The Café Chateau

[Guest]

Emergency

Exhaling her confusion, she packs up the day's work and heads to her room, and then to the gym. As her warm-up proceeds, she feels a warmth on her arm, and once again, sees it bleeding.

So. I'm cut in the Library. I'm healed in the Library. But once I leave....I'm cut again.

Wrapping her towel around her arm, she heads off at a quick pace to find the medic.

Dammit! Who's awake this late?? And not....uh... busy??

She heads down the long corridor, and contemplates just starting to knock on doors when she feels kind of...funny, and ends up on the floor. [/B]

*Gertrude (the formal chambermaid) finds her in the corridor, having been alerted by the house AI. She applies first aid to the deep wound and waits the arrival of Chateau personell. The Chateau takes it's obligation very seriously. No harm will befall one of it's wards.*

 

[JupitersGirl]

My heartbeat has just started its gentle descent back to normality when he rolls off of me to lay at my side. The cool air contacts my hot, sexsweat covered body, making me shiver slightly. Waiting to discover the depths of his displeasure with my interruption of his sleep is disconcerting, but after his breathing regains a more normal rhythm, the grunt grabs my arm, lifting it to turn me on my side facing away from him. With another unexpected swat to my naked posterior, he wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me roughly into the curve of his body. "Now go to sleep." I can hear the weariness in his voice and I am thankful that I seem to have gotten off easily this time.

As I close my eyes, I realize that there is also a welcome easing of my spirit, too. No longer am I Elena, cherished concubine of the Senator, whose quick eyes and mind may have stumbled onto too many secrets. Not the hunted, haunted creature of just moments ago, but E now, with a place here in the chateau as servant to its denizens. Hunted still, almost surely, but no longer haunted by the hunter.

We both fall deeply asleep, he the sleep of exhaustion, me the sleep of peace...

 

[da grunt]

bong

... the sleep of peace ...

Now grunt's sleep was even more immediate. His chest deeply rumbling when the first quiet bong occurred. The rumbling stopped and his eyes opened. "Damn!" He sits and then stands. Then goes to Elena's bathroom to urinate, and take a shower. 'bong' goes off a second time. "Damn!" so much for a goddamned shower He ran water from the tap, not waiting for the hot water, to quickly soap and rinse his crotch and ass only, using a pristine towel to finish the job. To the couch, quickly his trouser's and sockless boots, his shirt on, tucked in, belt fastened and then toward the door. He turns and says to Elena, "Clean your ass up! Never let me sleep without cleaning me up! I'll remind you of that lesson later. Also, a man should always clean his tubes with uric acid after cumming. You've earned stripes for allowing me to sleep after cumming and I'll explain more then. Until then, you are free to roam the Chatuea, beware the posted area's, but satisfy any desire. Learn your lessons well."

Grunt leaves Elena's room and strides down the hall.

 

[da grunt]

Problem identification

Grunt hears the commotion in the hallway to find Gertrude, Viktar and some others gathered around. Keira appearing on scene at the same time, grunt and Keira exchange quick nodes.

Grunt checked her breathing, pusle, airways, he ran his fingers along her spinal column feeling for abnormalities, Keira, opposite him, assisted and checked. The only problem appeared to be a bleeding finger. There has been more fabric wrapped around it, yet it continues to bleed. Grunt lifts her, easily and proceeds to the sickback, where medical supplies and written records are kept. Reaching this room he puts her in the hospital bed and goes to the computer. "Keira, take her vitals." Grunt's fingers fly at the keyboard. "Put plastik on her cut."

 

[Cleopatra]

Cleo woke up to find herself surrounded by people and several machines that went "bing". She smiled, then started to get up, only to be stopped by a very familiar-looking woman. In her state, Cleo thought she had stumbled upon Anita Blake, but then remembered that was only a character. This woman looked like she meant business, and knew what she was doing.

"Cut your finger, I see," Keira said conversationally.

"Yeah - stupid of me." Cleo replied, slowly. "I don't think we've met. I'm Cleo. I'm taking care of the Library."

"Well, Cleo, I got a few stitches in your finger, and the bleeding has stopped. What happened?"

"Hell if I know." Cleo mumbled, not about to get into the strange circumstances until she had done some thinking on her own. "Thanks though. I appreciate it. I'm going to head back to my room and get some rest."

Keira watched her walk out. Cleo found her way back to her room, took some OTC pain medicine, and settled into her bed.

 

[niteshade]

Medical emergency near the library???

I hope Cleo is alright.... The protection spells I felt there seemed to be very strong.

I concentrate a moment, sending my awareness out through the chateau, searching for Cleo. Mind locked upon Cleo's location, I rush through the corridors, a sense of urgency telling me something is very wrong.

I enter the sick bay in time to see Cleo try to push herself up from the examination table, only to be stopped by a woman who gave off an aura of danger, but also fierce protectivness.

"This isn't natural, you know." I tell her, as I place my hands next to hers and send my will down and in. "I wish there was someone here with more experience than me."
Cleo, is there something you would like to tell us about what happened? I know it may have seemed strange, but we need to know everything."

 

[Guest]

Felis Ex Machina

*As Niteshade finally exits the infirmary she sees a small striped kitten sitting patiently in the hall, in front of the door.
It looks up at her with just a bit too much intelligence.*

"Bllleeeert"

*The little cat reaches out and pats an envelope with a paw, then trots away down the hall. Niteshade looks down, and when she looks back, the little cat is gone."

"But?????"

*She picks up the envelope and sees that it is addressed to her. She opens it to find a single sheet of what appears to be parchment, written on with a quill pen. Or something close.*

"Niteshade:"

"Sorry dear, I got called away by something... urgent."

*she smirks, and drops into a convenient chair.*

"I wasn't there to greet you personally. However, as a student of the Art, and potential apprentice you should not be housed in the upper levels.
On the back of this sheet you will find instructions to relocate yourself to the proper place.
Just follow the map and the instructions and you should be fine till I return.
If you get lost Bercha will help.*

"Mrrrddddrrooowwww"

*Niteshade jumps and turns. The little cat is sitting under her chair. Looking amused.*

"You must be Bercha?"

*that gets her a look- like 'well duh'*

"Well come on, I've got to gather up my stuff.....again. Damnit"

 

[niteshade]

I look down at the little kitten cheerfully nibbling on my shoelace, then scoop her up to scratch behind her ears. As the purrs rumble up, I head towards my room, questioning why I am following orders so docilely. I have not been feeling very obedient lately, but for some reason I do not even question the politely worded order to move my things, and descend to the deeper regions of the chateau. I wonder what I will find there as I nuzzle the kitten's soft fur and reveal in the unique smell of kittenness she carries. I will miss my windows.

 

[Guest]

Meanwhile back on the rock.......

*Ekvitkar rolls to his feet - they had both dozed off. And with sleep the change had reversed. Somewhat for him, completely for her. *

"Ahhh So pretty. Such lovely skin.."

*He considers a moment then makes a pass over her face with his hand. Insuring she wouldn't wake while being moved.
He picked her up tenderly and carried her off the rock, lay her down on the soft leaves for a moment, while he made a bundle of his clothes. He quickly slung the bundle and picked her back up.
Carrying her he quickly walked to another rock shelf. As he approached there was a muffled 'click' and a door opened in the rock. He walked through, and found himself back in his room of doors.*

"Hello Bercha, Lace, and you too Whiskey. This is Pet, you are NOT to jump on her while she is asleep. Clear? "

*The cats give him a look (as cats often will) of "of course dummy we know that". He carries her into his bedchamber and lays her gently in the furs. Takes another moment to admire her wonderful body, then slid into bed behind her. "Comfy" {sigh} "Not now" he thinks as his erection tries to return from the contact with her lovely rounded ass. *

"Mmmmm nice.............................."

*And sleep*

 

[niteshade]

The Kitten makes noises and flexes her claws, wanting to be let down. She sits quietly next to my feet as I concentrate on putting my belongings back into that between space until I need them again.

Ok, little one... Lead on.

 

[Caitlynne]

Moira leaves the Gym, wiping her face with a towel and deciding that she is hungry, very hungry. She laughs to herself wondering just how Freudian that might be, then laughs out loud saying.

"Freud would have had a field day here at the Chateau"

She knew she was hungry, she was hungry for all that had been left behind, she was hungry for all that was to come, but for now she would be satisfied with some eggs and a bit of tea.

Making an entrance that only Moira could make, she scooted into the kitchen to find Cook busy opening up the kitchen and mumbling under his breath something about people in his kitchen in the middle of the night.

"Guilty as charged" Moira confessed in her most contrite and remorseful voice. "I confess, I did come in last night and brew some tea. But I promise I will make it up to you. You forgive me, don't you?"

Cook turns and looks at Moira, that look of recognition slowly becoming apparent on his face... "Ah, so the rumors are correct. You're back! And I see you've lost more than a few pounds since you went away. He must have had you on, oh I'd say only 1200 calories a day to achieve that look. Not to worry, I'll have you have in shape in time, now come here and give us a hug."

Moira ran to hug Cook with all the abandon of a child visiting her long lost 'favorite' uncle and made no attempt to try and conceal her happiness.

"Oh, I know, I've lost some weight, and you are right it was exactly 1200 calories. He has very specific requirements. Don't you like it?" she said twirling around to show him.

"Stop fishing for compliments, you know you please the eyes, if you didn't you'd be modified until you did.. " He said laughing out loud at his own joke. "Now, tell me what you want?"

"I'm hungry!"

"Of course you are, but what are you hungry for?"

Moira thought for a minute, "Well.... How about an egg white omelet with some spinach and a cup of tea?"

"That's all you want? Let me see what your last dietary order was, before I feed you. I seem to recall it was low carb and high protein, but more calories per day."

Cook goes to his computer and accessed Moira's health records, "Yes, I thought so. You just came from a workout right? Well, then you need more than just some egg whites and tea. You can have a 2 egg omelet with some spinach and mushrooms, a half a piece of toast and some tea. And if you argue with me, I will put you on kitchen duty for a week. Am I understood?"

"Yes Sir" she said in a somewhat mocking tone.

She knew she could get away with it, well, without too many consequences. Cook loved his job and took good care of all his charges, guest and staff alike. A man who had found his true fulfillment in service to others on his own terms. Not even Grunt contradicted Cook.

Moira watched Cook begin to cook her some breakfast and then she busied herself helping set up the kitchen so as each kitchen worker arrived, their station would be ready. She checked the menu for the day, and began.

"Moira?"

"Yes Cook."

"How are you doing? I mean.. well....... how are you doing?

Moira turned to look Cook in the eyes, "I'm fine, really I am."

"And if your Sir should return and pick another girl to take away for a year? What then?"

Moira stopped cold and she could feel the silence fill the room, she simply hadn't thought of that possibility. She turned away from Cook and spoke so quietly that she had to repeat herself...

"Why I'd suffer of course. What else could I do."

Cook nodded and they both went back to what they were doing.

Her breakfast finally ready, Cook placed it before her and ordered her to eat. She stood and ate, exchanging pleasantries and stories of her time away, and he shared the stories of the Chateau and all that had occurred in her absence. Once done, Moira cleaned her dishes and was about to leave....

"You know, the Chateau seems so much bigger than I remember. I suppose I'll get used to it again, I just hope it doesn't take too long."

She smiled as she left and turned back to say....

"I'll see you later, and thank you for breakfast."

 

[da grunt]

... Keira watched her walk out. Cleo found her way back to her room, took some OTC pain medicine, and settled into her bed.

"Monitor this closly," said the grunt. "somethings out of order here. The is no history of anemia nor hemophilia, not any other medical problems. There is some history of paranormal activity, thats partially why I wanted her here. Keep an eye on that wound, if it continues to suppregate blood I'm going to be worried. I also want you to check that letter opener, run a full spectral analysis. A razor sharp letter opener is not weird for this place, but a wound the won't stop bleeding is. You can report about Christy later. I've got things to do now - later." After he departs, Keira observes the computer screen the grunt had left up, replaying of the library video tapes, clearing showing the phenomena as it occurred.

 

[da grunt]

In the Receiving Room

... "Please wait here, lilith" ...

Grunt enters the Receiving Room to find lilith curled up, asleep, her legs tucked up and her coat serving as her blanket, waiting, as instructed.

"Lilith, awaken now." the grunt gently commands and watches as lilith regains cognizance of her surroundings, and stands to greet the grunt. "I'm sorry I took so long to show up, but I'm so glad you chose to come. As I understand, you do not desire training, you desire to serve. With your basic mistrust and dislike of most men, well placed, I might add, your service as an acolyte is limited. Because of your stunning beauty, and our friendship, I will offer you this; a room with a latch that you may appoint as you would paint it. Free run of the Chateau, but be wary where posted. What I want from you is a loyal bartender, and waitress when needed. I will want more and explain more if you agree."

"I agree." Lilith says without hesitation. Grunt spits in his hand and extends it to lilith, who looks strangly cconfused for a moment, but then spits in her hand and they shake.

"Now, for your knowledge, privledged knowledge, this placed is bugged seven ways to beat sunday. In the bar alone there are 8 camera's and sound recorders, all motion activated, even a kitty sets them off. For the submissives we can use the tapes as 'post -game' review, and for clients every bit of information will be catagorized and recorded. This is your job, be the good bartender. Flirt, listen, tsk-tsk-tsk when you have to, but keep 'em talking. I know you can do this! If you would every consider me as a non-threatening male, I would love to use you, to teach you that all are not as you've known." ...

 

[Netzach]

I slept through the shuffle of all this blood business, soundly. Grunt apprised me of the known facts in the morning, as I bent over and laced my boots with a slice of toast clamped between my teeth.

There are some things on which I am simply not the expert, nor pretend to be. A cut that doesn't stop bleeding...

Some are visible, some are inward. It's the latter kind I make my expertise.

Priorities, priorities. A new girl to begin on, another to awaken. But it's Moira I want to see first.

I find her in the hallway, coffee on both our breath. She begins to drop her head and move to my right in a stance of attendance...

"at ease at ease, low protocol, gracious, there's time for that..."

And I open my arms wide, and get her into a proper hug. We don't speak for some time.

"It is good to look on you again, in any circumstance Moira."

Everyone who has come through the Chateau for training, even the ones who elected not to continue, have left some impact on me. However, it's only one or two students in the career of a teacher that inspire to a certain point, the point where you know you are meant to teach.

You can create interest, you can inspire excellence, but passion is something that a student either brings to the table or never quite finds. To say Moira was a favorite would be an expression of favoritism. So be it.

Moira was a favorite of mine. Is. Perhaps we are kindered spirits on separate paths. There is an introspection and a focus, a deliberation that I see in her which reminds me of myself in different days.

I have a keener insight and a wider window into this sorrow than she might know. The conversation can wait, but it will happen.

"I am sure the workout will do you some good, I'm glad to see you're on a regimen. I've been slipping myself, having too many late night snacks, I fear I'll have to tell Cook to Top me better. "

We laugh a little.

A thought occurs to me, defrosts in the back of my brain.

I shall see if I can have her put her on kitchen duty, actually. It would be a good and fitting time for her to learn to feed people, bake bread, nourish, and make something, even for a couple of days

"Please do visit me later, dear. I have a thought or two I'd like to share with you and a directive I think you will take to. For now, it seems like there are a million things screaming for my attention, but know you are in my thoughts. Find me this evening."

 

[Caitlynne]

Moira lets herself fall into Syr's arms and hugged her back with all her being, once again feeling the safety that only Teacher could bring. Time seems to stop as they embrace, holding on more to the bond that was created long ago, than the physical body.

She listens, she speaks, they share.. Moira found herself wanting to spill everything at once, but knew there was no time now. Self-control and patience, weren't those the lessons first learned so long ago? And learned they were, as much for the pleasure of others as for the strength those lessons brought to Moira herself. And it was Teacher who had shown her the way.

Talk turns to Cook and Moira adds, "Cook will have your hide, Syr, you know how he is about our health. He fusses over every bite that we take as if each morsel were a matter of life and death to all of us. "

Moira stops herself as she realizes that is EXACTLY what food is, and laughs at herself for her naivety. Then Syr chuckles at the very same thing.

They talk for a bit longer, and Moira promised to visit later that evening, grateful to be able to spend some time with Teacher, even if just to kneel by her side.

Teacher took her leave and Moira went on about her business, first to clean up after her workout and to change into the 'dress of the day'--skin and a collar today as well. It was one of the reasons she had shaved so carefully earlier, skin left no room for any blemishes and it wouldn't due to incur the displeasure of those she served on her first day back.

After she was ready for the day, off to inspection and then dance classes.

As she stepped up to the bar in the dance room, she was glad for the physical activity, but she knew she needed to do more. Something outside of herself, something to dive her passion to serve.

She did her warm up, then turned, only to find herself looking at her own reflection in the mirror. She stood there, one hand on the bar, one hand over her head in that oh so graceful arch, her eyes frozen on her own reflection.

Naked, dressed only in her collar and her dance shoes, she could not help but think of Himself. If he saw how sad her green eyes were at that moment, how her head tilted, how her hand fell just so. If he saw how hard she worked to obey him, how sweetly she suffered; if he saw her now--he would be pleased.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

I feel a sense of movement, of warmth and comfort. But my eyes are too heavy to open and i just can't convince myself that I am not still out on the rock, asleep beside Sir. Wonderfully strange the way I feel. I come up a bit when i hear the soft *meow* of a kitten and i realize that yes, I am moving. Sir has me in his arms. I snuggle down into his strength and doze again.

When i awaken a little while later I am in His bed, wrapped up amongst His furs. He is no where to be seen, though His kittens are stalking my hand,which had fallen off the bed and was hanging down toward the floor. I stretch and smile. Then suddenly, it hits me. I have no clothing. I have no clue where I am. I am starving!! And I don't know when He will return to fill me in on what is required of me here. I am an utter wreck.

I get up and slowly stretch my body, starting with my legs, moving upwards to my neck. A different posture for each body part, a different set of muscles used in each stretch. Soon, I am relaxed and limber enough to get into a lotus position. I sit there, on His floor and await his return. After all, if I attempted to leave His rooms now, I would most definately be lost. Though, i do wonder about all of those I have yet to meet and even the few I have all ready glimpsed in passing.

 

[SubChristy]

catching a glimpse of the sun...i slowly waken. it is morning. i am a little disoriented and remember the night before. i must be patient. then the familiar growling in my stomach tells me i want food......

 

[Guest]

Morning.

"Good morning Dear One"

*Ekvitkar exits from the bathroom drying his hair. In the day he is a very normal looking man, of medium height, sandy brown short hair, a touch of grey just starting in his goatee. Perhaps a touch of a widows peak still in his hair.*

"Come on - up and shower- then .....MEAT. Hmm and while you're in there I will find you some clothes. Though I will not have anything to accomodate that wonderful bottom of yours."

*Matching action to words, he swats the part in question as she goes by. And ducks the return swipe.
When she gets out of the shower she finds that he has recovered her shoes from the rock, and that there is a short red tunic waiting for her on the chair.
With the included belt it just covers all the essentials.*

"Ok Dear One, hungry?"

"Yes Sir"

"Ok, two things, don't call me sir- not after last night. Find something else. And the other thing, wear this anytime you are coming down here. That way things won't eat you when you try to come in my room. "

*With that he hands her a simple lozenge of silver on a chain. It's not till she looks closer that she sees that it is inscribed with a complex Rune formula.

"Now lets go get some food. Hmmm I wonder if James will be there. Hope he's in charge of the dinner menu."

*On the way out he talks to her about the paintings and demonstrates the elevators. They arrive on the main level and go in search of the dining room Du jour.*

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

I am not to call him *SIR*, he says. How else can i refer to him? Last night changed many things, yes but not the fact that he is a Dominant male to my alpha female. I listen to him as we walk along, his voice with that same soft cadence, his steps..light and sure. I don't know what to think. After all, he asked me here for a reason. I assumed it had been for proper training...or a chance to get out of myself and into something that would lift me beyond all of these weird imaginings I have. He asks me a question and I stammer softly that I had not heard him. He stops, immediately and turns toward me.

"You mean to tell me you have not heard anything I have said?" His voice raises only slightly in tone, but fear creeps along my spine, regardless.

I nod. There was really no excuse for my wandering mind. After all, it was not like I had to think of something else to call Him right NOW!!

It is with something akin to shock that I notice that we are standing outside of the kitchen. I can hear others wandering around. My mind had been so filled with what i should call Him, that i not only missed the walk from His room, but a question or two, as well. This was not a good start!!!

 

[Guest]

Hmmmm

"Ok Dear One - lets eat. Then we will resolve this little problem. Rule one: never deal with problems, or vengance, on an empty stomach."

*With that he ushers her into the dining room and they begin to look for a spot at the table.*

 

[le_kinklet]

Re: In the Receiving Room

This is your job, be the good bartender. Flirt, listen, tsk-tsk-tsk when you have to, but keep 'em talking. I know you can do this! If you would every consider me as a non-threatening male, I would love to use you, to teach you that all are not as you've known." ... [/B]

Lilith had gladly accpeted Da Grunts offer and set about getting herself organised right away,,,, she hurried back to her room to get in to her maids uniform,,, a short black net skirt that left nothing to the imagination and a white net apron as sheer as the skirt pulled across her breast making her nipples hard,, then thigh high suede boots,, she pulls her auburn hair back into a tight braid and applied make up,, just a lil lippy and some rouge,,, she stood back an examined her creation in the mirror,,, hmm perrrrrfect, she thought and scurried down the hall to the bar to get it together for this evening.. On arrival to the bar it was apparrent that no one had kept it thus far,, there was bottles and glasses every where. Lilith set about cleaning up,, one scrubs the floors till they sparkled and cleaned down all the tables. Finally 2 hours later the whole room was sparkling,, and lilith was set for a the night,, Looking around making sure everthing was in it's place and feeling pleased with herself she settled on the her barstool ready for the nights festivities.

 

[Netzach]

Bleeders, bleeding hearts, do not distrub signs, possibly sapphic bartenders, and new girls...it's going to be a full day, I can already tell.

Medical exams pending, I can get this one started off on the right foot at least...

I enter Christy's quarters with a good warm chunk of flaxseed and walnut wheat bread, a single hard cooked egg, and a styrofoam cup of green tea, all this in a brown take-out bag.

I put the bag on the floor.

"Rise, girl. Now."

There's a sleepy hesitance to her movements, disoriented, she rubs her eyes.

I pull her coat back sharply, she shivers, naked. She smells of warm sleep.

"I don't have all morning. Your movements are to be crisp, clean and quick from hereon in, or you will lose this coat and you are sure to sleep lighter in the cold."

"Yes Ma'am" she mumbles, still in a daze.

"Yes Sir, yes Teacher, yes Trainer, yes Master Mira, all of these or any of these are acceptable to me. Ma'am is not, and I expect you to commit this to memory. Kneel in front of me."

She does this. I give her a moment to adjust to her natural posture, which is a little slouchy.

I walk behind her.

"Your ass on your heels is a relaxed "at ease" position, not an attentive and readied one, lift it up. That's a good girl. Toes under, like this."

And I move her feet.

I look at her, then put one hand under her breasts, one at the small of her back to align her correctly.

I speak softly in her ear...

"Eyes up, but don't look directly at anyone till you are told. Some prefer this, some don't. But don't look at the floor either, I think it looks dishonest, personally, and sloppy. Good."

I walk in front of her again.

"You are to ask me if you may eat, and the first and last word out of your mouth is to be a title, the title of the person you are addressing:"

"Syr may I eat my breakfast, Syr?"

She voices this quietly, as I instructed her to.

"Syr may I eat my breakfast Syr?"

Yes, finish everything, you will have some work to do.

She begins to open the bag.

"You are to THANK anyone feeding you, even another slave."

"Th..."

"Syr, thank you, Syr."

"Syr thank you Syr."

Better. Don't make me take your food from you, Christy. Welcome to high protocol at the Chateau. You have a full hour to eat and get ready. I suggest you make some notes for yourself.

And with this, I leave her room.

 

[da grunt]

Grunt visits the cook

"Good morning, Cook, how goes your day? Fix me something, please!" sez the grunt.

"Okay. boss, coming up. Coffee's hot. We're sure busy right now." Grunt pours a large mug of coffee while Cook prepares grunt's meal. Cook continues conversation, "I know I've got mixed feelings about Elena being back, but you must be going nuts."

"Ahhh, shit, Cook, they're all tough. Moira especially so ... its not in me to whine about things I can't control, and I can't froget my place. I, too, am here to serve. Hey, best job in the world for someone with a broken heart and a lost soul." Cook begins commiseration, but grunt interrupts, "shaddup, listen ... I want Moira to work for you. Teach her as best you can the culinary skills. I want you to work her hard, and I'm going to watch you, I know how fond you are of Moira, but, by god, I want you to work her. You may use her, motivationally, however you like, but she is to have no penetration, nor taste any cock, until I say!"

"You may work closely with our new barkeep, lilith. She is also an employee and shares my confidence."

"How long to chow?" ...

 

[Netzach]

I peek my head into Shy's room.

"You....go and find Mistress Keira, she's just been handling a difficult issue and I want you to see if she needs anything, some tea, a shoulder rub, whatever she wants, even your silence and leaving her alone, whatever it is, see to it.

Cook will help you if it's something in the kitchen. Then you may get your breakfast from him, he'll take care of you. Hurry."

I know exactly what needs to happen while she's busy. On the central system I pulled up plans before bedding down, schematics of every room, and eventually found the dimensions of this one. The decoration I chose will arrive today, it will certainly be perfect.

For now, I can sneak in some stealth bathing, at least. I've been running a sweat all around alll night.

My own room, its spartan luxuries, a sunken bath and good hot water. The trainer draws her own damn water, of course.

I strip my clothes off, stretch well articulated shoulders, rub the tension from my deltoids while the steam rises. And it's not even noon.

 

[Netzach]

While I bathe, the hardware arrives. Big shouldered and well-tempered workmen of the chateau swarm Shy's room.

While she runs off with trepidation and unsure of where she's even going, questioning nothing, though, and committed to the task, they put up on every walled surface of her little room:

Mirrors.