The blessing of the land 1 (Commission)

(This is a fantasy weight gain story featuring a female centaur. XWG, Stuffing, Lesbians)

Chapter 1: The chosen one of Karion

The land and the life

The sun was already low over the vast fields of the Karion kingdom. Endless acres of golden corn bending in the warm evening breeze. Lush forests on the horizon and a sky above it all, which at this hour bathed everything in the warm, red light of the waning sun. It was as picturesque and beautiful a sight as the land of this very southern kingdom deserved.

Karion was a large and very rich land, where even the lowest peasants lacked for nothing. Even more so, paradisiacal abundance was a constant companion of the inhabitants. For decades, each harvest was better than the last. Just the right mixture of rain and sunshine made the fields lush and productive. Rivers and the sea overflowed with fish. Fruits and vegetables grew to enormous dimensions or hung heavily from the branches of trees and plants before they were picked. There was also a long-lasting peace with the surrounding realms and, apart from the occasional friction with bandits, these were extremely peaceful times.

All this abundance and plenty was due to the blessings bestowed on the land the people inhabited. For generations, the residents of all the countries on this continent had followed the old traditions and worshipped the embodiments of the nature in this world. Creatures that represented the magical and fascinating link between flora and fauna and the more organized, technical society of humans. Mixed creatures that symbolized the spirit of nature and lived in symbiosis with ordinary people in the towns and villages.

These beings were cared for and worshipped by humans and in return, plants, animals and the whole world became a paradise for all living creatures with their benevolent blessing.

Every few decades, however, a special ritual took place in each of the countries that were home to tribes of these creatures. A chosen member of these mystical and powerful beings was chosen by priests to act as the avatar of the entire living nature of the land. This chosen one was always female, a mother to all the fruits and children of her respective land.

According to ancient custom, the chosen one would live with the human ruler of the local land and be worshipped by the people there like a goddess. Her every wish would be read from her eyes and her every fantasy and desire would become reality. The better off the chosen one was, the better off the country and its inhabitants would be. The joys and delights of this being would be passed on as a blessing to the whole kingdom and start the cycle of abundance and appreciation of nature's gifts to mankind all over again.

There were many different species of these ancient and highly admired beings. Each species was a mixture of human body and animal parts. An incredible, beautiful and sometimes awe-inspiring sight to behold. These entities combined the knowledge and intellect of humans with the strength, speed and unique talents of the animal they were fused with. Not only symbolically, but also visually, they represented a link between humans and nature, with which they tried to live in harmony.

In most of the continent's kingdoms, which all followed more or less the same belief in the blessing of the land, only one tribe of these hybrid creatures had settled and had been closely incorporated into the traditions and customs of the local people ever since. There were all kinds of hybrids, to use a word that did not even begin to do justice to the charm and grace of these magical creatures.

They were a gift to this world. Mysterious in many aspects and a sign of higher power that was worshipped by the people. A devotion that would never end, when everyone felt the direct effects of caring so dedicatedly and comprehensively for the chosen one and the tribe from which she came. The blessing of the land was omnipresent and grew stronger with every day that the chosen female was cared for and pampered, from morning to night and for as long as she lived. Full bellies and a quiet, peaceful life were the best incentive to maintain old traditions and customs and pass them on to future generations.

The citizens were happy to pay their tributes and taxes to enable the ruler of their country as well as to care for their resident groups of mixed creatures, because there was always enough for their own people. No one had to suffer hardship and no one knew sorrow or great worry, for as long as the chosen ones were praised and worshipped each time the priests located a new embodiment of the fertile land, the blessings they bestowed would provide all that was needed. It was a simple life, but a good one, and they all played their part in doing their bit to satisfy the chosen one. For many, serving the cause even filled them with great joy and gave their existence meaning, so that they even dedicated their entire lives to the blessing of the land...

The kingdom and the knightess

The capital of the southern kingdom of Karion was the large and imposing settlement of Merograd. A flourishing place protected by a fortress wall and fortifications and surrounded by countless smaller villages and farms growing ever closer to the walls. With the sea behind it, the city also benefited enormously from maritime trade and fishing, while the lush fields, plantations, forests and farms provided an abundance of food and raw materials.

In the last light of day, a mounted column worked its way along the main street towards the great main gate of Merograd. Peasants and residents peered out of the windows and doors of their houses and a few curious children crowded to the side of the road to catch a last glimpse of the rare spectacle in the gathering darkness.

Heavily armored riders with full gear, weapons and marching baggage galloped past the onlookers through the still warm summer evening. Some of them carried the banners of Karion held aloft on long lances. A black centaur on a green background.

Despite the banners and the unmistakable signs and sigils on their armor, the gate was not opened by the city guard when the horses of the armored troop came to a halt in a cloud of dust. Even in these peaceful times, one could never be too careful at night.

The rider at the head of the column, who towered over most of those in his entourage, slowly trotted his steed closer to the lowered gate of the city entrance. The symbol of the centaur and the crown of Karion were emblazoned on his voluminous breastplate. A huge sword on the back and a second one on the hip as well as the rest of the magnificent and awe-inspiring armor created a highly intimidating sight.

The rider impatiently trotted his powerful warhorse up and down in front of the gate. The visor of his helmet was aimed at the battlements and guards above him.

With a mechanical screech and the loud clanking of heavy iron chains on cogwheels, the gate finally lifted slowly.

A stocky man in ill-fitting armor and a crumpled tunic ran out of the gatehouse and almost hit his bald head on the still-lifting prongs of the gate.

Breathless, he hurried towards the leader of the cavalcade.

"Commander Ashheart...we weren't expecting you at such a late hour...otherwise we would have prepared for your arrival. We didn't think you would make it so soon..."

The captain of the guard's breathless attempts at apology were cut off as the commander spurred the mighty warhorse and thundered past the stunned soldier. The horse's hooves changed from dusty country road to cobbled path with a clatter. The commander's black coat swirled around the bulky, gleaming armor. Shortly afterwards, the entourage also set off and dashed through the open gate, along the streets of the city and towards the king's castle, whose towers rose clearly visible above the roofs of the ordinary houses.

Only minutes later, the tall commander had gained entry to the castle, while the steed and its entourage of loyal sworn guardians waited outside. The organization to which the heavily armed and armored warriors belonged was the Order, which was founded to protect the priesthood and the tribe of beings that called Karion home. The creatures that dwelt deeply rooted in nature in the forests surrounding the largest temple of this kingdom were centaurs.

Proud, dignified and of animalistic beauty and grace, they roamed the vast plains. With human torsos but equipped with the powerful legs and magnificent humps of horses, they were a fascinating sight.

To protect the centaurs and thus the everlasting blessing for the land, the Order of the Guardians was founded, which these days resided in a fortress just a few days' journey from Merograd.

The heavy footsteps of Ashheart's armored boots echoed through the torch-lit corridors of the castle. The black cloak and the likewise massively armored cuirass billowed around the impressive figure of the commander. The thick, spiked armor plates of the shoulders rubbed against each other.

The throne room of the current reigning king, Orkon, who was loved and cherished by the people, was almost completely in darkness and empty except for a few cleaners. Ashheart was not surprised at such a late hour and so the commander's target was the ruler's workroom. No doubt Orkos had already been informed of the Guardians' arrival. Soldiers and servants froze before Ashheart and bowed hastily in the corridors and rooms as the commander marched briskly past.

Finally, the heavily armored figure with flowing cloak arrived in front of the king's chamber, where delicate issues and urgent matters had been discussed numerous times between guardians and the nobles and rulers of the land.

With bowed heads, the two bodyguards opened the heavy oak door to the king's private chambers and quickly stepped to the sides as the armored figure walked past them without a word.

The room was spacious and full of bookshelves and a large bronze globe in an iron stand in the center. Several tables filled with old scrolls and burnt-out candle stubs took up the rest of the space. Behind the largest of the tables, in a comfortable high-backed chair, sat King Orkon, looking patiently and relaxedly over at Ashheart. In his ringed hand was a goblet of wine, which he swirled slowly. His hair was gray and kept short, and a small paunch bulged beneath his gold-embroidered robes.

Behind Ashheart, the guards closed the door again. The commander sank to one knee with a clatter and bowed the head before the King of Karion.

"Now get up already. You haven't given a damn about court protocol so far, and you don't need to start at this late hour," Orkon said, making a dismissive gesture with his free hand before taking a sip of wine.

Ashheart stood up again.

"Now come closer and take this thing off your head, we have something important to discuss," Orkon urged, straightening up a little in his chair. "Leave all that scrap iron there and sit with me," he added, a smile lighting up his face. Ashheart had always had a very special place at Orkon's side and enjoyed his trust like no one else at court.

Both swords landed on an empty table along with their sheaths and straps. Truly magnificent instruments of war of the highest quality. Then the commander took off the gauntlets and slender, long and very fine fingers of dark brown skin were revealed.

Then the helmet was finally removed and a cascade of brown curls spilled over the silver armor plates. Beneath the visor, a beautiful, feminine face with serious emerald eyes and softly cut features was revealed.

Orko's smile grew a little wider and warmer. "Thalia, it's good to finally see you again. How was your ride. You must have driven the horses like devils, my dear."

Thalia Ashheart, Commander of the Guardians, Priestess of the Blessing of the Land and sworn Knight of Karion, set her helmet down on the King's desk and ran her hands through the luscious curls that framed her pretty face.

"The ride was hard, but at least it's for the good of the realm," said Thalia, taking a seat in front of the desk.

The tall woman had come from a realm even further south as a child and had worked her way up from absolutely nothing at the court of Merograd, finally joining the Guardians when she was old enough. There, her strength and indomitable will had seen her rise to the position of commander.

"Your message was worded most urgently, which is why we have been riding day and night. If it is so important, it can really only be about one thing, Your Grace."

She looked at the king with her piercing green eyes and the older man nodded with a knowing smile.

"The high priest has found the next chosen one. He is absolutely certain, there is no doubt at all."

Thalia sucked in a sharp breath. At last, the Chosen One had been found. Now, at last, the ever-repeating, wonderful ritual could begin, in which the chosen representative of the centaur race would move into this castle, where she would be granted all the pleasures and comforts to which her blessing had enabled the land. And all this in an unprecedented abundance that would satisfy every need and desire of the chosen one in overflowing quantities.

"I will prepare my troops to escort the Chosen One from her homeland to Merograd," Thalia announced immediately. It filled her with incredible pride to finally be able to fulfill her oath and serve the blessing of the land and the sacred centaurs. These beautiful creatures that combined the strength and grace of horses in their bodies.

Orkos put his fingers together thoughtfully and looked at Thalia over his hands.

"Indeed you will. However, there is something else I wanted to tell you." The king cleared his throat and then continued: "Thalia Ashheart, you have been appointed protector, companion, servant and confidant of the Chosen."

Thalia's mouth dropped open and she stammered, "I..but I'm a woman...I was never meant for this...i..."

Orkos raised a hand to silence her. Each chosen one was given a hand-picked closest confidant whose sacred duty it was to provide for the every convenience and comfort of his sacred fosterling. It was not uncommon for these relationships to result in love affairs and it was even unofficially expected that this unique servant would also take care of the physical and emotional needs of the person entrusted to their care. To this end, the confidants were always selected by priests and officials of the kingdom from among those who best suited the characters of the chosen ones.

"You are the right choice for this, my dear, believe me," Orkos assured her. "The Chosen Lady of the Centaurs and her priests explicitly requested a suitable woman for this role. A woman who... shares the preferences that you do, Thalia."

The brunette blushed visibly and swallowed. It was an open secret that she liked women. It wasn't something forbidden in the kingdom and not even reprehensible, but it was something the tall woman didn't like to make a big deal of.

"Who... who is the chosen one, Your Grace?" she asked after swallowing again. Her cheeks were still burning.

"The youngest scion of the centaur ruling dynasty: Princess Savierra."

The princess and chosen one

Early the next morning, a large party had already gathered in the castle courtyard. The riders of the Guardians with Thalia at their head formed the core of the troop. Numerous other soldiers, servants and some nobles and officials of the realm would accompany the warriors. In addition, there were whole wagonloads of provisions and culinary goods of all kinds, which would be served at the ceremony in the temple of the centaurs.

Thalia had dispensed with her helmet for the journey ahead. Her sharp, green eyes surveyed the entire troop from her faithful steed, which was noisily crowding into the courtyard. Final preparations were completed and then they set off.

The bells rang throughout Merograd and the citizens greeted and cheered the riders. That morning, the people had been told the good news that the new chosen one had finally been found. The delegation that now rode through the streets of the city would take Princess Savierra into their care. Then Thalia Ashheart would be officially appointed as the chosen one's confidante. After that, the whole group would make their way back to settle Savierra here in Merograd.

The journey to the centaurs' territory took a few days, but the journey passed without any particular incidents or anomalies. All the way, Thalia had been thinking about her upcoming task. She was filled with a nervousness and uncertainty that the strong woman had never known before. Thalia was an outstanding warrior, but nothing more. She would never have dreamed of being more than a mere protector. She would become the partner, the most important confidante and closest servant of the one chosen. To top it all off, the chosen one was also the princess of the local centaur tribe. Savierra's almost sacred value was beyond measure in Thalia's eyes and she, of all people, would have to care for such a mystical being, such a representative of this worshipped species, who was also of royal lineage.

Doubts had gnawed at the otherwise steadfast warrior throughout the journey. Finally, the whole group had crossed the vast plains of the centaurs, which they roamed with their mighty bodies. Wide, flat land that ended at a huge forest, largely untouched by humans, where the horse people lived. This forest also marked the easternmost part of the kingdom of Karion and the border with the nearest realm.

In front of the forest was the enormous Temple of Blessing, which was inhabited by the priests of both species. Over the course of time, a small settlement had formed around the monumental building with its many ornate columns and a large dome as a roof, where people lived who provided the priests with resources, food and labor.

Thalia's entire group was already awaited by a welcoming committee in front of the open, huge wooden gates of the old but imposing temple. She ordered her riders and all the carriages and wagons with passengers and goods to stop. She was the promised companion of the Chosen Ones and she would be the first to address them and the priests.

Slowly, she let her faithful steed trot towards the temple. A formation of guards in full armor and several priests in decorated, elaborately crafted robes were waiting there. Banners of Karion waved on poles along the path to the temple entrance and lit fire bowls lined the way.

When she saw fit, Thalia stopped and dismounted her horse. She walked the rest of the way, which was lined with priests burning incense and warriors of her own order standing motionless.

In front of the large stone staircase that led up to the open gate of the temple stood the high priest in shining robes and with jewelry on his arms and head. Some of his attendants and acolytes held up wide curtains behind him and also waved vessels of incense.

At a respectful distance from the high priest, Thalia lowered herself to one knee. Her face was burning with tension and she felt more excited than before any battle she had ever fought in her life. In this position, the tall woman clasped her back and drew the massive rune-decorated sword of the Order from its sheath. Then she bowed her head and stuck the weapon into the soft ground in front of her.

"I, Thalia Ashheart, commander of the Guardians and promised companion of the Chosen, have answered the call of the blessing of the land to fulfill my destiny and my duty," she spoke, putting as much dignity and strength as she could into those words.

No one said a word, everyone looked at her, or at least that's what Thalia thought at that moment.

Finally, the high priest looked around, then back at Thalia and raised his arms. With a sweeping gesture, he then stepped aside and his attendants drew aside the drawn curtains behind him.

Thalia's breath caught in her throat and the world around her completely blurred. Everything faded out except for the sight that was now right in front of her. What she saw not only reached her mind, but penetrated deep into her heart and she felt that this was indeed her destiny and not just words of an oath that only had as much meaning as she gave it.

A creature emerged from between the curtains, a female centaur, a woman with the upper body of a human, which merged into the body of a horse from her waist up. But this was only a sober description of a fact that the naked eye could see. Thalia was blown away, almost overwhelmed by the nearly surreal beauty that Princess Savierra possessed and radiated.

The horsewoman trotted leisurely towards the kneeling Thalia. Savierra's skin was very fair, almost pale but flawlessly beautiful. Blonde hair flowing down her back was adorned with numerous clasps and pieces of jewelry. A wonderful tiara sat on her forehead. Beneath it, blue, almond-shaped eyes gazed at Thalia, somewhat shy but also curious and excited. The princess's face was beautiful, with perfect features, soft cheeks and full lips. The fur on her horse's body was snow-white and equally immaculate. Her legs were shapely and looked softer and a little fuller than Thalia was used to seeing on ordinary horses. A long tail of blonde hair wagged excitedly back and forth on Savierra's rear end. Both her upper and lower body were covered in a white robe adorned with golden elements and precious stones.

Now the horsewoman was only a few steps away from Thalia and the kneeling warrior tried to take in all the impressions of this fantastic creature with admiration. From this distance, the dark-skinned woman now also recognized details that made her heart beat even faster.

Savierra actually had a very discreet little double chin. She also had very narrow shoulders underneath her robe, but also very chubby upper arms. It wobbled softly and thickly on her arms as she walked. The robe was stretched across her chest by a pair of enormous breasts. Huge tits that sloshed up and down with every step and had been squeezed into the expensive white fabric with great effort. These fat sacks were bigger than watermelons but had a remarkable firmness and did not hang down, although they wobbled wildly with every movement. Thalia thought she could even make out tiny hints of Savierra's nipples, so strained was the fabric. A discreet belly bulged out from under the massive, beautiful tits, which also stretched the garment to such an extent that the individual rolls into which it was divided could be recognized. Sweet little rolls of flab were also clearly poking out everywhere else and pressed against the poor robe which did its best to cover the slightly plump princess. She really was the embodiment of the lush and rich land. A goddess of fertility and prosperity and the future would drive her even faster towards this ideal image of a chosen one.

Finally, the Chosen One stood before her kneeling protector and then also slowly lowered herself onto her forelegs to be level with Thalia.

Her cornflower-blue eyes looked into Thalia's green ones with a shy smile. Savierra's cute, chubby hands were folded in front of her stomach, which stretched her robe threateningly.

"I am pleased to meet you, Thalia Ashheart. My name is Savierra, princess of my tribe and chosen to bestow the blessing of the land. I accept your oath and your bond to me."