gave me a funny look and looked to the steering wheel. I scooted up on the twin's lap looking like I was trying to get more comfortable and looked to where my brother's eyes were fixed. The Prelate was masturbating! We drove to the Prelate changed his mind and drove to our community house. It appeared he could no longer wait and this was ten miles closer. He had us clean his grandsons' tummies clean with our tongues. We took up their seed in our mouths as they giggled as if we were tickling them. When we entered the house, we were led to the great room. Prelate Mathias took a breath and was about to instruct us when my brother Thomas interrupted him. "I am my father's surrogate." "I will conduct the ceremony Eminence." The prelate was shocked for a moment but smiled and nodded his agreement. Thomas turned to us and ordered us to kneel. We both knelt in front of him and assumed our position of prayer. "Chastity, What are you," he asked? "I am a Woman, brother." "I created the first sin against our beloved lord and I am responsible for having us exiled from Eden." He turned to Melanie and said, "Wife, what are you?" "I am a Woman, husband." "I created the first sin against our beloved lord and I am responsible for having us exiled from Eden." "Wife, as a woman, how will you atone for your sins," he questioned? "Husband, I will pray daily for our salvation, I will obey you, my ordained Elders and my Father in all things." "I will work for them to be accepted into heaven and I will strive to reach the next step of reincarnated myself and blessed into manhood in my next life." "Chastity? And you," he asked? "Brother, I will pray daily for our salvation, I will obey you brother, my ordained elders and my Husband in all things." He quickly went through our requirements by the covenants and had us stand. "Chastity?" "Melanie?" "You may disrobe." Melanie and I turned to each other. She brushed my cheek and actually kissed me lightly on my lips. "This will be over soon, sister." "It will pass." "Let us make the best of it." With that she turned me and undressed me. She would not let me take any garments off myself. When she went to take my panties off, she got on her knees, looking straight at my mound, and pulled my panties from my hips. She smiled up at me and padded the front of my mound for a second, a slight graze actually and stood up. I helped her unbutton the back of her dress and assisted in helping her to disrobe. When we were finished, we stood in front of the twins. "Sister!" "Wife!" "Undress your communicants," he commanded. We both went over and unbuttoned their shirts. I pulled the shirt of one of them, off his arms with some difficulty. I pulled mightily on the shirt and pulled the tail from his pants. I knelt before him and fumbled trying to find his belt buckle. After finding it, I pulled it lose and unbuttoned his trousers. I pulled his zipper down and his pants off his hips. I then pulled his under garments off and he stood naked in front of me. "Take their clothes and fold them neatly on the table." We both looked at him strangely and did as we were told. We took the clothing and folded them onto the table that the donation boxes sit normally at the entrance to the church. Thomas took the ottomans that had been used for Prudence and I the prior night. He placed them in front of the twins. "Elder Brothers, these women are unworthy to earn your cocks." "They must prove their worth to you." "Bend over on the ottomans and present your ass to them." "Have them open you wide and clean you with their tongues." I could see that they were excited because they got hard with my brother's words. I was in shock with my brother's words. My brother walked over to the prelate, took him aside and talked to him for several minutes. When he came back, the Prelate had a pale look on his face. "Now, Brothers, You may order these slut bitches to lick your asses." They both shouted out, saliva actually dripping down their chin, "Lick our asses, sluts." My brother turned to us, "Wife!" "Sister!" "Do as your betters tell you to do!" I was going to vomit. I knew I couldn't do this but I did what my brother said to do. I stood kneeled behind one while Melanie did the other. She nodded to me and I parted the ass cheeks of the one in front of me. As I started to hold my breath, and bend over, I felt my brother jerk my head back. There was a horrible scream and I saw a wooden croquet stake up his anus. I watched Thomas go to the next one, pull his wife away and slam another stake up this one's ass. "I am going to tell you fat pigs, exactly what I told that coward of a grandfather you have." "IF you EVER harm my sisters again, come near our family again, ever say anything against our family again?" "I will damn you in front of God, I and my brothers will stick your asses impaled on a telephone pole like a child's sucker and we'll light the pole on fire." "I will watch you burn on earth before you start your eternal burn in hell." With that, he forced the Prelate to disrobe. Thomas told us to dress. He slapped the Prelate in the face and had us gather their clothes. When we got outside, he ran to his truck and came back with a can of Kerosene. He sprinkled their clothing with the liquid and lit them on fire. "Wife and Sister, it is time to go home." At Home When we got home my husband was waiting for us at the table with Prudence. I kissed his cheek in front of Thomas and said, "It is nice to see you father." He smiled up to me weakly. Thomas shook his head no. "Chastity call him what he is." I looked confused and turned to Melanie who nodded his head. I bent over and kissed him on the lips and said, "It is nice to see you, Husband." Thomas then turned to Prudence. "Prudence, our family was in grave danger today caused by you telling the Prelate family things." "It was caused by your jealousy." "That will not happen again do you understand?" Prudence nodded her head and Thomas bent over and gave her a kiss. "I am my father's surrogate today and I will not cede that right this day." "Chastity, you will not sleep with your husband tonight." "You are the cause of some of this by taking your father away from his first daughter, Prudence." I nodded. "Prudence, you will take father to his bed, please him and take his seed." "You will remain obedient to him this whole night." "Do you understand?" She nodded. I watched my husband go up the stairs with my sister. I felt emptiness as they walked together, hand and hand. I realized my sister had been seriously hurt by our marriage. "I plan on going to spend the evening with Mathew and Grace," Thomas stated. "Melanie will stay here with you, Chastity." I stood up and kissed my brother's cheek. "That is not necessary, Thomas." "I am perfectly fine in the house by myself even with Prudence being with my husband." "Thank you but Melanie should be with you." "Chastity, you do not really understand much, do you sister," he said? I was at a loss. I had no idea what I did wrong. "Sister, you not only hurt Prudence." "You tore Melanie apart," he said to me. "How?" I turned to Melanie. "I've tried to be a good sister to you, Melanie." "I love you," I pleaded to her. Melanie stood up, looked at me and said, "And I love you also, Melanie." I looked even more confused. "Melanie, I love you more." "Like a husband loves a wife." "I've always loved you." "I have loved you since we were children." Thomas turned to me and nodded. "She has always loved you and I have known it before we were married." "She told me that," he said. "she told me as part of our marriage and it has made our marriage stronger for the truth of it." "We sometimes pretend during love making that we share you in our bed." "For I love you also." "So tonight I am still your father as your husband has gone to bed with your sister, "he smiled. "You will do as I say and Melanie will bed you." "She has earned this one night with you and tonight it is in my power to give it to her." "So sister Chastity, you will take the Eden oaths in front of my wife tonight." "Now both of you go." With Melanie Melanie opened my door with a silence that almost shattered my eardrums from the echo in my ears, "She has earned this one night with you and tonight it is in my power to give it to her." I got into the room and immediately fell to my knees in front of my sister-in-law. I commenced the recitation without prompt and I felt her palm clasp over my mouth. "Chastity, lovers do not get on their knees and pledge to obey because someone did something thousands of years ago and they want to take some guys seed." "They hold each other, make each other feel safe and wanted." With that, she took my hand and brought me to my bed. I felt her lean towards me and place my lower lip between her two lips. She sucked on it momentarily and then kissed me softly, fully on my lips. Her tongue caressed my lips between her kisses and her hand gently caressed my shoulders. Melanie laid me on the bed and twisted my legs counter clockwise so that my head would be on the pillow and my feet at the foot of the bed. She lay down beside md and kissed my ear, saying nothing but kissing. Her hand across my tummy and holding my waist to her. Her tongue licked my ear, slowly boring inside it until I found the nerves in my ear connect with my pelvis area. She swabbed inside it and curled her tongue upward as she withdrew it from my ear canal. I felt her hand move to my bonnet. I straightened up automatically, rigid and said, "NO!" "That is for my husband." Melanie pushed my bonnet off the back of my head and stroked an absent strand of hair off my forehead. "Chastity, it is just hair." "It is supposed to be something that only a husband sees but no other male." "I am your sister, Love." "It is allowed." She stroked my forehead and my eyes started to close as if she was hypnotizing me. I felt her arm move and I looked up and she had taken her bonnet off also. She laid her head next to mine and our hair spread over the pillow, intertwining each other. The softness of her breath on my neck and the warmth of her body next to me, made me close my eyes and shortly later, I had fallen asleep. When I awoke, darkness had taken over the sky and she was still looking at me, stroking my hair. "How long have I been a sleep, sister," I asked her? "Two plus hours," she said as she looked at my face. She was a truly beautiful woman and with a grace that few of us achieve. I smiled across to her as she lay next to me. "Go shower and I will be with you shortly." I showered in water so hot I could barely stand beneath it. I washed thoroughly and felt completely refreshed. There was a night dress set out for me and I quickly robed. As I was brushing my hair, Melanie came in and smiled. "Sister Chastity, come with me onto the bed." She had changed into a night dress also. I sat down and she had prepared a light meal of fresh slice fruit, yogurt and cocoa. As we munched, she started to explain. "Sister, they teach us how to make ourselves wet so that men may gain entrance to our legs." "The church teaches us to spread our legs so that we may atone for the sins of someone I have never met and died eons ago." "Tonight, I will teach what our bodies are truly meant for." With that she told me how my brother Thomas had an open relationship with my brother Mathew and his wife Grace. Now that I was married to my father, they wanted me to be included in this group. She had been chosen because she actually was in love with me. They all agreed it would be done better with a woman who had a non-blood relationship with me and one who enjoyed being with another woman. She cleaned our plates off the bed and came back on it. She gently pulled me down on the mattress and began to kiss my neck. Her tongue was licking my neck as she made her way up to my ear. I felt a light kiss on my ear and her tongue starting to probe in it. She stroked my cheek with her hand and she continued to send little shock waves with her tongue in my ears. She moved her hand across my cheek and presented two fingers to my lips. I realized I was to take it in my mouth. I took the wrist of her hand, opened my mouth and took her fingers into it. I sucked on her fingers, as if it were a man's penis. I held her wrist and my tongue licked the fingers and sucked on them. I pulled her fingers nearly out of my mouth, holding the wrist taut enough to ensure I could suck on her fingertips. She withdrew from my ear and sat me up. I could feel her reach for the hem of the long night dress and tug it from underneath my rear. She knelt on the bed and took the night dressed, bunched around my waist and lifted it over my head. She kissed me fully on the lips, her tongue teasing mine and laid me back down. I lay naked but for my panties in front of my sister. She moved down the nape of my neck and started kissing again. She went down with her lips until she was barely touching the beginning swell of my breast. I pulled her head against me, forgetting me with another woman. Her hand moved up and cupped my breast fully. Her fingers teasing over my nipples. "Sister, take your breast and offer it to me." "Give me your breast and feed me as if I were YOUR child, Charity." I cupped my breast in my hand and held it to her. She hesitated and I pulled her head gently onto my breast. She suckled me as if she was a nursing baby. I squeezed my breast between her lips as if to give her my milk. I had this flash, my eyes closing and all of a sudden I realized; I was going to orgasm. My toes went rigid and I closed my legs tightly as she sucked my nipple harder. "I think I'm going to cum, Melanie," and with that... I did! Crashing inwardly onto myself with a whispered moan. I kept coming in soft waves for a minute or so and finally collapsed on my bed. After catching my breath, I turned to Melanie and questioned, "How did I do that with you just on my bed?" Melanie smiled, "I have heard a woman can cum with just someone sucking on their breast." "I have never seen it and certainly have not experienced it myself." "Clearly you can!" She lay down again next to me, but lower. Her eyes level with my belly button. She was at my tummy kissing it, her tongue again tracing wet spots across it. She came to my belly button and took her tongue. She wet it, and then pushed it inside me as if to clean it. It was like she did with my ear but this time I felt I had an almost direct connection between my navel and my vagina. "Open your legs for me, Chastity," my sister told me. I opened my legs for her and felt her hand press against my mound. Her hand trailing over my vulva and pressing against it. I pushed my hips up to meet her palm. Her middle finger started to make teasing little forays between the lips of my vagina. Never much more than the fore finger but so teasing, I kept trying to push it in. "Chastity, say it." "Tell me what you want, Sister." I looked at her hopefully. "I want you to finger me, Melanie." "Finger you where," she questioned? "My vagina, Please, Melanie?" She would not go in further. "No Chastity." "Your brothers Thomas and Mathew will want you to be explicit." "Tell me." "Talk dirty, Chastity," she urged. "I want you to finger fuck my cunt, Melanie." "Please make me take your finger deep inside me." She took her fingers and started to plunge in and out of me. Her thumb, pressed against my clit. My clit exposed itself to her thumb and I swell under just the simple pressure she put on it. I was gasping when she knelt between my legs. She bent over my pussy and started to lick my clit. I curled my toes involuntarily. She moved her fingers out of my pussy and I was about ready to shout, "NO!" I felt her take those two fingers and manipulate them between my butt cheeks. She moved in gently and I reached down to spread myself for her. "Slowly," She said. "Take my fingers slowly and slide yourself onto them." I did as she told me and pushed myself onto them until I had them both inside my ass. She took her other hand and placed two fingers into my pussy. She started finger fucking both holes. I could feel her stroking the wall of my butt as if it was but a paper thin layer between my ass and my pussy. She leaned over and blew against my swollen clit, finger fucking me the whole time. "I have to cum, sister." "Please??" With that she sucked my clit in between her lips. Her fingers in my pussy she used to impale me to the bed and the ones in my ass she started to fuck me with. I jumped upwards in a semi sitting position and my ass started to squeeze her fingers. My muscles started contracting and I could not hold it any longer! This time I just screamed, "FUCK ME!" I did it over and over until I finally stopped. I fell to the bed some minutes later. Melanie let me rest for several minutes. I felt her move her hand over my mound and thought to myself, "Not again?" "I can't." She moved between my legs and I could feel her straddle my leg. She clutched my thigh with her leg and started rubbing her vagina up against it. At the same time, she pushed her thigh against my pussy and urged me to rub myself against her thigh. "I'm going to teach you to trib, Sister." I looked at her completely confused. "I'm going to teach you how to fuck another women." She was moving very fast, sliding along my thigh as if in a race. I then remembered I had cum twice and she none. She slowed down trying to let me catch up to her. After several minutes, she lay down with her head opposite to me. She took her legs and pushed down so that her pussy made contact with me. We were like two inverted scissors with our middle connecting spot pushing against each other. She looked down and said, "Fuck me sister." "Make me cum little sister, harder than I made you cum." I took her leg and wrapped my arms around it. I used it as leverage and pushed my cunt hard against hers. I moved back and forth across her pussy and pushed my hips forward as if I were a man trying to fuck her. "Oh yes, Chastity." "That is the way to fuck a woman," she said. With that, I could feel her pussy start in contractions. She grasped me hard and said, "NOW!" "MAKE ME CUM NOW!" "FUCK ME." She grasped me hard. Pulling at me as she continued to cum. As she reached half way through her orgasm, incredibly, I had a third orgasm! We pulled on each other and sang a duet of "Oh Blessed One!" "Oh fuck yes," together. We finally finished. Melanie came up next to me tugging on the blanket and pulling it over us. We spooned together with me in the front. She wrapped me in her arms and said, "I love you." "I love you too, Sister," I whispered. I fell asleep shortly after that. By Carole_n_Nice for Literotica

Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda cover part 2 of "Manacled" by SenLinYu. This fanfic definitely inspired some deep thoughts from the trio, so tune in to listen to their discussion.  Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe

Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda cover part 1 of "Manacled" by SenLinYu. While they don't normally cover fanfics, the author was picked up for publication, and they need to rework the story, so our trio wanted to read the original version. Join them on this journey of emotional devastation if you, too, want to have tears streaming down your face. WARNING: "Manacled" is dark romance and it does depict assault. However it is not gratuitous, but we understand that it's not for everyone, so please don't feel like you have to read it.  Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe

This is episode 159. If we take out a map of south Africa and reconsider the regions, it will become quite apparent that the main demarcation is geographical, geological, the main points of reference are the rivers and the mountains, the desert and semi-desert, the good soils and the bad. Take a look at a map of the region to the south west of the Drakensberg, for its this area way down to the Orange River and extending towards the Kalahari and the Richtersveld that we're going to focus on in this episode. There is a direct correlation between the British seizing Natal from the Boers, and the effect on the Basotho, the Griqua, the baTlokwa amongst others. The Voortrekkers who refused to take an oath of allegiance to the British Queen Victoria trekked back up over the Drakensberg. And it was the vast majority. Some of these would head north, some south west. Most headed back south were not going to where they began, the Cape Colony, but to try and negotiate or seize land between the Cape and Natal. This was not empty land and I'm going to explain what happened after 1843, after the English flag began to flutter from the Fort in Durban. Slow as wagon travel was, the speed with which the Boers had spread themselves across so much of southern Africa in such a short time had taken everyone by surprise - it had taken six years. The Cape Governors were totally unprepared for this migration. Their narrative had been that these Europeans would find inland Africa far too unforgiving and then return to the Cape where they'd settle down and pay their taxes. When they left in the late 1830s, Cape Governor Sir Benjamin D'urban was anxious, his successor Sir George Napier was even more so. The Boers trundled into the interior and directly into the seething hinterland, shattered as it had been by Mzilikazi, Shaka, the BaTlokwa, and of course, the Griqua and Bastard raiders who travelled like Boers, on horses, with hats and guns. It's hard for many to fathom these days in the 21st Century, post-apartheid, in a land so riven by what seems to be race-based antagonisms, that back in 1843 by far the most caustic, acrimonious, begrudging and irreconcilable emotions were those felt by the Boers against the British. Their anti-British sentiments were fixed although on an individual basis, the two people seemed to get along. When deserting British soldiers appeared in their midst, Boer mothers and fathers were not averse to their daughters marrying these men. The Boers began to concentrate on the high Veld and across the orange, but for many, the crucial state was Natal. They had gained bloody victories over the amaZulu here, Blood River was their covenant, a lasting affirmation of God's great plan for the Boers, part of their Exodus narrative, his support of them in smiting the Philistines, the heathens, their dark enemies. Jan Mocke was one of these men on the extreme edge of this sentiment. What had emerged to startle the British, was the power of the voices of Boer Women. They had seen the resistance of their husbands weakening, they'd heard the disparate arguments, the egos where their men had come to blows after a couple of brandies, and told British offiicals to their faces that they'd walk out of Natal Barefoot across the Drakensberg if necessary to die in freedom. As Noel Mostert points out, the Boer women, like amaXhosa women who'd also been busy stiffening their men's spines, were force that could never be ignored. They were active, demanding and the handmaidens to their history.

ASMR The Queen's Handmaidens Adorn YouAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

VADER CONFRONTS PADMÉ'S HANDMAIDENS BUT WILL THEY JOIN HIM OR REBEL? For ep 142, Mike continues with the 2020 run of Darth Vader comics, with another story surrounding Sabé & Dormé caught in the web of Vader, as they try to save innocents while fighting against Jul Tambor. As Vader's web entangles the other handmaidens too causing them to ask themselves what they're willing to sacrifice in order to save lives and if Sabé is truly working for the Dark Lord… Darth Vader 30-32 were all written by Greg Pak, with colour artist Federico Blee. Luke Ross was artist on issue 30 while Ibraim Roberson was artist on issues 31 & 32. Issue 30 was released January 11th 2023, issue 32 was released March 22nd 2023 and the trade paperback collection was released 27th June 2023. For a refresher, go to ep 119 of SWCIC, where Mike delved into issues 24-29 of the Darth Vader comics! Mike recently spoke with Ethan Sacks (author of Bounty Hunters, Galaxy's Edge & more Star Wars comics) on ep 213 of Genuine Chit-Chat and has recorded an episode with Shadow of the Sith author Adam Christopher, so look out for that too! In the last episode, Mike explains BEFORE AHSOKA, HOW DID ANAKIN, OBI-WAN AND PLO-KOON DEAL WITH CLONES? For ep 141, Mike delves into the IDW Publishing mini-series; Clone Wars Battle Tales – stories all set before the Clone Wars movie but after Attack Of The Clones, showing 6 missions the clones have been on with Jedi generals Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Plo-Koon. Amidst these stories, Mike provides additional info on several clones Ovissians, Plo-Koon, flying droids and more – this serves as a brilliant prequel to The Clone Wars movie and you don't need to have seen any of The Clone Wars to enjoy! Guest Spots: Mike (& Megan) appeared on Spider-Dan & The Secret Bores to compare the two Day of The Dead movies Coco & The Book Of Life: ⁠https://pod.fo/e/1fdd53⁠ Mike appeared on Back To The Filmography to talk about Jason Statham's only animated movie to date; Gnomeo & Juliet: ⁠https://pod.fo/e/1f9f28⁠ 5 episodes of Mike, Maff & Dave's show; Rebels Reviewed is out now, so listen to their thoughts on seasons 1, 2, 3 & 4 and a bonus prediction/wrap-up episode, all found on any podcast app and on YouTube: ⁠https://pod.fo/e/1defff⁠ - ⁠https://youtu.be/BrZrvENUlTM⁠ Mike spoke with Thomas Rochester of Reckless Rebellion to talk about the 3 Thrawn book trilogies: ⁠⁠https://pod.fo/e/1df29c⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Pop Culture Collective Newsletter for weekly updates on both of Mike's shows and plenty of other incredible creators, here: ⁠https://pccnewsletter.com⁠          To support Mike, you can rate/review the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & other podcast apps, you can share the show or support financially. You can give a one-off payment/donation at ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/genuinechitchat  or you can subscribe monthly at ⁠⁠https://Patreon.com/GenuineChitChat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - either option will give you access to the exclusive “Afterthoughts” episodes. Patreons get access to weekly episodes plus every past episode (even when paying £1 a month) while Ko-fi tippers will be able to choose some episodes, depending on how much they give - any and all support of this nature is hugely appreciated! Subscribe to Mike's YouTube channel to see video versions of his conversations, discussion with Star Wars creators, playlists filled with episodes of GCC & SWCIC and more: ⁠https://youtube.com/GenuineChitChat⁠     Mike is also the host of a podcast called Genuine Chit-Chat where he speaks with a different guest each week about a wide array of topics where no subject is off limits. He has spoken with authors Ethan Sacks, George Mann, Kevin Shinick, Cavan Scott, Claudia Gray and more! Find all of Mike's social media & links at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/GenuineChitChat⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Outro read by BZ The Voice: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.bzthevoice.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/comics-in-motion-podcast/message

On the politics of consultancy   [Patreon Exclusive. Sign up @ patreon.com/bungacast]   The past 40 years have seen a whole range of things the state used to do itself outsourced to third parties. Now there is a turn against these practices. But can the state actually get stuff done, or is it doomed for its prior reliance on consultants?   It's not just the left the criticises outsourcing - the right now does too. How do these positions differ? And how are these questions related to another critique – that of 'bullshit jobs'?   Readings & Links: In Clover, Laleh Khalili, LRB (attached) The Big Con — the case against consultancies (review of Mazzucatto & Collington), Diane Coyle, FT (attached) Letter: Groundless assertions about a trusted profession (response from a consultant), FT How PwC captured Australia, Shahar Hameiri, Unherd Consultancies Have Been the Handmaidens of Neoliberalism, Nathan Akehurst, Jacobin Radical Centrism: Uniting the Radical Left and the Radical Right, Ashwin Parameswaran, Macroresilience The limits of government outsourcing, Martin Bortz, Pursuit /267/ South Africa Mafia State ft. Benjamin Fogel

The Queen has arrived! Padme Amidala, Sabe, and her Royal Handmaidens have finally joined the game so join us as we discuss the characters in the Star Wars universe and then of course breakdown their unit and stance cards for Shatterpoint. Queen Amidala brings a unique and deceptively powerful identity to the Republic and we're keen on exploring what that looks like. Additionally, Sabe is an amazing secondary who we expect to see in many strike teams. Hello There! is a podcast about the tabletop game ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Star Wars Shatterpoint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and the Star Wars Universe. ___________________________________ We're doing a Star Wars Shatterpoint Core Set giveaway - and anyone can enter to win. All you have to do is click the link below and also follow us on our any of our social media: Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @HelloThereCast. Each follow of one of our social media pages will add additional entries. Additionally, all patrons will get bonus entries innately depending on their patron level. The more people that click on the link below and follow our pages - the higher the potential of AMG to providing us with more giveaway items in the future. https://bit.ly/SWP-HelloThere  ___________________________________ Hello There! is supported by our wonderful patrons on Patreon. If you would like to help the show, and join our discord community, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/hellotherecast⁠⁠⁠ and pledge your support. Hello There! Patrons directly support the show and its growth by helping pay our monthly and annual fees, while contributing to future projects and endeavors. ___________________________________ Twitch I ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HelloThereCast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter I ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HelloThereCast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram I ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@HelloThereCast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook I ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HelloThereCast⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube I  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HelloThereCast⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ l⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ l⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Google Podcasts ⁠⁠ __________________________________ Hello There! is hosted by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jesse Eakin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aman Khusro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Sal and special guest King Tom Chansky (from The Sith List) talk Hidden Empire, Star Wars, Darth Vader, Bounty Hunters, and Doctor Aphra crossover comics! Dark Droids? Rebels in No-Space! Holdo and Lando! Luke, lightsabers, and kyber crystals! Darth Vader and the Handmaidens! Tasu Leech! T'onga! Bossk! Losha! And Zuckuss! Valance vs. Vader! Aphra possessed! Sana and the exes! The Ascendant and the Sith! Qi'ra and her Hidden Empire! The Knights of Ren! The Fermata Cage! The Null Blade! Check out our guest on the interwebs! Check out @TomChansky! The Sith List Patreon chats with Blue Harvest, Steele Wars, and The Bad Motivators! We want to hear from you! Check out our questions and polls on Spotify! Click here to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! Check out the Rogue Rebels The High Republic playlist here! Follow us EVERYWHERE! IG: @TheRogueRebels  Tweets @RogueRebelsFam  The Rogue Rebels on FB RogueRebels on Twitch where we are streaming LOTS of Jedi: Survivor!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rogue-rebels/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rogue-rebels/support