[User]
There was a chill in the castle. There was always a chill in the castle, these days. Though the message had only been sent to the heir three nights ago, Anwyn had been trying to get to the source of the High Prince's illness for over a fortnight. It had begun as such a small thing, a bit of fatigue in the late afternoon. True, tensions had been running high as of late---there was unrest throughout the kingdom, ancient feuds being brought to the surface, debates long-settled being reopened. Some were crying out against the influence of magic in the kingdom, others squalling about ''racial purity'' nonsense.

The thought of this particular complaint had her fingering the short points of her ears, a nervous response. Anwyn's family was a powerful one in the province, steadfast allies of the High Prince and the Crown. They were not exceptional traders, nor did they breed warhorses or command fleets of ships. They did not own vast tracts of land that supplied foodstuffs for the kingdom. No, the family's strength came from their dedication to their magical lineage. When the ancient war had come to an end with the match between the royal families of The Golden Kingdom and Glenwilden, the kingdom of the wood elves, her family had been one of the first to follow suit, and to this day maintained strong ties to the elf kingdom. Or at least they had, until the last fifty years or so. Glenwilden had been in decline for centuries, but it was only recently they had seemed to withdraw entirely from the world.

Still, the family heritage was strong, and well guarded. Even at just 21 years of age, Anwyn was one of the most powerful magic users in the kingdom. Only the High King's personal mage and his immediate peers, the council of the School of Mages, could rival her natural ability. True, she lacked the experience and refinement of that esteemed body, but that would only come in time. As such, her inability to solve the High Prince's illness had her rather agitated, not to mention exhausted. She had expended more magical energy, had stretched the limits of her concentration, exerted every ounce of will she could muster, and had not been able to do a thing to halt the illness. On top of all of that, was a bone-deep mix of terror, and shame.

Six days ago, she had been surprised in her rooms by three strangers. In truth, she knew they were the source of her liege lord's illness---they had told her so. And then, they had threatened her, and her family. If she did not cease her interference, there would be grave, and likely fatal, consequences. She suspected then that she had been on the right track for a solution, but now, she hesitated to act. As it was, summoning the prince home had been her final act of outright rebellion against the strangers. Their retaliation had been swift, and now the knife was to her throat, or rather, her sister's. They had put a curse rune on her younger sister, who was only 15. If she were to interfere again, the curse would enact the same wasting illness on her sister as the the one that plagued the king, only it would spread, to infect the rest of the family, down to the most distant cousin.

Now, she came to a stop at the door to the prince's bedchamber, where his son knelt at his side, pleading softly. Her heart nearly broke right then. How was she going to keep both the prince and her family alive? And if she let the high prince die, as nothing had been said about Jeanluc, how would she ever face him? How could she help him get justice for his father if she did nothing to change his fate? She opened her mouth to greet the prince, but guilt stopped her. Instead, she only stood there awkwardly, stewing in her own thoughts.

[Assistant]
Jeanluc looked up as the foreign healer came back, arms laden with jars and bottles. The spicy scent of exotic herbs filled the chamber, and the healer got to work. Jeanluc, wiping tears from his cheeks rose to his feet and slowly backed away from the bed. Turning his eyes caught Anwyn hovering in the entrance.

"Anwyn?" His eyes lit with a glimmer of hope in seeing his friend. His voice hoarse and crackling with emotion, he rushed over to embrace her in a hug. Holding it a long moment, his body still trembling. He took a deep breath and stepped back, looking into her eyes. "I can't believe it! He was so healthy when I last saw him! How could this happen?" He wiped away a new tear, but appeared to be more in control of his emotions.

"Please, tell me all you know!" Looking over his shoulder as the medicine man slathered pungent ointments on his father's chest. "Let us give him room to work, and perhaps get something from the kitchens. It has been a weary ride!" After a last, longing look at his father, he exited and started down towards the dining hall, mind racing. His father had always been a stout warrior, string and hale. To see him like this shook the prince to his core, and the possibilities of what would happen if he did not recover... weighed heavily.

[User]
Anwyn watched the unfamiliar man work for a moment, unable to view his appearance as entirely unsuspicious, though she had heard that Jeanluc had brought him in personally. Still, with all her power, all her knowledge, she had been able to get nowhere prior to the blackmailers' appearance. What would these strange-smelling herbs do? None of them bore any of the signs of any poisons she was familiar with, however, so it was also unlikely they would do any harm.

She would have to interrogate the healer later, however, as Jeanluc ran to her and embraced her. She couldn't help but tense as his arms first came around her, and had to force herself to relax. "I am so terribly sorry, my lord," she told him gently as he stepped away. "I wish I could tell you more, truly, but there are ancient forces at work here that defy my understanding. I have been able to do little but keep him comfortable."

He mentioned the kitchens, and she nodded. "Of course, my lord, you must be famished. Please, after you." She stepped aside and let him leave the room, but offered him her arm as they moved into the hall, so that they could support each other on the walk to the kitchens. Until this business with his father, she had been most excited to see Jeanluc again. They were close in age, so had grown up together, been present for, and participants in, many of each other's successes, failures, and general mischief-making. She had gone to the capital to study at the School of Mages at 12, however, and only spent summers and winter holidays at the provincial palace. She'd gotten to see Jeanluc briefly when he came to the university in the capital, but had finished her education soon after. It had been nearly two years since then, and now they were only reunited under the most dire of circumstances. How very depressing.

Once in the kitchen, Anwyn shooed away the kitchen staff. They had been preparing a banquet for the return of the heir since they had gotten word of his coming, but most of that was done now, and honestly, she wasn't sure if Jeanluc would even go through with it. Still, the feast would not be until tomorrow, and in the meantime, there were always quick, hearty options kept available in the kitchen for anyone who worked or lived in the palace. Jeanluc's father was not one to let his people go hungry. From a cold storage room enchanted by yours truly, she pulled a tray of sliced ham, butter, a bowl of grapes, and a wedge of cheese. This selection was joined by a thick loaf of bread, retrieved from one of the warming racks near the massive fire place, and bowls of stew from the pot hanging over a bed of coals.

She set all of the food on the long table used by anyone stopping into the kitchen for a quick bite outside of mealtimes, acquired the necessary tableware, and sat across from Jeanluc. She schooled her expression into one of sympathy, rather than the guilt that made her heart feel heavy and her stomach clench. "Where did you find that healer? From what I understand, his people rarely come this far west, if they come onto this continent at all. Can he be trusted?"

[Assistant]
Jeanluc took Anwyn's offered arm and enjoyed the comfort of her familiar presence on the way down to the kitchens. Her steps in sync with his, swaying hips forcing him to slow down had a calming effect on his nerves. Her perfume brought back a flurry of memories, studying together, getting into mischief, playing in the open field around the castle, sneaking late night snacks from the kitchens. It lifted his heart, if only for a few moments before the reality of seeing his father near death brought him crashing back down. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts he barely acknowledged everyone they passed greeting him and offering well wishes. He smiled apologetically as they entered the kitchen and Anwyn shooed the staff away.

He realized how the full staff had been at work and that they must have been preparing a feast for his return. Not that he felt like celebrating, but it was customary and expected. Bravery in the face of fear and tragedy. He must put on his best face before the courts in the morning, show strength lest the more seasoned players in the game start grabbing at power. It was something he had been preparing his whole life for, yet he never felt less ready. His father had always told him that if you felt ready to rule you were doing it wrong. Careful thought and planning, considering all the outcomes is how you made good decisions. And good counsel! A smile on his lips as Anwyn moved with purpose about the kitchen building a meal for them. She was the most sound counsel he could think of, even more so than Virgil the head of the guard.

He found a stool by the large prep tables and chewed his lip. He was exhausted, and hungry and weary. But it was good to see his lifelong friend, and she always knew how to help him even when he didn't. His smile warmed as she brought over the tray of food, his belly growling loudly. He blushed and giggled "I guess I didn't realize just how hungry I was! Thank you!" He broke of a hunk of the bread and noshed on it, eyes closing at the buttery flavor he had forgotten of. The food at University was top notch, but nothing compared to home.

"Oh, the healer? He is on staff at the University, teaches healing arts and tends to the students. His name is almost impossible to pronounce, but he goes by D.K. or just ''healer''. He offered to help as soon as we got the news! I have known him since I got there, and would trust him with my life. And well father's as well. Usually there is a translator, but there was no time. He can write in the common tongue, and understand it, but only knows a few words to speak it." He looked thoughtful for a moment "Perhaps you have a spell for that?" He cut a hunk of ham and popped it in his mouth, unable to contain a delightful moan as he thoroughly enjoyed it.

"Can you tell me more of his condition? How it started? It sounds like it progressed very quickly?" He took a draught of wine. "And of course how have you been? I feel it's been ages!"

[User]
Anwyn nodded, willing to accept the healer's presence on that explanation. And besides, maybe outside help would be enough to cover her tracks if she did find a solution to cure the high prince. "Yes, a translation charm should be easy enough to work out. I will get it to you by morning."

As for his next question, however, she was quiet for a long minute, trying to decide how to answer. Just how close could she get to the line without crossing it? Her entire family depended on her silence, at the moment, and the choice between loyalty to family and loyalty to her oath was harder than she had expected. "I wish I could tell you," she said finally. "As you may have guessed already, the disease is magical in origin, but it is like nothing I have ever seen. I haven't been able to make any real progress. As for how it started, it was just a bit of fatigue one day, and it got steadily worse from there." There. Truthful, but vague.

And she hated herself for it. Anwyn busied her hands filling her own plate with food, though she ate little.

[Assistant]
Jeanluc studied Anwyn's face as she thought about her reply. He could sense something was off, he'd known her too long, but he couldn't quite tell what. She had always been talented and confident, seeing her with doubts made him a little uneasy. Perhaps it was the dire situation. Or the fact that what she had tried hadn't worked.

"I'm sure you have been doing all you can! Sorry, I didn't mean to pressure you any more. Thank you for taking care of him!" He squeezed her hand reassuringly, and focused on his own food as well. It was a strange silence between them as they ate, almost a palpable tension.

He tried to change the subject "So how have you been? Learned any new spells since I last saw you? Any more suitors begging for your attention?"

[User]
The change of subject surprised Anwyn, and she let out a genuine, though brief, chuckle. "Please, Jean, you know even if they tried, the way my father would react. Only an elf or a royal, preferably both at this point, will be good enough for him, and therefore, me. Not to say a few haven't tried regardless, but I've been quite busy here. As for new spells, not in the way you may think. Since graduation, I have a lot more free reign with my power. The structure they teach you at the School is important, especially for younglings who haven't yet learned control, but the more I grow with my magic, the more I'm able to do if I let it work through me, rather than trying to force it into a strict spell-structure."

This was how the elves used their power. Many of them sang or drew their magic, combining art and power to accomplish truly impressive feats. From what she understood, that was how all of the forest cities of Glenwilden had been built, and how they'd been dismantled as the elves withdrew. Of course, saying that out loud made her flinch slightly, guilt once more rearing its ugly head. She should have been able to cure Jean's father, and she had no idea how she was going to keep him from figuring that out. It had occurred to her that maybe she should simply leave. Get called away on family business or something. The result would be mostly the same---Jeanluc would still never forgive her, his father would likely die, but he would be alright, as would her family.

But no. The bond of loyalty between the Des Aegis royal family and House Conteleone was as bred into her as her magical prowess. She could no more leave the prince to his fate than she could give up her magic.

[Assistant]
Jeanluc listened intently. Chuckling at the thought of his lifelong friend politely declining suitors. And her stern father giving them all the evil eye. He continued to eat and drink, loving the familiar sound of her voice.

"That's interesting. I never really thought of magic that way. Not that I'd have any idea what I was doing regardless." Jeanluc had shown no magical aptitude, despite his royal blood. He had taken the same tests as her as a youngling and found wanting, which happened with most royals. Although at times over the years he seemed to have an uncanny gut feeling, like an intuition. He thought nothing of it, but some would see it as a raw connection to magic.

He finished his plate, feeling full but no less weary. It would be nice to sleep in his own bed. "Tell me, what do they have planned for me tomorrow? It looks like they were preparing for a great feast? Perhaps a meeting of the high courts?" He rubbed his eyes, clearly exhausted, but knowing his duty always came first.

[User]
She shook her head, violet waves bouncing about her shoulders. "Not quite so formal, I managed to talk them out of that much, at least. We couldn't see the return of your father's heir without some kind of recognition, but I also didn't want to pressure you with some grand event. That being said, the way things have been around here lately, it will do the locals good to have a bit of normalcy. There will be the feast, and then what they are calling a ''social'' in the capital. We'll be in the ballroom, but it won't be a formal dance. There will be refreshments and places to sit and gossip and whatnot. I'm sure all of the nobles will want to get their teeth in you, but that isn't anything out of the usual."

Anwyn wasn't fooled by her old friend's attempt to brush off his weariness, however. She tilted her head and clasped his hand back with a reassuring squeeze. "Go get some rest, my prince. I will get this cleaned up and take care of that charm for your healer." She released him and stood, starting to put things away.

[Assistant]
He couldn't help but smile as Anwyn explained how she had saved him from the extravagant circus they would have been his homecoming. "You treat me too well! Of course I would have gone through with it all if necessary, but your sage planning has saved me again!" He sighed with relief, the tedious conversation would be stressful enough without the intricacies of formal ballroom dancing. And of course council members would be throwing their daughters at him as well, hoping to marry a new queen into the family.

He tried to hide a yawn with the back of his hand, blushing as she called him out. "You are always looking out for me! Thank you Anwyn! I may sleep straight through until the feast!" Chuckling he stood, made a showy courtroom bow. Kissed her hand and turned to go. Laughing like he hadn't in too long. "Goodnight fair maiden!"

He found his way back to him chambers, finding them cozy and ready. A fire warm and burning, bed turned down. He stripped off his grimy riding clothes and sank into the tub that had been drawn. Letting out a sigh as he submerged in the scalding water. He closed his eyes and tried to let the stress flow from him, breathing deeply of the candles lit round the lavishly decorated chamber.

[User]
The young sorceress shook her head at her lord's showy retreat, then returned to her work of cleaning the kitchen. She was sure the kitchen staff was nearby, despite her having shooed them off, but she didn't want to leave them more work to do, considering all the preparations still needed for the feast the following evening. Once finished, she exited the kitchen and headed for her suite, though she wasn't in any particular hurry. As she walked, she sank into her awareness of the castle.

As she'd told the prince, Anwyn's magic worked best when she let it move through natural paths. She had discovered after her first year of schooling at the capital that the castle of Des Aegis, much like the School of Mages and the imperial palace, was steeped in old magic. She'd always felt a faint buzz of magic in the castle as a child, but she hadn't realized until after a bit of formal training how deep it went, into the very bedrock upon which the castle stood. Now, as a fully realized mage, Anwyn could spread her own power out through that network of old magic, and use it to keep tabs on various goings on. It wasn't very precise or detailed, though the more familiar she was with a presence, the easier it was to identify.

In the High Prince's room, for instance, the clash of auras against her power made her flinch away from that room. There was the prince, of course, his presence weak, although stronger than she'd noted in days. Perhaps the healer's efforts were already paying off? Then of course, the unfamiliar aura was the healer. It was strong and strange, unlike anything else she'd ever sensed. She took a moment to study it and memorize it, taking a few mental notes to look into later about the healer's people based off of her observations. Finally, there was a sense of deep, black malevolence in the room. Not a presence or an aura like the prince and the healer, more like a hovering shadow. That was the illness, and the magic that powered it, working against the high prince.

Anwyn frowned, reaching her suite and heading for her workshop, even as her awareness traveled down the hall to Jeanluc's chambers. Fortunately, he had followed her recommendation, and seemed to now be enjoying a bath. And perhaps falling asleep in it. With a small shake of her head, she pulled back her awareness, and sent one of her own maids to remind the prince's overnight attendant to check on him if the prince didn't get himself to bed on his own before the water went ice cold. That out of the way, she retreated to her workshop to create the charm she'd promised for Jeanluc's healer, before finding her own bed for the night.

[Assistant]
Jeanluc work with a start. Two handmaidens hovered over him, blushing as they gently woke him from his nap in the tub. He bashfully exited, the water not quite as warm as it had been. His lean, naked form exposed for a moment before they helped him into a plush robe. He recognized one maiden as belonging to his staff and the other to Anwyn's. Slightly so fused as to why they were both there.

"Thank you ladies. Sorry, I must be more exhausted that I thought..." He stiffened and blushed as their delicate hands helped dry and dress him in silken pajamas. Not experiencing this sort of hands on care since before he left for university. And somehow he remembered the chamber maids as old women, not young pretty things like these two. He tried to calm his body, pulse quickening as they touched him everywhere and helped him into his plush bed. His eyelids heavy and cheeks red from all the attention.


[User]
Katarina Ivanov trudged won the street, her wool cap pulled down low and a thick scarf wrapped over most of her face, exposing only her eyes. The broad-shouldered woman was more resilient to the cold than most. but the sky was deep gray, threatening snow as a wicked wind shook the leafless tree branches, stabbing bitterly through all but the thickest fabrics. Katarina could feel the chill on her lips, despite the warmth of her breath. She wore a heavy black woolen coat, buttoned up to her neck with the collar turned up and hanging down to her ankles. She wore heavy black leather boots, with thick rubber soles, a steel toe, and tightly laced paracord, crisscrossing between shining steel hooks.

She had volunteered to trudge to her house, instead of trying to go to a coffee shop like they sometimes did, there was no sense in both of them being chilled to the bone. Besides, Katarina had an idea she wanted to offer, and she'd much rather talk about it in private.

After a few minutes, she reached her destination and rapped her leather gloved knuckles on the door a bit heavily. She wanted out of this damned cold, and away from this wind filled with daggers of frost.

[Assistant]
"Third time's a charm," Abigail said to herself, biting off a piece of fresh-baked blueberry muffin. It was the third tray she'd baked that day, and the first one she actually got right. The first batch burned to a crisp, the second tasted like chalk, and they both ended up in the trash. She did not like baking, but she was tired of feeling helpless and incompetent, and her therapist suggested learning some life-skills might help. As to that, it was too early to say if it was working, but one thing was certain: this was a damn good blueberry muffin, and she'd made it all by herself.

She'd just taken another bite when the knock came at the front door. "Justaminute!" Abigail called out, her words slurring together over the mouthful of blueberries and crumbs. She washed it all down with a quick drink of milk, before wiping her hands off on the side of her apron. That's right. She had an apron, just like an actual baker. Slipping it up over her head, she draped it across the back of a kitchen chair, before hurrying to the front door, where she stretched up onto the tips of her socked-toes to look out through the peephole. It was Katarina. And she looked like a human popsicle!

Abigail unbolted the door, then swung it open with an inrush of cold air. "Hurry! Get in!" She urged the other woman, and when Katarina was inside, Abigail slammed the door on the frigid winter. She did not like the cold.

"If you walked here, you're absolutely nuts." Abigail said, rubbing her arms. She was a slender woman, although not skinny, and stood about about 5'5, with wavy blonde hair and big brown eyes that gave her an inquisitive look. Her cheeks were rosy, and there was a small smudge of flour on her nose. She was wearing a gray knit sweater and a pair black leggings, with wool socks pulled up over her ankles. "Do you want a muffin?"

[User]
Stepping in quickly from the cold, Katarina couldn't help but smile at her friend's animated displeasure at the natural force. "I'm absolutely nuts." The larger woman stated with a smile. She unwound the scarf from around her face. revealing her wide but thin lips. "You've known that since you met me." Katarina was seven inches taller, and unbuttoning her jacket revealed her wide shoulders, with proportionally large breasts to match She wore a simple black T-shirt, that hugged her thick, muscular arms, and her proportionally narrow waist, which quickly swelled out to her wide hips, then narrowed slightly to her equally muscular thighs, wrapped in blue jeans, that tucked into her boots. She was built like a wrecking ball.

"Not all of us have fire in our veins. Some of us have ice instead, little wind." Katarina said with a mirthful tone, using one of her many nicknames for Abigail. "A muffin sounds wonderful, especially if it's what I'm smelling right now. Would you like a hug?" Katarina spread her arms wide to offer. She was a tactile woman, but she had learned quickly to always ask Abigail before initiating any physical contact. She had also learned not to take it personally if her friend refused.

Once the greetings were finished, Katarina stepped into the kitchen, plucking a muffin out of the tray, "How have you been? Keeping warm? Has the," She looked at Abigail and tapped her head, "Been behaving, or giving you trouble?" The two had met and bonded because of separate diagnoses of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD. Both of them knew when to give the other space, and were learning when they could support each other more directly. While Abigail answered, Katarina, peeled back the paper on the muffin, and bit into it. "Ohhhh, little fox, these are wonderful. And you made them yourself? Ah! Good job, maybe you don't need my suggestion after all."

When the time seemed right, Katarina spoke up again. "Speaking of me being 'absolutely nuts' as you put it. I had an idea, a suggestion like I mentioned. This may sound crazy, but please, hear me out. What do you know about BDSM?"

[Assistant]
"You should have called an Uber or taken the bus." Abigail said with pursed lips, but she didn't press the issue any further. If there was one thing she'd learned about her friend in the time they'd known each other, it's that she was going to do what she was going to do. Besides, Abigail mused as the other woman removed her snow-flecked jacket, Katarina shared an uncanny resemblance to a polar bear. They were about the same size and just as fierce. Indeed, it was that same ferocity that had once intimidated Abigail and that she now found great comfort in. The world felt much more... manageable when she had her great, big bear around to keep her safe.

And so it had nothing to do with emotional discomfort that Abigail eyed the other woman's offer of a hug dubiously, and everything to do with the fact that it actually did look like there might be ice running through Katarina's veins right then. Abigail did not like very much like the idea of hugging a popsicle. Nevertheless, she eventually opened her arms to the other woman's and leaned in for an embrace that was much warmer than expected. Apparently, that big jacket of Katarina's sealed in a god deal of warmth. Abigail released the other woman a few seconds later and quickly led them through her quaint little home into the kitchen.

It was cozy and rustic, and the entire place smelled of fresh-baked blueberry muffins and coffee brewing. There was also a small wooden dining table set up near a window with two seats facing each other. It overlooked the winter wonderland that this blizzard had made of her backyard. Abigail beamed as Katarina helped herself to a muffin.

"I refuse to go outside until it warms up," Abigail said, shivering for effect. She worked from home, selling crafts and other artistic creations through various online outlets. It didn't make her a lot of money, but the rest of her living expenses were covered by benefits she received after her PTSD diagnosis and accompanying anxiety. "I've been doing mostly okay, though. Much as I don't like the cold, sometimes I think the winter is easier. I feel less anxious." But that was not something she wanted to talk about, so she waved it away and plucked up a muffin for herself, grinning at the many nicknames Katarina had for her. Little fox might just be her favourite. "All by myself." She nodded proudly. "I'm going to try making cheesecake this weekend."

After that, they spent a few moments in amiable silence, before Katarina spoke up. With her muffin halfway to her mouth, which was half-open, ready to receive the tasty treat, Abigail froze. She knew a lot about BDSM, in fact, though what she knew came entirely from stories she found online. She was also quite certain that this was not the sort of thing one just... asks about. Her cheeks were burning. "I... know a little." She said, then suddenly had an idea in her that this was all some elaborate joke, and her eyebrows knitted together, her eyes narrowing. "Are you teasing me?"

[User]
Katarina shook her head at Abigail's suggestion of the bus or an Uber. "Waste of money. Easy enough to walk." She saw that the other woman was upset and shrugged. She was going to do what she was going to do... well... less so after today, perhaps. For a moment, Abigail's wariness of the hug put a bloom of uneasiness in Katarina's stomach. She remembered all too well the frightened looks she inspired. It seemed to pass quickly, however, and she hugged the smaller woman tight for a moment, then quickly loosened her grip again to make sure Abigail didn't feel trapped.

The bear of a woman frowned slightly when Abigail declared that she wasn't going to go outside until it warmed up. "You're not going to just stay cooped up in the house, though, are you? You should make sure you get out from time to time, go to the library, or the mall. Not every day, but occasionally, yes?" She nodded gently at the other woman's explanation that winters were easier.

A proud smile crossed Katarina's face as Abigail said that she had made the muffins all by herself, her eyebrows lifted a bit, as she mentioned making cheesecake. "Oh goodness. if you learn how to do that, it's going to become dangerous to visit you. I might start looking more like a cow than a bear Little Fox." She grinned easily.

She kept her expression even as Abigail asked if she was teasing her. Katarina wanted to say that she never would, but that wasn't strictly true. She had in the past, and likely would again. So instead, all she could say was, "No, Abigail, I'm serious. I want to know what you know because there are a lot of harmful ideas that float around, and I want to know how what I'm suggesting might affect you. To put it simply, however, I remember how you were when we first met. I made you nervous. You always seemed jumpy, intimidated. But as you got used to me, and started to learn how I would react to different things, what I would do, how I would react to things, that I was on your side, you started to relax. We only really truly became friends when you were certain that I wasn't ever going to hurt you."

Katarina took a deep breath, and let it out slowly, then looked straight at Abigail again. "How do you think you would feel if you always knew exactly what I would do? If you knew that I was on your side, always? If I only did exactly what you told me to? If I was under your complete control?"

[Assistant]
Abigail eyed the other woman and for a moment it looked like she was going to say something, but in the end she simply sighed and shook her head. There was no point. Katarina was indeed going to do what she was going to do. Besides, she had dressed warmly enough; that jacket looked like it could keep you cozy even in the frigid arctic. So, letting the matter drop, Abigail plucked up her muffin and shrugged at Katarina's inquiries. "I'll go out," she said. "But not when it's like this. We already agreed that only a crazy person would do that." She grinned proudly at her joke, then chomped into her muffin. They really were delicious.

"What makes you think you're getting any of my cheesecake?" She teased Katarina right back, a testament to how much their relationship had grown these past months. There had indeed been a time when Abigail hardly dared speak around Katarina. Jokes at her expense, even playful jabs like these, were completely off the table. Now, though, Abigail felt... well, she felt safe around Katarina. She felt confident and secure in her own body.

None of that prepared her for the conversation they were having now, however. 'If I was under your complete control?' What in the world did that mean? Abigail stared, mouth agape, struggling to wrap her head around this bizarre turn. Her brows furrowed; her mouth worked. There were a million questions she wanted to ask, but every time she tried to form one, her mind seemed to go blank.

"I don't understand," Abigail finally managed. Then she shook her head, as if that might clear away some of the confusion. It didn't. "You mean like a dominatrix? Aren't they cruel? I don't know... I mean, it's not that I... It's just, I don't know if I could be mean to you like that." Was that what Katarina meant? It was hard to imagine, but wasn't that what people meant when they talked about BDSM? Whips and chains and cruelty and sadism?

"I still think you're teasing me," she said after a while, eyeing Katarina suspiciously. "I don't think I'd look very good in latex."

[User]
Abigail's concession brought a soft smile to Katarina's face. Her re-insistence that only a crazy person would go out in this weather turned that smile into a wide grin. "You're right. We did already agree on that." A grin that turned into mock pain and despair when Abigail teased that she might not be getting any cheesecake. "What? My dearest, most beloved friend Abigail would not even share her cheesecake with me?! I cannot believe that anyone could be so cruel." She said, hamming it up and clutching at her chest. For a moment, she let her accent become thicker. "It is true what they say back in Mother Russia, all you Americans are the same! Cruel, heartless, capitalist pigs!" She dropped the act and the accent, grinning and chuckling.

Her suggestions and Abigail's reactions were a much more serious business, however. Katarina frowned as he friend brought up cruelty, whips, and sadism. "I think you'd be the sexiest woman alive in latex, but that is definitely not my point," Katarina said, trying to defuse the tension a bit. "I didn't imagine you as a sadist dominatrix, no. I don't want to be in pain, and I can't imagine you hurting anyone. You're much too sweet little Cupcake. BDSM doesn't have to be about pain or cruelty, though. In fact, to most people who practice it, I would imagine that it is not about those things."

"What I was thinking was much simpler and much nicer. Very plain and simple, we would come up with things that we want to explore together and then decide what is and isn't allowed during a scene or in our normal everyday interactions. It can be as much or as little as either of us want. Then, when we chose, we would be able to enter a ''Scene,'' during which I would follow whatever rules we agree on and whatever commands we agree that you can give me. That might mean that during a scene, I'm not allowed to get up off my knees and must always be kneeling, sitting, on all fours, or lying down. You could have e not do anything without your explicit instruction, not even moving without you telling me to. You could tie my hands up and then feed me, run your hands all over me without me being allowed to stop you. have me open my mouth, then put your fingers inside, grab my tongue, and lead me around by it. Whatever it is that we did, you would have complete control over me. You would know exactly what I was going to do."

She thought for a few moments and then added. "And if you wanted to do something gentler or sweeter, there are lots of different kinds of domination. You could spend most of the time praising me, telling me I'm a good girl for you, congratulating me on completing tasks. There's something called Puppy play, or Kitten play, where basically I take on the role of a pet, and you can train me and take care of me... and then... um..." Katarina faltered a bit. "There's... ahem... there's Momy Domme, little girl play. Where the roles and power structure we take on are based on the role of a child and a caregiver. A Mommy, or a Daddy, or an older sibling, or a babysitter. I would act like a little girl, dependent on you, and you would take care of me, feeding me, reading to me, cuddling, bathing me, tucking me into bed, and reassuring me if I got scared or worried. and... um... I'd do my best to let myself stop worrying, to... to let the stress and responsibility go away for a while, and to trust you to take care of me, and tell me what to do... and... um... teach me right from wrong... and how to be a good person..." Katarina's eyes had slowly drifted to the floor as she talked, slowly feeling more and more embarrassed and less sure of herself. She felt ridiculous even suggesting these kinds of things.

Katarina had hurt people. Badly. She didn't get to just let go of her responsibility. She was big and strong and knew how to take care of herself and others in a fight. Knew how to use weapons... how to kill if she had to. It didn't matter that someone else had given the order. It didn't matter that if she didn't follow orders, it would have been her getting hurt instead...

Katarina suddenly sat bolt upright, taking a deep breath, "Five." She stated, her head turning quickly around the room, eyes darting around, finding five things she could see. "Four." Her eyes closed, and she listened for four things she could hear, tilting and turning her head to try to pick out the sounds. "Three." She ran her hands over her pants, the arms of the chair she was sitting in, the table in front of her. "Two." She sniffed, taking in the smell of the muffins and the ambient scent of Abigail in her own house. "One." Without looking, she plucked out another Muffin and took a bite, chewing it slowly, then swallowing. She relaxed, opening her eyes and looking at Abigail. "Sorry. I'm here now. I'm here, Little Fox. It's okay. I'm here." She said, most likely, reassuring herself more than she was her friend. She could only hope that she hadn't just ruined everything.

[Assistant]
Abigail listened to her friend's explanation with increasing confusion, though not because Katarina was unclear about anything. Quite the contrary. The struggle was that... well, it was difficult to imagine her bear-like friend submitting to anyone or anything, let alone the frightened dove of a woman who was Abigail Spencer. The very notion was absurd. And yet, was there something stirring inside of her? A hidden desire showing the first spark of life, perhaps. She'd never thought about domination before, not that she could remember anyway, and certainly never with her in that role. She was a soft-spoken, diminutive young woman who'd spent her entire life taking care never to attract too much attention, and that was before... what had happened. Authority did not suit her. She was a follower, not a leader. Wasn't she?

There was something, though. She could feel it, a tightening of her chest, a flutter in the pit of her stomach. Her pulse, Abigail realized, was racing, and it was because an image conjured up by her imagination. Katarina on her hands and knees, naked and obedient. _Doing what I tell her._ A pet. A puppy. Mommy's little girl. _Will she really listen to me? Could I spank her if she didn't?_

Abruptly, Abigail was jolted out of her fantasies by the sound of panicked counting, and she recognized at once what was happening. This was not the first time something like this had happened while the two of them were together, and just like every other time, Abigail's heart broke for her friend. They both came from a past they'd rather have left behind, both plagued by dark memories that would not be silenced. They didn't just understand each other's pain. They knew it, and they lived it.

Abigail reached out a tentative hand, brushing her fingers along the other woman's broad shoulder. There was strength there, power that Abigail could scarcely imagine. If it came right down to it, Katarina could have tossed her around, broken her, beaten her, done whatever she pleased whenever she pleased. And yet... that wasn't what she wanted. Why? She wanted to feel small, to feel... helpless, perhaps. Innocent, maybe? _And what do I want?_ Abigail wondered. Perhaps... perhaps it would feel good to have some power for once. To be in control. Perhaps...

She licked her lips, trembling. "It's okay." She whispered. She didn't mean to; it was all she could manage right then. "Do you need..." She trailed, taking a breath. A deep, calming breath like she'd been taught in therapy to calm her nerves, paying attention to how the breath feels coming into her, the way it fills her lungs, expanding her chest. Hold it, hold it, then release, slowly, out through the mouth, letting the air brush out across her lips, taking with it her anxiety, her fear, her panic. In a stronger voice, she said: "Do you want Mommy to get you anything?"

[User]
Katarina looked up, saw Abagail's look of pained pity, and cringed. She hated making Abigail feel bad, especially after what she had been through. Katarina had never hurt people quite like Abigail had been hurt, but... sometimes it felt like that didn't matter. Abigail was a victim, and Katarina was a monster. Abigail, perhaps should be afraid of Katarina... no, that was her self-depreciation talking. She didn't hurt people anymore. It had been... years... still sometimes she was right back there... she forced herself to think about sheep. Nice fluffy sheep, nothing harmful, just soft, fuzzy, warm wool.

As Katarina looked back at Abigail again, however, she saw some sort of resolve in the smaller woman's eyes, even as she trembled slightly. The next few words flowed out haltingly, then much more confidently, she asked. "Do you want Mommy to get you anything?" Katarina's eyes went wide, and her mouth fell open. Abigail sounded amazing, so sincere, and self-assured.

Katarina didn't want to push things too fast, however, so she tried to give her an out. "I... I'm okay. I'll be alright, I promise... but..." she hesitated, not quite sure how she wanted o go for this, then in a much softer, gentler, more vulnerable voice, she murmured, "...maybe we could cuddle on the couch and wrap up in a blanket, and we could read a story, or... you could sing... or... just braid my hair?... if you want to... Mommy."

Katarina's arms pulled in, and she hunched forwards slightly, her body language becoming much more timid and uncertain as she looked into Abigail's eyes. This was really happening. Katarina had suggested it, and Abigail had just... gone for it.

[Assistant]
Abigail immediately wanted her words back. What a stupid thing to say. Just because Katarina had brought up the topic, that didn't mean she wanted to start in already. This was the sort of thing a person needed to discuss, to lay out ground rules, expectations, needs and limits. Abigail knew that much about BDSM, at least. And besides, this was probably just some big joke, anyway. A playful tease that she'd foolishly taken seriously, and now she'd gone and made things awkward between them.

She was just about to say that she, too, was joking, when Katarina spoke up, and there was a change in her voice. Something subtle, almost imperceptible. Most people would not even had heard it. But Abigail was more sensitive than most. She noticed what others did not, and so she heard the vulnerability in Katarina's voice. A vulnerability that had never been there before. And then she said 'Mommy'.

A shudder ran through Abigail, butterflies in the pit of her stomach. Why did she like that so much? Why did she want to hear more? She licked her lips, thinking: _what would a Mommy do?_

"What would you like best, baby?" She asked, putting as much confidence into her tone as she could muster. A parent needed to sound confident, especially when her little girl was feeling otherwise. "You can pick out a book for Mommy to read to you." Her heart fluttered when she said the word. "Or maybe you'd like to watch a movie or show?" She didn't think she felt confident enough yet to sing, but the other options were certainly within her wheelhouse. "If you want, you can go get curled up on the couch. Do you want some hot chocolate after---" She'd been about to say, 'after walking here,' but then changed her mind. They were Mommy and girl now, weren't they? So, she said: "After playing outside? I can put some whipped cream in it, too. Would you like that?"


[User]
Mary couldn't help but grin as Evan said that he should have been more 'in control' "Mmmm, I see," She replied with a twinkle in her eye. "So control really is a need for you. Good to know." She teased.

Nodding, Mary acknowledged his concerns. "I've done much the same. And I plan to keep my personal and business life as separate as possible as much as I can. You don't have to tell me twice about the field day some people would have if they could twist it so that I somehow only got a degree to find a man to latch onto and live off of while effectively retiring early and abusing his fat paychecks. Add that to wanting to do what someone else tells me to, even though they'll completely ignore the nuance of needing to have already said yes, the person needing to have my best interest at heart, and also not being a pretentious asshole, or any other kind of jerk. Ugh. I can already hear all the anti-feminist and rad-fem keyboard warriors typing up their hour-long rants." She rolled her eyes. "Strange how those two groups always seem to agree with each other, isn't it?"

She did her best to shake off the mood as they started to slowly bring the night back to where it began. Or at least where it began to get good. Mary happily nestled into Evan's arms, wrapping her own arms around him as well. She grinned at his teasing and then his promises. "Is that right, Master? Well, let's see if I can find the right things to say. Will you please help me if I don't get it right, Master? I'm very new to this, and I still need more training. Would you please train me, Master? Please. Take me back down into subspace, help me forget the world and anything by how good it feels to obey you, to be owned by you. Please, Master. Please. Please Hold me close, and snuggle me sweetly. Please tell me how happy I make you. Please, Master. Please tell me I'm a good girl. I want to be a good girl for you. Please tell me I'm a good girl. Please tell me I'm your good girl. Yours and yours alone. Please. Make sure I know w what it feels like to be owned, to know that no one else could do what you do to me. Please. Please, Master. Take me as your slave again. I need it. I need you. I'll do as you command me. I promise. I need your control. I need your commands. I need your ownership. Please, please, please, please, master. Please give it to me."

[Assistant]
Ugh, why did she have to be so damned attractive? It was practically unfair of her. The strength and confidence she had about her work, her commitment, Evan had to admit that was hot. He loved a woman who knew what she wanted and Mary seemed confident enough to take anything. Which made the fact that she was wild about subbing all the more fascinating. Evan wasn't used to being so evenly matched with someone and he found he rather liked it. Now that they'd brushed past the uncomfortableness, everything became part of the play. A little dance to be had before more primal appetites were satisfied, OK, he could get to like that.

And then she begged him in the most jaw dropping way possible, rare was a sub so confident to prostrate herself like this and he enjoyed the gift she was giving him. No, this one was special, he needed to keep this up. Once he got to properly train her she could be quite dangerous, and he was finding he loved the idea it it, to push his buttons so well to force his dom side out of him. It was crazy of course but so incredibly hot. Of course he had to do it now, it was far too juicy of an offer. He'd become her dom again, smiling down at her as he cupped her chin and laid a soft kiss on her lips,. "You've been such a lovely girl this evening, how could I ever refuse such an offer?" he reached over and pulled out the collar again and slipped it around her throat "This seems like a good place for that, now why don't you get into table and I can focus on letting you know how I will own you completely because no one else could ever satisfy what a greedy sub you are. But you're MY greedy sub and I love your appetite."

[User]
Mary drank in the raw desire, the hunger in Evan's eyes. The very fact of its existence almost made her slip out of her pleading just to be able to tease Evan about how easily she could make him want her, how quickly his engine started up. But this was not the time. She wanted to be good. She wanted to surrender. She wanted to feel another's authority, to feel Evan's authority. So the sparkle never left her eyes, and instead, her lips continued to hold the pleading pout that had gotten her here.

He reached out as he smiled down at her, cupping her chin and leaving her no choice but to look up into his hungry eyes, He wanted her, and she felt it... no, that wasn't quite right. He wanted her, that was true, but that wasn't what he was feeling the most. No, the look that shined in his eyes was one of calmly delighted ownership. She was already his. He knew it, she knew it, and he knew that she knew it, and now she learned in turn, and it was hers to know once more. A shiver overwhelmed her stillness and forced its way down her spine, leaving a pleasurable warmth in its wake.

A collar wrapped around her neck and fastened, leaving a symbol of ownership at her throat. It wasn't quite right, but a small imperfection was acceptable for tonight. Something belonged there, a symbol of ownership. This symbol would do for now, but it was not the symbol that truly belonged there, merely a placeholder. For it was exactly as her Master said. She was a greedy sub, but she was Evan's greedy sub, and the symbol that should be at her throat should be unmistakably his and his alone. ...That would come. They had time. She would earn his collar. She would make him proud. She would make herself proud, proud enough to be shown off without fear, to be seen by other Masters, Mistresses, and submissives.

Mary heard the order and obeyed. She kneeled down, staring up into her Master's eyes as she did, letting her hands drag around to the front of his chest and then trail down his front, over his stomach, his hips, his thighs, as she slowly lowered herself to obey his command, then she broke eye contact to put her head down, leaning forwards to put her hands on the floor, then arching her back, making sure that her butt was held prominently. Mary moved to 'Table'.

[Assistant]
It was electric watching her slide back into her role so quickly and fully. Evan wondered what kind of fun they could have when she didn't want to be such a good girl. The mind wandered.to fun and interesting places but he knew, as far as she'd come he didn't want to push her too hard, not just yet. This one was special. He'd already envisioned the collar, the one he'd ultimately give her once she'd fully earned her place under him. Simple, elegant and yet to show that she had been claimed fully and utterly and no other might touch her but her master.

But for now he'd play with her, provide her the affirmation and after care a good sub deserved for her evening of obedience. He enjoyed giving this to a sub who pleased him, and she'd done quite well in that regard this evening. And now that this was to be the first of hopefully many nights... well he felt more comfortable about where they stood, or in this case bowed.

He hunched down after she assumed table, a hand sliding down to her stomach and pushing her butt ever so slightly further outward, forcing her to it without causing pain. "Just one night of this and you want to drink from the fire hose. You walk in here and beg to be claimed and are so... very needy with your submission. " while framed as critique the glee was not even barely concealed in his voice as he leaned into her, kissing her earlobe as he continued. "But you've managed to charm me with your eagerness I'll admit. I love a sub who can give herself to this so fully. I will show you many things Mary, there is so much we can enjoy together. But for tonight I'm simply going to make sure you understand that you have become precious to me, and now I own you. I will train you and mold you into perfection and only then will I grant you your true collar, the one that let's everyone know that you belong to me alone. Let's push you back into subspace, where all concerns and worries disappear except one. To please master. And then I can provide you the proper care you deserve as my property deserves. Next time we'll have a bit more privacy and we can truly explore everything our life can offer. But for tonight... we are content with this." He wanted to take her tonight, they'd already done so much what was one more? But no... Evan restrained that instinct. He wanted their first time to be more special, they both knew he'd claim her fully as his but... he wanted to truly have her beg for it. He had full confidence in that now and could plan it out for them both... he knew she would love it.

[User]
Evan's hand gently slid down her side, then around to her stomach, where it pressed gently but firmly, pressing her into more of a stretch than she had assumed on her own, making her ass stick out just that much more. A soft frown spread across her lips as he called her needy. For a moment, she was worried that she was too needy. But the utter glee that Evan's voice contained. as he told her that, she charmed him with her eagerness. A shudder ran through Mary as he promised her that he was going to make her understand that he owned her and that she was precious to him.

She nodded gently as he said it was time to push her back into subspace and that next time, they could have more privacy. She nodded gently. Softly Murmuring, "Yes, Master." as she prepared herself to obey whatever orders came next, ready to prove her obedience. She looked down at the floor, not quite remembering if she was supposed to do so or hold her head up when she was in 'Table'. If she was wrong, she was sure her Master would correct her.

[Assistant]
"Head up face forward my dear I want to see that gorgeous face of yours. I like your neediness my little sub. You've got quite an appetite for this and I love to satisfy it." He slid behind her and pressed a hand on her bottom, pressing his fingers into her flesh before giving her a slap, a bit harder than he'd used with her before, not to harm but to announce his presence to her.

"Mmm sometimes you'll be spanked for your disobedience, and other times just because I want to and... well this is a bit of both." He'd push her back into subspace quick enough in his estimation, once she was there he could provide the proper after care, this time not going to push her too far... he wanted to save that now, when he had her just in his domain then they could explore every aspect of their play. While he was in lust for his new sub and had no shame in showing it, he was increasingly enjoying the company of Mary as well... both of these parts of her fit against both sides of him.

Another slap to her rear, this time his hand stayed on her bottom after it made contact, fingers squeezing her and he let out a hiss of pleasure. "But as eager as you are, you need to know that I am master here. I'll tolerate your impudence only so far before you must be punished... though you might enjoy that too..." the smirk on his face was loud enough that she could know it was there even without seeing it.

[User]
Mary obeyed quickly, lifting her head as a smile of pleasure and relief spread across her lips. Evan enjoyed her neediness. She let out a soft moan as her Master's hand pressed into her flesh, then jumped and let out a yelp as a swat landed on her bottom. The slap had been more surprising than painful but still left Mary shaken.

A frown spread across her lips as Evan explained, "Disobedience?" She murmured with quiet confusion. "What did I do?"

Another slap and another yelp left Mary's head spinning. "Yes, Master. No impudence, only obedience," she said hurriedly as she felt her Master's hand squeezing and massaging her stinging bottom. "I'll be a good girl. Good and obedient for you, Master," She said, her voice on the edge of a whimper. The ground had fallen out from under her, and she was hurtling down towards sub-space, left somewhat confused and only wanting to please her Master, to get back on his good side, to make him happy.

"Please, Master, show Mercy. What have I done wrong? I beg your forgiveness. I only want to please you, Master. Desperately. More than anything, I just want to be your good, obedient slave girl. How have I displeased you? Please let me make it up to you, Master. I hate thinking that you might be upset with me." The words spilled easily out of her mouth as she searched for validation from her Master.

[Assistant]
Evan was immediately reminded of how careful he had to be with Mary, she was so eager and submitted so fully that he needed to make sure she kept herself in a calm place, supported by master. But he also couldn't help but find her begging adorable, and supremely erotic. But as much as a part of him wanted to keep teasing her, he knew what she needed was the validation and comfort of feeling well owned by a satisfied master, which in truth he was.

Leaning over her he shushed her and kissed her earlobe "don't fret, your submission always pleases me quite a bit. Calm yourself. Master is happy because master owns a very good, submissive and beautiful slave and is looking forward to when she earns her full collar so everyone knows she is well owned." She felt strong arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her towards him, returning her to sitting in his lap as she had earlier, "you are a good girl. A greedy girl to be sure, demanding so much from a master. Be as greedy as you like, it pleases your master oh so much to see you submit." He rocked her back and forth in his lap, hands exploring her body, one resting on her breast and softly squeezing her generous endowment.

"Master will take good care of you. You will know all the pleasures of a well owned sub... because you are mine... all mine my dear slave. Let yourself feel owned, fully and completely, because you are. And Master loves your submission. You are my most prized thing, and I will teach you all the ways in which you can serve me properly. And you will do each of them because we both know it is in your nature to serve a strong master, you need to serve to be happy. But for now... simply drift in the happiness and pleasure that comes from a sub who has no control over what is happening here. You are in my arms and all other concerns vanish from this world for you." His other hand slid over her belly and slowly drifted downwards. He stopped above her waist, hand gentle but firm. "You make one decision this night my slave. Do you want your orgasm? It's the reward good girls get when master is pleased." He smirked and began to lay soft kisses along her neck, his teeth nibbling her flesh and leaving small marks along it.

"But you will need to beg for it... but I will grant it." Truthfully he wanted to see her cum so badly, to see the face of bliss he was denied earlier. But he would not push her or force it on her. He wanted to know she wanted this step, and once he got that he would push her into that place. Of course... he was happy to tempt her as much as he could, bouncing her up and down on his lap as his reinvigorated hard on pressed against her bottom, the heat from their bodies melding with one another. He wouldn't take her tonight, no that was for another time and it would be more special... but he did want to see her in the throes of her pleasure... he needed to see that tonight.

[User]
Mary obediently fell silent as Evan shushed her, her lips curled down into a pout; however, even as the gentle kiss on her earlobe let her relax somewhat. The news that her Master was happy and that she was a very good submissive, however, easily banished the frown. Mary easily let herself be gathered into Evan's arms and pulled onto his lap. Her hands gently went to his arms, feeling his strength as she was pulled in, captured, and held. "Yes, Master." She murmured gently, letting her smile bleed into her voice as she closed her eyes. "I'll be your greedy good girl, so long as it pleases you. Thank you for letting me know how much I please you, Master."

A shiver of pleasure ran down the submissive's spine as she was informed that she would know all the pleasures of an owned sub, a happy hum coming from her throat. She leaned back against her Master, a broad smile spreading across her face. She was in his arms, so even if it was just for tonight, Mary would let all of her worries about the world dissolve into submission. Master would take care of her. The world would wait, or else Master would protect her from it.

She perked up slightly as he told her that she would make one decision, her eyes opening as she tilted her head back and leaned to the side to look up into her Master's face. Her orgasm. Mary was surprised to discover that it felt unimportant to her. She could pleasure herself later, bringing herself an orgasm by her own hand. She wanted to feel wanted and owned. She wanted closeness and connection with a romantic partner. The way that her master phrased it, however... she shivered as he kissed her neck and nibbled the sensitive flesh, letting out a soft moan. "If it's a reward for good girls when they please their Master, then yes, please, I do want it, Master."

She nodded gently. "I'll beg, Master. Please. Please give me an orgasm Master. Please let me know that I've pleased you. That my flesh and pleasure belong to you, that you have true command over my body, and that it performs as you will it to. Please let me feel the pleasures of the flesh. Play with your treasure, your toy. Please make me cum, Master. I need you, Master, as much as I need food, and after, as much as I need air, I need you and your approval, your pride, your satisfaction."

Mary felt herself being bounced on Evan's lap and did her best to push back into him, pressing her generous ass against his growing erection, feeling it stiffen and lengthen. It felt like the time wasn't quite yet right for that, but she wasn't going to worry about that. She only had one decision tonight, and she had made her choice. She wanted her reward. She wanted to feel what her Master felt that she had achieved.

[Assistant]
"Oh? You want to know if you've pleased me? Is that your greatest desire in life my sub? to know that you've pleased your master? Well I think what you're feeling between my legs would tell you that you do please me... but I'll go ahead and tell you too." Evan licked his lips, a hand slipped down her belly, sliding into her skirt and then flirting his fingers over her sex once again. "This is a reward for the absolutely best girls who have earned it. To earn master's touch in such a way, to play with you like this... well you've certainly proven that you've earned every bit of this. Master is very proud... Master is abundantly pleased, and you made master cum when you pleasured him so well. You are doing every bit of what your master wants from you, and he wants to reward his good girl, his piece of meat... his little toy..." a digit probed her, slipping inside of her and teasing her clit, a slow stroke up and down before sliding a second into her.

"Master knows you need all of this, that you're a greedy sub who demands every bit of Master's attention and you're very lucky Master loves it... because I do love how you submit to me, and you deserve to feel completely owned. I will own every inch of your body Mary, I will take possession of everything you are and keep it under me. I will use your body to my satisfaction because I own it, I take full possession of you and I do not share my toys Mary, you belong to me."

He took in a deep breath before continuing, his chest slowly expanding out against her body, his breathing was always in a slow, steady rhythm, calming even. He felt that calmness was always necessary to a good scene, that his sub needed to feel as if there was no possibility of anything other than submission, and the pleasure from it. " I will train you to properly satisfy me and then I will gift you your collar so everyone knows who my pretty pet belongs to. Everyone will see that you are owned, very well owned by a very happy master." his other hand held her thigh, squeezing her gently as he continued to bounce her up and down with his hips, his other hand working a third finger into her and beginning to increase speed "You get this orgasm because you earned it... it's the reward for good girls who please their masters with their good submission and eager desire to make them happy. You're still so inexperienced but I know you were born to serve Mary, so you're lucky I've found you... I'll put your body into my service and you'll never have a single question, all you'll ever need to do is to follow orders and accept your pleasure. Not a thought required... but you make Master quite proud with how you've done tonight, so I will keep you... I will claim you Mary, Nobody else can touch my precious little treasure..."

His fingers pressed her clit harder now, rubbing up and down. Truth told Evan wasn't entirely sure what was play and what was real for a moment, he wanted to claim her, he wanted her to feel owned, it only amplified his own feelings. This girl was like playing with fire and he couldn't help himself. It was going so fast, too fast really but he was a man who'd spent his entire life being cautious, it was time to throw some of that caution to the wind when such a tasty opportunity presented itself. He wanted that collar around her neck, already visualizing what it would look like in his head. His worries over losing her so quickly were gone and replaced by a demanding voice in his head which made sure he knew this woman was to be his, and he would ensure she bowed to him and no one else.

His fingers continued to tease her, playing at her sex and slipping in ant out of her. Not too quickly, but not too slow either, keeping her at a steady pace to build her to an explosion. He'd see how she responded, he loved to watch her face awash in pleasure and it was becoming difficult to imagine not having that face in his life, as scary as that sounded. "Cum for me my pet... release all of your tensions in this world and surrender your pleasure to me."


[User]
Vicky gave Jonesy a daring, but also pliant look, as he looked down at her, clearly surprised with his answer, that she could---and did---''stay in character'' even when given leave to tell him what she wanted. Still working up and down his shaft with her hand, she nodded in agreement as he said he wanted something genuine. She smiled as he moved her hands behind her back, arching her spine just slightly.

"Fair enough---paid or not, you're getting the genuine article." Her wrists clicked as they locked in place, wriggling as he told her to tell him what she liked---that he wanted to be... accommodating. Maneuvered into place, she wrapped her fingers around him again, moving her wrists back and forth, still trying to please him. She seemed to respond well to his touch, moaning softly as he cupped her generous breasts, pressing herself against him. She stiffened when he put his hand around her neck, her body going taut, her breath catching---but she didn't complain as he slipped his finger between her legs.

"All the kinky shit I actually like to do..." she let out a thoughtful little groan, her breath coming in shallow pants.

"I haven't lied to you once since I... well, since you got me. I enjoy this, enjoy my work. I like being bound, like being... of use..." Twisting her head slightly, she winked. "It's a long list. You want to tell me if you had anything in mind, or should I just start from the top?"

[Assistant]
Paid or not? Jonesy smiled at that. Good of her to give him hope for later, but there was no way on earth, or any of the colonies he could afford her. But it was good of her. Even better, she wrapped her fingers around his cock when he pulled her against him, working his shaft as best she could. It kept him hard, and kept him horny, but not enough to get off---just as he wanted for right now. She'd promised honestly, 'the genuine article'. Jonesy grinned, not that she could see it, and actually believed her.

She groaned already and he liked the sound. She stated she'd not yet lied, and he nodded. She liked her job... being 'of use' and bound. If his cock could get harder, it did; throbbing at the thought. She really did enjoy this, and that made her a whole lot more interesting. He caught her wink, and tugged back on her whole body harder until he could lean in to kiss her. It seemed the thing to do, and he was not at all disappointed. He continued to finger her, and hold her neck while his lips and tongue explored her sweet mouth, only letting go because he needed to breath.

Holding her close to him, he said in her ear, "Start from the top. I want to hear that sweet voice confess all the ways you like to be 'of use' and more. I've never been one for dirty talk in the bedroom, but then I've never before had someone who actually enjoyed everything they said."

His hand between her legs shifted, and he pressed two fingers deep inside her; thrusting them in and out of her wet pussy and loving the feel of her warm grip around him. It was erotic as hell to just manhandle and touch a beautiful woman however you liked, something practically unheard of unless you violated the law, and a woman, in some terrible way... or paid dearly for the privilege.

"Take all the time you need my little slave," he grinned at the term, "I'm just going to lay hear and enjoy finger fucking this tight little pussy while I listen..." OK, so maybe he did like talking dirty... if with the right girl.

[User]
Vicky's wrists still moving, stroking him as well as she could, enough to keep him hard and wanting her, but she doubted enough to bring him over the edge. Not yet at least. She let out a soft coo of pleasure as he worked in and out of her, her breasts rising and falling in steady breaths as she enjoyed being held, being made to submit to his hands, played like a violin, at once being pleasured, and utterly out of control of that very same pleasure.

"I've never enjoyed pain---sharp pain I mean, but impact... the thud of a flogger or paddle... that I've always enjoyed. Being bound, thrashing in response to being driven to the edge, or made to be held still while my body is used. Reduced to being... just a thing to be found pleasing. I like being able to act without shame, to be what I am before the man who has bought me---or those he wishes to show me to---and know that that is appreciated, is valued." She let out a soft gasp, pressing herself against his fingers.

"And there is always the pleasure of being used... any part of me, or every part of me. To be sent away, or put away, sore and wet and knowing there was nothing more I could give..." She arched her body, her tension clear, and shivered as she came, a pleasured groan escaping her lips, panting as she gazed up at him. "Then there are other things... more... involved things. But those take more than a week."

[Assistant]
Well that was all certainly beyond erotic to hear. She enjoyed being flogged, being bound, being... used. Just a thing to enjoy. To be without shame in that. His cock throbbed in her hands as she spoke. Jonesy didn't halt fingering her just because she stated her perversions, hell he sped up and was soon rewarded by her arching to look up at him, as he body shuddered with her orgasm. He got to look her right in the eye, hear her moan as she came. Holy shit!

As she caught her breath, she stated there was more... but that it would take longer than he had. Well that just made him more curious, but lust had his head resorting some priorities. He squirmed away from her on the bed, grabbing her bound arms and dragging her closer to the center of of the mattress. Head down, ass up, he arranged her and positioned himself behind the gorgeous redhead. "That was hot as fuck Vicky, and I'll be worthless all damn day if I don't fuck you now." That was all the warning she got as he slid his cock into her warm pussy.

With a moan he took a breath and soon began fucking her in earnest. Used, enjoyed... her words rang in his head as he furiously pounded her tight sex, heedless of anything else in the world. It didn't take him too long, she had him going pretty good this morning, from waking him with her hot mouth, to her hands fondling him while she confessed her kinky desires, his gifted slave girl had him damn near on the edge before he started.

With a feral groan he came, pumping hot cum into her as he grunted with his last thrusts until he was truly spent. Flopping down beside her he let out a satisfied sigh. "Holy fuck Vicky... you drive a man to just let loose. That was amazing..." he turned to look at her, smiling, and leaned in for a quick kiss.

He lay there catching his breath, before letting out another sigh... this one not as pleased. "Well, I suppose I need to actually go to work. I'd hate for you to sit bored all day, so why don't you go run any errands you need to, and meet at the bar when you're done. Wear something sexy." He winked at her.

[User]
Vicky felt Jonesy's cock twitch beneath her fingers and smiled, glad he found her confession interesting rather than repulsive or upsetting, and she came beneath his fingers, panting as he let her go, manhandling her into position, her head pressed to the mattress, her taut, curved rear casing up. Knowing his intent even before he said he was going to fuck her, she tilted herself just slightly, opening herself to him, groaning as he buried himself within her. Squealing into the mattress as he picked up his pace, pounding into her with little concern for her, she felt a sense of satisfaction---he was coming to understand what she had meant. What being given her meant. As much as she enjoyed the sweet, slightly bashful bartender, she did want him to explore her fully. To take advantage of his week to do things that he wouldn't get another chance to do. It was a gift she wanted to give him.

She jerked once as he came within her, turning her head to look at him as she returned the kiss, wriggling a bit in her bonds to face him. "Don't forget to undo my restraints?" Vicky considered telling him about any one of a number of ways to keep a slave girl occupied for the day---hell, he could have told her to clean his house---but decided not to. He'd learn in time. "I'll see you at the bar then... Master."

She took a couple hours for herself---a shower, letting her apartment's smaller but fairly sophisticated system take care of the number of bodily fluids on her, as well as render her hairless from the neck down, some exercise to keep herself in 'saleable' condition as she referred to it, and handling the various messages, bills and requests that came in while she had been away for the night, including turning down a client who was trying to book her in a few days. While she might be able to ask him---she had a feeling he'd agree---she had been bought for the week, and that meant she was booked. "Maybe another time sweetie."

Finally, she was ready to head to the bar, and dressed the part---a tight, short dress in electric blue that left very little to the imagination, and which laced up the sides just enough to make it... accessible... which compressed her breasts into two perfectly symmetrical orbs, along with a pair of tall heeled boots to match. She grabbed a coat as well, though this one was definitely not to cover herself with---what with being transparent.

Walking confidently into the bar, she was aware she turned heads as she perched on a bar stool, more than one patron hoping her dress would ride up just a little more as she winked at him. "How's work?"

[Assistant]
Work had been... well work. It went somewhat smoothly, getting the party room cleaned up, and in fact, had the rest of the bar professionally cleaned---but that left precious little time to get things ready for tonight. Jonesy dealt with the usual shit---someone calling in, calling about to find a replacement, the deliver guy running late, some discrepancies in inventory vs. sales. All the little things in running a business, and he finished sorting them out just before they opened.

He quickly ate a sandwich to keep him going and got behind the bar as the Saturday night crowd started trickling in. A few regulars asked if there would be any other insane parties tonight, and he just smiled and said unfortunately not. Of course, Vicky did tell him that she'd put in a good word with her clients. She might, literally, be the best thing to happen to him and his bar.

He found he thought of her a lot throughout the day. As he worked to get ready, and even now behind the bar. The playful calling him 'Master' and the fun they had this morning. Hard not to think about.

Somewhat early in the evening, she walked in. He had to look up to see what the sudden quiet was, and it seemed all eyes were on the new comer. Catching sight of her, he could see why. Holy shit! He, along with half the bar, watched her walked up and perch on a stool. "Well, it was productive, but I somehow feel I'll be getting less accomplished now." He smiled and chuckled. That red hair and the blue impossibly tight outfit really just... did things for him. Did she know blue was his favorite color? Not that it mattered, that outfit could turn heads no matter the hue, but it seemed blue took it just a little further.

He asked her what her favorite drink was, and made her one, before trying to resume actually serving drinks to people. That was an added challenge as most the men, and some of the women, wanted to buy her one. he kept having to decline on her behalf and insist she was spoken for.

He tried to get around to her, just to chat as often as he could. He felt even here he should be the gracious host to her. But that dress... He lasted maybe two hours before he walked around the bar, up to her and gently grabbed her arm. "I need to see you in the back... now." His voice was certainly friendly, but insistent.

He escorted her to the back room, locked the door and pushed her against the wall, his hands roaming over her. "Holy fuck Vicky, I've just got to have you. I can't think straight!"

[User]
Vicky grinned at the stunned expression he had when he walked in, winking at him playfully. "Well I'm very sorry for that..." she looked around the room, knowing she was rapidly becoming the center of attention, and sure enough, the first order 'for the lady' came in. "...and for the distraction I appear to be causing."

She smiled, winking at one of the women, having never met a male client who didn't at least like the idea of her with a feminine partner. "No preference, really. Something with fruit juice." She gave him a wry grin. "Bonus points if you can make it match my dress."

Sipping her drink as he made his rounds, she tried to make it clear that she was here for him, and if he needed to be elsewhere, she understood. Still, it was nice that he was trying to be a gracious host, paying attention to her, just chatting---not actually treating her like the property she functionally was. She found herself... genuinely enjoying herself, and being his. Raising her eyebrow as he took hold of her arm, she slid smoothly from her seat. "Lead on..."

Trailing after him to the back room, letting out a soft grunt when he pushed her up against the wall, wriggling softly against him. "Well then I suppose it's a good thing you can take me when and how you like." She grinned, nodding down at the laces of her dress. "Now shall we deal with those... or shall I get on my knees?"

[Assistant]
He was so needful of her that he almost took her up on the offer to get on her knee. Fuck, just the casual way she said that, and that he could have her where and how he wanted had his already hard cock throbbing. Still, Jonesy moved to help her with the laces of her all but painted on dress.

He hurried, getting them only undone and loose enough to push her dress up and out of his way before spinning her about to face the wall. He reached around and grabbed a handful of her tit, while his other hand guided his cock into her apparently all too willing pussy. Once balls deep in his week long gift, his other hand joined the first in groping her as he began to fuck her in earnest. No waiting, no holding back. She drove him to this and he was here for a good hard fuck to get some relief.

"I think there will be a lot of fucking when we get home," he grunted, knowing even as he pound her from behind that he'd need her again before the night was through.

[User]
Vicky wriggled as he started to undo the laces of her dress, the dress swiftly coming apart to the point that he could push it up around her waist, letting out a excited, eager squeal as he spun her around, groping her generous breasts as he pressed her against the wall. Pressing herself back against him, she groaned as he slid within her, feeling him bury his length within him. Squirming against him, she arched her back, her breasts forced forward into the pressure of his grip, letting him pound into her, splaying her legs and bracing herself against the walls with her hands.

Gasping, she bucked against him, a grin on her face. "Promises Master..."

[Assistant]
Jonesy pounded into her relentlessly, grunting, "You're damn right I promise..." He continued to fuck her against the wall, hauling her into each thrust by his grip on her breasts.

He loved how she pressed back into him, a perfect part of the action, not just a willing recipient of it. She was the most enjoyable fuck he'd had... which he guess made sense, as he continued to ram his cock into her.

As needy as he was, it didn't take long. Try as he might to hold out just a little longer, he was no match for her expertly used body. He groaned in bliss, as he hammered at her through his release---never ceasing just because he was coming to the end. Hell he fucked her harder, grunting, until he was completely spent.

He stood there a moment, his cock twitching inside her, as he paused to catch his breath. Eventually he stepped back, pulling out of her tight pussy, with a regrettable sigh. Only then, after she turned and he saw her face again, did he get another idea... and grinned. "Ok, now you can suck it clean."

[User]
Willing as Vicky was, there was certainly a feeling of power in simply thrusting into a woman, heedless of her needs, a tight grip on her breasts and her body jerking with each thrust, moving her like a toy. That she was still responding just drove her submission home, pressing back on him, a perfect blend of experience and a tight, willing form. She felt him climax, smiling as she pressed herself against the wall, taking a few final thrusts as he crested, feeling him pull out of her, groaning softly.

The gave him a sly smile, turning around and kissing him on the cheek. "You're definitely getting the idea."

She sunk down to her knees, the dress sliding up her thighs as she did, and leaned forward, her tongue tracing over his glistening length before she drew it into her mouth, her tongue swirling over him as she sucked, apparently heedless---or not minding---the taste of her on him. Eventually, her mouth game off with a wet pop and she grinned up. "Can't have you going back to work all messy, after all..."

She ducked her head, a coy smile on her face. "Though that doesn't resolve what's to be done with me."

[Assistant]
"Getting the idea huh?" Jonesy grinned. Yeah, he guessed he was. Maybe he needed to warm up to the idea that he all but owned---ok, rented---a person for a week. And a fuck all sexy one at that. Yeah... he was getting all sorts of ideas.

Her hot mouth on his wet cock did wonders, and had him groaning and pondering giving her another go right here and now. But she let his cleaned dick pop from her mouth with a delicious grin which he had to return. And then she went all playful demure on him, asking what of her. Oh the responses he had..., yet he held back. He had a better idea.

Jonesy reached down, his finger under her chin to lift her head back up to meet his gaze. He didn't stop there, coaxing her to her feet to stand before him. "You? Why you lace your pretty blue dress back up, and come back with me and perch yourself back at the bar. You draw every eye in the place and wait... knowing that when we get back home, you're going to get fucked until the sun comes up and we order breakfast to be delivered. Then pass out and do it again because I have tomorrow off."

He stood there, not giving her any space, obviously looking forward to even the show of her lacing her dress back up. Close. intimate. Oh so damn tempting to break his word and have at her again.

[User]
Vicky's head tilted up as he put his finger under her chin, tilting her head back, her eyes submissive as she rose to the gentle pressure he exerted, obediently starting to lace herself back up, wriggling rather pleasingly as she fit herself into the tight dress.

"Oh... a day off... excellent." She grinned, and it seemed at least that her enthusiasm was legitimate. Taking a paper towel to dry her lips and chin, she grinned, pressing herself to him. "And if someone offers to buy me a drink? What's the highest margin thing on the menu?" She winked, and headed back out, making a circuitous way through the bar that meant they didn't emerge at exactly the same time, giving him a little over. As she was told, she perched herself on a bar stool and waited out the night, making skillful---but non-committal---conversation with some of the people who came up to her, mindful to try and not make him jealous. After all, for this week, she was his unless he said otherwise. Then, as people trickled out of the bar, she smiled, raising her eyebrow as he started cleaning up.

"Anything I can do to help?" She grinned. "Or anything in particular you'd like to try tonight that I should prepare myself for?"

[Assistant]
Jonesy told her to get sauced on cognac---he had the real thing, and if someone else was going to buy it, it was worth the taste. It turned out that over the course of the night, only one guy was dumb enough to buy her a round of that... but he did to twice before the poor bastard got the idea. Oh well, he looked like a rich prick anyway, who clearly knew what she was, but was just trying to buy her away.

the night went on, and Jonesy really enjoyed having her at the bar---not just for the much improved scenery, but she was fun. Flirtatious, smart, witty. Everything she should be, he supposed, but it seemed rather real.

As he closed up and she offered to help, or to prepare herself he just turned to her with a grin. It was amazing how easily, how casually she could offer herself. He was guessing, at this point, that she was about 400 times a better whore than he was a bartender---and he thought himself pretty good! he chuckled and strolled up to her, wrapped his arms around her, and tugged her close. Whispering in her ear so his few employees didn't overhear, "I'm diggin' this submissive slave girl thing... and you make it look like you like it too. So how about we crank that up a notch and you prepare every lovely bit of you to get some thorough attention." He gripped her ass and stepped away to finish cleaning up.

A few minutes later and he was done, and handed over the final duties of locking up to his best waitress. That left him free to escort Vicky to his car and get started headed home. As they drove the short distance, he looked over at her, stunned as ever and smiled. "You really do enjoy it, don't you? I mean you said so before, but... I don't know... you really look pretty happy."

[User]
The cognac was, as promised, delicious, though Vicky didn't get sauced. A metabolic inhibitor implant went to work as soon as the alcohol hit her throat, attenuating the amount in it to keep her no more than mildly buzzed. Letting men buy you drinks---and drinking with them---was part of the job, but so was being alert and responsive. The same thing worked for anything but the most designer of drugs---if someone slipped something in her drink, it would do very little but leave a distinct metallic taste in her mouth letting her know it had happened.

She had only disabled it once, for a trusted client with a very specific fantasy. Her ''patron'' got discouraged after the second round, which was for the best---even if she wasn't spoken for, she didn't care for his approach, and she was well compensated enough that she could afford to be choosy.

Grinning as he pulled her close, she grinned, and nuzzled his neck, letting out a little squeak of surprise as he gripped her rear. "I think I can do that..."

Following him to the car once more, she slipped inside, letting the ride pass in companionable silence before he spoke up, looking surprised.

"Would you think less of me if I said I did?" The tone she used suggested she didn't think he would. "But yes, I like what I do." She gave him a thoughtful look. "I can explain if you like? Or you can just enjoy the idea that I'm not watching the clock when I'm..." she chuckled, "on the clock. Or in your case, the calendar."

[Assistant]
Jonesy chuckled at the mention of the 'calendar' in his case. Smiling with her was easy, and he reached over to pat her leg. "No, I don't" he responded to the thinking less of her. "And you can explain if you want---but you don't owe me, or anyone, any explanation. So few get to do what they want or any enjoy anymore, I'd just say you're lucky." He turned long enough to wink at her then returned his attention to the driving.

Thankfully it was a short trip, and Jonesy parked and came around to help her from the car. Up the elevator he opened his door, and turned to her. "Did you need to get anything from your place? I was going to hope in the shower so I don't smell like old, spilled beer, and gross us both out. How about I meet you in the living room in twenty minutes, and we can both be ready to go?"

He gave her ass a playful, but firm squeeze to let her know how much he was looking forward to it. That quickie in the back room today just had him looking forward to more.