Disclaimer: We are working tirelessly to free Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, but as far was we know they are still enslaved by J.K. Rowling and Time Warner.
Warnings: Wigged out werewolves, scantily clad women, and veiled references to really (coughs) different fanfics.
A/N: The entirety of this chapter takes place at the Age of Chivalry, a Renaissance Faire that has been hosted in Las Vegas since 1993. We have taken a bit of artistic license and set the faire a lot later in October than when it's usually held.
Chapter 19: Wolves two for a penny…
Remus growled and clenched his fists as he gazed up at Kate on stage. She was gorgeous, absolutely ravishing and had no business looking like that in public, he thought angrily. He was desperately wishing she was still wearing the outfit she had on this morning. For Gods sake, yoga pants and a t-shirt were downright conservative compared to what she was wearing now. It hugs every curve. And her hair it's so long, it's quite nice really. I would love to just…It is totally inappropriate for this venue. Not to mention, she's wearing make-up like some common tart... though it is quite flattering and it does bring out a wild quality about her eyes. By Gods, she looks like bleeding Salome. Why doesn't she just come out starkers with a sign saying 'free to a good harem'?
Jack bit back a laugh at the look of horror on Remus's face. Kate wasn't showing much really, in fact, he'd seen nuns in fewer layers. Looking around the audience at women clad in everything from full Elizabethan Court dress to Xena costumes, she seemed to be quite conservative and ladylike. No cleavage showing, no leg showing, just the silhouette of her form clad in layers of silk, velvet and brocade, which was enough to send the prudish professor over the edge.
Kate turned to the audience and smiled. She was wearing a very conservative tribal belly dance costume with a full red velvet Ghawazee coat with a high line collar, black harem pants, and layered red skirts.
"Good morning, it is wonderful to see you all here at the third Renaissance Festival to be held in the Vegas valley.", she announced to the spectators, who had come to the festival to take part in a historical and mythical recreation gone mad. The crowd of wizards and muggles erupted into cheers. She lifted her arms to silence the crowd and continued. "My name is Durga, I'm the belly dance instructor for the Isis-Kali studio in Indian Springs." There was a scattering of applause in the audience. "We will be bringing you three routines today, two troupe pieces and a solo so I hope you enjoy what we have to offer this afternoon." Kate looked offstage for a moment and thirteen women in similar costumes filed on to the stage to the sound of catcalls and wolf whistles from the audience.
Kate signaled the musicians to start the music and the troupe began a simple Greek wedding dance to the song "Nina Ni Nigh" The group moved in fluid, graceful movements through the dance and as it ended the ensemble bowed in unison. After waiting for applause, eight of the dances exited off the stage.
The remaining dancers removed their Ghawazee coats to reveal choli tops, backless midriff blouses that are cut low in the front. Remus shifted uncomfortably in his seat, confronted with the sight of Kate's exposed cleavage, back and midriff in front of a crowd of forty people. He growled the word "mine" as a muggle man walked close to the stage and snapped Kate's picture.
Sirius on the other hand was quite pleased at the display of feminine wiles, and scanned the group for familiar faces. He pointed to a dancer next to Kate. "Hey! Paige is up there.", he said with a bright smile, which quickly faded as he noticed the death glares Remus was sending some bloke clad in poorly recreated robes in the front row.
Remus and Sirius watched as the group donned zills and the music started. The song was a flirty call and response piece with a bouncy rhythm. The dancers teased the audience with their skirts and placed a high emphasis on hip movements and shoulder shimmies. Remus dug his nails into the palm of his hand and let out a pained whimpered, causing Jack to smile.
Sirius smiled as well but for different reasons. His gaze was focused on Paige. I've got to get a private show sometime, thought as Paige undulated in time with the music.
The music stopped and the troupe exited the stage with a graceful bow. Paige whispered something to Kate and took the stage again, raising her hands to get the audience's attention. "So did you guys like that?", she asked the crowd, who answered with ziggreets, applause, huzzahs and catcalls. Paige laughed at their reaction. "Good to hear. To be perfectly honest, I'm just up her stalling until our final act finishes her costume change. But if you would like information about classes or Middle Eastern dance feel free to ask any of our troupe after the show." Paige looked off stage and saw the signal that Kate was ready. "So with no further ado, Durga!!"
A figure fully wrapped in a black silk veil stepped through the crowd onto the stage as the opening of "Ojos Asi" started. As the introduction ended, the veil dropped revealing Kate in a red choli vest that was pulled around a black and gold coin bra, red and black harem pants and a tribal skirt with a matching coin belt. She began dancing to the fast rhythm twisting and turning her body and veil with the music. Remus's eyes narrowed and he bared his teeth in a feral snarl.
Sirius tugged on his sleeve getting his attention and shook his head. The music sped up again and Kate dropped her veil offstage focusing on intricate locks and shimmies. Remus's mouth dropped open and snapped shut. He moved to stand up but he was pushed back down by Jack and Sirius, who held him there.
As music neared its climax and Kate entered a spin sending her skirts up and revealing the long slit in her semi-transparent harem pants. Remus whimpered and struggled against the two men. When the music hit its climax, Kate performed a perfect Turkish drop causing her to lay on the stage in a position similar to a backbend with her head facing the audience, her shoulders flat on the stage and her hips slightly elevated . Remus started violently struggling against Sirius and Jack. He growled "mine" over and over again, slowing getting louder.
In three deft movements, Kate was on her feet again. She gave a quick spin and hurried offstage to change. Paige thanked the crowd as Jack and Sirius dragged Remus through the teaming mass of people.
Sirius patted Remus's back. "Calm down, it wasn't anything…"
Remus interrupted "Wasn't anything?! Wasn't anything?! That was definitely something!", he bellowed, drawing the crowd's attention. "That was indecent and should not be viewed in a public arena where children are present."
Jack shrugged and mumbled something, sending a wave a disinterest through the masses. "Well mate, I guess you know why she didn't want you around." Remus growled and tried to break away from the pair. Jack took a bite of an apple and continued baiting the werewolf. "She does this for herself, some spiritual…feminist…empowerment nonsense about tapping into her divine sexual power. She doesn't do it to come on to any guys." Jack paused thoughtfully as he saw Remus relax a little. "But from the looks they give her you wouldn't think that. You're lucky though, she only performs once or twice a year. You got to experience a rare treat, just think you might not have even been the privilege of seeing her in all her lusciousness."
Sirius glared at Jack. "What in the bloody hell made you think that it was a good idea to bring a werewolf to see his potential mate dance in front of other potential suitors?"
Jack smirked at the animagus. "I never said it was."
"Remus, we should go.", Sirius said running his hand through his hair.
"No, I'm not leaving her.", Moony growled.
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Alright Moony, we will follow them around for a while to keep her safe.
"Fine.", Moony spat and quickened his stride to follow the girls.
Jack tugged at Remus's sleeve. "Slow up. She can't see us here. Savy?" Moony glowered at Jack but slowed his pace. They ducked behind some trees as the girls left the pavilion and headed towards the vendors.
Jack pointed to Kate. "See, she's dressed.", he said with a wink and moved to follow the girls at a safe distance.
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Kate had changed back into her first costume and had wrapped a red and gold silk veil around herself. Paige was still in her second costume and was leading her like an excited child dragging a parent through a toy store. Kate on the other hand looked miserable.
Paige glanced at her friend. "What's wrong? You were wonderful."
Kate looked quite downtrodden and moved to cover herself more fully with her veil. "I should have told him."
Paige rolled her eyes. "No, you shouldn't have. You did the right thing, you heard him this morning. He was upset over yoga clothes, he would have had a coronary if he saw you in your solo costume."
"It doesn't matter, I still lied to him.", Kate whispered.
Paige stopped walking and turned to face her friend. "You did not lie. You are at the park and you met up with your dance class. What Remus doesn't know won't hurt you. And you need to learn how to play hard to get, you are making this too easy for him.", she said with a sly grin.
"No Paige, I lied to him and to make it worse the only thing I could think of during the entire performance was him. How much I want to tell him everything about myself, how I want to know everything about him, and especially, how much I want to tell him about my dancing.", Kate growled.
Paige wrapped her arm around her friend. "You can tell him about everything and more, after full moon…Katie, you have to trust me on this one. The book specifically states that male werewolves become violent towards the end of the courtship process when they feel their mates are in danger of choosing another partner. If he knew about this you wouldn't have been able to perform, the dance school would have lost money and would have gone back on the scholarships for our kids next year. You did the right thing, now enjoy yourself." Paige let go of Kate and walked over to a booth full of coin belts and jewelry.
Kate sighed and reluctantly followed her friend. "This was such a bad idea.", she muttered to herself.
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After walking the Faire for about an hour, the girls decided to head to a friends booth with a conveniently located tent in the back to relax. On the way, a man with long curly brown hair came up to Paige and lifted her into a bear hug. Paige laughed and hugged him back. "Jacob! How's the porn shop?", she chirped.
He laughed and ruffled Paige's hair. "Oh, I quit that a while ago."
She smiled as he set her down and gave him a gentle shove in the direction they were heading. "Come with me, I haven't talked to you in a while." He nodded and fell into step with Kate. Paige stopped and turned to Kate and Jacob. "Oh, I almost forgot! Jacob this is Kate. Kate this is Jacob.", she said and ran over to a booth full of weaponry. Kate gave a small wave 'hello' to Jacob and followed Paige.
Paige and Jacob chatted as they walked through the rows of vendors on the way to Oak's large army tent, which was covered in brightly colored sarongs and feature a doorplate that proclaimed 'better to be hunted as a wolf than to be a sheep led blindly to the slaughter'. On the other side of the tent flap were patches with symbols designating it an area friendly to werewolves, witches, wizards, magical creatures, and those baring gifts of beer.
A tiny woman in brightly colored skirts and a choli leapt out of the tent and proclaimed "Kate Der!" She then proceeded to twirl Kate around, which was quite a sight considering she was only four and half feet tall and Kate was close to six feet.
When they stopped spinning, Kate bent down and lifted the girl into a hug. "Hi, Raven.", she said quietly.
"Now, no more of that, Ren Faire comes but once a year to the valley and you are going to enjoy it. Or do I have to get my drilling equipment?", the tiny woman playfully chastised and they both burst into giggles. Paige sidestepped them and plopped herself down in the tent on one of the various piles of pillows on the floor.
Kate and Raven went into the tent giggling and settled on some pillows occasionally saying silly things like "Would you like a cup of coffee?", "Sometimes when I have sex I pretend I'm a greyhound." and "Running, jumping, climbing trees, putting on make up when you're up there."
Paige glanced at them and exclaimed. "I'd go up there and those squirrels would be covered in make-up!" Kate and Raven laughed even harder and began to tickle each other. Paige sighed, "Silly werewolves."
Suddenly a boy with black hair and glasses fell into the tent and yelled "Rabid Gofer!!" He then began to gnaw on the girls' feet.
After lounging in the tent for twenty minutes, Kate decided she needed to move a little. She walked outside the tent and stretched in the noonday sun. Unbeknownst to her, she was being stalked by two werewolves.
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Remus stood at a nearby booth and watched her every move. He had tried to escape the watchful gazes of Sirius and Jack twice already, but without much success. To make matters worse, his ongoing mental debate had escalated. His higher self just wanted to go back to the apartment and have Kate explain later. His adult self wanted to join Kate, and tell her how lovely she looked today. Moony just wanted to keep her in range to make sure she was safe, and give other perspective suitors the idea that he had already staked his claim. And younger Remus was being his 15 year old git-self at the moment. He wanted nothing more than to grab Kate and drag her forcibly back to the apartment. It was about the time he was arguing with adult Remus about taking up Moony's earlier sarcastic suggestion of chaining Kate to the bed that his train of was derailed. In a flurry of movement, a very large man in a broomstick skirt had scooped up Kate.
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Oak had snuck behind Kate and easily swung her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Pillage, plunder and rape! Pillage, plunder, and rape! Nice, ripe, sweet wolves two for a penny."
Kate just laid there unwilling to hurt the almost seven foot tall man. "Good afternoon, Oak.", she said in a bored tone.
Paige ran out of the tent. "Oak! You put my roommate down!", she chastised.
Oak smiled down at her. "My Kate Der.", he said lovingly and patted Kate's head. "Pretty Der, I will love you and pet and keep you for always."
Paige gave Oak a stern look. "Oak, put her down."
Oak shook his head. "Nope, my Kate Der. I plundered her fair and square."
Paige smiled. "I'll take you to Denny's."
Oak look scandalized. "Paige, I'm surprised at you; trying to buy your friend with French toast."
Raven burst forth from the tent and began smacking him repeatedly in the chest. "Oak," she growled.
He looked down at her and politely enquired "Yes, dearest?"
"What are you doing?", she huffed. "Are you trying to get up in my Kool-Aid?"
"Ummm…maybe later.", he replied and called out to the crowd. "Wolves for sale two for a penny. Nice luscious wolves, the finest the valley has to offer"
Raven kicked him. "Put Kate Der down."
Oak sighed. "Alright, but can I watch?", he pleaded as he set Kate down.
Kate playfully shoved Raven. "Really, now?"
Raven laughed and pulled away Kate's veil. "Really.", she said and moved so she was eye level with Kate's breasts. "Hey baby, what's your names?", she asked in a psuedo sleazy voice as she stared at Kate's chest. Kate just laughed and went back into the tent, replacing her veil. Raven turned to Oak. "Guess not.", she said and smacked him on the ass before turning to follow Kate.
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Jack slowly got off the ground and raised his hand to his broken lip. Sirius stood with his wand pointed at Remus, who was in a full body bind and doing everything in his power to fight it.
"Calm down, mate.", Jack started. "The big one and the little one are werewolves and married to each other. They are just fooling around, Katie does it all the time. It's a form of teasing."
Moony nodded and Sirius released his friend. He took a deep breath. She's safe with her pack, he thought trying to find comfort. Moony paused for a momentto contain the younger Remus, who was becoming more and more of a problem.
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Paige looked out at the crowd before going back into the tent. "Pop!", she shrieked and ran to an enormous man and hugged him, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
The man smiled down at her. "Hello Paige! How are you?"
Paige grinned. "I'm doing well, and you?"
He stroked his graying beard. "I'm good. Just here with Ruby. We saw your performance."
A blonde woman walked up and gave Paige a hug. "Hi Mom! So, what did you two think?", she asked the older woman.
The man looked down at the two women and gave Paige a lecherous grin. "I liked it a lot. Why do you think I came to find you? Ruby and I want a private show."
Ruby smiled and smacked him on the arm. "We did not, Gregor behave yourself. Actually, we wanted to finally meet Durga."
Paige pouted. "Oh, I see how it is! Just using me to get to my roommate. Well, that is going to cost you lunch!"
Ruby smiled. "Ok, we planned on doing that anyway."
Gregor, Ruby, and Paige went back inside the tent to find Kate sprawled across some pillows on the floor talking with Oak and Raven.
Paige lightly kicked Kate's leg. "Sorry to interrupt, but I have a couple of people here that want to meet the almighty Durga."
Kate yawned and nuzzled further into the pillows, while Raven stroked her hair. "Tell them the Hindu temple is open seven days a week from eight to seven.", Kate mumbled.
Paige rolled her eyes. "They really want to meet you and they offered to buy us lunch, so come on."
Kate stretched and then stood up. "You aren't going to let me politely decline again are you?" Paige shook her head. "Alright then, let's go.", Kate said with a sigh.
Raven grabbed Kate's hand. "No, My Kate Der, my precious, my own.", she playfully pleaded. Kate gave the woman a hug and pulled away so she could head for the door.
Paige grinned as Kate walked by her and turned to Raven. "I think you might have some competition for her ownership, Remus seems very attached." Paige then walked out of the tent before Raven could respond.
Kate paused at the exit. "I shall return.", she stated melodramatically with a flourish as gave one last look into the tent, causing Oak and Raven to burst into laughter.
Paige pulled Kate out of the tent and dragged her over to meet Gregor and Ruby. "Kate this is Gregor and Ruby. Mom, Dad, this is Durga."
Kate extended her hand in greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet the both of you."
Gregor shook her hand and Ruby beamed at the werewolf. "We've heard a lot about you, it's nice to put a face with the name.", she said enthusiastically.
Kate grinned back. "It's wonderful to finally meet you as well."
Gregor then put an arm around Paige and hugged her to his side. "So, what do you want to eat?"
Paige shrugged. "Eh, bread bowls sound good. I'm glad I saw you two, I've got something to talk to you about."
Ruby opened her mouth to say something when the group was distracted by the sound of breaking glass at a nearby booth. She glanced over and continued talking. "Right, when don't you have something to talk about?" Paige laughed and Ruby motioned to a picnic table. "Greg and Kate can go save us a spot while we go get food and talk, sound good?"
Paige waved to Kate and left with Ruby, leaving Kate and Gregor together.
Gregor sat at a table and looked up expectantly at Kate. "You did a great job, I don't think I've seen a Turkish drop like that in years."
Kate blushed and mumbled a thank you.
Gregor motioned for her to sit. "So, how long have you been belly dancing?"
Kate nervously sat down and glanced at Paige, who was busy chatting with Ruby. "Nine years.", she quietly replied.
Gregor smiled. "Really? How did you get started in it?"
Kate shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I tutored a witch in potions and she gave me belly dance lessons in return.", she replied and then cleared her throat. "How long have you been a squire?"
Gregor laughed. "You have a keen eye. About two years now to Sir Dougal."
Kate nodded. "So, how is that working for you?", she awkwardly asked.
He stifled a laugh and Kate smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, I'm not exactly SCA literate."
"That's ok, Paige has been in for eight years and she's still learning new things.", he replied. Kate nodded and the pair sat in comfortable silence until Paige and Ruby returned with the bread bowls.
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Over the course of the past hour, all the voices in Remus's head had come to the consensus that he was right and she was wrong, and they weren't going to stand by and let her out of their sight until after full moon. Remus was angry, actually, angry wasn't quite the word for it. Sirius summed it up as a rage filled psychotic tempest just looking for a village to desolate and Remus was well on his way of doing just that. In the course of the past two hours, calm, controlled Remus Lupin had broken an entire table full of glass, bent three swords, smashed two wooden shields, and terrified a group of school children. This wouldn't have been so bad if you didn't take into account the numerous fights he had been in with everything from teenage boys to a very confused half-giant, who had all made the mistake of admiring his Kate.
On the other hand, Sirius was having a great time looking at everything. The faire was a blend of muggle and wizarding cultures with booths selling everything from robes and crystal balls to utilakilts and Chinese food. He was trying to find a present for Paige but didn't know what she would like. So his only problem seemed to be trying to figure out what to get her, while keeping Remus from rampaging. He looked over at Moony and shook his head sympathetically. Remus was currently glaring a very small and timid man with such vehemence that the man would probably wet himself if he was ever perceptive enough to notice.
Sirius glanced over at the girls long enough to see a tall boy with jet black hair run up behind Paige. She didn't notice him right away so he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground, simultaneously cupping her breasts. Sirius froze waiting for her retaliation but was sorely disappointed when all she did was laugh at the strange man.
Sirius turned to Jack. "Why isn't she killing him?"
Jack , who was dancing along with a belly dance troupe, looked over to where Sirius was pointing. "Oh, that's just Justin."
"Why can he have his hands on her breasts and I can't?", Sirius asked indignantly.
" Cos he's Justin, mate. They've been friends for six years.", Jack answered, while attempting a hip circle.
"Have they dated?", he asked, keeping a wary eye on Remus.
Jack sighed dramatically. "It's Ren Faire, Orion. Throw a rock and you'll probably hit someone Paige has dated.", he replied acidly. "Uh-oh.", Jack said under his breath as he watched Paige.
Sirius looked concerned. "What's wrong?"
"Just a bit of trouble headed Paige's way.", he responded casually. "Not to worry, she's surrounded by friends."
As if on cue, a gorgeous man pulled Paige to a quiet spot. Sirius noted Paige looked highly annoyed. "Who's that?", he demanded.
Jack glared at the animagus and then at the man standing next to Paige. "Erik the schmucking.", he responded.
Sirius tensed. "The ex-fiancé Erik?", he asked as he saw Erik put his hand on Paige's arm and her slap it away.
He nodded. "The same." Jack was going to continued but was distracted as Paige began yelling something unintelligible at Erik.
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Does she need help?"
Jack let out a deep laugh. "No, but he might need a mediwitch, when this is all over." He pointed out four large men, who were closing in on the pair.
"Just so long as she's safe." Sirius anxiously stated. He clinched his fists when Erik took a few steps toward Paige. "Could I get closer without her noticing?", Sirius asked to no one in particular.
Jack inclined his head towards Remus. "She's so far gone, she wouldn't notice him at this point." Sirius gave the pirate a cynical look, but decided to take a closer look anyway. He crept close enough to the couple to hear what they were saying to each other.
Paige rounded on Erik. "You fucking arrogant sexist pig! I already have a boyfriend, one who treats me like a human being. Why the fuck, would I want you?!", she bellowed.
Erik smirked. "Just tell me this Paige, what does he have that I don't?"
Paige crossed her arms under her chest. "A huge fucking dick that isn't attached to his neck."
"You never complained about mine before.", he said sounding almost bored.
Paige snorted. "I would have if you would have listened. If a girl says it's just the right size, it really means that she can't decide if you've got a micro-penis or an overly endowed clit down there."
"You're just trying to justify being with him. I know you want me.", he grabbed her face and pulled her into a rough kiss.
Paige broke free and slammed the heel of her hand into his solar plexus causing him to drop to his knees gasping for air. She pulled her wand and jerked his head back by his hair. "I will only tell you this once. If you ever come near me again, I will personally see to it that you are castrated."
Sirius stepped in line with the four other men, who had formed a circle around Paige and Erik. Kate was watching the whole affair from a close distance and noticed him join them. He was staring at the pair with grim determination.
Paige threw Erik forcibly to the ground and looked around, finally noticing the circle of men around her. "Come to protect me?", she asked.
They all nodded and Gregor stepped forward. "Let's get you back over to Kate.", he said kindly. Paige glanced down at Erik and Gregor grinned. "Oh don't worry about him. We're going to have a little chat and then he can go back to being a spoiled little asshole." Paige happily nodded and stood beside Kate as three of the men forcibly dragged Erik out of the park.
Jack glanced at Kate and noticed her line of sight was focused on Sirius. He dragged Remus behind a cluster of trees. "Remus listen... Something has come up and my services are needed….elsewhere. Keep watching Kate but remember to not let her or Paige see you. Good luck, mate.", the pirate said with a forced grin before he took off in a dead run out sight.
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Kate was still staring at Sirius as Paige and Gregor discussed Erik. Paige laughed, "Yes, that was fun but he should never do that again." She noticed Kate wasn't paying any attention to her. "Kate, earth to Kate. What's wrong?"
The werewolf held her gaze. "Why is Sirius here?"
Paige startled and looked around. "He is? Where?" Her reaction was enough for Kate to loose Sirius in the crowd for a moment.
He quietly snuck up on Paige and tapped her on the shoulder. "Right here, luv."
Paige whirled around and hugged him. "Hi! What are you doing her?", she then gasped. "Where's Jack and Remus?"
"Why would Jack and Remus be here?", Sirius asked nervously.
"Because he was supposed to stay with both of you today. How did you find out about this?', she asked a little bit shaky.
"Calm down, luv. Jack said you were at the park and I thought I would come down and surprise you, but you sure surprised me.", he said with his most charming smile.
"Ah…well…why don't you come back with us to Oak's tent and sit for a while.", she offered. Sirius couldn't really see any way out of it so he nodded and accompanied them.
When they got back to the tent, several people had gathered and were having a lively discussion on various erotic stories they had read in the past year. Sirius took a seat on a large pillow and was pleasantly surprised when Paige sat on his lap, leaning back on him.
Oak piped up. "Alright, ladies and jelly spoons, you know the game. The worst one wins, so I challenge you to beat this one. A gentle and delicate love story of a pureblood orphan, his archenemy, and his pet toad."
Paige grimaced. "Ew! Who thinks of this stuff anyway? Well, I read one about two men and a teddy bear but that really doesn't compete."
Anthony stood with a flourish. "I'll see your teddy bear and your toad and raise you a male werewolf and a first edition copy of Dorian Grey."
Raven giggled. "How exactly does that work?"
Paige laughed. "Let's just hope he doesn't get a paper cut." She sat up for a moment, remembering a good one. "Picture this one. A boy, waiting on the edge of this bed for his lover. The lover enters the room and it's the same boy with a time turner and a bottle of KY."
Kate cleared her throat. "I'll see your time-turner, book, teddy bear and toad and raise you a half-giant and a hippogriff."
Raven cackled. "That is an awfully big order, turning into a bit of a size queen Kate." Kate blushed furiously and the room broke into laughter. "But seriously, I take that challenge and raise you a male and female house elf and a geriatric wizard."
Paige gave her an odd look. "What the hell kind of stories do you read?"
Leah laughed. "Well, I'll see your …well, everything and raise you a sixteen year old boy and a tea service."
Raven jumped up. "I've got you all beat. I raise you all, on black king snake and a sixteen year old girl."
Sirius piped up. "Well, I know a true story to beat all of you. An animagus rat climbs up inside a teenage virgin girl and makes her orgasm."
Paige jerked away from him, a horrified expression on her face. "This isn't fiction?! That's disgusting!"
Oak lifted his hands. "You win, game over. I don't want to hear the one that tops that one."
Sirius grinned. "Well, Paige can attest that I turn into a dog so you know it wasn't me."
Anthony grinned. "A dog, really? Do you have a fondness for peanut butter?"
Sirius didn't know what the two had in common but answered anyway. "It's not bad, Paige and I had some my first day her." Everyone started laughing and Paige's eyes went wide.
"Wow, Sirius, you Brits really have a knack for misunderstandings, don't you?"
Sirius frowned. "What didn't I understand?"
Paige reddened a little bit. "Um…I will tell you later."
Kate took that as her cue and left the tent. She stretched in the sunshine and was tackled by a little girl of 5 or 6 with light brown curls. "Miss Kathleen!", the little girl squealed.
Kate looked down at the child hugging her knees. "Zoe, what are you doing here? Where is your Dad?"
Zoe chewed on her fingers for a moment in thought. "He's talking to Oak. I was sent outside because it was in proper for me to hear things." She tugged on Kate's skirt. "You smell sad. Why are you sad?" Kate picked up the little girl and headed for a stand of trees a hundred feet from the tent.
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Remus watched as Kate carried a little girl towards the trees he was hiding amongst. She sat in front of the largest tree and faced the tent she had just emerged from. He was close enough to hear them chatting, and paused to listen.
Zoe settled onto Kate as the witch wrapped them both in her veil. "There all cozy, little one."
"Miss Kathleen, why are you sad?", Zoe asked snuggling closer.
"I miss someone I care for very much.", she said with a forced smile.
"Then why don't you see them?", Zoe asked logically.
"Well, it's not that easy. I messed up and didn't tell him about Ren Faire so I had to go without him.", she quietly answered smoothing the girl's wild curls.
"Next time ask him!", Zoe commanded causing Kate to laugh.
"I will little one, I will.", she replied and kissed the top of Zoe's head.
"Miss Kathleen, can I call you Katie like Paige does sometimes?", Zoe asked.
"Yes", Kate responded.
"Katie, do you love him?", she asked with wide eyes.
"Yes, Zoe. I love him very much.", Kate replied and watched as Zoe broke into giggles.
Remus swallowed hard and stared at the pair under the tree. She loves me, he thought amazed at the fact. He was taken from his revelry by the sight of Kate tickling Zoe.
"You are such a little monkey. You know that?", Kate playfully admonished.
"I'm not a monkey, I'm a wolf.", Zoe crowed in between giggles. Kate stopped tickling her and Zoe grasped Kate in a tight hug. The older werewolf hummed as the little girl snuggled back into her arms and slowly fell asleep.
Remus looked on at the scene with something akin to awe. Kate is a natural mother. She is going to be a wonderful mother to our children, he thought, watching Kate affectionately care for the little one on her lap. He was filled with hope as he thought on the idea of being the one to father Kate's children. Remus startled though as a tall man with a shaved head stood next to Kate.
"She's sleeping, Ashley. I'll take her up to the tent in a few minutes.", Kate whispered.
"I actually wanted to talk to you. You're really good with her you know.", Ashley said with an adoring smile aimed at his daughter.
"Well, she's a wonderful child. She'll make this world a much better place than we've ever known.", she said lovingly kissing the top of Zoe's head.
"Kate, I know you said you weren't looking but I think you would be good for Zoe to have around. After Melanie died, I didn't think she'd pull through but look at her. That is all thanks to you Kate.", Ashley said reverently.
"Ash, you already know my answer. We have been over this before.", Kate said in hushed tones careful not to wake Zoe.
Ashley frowned at her. "Listen, it's not like it would be that bad being married to me. Ok, so we don't love each other now and I can't give you any children. We could adopt and I would give you Zoe. We could learn to love each other Kate. ", he said raising his voice.
Zoe stirred and Kate held her close. "Pumpkin, it's time to wake up. We need to go back to the tent.", she whispered in the little girl's ear.
Zoe woke up and smiled at her father. "Daddy! Miss Kathleen says I can call her Katie now. And she also said that she's in love with a boy.", she was careful to say the last part in a whisper to convey that it was secret.
"Really? I see that congratulations are in order Kate. Who is the lucky fellow?", Ashley asked in clipped tones.
"Zoe, go get Paige or Oak for me.", she said to the little girl and pushed in the direction of the tent. Kate stood up and waited for her to be out of earshot.
"Ashley, I don't love you. You know that and I know you don't love me. Zoe has an entire pack to take care of her, she'll be fine.", Kate said.
"Zoe needs a mother, Kate. I need a wife, I know you don't think so but you are a very beautiful woman. I want to make an honest woman of you Kate, I'm human I can legally marry you. I want to marry you. We're not getting any younger …", Ashley started.
"Ash, don't. It is not meant to be, I'm in love with someone else.", she said softly.
"Who, Kate? Who is this boy you're in love with? What can he give to you?", he bellowed and took a step towards her. "Can he give you this?" Ashley pushed Kate against the tree and kissed her. She responded with a quick knee to his groin. Kate pulled back to punch Ashley in the chest but notice that he was facing away from her and floating a few feet above the ground.
Remus threw Ashley down on the ground and kicked him in the stomach. "Don't you ever try to force your intentions on her again. She said no, you miserable git." He then turned to a very confused Kate and grabbed her by the wrist. "Come along.", he ordered and began to drag her away from the trees.
About this time, Oak, Paige, and Sirius were walking out of the tent. Oak rushed up to the pair. "What's going on here?", he demanded.
Remus pushed past him dragging Kate. "She has gotten into enough trouble for one day, and I am taking her home." He stopped behind some tents and turned to Sirius. "I will see you at the apartment.", he said curtly and apparated Kate and himself home.
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Paige and Sirius watched Remus drag Kate off with worried faces. "Do you suppose they're ok?", Paige asked Sirius pensively.
Sirius furrowed his brow and nodded. "Remus is angry, but he's a gentle person. He won't hurt her."
Paige nodded and turned to Oak. "Well, I guess we'll go exploring now."
Oak grinned. "Yeah, I don't want to hear any true stories about what Sirius does in his spare time.
Paige burst into giggles and nodded. "Yeah, for all we know, he's a polyanimagus who really can turn into a rat." A warning look from Sirius brought Paige's laughter to a halt as she realized whom he was talking about. "Uh, but I'm sure he's not. Sirius is too noble to ever turn into anything less than a dog."
Oak cocked an eyebrow at her and shook his head, not understanding what went on between them. "Are you alright, Paige? I don't think I've ever seen you backpedal so quickly before. Unlike you, to say the least."
Sirius gave him a wane smile and shook his head. "She just hit a sore spot for me, that's all." Oak nodded and Sirius clapped his hands together once. "So, what are you taking me to see?"
Paige shrugged and pointed to a clothing vendor. "How about getting you a new set of clothes?"
Oak interrupted, "So, you're not a muggle, then?"
Sirius glanced over to where Paige was pointing and gave an appreciative nod. "Sure, luv, sounds great. I need some new wizarding clothes." To Oak he added, "I'm a wizard. How else would I be able to be an animagus?"
"Oh yeah. Forgot about that. However, that means Paige needs to tell you why the peanut butter is so funny." Oak replied.
Paige shot him a glare and turned to Sirius. "There's a muggle urban legend about desperate girls smearing peanut butter on, ah, themselves and getting a dog to lick it off. Apparently, it takes the dog such a long time to finish that they can orgasm during this time."
Sirius stared at her blankly for a minute before bursting into a great barking laugh that made people stop and stare at him for a moment before continuing on. "Oh luv, that's a great one. I fell right into that joke, didn't I?"
Paige's face burned a bit as she nodded. "Yes, Sirius, you did. Now, the next time one of my friends asks you if you like peanut butter, please don't answer at all.", she asked. "Let's get going, okay?"
Oak grinned at them and waved as they left. Paige nodded a greeting to the vendor and Sirius started looking at the clothes. He pulled out a white linen poet's shirt. "How about this one?"
Paige smiled at him. "Uh huh. Go try it on and I will get you more clothes, ok?"
Sirius picked a pair of brown trousers out as well and disappeared behind a curtain while Paige continued trough the racks. Pulling out several more and a pair of boots, she smiled at the tiny woman selling everything and joined Sirius in the changing booth.
He was currently in nothing but his underwear, which made Paige snigger, as he was bent over trying to pull the trousers on. He stood up and turned around indignantly and put his hands on his hips. "Hey! Are you supposed to be in here?"
Paige laid the clothes on the chair provided and shrugged. "I'm here to help you choose. Now, back to what you were doing." She twirled her finger around, eyeing Sirius and smiling. "Get back to it."
Sirius chuckled and pulled the pants on, admiring the fabric. It was soft and supple, a buttery warm hue that looked as soft as it felt. After tugging on the shirt Sirius turned for Paige. "Well, what do you think?"
Paige nodded, liking what she saw. "Yes, that's a good look for you. The brown is nice, suede pants are always the best."
Sirius nodded and started to pull the shirt off, but felt Paige's hand on his arm. Looking at her questioningly, Sirius asked, "Yes?"
She ran her hand down his arm and licked her lips. "I love a guy in this style shirt. Let me help." She trailed her fingers over his chest, up to the laces and undid them. Tugging a bit on it so she could see his chest, she kissed it quickly and stepped back. "That's a look I could see you in every day."
The small woman outside piped up, "Mind coming out so I can see?"
Sirius felt Paige push on his back and walked out, feeling rather silly. The woman looked him up and down for a minute and said, "If you buy them both, I'll give you twenty dollars off."
Paige stood next to him and asked, "How much are the pants?"
"One fifty, with the shirt, that will be one seventy." The woman replied.
Paige made a face but nodded. "Alright. Are they what you want?" Sirius shrugged and Paige gave the woman cash before they left.
Sirius, now clad in his new attire, suddenly became nervous about Kate and Remus. "Luv?"
Paige turned to look at him from the juggling act they had been admiring. "Hmm?"
"Ah, maybe we should get back now. Remus should have cooled off by now and I think we should go talk to him." Sirius bounced nervously and Paige gave her assent, putting a ten in the artist's tip jar as she left.
A/N: Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Ren Faire. Oh well, something tells me though the day is far from over and Paige and Sirius might be in for a surprise when they return to the apartment. And our readers are left with a subtle cliff to ponder.
For a general idea of what our dancers were wearing and an overview of American tribal belly dance you can visit : or . Kate's Ghawazee coat is based on . For those of you who are infinitely cooler than the writers of this fic and have no idea what a Ren Faire is, feel free to visit .
As always thank you for reading, it makes us feel all warm and fuzzy to have people enjoying what we had so much fun writing. And a special thank you to all our wonderful reviewers.
MissMoony16: Congratulations on foiling fido yet again. We appreciate your efforts, and desperately hope you did not die due to the stress of waiting for the next chapter. Thank you for all your support.
Sassafras: Thank you for the review. Now you know what Kate and Paige were doing, pretty boring huh? Maybe it would have been more interesting if they were setting off fireworks for hobbits or grilling something. Oh wait, that would have been Jack's department.
Jen: Thank you for the review, a Renaissance Festive is about 3 to 4 days usually unless you are lucky enough to live in a region with Ren Faires that last for months. Hopefully, we gave a better idea of what the Renaissance Festival is in this chapter. As far as Kate goes, well she wanted to tell him and not telling is going to be the source of some major problems in the very immediate future. In general though, Kate does have a pattern of not being very trusting and therefore, not being very forth coming with information.
Katatina McGonagall: Woohoo! Thanks for the review, see Remus didn't go on too much of a rampage nothing to worry about (coughs). As far as the Moony/Remus divide I think they are both pretty well cracked (ears perk up at growl from behind Christmas tree). In a good way of course, cracked as in open to new experiences and they will be pay for any trespasses of the past few days with lemony goodness, eventually, maybe, probably, possibly.
Lightning Rain: Thank you for the quick note on Chapter 17, sorry again to hear about the issues with the server and posting reviews. Remember to be wary of ninjas.
And that is all for this fabulous morning. We are still reworking the opening scene for the next chapter, but we will be working hard this weekend to get it out ASAP. Also just as a heads up, the next few chapters will be a little on the rough side so don't say we didn't warn you.