Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 18, 2009 14:32:23 GMT -5
I bit my lip as I looked at the front door of Valerian House. I had walked past it a thousand times, but I had never really looked at the building.
It was dark, and I pulled my shawl around me closely, trying to ward off the chill I felt. I wasn't sure if it was because of the cold night air...or because of my nerves.
I had been feeling extremely anxious, ever since I had met the Shahrizai. I prided herself on knowing more than most people. I didn't like being outsmarted. The fact that Gadleon had run circles around me had been causing me to lose sleep, to say nothing of the debt he held over my head. Since I was confined to Mont Nuit due to my punishment, the only place I could think of to learn about him was Valerian House. Inside, perhaps, I could determine what a man like Gadleon Shahrizai would want from someone like me.
I was wearing all black. Coupled with my dark skin, I figured I would be difficult to see. Hopefully I could find some insomniac adept, ply him or her for information, and then leave before some authority figure caught me.
After all, I could always say I was visiting a friend. At midnight. It wasn't my most inspired plan, to be sure, but I had to do something...anything...
I stood up straight, squaring my shoulders. There was nothing to be afraid of. Nothing at all. I reached for the doorknob and opened the door, taking my first step inside Valerian House.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 18, 2009 14:56:50 GMT -5
I tried to stifle a yawn but failed miserably. The carriage had dropped me off at the front door, a fact I was grateful for, I wasn't sure I could have been able to walk far otherwise. My patron had been...inventive.... with the ropes and as such I was feeling a little stiff and sore.
The cool night air was helping to revive me though, to my relief, I wanted to be awake enough for a nice, hot, soothing bath. Humming to myself softly I walked up the path and stopped when I saw a movement near the front door. Someone was standing there and, as I watched, they opened the front door and went in.
Thinking it odd, although considering the House I was an adept in, it wasn't that strange - some people simply didn't like to openly flaunt their tastes, I followed them through the door quietly.
Once inside, I saw a young girl hovering in the main hallway. I didn't recognise her as being an adept in the House, nor did the girl seem overly comfortable. Deciding that my hot bath could wait just a little longer, I approached the girl with a welcoming smile.
"Can I help you?" I asked quietly.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 18, 2009 15:08:03 GMT -5
I had been engaged in looking around when I heard a soft voice behind me. I jumped, turning quickly, cursing myself as I did so. Smooth, Sandrine...
"Oh, my...you startled me!" I said, straightening myself, quickly regaining my composure. I looked at the girl. She seemed to be standing strangely. Maybe she had been hurt?
"I'm looking for some information about someone who might frequent this place," I whispered conspiratorially, wrapping my arm around her and pulling her close to me, looking into her eyes. "Is there a place we can talk?"
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 18, 2009 15:36:14 GMT -5
Although I was intrigued by the reactions of the girl I had happened upon, I couldn't help but wince slightly as she inadvertently squeezed a developing bruise hidden beneath my shawl as she pulled me close to whisper her question.
I looked into her eyes and detected a hint of worry and maybe nervousness in them as she asked if there was anywhere we could talk privately. I tilted my head to one side and considered her. There was something about her that I liked and instinctively trusted even though I'd only just met the woman. Quickly I ran through the possible places we could go to talk, though none were really private even at this time of night, and it seemed that privacy was what this girl needed.
Coming to a decision, I stepped back a little and held out my hand. "I'm Liana, pleased to meet you. Let's go up to my room, it's not far and you can ask me what you like." I smiled again and waited to see if she'd consent to joining me in my room. I hoped she would, I was looking forward to sitting down a while.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 18, 2009 15:44:00 GMT -5
I noticed her wince and eased my grip on her shoulders. She was hurt. I wondered what had happened so late at night. Had she just returned from an assignation?
This was definitely not part of the plan. I didn't want to go up to anyone's room. I wanted to get in and get out. But she seemed like she wasn't going to turn me in, so I nodded, and shook her hand once, giving her the kiss of greeting, a chaste peck on her cheek.
"Sandrine..." I hesitated for a moment, then shrugged, deciding that I was already in deep enough. "...nó Orchis. The pleasure is mine." I smiled my most winning smile. "Lead on, Liana."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 19, 2009 14:43:14 GMT -5
I tilted my head in acknowledgement and gestured for her to follow me quickly. I didn't think I'd get into trouble, but I felt it wasn't a good idea to wait around and see. I led her down a corridor and up a flight of stairs and into my room without bumping into anyone, whilst wondering all the way what, or who, would bring an Orchis adept here so late at night.
Once in my room I breathed a sigh of relief, not realising how tense I had been. "Welcome to my humble abode" I said with a smile, glancing around at my meagre but comfortable furnishings and shutting the door behind us. "I doubt we'll be disturbed here. There's a drinks tray over there if you want to help yourself."
I gestured to the tray and then unclipped my shawl and folded it neatly on the back of the chair, resolving to put it away later. Only when I'd eased myself into the chair, and easing was most definitely required, did I notice the nice set of bruises coming up on my wrists. Ignoring those for the moment, though I briefly remembered that I must get some more salve, I took the opportunity to study my new visitor.
"So, what brings you here, Sandrine?"
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 19, 2009 15:14:59 GMT -5
I looked around as best I could as I followed her, taking in the interior of the house. It was totally different from Orchis, much darker and more enclosed.
I felt safer in her room than I did out in the foyer. It wasn't as exposed. I took my shawl off too, folding it in my lap, watching her sit down. I raised my eyebrows as I saw her wrists, but as far as I understood that was normal for Valerian.
When I heard her voice I tore my eyes away from her forming bruises, meeting her eyes with mine for an instant before looking away. I was unsure how much I should divulge. "I...ran into a bit of trouble a few days ago, Liana," I began, trying to stop my hands from fidgeting in my lap. "And in desperation I asked a man for help."
I sighed. "I feel so stupid now, thinking about it," I said softly, looking at my lap. "He was tall, with blue eyes and dark hair. I had heard of the Shahrizai, but...I had never met one, and so I was caught off guard..." I trailed off. I was unsure of the words I should use to explain the next part.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 19, 2009 15:47:00 GMT -5
I raised an eyebrow despite myself, my curiosity certainly piqued. "You asked a Shahrizai for help? What kind of help?" I asked, getting a glimmer of understanding. "I'm going to guess that he helped you or agreed to help you, but for a price." I considered a bit longer before venturing "Is the price why you're here?" I realised I was practically firing questions at the poor girl. Though I was surprised she had never encountered a Shahzirai member before, I could now understand the nervousness she had shown earlier in the foyer. Setting my hands in my lap and absently massaging a wrist, I waited for her to answer.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 19, 2009 16:09:54 GMT -5
I squirmed under her interrogation, mainly because the answers to her questions were embarrassing. She herself seemed very nice, which tempered the story I was going to tell her.
"I was gambling with these," I said, opening my palm to reveal a pair of dice. I dropped them on the floor, where they fell with seven showing. "It was all in fun, really," I sighed. "I like money as much as anyone else, but I don't really care that much about it. I didn't want to take anyone's money. I just wanted to play, and when I bought these, I...pressed my luck."
I bent to scoop up the dice, studying them in my hands. "A Skaldi who was playing in the group shouted that I was cheating. I think he had been counting the rolls or something. Maybe he saw when I switched out the dice, I don't know. Anyway, I took off running, him after me. Since he was probably going to chase me to the ends of Terre D'Ange, I figured I needed to find either somewhere to hide or someone to vouch for me."
I sniffed, taking a deep breath. "Gadleon saved me from the Skaldi, but then..." I closed my hand on the dice and put them away. "...because I couldn't help myself, because I never can help myself, I bet he couldn't guess my house.
"I...just thought it would be a lark, but as soon as he started talking, I knew I was in trouble..." I looked at her, lip trembling, taking a break to let that all sink in. I was laying it on a bit thick, but desperate times called for desperate measures. And I hadn't lied to her, not yet.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 19, 2009 16:25:35 GMT -5
I listened, at first surprised that she admitted cheating so casually and then concerned when she mentioned who she'd run to for help. So she'd run into Gadleon had she? Now there was a man that could instil nervousness into practically anyone let alone a cheerful, playful adept. It was no wonder she wouldn't know quite how to deal with Shahrizai, as far as I knew they didn't frequent the Orchis house at all, their tastes laying elsewhere.
"Gadleon? I know of him" I replied carefully, certain that she hadn't yet finished telling me her story. "Did he take you up on your bet?" I asked, almost certain that I knew the answer before she spoke.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 19, 2009 16:42:23 GMT -5
I nodded once, trying to figure how far I should take this. I didn't want to be too over the top. After all, I was actually frightened of the man.
"It's kind of funny, really," I said, smiling wryly. "I could probably fit the canon of three Houses...four, if I applied myself. But he still hit upon the right one." I grew somber again, looking at her. "Then he offered me a choice. Either he would spread rumors about me, destroy my honor...or he would collect my debt to him later."
I shivered, remembering his breath on the back of my ear, my neck, his thumb brushing across my lips, and looked away...Gods, it was still a bit overwhelming to me.
"Have you met him? If so, you'd probably understand. I couldn't think, with him so close to me," I said, my voice gaining a frustrated edge. I was still annoyed at myself. "He touched me, and I would freeze up, you know? Like he was a snake and I was a mouse..." I looked into her eyes. "The worse part was...I sort of liked it..."
I hadn't admitted that to anyone, and I felt my face warm with embarrassment, my story forgotten for a moment.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 20, 2009 11:16:08 GMT -5
I grinned at the blushing woman sat in front of me. "Yes, I know how you felt. All the Shahrizai seem to carry an aura about them that has that kind of effect. Gadleon in particular does have a way of muddling your thoughts, and I think he enjoys the affect he has." I paused and bit my lip. How much could I tell her without going beyond the bounds of discretion? I decided it best that I find out more about this girl and the situation she was in before making a judgement on how much I should tell her.
"I have met him." I acknowledged. "Did you come here to find out more about him in particular or just his family in general? Did he say what he would require for the debt to be repaid?" I asked, thinking how surprised I'd be if he had indeed laid out requirements for the repayment.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 20, 2009 12:01:56 GMT -5
I returned her smile. I was feeling more at ease, though even if I felt threatened there really was no place to run. "All of the above, I suppose. I've never met a Sharizai before, and it was a startling experience. I would like to prevent something like this from happening again. Also, I was trying to determine what he might want from me," I said, slowly so I could think before I spoke. "I don't have any money--this he knows--and I'm not possessed of..." I paused, my eyes moving to her wrists, before looking back into her eyes. "...your native talents.
"Of course he gave no stipulations," I mused, biting my lip, looking up as I tried to remember. "But I suppose that was part of the game. Whatever I learn about him might help me to determine how to prepare myself." I crossed my legs at the ankles. "But I'm sure there's a sort of...confidentiality that your house has. I would not ask you to break that..." I smiled my most winning smile. "Just to...skirt it, a little, you know?"
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 20, 2009 14:48:56 GMT -5
Her smile was infectious and I found myself grinning back at her before beginning to reply. "You're right that there is a limit as to what I can tell you, mostly due to my small knowledge of their family and of the man himself. But I shall tell you what little I know." I paused wondering where best to begin. Getting up, not without a wince or three as my sitting still had caused my abused muscles to stiffen quite a bit, I stretched, crossed to the cabinet and poured myself a drink before before I started to speak, deciding to stand up and walk the stiffness off a little as I did so.
"The House Shahrizai is one of the oldest families. They are, almost to the last one, ambitious and cunning. I think they practice domineering from birth!" I laughed and shrugged. "That explains their frequenting of this House, I suppose. From the little I know of Gadleon, he enjoys watching people squirm, I think. I don't know whether he will try and collect your debt, he might simply enjoy the knowledge that you are waiting on tenterhooks for him to do so." I offered a sympathetic smile.
"I don't think he'll forget you, though I can't imagine what he'd want in repayment. Whatever takes his fancy at the time I suppose."
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 20, 2009 15:43:53 GMT -5
I followed her with my eyes as she walked, wondering what it was exactly that had made her so sore. Maybe I didn't want to know. The idea of someone being domineering from birth did not make me laugh, but I smiled just the same. No sense in being totally awkward.
"It's rather hard for me to imagine why someone would want to be that way, Liana...especially from the womb," I said, shivering despite the warmth of the room. "And what's the point of enjoying something you can't see?
"I guess I didn't expect to find out much, coming here," I said, softly. "He was dressed in the clothing of a palace guard...and it's not like I go near to the palace anyway. I might be able to see him coming if he's on the street..." I trailed off, feeling like I was rambling. I could feel myself getting emotional, nervous, and I had to calm down. I started to take slow, deep breaths.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 22, 2009 6:34:53 GMT -5
"Are you sure you don't want a drink?" I asked in concern as Sandrine seemed to be on edge, now more than ever. "Or would you rather leave here?" I asked assuming that it was the quarters that was the cause and not her situation. Myself, I would quite enjoy the thrill of wondering when, where and how he would collect the debt.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 22, 2009 8:29:23 GMT -5
"Yes," I said, exhaling as I did so. "Do you have any water?"
"Here is fine, Liana. I've never been in Valerian House before, and so I didn't know what to expect." I smiled warmly at her. "But you've been so nice, and helpful, and it's been good to talk with someone who...possibly could understand my worries."
"It's just that I feel...very conflicting emotions." I laced my fingers together, looking down at them. "On the one hand, because I have no idea what he wants, or when the hammer will fall, I'm a little...nervous." I looked back up at her. "But on the other hand, because he is who he is...I'm excited. One part of me never wants to see him again...the other part yearns for it."
I felt my cheeks warm at this admission. "You don't think it's strange?" I asked. "To feel oneself split in two halves? I suppose that's why I can't sleep tonight."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 23, 2009 3:27:01 GMT -5
I poured Sandrine a glass of water and passed it to her, smiling reassuringly as I did so. "I don't think it strange in the slightest. I can relate to the feeling. The Shahrizai seem to cause that sensation a lot, though it's not totally limited to that particular family."
I stopped my pacing and eased myself into my chair again, a little easier this time. "I doubt you're the only one feeling like you do, I think most people who have dealings with them have a similar feeling." I couldn't stop a delighted little shiver at the thought. "So what are your plans now? Are you going to try and track him down and demand that you can pay your debt, or wait and see what will happen?" I asked curiously, wondering what I would do in the circumstances.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 23, 2009 12:54:50 GMT -5
She looked a little less stiff as she sat down again. I accepted the water gratefully, watching her as she sat down gingerly. I couldn't help but notice the shudder that went through her. Was it due to the pain she was feeling? Or something else?
I felt totally out of my element. Each of the canons were sacred, I knew that, but there was something about Valerian and Mandrake that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I couldn't help it.
I shook my head at her suggestion. "I'm not going to try to find him," I said, my voice a bit forceful. "That would be like throwing myself in the way of a rushing cart. I think I am going to lay low, remain vigilant, and watch for him."
I took a sip of the water, frustrated that I still had no idea what he could possibly want from me. And then I reached for her hand, revealing the bruises on her wrist. "This felt good to you?" I asked, running my thumb lightly over the skin, applying no pressure. i looked into her eyes. "Is this...what the Shahrizai do?" There was another question that I didn't want to ask, but I couldn't form the words, not yet.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 23, 2009 13:15:09 GMT -5
I nodded as Sandrine explained her plan, it did seem to be the best course of action. Then she reached over and took my hand, turning it to examine the bruises, running her thumb lightly over the marks as she asked me the questions she'd obviously wanted to ask since she had seen them.
"I'm not going to go into too much detail, I'm sure you can understand why. But yes, I enjoy it." I smiled. "The feeling of being totally under someone else's control is what I love. The pain too is pleasurable in it's own way, though I do not enjoy severe or prolonged pain like some are wont to do." I looked down at my wrists, examining them as I thought on what I'd said. "Some people prefer less, others more. The Shahrizai are not alone in their tastes, others enjoy it as well. Some people enjoy the experience of having an obedient slave, others like to take it further. "
I shrugged and looked at her concerned expression. Patting her arm in a conciliatory way I continued. "We are well looked after even so, though I'm sure you find that hard to believe. Are you worried that Gadleon would want to do something like this to you?"
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 23, 2009 13:46:24 GMT -5
I almost blurted out the word slave when she said it. What a terrifying idea. I barely followed the lax rules of my own house, let alone the commands of some deranged patron. I didn't even want to know what 'taking it further' would entail.
Her touch was comforting, although I still felt bad for her. And then I stiffened and let go of her hand when she voiced the exact same concern I could not bring myself to say. My lip trembled, but I quickly steeled myself. "I am..." I said softly, looking away. "I don't think I would...like it very much." I didn't want to diminish what she did, not at all, but it was frightening to me.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 23, 2009 16:54:41 GMT -5
I saw her distress and moved to hug her gently. "I do not think he can do that to you, especially against your wishes. Surely your House would have something to say about that? Besides, I think he'll get just as much pleasure making you think he will do something along those lines as he would actually doing it." I gave her shoulders a squeeze reassuringly before returning to my seat. "Not all the pleasure is from the physical act, many enjoy the mental games too. No doubt that is what is happening here." I tried to speak confidently, hoping that I was correct.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 23, 2009 17:15:06 GMT -5
I didn't expect her to hug me, though the gesture was very welcome. I sighed softly as she let go, feeling some of the tension go out of me. Her confidence was buoying to my spirit, and I gave her a genuine smile. She was right of course. No matter how many rules I broke, I was still a member of Orchis House, and despite her best efforts I knew Alexandrine cared enough about me to help if the situation was dire. "Then I won't worry about it," I said, and meant it, as much as I could. "Even if I never see him again, I'm not going to sit all day and night and be frightened of a ghost. I won't give him that satisfaction."
I felt resolute, ready to face what might come. Of course, my confidence could waver, but I was certain I would be able to sleep again. I went to my knees in front of Liana, grasping her hands in mine. "Thank you so very much, Liana. I'll try not to sneak around your house any more...unless absolutely necessary." I gave her a wry grin. Hopefully she would understand I was joking.
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 23, 2009 17:49:59 GMT -5
I laughed as she went to her knees in front of me and I held her hands in return. "I'm glad I could help." I replied before putting a mock frown and continuing, "I hope you don't young lady! I can't be doing with any more midnight chats." But I couldn't hold the stern voice and giggled.
"Seriously though, if you do ever want to talk again, you are more than welcome." I offered. I quite liked the woman, for all of the unique circumstances of our meeting, and wouldn't mind meeting up with her again..though maybe not quite so late at night.
"What are you going to do now? Do you want me to walk you out, or would you like to stay a while longer? I don't mind either way, though I must get changed and get some salve soon."
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 23, 2009 18:40:17 GMT -5
I laughed along with her. "Young lady?" I said incredulously. "You can't be that much older than me." I sat back on my heels, considering her. "At least, you don't look it. Your offer is much appreciated. Hopefully it will be under more pleasant circumstances."
When she mentioned her plans for the night, my eyebrows shot upward in alarm. "With all of the hobbling you were doing earlier, you can't expect me to believe you're going to do all that with no assistance." All of a sudden, I felt a bit shy, but I pressed on. "I'm not a chiurgeon, but maybe I could help...if you need it, of course."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 24, 2009 9:44:26 GMT -5
I smiled at her concern and her offer, though I noticed her slight falter.
"I'm used to it. There is a churgeon on site if we need one but I don't think I require his services tonight. Most of my pain is due to the stiffness in my muscles and time, with a hot bath, will cure those easily enough."
I stopped short of explaining why my muscles were so stiff, Sandrine didn't seem comfortable with my earlier explanations as it was, so she would hardly likely welcome the news that I'd been tied up (or down) in many and various ways for varying lengths of time. A smile crossed my face at the memory as I continued.
"I may have a few bruises or welts that I won't be able to reach, though. Are you sure you don't mind helping some? If you'd rather not, I won't mind in the slightest." I smiled at her reassuringly. I was enjoying our impromptu chat and I didn't want it to end on a sour note.
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 24, 2009 10:34:37 GMT -5
I grinned, glad to help in some way. "It's the least I could do...I mean, you didn't scream and yell when you discovered my prowling. I feel like I owe you." I stood, looking down at Liana. "Just tell me what you need, and I'll do the best I can."
I pushed away the thought of what caused those bruises and welts. No need to completely bring everything down. Perhaps I could just imagine that she had fallen off a horse. Or gotten knocked down in the street. All perfectly reasonable explanations. I returned her smile.
"Should we do it here? I can help you up if you need it."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 24, 2009 12:34:12 GMT -5
"Thank you, I'd appreciate it." I said with a friendly smile. "Here will do fine, I've some salve in the drawer that should suffice." So saying I rose to fetch it. "It's wonderful for bringing the bruising out and reduces the welts too."
I applied some to the bruises on my wrists and then handed the bottle to Sandrine. "If you don't mind, could you see if my back needs any? It's hard to apply it by myself." I waited for her nod before turning my back to her and unbuttoning the front of my dress letting it slip off my shoulders down to my waist.
"Can you see any bruises that need attention?" I asked over my shoulder. "If you do, just apply a thin smear of it across them, don't worry if you press a little."
|
|
Sandrine nó Orchis
Adept
Orchis House
A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.
Posts: 776
|
Post by Sandrine nó Orchis on Feb 24, 2009 13:19:50 GMT -5
I watched her carefully as she applied the salve herself, trying to determine where it should go, how much I should use, and things like that. When she handed me the bottle I nodded at her request. As she turned, I gave the salve inside an experimental sniff. Unlike most medicines, it didn't seem to have that heavy smell.
I felt a little strange at seeing her marque. The vines snaked up her back, and when she moved, even a little, it seemed as if they were writhing in pain...or ecstasy. I shook my head to clear it of that image and looked for the bruises. They were like leaves or flowers on the vines. Admittedly it wasn't as bad as I had imagined, but the idea of this being someone's idea of pleasure was a little off-putting.
"I see a few," I said, a bit too cheerily, as I started to spread the salve on a larger one near her shoulder blade. "But there's not many."
|
|
|
Post by Liana nó Valerian on Feb 24, 2009 15:44:12 GMT -5
I sighed in pleasure as the balm started to work, that coupled with the gentle motions of Sandrine's fingers helped to ease some of the stiffness too.
I waited patiently for her to finish, pulling my dress back up when she had. I turned around and buttoned it up before taking my seat again. I didn't think asking her to rub salve on the backs of my thighs would be received well so I resolved to do them myself after Sandrine had left.
"Thank you, you've been a great help. It's awkward trying to do that yourself, particularly when you're stiff." I laughed and shrugged my shoulders. "Though you'd think we'd have found an easier way by now."
I gestured to the little wash basin in the corner. "There's water over there if you want to wash your hands." I paused before asking "So tell me a little more about yourself, Sandrine. I don't know much about you other than you like to cheat at games, get yourself into hot water and sneak around other Houses." I giggled as I said it, hoping she didn't take offence at my light-hearted tone.
|
|