The One With The Renaissance Faire

By: Jana~

Author's Note:

This is the original fic, off which the rewrite was based. I want to make something very clear… this version is historically inaccurate, which is why I, with Exintaris, rewrote it. Specifically, the buying and selling of women in the manner I have depicted. Also, the old English is just plain bad. The only exposure I've had to old English was at renaissance faires, which apparently is not altogether accurate.

Another thing I should mention is, initially, I rated this story 'NC-17', though I think it's actually closer to 'R'. If anyone feels that I should up the rating to 'R', please let me know, and I will do so.

And finally… I apologize for the excessive ellipses. Back when I first wrote this story, I used ellipses a lot. Don't ask why, it's a long story. Anyway… I could have changed it, but I chose not to, and decided to post it exactly as it was written.

This 'chapter' includes the original ren faire fic, and also the first chapter of the sequel.

XXX

--"Guess what guys!" Joey exclaimed as he bounded into Chandler and Monica's apartment, not waiting for their responses before continuing… "I got you all tickets for my new play!"

"Oh yeah? What's the play?" Phoebe asked…

"Macbeth!"

"Wow! Shakespeare! That's great!" Ross replied…

"At the Renaissance Faire…" Joey added…

"What?"

"It's a short version of it… they have little plays all over the Faire!"

"So, you got us tickets for…?" Chandler asked, his sentence trailing off…

"The Faire! It'll be great! You'll love it!"

"Oh, it will be great! I loved that era!" Phoebe exclaimed… "That was one of my best past lives!"

XXX

--"I can't believe we're doing this…" Rachel complained as they entered the Faire… "It's so dirty here…"

"Yeah, dirty dirt…" Chandler quipped… "Imagine that…"

"Guys, c'mon, we can do this…" Phoebe assured them… "We'd go to this if it was at some fancy theater!"

"Yeah…" "Ok…" "You're right…" They all reluctantly agreed…

"Guys! You made it!" Joey greeted them, approaching them in full costume…

Chandler chuckled, but suppressed it… "Nice dress man!" he joked, pointing at Joey's kilt…

"Dude, it's not a dress! It's a kilt! It's a manly, Scottish kilt!"

Suddenly, without warning, Phoebe reached under his kilt and cupped him…

"Whoa!" Joey jumped… "Phoebe!"

Phoebe smiled… "Just wanted to see if it's true what Scots DON'T wear beneath their kilt…"

"Well?" Monica asked… Phoebe just nodded and giggled…

Joey smiled and nodded… "Yeah baby!"

Ross looked appalled… "Joey! You're going 'commando'?"

"Hey! I'm a professional! They didn't have BVDs back during the renaissance, so I don't wear them while I'm in character!"

"So, you've been in character for this role since I've known you?" Chandler joked…

"Look, let's get past Joey's state of undress, shall we?" Ross interjected, changing the subject… "So, Joe, where do we go from here?"

"Oh! I got something for you guys! Come on!"

Joey led them to a little tent just before the entrance to the Faire… "This is Natalie…" he introduced his friends to the woman inside the tent… "Natalie, these are the friends I was telling you about!"

They all shook hands, then Joey continued…

"She's gonna set you up with costumes!"

"She's what?" "What?" "Costumes?" were everybody's responses…

"Yeah! It's great!"

"Joey?" Monica asked… "Why do we have to wear costumes?"

"You don't have to! It's fun!"

Chandler shook his head… "I gotta say, not my definition of fun!"

"C'mon you guys! Everybody does it! The whole place looks like a town from back then!"

"Well, I'm in!" Phoebe agreed easily…

Slowly, the rest caved.

XXX

--When they emerged from the changing tent, they all had on very unique costumes…

"Awww…" Monica cooed… "Look how cute you look!" she told Chandler as she hugged him…

"Yeah, cute. I look like the joker on a deck of cards!"

"Not joker…" Phoebe corrected… "Jester."

"Whatever."

"So, what are you Pheebs?" Rachel asked…

"A gypsy! Although, that's not what I was in that life… but still… neat, huh?"

Everyone nodded…

"I think I'm supposed to be like royalty or something…" Rachel informed, holding her dress out from her body in display…

"I think I'm supposed to be a wench…" Monica added…

Then they all looked at Ross…

"Yes, yes…" he said very unenthusiastically… "I'm a pirate."

They all started laughing…

"But I refuse to wear the eye patch!" he added, which just made everyone laugh harder…

"Hey! You guys look great!" Joey announced as he entered the tent… "Isn't this great?"

Except for Phoebe, the responses were not enthusiastic…

"Joe, what happens now?" Chandler asked…

"Well, we get to hang at the Faire till I'm up!"

"And when are you 'up'?"

"I have a performance at 1 and 4. The rest of the time, we can just hang out!"

"Like this?" Ross asked, pointing at his costume…

"Yeah!"

"Is there beer here?"

Joey nodded… "Yeah…"

"Ok then…" Ross agreed…

XXX

--"Ok, there are no bathrooms!" Rachel complained as she joined up with everyone after searching for the restroom…

Joey held his hand up, gaining Rachel's attention… "They're over by the ale booth…" he informed… "Those blue building thingies? Porta-potties…"

"By the ale booth… how appropriate…" Chandler added…

"Yes, Joe, I saw those… but those are not bathrooms, those are disgusting!"

Just then an obviously drunk man approached the group… "Who is the owner of this fine wench?"

They all looked at each other for a moment, then looked at him with odd expressions…

"What?" Chandler asked…

The man pointed at Monica… "This fine wench! Who owns her?"

Chandler looked to Monica, then back to the man… "I guess that would be me?"

Monica smacked his arm lightly… "What?" she asked, her voice shrill… "You OWN me?"

Chandler shrugged and stammered uncomfortably…

"I will pay you 25pounds for this fine fiery wench!" the man announced…

"I'm not property you freak!"

"Hey! Chill lady! I'm just getting into character! They used to do that back in the RENAISSANCE! Get it? This is the RENAISSANCE FAIRE!" the man barked, then staggered away…

"He's right you know…" Phoebe interjected… "They did used to do that… buy and sell wenches…" she informed… "But 25pounds? That's way too much! My price was less than half of that when I was sold to this one nobleman… he had the ugliest teeth and he was just horrible in bed!"

They all just looked at Phoebe in disbelief for a moment before moving on…

"I couldn't do that…" Monica stated softly…

"Do what?" Rachel asked…

"Be sold like that! Bought like I was property! I just couldn't do it!"

"Well, when you don't have a choice…" Phoebe commented casually…

"Then it's a good thing slavery was abolished decades ago!" Chandler quipped… "What are you getting so worked up about?"

Monica rolled her eyes and shrugged… "Nothing… it's just… it's degrading! I mean, it must have been degrading. And to be sold to someone who mistreats you! To be in a loveless marriage…"

"Well, sure, that time sucked in comparison to now… what with no TV and all…" Joey reasoned…

"I'm sure there were some men who were nice to the women they bought…" Rachel added…

"But it's not the point!" Monica snapped… "There was still no choice for the woman! She didn't get to say 'No! I don't love you! Don't touch me!'… y'know?"

Chandler wrapped his arm around her and kissed her temple… "Sweetie, relax, ok? The times were different then. But you're here in this time…"

Monica saw the expressions on her friends' faces, realizing how she sounded… "Sorry, it's just… you know how you have like this one thing that's like a nightmare or whatever? And just the thought of that weirds you out?"

They all nodded hesitantly…

"Yeah, well, that's my thing. Being like a sex slave or something…"

That comment made Joey smile…

Monica smacked him… "Joey! That's not a good thing!"

"It is if she's willing!" he replied…

"THAT'S not being a sex slave!" Rachel interjected… "That's PLAYING sex slave!"

"Can we move past this now?" Ross asked… "Let's go get one of those great big turkey legs or something…"

Joey snapped his fingers… "Yeah! Those are great! And right next door they have these little renaissance style beef pies! Very authentic. Oh! And they have snowcones too!"

"Just like the knights used to enjoy before they went out to slay the dragon!" Chandler joked as they all headed for the food court.

XXX

--"Hey, Mon, that looks good!" Chandler looked over at her lunch… "Gimmee a bite…"

"Don't order me around!" Monica snipped back, causing Chandler to look at her with confusion…

"I wasn't… ordering you." He stated quietly… "I was asking you…"

"With a question, your tone goes up at the end. Your tone didn't go up at the end!"

Chandler blinked a few times before replying… "I'm sorry. How's this? Monica, that looks good! Give me a bite??" he repeated, emphasizing the tone at the end.

"Don't mock me!"

"Honey, I'm not mocking you. You're just… you're all caught up on what that guy said… and you're taking it out on me!"

"I'm sorry. You're right… it's just… it's a sore spot with me…"

"How come I never knew that about you?"

"I don't know… maybe cause I never expected you to want to buy or sell me?" she replied defensively…

"I would never want to sell you… I might wanna buy you… if I had the opportunity…"

"And what would you do with me once you… purchased me?"

"I would lavish you with love and attention…"

"Yeah, you say that… but, if you were really in that time period, and you could do anything with your newly-purchased wench…" she dropped the sentence there, looking at him for a reaction…

"I wouldn't abuse you, if that's what you're asking…"

"It's true…" Phoebe added as she overheard their conversation… "In his past life he was just as sweet as he is now!" she patted him on the head, then walked off…

XXX

--"Ok guys, be honest, what did you think of the play?" Joey asked after his 1 o'clock performance…

The group hemmed and hawed, trying to think of a tactful way to answer his question…

"Well, I liked it!" Rachel spoke up, deciding to avoid the truth…

"It was good…" Chandler informed… "But, I think you threw in too many 'th's…"

"That's the way they talked back then! They put 'th's on the end of everything!"

"Ok then!" Chandler relented on his point… "You did great then!"

"Yeah… you really did…" Monica added… "But, you sounded kinda… well… muffled."

"Oh! That's cause of the marbles!"

"Marbles?" Ross asked…

"What marbles?" Phoebe added…

"I put 3 marbles in my mouth… it helps me to talk like they did back then!"

Everyone looked at him in disbelief for a moment, then acknowledged him… "Ok!" "I get it!" "That's great!" "Good idea!"

Joey nodded emphatically… "I know! And now I can put 'Shakespearean actor' on my resume!"

XXX

--Chandler nodded right off to sleep, but Monica had some trouble… her mind was still on what had happened at the faire. She didn't know why it bothered her so much, but the idea of being sold like property… to be used and abused… it just grated on her… and was a bit frightening to comprehend. If she believed in past lives like Phoebe did, she might've thought she had been sold to some horrible man in a past life.

After a lot of tossing and turning, she finally dozed off…

XXX

--Jack and Judy Geller sounded upset to their daughter Monica. She couldn't really hear what was being said, but she could tell by their tone of voice. She knew they wouldn't want to involve her in the situation, whatever the situation was, so she tried to ignore them as she cooked. When their voices went quiet, they appeared a few minutes later…

"Daughter. I need to speak to you…" Jack stated softly…

Monica turned and gave him her full attention… "Aye Father."

"We have a problem, and the solution concerns you."

"Aye…"

"We are in debt. We haven't been able to pay our taxes, and, because we owe much in back taxes… well, if we turn you over to the King, he will forgive the debt. You are to be sold…"

"Sold?"

"Aye. Thou art to be sold to the highest bidder at auction…"

"Father!" Monica shrieked… "You can not do this!"

"I'm sorry, we have no choices." Her Father replied as her Mother cried softly in the corner of the room…

Monica burst into tears and ran from the house…

XXX

--Monica ran quickly to her friend's house, nearing hysteria…

"Monica? What is wrong?" Rachel Green, Monica's dear friend asked as her friend fell into her arms…

"I am to be given to the King… to be sold at auction!" Monica shrieked, sobbing…

"How can this be?"

"Mother and Father owe much in taxes! I am to be given in payment!"

"There is nothing to be done?" Rachel asked, tears falling… "I will never see you again?"

"Nothing can be done. Father already signed me over…"

"When do you depart?"

"Tomorrow."

Rachel gasped… "So soon?"

Monica nodded…

--She was handed over to the King the next day.

XXX

--Monica waited in the wagon along with the 12 other girls and women before the auction started… all of them were crying. Some were sobbing, some were crying silently, Monica was somewhere in between. She felt like her life was ending… she was about to be sold like she was property to a man that would have the legal right to do anything to her that he wanted. The very idea terrified her to her very core.

"Out of the wagon!" the auctioneer ordered, giving the rope they were all tied to a tug. Obediently, they complied, stepping out onto the staging area. The first girl was sold, she had to be dragged off the stage kicking and screaming. The second girl broke down sobbing when she was sold. The third wench was calm, but she seemed in shock. When Monica's turn came, she stood sadly, tears falling as the auctioneer started. She ignored everything, feeling detached from the situation… needing to feel detached from the situation. The auction was over in minutes, and as fast as she was sold, she was taken to her owner.

He was an older man, distinguished and obviously wealthy. He said nothing as he paid for her and took control of the rope, leading her away from the crowd. He helped her into his wagon, then they headed out of town.

--He didn't speak at all as they traveled… luckily, the trip was short. He helped her out of the wagon, then started untying the ropes…

"Should I remove thy ropes, thou will not flee, aye?" That was the first he'd spoken to her…

She nodded.

He finished untying her, then gestured for her to follow him.

"Chandler?" the man called out… "Come hither."

Within a minute, a young man appeared… "Aye?"

"This wench is to be your bride." The man informed… "I purchased her for you this day."

"Discussion of this has become tiresome. I wish to wed in love. I wish not for a loveless marriage."

"To find love, I bestowed upon thee time, but love you did not find. This wench thee shall wed. Speak together and learn of her."

With that he walked out of the room, leaving Monica and Chandler alone.

Monica stood silently, looking down, shaking from fear.

"Pray forgive me..." Chandler apologized… "Determined that I wed, my parents are, their wishes set in stone." He shrugged when she didn't reply… "Praytell m'lady, what be thy name?"

She remained silent. She didn't want to have a conversation with him… she didn't want to be there.

"Aye, I would not wish to speak to thee myself, were I you." Chandler sat down and gestured for her to join him. When she didn't sit down, he tried again… "Please sit with me."

Slowly, she sat down… as far from him as the small room allowed.

"I understand the distress thou must feel… for you to like me, I do not expect…"

She never said a word, but it didn't seem to upset him. He seemed nice, and he seemed patient… but she couldn't help being afraid of him. This was the man that would be allowed to control her completely. He could hurt her, use her, ravish her… all of which was his right. She had decided that she would do whatever her owner demanded of her, but nothing more.

XXX

--The wedding seemed surreal. She was asked if she wanted to take this man to be her lawfully wedded husband, but when she didn't answer, the receipt of sale showing she was owned was produced and her answer was not required. They were immediately sent to a room where they were to consummate their marriage, validating it.

--Monica fully expected Chandler to force himself on her, and the fear she felt threatened to consume her. She felt him staring at her, but she kept her eyes planted firmly on the floor…

"They will seek proof of our consummation…" he told her softly… "I do not ask for anything from you… but pray forgive me for what I am to do now."

He then climbed under the sheets, and she saw movement she didn't exactly understand. Discreetly, she watched him, his facial expressions were curious to her. He stopped moving and slowly opened his eyes, looking to her, panting…

"With a touch of thine own blood, the illusion is complete…"

He took his knife and made a small cut on his finger, dripping blood on the bed… then he swirled it around with another substance that Monica didn't recognize.

"To them, the marriage will appear valid…" he informed her… she didn't respond. "It more-so appears that I speak to thyself when thou doth not respond…" he sighed, muttering to himself… "Tatter thy clothing, to lead them to believe I took thee by force as my wife."

She was reluctant, but when he smiled and turned his back, she did as he asked. She cleared her throat when she was done, getting his attention. He turned back and looked her up and down…

"Your beauty still shines forth even in this disheveled state." He complimented her, then went to the door, opening it slowly and peeking out. He was immediately approached by his Father and a priest…

Monica kept her head hung low as the priest verified the validity of the marriage. He then turned to Chandler's father and nodded…

With that, they were allowed to leave.

XXX

--Months went by, and even though she did maintain the house and cook for him, she was far from wifely. He was always pleasant with her, he was never cross and he never lost his temper… he brought her roses, and beautiful candles of his own making, but still she did not speak to him.

Then one day, Chandler confronted the issue…

"Be aware, I understand your misery! Your feelings for me are clear… but as I try with effort to show you kindness, you only neglect me in return! I know not the sound of your voice!" He sighed, running his hands through his hair, then continued… "Am I to be thought an ogre or a cruel husband?" his voice was soft and not at all threatening… "Perchance to hear your voice in conversation… is this too much to ask of a wife?"

There was a long pause before she answered… "Nay…"

He looked up at her abruptly, and she immediately turned away…

"Pardon?" he asked, hoping she would repeat herself…

"Nay. What you ask of me is not unjust." she replied, her voice so quiet it was almost a whisper.

He smiled… "Thank you." He stared at her for a moment before walking away.

She watched him leave, the slight tug on her heart made her smile without her knowing consent.

XXX

--Things improved slightly after that. She started speaking to him, but only when he asked questions. She never offered more than he asked for. At first the questions were simple… but as the weeks went by, they got more complex. Sometimes her answers would dodge the question, but usually she answered truthfully and straightforward.

--"Dearest wife? How did it come to pass that you should be sent to auction?"

She dutifully served his meal as she answered his question… "My parents owed a great debt. Taxes past due. I was given to the King to settle the debt."

"Were you of noble birth?"

"Aye."

"I thought as much. Your poise is that of noble breeding." He watched her as she busied herself with her kitchen duties… "Have you any siblings?"

"Aye. One brother. Ross."

"And, where might thy brother be?"

"In a town not far from my parent's house. He married before I came to be with you."

He nodded… "Had you any friends?"

"Aye. Rachel Green."

"Green? Daughter of Leonard and Sandra Green?"

"Aye."

"A very noble family."

She just shrugged.

"Have you ever been in love?"

"Nay."

"Shakespeare speaks of a love so grand… I wonder if such a love exists…"

Monica looked up abruptly at him, the look on her face showing great interest in that comment…

"You like Shakespeare?" he asked…

"Aye."

"Which of his works does thou like?"

"Romeo and Juliet."

He smiled at her… "Verily, a poignant love story."

She nodded. Her eyes never leaving his…

"So, you can read?"

"Aye."

"I shall get thee books then."

She smiled, her eyes dancing with excitement… "Thank you."

He nodded… "You have a beautiful smile."

She looked away shyly, dropping the smile… "Thank you, Sir."

"Pray dearest wife, address me as Chandler."

She only nodded in response.

XXX

--A few days later…

"Dearest wife, I have news of great surprise for thee…" Chandler informed as he entered the kitchen where she was cooking…

"What news does thou bring?" she asked…

"We are to be taking a trip."

"A trip to where?"

"To the house of your parents!"

Her smile grew wide and she threw his arms around him… "Thank you Sir! Thank you!"

"Chandler." He corrected her… "Monica, address me as Chandler."

She nodded as she pulled away sheepishly…

XXX

--The ride to her parents house took several hours, but the trip was far from tedious. They discussed Shakespeare's works, they talked about her family, and her enthusiasm for both was obvious.

When they arrived at her parent's house, Chandler helped her off the wagon, then she was gone in a flash, running towards the house. Jack and Judy were surprised to see their daughter, only hearing rumors of what family she had married into.

"Mother! Father!" Monica yelled as she threw her arms around her parents… "I have missed thee so very much!"

"Monica! We thought we were to never see you again!" Ross, her brother exclaimed as he joined them in the hug… "Are you well?"

She started to cry, but not out of fear or sadness… "Aye. I am well…"

Just then her parents and brother's attention went to Chandler, looking just slightly worried till he smiled warmly and extended his hand to her father…

"Chandler Bing… Monica's husband."

Jack shook his hand, then looked to Ross…

Ross then extended his hand, shaking hands with Chandler… "Pardon me!" he apologized, gesturing to the woman standing beside him… "May I present Carol Geller. My wife."

Hugs and handshakes went all around, then silence fell.

"I shall go and announce your arrival to Rachel…" Ross told Monica, motioning in the direction of the Green residence…

XXX

--"So…" Rachel started, once her and Monica were alone… "Tell me of Chandler…"

"Chandler is a kind husband…"

"Is he truly? This makes my heart glad, for I was worried about you…"

"Were thee truly?"

"Aye! There was fear in my mind that a troll of a man would purchase you!"

"Fear was also in my mind that such a thing would happen."

"Tell me truthfully of your marital consummation."

Monica wanted to tell her the truth, but if it ever got out that her marriage to Chandler was not valid by the act of consummation, she could be taken from him. She felt she had to hide the truth… "Ladies do not speak of such things." She dodged the question… "And when will be your wedding day?"

"I was arranged to Barry Finkle, but he was killed." Rachel informed…

"My sympathies to you!"

"Thank you. All is not lost, for I am to be wed in little time from this day, to Joseph Tribiani!"

"His name I have not heard."

"He is a wealthy and known in the arts. And verily handsome…" Rachel giggled…

"Tis good news then!"

"With certainty!" Rachel agreed… "Now, praytell to me, was it frightening on the auction block?"

Monica didn't find out till later, but Chandler had approached unnoticed and overheard Rachel's question… then listened in on the answer…

"Aye. Truly. All to be auctioned were crying… as was I. It was all very distressing… and humiliating…"

"Monica?" Chandler made his presence known… "Your Mother would like for you to be present in her kitchen…"

Monica immediately stood and moved quickly to the kitchen…

XXX

--They ate before they left, and Monica cried as she said goodbye to her family and friend…

"I will miss you all…" she whimpered, wiping her eyes…

"Mayhaps we will be able to return for a visit." Chandler responded, putting his arm around her…

She nodded, and they climbed up into the wagon… she waved as they pulled away…

XXX

--"Did you enjoy your visit?" he asked after a long hour of silence…

"Aye." She replied in a whisper…

"Yet you are sad…"

"Nay…"

"Monica, your eyes show sadness as does your voice…" he asserted…

"My apologies, Sir…"

"Apologies be not needed… for I understand your mind." he soothed… "My apologies to you, for the sadness you suffer…"

"Pardon?"

"I overheard you speaking to your friend."

She remained quiet, too nervous to respond…

"You need not worry, I am not cross…" he assured her… "I am glad to have you as my wife… but I am with sorrow that you came to be whilst under such duress."

"Thank you ss--" she started to say 'sir', but she stopped herself… "Thank you Chandler."

He smiled sweetly… "Thou art welcome."

XXX

--As time progressed, Monica opened up more and more to Chandler, slowly realizing that he was a good, kind man with no intention of hurting her. They read books together and spent time together, but even with as close as they were getting, the marriage remained unconsummated. The rumors were starting to spread that she was unable to give Chandler a child, and when the news traveled to his father's ears, his father paid Chandler and Monica a visit… with a midwife…

"This be Phoebe Buffay, a midwife in good standing…" Chandler's father informed… "She is to examine your wife to check for pregnancy."

Monica looked worriedly to Chandler before walking with the midwife into hers and Chandler's bedroom…

--"This will not hurt…" Phoebe assured Monica, then instructed her into the position she needed her to be in.

She was wrong, the exam did hurt, but Monica guessed it was because she had not yet had sex with Chandler… or anyone…

"M'lady, you are not pregnant…" Phoebe informed… "And, this marriage be not valid."

The look that crossed Monica's face was that of sheer terror, and Phoebe smiled in return…

"You need not worry. I have not the intention of informing your husband's Father of this."

"Pardon?"

"I understand the position thou has been placed in. If your husband has put forth effort to conceal this fact, I will not intrude."

"Thank you."

"Nay, gratitude be not needed…"

--"Why is she not yet with child?" Charles asked his son, sounding cross… Phoebe just looked on…

"I know not." Chandler lied…

"If she is barren, you are to petition for a divorce, so that thou may wed a lady capable of giving you a child."

"Nay, Father, I do not wish for a different wife. This wife is fine…" He hesitated before continuing… "She is dutiful and enjoyable… she will be with child soon enough…" He promised…

"Your wishes I will respect, but 'soon' better be just that, or I will beseech upon thee to consider taking a new wife!"

He left like he came, in a huff, with Phoebe following behind… and Monica looked at Chandler with teary eyes…

"Monica, you need not worry…" he consoled her… "I have not the desire to force you to lay with me…"

"I know…" she whispered… "My tears do not fall from fear of you…"

"Then, why do your tears fall?" he asked compassionately…

"My fear is that I am to be taken from you." She confided… "The midwife knew…"

"Knew of what?"

"That we have not been together as husband and wife."

"Why did she not speak of this?"

She shrugged… "To respect your wishes…" she summed it up simply… "What if she speaks of this to your Father? He will take me from you!"

"With my word of honor I promise you now… you will not be taken from me."

XXX

--As the days came and went, Monica became increasingly worried that Chandler's father would take her away from him. As much as she hated being owned like property, she was also smart enough to know that she could have worse owners. Chandler was kind and sweet and patient. If she were taken from him, she could be sold to a horrible man who might abuse her. The idea terrified her.

--"I see sadness in your eyes this day…" Chandler observed… "What is wrong?"

"Nothing." Monica replied quietly…

"Tell me please."

Against her will, tears started to fall, and she wiped at them, hoping he wouldn't see… but he did…

He got up and walked to her… "Mon? Pray tell, why art thou sad? Speak of your sorrow so that I may help thee…" he pleaded…

"I am afraid." She whispered…

"Afraid of what?"

"I have fear of being taken from thee and sold as a slave."

"I spoke to you, my promise true… you will remain my wife. Have trust in me."

"I trust thee… but, if I do not become with child, your Father spoke of--"

"My Father speaks of a lot of things. You need not worry."

She looked up at him and gulped the air, partially out of breath from crying, partially because of a reason she didn't quite comprehend… "Why does thou keep me?"

"Pardon?"

"With this marriage not valid, you could purchase a new wife… a wife that will… 'be with you', yet, you keep me. Why?"

"I like you." He smiled… "You are beautiful and dutiful and--"

"Enjoyable?" she interrupted…

His smile dropped, but returned a moment later… "Aye. I enjoy your company. Is that so bad?"

"Nay. I think it not bad. I too enjoy your company."

"Good." He touched her face, lightly brushing her cheek with his thumb… "I will not speak a falsehood, my hope is that one day we will validate this marriage…" he smiled when she started to tremble… "But I will not force you. When thou art ready, I will be also." He kissed his finger, then touched his finger to her lips, smiling. Without saying anything further, he walked away.

She felt something in that moment… what that something was, she wasn't sure. Her heart was beating fast, and she felt an odd sensation rush through her. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and went back to tending to the chores.

XXX

--Days had passed since Chandler and Monica's conversation… the conversation that left her shaking, her mind reeling with thoughts that confused her…

"Mon? My shirt is in need of mending…" he called to her, appearing a moment later with shirt in hand.

She looked up to see Chandler looking over his shirt, wearing nothing but his trousers. Her heart leapt, and she involuntarily gasped at the sight of him. She had seen him shirtless at least a dozen times… why now was she affected this way?

He looked up at her, an expression of concern on his face… "Is something wrong?"

She bowed her head… "Nay."

His expression changed to that of curiosity… "If thou art certain…" he told her, holding his shirt out for her to take… "The rip is here…" he added, pointing it out.

"I will tend to it with haste." she replied, taking the shirt.

--She could sense him watching her, and knowing he was made her fidget nervously.

"You are certain that all is well?" he asked again…

She wanted him to stop asking her that. She wasn't 'ok', she was property. He owned her… he didn't care about her… she was just his belonging. She refused to like him. She tried to force herself to feel anger for him, but it wasn't working. She had a very determined look on her face as she finished her task…

"Done." She stated simply, handing him the shirt…

"Thank you." He replied, reaching for his newly mended shirt… but when their hands touched…

She startled at the contact, and her eyes flew to find his, staring into the blue depths.

"Dearest?" he questioned her expression, his voice full of compassion…

She didn't know what made her do it, but she reached out and touched his chest. His eyes closed and he swooned slightly, widening his stance to keep from falling.

Sensations bombarded her… she didn't know what to do… what to say… she felt lost.

He opened his eyes and searched hers for a moment, then slowly leaned in, touching his lips to hers.

In that moment, all fear and frustration left her mind. She threw her arms around his neck and melted into his kiss.

He pulled back and looked at her, her eyes showing a myriad of emotions…

"You lead Monica…" he whispered… "Whatever we do, it is your decision…"

She wasn't sure what she wanted to do, but she knew she wanted to touch him, and have him touch her. She quickly worked the ties on her bodice… he just watched her as she removed her clothing, her eyes rarely leaving his. When she had removed every stitch of clothing, she wrapped her arms around his neck once more and initiated their second kiss.

"I want you as I am…" she whispered as he kissed her neck… "Without clothes…"

He gently pulled away and removed his trousers, then returned to her embrace.

"Speak to me of what you desire…" he whispered in her ear as he kissed it…

"I know not for certain… just touch me…"

He ran his hands over her body, touching her everywhere… she felt intoxicated. She never wanted the feeling to end…

"I must hear it from your lips, Monica… I will not force you…"

She gathered her courage, taking a deep breath before answering… "Take me as your wife." she whispered…

XXX

--Monica woke abruptly to the feelings of being caressed. She sat up and looked around in confusion…

"I'm sorry…" Chandler apologized… "I couldn't help but touch you…"

She looked around their room, then back at Chandler… "I just had the strangest dream!"

"Yeah?" he asked as he sat up with her… "What about?"

"We lived back in the renaissance time… and Mom and Dad owed all these taxes, so they gave me to the King to sell… to pay their debt. And then the king had me sold…" she smiled before continuing… "And guess who bought me?"

Chandler couldn't help but smile… "Hmmm… let's see… Joey?"

She glared jokingly… "No!"

"Me?" he asked as he started kissing her neck…

"Yep. And they made me marry you…"

"Made you, huh?"

"Yeah. And I was so determined to hate you, I didn't realize I was falling in love with you…"

"And I of course fell in love with you…"

"Yep. And we just kept getting closer and closer… till finally…" she trailed off, deep in thought…

"Till finally…?"

"We didn't consummated the marriage… and you said you wouldn't force me to… and you didn't! But when the time came, you said that I had to lead…"

"Mmmm…" he hummed, a wide smile on his face… "And…?"

"And… I did…"

"Then…?"

"Then… I woke up."

He chuckled… "Bummer!"

"Yeah. It was turning into a nice little moment…"

"Well, if you want, I could help you… recreate it…" he purred as he started kissing her again…

"It had to be cause of all that stuff at the Faire… about buying wenches…"

"Yeah… that would be my guess…"

XXX

--"It had to be cause of what that drunk guy said to me at the Faire…" Monica summed up her dream to everyone as they kicked back at Central Perk…

"Ever notice how drunk guys seem to always say something to set you off?" Joey asked, referring to the drunk guy who mistook Monica for Ross' mom in London…

Monica threw him a look before continuing… "It was just a really weird dream! And everyone was in it! You were there…" she pointed at Chandler… "And you were there…" she pointed at Rachel… "And you were there…" she pointed at Ross…

"Yes, Dorothy, but you're back in Kansas now with your little dog Toto…" Chandler quipped, getting glared at by Monica…

"Ha, ha. I'm just saying… it was unlike any other dream I've ever had!"

"That's cause it wasn't exactly a dream…" Phoebe interjected, causing everyone to turn and look at her… "It was more…" she clarified… "It was a glimpse into your past life…"

"What?"

"Yeah! Well, it was partially colored by your knowledge of this life… and the names weren't right. But, basically, that's pretty much what happened to you in that life."

"Phoebe…" Ross inquired… "How do you know that?"

"Duh! Cause I was there!"

"Phoebe… are you trying to say we've known each other in past lives?" Monica asked…

"Yeah. Our paths have actually crossed a few times!" she announced… "Well, except for Joey…" she added… "He's new."

"Well, ok, so what other stories can you tell us? What other time eras have we been in?" Rachel asked…

"Oh, well, that would take way too long…" Phoebe stated… "We'll save those stories for another time…"

To be continued…

The One With All The Past Lives

Chapter One…

Renaissance Era

By: Jana~

XXX

--"It had to be cause of what that drunk guy said to me at the Faire…" Monica summed up her dream to everyone as they kicked back at Central Perk…

"Ever notice how drunk guys seem to always say something to set you off?" Joey asked, referring to the drunk guy who mistook Monica for Ross' mom in London…

Monica threw him a look before continuing… "It was just a really weird dream! And everyone was in it! You were there…" she pointed at Chandler… "And you were there…" she pointed at Rachel… "And you were there…" she pointed at Ross…

"Yes, Dorothy, but you're back in Kansas now with your little dog Toto…" Chandler quipped, getting glared at by Monica…

"Ha, ha. I'm just saying… it was unlike any other dream I've ever had!"

"That's cause it wasn't exactly a dream…" Phoebe interjected, causing everyone to turn and look at her… "It was more…" she clarified… "It was a glimpse into your past life…"

"What?"

"Yeah! Well, it was partially colored by your knowledge of this life… and the names weren't right. But, basically, that's pretty much what happened to you in that life."

"Phoebe…" Ross inquired… "How do you know that?"

"Duh! Cause I was there!"

"Phoebe… are you trying to say we've known each other in past lives?" Monica asked…

"Yeah. Our paths have actually crossed a few times!" she announced… "Well, except for Joey…" she added… "He's new."

"Well, ok, so what other stories can you tell us? What other time eras have we been in?" Rachel asked…

"Oh, well, that would take way too long…" Phoebe stated… "We'll save those stories for another time…"

"Well… ok, then, tell us more about Monica's dream!" Rachel requested… "What happened after she told Chandler to take her as his wife?"

Ross scoffed… "She couldn't possibly know what happened next…"

"Oh, on the contrary Mr. Doubty-Pants! I do know what happened next!" Phoebe exclaimed, preparing to fill in the rest of the tale…

XXX

--She gathered her courage, taking a deep breath before answering… "Take me as your wife." she whispered…

Chandler smiled and scooped her into his arms, carrying her to their bedchamber. He laid her gently on the bed, lying beside her a moment later. He kissed her neck and shoulder, down her arm, across to her breast. He had never been with a woman before, but somehow instinct took over, and he found himself touching and kissing his beautiful wife in ways that made her moan and sigh with pleasure. The sounds she made were intoxicating, like he'd had several pints of ale coursing through his body. He adored her with his hands and lips, brushing both softly across her trembling body…

"Thou art trembling…" he whispered…

"Aye, but not from fear." She replied, a slight smile crossing her lips.

He smiled in return and leaned forward, kissing her lips softly at first, but then passion took over, and his kisses became more fervent. His kisses trailed lower till he reached one of her taut nipples, licking it, encircling it with his tongue before drawing it into his mouth. That action caused a very remarkable reaction in Monica that Chandler quickly responded to, his head spinning. He quickly crossed to the other breast… the other nipple… giving it equal treatment.

"My head spins as if drunk on ale…" Chandler informed softly…

"As does mine…" she admitted. "Thy hands touch me in fantastic ways…"

"Thy existence has touched me in fantastic ways." He leaned in to kiss her lips again… whispering against them: "Place thy hands upon me."

"I know not how."

He took her hand gently in his as he broke their kiss… "May I?" he asked, holding her hand up and kissing the knuckles gently…

She nodded… and he smiled as he took her hand and placed it around his erection. Her hand on him caused his eyes to snap shut as a soft moan escaped his lips… she shuddered at his reaction. Trembling with desire, he slowly moved his hand with hers, instructing her movements, then he removed his hand. He watched as she brought him closer and closer to the brink, knowing it wouldn't be much longer. Aware that she probably had no clue as to what was about to happen, he decided to warn her…

"Monica… I am nearing conclusion." He whispered hoarsely… "Do you understand what that means?"

She just looked at him blankly, and her expression told him she didn't.

"I should have readied you…" he whispered, grabbing for the sheets to cover himself. The action caused Monica to stop, but he shook his head… "Do not stop."

She continued as she had before, watching him closely…

"I do not want for what is about to happen to scare you…" he told her gently… "Continue till I ask of thee to stop…" he instructed… "Later, I shall explain…"

She nodded timidly. When his orgasm hit, he shuddered and moaned softly, his facial expression odd. Monica felt her hand becoming wet and taken aback, she started to slow her movements…

"Please…" he whispered to her… "Do not stop."

She picked up the pace till he asked her to stop, then she removed her hand from underneath the sheets and looked at it.

"Pray forgive me…" he apologized… "For I should have warned thee." He took her hand and wiped it with the sheet… "My eagerness did cloud my mind." He smiled at her and kissed her lips softly before pulling her to him, holding her tightly… "Tell me so that I might know… what do you know of consummation?"

"My knowledge is slight…" she admitted… "Rachel, however, has shared some of her wisdom…"

"What lore has she shared?"

She suddenly became very embarrassed and remained silent. He could tell she was nervous about explaining what she knew, so he took the conversation forward…

"How do I explain of such things…" he mumbled aloud… "During consummation… a certain conclusion a man does reach. Within thy body upon such conclusion, a baby might be created. If not within you… a mess be the consequence." He chuckled slightly when she chuckled… then after a few moments pause, he kissed her temple… "Be thee fair?"

"Aye." She whispered… "However…" she trailed off…

"However… ??" he encouraged her to finish her thought…

"Well, this marriage still be not valid… aye?"

"Aye. Tis true."

"So, now what is to happen?"

"I wanted to be… satiated… before…" he hesitated as he thought about how to phrase his thoughts… "Did thy friend happen to tell thee… if still a virgin, consummation… can be… painful?"

She nodded against his chest…

"I wanted my desires to be quenched somewhat before our union… so as not to hurt you. Please know…" he clarified… "I do not wish to hurt thee. However, with an appetite so strong, my will might be weak." When she didn't respond, he held her tighter… "Have you changed your mind?"

"Nay." Her voice trembled, and he knew she was now afraid. He'd waited too long… her desire faded as he recovered, and fear entered her mind in its place.

"Be not afraid, for I will not force thee. If thy heart has changed, then I shall not take thee as my wife. However, know this… I do not wish to cause you pain. I cannot make a promise of no pain… still, I can promise gentle love and true affection."

"I want to be with you as a wife should be." She replied softly…

"Be not with me as my wife because you think you should…" he told her… "Be with me only if desire does dwell within your heart."

"Tis desire that dwells within my heart…" she whispered… "And within my body as well…"

He turned and propped himself up on his elbow, looking kindly into her frightened eyes before leaning forward and kissing her softly. As he felt her respond, he deepened the kiss. He ran his hand slowly across her perfect form, bringing her hunger back to the surface of her mind and body. With delicate pressure he rolled her responding nipple between his thumb and forefinger, then moved to the other taut nipple, playing with it as well before taking it into his mouth. He kissed and teased her with his mouth and tongue… with his hands and fingers, her moans of pleasure affecting him greatly. When he felt she was ready for him, he gently parted her legs and positioned himself between them. He rubbed her thighs, moving in circular motions with his thumbs across her skin… closer and closer to her pudendum. She gasped a little every time he seemed to get closer, then he'd pull away a little before advancing further. He was teasing her. The more he teased, the more she wanted him. The more she wanted him, the less it would hurt. When his thumb reached her clitoris, she nearly bolted upright at the sensation…

"Ssshhh…" he hushed her… "Tis fine. Relax."

He continued manipulating the ultra-sensitive area, bringing her nearly to the brink, then he slowed his movements greatly. With his index finger he touched her opening, then slowly slipped it inside. She reacted favorably, so he moved his finger around inside her, allowing her body to adjust to the sensation before his middle finger joined his index. After feeling her moisture and sensing she was ready, he removed his fingers and positioned himself at her opening, leaning forward to kiss her lips softly…

"I love thee Monica." He whispered, then slowly started to enter her. She gasped and her body tensed, so he stopped all movement with the exception of his thumb on her clit. When he felt her relax, he pushed forward again cautiously, watching her face for signs of discomfort. When his further advance was impeded by her hymen, he gathered her into his arms and held her tight to him. He knew he would have to thrust to break through, and he knew it would hurt her to do so. Guiltily, he apologized for his upcoming actions…

"I am so sorry…" he whispered in her ear as he kissed it gingerly… "Forgiveness I pray…"

Without giving her a chance to respond, he thrust forward, breaking through her barrier. She gasped and winced and tried to pull away, but he held her tight…

"I am sorry, Monica… I am so sorry. Please, forgive me…" He begged in a whisper, ceasing all motion so as to cause her no further discomfort. "Please, do not pull from my arms, for my actions were necessary. Let me love thee. Let me soothe thy pain."

She stopped squirming as she regained her breath, allowing his arms to hold her and comfort her. Soon, she was holding him back with desperate need, needing to feel him as close to her as possible.

"I love thee…" he repeated several times as he kissed her face and lips… "Relax…" he instructed… "Trust me…"

She tried to relax, but it was hard. Slowly, his hand drifted down between them and he was rubbing her again, bringing warm tingly feelings to replace the pain. When he felt her relax, he began moving slowly within her. A few odd facial expressions told of how the pain was still subsiding, but soon she was only showing signs of pleasure and enjoyment. His pace quickened as their urges swelled, and soon she was overcome with the most amazing sensation she'd ever experienced. She moaned as her body shook with release, and just seeing her reaction brought about Chandler's release a moment later.

He slowed to a stop, then rolled off her and gathered her in his arms, kissing her hair lovingly… "Pray forgive me for the pain I did cause thee." He apologized again… "Strong was thy barrier."

"I forgive thee…" she whispered… "For the pain was brief…" she trailed off…

"Was it pleasurable for you?"

"Verily. I never knew such a feeling to exist."

"Nor did I." He admitted.

She pulled back to look at him… "On our wedding night…" she questioned him… "You did to yourself what I did this day… aye?"

"Aye. Tis true… I did. Only, the feeling of my hand in comparison to your hand… your body… be there greatly a difference."

"Will there be pain for me each time we join?"

"Nay. The first time only…"

"Will there be pleasure each time?"

He smiled… "Aye. Tis my duty as husband to please thee…"

"Tis my duty as thy wife to please thee..." She smiled back… "To cook, and sew, and mend, and bear children…"

"Aye. And tis I who does bring thee food to cook, and cloth with which to sew, and pleasure as we join to create a life…" he retorted, kissing her with great affection.

"Mayhaps our union this day will bring forth to us a child."

"Mayhaps." He agreed… "If not, then there be a chance next morrow." He smirked suggestively…

"And the morrow thereafter." She added…

"Aye." He kissed her temple… "I love thee, Monica."

"I love thee, Chandler."

His expression showed surprise… "That is the first time you have spoken those words to me."

She smiled shyly and looked away… "May I be honest with thee?"

"Always…"

"I did not want to love thee. Nor did I even want to like thee."

"Why?"

"Because, you own me…" she whispered nervously…

"Dearest… I only own thee on parchment. To think of you as property, I do not. I do not wish for thee to feel as property."

"Not always do I feel as such. Sometimes, however, I remind thyself… then sadness fills me greatly. My wish was to hate thee, but hate thee I could not. You have never given me reason…"

"I could never treat thee poorly…"

"And you never have. You have always treated me verily well… still, I wanted to hate thee."

"You had good reason to hate me… still, be aware, I am sorry for the pain within thy heart…"

"Such pain within my heart exists no longer. How I came to be as thy wife I would not wish on friend nor enemy... twas a greatly humiliating experience. However, twas fate that brought me to auction, I do believe."

"I believe it to be fate as well."

"When did you know that it was love in your heart?"

"At the moment my eyes fell upon thee, and my heart beat faster, I knew I did care deeply. Then, at the moment my ears heard thy voice firstly, that be when I knew for certain."

"I knew for certain the day you took me to the house of my parents. Such a kind thing, you need not have done."

"I wanted to. I wanted to make thee happy…"

"You did… you do still. I never thought such a love would find me…"

"The grand and perfect love Shakespeare does speak about."

"Aye. Proof of such a love dwells within my heart."

"In thine own heart as well." He sat up and kissed her lips… "Pray forgive me, for I must go. There be much work to attend to."

"Aye. And for me as well."

"However, dearest wife, I will return home with haste… home to be in thy arms."

She smiled at his words and he kissed her one last time before leaving the bed and dressing to leave.

XXX

--Six weeks later, Chandler sent for his father and midwife, the possibility of Monica being pregnant apparent one week prior.

"You have summoned me, with request that I bring with me the midwife in good standing…" his father announced as he entered their house… "Mayhaps thy wife is now with child?"

"Aye Father, tis verily possible." Chandler replied, his smile wide.

Monica grasped his hand and he squeezed gently in support…

"Come along m'lady…" the midwife instructed… "The exam shan't take long."

--Quietly Phoebe examined Monica, a slight smile following the conclusion…

"Well?" Monica asked anxiously… "Am I with child?"

"This news I must first tell thy husband…" she explained… "Then he may tell thee in his time." Then she smiled and gathered her belongings… "Wait here m'lady."

--Chandler paced as his father prattled on about Monica giving him a grandson… and when Phoebe entered the main room, Chandler stopped dead in his tracks…

"Well?" he asked nervously…

"M'lord… thy wife is with child."

Chandler jumped at the news, hugging his father before realizing his father was not an affectionate man…

"Forgive me…" he told him simply, then turned to Phoebe… "Where is my wife?"

"Waiting for thee m'lord." She pointed at the bedroom.

Chandler rushed in, the sound of the door causing Monica to spin around…

"Well?" she asked as he slowly approached…

He nodded and scooped her into his arms… "Thou art with child!" He spun around with her several turns before setting her back on her feet and kissing her sweetly… "Be thee as happy as I?"

"Verily! And more so I think! A little life grows within me… the result of our love…"

"Monica… I love thee more than my meager words could convey."

"It is those words of which you call meager that verily express thy kind and true love."

Chandler sighed… "I know not of what I did to please God, for my blessings be great!"

"Aye. My mind does have similar thoughts…"

XXX

"Then what happened?" Rachel asked Phoebe as all the gang sat around leisurely at Central Perk…

"She had a son…" Phoebe informed… "And 3 others after that. One died in infancy… one died in battle when he was 23… I think."

"How could you possibly know all this?" Ross asked skeptically… "Even if you were there… how could you know so many intimate details?"

"I was her midwife for all 4 of her pregnancies. We became friends. Friends share details." Phoebe smirked as she sipped her tea…

"What happened to them? Chandler and Monica?" Joey asked, engrossed in the story…

"They were happily married till Chandler died… I think he was in his 60s. Monica never remarried. Died of a broken heart 2 years later…"

"Wow." Monica sighed… "Even if that's not true… what a great story!"

"Oh, it's true!" Phoebe assured…

"Well, tell us another story about our past lives!" Joey requested eagerly…

"Ok… but later. Tonight… at dinner…"

"I'll cook!" Monica interjected…

"Oooo… great!" Rachel chirped excitedly… "I'll bring the wine!"

"We have to bring stuff?" Joey whined…

Chandler patted his shoulder and shook his head… "No, Joe, you don't have to bring anything."

Monica looked at her watch… "Ok, so, tonight at what? Say… six?"

"Sounds good…" and other various replies followed as they got up and headed out the door…

To be continued?

Author's Note:

There was another chapter after this one, that takes place in the latter 1800's… if people are interested, I can post it as well.

Please review! And MTLBYAKY