Title: Winds of Change
Pairing: Jane/Maura
Rating: M

Summary: Our gals learn a few things they will need to know when they meet the council and will be getting all dressed up in their hot outfits. Remember italics in the body of the chapter refers to the dialogue that goes on telepathically between Maura and Jane.

I have to give a special thanks to Cando58 for her wonderful reviews and encouraging words. Also special thanks to afret2010, Hope6968, and Queenq for their enthusiastic and inspiring reviews. A big thank you to everyone who reviewed my story and those who have added it to their favorites and are now following along with the journey. I hope you all continue enjoy.

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CHAPTER 18

Evie and Ashley were both dressed comfortably in t- shirts and sweats or shorts. The men however had changed into brown pants that appeared similar to canvas, yet soft and pliable. They all three wore what Jane would call pirate style shirts with loose sleeves. The only difference was that Warren and Tony's shirts were dark blue and Marcus' was creamy off-white. The three of them also had on brown leather vests. The two lesser Lycans had very little ornamentation on theirs other than pack affiliation and the symbol of Wolfe Security and Investigation pressed into the material. However, Marcus had the additional insignias of his rank as owner of the Security Company and Alpha Leader of not only a large pack of his own, but the Head Alpha of all the Lycans of North America in the human world. They all three had on dark brown leather belts and boots. They looked powerful.

"Nice outfits. I like the vests." Jane said as she looked over the men.

"They are a very good representation of old world and current fashion." Maura commented.

"They are a good mix of North American and Undrehiel fashion." Evie corrected. "You will find that styles in areas of Undrehiel with more contact with the human realm, such as cities near the portals, have a culture and dress that is a mix of both realms. However, there are many areas of Undrehiel that are more old world like or maybe fantasy world like. Fashions and culture will not have a lot in common with that of the human realm."

"That is fine by me, as long as I am not expected to go about wearing big frilly dresses with lots of layers and things. I want to stick with pants or slacks as much as possible." Jane shuddered at the thought of wearing dresses like she had seen people wearing in movies based in the past. Yuk!

Maura grinned. "I look forward to learning about these new cultures and fashions. I love pretty dresses as you all know."

A brief chuckle passed among them. "We need to go over who will be waiting at the depot station when we arrive. The five of us will be acting as your personal security and escort. The head of my Undrehiel branch of Wolfe Security will be meeting us along with his top security team. He is a werelion and his mate also is very active in the business and holds the position of his second in command as Evie holds it in my branch. His top team is made up of a mixed bag of beings. I think the only tribe not represented on the team is humans. Lycans, Vampires, Magi, Fae, and Elves are all among his team. I have many of them working for me as well in the human realm, although not as many Fae, since most do not handle the realm of humans well." Marcus began once Jane and Maura were seated on one of the sofas. "Zeon and his mate Alexi will meet us here for a personal introduction before we escort you to a private conference room at the depot. Their people will be on guard outside of the room and around the station. We do not expect any problems, however it is always a safe bet to be prepared. Word of your existence should not be known outside of The Council. The council is made up of two members from each tribe of beings including humans. Elections are held every ten years among the tribes for the council positions."

Marcus paused a moment as Tony and Ashley placed drinks and snacks on the table between the sofas before they went back into the kitchen area to eat along with Warren. Evie sat beside Marcus who continued as everyone dug into the food and drinks.

"The elections were held a year ago. All members of The Council were re-elected accept for the humans and one of the magi. So of the twelve current council members all have been members for at least ten years except for three. A few of them from the Elven and Fae tribes have been on the council for much longer. Only the members of The Council have been alerted to your existence by Lord Fenrir himself. Not even the kings or queens of each tribe have been alerted as of yet. The plan is to give you as much time as possible to learn about Undrehiel and the preternatural before they are alerted. You will begin learning the history as well as the etiquette and protocols of both. We hope to be able to keep the knowledge of exactly who you are a secret for twelve to eighteen months before the other kings or queens are notified and longer still before the rest of the realm learns of you. The first part of your lessons will be history, etiquette, protocols, and things of that nature before you move on to the more specialized lessons that will be unique to each of you." Marcus seized a moment to eat a sandwich while Evie took over.

"One council member from each tribe will meet us in a conference room. We all felt it would not be wise to have the whole council show up, it would bring too much attention to your arrival. The six who are meeting us are all coming in secret. In Undrehiel culture, kings or queens are higher in the realm to the council in public, but in a more private setting it is based on personal power. The power that is inside you that makes you Alpha. Generally when those of the upper ranks gather a simple nodding of the head when meeting is enough, however a test of wills may occur. When this happens the weaker of the two will turn their heads and offer their necks to the more powerful in a show of respect. If they are equally matched you revert to the nodding of the head. If you are challenged and a neck is offered, you will lean in and let them feel your breath on their neck before you back away. If you want to really show dominance you can place your teeth on them, you can even bite and leave a mark behind. However that sort of thing is only usually used if someone has really angered you and they need to be put in their place. Most beings lesser in power than you will automatically bow and bare their necks."

"Now all Lycans and those of any other tribe who may pledge themselves to you, are basically putting their lives in your hands. When they offer you their necks you have the right to take their lives in such a posture if you deem it necessary as their Alpha. I don't think either of you will be baring your necks to many if any, though you may find yourself equal with a few. Maura more so than Jane." She paused a moment to let them absorb.

"On the flip side of that if a being gets down on one knee and offers his or her neck, they are pledging allegiance to you, as all Lycans should. Breathing across their necks before running your fingers across their bared neck shows you accept their allegiance. If you want to accept them into a more close knit fashion as a friend you would let your mouth touch them as you breathe across their necks. If you want to take them into your inner circle you would touch your tongue to their neck."

Marcus finished off his food and drink placing the remains back onto the table. "I would advise that you not show your full power to anyone unless you need to do so to keep from baring your own throat. You will be able to feel when they can offer no more and you will only have to take it a small step higher." Ashley came over as Evie stood and helped gather up the remains of their snack.

"Come, stand. Let's practice a little so you will be better prepared. Now this is not something you will have to do when you are in general public unless someone challenges you. You nod or smile or greet people the same as you have always done. If a stranger challenges you and you back him down you do not have to acknowledge them in anyway if you do not wish to. You can simply go on about your business. Much of this will come naturally to the wolf part of you so it should not be too hard." Evie moved to the open area between the sitting arrangement and the kitchenette.

Tony, Warren, and Ashley joined her. When Jane stood before them the three lesser Lycans knelt on one knee and offered their necks. Jane was not sure if they were truly pledging allegiance to her or just showing an example. Evie saw this confusion. "They are truly offering their loyalty and commitment to you as their friend and as the King of all Lycans."

"I am wanting to place my mouth on their necks. I think of them as friends. Is that agreeable with you Maura?" Jane asked through their personal connection.

"I think that is an excellent idea. I will do the same."

Jane stepped forward breathing across each of their necks with her mouth touching them. She thought she might feel weird doing so yet it felt completely natural. Jane was indeed becoming one with her wolf. Each of the three shivered a little at the contact with such a powerful being. She stepped back, but they remained where they were offering the same pledge to Maura. The golden ginger moved forward doing the same, also feeling no awkwardness in doing so and receiving the same reaction. When they moved back the three stood with wide smiles on their faces.

"That is so cool." Tony said as he rubbed his neck.

Chuckling Jane and Maura turned to Evie as she stepped forward. "I will challenge Maura and let her practice bringing her power up to the point of backing me down. I will go all out to give her as much challenge as I can, but first I also offer my pledge of loyalty to you both." She dropped to one knee offering her neck.

Marcus stepped up beside her. "I also offer mine to you both." He knelt beside his wife neck bared.

"Inner circle?" Jane asked Maura privately.

"Yes."

Jane and Maura both gave a small lick to the couple's necks as each woman's breath brushed across their throats. The two alpha wolves also gave a slight shiver as their pledge was accepted.

Once they had stood Evie and Maura faced off. Evie eased her power up to the highest level she had ever pushed herself. Maura easily met her power and took hers past Evie's just enough to make her bare her neck. Maura breathed across it.

Evie straightened up breathing heavier than before. "I wasn't much of a challenge for you at all was I?" She smiled wryly.

Maura only smiled not wanting to let her know how truly easy she found it to go beyond the other woman's power.

Next Jane and Marcus faced off. Marcus pushed his power just as Evie had done. Evie and the other three guards felt the enormous influence and their posture instinctively became more submissive. His energy simply washed over Jane and Maura with no effect. Jane easily pressed her will forward until Marcus bared his neck in submission. She blew across it to show dominance and to end the challenge.

Marcus straightened. "Evie join your power to mine. You three also." He pointed to Ashley, Warren and Tony. "We will challenge Maura together and see if we can give her a better contest." They did so and Maura felt the influence much more, Marcus was a commanding Alpha. However she still backed them all down and felt she had plenty of strength still left to give.

"Impressive." Warren said.

"Now to give Jane a challenge, Maura you should face off with her and push your power to the max and see how difficult it is for her to back you down." Marcus suggested.

Maura agreed with a smile. "You ready sweetheart? I'm going to do my best to make you back down."

"Bring it on, babe." Jane smiled winking.

Maura slowly built up all that made her Alpha deep inside pushing it towards Jane, when the taller woman seemed unaffected she felt Ashley, Tony, and Warren add their energy to hers, followed by Evie and finally Marcus. They were all pushing their wills to the max.

Jane felt the punch when they all six joined together, however her wolf only raised its head. Jane would not bow to anyone. The powerful King pressed her will upon them and had them all backing down in short order. She felt that she could have backed down power several times stronger than what they offered. "You six pack quite a punch."

"That was incredible. Maura's power was stronger than anyone I have ever met before and I have met many powerful preternatural beings, but yours Jane is off the charts." Marcus panted from the effort.

"Wow sweetheart that was quite extraordinary." Maura stepped forward kissing her wife. "I find that show of power a serious turn-on. You are so getting lucky later."

"Man, now I am not going to be able to concentrate on anything else. Vixen." Jane kissed her back. "Thanks guys, I guess my stubborn streak will do me well as a Lycan."

"Seems like it." Evie glanced over at the clock. "It looks like it is time for us ladies to get dressed for our arrival. I thought Jane could get ready in the other bathroom with Ashley's assistance and I could help Maura. It won't take but a moment for me and Ash to get dressed. Our outfits are very similar to the men's except cut to accentuate the fact that we are indeed female. I figured it would be quicker this way and we would make sure we have enough time to get everything squared away and prepared for our departure afterwards."

"Sounds fine to me." Maura turned to Jane who nodded her ascent. "Jane you can put our laptop in our vault before you join me in gathering your things while Ashley and Evie dress. Then they can help each of us." In short order the two pairs were in the separate sleep chambers while the men cleaned up the kitchenette and main area.

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Jane was the first dressed, she was surprised that the outfit wasn't uncomfortable. Actually it was one of the most comfy things she had ever worn. The cut and fit were absolutely perfect. Ashley helped her pull her hair back off of her face so that it trailed down her back and left only a few wisps in the front and on the sides. The sword belt and sword were strapped at her hip. The two elven knives she purchased at the depot station were also on her person, one on the opposite hip as her sword, and the other in her boot. After slipping the jacket into place Ashley turned up a section on her arm that Jane hadn't noticed before, under the section the material had been mostly cut away to create little windows that showed the Royal band on her arm.

"It can easily be turned back down when you want to hide the band or you just get cold." Ashley smiled.

Jane put on some small black and deep purple earrings and a chocker necklace with a large dark purple stone hanging from it. The necklace hung just below the hollow of her neck and somehow dressed up and drew even more attention to the fact that she was showing off lots of skin. Ashley also helped her with her make-up. They darkened her eyes, accentuated her cheekbones, and brought attention to her mouth. "Thanks for assisting me with all this." Jane said as she checked her make-up and hair one last time in the small mirror.

"You're welcome. It was fun."Once the jacket was adjusted Ashley twirled her finger indicating Jane to turn around.

When the dark haired woman did she was stunned. "I look like I should be in a medieval Matrix movie, but I gotta say I like it. I would so kick Neo's ass." She winked at Ashley grinning.

Ashley laughed. "I have no doubt." She gathered up all of the other woman's things double checking to make sure she had them all.

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It took a little longer for Maura to dress, but not by much. She loved the outfit. It was light and comfortable and hugged her body in all the right places. The short Capri style leggings underneath were different, nonetheless she liked them. She supposed they were there in case she had to run or fight in the dress and needed to pull her skirts up out of the way. She put on the jewelry Jane had given her at their wedding and the earrings she had that matched. Her make-up as usual was flawless and her hair framed her face fanning around her shoulders and back. The shoes fit perfectly as well. The doctor also attached her rapier at her side. Maura was very happy with what she saw in the mirror. She began putting the things that she had taken off and anything else of hers and Jane's left in the bathroom into the trunks.

"I really appreciate all your help." She packed all the jewelry, make-up, and toiletries into the smaller trunk. "Could you go and retrieve Jane's things so I can pack them away. I'm sure she's dressed by now."

"It was a pleasure helping. I really love the dress, you look great in it." Evie opened the bathroom door. "I will be right back with Jane's things."

Evie was met at the door by Ashley who was already bringing over the other woman's belongings. "Ah, just what I was looking for." She took them from the younger woman. "Thanks."

"No problem. Do you need any more help?"

"Not yet, but we will have the guys come and get the trunks shortly." She stepped back shutting the door.

It wasn't long before Maura had the last of their belongings stored away in the trunks and she and Evie went over the room and in-suite with a fine tooth comb to make sure nothing was forgotten. She picked up the slim black leather wallet that carried Jane's new id, exchange cards, and funds. She also gathered the small white clutch purse that now carried her new things. It was time to truly step into a new world.

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When Maura stepped out of the bedroom the men stopped what they were doing and stared. They all three bowed deeply.

"You look lovely my Queen." Marcus said.

She nodded to them and they rose. "Thank you, you gentlemen are very kind. Where is Jane?"

Warren waved to the other sleeping area. "She is helping Ashley finish packing and they are looking over the bedroom and bathroom for anything anyone may have missed. We are doing the same out here. Are you and Jane's trunks ready to go my lady?"

It was going to take some time to get used to being called my lady. "Yes, I would appreciate it if you three could bring our trunks out here to join your luggage. It will be good having all our belongings gathered together."

Ashley came out carrying her and Evie's bags. She stopped and bowed to Maura as well. She rose when Maura nodded to her. "Wow Lady Maura you look amazing. You and Jane will be quite the pair." She set the bags with the men's and moved out of the way as Tony came out carrying the smaller trunk with Warren following him guiding the larger one as Marcus pushed it on the dolly.

"Thank you."

"I don't see anything else." Came Jane's voice from the other room before she stepped through the door. Though only a part of a few of her mating marks showed you could see them glow as she spotted her lovely mate. "Maura I don't believe I have ever seen a more lovely and regal Queen in all the history books, movies, and fairy tales I have ever seen or read. You are exquisite." She slowly strolled forward.

Maura was stunned at how striking Jane looked in the black leather outfit. It fit her like a glove showing off her superbly fit body and long elegant limbs. She really liked the exposed cleavage and defined abs. "You look so powerful and dangerous Jane. You are stunning." Her mating marks were glowing as well.

The others in the room bowed as the gorgeous woman in black entered. She nodded to them to rise as she leaned into her wife. "I would go for a kiss, but I don't want to muss your lipstick or mine." She leaned back grinning. "You are beautiful sweetheart. I think that every morning when we wake up together and I don't know how you do it, but you manage to grow lovelier every day." She did chance a light kiss on her lovely wife's lips.

"You are such a romantic my dear and I love that about you. You are a big strong badass warrior for everyone else while charming and gallant for me. I really am lucky to have such a wonderful and sexy mate." She placed a feathery kiss across the taller woman's mouth before turning to stand by her mate with her arm through Jane's resting on a strong forearm.

"You two look breathtaking together. I don't think any of the council members that are meeting you at the depot will have any trouble believing you are who you say you are." Evie said.

"And if they do the two of you can simply flatten the room with your Alpha force." Warren teased with a smile.

Before anyone could reply the tinny voice returned. "We will be pulling into the Undrehiel Depot Station of Vardinia in five minutes time. Please make sure all overhead compartments are secured and find your seats. Those in private compartments that will be disconnecting from the line for the return trip please stay seated until a depot officer clears your compartment from the disconnection."

"Well it looks like we will be arriving in only a few minutes. Let's all get comfortable we won't be able to open our door until a depot officer releases it. They check to make sure the compartments getting disconnected from the rotation are completely clear of the in-between before releasing the door." Marcus explained.

"Sounds like a good idea. Is Vardinia a town or just the name of the Depot Station?" Jane felt a little nervous, but bubbles of excitement were coursing through her as well. She squeezed Maura's hand tight as they sat together on one of the sofas. Ashley joining them.

"It is a pretty prosperous town, you may even consider it a city. The Vardinia Station is one of the most prosperous because it opens up so close to so many major areas of influence in the human realm. There are two other depots on the North American Continent. One is hidden within the Grand Canyon and the other is near the border where Washington, Idaho, and Canada meet." Evie sat with Warren and Tony much as she did when they departed from Maine.

Marcus was once again in the lone chair. "Undrehiel has a few large continents made up of provinces that are in turn made up of cities, towns, and villages."

"We have so much to learn about this world. I hope we learn quickly, because I do not enjoy feeling ignorant." Maura leaned into her mate for comfort.

"We are both intelligent women honey. I'm sure we will do well in all of the classes that are set up for us and all this will be old hat in no time." Jane wasn't sure who she was trying to comfort more, Maura or herself. "Remember sweetheart as long as we work together we can conquer anything."

They all felt the slight bobbling as their compartment was removed from the cycle. They all experienced a sensation similar to their ears popping after a long flight as the compartment completely left the in-between.

"I feel kind of like a grand adventurer from an Indiana Jones movie or something or maybe it's a little more like Journey to the Center of the Earth. Either way I am excited about adventuring with you." Jane shared with her wife.

"Me too sweetheart although I don't think I have ever actually watched an Indiana Jones movie, but I did see some commercials and they looked exciting if not terribly historically accurate." Maura fought a laugh as Jane turned to her and she could just see the "Really, Maura?" in her eyes.

Jane simply shook her head when she saw the sparkling eyes of the woman she loved.

They all heard the door lock release. Marcus stood. "Well are you ladies ready to take your first step into a new world?"

Jane shrugged. "About as ready as we'll ever be." She and Maura both stood as did the others. All of their new friends also wore swords and knives, some even had small crossbows not much bigger than a gun.

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Hope you enjoyed. Please let me know what you thought. Your words are an inspiration. Until Next Time… Holly