Pleasures of the City
A City Deer Hunt
Oasis walked towards the subway entrance gratefully. The incessant cold would at least be kept at bay with other warm bodies around her. Naked beneath her long coat, her body pimpled with goose flesh, she shivered. She wondered if she shook more from the cold or from the anticipation of this next meeting with Philippe.
He had phoned her that morning, even before she was awake. When she answered the phone sleepily, the first word he said was, Oasis. That was all that was needed to have her instantly awake, knowing who was calling. She pulled herself up quickly, and turned on the light next to her bed. Just the sound of his voice making her heart pound heavily.
"Did I wake you sweet Oasis?" Philippe asked smiling.
"Yes Master, you did. Is something wrong?" Oasis asked in return, reading the bedside clock. It was 6:00am.
"Oh no, nothing is wrong. I want to see you." He said, imagining her sitting on her bed, her hair tousled from sleep, knowing as he heard movement through the phone, she was running her fingers through this hair. An unconscious gesture for her, but so much arousing to Him. "Do you have pen and paper close by?" He asked, now imagining her brow furrow questioningly, and her hand now from her hair, set still in her lap.
"No, I will get it. Just a moment" she said as she set the phone aside, and quickly went to retrieve this from her kitchen. "I have it now Master." She spoke trying to catch her breath from waking up so suddenly, and also getting this for him so quickly. She wanted to ask why she needed to write things down, when he had only said he wanted to see her, but kept silent knowing he would tell her what he wanted her to know.
"Oasis, write this down" he said, and proceeded to tell her a station number, a time, a terminal number, and then the exact car she would enter and where to wait. He smiled on the other end of the phone, knowing she so much wanted to ask why. He could tell from the audible silence from her. He could barely hear her breathing, she was so still trying to hold any questions in. "I also want you to only wear a long coat, and whichever heeled shoes you like." He stated simply to her silence.
Oasis wrote all this down mechanically, even though the questions in her mind came the same way. The last statement to be naked under her long coat, flared incessant in her mind.
"Master?" she asked tentatively.
"Yes?" he said sounding impatient, although he was not, knowing what she would ask already.
"May I be dressed and then remove the clothing in a ladies room before I enter this particular subway car? It will be so cold today, and is supposed to snow again." She complained.
"No" is all he said, and hung up the phone.
Feeling a small bit of reproach for being cut off so quickly, Oasis went to prepare herself, thinking even without clothing, she would have to hurry to make this train.
Even with such a great effort to be presentable, descending the subway steps, her hair hung heavy and wet with snow around her shoulders, her face drawn tight against the cold, she felt the stinging sensations, as the warm air around her tried to bring life back to her freezing skin. She thought this way to be dressed in such cold to be cruel, and wondered why Philippe would not have at least let her be warm on her trip here. She entered the nearest ladies room, by passing everything except the warm dryers for wet hands. She punched the first, harder than she meant to, grateful it would still spew warm air to her frozen hands. So early in the morning this was a busy place. She knew the way she was dressed, and her disheveled appearance would bring condescending looks from those more appropriately dressed. Feeling the blessed warmth on her hands, she did not care. Punching the now silent machine again, she flipped her head over as well, and let the warm air dry her frozen hair.
A woman approached the dryer next to Oasis. She watched Oasis as she vainly tried to dry and warm her hair this way. Rubbing her hands lightly beneath her own dryer she watched silently as Oasis pulled her hair up length, by length under the air machine next to hers. She saw this pale neck beneath this hair, and silently cursed herself for not asking Philippe to instruct this one to wear a lovely collar. When both dryers stopped together, she punched the metallic button again for Oasis, softly tracing the finger tips of the other hand down Oasis' neck to the collar of her coat. Smiling, she left her before she had a chance to even glance in her direction.
Feeling this light touch upon her, Oasis stood and shivered again. This time not with cold but from the feeling of this touch upon her. The facility being so busy, she could not discern which of the women had done so. There were so many coming and going. She put these feelings aside to continue the repairs upon herself from such an unpleasant arrival. Looking in the mirror now, her hair resembled the appearance of this morning. Going ever which way, tresses falling in front of her face. She fixed this as best she could without the so many implements she had at home. Not really satisfied, but with no time to do better, she smoothed out the slight imperfections the weather had caused upon her face. Looking at her eyes, she wondered what Philippe would think of the color now. Such a dark, and broody, mood color, almost the resemblance to a shallow river, churning the bottom layers to the top. She felt as her eyes portrayed. Brewing inside with anxiety for what was going to happen, and with self consciousness for the way she was presented now. Most had their coats flipped over their arms. It was very warm underground. She wondered how many would question hers so tightly belted, and no boots, just heels upon her feet. She decided not to look at anyone, as she left the ladies room to find the right train. Had she made herself more aware, she would have seen Philippe and the woman follow after her to the intended destination.
As they followed Oasis, Philippe and Loren chatted amicably. Their dispositions easy and friendly. Unless one was a part of this conversation, it would not have been guessed the real intent of their discussion. Loren was expressing her regret not to have suggested a collar for Oasis and why. Philippe smiled in return thinking of Oasis trying to warm herself, but also repair herself from the damaging cold. He knew her vanity, instilled from her up bringing, would always ensure for him, one in a presentable state. He looked at her walking in front of them now. Her back straight, and head held high. Though he knew she preferred no shoes at all, only wearing them when she had to, she walked in these heels easily. Her legs languidly flowing in stride with each step she took. The fluorescent lights from above glinting off of the chain she wore about her ankle with each step. Loren followed Philippe's gaze. Seeing these delicate links glitter, she told Philippe she changed her mind. Chains all around this one, would suit her better. Philippe could not help but chuckle in agreement. They fell silent then. Philippe pleasantly knowing Oasis belonged to him. Loren wishing she was her own.
They entered the car a few people behind her. She still had not turned around, nor even looked to anyone on either side of her. Philippe knew she was feeling very uncomfortable in her appearance done to her by the weather, and also from only wearing this coat. He wondered if Loren sensed these things too about her. He would have asked her, but did not want even his voice to carry to Oasis, and give her tense appearance relief. He so much enjoyed seeing how she would react and deal with such extreme circumstances.
Oasis placed herself in the exact spot Philippe had told her to. She had not even looked at her written instructions for reassurance. She had never been an avid subway passenger, but he had been very clear in the location, and it was not hard to find. There were four poles in this car, she held onto the one in the farthest part of the aisle and faced the rear. It was so crowded on this train, but she knew he was here. She could feel him. Almost smell him. She knew if she turned around and searched the faces around her, she would see him. To do that she would also have to see everyone else. To look into eyes she had no desire for, and to possibly see any adverse reaction to her appearance, was something that held her gaze steady to the back. Even knowing he was there, she gripped this pole fiercely, her knuckles looking frozen around it. She waited.
Philippe gallantly allowed Loren ahead of him. She maneuvered easily through the throng of people to the back of the car, Philippe close behind her. She stopped at the last pole, putting herself in front of Oasis, her one hand just above Oasis' on this pole. The other hand, she gently touched Oasis' chin to turn her gaze to meet her eyes. She almost laughed seeing Oasis' eyes widen, and then become doused with confusion, all in only seconds.
"Hello little one," Loren said very seriously, although humor danced around the edges of her mouth.
Oasis knew this woman, and had felt this hand before. She felt at that moment like a deer caught in a driver's headlights. Confused and paralyzed, unable to do anything but stand stolidly while watching the impending approach.
"Hello Mistress," Oasis finally said, but only in a whisper. She could not have spoken any more, even if she had found her voice. Oasis could not grasp why Mistress Loren would be here, and could not believe it would be a coincidence. Philippe had said he wanted to see her. She started then to turn her head to find him, only to have her face held fiercely by a delicate, but strong hand.
"No, no, no." Loren spoke while shaking her head, "You may not see him."
Oasis stared at Mistress Loren for a very long moment, her level of anxiety raised, making her heart pound brutally. She was certain Loren could feel it pulsing, even through her chin. Without words, Oasis lowered her eyes to the floor because what Loren had told her, was her Master was present, and would be watching each movement from her.
"Yes Mistress, forgive me please," Oasis spoke a bit more audible this time.
Loren smiled and released Oasis' chin trailing her finger down her throat, to the V cut of the coat material, gently pulling it slightly to have it more open. "You may look at me now Oasis" Said casually, but knowing she would see the surprise in Oasis' eyes. She then took the knotted sash and untied it letting each part fall to Oasis' sides, not truly exposing her nakedness, but now able to open this coat at will. She was pleased to see Oasis did not move, but more pleased to see her face flush with embarrassment. Loren continued, by putting her free hand not holding the pole, inside the now free front of this coat. She ran her smooth hand up to Oasis' breast caressing, and then cruelly pinching her nipple. Seeing the change in her face, and the contraction of her eyes with this pain, she pinched even harder wanting to hear her now.
Oasis was trying so hard not to make a sound, not wanting to draw attention to the play commencing upon her. It was not so hard, until Mistress Loren pinched her nipple with excruciating force. She gave Loren what she wanted, audible whimpers and a more panting breath. She felt eyes turn to look at her, and knew being at the back of this car, no one could really see what Loren was doing to her. "They will think I am crazy," Oasis thought to herself. She felt Loren's hand move from her breast to her back now, trailing her nails softly up and down the curve in her spine. Her flesh pimpled uncontrollably with this sensation bringing slight moans of pleasure from her, as Loren continued this, down the curve of her buttocks, then to the front. It was this moment Oasis felt him. Not physically, but his presence behind her. She fought the urge to turn to him, knowing that if she did, Loren's arm in her coat would expose her completely. She thought she saw Loren smile, but it was so quick. She knew Loren was thinking this too.
Philippe placed his hand around Oasis' on the pole surprised at how cold it was. Now standing behind her, with the other hand he moved her hair and kissed her softly on her neck before releasing it again. He heard her whisper "Philippe" and smiled with her response. He wanted to see her eyes, but as brightly as Loren's were shining with desire, he knew Oasis' were ten times more brilliant with expression. His free hand, he now pushed deep into the pocket of this coat. A little frustrated, he pulled it out once again and retrieved a pocket knife from his own pocket. Distending it, he resumed again, cutting the pockets end to allow his hand free to her body. He felt a brief regret again at how cold her skin was, but the moment he touched her sex, and felt the so arousing warmth there, it was gone. He heard her moan with his hand there, and removed it immediately to caress her hip and down her leg, as far as he could reach.
Loren found his hand, and took the pocket knife out of it quickly before he could snap it shut. She traced the edge of the blade against Oasis' other hip seeing her eyes widen in fear, and a small appearance of tears there. Wickedly, she put the blade now between Oasis' legs tracing the length of her arm to the tip of Oasis' sex. She saw Oasis' eyes glisten even more, and began to caress her clit with it, point side down. Seeing the tears spill now from her eyes, she snapped it shut and placed it in her own pocket.
When the blade was gone Oasis could not help, but shiver and cry even more. Blades, needles, knives, blood….they were all things she most feared. She pressed herself closer to Philippe, feeling his hand now placed on her stomach, directly above her sex. Comforted some, she still had to think he may have been holding her so she would not run.
She felt Loren's fingers parting her lips and sliding easily against them. Teasingly, Loren pushed upon her hole, while caressing her lips until she felt Oasis push against her, then moving her hand down Oasis' inner thigh and then back up again. Oasis could feel the trail of dampness left there by Loren's hand, become even colder than her skin had been before. She shivered now with cold and pleasure as Loren replaced her hand and gripped her sex very hard. Oasis moaned and pushed herself to this hand, knowing, but not caring now it was a woman's.
"Please," Oasis whispered softly looking directly in Loren's eyes.
No, Loren shook her head definitely, smiling, when she felt Philippe's hand now graze hers. When Oasis gasp loudly, Loren knew he had taken her clit. She penetrated her then, feeling how almost greedily Oasis pulled her fingers inside, and could also feel, that what Philippe was doing with her clit would put her over in moments. Philippe smiled at Loren over Oasis' shoulder, and they both stopped, hearing Oasis plead "no, please" panting. They continued this way on Oasis for some time. Bringing her to the almost ultimate point, and then stopping over and over. Each time hearing Oasis moan with regret, and then shake with anticipation.
"This is not the way to plead Oasis," Philippe said in her ear. "Do you not know how to beg?"
Even with so much desire in her to feel this denied release, Oasis did not forget where she was. This was such a crowded train, and she could feel already the looks from those closest to the three of them. When the caresses began again, she began to cry with frustration. Before she could mentally reason herself out of doing so, she knelt before Loren, feeling bare now without these fingers inside of her, but holding them with her hands and kissing them. The sudden kneeling pulled her coat open, Philippe's hand still there. Humored, he disengaged his hand, and watched his precious sub, so desperately kiss, and beg to Loren's hand.
"Only when I am pleasured first Oasis, but you may beg of your Master now," Loren smiled at her.
Oasis turned on her knees then, grasping her Master's hand and kissing his fingers until he raised her face, and her eyes saw all of the people around him staring at her in disbelief. She could not for some time even breath. It seemed to her, half the train was now only focused upon her, kneeled and exposed so completely. Her desire left her, but even before that, the shame engulfed her. She felt again, caught in the head lights, unable to move except for the tears that rolled down her face.
She did not comprehend this, but in one moment she spied Sir Duazat gazing at her from a seat close by. His face looked intently bored, but his eyes were conspicuously enjoying this humiliation. Philippe traced her chin to look at him. He only smiled. Casually, he left her this way, kneeled, exposed, and tears streaming down her face. She saw him approach Sir Duazat. Knowing she was not dismissed, she raised herself, pulling her coat to her again, and belting the sash anyway. She turned once again to the back, shame being replaced by the fury she felt. She placed a glance in their direction, seeing the back of her Master and Loren speaking to Sir Duazat. Feeling the train coming to a halt, she decided to leave, and escape this humiliating experience, without regard to the punishment she knew she would get for doing so. The place she found her feet, was not so different than when she began. Same cold concrete, same nameless faces. Only the signs to destination were different. She wondered as the train moved away now, if they wondered where she had gone. She would soon learn, this small defiance, would be tortured from her, never to be even thought of doing again.
Pursuing the Hunt
"Philippe, that was quite a show," Sir Duazat spoke appreciatively, feeling the train slow, and gathering his paper lain casually beside him.
Philippe regarded him slyly for a moment. Marcus, or Sir Duazat as Oasis knew him, had been an acquaintance and friend for many years. He valued Marcus' opinion, and was pleased he had enjoyed this.
"Do you remember Loren?" he asked Marcus. "I think, I should arrange a party for her, for being so perfect."
Feeling the train stop, Philippe turned to find Oasis. Worry and surprise enveloped him, when he did not find her still there. Turning to the exit, he saw her back briefly, as she exited the sub car. Though worry was still within him, fury with her now encompassed his entire being. They had all seen her leave, and understood completely, the anger with defiance. Marcus proposed Philippe let him find her, and bring her back to her home, and that he should wait for them there.
Loren had other arrangements for the day, and wished them luck in their search, before she bade farewell. She saw the intensity in Philippe's eyes before she left, and almost felt pity for Oasis, when they would find her. "It is always difficult with new one's," she thought, hoping only that Philippe would not cut her in two.
Trying to be rational, Philippe agreed to let Marcus find her. He knew if he found her right then, he might lose control, and in public that would be unthinkable. Grateful to his friend, he too left knowing with this time, he would think of an excruciating, and humiliating punishment for this. He thought of the cries he would invoke from her without mercy, and felt an intense arousal from within, pushing a primitive part of him to desire. He had always been patient with her, but this willful display, and the worry inside of him had to be vanquished.
Marcus went in search of her. He knew she could not be that much further ahead than he, and though not outwardly showing, he was furious with her as well. When he spoke to Philippe again, he would have many suggestions to her fate to add.
Oasis could think of no where else to go, but up the subway steps to the street above. She hoped to find someplace to sit and think, and if she could find one with no people around, all the better after feeling so many eyes on her. The cold numbed her blessedly this time. She even imagined it numbing her mind from the fear she now felt in being so willful. Her face felt stiff and dry from the frozen tears being blown taunt by the winter winds. She spied a small diner ahead, and gratefully entered, knowing it was not really safe to be out this way dressed as she was. There were windows all around, though she wished for none. She longed for anonymity, and felt exposed still. With the cold numb receding some, she ordered a hot tea, water, and a fruit bagel. The thought of eating turned her stomach, but the tea was warming, and the water soothing. She felt in her uncut pocket for any forgotten money there. With an audible sigh of relief, she found enough change to cover her check.
Her thoughts then turned to what she had done. It was an impetuous act to escape the terrible humiliation she felt, but now a deep regret settled into her, as well as an overwhelming fear. She was still angry, but only with herself for being so foolish. She knew he would be angry with her, but she knew also he would be insane with worry. The fear came from not knowing how the combination of the two feelings would bode for her. The regret came from knowing she hurt the one she only wished to please. Oasis loved Philippe, and having these moments to think, her heart was breaking for letting her anger get the best of her. She pulled a napkin to dab her eyes before they spilled over. Glancing her distorted reflection in the chrome holder, she thought it best to try and clean her face in the ladies room, before finding her way home. Telling the waitress she would return in a moment, she headed in that direction.
Marcus, after having descended this avenue twice, saw her leave her position through these windows. To have her in sight now, he was very much relieved. The part of the city they were in was not a place for a lady only dressed in a coat and heels. He wondered if she knew the degenerative state of her surroundings at all. Is was of no consequence, but he did feel better knowing he would bring her to Philippe safe and intact. When he sat in the same booth she had left, the waitress informed him this booth was taken. He gave her an impish look, and a pass of money she could not refuse. She still took his food order, but with the understanding to make herself scarce. He waited.
Oasis came from the ladies room, face washed, but still feeling the same low spirits in what she had done. Her only thought was for how Philippe would be feeling right now, not knowing exactly where she was. Approaching the booth she had left, she looked up to see Sir Duazat starring right into her eyes, sitting across from her uneaten food. She froze. It was almost like being in slow motion, when he put his hand up and commanded her forward. She moved towards him, but could still feel herself pulling behind her. When she sat across from him, everything pushed it's way forward, so much, she covered her face with her hands to slow it down. Even when he pushed her hands away from her face, she could not look at him. She stared down at her unwanted bagel, thinking this would be thrown away, just as she should be right now.
"When I picked you up the first time, I never thought you would be so foolish as you were this morning." He said, chiding her openly. His food came then and he fell silent. While he was waiting for her, he had phoned Philippe to relieve his worry.
"Sir, I am so very sorry to have caused so much worry," Oasis said, still not looking at him. "I was just now going to go home"
Marcus took her hands in his over the table. Though his face was smiling, he gripped her hands tighter, and tighter, until he heard her wince with pain. When she looked up at him in a silent plea to let go, he only gripped them tighter still.
Oasis knew it was no use to try and pull away from him. What she saw in his eyes did not display upon his face. When she had first met him, she knew his eyes to be blue, but the ice pouring from them now into hers, brought not only her fears to surface again, but also her anger. She met his gaze, fiercely determined not to show the pain he was giving to her hands. He released one hand, and openly slapped her across the face. The surprise of this brought her free hand down, knocking her uneaten bagel into her lap. She did not move, did not cry out, but did lower her eyes.
Marcus quiet satisfied, ate his cooling meal in silence, but never did let go of the other hand.
Provoking a Gorilla
The ride back to her home was one of intense silence. Oasis was grateful not to have to board another subway in reminder, but at the moment, very uncomfortable kneeling in such a cramped space in the floor of this car. She humbly accepted this, not wanting to be slapped so publicly again. As he deigned her with only silence, she was left to her own thoughts. Kneeling, her feet under the driver's seat, she looked at the empty seat before her. In her mind she tried to play images upon this seat, as to what she would be facing very soon. She tried very hard to imagine the worst, but the only image that would come to her mind was the face of Philippe, and the intense disappointment she could imagine in his eyes. To even imagine brought such intense feelings of remorse to her. With her hands over her face she lay now in this seat weeping openly.
Marcus not wanting to let go of his anger, ran his hand through his hair, turning to look out the other window. From his first encounter with her, he remembered how this one could bring such desire with such sweet tears. He resisted the urge to caress her hair spilling around her on this seat. Wanting his attention elsewhere, he decided to call Don Giacommo. In Italian he spoke, knowing Oasis would not understand. In explaining to Giovanni the situation Philippe was having, he was delighted to be told there would be an open court at Sir Blackheart's estate in only a few short weeks. With them all being friends, he told Giovanni he would tell Philippe of this, in hopes to see Oasis brought there. Smiling, he saw his reflection in the glass of the window. He was pleased to see himself not so manipulated by her.
They arrived to her home. Oasis spoke not a word, but wondered while getting out of the car if she could even walk. Her legs and feet had become so numb kneeling this way. Determined not to have Sir Duazat have to touch her, she focused only to put one foot in front of the other. This brought to her mind a silly song from a Christmas movie, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". She thought of the snow wizard being reduced to merely a man, and having to learn how to be again, and Claus singing "You.. put.. one.. foot.. in front of the other….". She scolded herself some for being so silly, but felt a little encouraged not stumbling so much. Oasis need not have worried Marcus would have helped her gain her feet. He would have thoroughly enjoyed watching if she had to crawl to her front door.
Marcus entered first, finding Philippe brewing on the sofa. Oasis came in too, closing the door behind her. Briefly she looked to Philippe, and stood silently in her remorse. The silence was deafening, and she could feel his eyes burning through her. She knelt, hoping it would not be for long. She did not think a silly song would help her now.
It was not a long time. Philippe angrily strode to where she was kneeling. He grabbed a handful of hair, and pulled her up to meet his gaze, pleased to hear a small cry from her lips. With his other hand he grabbed her throat forcing her up against the closed door, slowly cutting off her air. The fear he saw in her eyes and face aroused him so intensely. The struggle she was beginning, even more so. He released her throat, his anger languished in her gasps for air.
"Shower and then greet me for punishment when I come to you!" He commanded, releasing her hair, and watching her slide down the door, to the floor. She went as told quickly, relieved to be out of his reach.
Philippe sat back down feeling relief wash over him, now that she was home, and he knew her to be safe. He looked at Marcus with a wan smile wishing he could express his gratitude to him for bringing her home. None was needed as Marcus only threw his hands in the air and back down with a small laugh, letting Philippe know, crisis is gone, things will go back to normal.
"Have you decided a punishment for her yet Philippe?" Marcus asked curiously.
"Honestly Marcus, I have still not gotten past the point of killing her yet, to get to only a punishment. The place she exited the subway, and the things I imagined happening to her…." Philippe dropped off from the sentence.
"Well then, I have wonderful news. I spoke to Giovanni on the way here. There is an open court scheduled in two weeks at Sir Blackheart's estate. He says you are welcome to bring her and participate, but you are to know it is viewed as an event, and there will be many present to see." Marcus said this mentally pushing Philippe to agree.
This was not a difficult suggestion to agree to. She had run from a humiliation, showing her willfulness in front of more than just him. It would be logical to be so displayed, and punished with no place to run to. "Yes, Marcus, I think this would be just, for her behavior today. I will take care in how I mark her tonight, I know they will not accept her, were she to bare marks."
This decided, Marcus left to make the arrangements. Don Giacommo having his own slave, lore, there for trial, said he would arrange for the two to be quartered together beforehand. This would at least assure the three friends table accommodations together.
Philippe entered her room to find her exactly as he wished. Hands held correctly above her head, against the wall, her body pushed far out, with her legs spread very wide. He admired her backside for a time before removing his belt and approaching her. He placed it over her shoulder near her neck, and let it dangle there so she could see it first. He saw her breathing come a bit faster, and pulled it slowly, caressing her back with its tail until it fell from her bottom. Repeating this motion again on the other side, truly enjoying the slight stiffening in her body, a desire so strong came over him to hear her cry out, he quickly lashed her twice to each side. She did cry out, in surprise with the force of these given, but he wanted more. The desire was not quelled with cries, but now wanted cries of pain from her. He lashed her again, this time not counting or even calculating where they would land. His frustration, anger, worry, and love, all given with each one. Even when she fell to her knees in pain, unable to hold this position any longer, he continued. Her agony invoked such a passion in him, he only wanted to hear it again and again. She begged him, pleaded with him to stop, all these words falling to a deaf ear. She could hear him breathing like an animal, and imagined one so enraged. He took a moment to adjust the belt to his other hand to begin again.
"Je t'aime Philippe," she whispered.
Hearing these quiet words from her, he stopped the belt in midair, his hand still high above his head. He looked at her then huddled close to the wall, arms still above her, so vulnerable. Seeing too, there were not many places left on her backside, including her legs, unmarked. Blinking, he felt almost to come back to himself. Her continued love deflated his anger, and remembering she could not carry marks for this trial, he dropped the belt to the floor. He sat on the bed and undressed, never taking his eyes from where she held herself so open. Pulling her from the wall, her face and arms now to the floor, her flaming backside now before him, he raped her tiny hole. "Say it again," he said, as he forced his way deeper, lost in his own sensations of pleasure.
"I love you Philippe," she gasp over and over between her cries of pain.
The Lion's Den
Oasis felt near absolution, when Philippe released himself into her. The pain, and her words spoken over and over, bringing a release of her own. She lay still in his arms, quietly listening to him breath. Glancing at her clock, it was 6:00 again, but evening this time. His arm across her back hurt her terribly, but she did not move from it. She wanted to only feel her body against him, grateful he had not left her alone yet. When he raised himself onto an elbow to look down at her, she winced audibly with this movement.
"You will be leaving in two weeks Oasis," he said, tracing his finger tip from her brow, to her jaw. He smiled as she raised herself on her own elbow in surprise.
"But Philippe," she started.
"Tonight was punishment, Oasis, for giving me so much worry, where you will be going next, is for the display of many" he spoke, before she could continue any objection. "You, as will some others, will be put on a sort of trial. It is not a judge and jury sort, but more a public display of punishments. You will have no opportunity to be willful and decide for yourself to leave this time. If you tried, you would only be required to stay a longer period of time, even after the trial event were over. I would suggest you behave impeccably as they may also punish you for any infractions during your stay." Saying this, he untangled his legs from hers, gently pulling her from the bed. "Come, I want to bathe your marks." She followed dutifully, thinking only how soothing this bath would be to her, and to him.
There were no other preparations for her, other than to watch as the marks he had given her faded before the impending two weeks. He had seen her only once since that day, and had loved her so tenderly, she thought he might have changed his mind. The thought was soon dispelled as he began to give her instructions for this day soon after. She was to bring only what she wore there, everything else would be provided for her. As to the length of her stay, that would be up to her. If she followed the rules set forth upon her arrival, she would be able to leave with him the same evening of the trial. Were she to have unacceptable infractions, she would stay as long as deemed appropriate. She promised him, she would be able to come home with him.
The day to leave for trial arrived. She had thought so much of this day, and with so many different forms. None of which even coming close to the events soon to take place. She thought of present day trials, and being afforded an attorney, and of past day trials, where such an attorney would wear a wig. She laughed at the thought of Philippe, and his friends in wigs and curtails. She imagined herself humorously too, sitting at the defendants table dressed only in corset, and naughty bloomers. Taking a more serious tone, she looked at herself in the mirror. She wondered if this trial would change her demeanor forever, or only bring out and accentuate what was true to her heart? Though naked just out of the shower, she could still imagine this corset, and, oh so naughty, bloomers in a time when this was not permissible. Philippe had told her, he would be taking her there, so she decided to forego these funny thoughts, and at least be ready when he came for her. She dressed very simply. A button down one piece sun dress, with sandals as preference.
Philippe was punctual as ever, and so was she. "Hello my love," he said and kissed her deeply. The buttons were unnecessary as he pulled this over her head, and held her naked against him. He then pushed her over the sofa's arm and took her this way, with a lover's passion, but with also a loving need. She was not at all surprised his need of her, she desired him at every moment. She longed to keep him this way, but as her pleasure came, so did his, and again she made herself ready to leave.
The drive was familiar to her. He had not told her where this trial was taking place, but mile by mile her anxiety began to grow. When they turned into the familiar drive, and topped the familiar crest in the road, her face grew pale with remembered words. "The people you are going to meet and see tonight are of the "Old Ways". Had you treated one of them so boldly without thought, you would have ended up spending the night, in for you, unimaginable discomfort." This had been spoken to her by Sir Duazat on her first visit here. The mansion looked foreboding, not the fairy tale of her first visit. Unimaginable discomforts. This thought continued through her mind. She placed her hand under Philippe's hand not on the wheel, and gripped so tight, he glanced over to her.
"Philippe, please tell me this is not where you will leave me," she whispered.
"Oasis, is this not what you expected?" he asked, knowing, just by the feel of her hand, it was not. "You will stay here today and tonight, and be delivered your punishment tomorrow before the many, as I have told you," he said, matter of fact.
She watched as the mansion approached her. It was not at all a feeling of driving towards it, as a feeling of it coming for her. If she had been the driver, she would have turned the car and sped away, but with no other choice, she sat, in silence, imagining the worst. No more funny thoughts or songs came to her aid.
Philippe thought he might should have told her the location of her punishment, as he near pulled her up the mica enclosed steps. As amusing as it was to see her hesitations, he hoped she would not lose her resolve, and still be able to come home with him tomorrow. Nearing the door he held her close one more time. "Relax, Oasis, you act like the first time you ever waxed yourself for me," he said, trying to make her laugh.
She did laugh, remembering how much afraid she was of this simple task. "Philippe, just promise me no one will be wearing rolled wigs," she joked, turning to leave him quickly before he could ask.
He stood on the steps for a moment wondering what she was talking about, while watching the door close behind her. Shaking his head, he returned to his car, feeling she would be all right if she could be so silly now.
She was treated as before, lead to an antechamber, and left there with only a stool to sit upon. She waited, and soon two entered, though this time both male, and both bearing iron shackles in each hand. Not speaking to her, they put these aside, and undressed her completely. Still in good humor, Oasis, thought to tell the two, they could have pulled the dress over her head, but stayed silent watching as the buttons were undone. Expertly they placed the iron around her neck, wrists, knees, and ankles. They were clever devices, being tightened with a twist key, to fit exactly on each part of her. Her amusement still continuing she thought, "How nice, a one size fits all accessory." Her humor might have continued, but a man of towering proportion then entered, making the room seem very much too small for as many who were in it. In his hands he carried a single heavy link chain. He approached them all, and as the two with her kneeled before him, she could only stand with eyes lowered and wait.
It was not to say she felt no intimidation, but only that she served One. She was released to this house, but would only submit if told to do so. It was not necessary, as he only commenced to attach the end of the chain to her ankles, binding them together through the eyeholes, then locking them together. Drawing the chain up between her knees, he did the same, but also pushing her to a sitting position, and connecting her hands and linking them with her knees. She thought of how she used to sit as a child reading a book this way, her hands underneath, and the book open upon her knees. The last link of the chain from her hands was connected to her iron collar. It allowed her to only raise her head to just below her shoulders. She realized it was a position not to allow her to look up, not even if she looked sideways. In this position, she would not be open to anyone's pleasure, nor to her own. The giant, without a word, had removed her from herself.
Oasis still only able to look at her hands, felt herself lifted, so chained, her lower body she could see suspended, as the two male escorts followed the giant. It was a descent down a stairwell, Oasis thought would never end. She could feel the change in climate on her bare skin, and almost taste in her mouth the ancient feel to the walls and tiles she could see in her peripheral vision and below her feet. When her movement stopped, she heard a loud creaking noise, as a huge iron door opened to let them through. Carried through the threshold and the sound of the heavy door closing, she felt every part familiar to her gone, behind this door, to the world above her. Philippe had said she would spend this day, and one night here. As panic wanted to envelope her, she forced it away, trying to only imagine him awaiting her return. It was not an easy task, as the dungeon tried to take this part from inside of her too. She lay her face in her hands, as so many had done before her, and hoped to retain at least her inner self to cling to.
Another door was opened soon, though not so heavy or large. Passing this threshold, Oasis could see she was being put in a cell. Lowered to the floor, she sat on her bottom as the giant attached another chain from the wall to the back of her collar. This chain seemed to be of a longer length than the one binding her in this position with the iron. She gave only a small thought to why, because there was no possible way for her to move very far this way.
"Silence!" the giant boomed to her, and closed her into near darkness.
She thought this to be an easy demand until she heard movement from the other side of the cell. It was only a brief sound, but enough to bring her heart to her throat, and for fear to coarse through every part of her. Oasis sat silent for a moment, straining on her neck chain to look forward, as her eyes accustomed to the darkness some.
"Who's there?" she demanded without regard to silence, her fear the only motivation.
"Shhhh" said a nameless voice.
Oasis could guess this to be another female on the opposite wall, but her features and build hidden by the darkness. Her fear subsided, knowing it was another person, and not something unimaginable about to happen to her.
"Who are you? Why are you here?" Oasis asked, her curiosity now rising, forgetting the current circumstance she was in.
"Oasis, please be quiet!" she said, this time more clearly.
Oasis, piqued hearing her name, felt so many questions surface to her. "How do you know my name?" she asked in a more quiet tone, almost a whisper.
"Oasis, I am lore, my Master told me you would come, but please for both of us….." she spoke, being cut off by the door opening and the giant appearing, bearing a lantern so bright to such unaccustomed eyes, it felt electric.
He did not speak, did not need to, as both lore and Oasis lowered their heads to their hands avoiding this blinding light. When Oasis deemed to look up as far as she could, she saw the back of his breeches facing the one she knew now to be, lore. She saw him bend forward grabbing the chain binding lore to the wall, pulling her forward. The purpose to this chain dawned on Oasis. The irons that held them in such an inaccessible position did allow one to be rocked forward, and placed face down on the hands, exposing the back and bottom. The length of chain binding them to the wall only enforced the idea of no escape, but made this movement very possible. Oasis watched as lore, face down in her hands against the stone floor, was exposed this way. Lore looked to be kneeling in a silent plea of forgiveness, but when the giant struck her back quickly, over and over, Oasis knew there was no forgiveness here. The cries into her hands, though muffled, were of genuine pain, and seeing the crest of a sunburst appear on lore's back, Oasis could only stare in wonder. When he turned in her direction, she saw only the tips of his boots before she fearfully placed her own face to her hands and felt herself pulled forward, tipped to the floor. The first strike against her skin brought a scream from her lips, not to be muffled by her hands. It was over quickly, the giant being very experienced in rendering such a mark. Looking one to the other, he smiled, using the tip of his boot to push them both back, to the previous sitting position.
"Silence!" he boomed once more, slamming the door behind him.
Oasis sat, silent tears slipping through her fingers. She could feel this mark upon her burning in the direction of the sun. She had never felt anything so stunningly painful, but as it was over so quickly, she tried to stop her tears, and try to be as brave as lore, who had ceased to cry the moment her muffled cries had been made. She wanted to tell lore she was sorry. She knew if she had only kept the command of silence, the giant would not have returned so soon. Lost in her own self pity, she did not realize lore was so close to her. The giant had not pushed them back to the wall, only lifted them to sit. Oasis felt delicate fingers entwine with her one hand, and a slight touch to her face, as lore tried to brush her tears away. Oasis looked up to lore's eyes, the same height as hers. The intense understanding she saw in lore's eyes made her feel a little better.
"I'm sorry" Oasis whispered softly.
In response, lore only pushed her hands atop of Oasis', the backs resting against Oasis' palms. Oasis lowered her face to lore's hands, letting her caress and comfort her cheeks. The gentleness after such an intense pain, brought a fierce desire to Oasis. Had she had a few more links from her wrist cuffs to her collar, she would have kissed lore, pushing this desire through her mouth with her tongue. Oasis raised her face to look at lore again. She was met with a mirrored gaze. Their foreheads now touching, they shared very, very quiet whispers, the mark of the sun burning brightly from both of them, forgotten.
Oasis learned some about lore, through these quiet whispers. She belonged to Don Giovanni, and was brought here for saying "no" to him. It had only been provocation on her part, and though she knew better than to do such a thing, she had done so, not really believing he would send her away. She had also experienced before being chained to a wall, but not in this form of inaccessibility.
The door opened again. Oasis and lore immediately fell silent, not even daring to look at who entered. The light brought as before, they would not have been able to see anyway. When approached this time, it was not the angry giant, but a very subtle, and beautiful submissive. She unchained them both from the wall, and then began to release the irons from them, except for the collar. Dimming the lantern some so they could see her movement, she placed her finger to her lips, letting them know "silence" was still the rule. Motioning them to stand, she waited while they both tried to stretch their cramped muscles. Waving a silent hand, she motioned for them to watch her. Interlocking her fingers, she stretched them high above her head as far as she could, then slowly descended her body forward and down, until her stretched palms, near touched her toes. Oasis and lore knew the meaning in her movements, and did the same, feeling their muscles protest, but then release, the nearer they came to their feet. When they rose to standing again, they were given silk coverings of the same bright red color, to tie about their waists.
Following this silent submissive now, and looking at lore's back, Oasis thought the covering to be so close in the color bursting from lore's skin above it. Oasis could not help but touch her finger tips to these marks softly. Hearing lore wince slightly, she dropped her hand afraid to hurt her more, but intensely aroused by her small cry. Little did she know right then, tomorrow she would be bringing forth more than a wince from lore's lips, to complete her punishment.
Flocking Together
It was not until leaving the dungeon, and entering submissive quarters, were they able to speak.
"I am Jandy" said their escort. "This is where you will be prepared for tomorrow. You may speak freely here, but in any other part of the estate, only when spoken to first. As you bear the mark of the house already, any other infractions will keep you here to be marked daily until you are released. This is the only absolute rule set forth for you, because you do not live here. Do you both understand?" she asked.
Oasis and lore shook their heads yes together.
"Good" she smiled, bringing her beautiful exotic features to light. "Come, there is dinner prepared, and this will be the last chance, before tomorrow, you will be able to relax."
They followed Jandy, with each step, feeling more and more at ease. The atmosphere here was one of jovial celebration and camaraderie, rather than a feeling of suppression. Oasis felt the fairy tale coming alive once again. She watched as tables were made ready for dinner, and watched as submissive, male and female, kissed openly in passing, or caressed a hand, arm, leg that was not covered. She took lore's hand in hers, and looked at her. She laughed openly seeing the same slack expression of wonder, she knew to be on her own face. It was at this moment, they were guided together to join in to this elfin cabaret. Laughing and smiling, Oasis could not help but feel intoxicated by such exhilaration around her. She could feel the same was happening to lore, as Oasis happily kissed her, before being drawn away by another in the same embrace. Though a little surprised, Oasis did not pull away from the other.
Hearing a distinct bell, Jandy released Oasis' mouth, and touched the tips of her breast, before telling her to sit and have dinner. Sitting beside her, Jandy explained the dinner ritual. The bell was rung at a different time each evening, no one ever knowing exactly when it would be. Once rung, the chair closest to you was where you would dine, thus assuring, you would at some point know every submissive who lived there, and during a dinner, be able to know more of them. It was a very clever way for everyone to become better acquainted, and bring them all closer together. It reminded Oasis of playing musical chairs as a child, but as no one was left standing, she was glad no one would be left out. She spied lore a few chairs down and across from her. Even though she knew so very little about her, Oasis knew, had they both lived here, she would always try to be close by her when this bell rang. When lore caught her gaze, she smiled happily. Oasis let go, then of the thoughts of punishments for tomorrow, and gaily joined the feast before her.
This dinner was so festive, because it was not often they had so many brought here from the outside. Oasis met each of those around her, and at every moment felt one hand or another touching her while she ate. The caresses were not meant for interruption of the meal, but only a way to get the attention of the one you were speaking to. Inhibitions were lost here in this environment, and with all being dressed in a similar fashion, it was not hard to become accustomed to it.
It was near the end of the meal, Oasis looked for lore's gaze again. She could tell the one's next to lore, had forgone casual conversation, for more intimate knowing. Her mouth was slightly parted, her eyes almost closed, to the caresses being given to her. Oasis felt mesmerized, by her expression. Her dark hair around her child like face, accentuated her pale features, and her open lips. She could see her breath rising faster through her delicate shoulders, and breast.
Oasis gasp gently when Jandy ran her hand along her thigh under the covering she wore. Feeling lost in watching lore's expressions of pleasure, she felt almost shocked by this touch. Looking straight in front of her, her eyes met with Demi. She was not sure if it was the expression on her face, or a conspiracy with Jandy, but he took her hands across the table and began to lick between her fingers, and kiss her palms. With her other hand, Jandy removed the placements in front of Oasis, as Demi half pulled her across the table to him. Between sitting and standing, Oasis leaned more heavily on the table for balance. Demi had placed her hands to his side of the table folding them over the edge with his own, while his mouth continued a path up her arms to the sensitive places on her neck. Her moans were ignored by others in similar play, but not lost to the ones touching her. Jandy, having free access with Oasis leaned so forward, began a further descent up her thigh, penetrating her with one hand, and the other caressing her bottom. Rising more himself, Demi released his hands from Oasis', allowing her to grip the edge of the table on her own. Smiling at her, he placed his arms around her body, grabbing her bottom, and pushing her down upon Jandy's hand more fully, then pushing the other direction away. He felt Oasis try to gain her own rhythm for this, but held her firmly, working with Jandy to prolong this pleasure. Jandy could feel Oasis' frustration from the inside, as Oasis tried to tightly encompass her fingers to her. In a calculated movement, Demi and Jandy both pushed against one another, hearing Oasis gasp loudly as she climaxed around Jandy's slick hand, arching her body upward tensely before coming back down to rest her head on Demi's back. They helped Oasis back to sit in her chair, amused at how she held and caressed her own face, visibly quivering. Oasis could only sit and watch, as Demi licked and kissed the hand that had brought her to pleasure.
Jandy led Oasis and lore to shared quarters, apologizing when she chained them again by their collars to the wall. She explained it was necessary for those who were to receive punishment, to know they could not escape it. Helping them both to the shared bed, she gently covered them with a soft blanket, kissing each briefly before leaving. Oasis spooned herself against lore, careful not to pressure her marks too much, and fell into a contented sleep. Her last thought was of how soothing it was to be tucked in so sweetly.
Deplorable Predator
Oasis awoke to soft caresses between her legs, and even more soft teasing to her nipples. Glancing through half open lids, she was reassured seeing lore's dark hair, and closed her eyes again enjoying the sweet sensations on her body. She played her fingers along lore's back and shoulders engrossed in this feel of soft skin to her touch. Being chained by the collar to the wall, there was no way to lie flat, and bring ones mouth down between the legs, so Oasis shifted her body up, sitting on her pillow, and spreading her legs very wide to receive lore's tongue. She tried to hold her lips open with her fingers sitting this way, but it was not long before lore had her gripping the sheets instead. This flitting tongue across her clit brought Oasis so close to climax, until lore would then gently nip it with her teeth, making Oasis gasp loudly with the difference. Both sensations working against one another, it still was not long before Oasis held lore's head in her hands, her legs coming up together tensely, as lore continued to lick the wetness around Oasis' lips. Lore finally lay with her head on Oasis' leg, feeling the quivers subside, as her tense body began to relax again.
When Jandy entered the room and found them this way, she could only smile thinking of her sensual night with Demi. Without a word she unchained them both from the wall, then pretended to fix an arrangement by the window.
Oasis kneeled on the bed freely, pulling lore up to her embrace. She kissed her mouth gently, slowly tracing her tongue along lore's mouth, tasting herself there, before exploring the inside. Oasis knew Jandy was trying to give them one more moment alone, but also knew it was time to get up. Smiling, she released lore, and sat on the edge of the bed. Lore came and sat beside her.
"Good morning," Jandy said without turning from her unnecessary task.
"Good morning Jandy," Oasis said for them both.
"It is time to prepare you both. It is already late morning, so you will have to eat when you can," Jandy said already walking towards the door.
Oasis could feel lore tense beside her knowing it was the day of punishment. Her own body, at the moment, would not allow such a thing, after such an intense pleasure. She took lore's hand and they followed Jandy silently.
There was much commotion all around them, as preparations on their bodies took place. There were others there as well receiving the same careful adornments. Oasis' was taken from lore's grasp, and looking in lore's eyes while being lead away, she felt such an intense regret, not to be able to stay with her. It was not long before so much was happening to her, that Oasis could only think of these preparations.
They led her to an elaborate chamber, the only walls were of vines intertwining with trellis' on three sides. The front of the chamber was open and faced a walkway where many were coming to and fro in their own tasks. She could see across from her and to the sides, similar sets of doing. The first task was of cleansing the body entirely. Oasis thought they were trying to drown her when they pushed her head under the water without warning. Once allowed to surface, her anger began to rise. She glared so fiercely at the attendants, they laughed out loud. Ignoring her continued glares, they made her stand, while they scrubbed her body roughly, until every part of her skin showed red. Oasis thought this very cruel to the marks on her back, but knew she would not protest and acquire more. Helping her out of the water, they bade her to kneel in front of the water till they returned. Shivering and cold she did so, watching in fascination, the same scene being played in her vision. She saw another being pushed under the water, and had to laugh herself with the familiar expression she saw, when the other was allowed to surface. She thought of how Philippe found her so amusing in her anger, and seeing this other's expression, she could see why. Still cold, and shivering, but smiling, Oasis waited.
The attendants returned bearing so many items, Oasis could not see their faces. Though with many questions in her mind, these before her were not obvious submissive, so she kept silent. They brought her to a chair opposite the bath, and began the work on her hair. Oasis could see many multicolored tresses being pulled from one box, and felt them being attached to her scalp. The colors were interlaced with her sun lightened locks, and arranged in a weaving bowl to the back of her head. Allowing her to eat for a moment, Oasis only sat worriedly, her contented body of before, beginning to tense with each minutes passing. The work proceeded, not one part of her body left unchanged.
During the whole process, Oasis longed to see this transformation of herself. There were no mirrors present, but glancing the ones she could see, her curiosity was strong to know. This whole place to her seemed something out of time. Every part had been so planned, so calculated, so ritualistic to her. The ritual part, being more significant to Oasis. It seemed to bring meaning and purpose and knowledge to her convictions inside of herself. From the time she entered this house, being chained so inaccessibly, to this now elaborate change to her features, she felt even more strongly not to belong to herself any longer. It was no longer the actual punishment that made her tense now, but her question inside, if she could actually be worthy of one so thoughtfully planned.
It was time. She was lead to the bottom of the steps of her accommodations and told to wait. It was not long before an enormous two sided mirror was wheeled down the walkway, stopping at each. From the expressions Oasis saw down the line, she knew, not one of them recognized themselves. When the mirror reached her own spot, Oasis could only stare in dumb wonderment. The entire universe had been encapsulated on her body. The sun at the center on her body, the planets and moons revolving around her skin. Even the comet escaping from her face, seemed a natural part. When she glanced herself sideways, it shimmered from her face down her neck, caught inside of her eyes, ready to leave the system. They had made a silent explosion around the marks on her back, only accentuating they were there at all. Walking in a silent line, Oasis wondered if Philippe would know her.
Placed on a stage there were platforms of various heights all around. Oasis was lead to the taller most one of these and commanded to climb the steps from behind, and stand atop very still. She did so shakily, even though it was only about 8 feet high, she did not like heights of any kind. Once there, and knowing she would not fall, she began to search around her. Most of the others had been made to resemble various animals. So close were the resemblance's, Oasis had to squint at the lion to her right to be certain it was not real. When the lion turned, Oasis recognized those eyes. She smiled brightly at lore. Oasis felt much better knowing, her Master would know her this way as well.
BOOM…… BOOM…… BOOM….., rang out from an oversized skin drum being walked down the center of the room between the tables, approaching the stage. At the forefront, Oasis could see her giant, menacingly dressed, bearing a silver tray. The giant climbed the steps of the stage turning to face those seated.
"Tonight we display, those for atonement! It is deemed the judgment be dealt by the luck of the draw!" This said, he raised his silver tray for the condemned to see. Oasis spied many cards lain on the tray, but was not close enough to see the pictures. He slowly approached the first platform closest to him. This one took form as a peacock, her feathers trembled, as she drew a card. Once done, the giant took it from her, rendering her punishment.
"The Gallows of Pain!" the giant announced, holding the card high above his head. Oasis could see the picture now in his hand. A woman in gallows, cruelly being forced from all points with objects clearly not made for her body. The terrible expression on the woman's face in the photo, told the tale. Oasis swallowed heavily waiting. The giant went randomly from one platform to another. Oasis watched as each were rendered their judgment, some crying, some terribly silent. There were only two left, Oasis and lore. Oasis glanced down to the tray, confused to see only one card left. He motioned them both to come down from the platforms. Down from her position, Oasis could see the people at various tables closest to the stage. Philippe was not hard to find, as he was seated right in front of her. The love and amazement on his face when he looked at her, made her love him even more, and she hoped this judgment would truly give her absolution to return to him.
"These two earned the mark of the house together! It is so deemed they shall share and perform upon each other the last card to be drawn!" boomed the giant, placing the tray before them. Oasis and lore, both with hands shaking, picked up this card.
"Voice of the Canes!" he shouted, holding the card up high. The depiction was brought to life, by a woman caught in a never ending scream of agony.
Oasis looked for Philippe again. She stood transfixed by his gaze. There were many moving about, presumably to different locations to view the decreed punishments. The giant left Oasis and lore on this stage. When he returned, pushed behind him was an enormous table, brought on to the stage. Oasis could only guess that being the last to draw a card, they would remain here. Even hearing the scraping wheels of the table, Oasis would not leave her gaze from Philippe. She was not so much fearful, but more trying to read his expressions. She could feel a tenseness from him, she had never experienced, and tried to deplore him with her eyes to tell her more. So engrossed in her thoughts, she did not even realize, lore was no longer next to her. The giant approached her, blocking her gaze from her Master, waiting for her acquiesce. When she only looked upon him with a questioning expression, he bade her to kneel. Oasis did so, still gaining Philippe's glance under bowed eyes.
The giant drew before him a cane, of modest length, and placed it at her knees. Oasis stared at this instrument for a long moment. Touching it with her finger tips, she drew her fingers across the handle, the image of a snake. The words of the giant before, had not been lost to her. Oasis knew this was the instrument for lore's punishment, as well as her own. Hesitating to pick it up, she looked for lore. Realizing she was not beside her, she turned and saw her displayed so efficiently on the table she heard a moment ago. It was similar to the one she had donned before herself, with the shackles at each end, but this one gave way in the middle, and the upper portion fixed with straps around the waist, and the lower portion around the legs. Looking at lore, placed so on this table, Oasis thought of a lioness, trapped in a predator's den. Being made in the image of the universe, were it not fitting to punish this lion of the jungle?
It was one thing for Oasis to imagine such an existence, but to perform such cruelty to such a sweet creature under the facade, was another. She took the instrument in her palms, and still kneeling, offered this to Philippe, with all her heart, hoping he would take this from her. She may have had the universe painted across her body, but in her mind, she revolved around him. When he only approached her, lifting her face and kissing her mouth softly, she knew this was hers to proceed with. Gathering all of her strength beneath her, she raised herself, cane still before her, and stood over lore. With the fingers of one hand she caressed the mane given to lore, and with the other hand, brought the cane across her distended bottom.
The animal cry from lore's costumed mouth, made Oasis fall to her knees, covering her face with her own hand's. The cane clattered loudly across the stage, landing, snake eyes open, staring up into the lights. Oasis felt the hypnotic strength leave her, the moment she heard lore cry. She wept into her hands, too afraid to continue, but too afraid not to.
"Stop this now!" Philippe said, gathering the cane, and handing it back to her.
Oasis looked up at him. She took from him, then in his eyes, all things relevant to proceed. If she did not continue, she knew, she would be forced to stay here away from him. The next strike from her snake headed cane, encompassed Oasis' universe. There were no more tears of compassion, or hesitations, from Oasis. As the giant kept toll, lore, left the stage with help, Oasis left smiling, cruelly.
Since lore was unable, the cane was offered to those in attendance for this punishment. Marcus, Loren, Giovanni, an unknown Mistress(smile), and Philippe, marked Oasis, two for one, of each given to lore. When it was over, Oasis lay against Philippe, completely absolved from the hunt.
"Je t'aime Philippe," she whispered, for only him to hear.
