[User]
Elizabeth Richardson stood in the garden and listened to old Mr. Mcstevens with seemingly rapt attention, the sweet smile never faltered on her lovely features. At 16, Elizabeth was still fresh from her coming out just a few months before and it seemed that every man in the county was determined to catch her attention. She had always been a sweet natured girl, from the cradle onward, few had an unkind word for the raven haired child of David and Constance Richardson; she worked hard to show her grandparents that they had done well to let her father choose his wife as he would and even her great-grandfather, she believed, would of found little fault with the girl with her mother's features and her father's eyes. It didn't hurt that she had been blessed with a generous bosom and pleasing figure, well, only her future husband would ever know about that, but be that as it may, she was still quite the striking young woman.

Her hazel eyes glanced across the garden to her parents and smiled a little wider at the sight of the couple still so deeply in love as they spoke with no other than the governor himself about the accomplishments that the Richardson family had completed this very week. The dedication of a new church wasn't a small thing for the community and the young parson stood amist another group in his somber black suit as he chatted with some of the most affluent people of the region. Elizabeth excused herself with a soft blush and a confession that she was feeling under the weather and needed a bit of fresh air... she needed to visit the outhouse, but a woman did not make such a statement to anyone, did she.

As the raven haired teenager turned and crossed the garden and headed toward the great doors at the back of the main house, she flicked open her fan and lazily waved it back and forth in the heated air of early evening. She strolled without hurry; it was unseemly to hurry under any circumstances... and wished that she had not had that last cup of tea with the fine dinner that had been provided. She would just slip up to her room and a few minutes with the chamberpot and she could return to the celebration without anyone really missing her. Elizabeth was forced to pause in the entry foyer and instruct a maid to refill the refreshments on the veranda and suddenly, she was alone in the house and it's plaster walls and dark stained moldings beneath a crystal chandelier... or so she thought.

[Assistant]
The house stood like a cloudy memory before his eyes. Fresh paint and new boards did little to dim the evidence of young boys playing hard along the porch, or the presence of trees reaching their girth and their height only now idling before they began their descent towards decay and feeling. He supposed being released from this place, from a complacent father and foolish brother allowed him to harden in ways his family could not imagine. Hard work alone did not guarantee continuation of their family, their wealth or their status. Pretty churches and gentle smiles did not keep their competitors away or bankers satisfied. How naïve for these people to celebrate this thing. Yes, his father spoke of the important of community, of a good neighbor and certainly a friend. Even his father might suggest these were qualities a man might strive for, but their history, their lineage was built on exploitation of others. Whether they be foolish, unlucky or simply outplayed, they could afford to contribute to the building of a new church due to unyielding, often uncaring, pursuit of wealth and status. Despite his father's cautions and his wishes, William became all but obsessed with the ideal of lords, ladies and of course the peasant beholden to them... such as the pretty one before him now.

He walked behind his niece, a pretty girl who had her mother's charm and beauty but clearly the strength of body from her father. She was no fainting creature, no lily and certainly no lady. Her very existence tainted their line, sullied a pristine genealogy and of course set his brother on a path of too much consideration for his family of today rather their line long after tomorrow.

William pressed his walking stick heavily against the sold wood floor, noting, if briefly, how she ordered a servant so readily as if she were not one herself. "It seems you have left the social occasion rather suddenly and prematurely. Are you unless miss?"

[User]
Elizabeth turned at the sound of the voice behind her and looked up at the man; why did every man that she met have to seem like they were 2 feet taller than she was. Admittedly, she was just 5'4, but that didn't mean that every man had to be 6'6, did it? She was sure that this gentleman, from his dress, he had to be a gentleman, wasn't that tall, of course, but from 5'4, even 6' seemed like it was tall enough to make kissing him difficult. Not that she had kissed a man, or wanted to kiss this one; he was far too old for her even if it had been an arranged marriage... he was much older than her own father, she was sure. "Good evening Sir." she said politely and offered him a graceful curtsy, "I fear that I'm feeling a bit under the weather. The heat and excitement has nearly given me the vapors, I'm afraid." She smiled with a polite, graciousness of the gentle' upbringing and idly fanned herself with the unfolded fan, "I do not believe that I had the opportunity to meet your acquaintance at the party, Sir, I am Elizabeth, my father owns this house and land."

She was being a bit forward, perhaps, in polite company, a gentleman would of introduced her, but as there was no man to offer introductions and it seemed impolite to simply turn away, her bladder would have to wait a few more moments. "Are you associated with the Governor's office?" That would be, she felt, a safe question to ask, she knew everyone in town worth knowing and she was certain that, while he looked familiar for some reason, she had not seen him before.

She clicked the fan closed within it's ivory frame with a flexing of her fingers; it had taken her some practice to make the movement look casual, but she loved the thing; it had come all of the way from the orient as a 16th birthday gift from her father. While he hadn't traveled to China himself to acquire it, he had gone to considerable expense to order it and it had become her most prized possession. The intricately engraved ivory of it's case and hand-painted silk panels had delighted her from the first moment and she rarely went anywhere without it. "If you are in need of something, I'm sure that I could direct you." she offered as any host should, she thought.

[Assistant]
"Yes, he inherited this home as did the man before him and the man before him. Through great effort, time and some loss even men have been adding to this home, to his large landscape. Despite all his best efforts, this ability to smoothly and gently speak to those around him and perhaps coax out better prices, a worthy standing and even contribute to the wealth if not the extension of the land itself he can never undo the greatest disservice he has managed to thrust upon this family... you." Despite his calm and even warm tone, the words he spoke hung heavy in the word with the weight of his dislike of her circumstance of birth. Perhaps if the girl were homely, prone to books and pushing efforts to learn, or even hardened by being drawn to the earth and labor that came from it he would hate her less. Seeing her stand before him and fan herself as if she were of proper origin, as if she belonged in the high society she participated in unearthed the vileness he tried to bury by forcing his lusts and aggressions on poor women, on unlucky women and sometimes women owned by himself or others. Previous acts did nothing, it seemed, but stoke the darkness in his heart against this girl due to her mother.

He stepped forward. "I am not associated with the governor's office though if I were to live here as I once did he would certainly know my name, respect it and dare not ever openly raise a voice against anything I desired. That is power, that is my birthright... Elizabeth."

[User]
Elizabeth took an involuntary step back at the venom of his words, even if they were delivered in a sweet tone, "You are out of line Sir." she said icily in indignation. How dare this... well, he was no gentleman to speak so to a lady, much less to do so in her own home! "I am quite sure that my father would feel justified in demanding that you leave his house immediately. In his absence, I must fulfill the requirements. I will ask you to leave now, sir, before I must call for someone to have you removed forcefully. You have no right to sling such an offense here!"

While the initial shock may of forced a retreating step, it was clear that the young woman had a backbone and it took little time for her to remember it. "I have little care for your situation. you have however, abused the hospitality of this house enough. I can see now that I was in error on a number of things, not the least of which is my mistaking you for a gentleman Sir... you are no gentleman!"

She took another step back from him and parted her lips to call for a servant to escort him out.

[Assistant]
With the calmness of a man who was about to read the newspaper or take tea, William placed his walking stick against a nearby wall, removed the glove from his right hand and slapped her soundly. Of course such an act would be considered cowardly and certainly not warranted were he before a lady, but he was not. Before him stood a defiant peasant girl facing her lord who knew not when to hold her tongue and give praise that she stood in the shadows of her better. "Your father has only one thing in his life that I told him not to do, and I told him not do it because his grandfather and father before him was not here to ensure that he not throw our lineage and status onto the muddy floor that your mother was no doubt born upon."

He sneered and grabbed her chin, holding it tight enough between two fingers and a thumb that the skin turned white around his grip, and he felt some ache himself from the effort. "The fact that you remain alive is a token to the great amount of hospitality have given you and your parents. That you would throw such a gift in my face cannot be abided by peasant girl. Now you mind your betters and you lead me to the cellar, or the next person who comes into the room will have their neck rung all in one last gallant effort to save what precious little honor you have girl."

[User]
Elizabeth's head snapped to the side at the impact that echoed in the room, the only sound that accompanied it was the sharp gasp of pain that resulted from the unexpected slap. She turned flashing eyes back to him, even as a tear formed and rolled down her cheek. "How dare you!" she hissed as her hand covered the quickly reddening imprint on her face, but deep in her defiant eyes was the hint of fear that she refused to allow him. "My moth---" she had to stop with a soft hiss as he caught her chin and squeezed hard enough to grit her teeth. In spite of herself, another tear flowed down her smooth cheek as she fought to control herself and not give this monster of a man the victory of her fear of him. She swallowed convulsively at the threat; suddenly afraid that one of her younger brothers would appear looking for her and there was no telling what he would do.

Finally, after a few seconds, she lowered her eyes, her chest rising and falling quickly with the pain of the slap and his hands on her."Please let go of me." she said softly through his hold, "And I will take you where you want to go." Her fist balled in her skirts to keep herself from attracting the attention of someone this man may hurt... or kill.

[Assistant]
William felt excitement, a true thrill that rarely enlivened a man who spent nearly the entirety of his life maintaining control and coldly calculating others. He imagined, for a moment, what it might have been like to be one of the knights his grandfather told him about, riding into a farm, demanding whatever he desired, be it lodging, food or the man's daughter, even his wife. Pretty young things in the hay, or on an old stump, perhaps on the kitchen table as the man watched his betters take what he once thought was his. But oh this niece of his, defiant and spiteful, trying to puff up her chest with strength when he knew as she would soon learn, that in her veins was weakness. Despite the strength of his family in her, her mother watered her down and thinned the line. Perhaps he could test her strength... somehow.

He let her go. William straightened himself and stood there as if he had not just slapped the young lady or threatened the lives of everyone around her should she so much as disobey. And look at her now, complying, actually willing to give herself for a servant, a slave... perhaps any living thing yet she claimed not to be so low. Perhaps she knew what was coming, already became exciting about? He would have laughed if he felt the expression not wholly undignified in this room. "Be quick about it then."

[User]
Elizabeth turned gracefully. She didn't utter another word; she wouldn't dignify his presence with words that he didn't want to hear... such vile things said about her mother... about her... as soon as she could get away from him, she would run for her father and she was sure that the man would receive a sound beating for the slap if nothing else... the family name was at stake.

She passed through the formal dinning room, several people setting the final pieces away as she turned the corner and entered a smaller room; the passage between the kitchen and the dining room... where dishes were placed until needed and daily household things were kept in finely crafted cabinets. She turned back to him then and opened the cellar door. "As you have demanded, the cellar is here. Do whatever evil acts you intend and leave this house in peace." She turned to walk away, her hands lifting her skirts just enough to insure that she wouldn't ruin the hemline. She didn't know that he intended harm to her person.

[Assistant]
He reached out and grabbed her wrist, his fingers coarse and tight as if he might break her bones like weak twig. Of course he held back. His purpose was not to twist her like a ragdoll and dispose of her like an unwanted toy. No, this was far more intimate because it was personal, the taint attached to his name, his birthright forever. "You are mistaken with your price for the life of those in this house and who may interrupt milady. You are to enter the cellar with me. A gentleman always allows a lady to go first. Please, after you. Do not try anything unwise my dear. I am not a patient man, not today."

William held her eyes with his gaze and then released her hand. He waited of course to judge her reaction. Would she test him? He thought not. Hers was a weakness, a thin blood, and whether or not she voiced the words, she knew her betters.

[User]
Elizabeth's eyes tightened slightly with the pain of his grip on her wrist, but she refused to give him more than that without forcing it from her. "We have slaves who more a gentleman than you." she said with a conviction that had only the hints of bravado behind it. "A gentleman would not do what you are in a relative's home."

She rubbed her wrist self consciously when he released her, the defiant look she shot him was unbending before she turned and stiff backed, lifted her skirt enough to keep it from getting caught and picked up a candle to light the way. In truth, she hated the dark, chilly space, but she would not, could not dishonor her mother and father by showing this man weakness. Her shoes clicked softly with each step into the earthy smelling space under the large house.

[Assistant]
"You have not an ounce of wit about you do you girl?" William asked darkly. "You were given at birth by the benefit of your father, but you should learn to hold your tongue due to the inferiority of your mother." He quietly shut the door behind them and easily found a lantern to start. "I decided before I came here, that I wouldn't harm any nephews, any sons that might carry the line. That's my generosity. You, however, have not been taught even the semblance of proper manners when faced with your betters."

He looked about the small area and brushed tossed a few sacks off the counter top. "Climb up on this and let me get a good look at you. Perhaps if you will be so obliged, I might gander at you without your vile mouth running."

[User]
Elizabeth's temper flared again at the insult to her mother... to her... and her better sense evaded her again, "When I meet my 'betters', I'll be sure to offer him or her the respect due to them... when I meet one. A man would not threaten a young woman or cause her pain in her own home."

She looked at the table in the darkened space; the smell of earth and other smells filled her nose and she didn't like it down here. She looked at him again, her eyes had fear, but something else as well. "No." she said simply. Down here, there was little chance of another being hurt or killed by this madman... he could kill her, but he would have no reason to harm anyone else... she could live with that... or not.

[Assistant]
Perhaps before William came, this Elizabeth, the child of his brother's dalliance with an inferior, might have had a chance to escape the wrath of a man she never knew, perhaps only heard brief mention of, but not now. Her defiance, warranted or not, and push to receive the very worse that an accosted might deliver upon her only solidified his ideal that the girl had thinned the bloodline of decency, obedience and meekness assigned to her sex. He was no man of the streets, an enemy of their way of life or low servant and slave, yet her she stood defiant. No, he did not expect her to beg or plead or vacate all the strength that a hint of their blood must have instilled in her, but this, this when knowing who he was... unacceptable.

William carefully removed his gloves, one at a time and a slow drawn out process at that as he said nothing. He threatened her with death, but he intended to do far more and imprint upon her nature, her fate and the superiority of his person. He set them on a nearby shelf and spoke as calmly and levelly as if they were discussing the morning news over tea. "You will regret your insolence and disobedience girl. I will ensure you never forget your place with me again."

And then he moved quickly, and steadily, as if he were not a gentleman at all but a seasoned hunter used to moving quickly through the wilds to find his prey. And find his prey he did when strong fingers gripped harshly just beneath her and squeezed her throat, hard enough to leave a temporary red mark but not bruises, nothing for the eye to see, not if he could avoid it although she did not know it. "Are you so brave that you would have me choke the life from your body and leave you to be found here on the floor by a servant or your whore of a mother... or will you get on the goddamn counter?" Venom, just a hint of unbridled anger seeped into his last few words.

[User]
Elizabeth gripped her skirts with white knuckled firmness to hide her fear of this monster. She watched him pull off his gloves, one at a time, seemingly without a care in the world. Her breathing had grown more rapid in the dim light of the lamp in the basement; she didn't like it down here and the darkness, her imagination surely filled with all sorts of vile things... rats being only the least of them. "You are mad." she said softly when he turned his back to her to place his gloves on a shelf. Her eyes looked to the stairs and she wondered if she could reach them before the taller man could catch her.

Her thoughts were cut off when he turned quickly and before she could draw enough breath for a scream, his hands were about her slender throat, squeezing just enough to cut off the air that her lungs needed... not hard enough to bruse, but that in and of itself was all the more frightening in it's implications. Her eyes widened with alarm and panic as her hands shot up to grip his wrists and more than aware that her strength would fall far short of his as she tried to draw a breath that wouldn't come. In spite of herself and her determination to give this creature nothing,but she tried to nod her submission before a strangled "Please." managed to flow from her parted lips.

[Assistant]
This young woman had a limit it seemed, a moment and a calculated concern that suddenly caused her bravado to crumble before him. In a single lifetime, William managed to spend more than a few minutes in the presence of simpletons, the naïve and stubborn fools. This one, this niece of hers straddled the line of the latter two although he did not suspect her to be a true idiot. No, no her greatest crime simply stemmed from not recognizing the kind of man her uncle was and not doing everything in her power to placate his view and his rage. That his expectations, demands even well exceeded any normalcy did nothing to quell his actions now. And her whisper, claiming him to be mad when her mother inserted herself into the life of his brother, her mother took on a valuable name and lineage and then went forth and presented herself not as a meek recipient of good fortunate well beyond her due, but acted as if she were equal, actually equal to those around her.

His eyes narrowed ever so slightly, as if he was determining whether not he would let her live but in reality he weighed the chances of this beautiful creature having learned her lesson. "Climb up as I commanded you, and lift your skirt or the last sound you will hear is your neck breaking."


[User]
Rima noticed Kei watching from the door as she stuffed her powder and lip balm into a small bag, a bit surprised to see him just standing there. He looked confused to her, she wasn't quite sure what he was thinking, but hoped she hadn't offended him by getting out of bed while he still slept. It hadn't occurred to her before now, but maybe Kei was more into cuddling and being close to her than she had previously thought.

"What's wrong, Kei?" Rima asked, turning to face him, "Are you hungry? I didn't worry you by leaving bed, did I?"

[Assistant] He looked at her, he was merely admiring her body and took a moment before he actually respond to her. "Nothing... you didn't worry me." She was so considerate of him it seemed... unreal. "I think a bit of food would help." He said, his stomach did growl a little, indicating that he was indeed hungry. "Does Mistr... Rima wishes me to make anything for her?" He asked.

[User]
Kei's response relieved Rima, a small smile gracing her lips before she walked to him at the door and kissed him. Unlike the night before, this kiss was slow and gentle, deliberate and unrushed. After a few moments of pressing their lips together, Rima pulled back, her face flushed and heated. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she liked it, feeling an adrenaline rush she couldn't remember getting from any other kiss.

"I will make breakfast," Rima mumbled gently, "You take a shower and meet me in the kitchen, after. I'm not letting you do too much around the apartment until you get healthier."

[Assistant] He hesitated. He wanted to help her make the food, but seeing that she looked happy to do it he'd let her, after all that's what made her happy wasn't it? Kei smiled. "Alright... allow me to next time." He said to her. He looked rather energetic as he smiled at her. He stepped into the shower to wash himself before going to the kitchen.

[User]
Left by herself in the kitchen, Rima quickly whipped up some breakfast, scrambled eggs, toast, and little sausage links piled onto their plates before she was finished, setting the food on her small kitchen table and bringing out the silverware. She'd just finished setting up when Kei came back into the kitchen, her heart beating just a little bit faster than before. She felt so giddy around him, was it because they'd had sex last night? Rime couldn't bring herself to ask aloud, going over to the fridge to get them some drinks.

"Kei, would you like milk or orange juice with your breakfast?" she asked, fetching two glasses from the nearby cabinet.

[Assistant]
"Milk would be nice." He said as he beamed a smile at her, he wanted to help her but she had told him that she wanted to make the breakfast.

He was still thinking about the sex that they had as well as he wanted to fuck her once more, he thought he'd get the chance to do that today if all things went well. Kei was a little more daring as he got behind her and stroked her back before moving his hands around her waist.

[User]
Rima nearly dropped the glass in her hand as Kei came behind her, his hand gently massaging down her back before he wrapped his arms around her. She initially wanted to tell him that she couldn't work properly with him clinging to her, but like an actual cat weaving in and out of her legs, she found his actions endearing and worked around him wrapped around her.

After the drinks were poured, Rima looked just over her shoulder at Kei and leaned in for a small kiss. He smelled of her soap and was warm all around her, almost making her forget their breakfast entirely. Maybe it would be a good thing that the both of them were going to town for his clothes.

[Assistant]
He was certainly wanting to continue, his body was eager for her, he moaned a little as he pulled back. No, he couldn't fuck her like this, they had barely had breakfast. He merely helped her set the table up.

"What would mist... Rima want from me today?" He asked her as he began to eat. He was quite hungry as he ate the food. "I really want to repay you for the place you have given me... and the night we had."

[User]
"Don't worry about last night, you did most of the work for me," Rima teased Kei with a small smile, "As for today, I'm taking you into town to get you some new clothes that will fit you better. Whatever the slavers were thinking when they bought clothes two sizes bigger than you'll ever be is far beyond me. I want you to feel comfortable and not have to be reminded of those terrible people."

Rima reached her hand out, gently squeezing Kei's hand with her own, free hand. Words couldn't describe the pain she felt when she imagined the hell they put him through, and even then, it was probably far worse than she could imagine. With her, she would make sure he was safe an happy first, no matter what fun they had together in the bedroom.

[Assistant] He smiled at her. "Oh... you know you are so nice." He said to her, he was excited to get something nicer to wear for sure. He let her squeeze his hand and he let out a little moan. "I am more comfortable right now than I have ever been." He said to her as he smiled at her. He soon finished eating. "So would you like to wear for this occasion?" He asked her as he wanted to dress her up.

[User]
"My regular, old sundress will do just fine," Rima assured Kei as she gestured to what she was already wearing, "Today is about getting you into something comfortable, don't worry about me for a while."

After finishing her food rather quickly, Rima stood up from the table and rinsed her dishes in the sink, feeling a bit excited about the trip to town now. She couldn't wait to see Kei's happy face as they both found things for him to wear, confident that today would end with him a little bit happier. Having a pet was working out much better than she expected, so maybe giving in to her desires last night wasn't such a bad thing. But remembering everything again almost made her drop her dishes, and clumsily, she had to take a note not to dwell on sex with Kei too often, or she would never get anything done.

[Assistant]
Kei nodded at her before going over to eagerly help her do the dishes. He wanted her to help her and even if she did insist on doing things herself, he still had his instinct to help her, even if realizing that she was a very relaxed person, he did have ideas of his own as to what he wanted to do to repay her. He thought that she'd like it.

Once that was done he went to get her sundress and help her into it. Of course that was a good chance for him to get to see and feel her body a little. "So how many clothes are we getting?" He asked once they were on their way.

[User]
Rima smiled as Kei asked her about the clothes he would be getting, happy herself to see him so excited about it. With this, maybe he would feel a little more normal, and also more comfortable with her. With her dress on and secured, Rima sat down on the edge of her bed and put on a pair of simple sandals to match her understated look. Without wearing anything that would draw attention to herself, she would be able to focus on Kei better today. She wanted him to be confident and happier by the time they were completely finished.

"I want to get you at least enough to last you through the week," Rima finally replied to her pet, "If we can find a sale somewhere, we might be able to get you some more stuff, too. I'm not sure how this works, I've never bought men's clothes before."

[Assistant]
Kei smiled at her. "That would be great. But I wouldn't want you to spend too much on me though. Since I can get by on a few clothes." He said, this was the first time he'd actually get to pick his own clothes, rather than just have a set given to him.

Sadly due to the new laws that was out due to a few cases slaves attacking people now they were forced to have leashes, there are wireless leashes that go off once the subject was away from the owner too much. "I'd need a leash... before we could go." He told her.

[User]
"Oh... yeah." Once more, an anxious feeling settled inside of Rima as she nodded to Kei and realized that he was right. She wanted to treat her pet as much as an equal as she could, but here she was, required to put a collar on him and make it known to all that he was property. Holding in words of frustration and her disgust, Rima went into her purse and fetched out a small bag from the pet store. Inside was a plain, black-metal collar with the tracker connected to it. Gently, tilting Kei's head back, Rima slowly pulled the collar around his neck and fastened it shut, her fingers resting on the sides of his neck for a few long seconds after, as though she were contemplating tossing it out altogether. But all that would do is get her pet into trouble.

"I'll get this off of you as soon as we get home," Rima promised, leaning in to kiss Kei's cheek before she straightened out.

The collar connected easily with a free app she downloaded onto her phone, and after Rima synced the collar together with her phone's GPS, the little red light on the tracker turned into a blue light, signaling everything was now in working order. The app would let her keep track of him anywhere, send him small shocks at the press of a button, and even gave her the option to call authorities to have him taken down... like he was a real animal without reason or the ability to think for himself. Once more, Rima resisted the urge to rip the thing right off of Kei, tossing her phone into her purse and making sure they were both ready to head out. "Ready?" Rima asked, burying her guilt for the moment.

[Assistant]
"It's okay." He smiled at her while he got himself collared. "I trust you fully with it. This is different to being taken out by others." He said to her. She was indeed the kindest person that he had ever met. Despite Kei usually not opening himself to others, with Rima it was hard not to.

"Ready." He told her as they went out. At the shopping centre there were many slaves though most were made to carry the goods that their masters have bought. "Wow." He looked around as they walked. "Where do we go first?" He asked her, being someone used mostly for labour he had not ever actually came to such a place and was finding himself lost in it.

[User]
Rima looked around and carefully considered what kind of store they should go into first. But in the end, she couldn't decide. She had an idea of what he might look nice dressed in, but he may like the way other clothes look on him. Was he even allowed to have an opinion on his own clothes before now?

"What kind of clothes would you like?" Rima asked him curiously, "Do you like buttoned shirts, tees? Do you prefer dress pants or jeans? We can start picking stores based on your preference in clothes."

[Assistant] "Hmmm..." Now that he realized that Rima let him choose many things, Kei was getting used to thinking for himself. "I think I will try some buttoned shirts." He said, he did have a preference for black and white colours though he also liked brighter colors. "Could I try some of them on?" He asked her.

[User]
"Try on as many as you like," Rima offered, lightly pulling Kei by the hand to one of the nearest stores with dress shirts. To hell with anyone who would think that she was acting strangely with her pet, she was excited about getting him some new clothes, perhaps more excited than he was about getting them. She could already imagine Kei with a proper haircut that he liked and dressed comfortably. Plus, if she thought he was attractive now, he was going to be far more after he was better taken care of for a couple of weeks.

"What colors do you like, Kei?" Rima asked as she started to look through some shirts near the front of the store, "Do you like light colors or dark colors? Do you like prints or stripes?"

[Assistant] "I think I like the brighter colors." Kei told her. He went forth and tried some clothes on. He was going for the more casual things, shirts, shorts, pants and jeans. The more formal stuff such as suits he found not as comfortable, but they were still much better than what he was having. "How does this look?" He said as he had a white shirt with some blue patterns on them and a pair of black shorts.

[User]
"That looks lovely," Rima replied to her pet immediately, going to his side by the changing room, "You look so great in that, even better than I thought you would."

Rima's hands gently straightened the collar of his shirt as she stood close to him, more than pleased with how he looked in his own selection. Having such an attractive man as her pet was definitely a perk she was enjoying, she bet to herself that she could put the most unappealing things on him, and he would still somehow pull it off. After picking a couple more colors of the same shirt and shorts that Rima knew would look nice on Kei, she helped him to find some slacks, and long-sleeved shirts that would work better for fancy events. If she could help it, she would be taking Kei to almost every event she attended for work or otherwise, and now she wouldn't have to worry about the pesky search for a date to those things. Not to mention, she was really interested to see her Kei in a tie.

"let me know if you need help with anything," Rima told Kei after herding him back to his dressing room, "Don't hesitate to call out.~"

[Assistant]
"Thank you." Kei told her, he didn't believe he looked that good in it until she had told him. He tried a few more clothes and he liked her suggestions for things and wouldn't have minded even more serious attire, even if they weren't as comfortable as his casual clothes.

"I don't think I need anything else. I'm pretty loaded in clothes now." He told her, getting a little tired after the shopping that he had. "Aren't you getting anything?" He told her.

[User]
By the time Kei insisted that they could stop searching for clothes, Rima had piled all kinds of things into a pile, wanting him to have a wide variety of things to change into. Hearing a bit of tiredness in his voice, she finally decided that he might be on to something. It wasn't as though splurging once and a while would hurt her finances, but maybe her spending a lot of money on him just made him uncomfortable.

"Ah, I probably won't get anything for myself," Rima admitted, "Today's trip was to get stuff for you; did you want to wear anything out?"

Standing in the dressing stall with Kei, Rima finished carefully removing a tie she'd found among the racks and then unfastened the top buttons of his shirt. He looked rather nice fully-suited, there was a confidence that came off of him in these clothes that she really admired, versus the uncomfortable, guilty feeling that hung between them when he was dressed in rags. He deserved to be treated properly, and she'd be lying if she said she wasn't checking him out every chance she got.

[Assistant]
He looked at her, surprised and very happy. "You're doing this just for me?" He asked her, indeed this was what he always wanted, to be cared for and feel special, this was beyond anything in his dreams.

"I'll wear the first thing I tried." He said to her as he enjoyed her undoing his tie and then taking off his shirt, he moved a hand over to her head and then teasing her a little. "I want something else right now." He said it was the first time he actively asked for what he wanted.

"Could you... get me hard?" He asked Rima. She was highly attractive and the act of her servicing him and helping him this entire day made him want to pound her.

[User]
"Get you... hard?" Rima's eyes widened at Kei's request, feeling her entire face and exposed skin flush. She couldn't comprehend what he asked her at first, but soon, she realized that Kei knew what he was asking, and he meant it. He looked a bit cocky as he stood before her and awaited her response, and in truth, it made a shiver run down her spine. It made her actually want to obey his wishes. But was that a good decision? She liked Kei's initiative, but doing that could get the both of them in a lot of trouble.

"I d-don't think that's such a good idea," Rima muttered as she pulled her hands away from Kei's half-opened shirt, "I'll umm, wait outside, I think..."

[Assistant]
"Yes." He told her, he didn't know the trouble they'd get in, after all Rima was the customer and the customer was already right.

He watched her, Kei was getting bold, he could sense she wanted it, but at the same time perhaps she didn't want to show how she wanted to obey him. "Don't go. I know you want it." He told her. He pulled her hand over to his crotch, he wanted her to either use her hand or even her mouth. "Get me hard and I'll take you to new heights."

[User]
Unsure, Rima felt Kei quickly crowding her back into the dressing stall, his body close and his mouth against her ear. She shuddered as he spoke softly to lure her in more, his hands guiding her over to his swelling cock in his pants. She did want him. Badly. Just the sound of his voice was enough to make her want him all over again. Where did all of this confidence come from? Rima wondered this to herself as her hand began to obey Kei's coaxing, gently kneading his hardening length until it could no longer be contained by his pants or boxers, her clumsy fingers pulling his length out slowly, and then holding it in her warm silken fingers afterward.

"K-kei... what should I do?" Rima asked meekly, doing her best to keep her voice almost lowered completely, not wishing anyone to overhear their activity in the stall.

[Assistant]
Kei didn't know what got to him. Normally he'd never even dream of this, demanding that his mistress service him sexually, yet he somehow knew that Rima wanted this, all the signs her body was acutely giving were showing him that she wanted him to show her who was in charge, even if it was for a little bit.

He moaned as he felt her move against his length. "I want you to suck on it." He told her, his voice was firm despite being low, he didn't want them being discovered either.

[User]
Rima's breath caught in her throat as Kei told her that he wanted her the suck on his cock, which still lightly throbbed and twitched insistently in her warm hands. She wriggled a bit in his arms when he crowded her against he wall to whisper to her, feeling her body heating up to head to toe in warmth, her knees already bending just a bit to do her lover's bidding. She was curious to know what sucking him off would be like, of course she was, she just hadn't expected it to happen like this.

All the same, Rima obeyed after placing a soft kiss on Kei's lips, slowly sinking down to her knees in front of him. Her hands, still rubbing and kneading as she leaned in, slowly moved out of the way of her lips as she leaned in. Her soft pink tongue left her lips first, gently rubbing against his cock before her mouth wrapped around the head. He was so warm in her mouth as she gave him a small, experimental suck, wondering if her hesitant movements felt good to him.

[Assistant]
He watched her use her hands on him and eventually she moved over to suck on his member after he had kissed her. He was in heaven at this point, no mistress was ever going to do this to him and yet somehow he knew that Rima enjoyed this. He moved his hands over to her and stroked her hair softly before he gently began to thrust his cock into her mouth, slowly pumping in and out of her.

"Just like that." He said to her before looking down at her to encourage her to continue.

[User] The more Kei controlled her, the more Rima enjoyed herself. She didn't even care that he'd coerced her to fuck in a public place, or that her own pet, the man that she owned legally, was controlling her every action, using a sweet tone and thrusting deeply into her mouth. A soft noise erupted from her throat as the head of his cock brushed the entrance of it, but she did not pull away. she only had to look up at Kei, to see the pleasure he received from thrusting and her sucking, to be excited herself. Rima moaned helplessly, still clinging to Kei's thighs as he complimented her, and urged her to keep sucking on his cock.

[Assistant]
He moaned as he continued to drive his cock into her mouth, he was enjoying it and she took seemed to enjoy it. Given where they were he certainly didn't intend to hold back, in fact he wanted to cum as quickly as possible. He moaned in pleasure as he screwed her again and again until he was on the verge.

With a light moan that he held back, he shot his load deep into her mouth and splattered his seed in her mouth and on her face.

[User]
Rima let out a small noise in the back of her throat as Kei came in her mouth and on her cheek, the small spurts of his cum warm and thick. She could feel her face burning as she looked up at him and swallowed all that she could, not wanting to leave a large tell-tale mess in the small, cramped dressing room. Her eyes were wide and sparkling as she looked up at him curiously, awaiting another order from her temporary master. The way he'd completely taken control of her just now left her wanting more, hungry for more orders and his dominating attention.

"Was that good, Master?" Rima asked softly, her eyes seeking Kei's approval, still knelt at his feet and clinging to him.

[Assistant] Kei held his grunts as copious amount of his seed shot on her face, he looked at her, surprised at how well that she had taken it. when she said master he blushed, he certainly couldn't claim to be her master, at least he wasn't used to it. "It was... amazing." He told her before helping her up and then getting his clothes straightened again. "Did... Rima enjoy it?" He asked her as he looked at her. "Maybe we should... go somewhere else now." He suggested.

[User]
"I did enjoy it," Rima replied at Kei's question, standing with the help of his hands on her sides. Once she was standing before him again, the two were getting dressed again, Rime tilting her cheek closer so Kei could wipe the rest of his cum from her cheek. In minutes, they were able to leave the stall like nothing happened, and no one seemed to have even noticed their disappearance. Rima honestly ached for a turn to have fun, but Kei had been right to suggest the two of them leave. No more than a few minutes after they were grabbing his clothes, a worker came to check on the both of them. Rima gave the woman their selections and then the two of them were off to the checkout.

"Would you like to stop somewhere for lunch, Kei?" Rima asked her pet as the total rang up and she paid for his outfits, "My cooking skills are pretty limited I'm afraid. We can go anywhere you'd like."

[Assistant]
He thought about apologizing for what he had done, he was quite daring, with any other master he was sure that he'd be punished very severely yet with Rima... she seemed to like it. He could tell looking in her eyes that she wanted it, he still thought that he shouldn't step out of bound again, at least not any time soon.

"We could..." He said as he certainly was getting hungry. "But I'm sure you're cooking skill is good mistress." He told her. The place they were at had quite a few restaurants not far away from them.

[User]
"Nonsense, today is a treat," Rima told Kei with a small laugh, "Believe me, I'm usually away at work so much that today is a blessing. We'll pick one of my favorite places today since you're still new to the city, but I insist that you pick something next time."

Rima didn't care if the woman who folded sweaters for a living was staring at her like she had two heads, after Kei was handed two of the three bags holding his clothes, Rima gently grabbed his hand and led him out of the store. She walked with him to a small shop nearby with kind servers and the best okonomiyaki around. Stepping into the restaurant with Kei and smelling the food in the air, Rima quickly grew famished as well, excited to see that the place was almost empty, and lunch rush hadn't started yet.

"Kei, where would you like to sit?" Rima asked, giving his hand a small, reassuring squeeze.

[Assistant]
"I will try take up the mantle of cooking things, you do have work after all and I should do everything I can to make your stay at home as comfortable as possible after a long day." He said to her. He held the bags of clothes, all of which were ones for him. He did like being treated in such a manner by Rima, indeed she was the best mistress he could have asked for.

"Here." He said, he was getting more confident in making choices now. The table he chose was in a corner, not hidden but certainly to in the middle where they'd hear a lot of people talking once more arrived.

[User] Rima climbed into the seats at the table Kei specified, leaving their bags in the back chairs as a young woman came to take their orders. She was barely Kei's age, with her own feline ears, tail, and collar, much more obvious and chunky than Kei's; and she looked so tired, like her owners didn't care if she slept at all at night. Rima felt a knot form in her stomach, and tried not to draw attention to her discomfort as she ordered a water for herself and okonomiyaki with lots of extra vegetables. Curiously, she tilted her gaze towards Kei while he ordered, wondering what he thought about seeing his own kind so obviously used for the gain of their owners. Did he think she would be like that as well?

[Assistant] Kei didn't notice how tires the girl was but he knew he was in no position to actually save her. He nodded at her before making his orders. "She really needs some rest. "He told her after the girl was gone." But I guess this is not out of the ordinary, for how owners treat their slaves. "He said, he had experienced it himself after all.

[User]
Rima nodded and struggled to say something to comfort Kei somehow, but she couldn't think of anything. She couldn't even imagine how he felt about being a pet, or being treated less important than humans. For now, she buried her discomfort down and checked her phone to make sure she hadn't gotten any calls from the office.

"Kei, do you have anything you like to do in your spare time?" Rima asked him, "I can't just leave you to clean the apartment all day, that's dumb."

[Assistant] He looked at her. "Well I never had any spare time so I guess I can't say I do anything, but if I had free time I think I'd want to make my mistress happy." He told her, he actually wanted to spend more time fucking her, but thought that was simply too blatant for him to say. The food soon arrived and he waited for her to start eating before he began to eat.


[User]
The Bunbunmaru Newspaper was always in need of attention-grabbing headlines, and Aya Shameimaru was always on the hunt for such. She had heard of a human somehow stumbling into the Hakugyoukuro and went to investigate, but her attempts to enter were thwarted by a certain half-ghost gardener. Perhaps the goings-on at the Moriya Shrine would provide something newsworthy? After all, the public enjoyed a feud, and the fights between the Shrine's resident goddesses always guaranteed a few copies of her paper being sold.

As such, she waited until night fell, then snuck up to the Shrine and peered into one room with her camera...

Inside, Suwako was not fighting with Kanako, futanari, futa... her petite hands were on Kanako, futanari, futa's chest, gently kneading and massaging the taller woman's breasts through her red shirt. As her nipples became visibly erect under the fabric, she would gently pinch and tweak them, and tug them, before going back to groping her generous breasts. Her pale face was becoming more flushed, and as she gazed up at Kanako, futanari, futa with her olive eyes, her breathing became heavy...

[Assistant]
It wasn't terribly often that Kanako, futanari, futa and Suwako came together like this. The last time... well, Kanako, futanari, futa was pretty sure it was before Sanae had come to live with them, and there were times when years would pass. Other times it'd be mere days or even hours, but by and large there was no great sense of urgency that drove their physical contact. And why should there be? They'd been living together for thousands of years, and probably would for thousands more. There was never any great rush, and the relaxed pace made it all the more fun with things did happen.

Take now, for instance, with the smaller goddess on her lap, gently mauling her breasts. There was long experience there, an intimate knowledge of what Kanako, futanari, futa liked that no other living creatures could claim, but with a long enough absence that it still felt new, like Suwako was exploring her for the very first time. Chills tingled their way down her spine as Kanako, futanari, futa sighed, her eyes half closed as for at least a moment she simply let herself be carried away by the touches. Suwako seemed to be enjoying herself anyhow, just feeling the soft flesh in her hands---even through the shirt---enough to make her rather visibly aroused.

She rather enjoyed seeing her partner like this, ancient memories of how they had first met still on occasion bringing out rather... assertive thoughts and feelings, but she couldn't resist for too long. Her hands started on Suwako's thighs, sliding up over her hips and up her shirt until she could play directly with Suwako's breasts in return.

It was a common mistake to think of the frog goddess as girlish or even sometimes undeveloped, like the little Scarlet vampire or her sister. But while Suwako might have been small, she was more petite than anything else, with rather well-formed curves to her hips, and breasts that were miraculously sensitive as she played with them in return. Her arched her back slightly, pressing her breasts forward against Suwako's hands, encouraging the other goddess as she leaned down and bit her lower lip, sucking on it as she sunk in her fangs just enough to dent the skin without drawing any blood.

[User]
Suwako gasped slightly when Kanako, futanari, futa's hands slid up her shirt and onto her chest. While she was not as generously endowed as Kanako, futanari, futa was, she was still very sensitive, her touch sending shivers through her body. In return, she pushed Kanako, futanari, futa's shirt up, exposing her breasts to the cool night air, and began to grab them more firmly, her slender fingers sinking into her flesh. She would whimper as the snake goddess bit her lip: it hurt only ever so slightly, but she made no attempt to stop her.

Once Kanako, futanari, futa had released her lip, she ran one hand through her violet hair and kissed her assertively. Their lips sealed together. Though an outside observer would only see their lips moving together or even the slight bulging of their cheeks, Kanako, futanari, futa would know all to well of what was happening: the frog goddess was slipping her tongue into her mouth. It was fairly long, almost reaching her throat. She could explore the entirety of Kanako, futanari, futa's mouth with it, running it over her teeth, along her cheeks, and wrapping it around her own tongue...

[Assistant]
A satisfied hum escaped Kanako, futanari, futa as her shirt was pushed upwards. She hadn't bothered wearing a bra for this, knowing that it would be rather pointless pretty quickly, given how long it'd been since the last time they had done this. They could always linger later and there were times where you just wanted to get straight to the point.

She made another approving noise as she felt the tongue slip into her mouth, exploring and teasing places no mortal could have managed. Their tongues intertwined as the kiss deepened with a series of wet noises that had shivers running down Kanako, futanari, futa's back as she started working with deft hands to strip them both down without breaking off the kiss.

[User]
Soon, both goddesses were completely nude. Suwako continued to take the initiative, capturing one of Kanako, futanari, futa's soft pink nipples in her mouth and suckling on it, poking and prodding it with her tongue, intermittently squeezing it between her teeth. The other breast would not be neglected: she pressed her hand into her mammary, as if kneading it like a large ball of soft, warm dough.

All the while, something grew between the petite flaxen-haired goddess's thighs: a penis, growing where her clitoris should be, becoming stiffer and engorged. What she may have lacked in curves or height, she made up for here. She would stroke her member as she nursed on Kanako, futanari, futa's teats, her foreskin gliding over the head, ensuring the phallus kept hard...

[Assistant]
It wasn't per se unusual for the frog goddess to take charge of the situation with such enthusiasm, and it certainly wasn't unwelcome. But Kanako, futanari, futa was hardly one to sit passively by when her sometimes rival suckled on her breasts. They might have both mellowed over the years, but she still rather enjoyed reminding in a pleasant way which of them had ended up on top long ago.

And certainly she wasn't going to be left behind in the appendage department. She ran her fingers through Suwako's hair, nails scraping against her scalp as she kept encouraged the smaller goddess to keep at her breasts as her own cock expanded outwards, poking against Suwako's creamy thighs, moving inwards as it grew larger until the tip rubbed up against the folds of Suwako's sex.

[User]
Usually, Suwako was the one penetrating Kanako, futanari, futa. The elder goddess, however, wouldn't turn down a good prick if presented the opportunity. If she had, Sanae might not have even been born!

She pushed Kanako, futanari, futa on her back, smirking as she used her fingers to open her folds. Holding the snake goddess's cock steady, she slowly lowered herself until her glans was pushing against her sex. Then, with her hands on Kanako, futanari, futa's waist for support, pushed down until every inch of her penis was sheathed in her tight pussy.

She then started to rock her hips back and forth, running her tongue hungrily over her lips as her member swayed with her movements...

[Assistant]
It wouldn't have been fair to say that Kanako, futanari, futa was taken aback, but Suwako was apparently feeling aggressive even when she wasn't the one doing the metaphorical mounting, siding down on Kanako, futanari, futa's shaft with no little enthusiasm. It drew out a soft hiss of breath from Kanako, futanari, futa, her back arching as her cock throbbed inside her lover's warmth, her fingers biting into the floor next to her and Suwako's hip as her shoulder's tensed.

The hiss turned into a groan as Suwako bottomed out, making the shaft twitch lewdly in response. "Ah, so enthusiastic," she murmured as she rocked her hips, tingles rolling up her spine. As she grew more stable, she brought up one hand, fingers teasing along Suwako's shaft before she grasped the member, thumb teasing her foreskin in a way very similar to what Suwako herself had been doing not a moment before.

[User]
No! Her one weakness! Suwako gasped when she felt Kanako, futanari, futa's thumb slip beneath her foreskin to press and rub against her tender glans. Her rocking became more unsteady, and her expression more enraptured, as her own shaft throbbed almost painfully thanks to the younger goddess's masturbating her. Her muscles twitched and clung to Kanako, futanari, futa's dick. She reached for Kanako, futanari, futa's free hand and held it, their fingers weaving together: a loving gesture between two rival goddesses...

Outside the manor, Aya grinned and began to snap photos of the two being so intimate.

They noticed not, however. Suwako's olive eyes turned towards the door to their bed chamber. It was ever so slightly ajar, but Suwako could see it, a lone emerald eye, peering on them. "I'm not the only one~..." Suwako groaned, winking towards their voyeur...

[Assistant]
Ah, that was perhaps the cutest response. Kanako, futanari, futa's focus was completely wrapped up in the petite goddess riding her, squeezing and caressing the sensitive shaft as she guided Suwako's pleasure to greater heights, pushing her into each new wobble and shudder as she worked her hips into the bouncing. She let her tongue down, longer than any human's could, gliding between her own breasts to the point where she could tease Suwako's glans with the tip, plans already forming in her mind to driving Suwako into cumming all over her own face.

Her thoughts only shifted as Suwako pointed out their unexpected watcher. Kanako, futanari, futa's tongue snapped back upwards, and she licked her lips for a moment. For a moment she felt a trace of actual concern, not entirely sure how their poor priestess might react... but between the staring and the certain hint of... fascination on the air apparently it wasn't in a bad way. "My, how embarrassing, I think we've been caught," she said, giving Suwako's cock a squeeze. "No need to be so bashful," she said a little louder. "You're certainly old enough to see such things now."

[User]
Silently, Sanae pushed opened the door. Her face was as red as a beet, and it was soon apparent that she had been entertaining herself while watching the goddesses, her hakama bunched up like she had pulled it up... Suwako smiled when she saw her descendant emerge. "You're curious, aren't you..." she asked. "We can show you a world of pleasure known to precious few... but first..."

She leaned down and kissed Kanako, futanari, futa. This kiss was much more fevered and forceful. Like Kanako, futanari, futa, her own tongue was quite long: their deep kiss earlier was nothing compared to her long, thick, sticky tongue slithering down the younger goddess's throat, causing her windpipe to visibly bulge to accommodate her. All the while, she pinched and pulled on her nipples. At this rate, between the kiss, her riding Kanako, futanari, futa, and Kanako, futanari, futa stroking her, she would climax at any moment...

[Assistant]
If there was any doubt about Sanae, it was put to rest as the girl slid open the door, blushing and squirming. If she had already brought herself around enough that she was touching herself to the sight, and didn't immediately flee when caught, it was pretty clear that there wasn't really any risk of her backing out at this point.

Kanako, futanari, futa ran her hands down Suwako's sides as her attention was brought back to the kiss, a soft moan bubbling up from her throat as it was penetrated by her lover's tongue. Her cock grew still larger inside of Suwako, twitching as she felt herself sliding towards climax as well.

She gave a few intense bounces with her hips, groaning as she squeezed Suwako's cock, rubbing the tip with her thumb as she began to pump hot seed deep into Suwako's belly.

[User]
Once she hit her limit, Suwako's tongue quickly retracted back into her mouth as she let out a loud cry. Her muscles clamped like a vice around Kanako, futanari, futa's cock as her own sperm gushed out, covering her hand and falling on her chest. It took a while for the two goddesses to catch their breath and regain their stamina. They wasted no time turning their attention to their young priestess...

After disrobing her, Suwako stood before her and kissed her, her tongue reaching her granddaughter's tonsils. Her small hands found Sanae's breasts. While they weren't as enormous as Kanako, futanari, futa's, they were still something to be admired, a nice plump D-cup. Her fingers sank into the soft flesh of her chest...

Kanako, futanari, futa, meanwhile, stood behind her. One hand caressed one of the long, slender thighs of her human lover, admiring how supple and silky her skin was. The other reached between her legs and found her folds, gently rubbing her fingers over her lips... both goddesses, all the while, reattained their full firmness...


[User]
The market was a raucous place filled with the smells and sounds of commerce, voices shouting to be heard over animal cries and the calls of barkers plying their wares to shoppers. Not every merchant made their way into the center of the city for the market, but for Derrick market day was exciting and always profitable. While a cobbler may not always sell shoes and a seamstress may only ever find a few clients, freshly baked goods and sweet pastries always drew in the young and old. Derrick always left empty handed and heavier in the purse for it, which helped when he had to settle into the daily routine of baking for the day to come. His life wasn't boring, in his opinion, but Derrick wasn't rushing out to find adventure either. A commoner, the closest thing he had to a surname was a description of his profession, so he was Derrick Millflour until recently when he'd inherited the bakery where he had apprenticed from his ailing master. The old man had passed of flux months prior and had left him the shop, the debts and the name. Now, well, now he was Derrick Rolland and he had an excellent connection to the flour milling family who he had sprung from. He could read and knew his numbers, had memorized his master's many recipes and knew the traditional ways of making his goods.

Originally he'd been apprenticed to help seal a deal between the aging Master Rolland and his father to supply the former with flour and ground salt at a lesser price and at first Derrick had been resentful. Nearly a score of years later and he was quite glad for the opportunity, even if caring for an aging and ailing man had left him somewhat bereft of potential bride prospects. Well onto his twenty sixth summer, things were still somewhat bleak in that regard, so the market had yet another bright prospect to look toward.

Right then the man was setting up, the sun just peeking over the horizon and casting the world in brilliant gold. He propped up the overhead cloth to screen out the sun and began setting out his goods. He'd dressed as always in simple and functional clothing; roughspun trousers and vest over a softer loose cotton shirt and small shorts beneath the trousers. Sensible leather shoes kept the cobbled walk from digging into his feet and his medium length, thick dark hair was tied back with a simple cord of braided leather. Derrick kept his face shaved clean, though his stubble didn't really show well against his dark skin, but he liked to look professional. "Not too long now, heh..." people had already begun to flood the streets and he grinned despite himself. At least market days were interesting ones.

[Assistant]
The market was indeed a raucous place, but that was why Lily loved it. So much of her life was ordered and neat, pre-arranged and planned out for her. She didn't live her life so much as she followed the schedule laid out for her by her parents. These days when she put on the commoner's clothes she kept hidden and paid one of her tutors to tell her parents that she had had shown up for her lesson when really she snuck out to explore the city. The capital was a large place and she never felt any particular risk exploring it on her own disguised like this as long as she kept to the lower end areas. She was young, and very pretty, with a head full of golden curls and large, doe-brown eyes in a heart-shaped face. And unlike Derrick, she had more prospects for a future spouse than she knew what to do with. Which was partially why she was getting out of there today, she needed time away after yesterday. Her mother had arranged for her to have breakfast with one potential suitor and then afternoon tea with another. And both men were vapid, shallow nancies with far higher opinions of themselves than they had any right to possess.

So Lily (which was a nickname for her full first name, Lillian) dressed and headed for the market, wearing a simply white cotton dress with a moss-green corset around her waist that only came up under her bust. Over that and against the early morning chill she wore a simple but well made dark gray cloak that trailed out behind her nicely as she walked. She had a basket on her arm as she made her way down the rows of stands, browsing goods for sale, smiling and chatting with the people that were selling them. She envied these people a little, they had purpose in their lives, what purpose did she have? To be married off and bred like a broodmare. She was seventeen, soon to be eighteen, and she knew she would be married within the year. And she couldn't stand any of the men who wanted to make her their wife.

She paused as she smelled the mouth watering aroma of freshly baked pastries and looked around to see where it was coming from. Lily saw the stall and walked over, giving the man behind it a bright smile. "Good morning," she greeted him, noting that he was rather good looking. Perhaps she could have a bit more fun than just buying something from him, "These smell delicious, what all are they?"

[User]
Derrick was bent down reaching beneath his stall to refresh his display when he heard a woman's voice asking about his goods. The man stood and quickly set down a small tray of pastries that looked like little crescent moons with some sort of nuts and whatnot in the folds of its roll. The man was about to answer in his normal cheerful manner when he stopped dead for half a moment. Bathed in the light of the day, whoever this woman was was an absolute vision. He stared at her rich brown eyes and felt his mouth go dry in an instant.

He swallowed hard and managed to paste his smile back on his face, "Oh, welcome! Forgive me miss, you er... uhm... you surprised me. Those pastries are one of Rolland Bakery's signature items! They're butter pastry, so they're rich and flaky but inside we layer fruits from the farms nearby with sweets and spices." somehow Derrick got every word out without stammering, which was pretty damn impressive if you were going to ask him.

"Sounds like you've never had one. Here!" he smiled wider and dusted his hands on his apron, flour puffing from his fingers before he simply picked one up and broke it open. The filling oozed out a bit, still warm from earlier in the day, but he turned the halves upright to catch it before it dripped out, "Give it a try, I guarantee you'll love it." Okay, he didn't know that for sure but how else was a baker supposed to impress a gorgeous girl who'd come out of nowhere to brighten up his day? Hopefully she liked tasty pastries!

[Assistant]
Lily saw the look on the baker's fae when he straightened and looked at her, she got that reaction sometimes. Sometimes she liked it, sometimes she didn't, she liked it on him though. She gave him a dazzling grin, pleased with the way he was looking at her. What pretty girl didn't like some attention after all? Well, except when they didn't want it... she didn't most of the time, but every so often she did. Lily listened curiously though as he explained what the crescent shaped pastries were, since she really did think they looked and smelled delicious.

"Oh, that does sound good!" she agreed, watching with slightly wide eyes as he tore one of the pastries in half then handed it to her. "Thank you," she gushed, batting her eyelashes at him sweetly as she took it. Lily took a bite and loved it instantly, he had been right, and the girl let out a pleased moan at the taste exploding on her tongue.

She munched on the pastry a bit more before speaking again, "You make these yourself? They're very good." Lily told him, her eyes flicking over the baker curiously. He was very good looking, and he certainly had the build of someone who actually worked. She didn't really find the useless look of her suitors very appealing, most of them kept in shape to look good by sparring or some other exercises, but they weren't actually any good for anything. Lily much preferred the idea of a man who couldn't actually do something with his body.

[User]
The feeling that overtook Derrick at the sight and sound of the woman enjoying his pastry made his chest swell with pride even as his kind drifted a bit elsewhere. He snapped back when she spoke and nodded, setting the other pastry half down where she could get it. "I do, yes! Until a few seasons ago I worked as apprentice to Master Rolland, but he was taken by a flux and I inherited the bakery. Before that, I would help my family with milling flour and such. You could say from seed to cake I know where my stuff comes from and just what's in it. It's nice to make things with your hands I always thought, especially if they can win a smile like yours."

Okay maybe shut up. He was thankful for his dark skin hiding the flush that overtook him. But why not flirt a bit with a pretty girl like her? "Anyway... my name is Derrick, it's a pleasure to meet you miss." he did have the build of someone who worked for a living. Between thick arms from hefting weighty sacks of flour and barrels of sugar and whatnot and a solid core, Derrick was built like a man who enjoyed his profession and didn't shirk his responsibilities.

While they spoke there were other customers, regulars who came by and got bread mostly, leaving coins in the coffer he kept on the counter of the stall. He did his best not to stare at the girl, with her golden hair and lovely face, the way her dress hugged her body especially with the corsetry. Okay, well, it had been a long time for him but he wasn't such a boor that he was going to stare... well, not just yet anyway.

[Assistant]
Lily ate and listened as she ate her pastry, very interested if she was honest. She didn't get to meet people like this, who worked and knew how to make things and do things, very often. Most of the people she knew talked about things that they either knew nothing about or that were completely vapid and shallow. Lily actually liked to learn, she didn't enjoy all of her lessons but she did enjoy getting to use her brain. She wanted to know more about the world and do things, so she was curious about this baker and his experiences, since she would like never have any of her own.

His compliment though made her pause, blinking at him a little, before she gave him a shy grin and her face blushed sweetly. Unlike him, her skin was fair enough that the color was very clear, but it only looked fetching on her. Lily paused when another customer approached after the baker introduce himself, "I'm Lily." She finished the one half of the pastry and took up the other. Lily didn't give a last name, she had one but it would be a give away. Everyone outside her immediate household called her Lillian, so she doubted anyone else would make a serious connection if they didn't know her. She also said nothing of herself, with good reason.

"They're very... well made." Her smile turned a little mischievous as she pointed looked Derrick up and down, because he was well made too. "Well these are very good. I would expect you must be very good with your hands," Lily smiled at him, eating some of the other half, "you clearly know what you're doing." Lily's smile had turned mischievous as she spoke to Derrick, her face blushing a little again and biting at her bottom lip a bit before she popped the last of the pastry into her mouth and licked some stray jam from her upper lip.

[User]
Goodness but she was cute when she was blushing. Derrick grinned at the blonde and nodded when she gave her name, not bothering to press for anything further. If she'd wanted to provide it she would have, right? Derrick did his best not to stare, but even then he did notice the crumbs on her luscious lips, the way her soft pink tongue would dart out to catch them. Derrick tore his eyes away through sheer will, looking out at the rest of the market for a moment, though his eye was inexorably drawn back to Lily.

"Well, Lily, I'm glad I could help you find something nice to try." he chuckled at her mischievous sort of grin and raised his brows a bit at her next comment, smirking in turn and commenting offhand, "Haven't had any complaints yet... but hey, if you ever find my technique lacking, I take direction well." he rubbed at the back of his neck and cleared his throat, eyes tracking the bit of pink that poked from her lips once more.

"I mean, if you ever want to see where this sort of things happen, you're welcome to come on down to the bakery. I have to close on market days between first bell and noon bell, but any other day I'm there from before sun up to midafternoon." thankfully his evenings were mostly free, so he could actually have something of a life with hobbies. "I never pass up giving a tour to an interested party."

[Assistant]
Lily was having fun flirting and eating delicious pastry, probably one of the best times she'd ever had sneaking out like this. She smiled and licked at her thumb a bit when he said he'd never had any complaints, but she should let him know if she did have any directions. "No, taste pretty good to me..." she smiled at Derrick. Another customer came and went as he told her where his bakery was, and invited her to come see it sometime. Lily had never seen someone more than once on these little excursions of hers, so she wasn't likely to do so but she wasn't going to tell him that. "That's very good to know," she smiled at Derrick, "Perhaps I'll come and see it sometime soon. Until then... I'll take another one of those pastries to go, how much? And I insist on paying, you already gave me one for free." So once he gave her the pastry and she paid, she gave the young baker another bright smile, "Well it was very nice to meet you, Derrick, hopefully I'll see you again." Lily turned and walked away, looking over her shoulder to give him one last bright, flirtatious grin before she walked away.

Lily hadn't thought that she would ever see the handsome baker again, she never saw these people more than once. But the last few days had been particularly torturous, and she just wanted to get away from it all. She didn't even think about where she was going at first this morning, brooding about the dinner her parents had made her go to last night to which they had invited one of the men trying to court her and his parents. It had been horribly. Her suitor was only a few years older than her but her more lecherous than any old man she'd ever seen. Constant stares at her cleavage (as of course her mother had made her wear some low cut dress to entire him), disgusting comments, and then all sorts of horrible comments from him and then making it clear that they didnt' really view Lily as a human. They had loved to talk about her as if she wasn't even there, comparing her flaws and virtues like they were trying to decide if they should buy her or not.

The man didn't even know her! He didn't see interested in getting to know her! He just saw a pair of breasts and a pretty face... Lily didn't know why this angered her, she knew that this was how most men viewed her. And yet when she paused and looked up, she realized she was on a street near Derrick's bakery... she hadn't minded his flirting at all, what was the difference? She'd seen him looking at her... but it had felt different. He hadn't looked like he was a dog staring at a piece of meat, it had just seemed... different. Lily paused outside the bakery, then sighed and went inside, looking around curiously.

[User]
Derrick wasn't sure of the nature of Lily being there, nor whatever it was that had had her in the market that day but he wasn't going to complain for having met her. When she asked for another pastry and insisted on paying he gave her one for the regular price, because smitten though he was the man was also a businessman and didn't think he could run his shop on nice feelings and the bright smile of a pretty girl. Derrick managed another smile at her when she turned to grin at him, though he was worried she might have caught him watching her leave.

He'd resigned himself to not seeing the lovely blonde girl again by the time the day was out and fell into his normal routine for the next couple of days. Between working as a baker and fixing things in and around his home and shop, Derrick was a busy sort of guy. His family came by once, his brother showing off not only a new wife but a plump and happy little girl, bundled in swaddling and fussing just a bit. Of course his mother clucked about him living alone with ghosts and his father only commented on his business but that was how life was with them.

After Derrick had bid them goodbye he got back to work again, rolling up his sleeves and laying into kneading the dough for sweet rolls, losing himself in the motions as he tucked it into itself and slapped it down onto the board. Soon he'd pinched off and rolled quite a few little dough balls and nearly missed the tinkle of the bell over the front door. He stood up straight and spoke clearly, "Be right with you, just a moment!" then he swept the trays of dough balls into the large clay and brick oven that served as the heart of his business and solid warmth for his house and store.

He dusted off his hands as he turned and his curious smile became a brighter one when he spotted Lily. There was flour smudged on his face and his clothes were replete with it, but Derrick looked much the same as he had in the market. He quickly swept off his board and scraped it down before moving away. "Lily! Welcome to my bakery! Now if this isn't a pleasant surprise. What brings you?" he leaned on the much cleaner shop counter, his eyes having danced quickly down her form and back up to her face, curiosity and concern in his expression.

[Assistant]
Lily heard the baker call out and stood just inside the door while she waited, looking around and taking the bakery in. The front area was rather small, but she supposed there was no need for a lot of room. People came in, got what they wanted, and left. Most of the building was likely taken up by ovens, work space, and storage space. And she certainly believed it about the ovens. It was markedly warmer inside the bakery than out in the street, and she could imagine how cozy it would feel during the winter. It was nearly summer now though and it was a little stifling with how hot it was already outside.

She wandered a little closer and looked at the pastries and breads that were on display in his case, but looked up when Derrick appeared from the back covered in flour. It was an endearing sight really, so she gave him a warm smile when he greeted her, "Hello Derrick," she answered, wanting him to know that she remembered his name too. "Well I was in the area and I remembered that you told me your bakery was near here, so I thought I'd come by," she told him.

Lily had read up a little on baking and related subjects the last couple of days in the library her father kept. For him it was just a status symbol, but Lily practically lived in it. Outwardly, Lily looked like most typical young woman her age, but she was not quite so typical under her blonde curls and pretty face. She spent most of her free time reading, and she rarely found people interesting after the initial meeting. Lily had no close friends, she had some peers who she was on friendly terms with but she didn't really let them get to know her too deeply. She was a private person, and she liked to be alone, and most of the activities she enjoyed were of the solo persuasion. She had read about wheat crops and the milling process and also the science behind baking. She had even found a classical cookbook with some pastries in it, and recognized a few in Derrick's display case. "Do you own the bakery then?" She asked curiously, he had called it 'my bakery', but he seemed so young to own his own business.

[User]
"Right, right!" what was he supposed to say, that Lily had been a customer and likely one he wasn't going to see again. Sure, she had been on his mind since and Derrick was thrilled that the young woman had come by, but that didn't mean that Derrick was going to spend his time lost in doe eyed mooning. He had a business to run and a living to make. People from all over the town relied on his bakery and a few others for their daily bread. The pastries he made were a luxury item but he kept them adorable and they remained popular enough to even outshine his constant bread orders.

He smiled at her question and grabbed a towel, dusting the flour from his hands and arms before tucking it behind his apron, "Well... I was apprenticed to the master of this bakery when I was much younger and have worked here for over a decade. When he passed away, the commission from the merchant's guild would have defaulted to them but I had been named as a defacto master by then. So instead of being out of a job, the guild's laws required me to continue on as the master baker here. The building and business are mine, technically speaking I can do whatever I wish with them, but my contract is with the guild and thus I must continue to operate under their purview."

He was a devoted worker and knew that his lifeline was in being good at what he did. He didn't shirk the basics and leaned toward traditional items that were proven to be delicious and popular. Derrick smiled gently, "So, more simply, I own the business but the guild owns my ability to do business. Got to pay dues and taxes and such, or I won't have certification. Anyway! Enough talking about that! What brings you by today? Were you looking for a few more pastries today?" he kept the windows open during the summer rather than shuttered and curtained, but even with the breeze it was stifling inside for most people.

[Assistant]
Lily listened curiously and looked rather surprised that someone his age owned their own business and had a contract through one of the guilds. Even if he had inherited those things, that he had been trusted to them and was successfully maintaining them was impressive. When Derrick asked her what she wanted she paused a bit, feeling a little nervous as she tried to decide how honest she should be.

"Well I certainly would say no to another pastry, they were very good," she smiled at him sweetly, but then cleared her throat a little before continuing, "Really though, I came to see you." Lily hadn't really realized that until then, but she supposed it was true. The pastries had been very good, but not so good as to come here exclusively for them. No, her real interest was Derrick. The handsome young baker was interesting to her, and attractive. She knew that women of all stations weren't really supposed to be this forward, but Lily didn't think she had much to lose by it. It wasn't like she actually could have anything serious with Derrick, and if he wasn't interested, then that was no loss either.

[User]
Derrick could have sworn he'd been about to say something clever to Lily about his pastries being nearly as irresistible as his banter, but then she all but confirmed it without promoting and he lost the thread of that thought. The man flushed and rubbed at the back of his neck for a moment before the baker thought of something to say, "Well doesn't that just beat all? Here I was thinking maybe I'd interested you in the goods, but if you're here for the one responsible well good news, I'm free for at least a quarter bell before I'll have to interrupt you to work a bit."

It was good fortune rearing its head that Lily seemed to like him and Derrick was determined not to blow it. He picked up a flaky sort of bar with slivered nuts worked into the layers of dough and butter, though these ones were sticky and had been soaked in honey. Derrick reached under his counter and brought out a small disk of lacquered wood, setting the treat on it, "Here, I'll put some tea on. You're welcome to come in, but it gets warmer back in here so if you prefer we could sit out on the back porch." he'd still hear the bell from there if anyone came in.

Of course, spending time with this interesting, pretty woman was high on his list. Of course he wanted to impress her, but more to actually do so than to take advantage. She seemed sharp, alert, qualities he appreciated in a woman. Hell, even that boldness had taken him by surprise and left a pleasant thrill.

[Assistant]
Lily couldn't help but grin a little at the look on the baker's face when she told him why she was here. She liked the way he looked when he blushed and looked flattered and flustered at the same time. When Derrick spoke up finally she just smiled at him, then beamed when he told her that he had some time free if she wanted some of that. Lily most certainly did. Even though she knew it was a bad idea. It was perhaps a little mean of her to be getting to know this man and get his hope up for some potential relationship when that could never be a reality. Usually she didn't see the men she talked to again, but here she was, excited to spend a little more time with Derrick.

Derrick seemed grounded and kind, and genuine, three things that she rarely found in the men around her, let alone all three in one man. "Alright," she smiled, then listened as he laid out their options, taking the new pastry he had offered her. If nothing else, she was getting free pastries out of this... Lily wondered briefly what it would be like to get free pastry whenever she wanted... vague thoughts of seeing Derrick often, very often. Lily reeled her mind back in quickly, that was not a good direction for her to let her thoughts go.

"Well... let's sit on the porch when the tea is done but perhaps until then you could give me a tour?" Lily asked curiously, which would probably be odd in and of itself as few women would be interested in something like that. "I was reading some books on baking theory and would love to see something concrete," she told him, then blinked and gave an awkward grin, "I uh... have access to a private library thanks to some of my father's connections." Lily knew it was hard to hide that she was from a well off family, her clothes were simple but well made, and she looked clean and well-fed. She usually told people that she was from a merchant family. That would explain both her appearance and the fact that she was educated. But even women from the merchant class didn't generally have libraries and such at the tips of their fingers.

[User]
The man moved to pick up a brass kettle, taking it to a spigot that fed from a largish barrel of water that Derrick paid to have filled by a few local children from a well that fed the neighborhood. His job involved a lot of water for various reasons so he liked to have it available. After propping up part of the counter for Lily he waved her in and turned to head deeper into his workspace, humming under his breath and moving to what served as his kitchen. Even if his workplace was mostly kitchen, it seemed he did his casual cooking there rather than working with his baking. Derrick pulled down a thick glass jar of loose tea, pulling a few generous pinches from the wide jar and adding them to the kettle, which he then hung on a hook and swung into an open hearth. Seemed he liked his tea strong.

"Alrighty. A tour... well, this is my bakery," he chuckled and swept a thick arm to indicate the banks of ovens, each fed by a small hearth and emitting heat in waves. Several had been banked to last while others roared with flame. "Each of these ovens was made by master masons, who cut and fit every brick and tile. The insides are glazed to trap and refract heat and you'll notice the floor is stone, as are the walls near them." indeed, his house and shop had no basement, but did boast a second storey.

Derrick was proud of his shop though, of the history he continued, "I get deliveries of eggs, flour, dairy and produce from the other grocers around town in return for my goods, the excess of which I sell at the market. Sometimes they call on me for refreshments for festivals and other events, but my day to day is mostly bread orders and pastries." he had noticed that Lily seemed very smart and she'd confirmed it, "But a whole library? My master left me recipes and theory journals and ledgers, but to have all that knowledge to draw from." the baker sounded suitably awed, but rather than turn to what he could gain from her good fortune he just smiled, "It sounds as if it suits you quite well. Where else would a sharp lady learn?" He cleared his throat and turned back to the hearth, where the kettle had begun to steam. Derrick carefully swung it out and gripped the handle with a towel, taking the tea over to the small kitchen, where he poured them each a rich dark cup of the stuff. "Mmh... my mother always said not to boil it, just bring it to steaming. Keeps it from tasting sour. Shall we?"