The Longest Day [Asp, Naga & Others]

[thesteedman]

As with all things that were pleasant and relaxing upon the senses, so too did time seem to pass by too quickly. Thankfully not too swiftly in this case, but it felt like the minutes were ebbing away within seconds at times. Ella went to work once Asp allowed her too, but it felt less like allowing the Maid to work, rather than letting an artist be free to express her work. Ella began with Asp's hair, gently soaping it up in a smooth and sublime fashion, running her fingers firmly through Asp's scalp to give her a relaxing head massage in the process of washing her long crimson hair. The manner in which she draped water as she worked to clear the soap avoided Asp's eyes, and was done in a slow rhythmic fashion, keeping the atmosphere calm and relaxing. For a time, Ella spoke no words either, allowing the ambience to take and calm Asp's soul. For a long moment, the notion that Asp would be joining Naga and what was no doubt to come had completely left her mind.

When Ella was done with Asp's hair, she gently guided her upwards, coming to massage and wash over the back of Asp's shoulders. Her fingers were like magic, finding small knots of tension from her exhibition, kneading them away in a fashion that gave no discomfort, and allowed her muscles to relax. When she was done massaging over the flawless skin of Asp's slender shoulders, she slowly poured hot water and soap, clearing away the sins of the day so far. Seeing how Asp's eyes were closed, and how she melted into the moment, Ella chose to speak no words until spoken too. She remained silent, with not so much as a breath heard from her lips or her nose as she worked over Asp. Her motions were gentle, silent messages through mere touch that guided Asp to where she needed to be without disturbing her as she ran the soft sponge over her intoxicating figure.

Such was her ability, when Ella came to wash over Asp's ample and perfectly shaped breasts, she was smooth and methodical. Rather than arouse Asp she was able to keep her relaxed as she washed over her front, shifting from cleaning her form to massaging her with seamless ability and talent. By the time Ella was done bathing and cleaning Asp, it had been half an hour. It felt like only fifteen minutes, but that was how the senses worked when in a state of bliss. Ella remained crouched by the bath side when she finished rinsing through Asp's hair for the last time during the clean. She let Asp take in the scents of some fresh petals she had scattered and take in the heat after softly topping up the bath with a low relaxing pour from the unique taps.

"I hope that was to you satisfaction. I am here if you have need of anything else from me." Ella noted with a soft and quietly spoken voice, letting her hands slide over Asp's shoulders for another massage to make sure all the kinks and tribulations of the form had been removed. She mentioned nothing of Naga, nor of the limited time remaining simply because she wanted Asp to remain in a state of bliss for just a little while longer. In fifteen minutes she would have to prepare her though... but until then she was happy to continue with what helped.

[BlackAkuma]

Asp let the minutes pass as Ella went to her task, attending to her body with the sort of comfortable ease that could only have come from no small amount of practice. As new as she was to the concept, she could see the appeal of being pampered in such a way, of having her body attended to like it was a work of art to be maintained. There was a careful finesse to the maid’s touch, and she appreciated the thoroughness of it, the attention to detail, and the care paid with every stroke.

Time began to slip away from her, as the adrenaline from her matches wore off and fatigue set in. She was still worn from her trials, but Ella’s heavenly touch soothed her in magical ways, and she swore she slipped off to sleep more than a few times. The woman was careful, never pressing too hard, never taking liberties she shouldn’t, simply cleaning her in a thorough [, methodical manner. It was better than a massage, far better than any she’d ever had.

”You have skilled hands, Ella.” She came back for the last time to find petals scattered across the waters, their alluring scent setting her nostrils ablaze. ”I believe you missed your calling. I know many who would pay well for such a talented touch.” She would be among that number, too.

As good as she was, however, there was little the woman could do to make her forget why she was there in the first place. While she couldn't see the clock from where she lay, she knew the dreaded moment was growing nearer—she had prolonged it as far as expected.

’You’ve done more than enough, Ella. Far more. Your company has been truly appreciated.” She closed her eyes again, as the maid’s fingers did their wondrous work. ”Simply keep as you are and let the time pass. Thank you.”

[thesteedman]

"Perhaps I did, but I wager I would not be as financially secure as I am presently. Ella responded in a pleasant fashion when Asp complimented her skills. No doubt all the Maids were well trained in many fields, though they could not all be excellent in all trades and crafts. If what Ella said was correct, the first and foremost quality in the recruitment of a Maid was their beauty. Beyond that, perhaps it was just an issue of discovering where said Maid would then fit into the manor for service. No doubt Kayla was able to attain what Maid excelled at what field and station them appropriately. Ella seemed to be excellent at personal care, as well as having a pleasant personality and presence with her soft and alluring smile.

"As you request." Ella whispered, managing a pleasant beam when Asp requested she remain. She allowed Asp to rest for the remainder of their time, gently washing over her in a slow and methodical fashion, focusing upon her shoulders with light massages to keep Asp in a state of bliss. The sway of the water and the careful fashion in which Ella worked kept for a relaxing ambience, as Asp was able to melt away from the troubles that lingered, at least for a little while. All things had to come to an end though, and softly, Ella shifted from the bath to go and fetch a large and soft pair of towels for Asp.
"It is time to prepare you for your evening with Miss Dominique. Ella addressed. Her voice was still soft as not to decimate the mood, but without a doubt there was an element of urgency to the manner in which she spoke. Ella positioned herself just beyond the bath, placing a small mat down to collect excess water for when Asp would remove herself from the hot water filled tub.

Ella would stand stationed, ready to envelop Asp's form with a towel if she chose to use her assistance, before looking to bundle her hair in the second towel.
"Would you like assistance drying yourself and dressing? I can also help you with some makeup if you choose to wear some." Ella asked next. Whilst there was still a bit of time before the evening Dinner with Naga, Ella could sense the work she had done becoming undone the moment the bath was finished. Though her form had no doubt been eased, the realisation that Naga would get the time she desired with her dawned over Asp the entire time. Ella tried to keep her distracted, hoping to ease her woes any way she could.

[BlackAkuma]

Asp supposed she couldn't fault the woman for wanting to have a solid foundation when it came to finances. While she herself had never been rich, she grew up with more money than most, and that allowed her to enjoy a life where she had never wondered where her next meal would come from. She’d never had the burden of working a job she didn’t want, never had to live from paycheck, and she was acutely aware that these were luxuries few in the world could imagine. Ella was a woman out to survive, and here, in the Baroness’ services, she had succeeded.

She did her job exceptionally well, keeping Asp’s senses dulled and letting the minutes melt away. Asp would make polite conversation now and then, again, prying at personal moments about the maid’s life, learning tidbits about her and the Renauds and the strange world they found themselves in,

Time passed, as it was wont to do, and their moment together ended. With a solemn nod, Asp emerged from the steaming waters and exited the tub, placing her foot gently on the mat and letting the rest of her body follow suit. She nodded her thanks for the towel and let Ella bundle her hair, grateful for the assistance.

”I appreciate your help, truly, but you needn’t bother yourself with this. There is a certain way I wish my hair done - it will only take a few moments and go faster by myself. In ten minutes, I should be ready to depart.”

Asp went to the sink and saw what products were on offer - a superior selection to what she usually had, far more expensive, but that was hardly surprising, given her hosts. ”Yes. These will do nicely.”

[thesteedman]

"Very well." Ella spoke out, managing a small and formal bow for Asp when she requested to tend to herself for the latter part of their time together. The Maid remained close by but gave Asp a good amount of space whilst she went to work, simply standing ready should Asp need her for anything. Whilst the two had previously been talkative, now there was something of a silence beginning to hang knowing that inevitably, their time would end with Ella delivering Asp to Naga as the evening began to draw deeper into what remained of the day.

As Asp had informed, no more than ten minutes would pass before Asp had donned the selected outfit, having dried her form and used what products she desired to prepare herself for tonight. When she was done, Ella managed an earnest smile.
"You look absolutely stunning..." Ella spoke out. Her previous formality dropped back to her usual self when she looked upon Asp, admiring her exquisite form and how the somewhat revealing outfit only complimented the natural beauty of her stunning form and her angelic features.
"It is time. Please follow me and I will take you to Mistress Dominique Renaud. Ella spoke softly, slowly opening the door for Asp to follow her.

By now it was getting dark outside. Asp would be guided through the corridors, wondering how easy it would be to get lost, and how the Maids impressively always seemed to know where they were going. At this hour they did not seem to pass too many of them, with no more than a few here and there who all bowed respectfully towards the guest of the Manor... if guest was the correct word. Ella began to lead Asp to a part of the estate she was not familiar with, with glass corridors overlooking the vast expanse of the lands. It was a beautiful sight even in the night, with carefully placed lights to highlight certain decorations and structures, all lined with unique plant life.

There were no Maids outside now, giving a more serene presence to the Renaud grounds. With the nature of the corridor, Asp could see she was being lead to another building that was connected through this glasshouse-esque corridor, lined with dim lights to keep a low ambience. Impressive ornate doors lay ahead, with Ella approaching the doors and placing her hand upon one of the well carved knobs. She glanced upon the back of her wrist for a moment, before she turned to Asp.
"Here we are again." Ella whispered softly, managing somewhat of a defeated smile.

"We are a little early again, so we have a few minutes just before we have to go in... ... ... are you going to be alright?" Ella would whisper with a sincere tone.

[BlackAkuma]

Moving through the darkened corridors, Asp was struck with the most profound sense of deja vu. The last time she was here, it had been a night not unlike this. The snow had been heavier then, but even so, the haunting stillness of the mansion persisted. The unique sort of quiet that could only come from a place with so many people, with words going unsaid. It almost felt like she was in the maw of some great beast, being swallowed up, moving further down its gullet, to a place of no return.

Hardly a comforting thought that made her harrowing situation all the more so, but she pushed through the sensation and persisted, moving along with Ella. She nodded to the other maids as they went along, not missing their lingering glances as she passed. They all seemed aware of where she was going and what was about to transpire, and she could see a bevy of emotions behind their eyes. Some seemed relieved, no doubt glad to be off the menu for the night. Others seemed envious as if she had taken some prized spot. A few even seemed to relish in her situation, as if she was receiving some long overdue comeuppance.

Asp herself stayed silent and kept her gaze forward for the most part, summoning her will and mastering her emotions. She knew this was a possibility when she accepted Naga’s challenge, regardless of her reasons behind it. She’d been given chances to avoid this fate, but she had denied this. This was her burden to bear, her cross to carry.

Soon enough, they reached their destination—the final destination. The ornate doors loomed before her, everything she had imagined them to be: imposing, hardened, impenetrable, inescapable. Once those doors closed behind her, she could not open them of her own will.

”I will be, yes.” She answered Ella’s question after a moment of steady breathing, forcing her heart rate to slow. It almost felt like she was convincing herself more than the maid. ”I’ve endured this once. I can do so again.” She nodded and looked towards Ella, giving her a sage nod. It had been subtle, but she fully appreciated what the maid had tried to do for her this evening, doing her best to alleviate her at every time, to make her as comfortable as could be hoped for in such a harrowing situation.

[thesteedman]

Ella managed a small, defeated yet alluring smile when she listened to Asp's response. She did not believe her for a second honestly, the Maid was all too aware that the next few hours would probably not be easy.
"Hopefully we will meet again in better circumstances. Take care Aspasia… By nights end this will be nothing more than just a memory." Ella spoke softly, giving Asp a few more moments to collect and prepare herself. Having delayed as much as she could, Ella gave a small nod to Asp, before she finally turned the handles of the grandiose doors with each hand. It looked like it took some effort, as Ella pushed her shoulders into it, sliding both doors open, before she transitioned to the side, standing to attention with the doors wide open for Asp to enter.

Inside, the vast expanse was darkened, whilst a dance of reflective light shimmied along the walls, casting an unusual and ambient presence. The manner in which the dance flickered gave clue to Asp that within the room was a vast pool moments before she caught the scent of it. Ella was in full maid mode by now, her eyes looking ahead at the other open door, standing to attention as if she was part of some military exercise. Beyond the doorway was something of a smooth rock path, with light plantation on either side, leading the way towards the pool. Light illuminated from the waters, giving it something of a mystical look, with enough of the dancing light to illuminate the luxurious expanse, graced with vivacious plant life on the rim, giving the illusion of a garden like area.

Glass surrounded the room, showing the night and the estate grounds, all dim lit to add to the ambiance. In truth, it was quite the sight to behold, no doubt a favoured area given the sparkle the pool emitted. There was warmth that brushed against Asp from it, a calming heat as the sound of water gently lapping against its containment filled the air. Before it, there was a presence.... one that was all too familiar by now. From where she stood, Dominique was perched across her side, clad in a black dress that complimented her figure, as pitch as her hair, made from the finest silk no doubt, with various parts to leave her pale flesh exposed. She lay on what looked like a lavish mat, with a miniature but study table like piece of furniture besides her, graced with a selection of foods from breadsticks, to creamy dips, cheeses and all manner of bites befitting such a set up.

It looked almost like a picnic, but there was much more extravagance, and formality to it all. No doubt the food was all fresh, prepared no doubt by Maids. Leaning against one arm, Asp was yet to see Naga's features, merely the back of her long hair. She was barefoot, one leg fully exposed from the slit in her dress as she continued to watch the dance of the pool.
"Come... Sit with me." Naga commanded, her voice was not raised, but it carried all the same to Asp who still stood in the corridor. Ella waited for Asp to pass her by, before she bowed formally and gracefully, taking her leave without so much as a sound, closing the doors behind her...

[BlackAkuma]

Now was not the time to express such things, but she truly appreciated what Ella had done for her tonight. This did not have to be an effortless experience for her, and while the maid was under obligations to serve, she had no requirements to comfort her on a personal level. And yet, time and time again, she had done so, even when her delays might have brought her some degree of trouble. She had done her best to make Asp as comfortable as a captive could be, to make her feel as if she was merely a guest at the estate, and for this simple gesture, she had earned the Water Serpent’s respect.

She would repay this kindness. She was unsure how or when, but she made it a personal vow. ”We will meet again, Ella. And I greatly look forward to it.”

The doors opened, and the way was clear. No more delays, no more distractions.

Asp wasn’t unused to exotic locals, having stayed in some of the most scenic places around the world, but she had to concede that the scene before her was a lot more striking than most. The day had been so long and winding that Asp had almost lost track of it, but the starry sky brought things into stark relief, thousands of little lights beaming down on them. The lapping water gave the area an ethereal glow, and there in the midst of it all was a haunting, hulking spectre. Dominique radiated allure and menace, threatening but enticing all at once, her magnificent body sheathed in elegance. For all her flaws, the woman was truly beautiful. A picture of presence and power.

Asp only took a moment to look back as the doors closed behind her, then moved forward at Dominique’s command, approaching the setup with a light stroll, as if they were merely two lovers meeting for an innocent date. Perhaps, to Naga, that wasn’t too far from the truth of it.

”You look amazing.” It was a compliment and a simple fact. She wasn’t trying to curry favor; she knew that would never work. She helped herself to a breadstick, truly famished as she was, and sat down on the mat with her legs crossed, looking up at her dangerous date. ”I must thank you. You’ve been a gracious host, more than I would’ve dreamed. More restrained.”

[thesteedman]

Naga was yet to gaze upon Asp. It was not a notion out of discourtesy, but in truth further restraint on her part. For now, her eyes were upon the gentle sway of the water in the gently illuminated; her position unshifted and unmoving when the exotic and alluring beauty of a woman finally joined her for what would not be the rest of the evening. The younger of the Renaud sisters listened as Asp made her compliments to Naga’s present appearance. Intelligent and cunning much like her sibling, the dark haired beauty was aware enough to know that there was truth in the words rather than attempts to falsely flatter and gain goodwill. Dominique did not consider herself to be the aspect of beauty, aware of her broad shoulders, her imposing size and her intimidating nature... but she was very aware her appearance was not unpleasant either. Her face was oddly captivating, her figure, though large still held draw and feminine qualities. Like the Baroness herself, it was clear that Dominique looked after body, her form well trained and perfected to make her the well-structured and formidable wrestler she was... If only her mind was as easily trained…

She had made an effort to look beautiful tonight, and given what assets she possessed; it was not an impossible task for her to achieve it. Asp's acknowledgement would not go unnoticed, despite Naga’s lack of response at the compliment.
"Your gratitude though kind in its nature is misplaced. I forced this predicament upon you. You are my prisoner of war, that should not warrant gratefulness of any kind." Naga spoke with her unique accent, still yet to look upon Asp since she had sat down. The manner in which she spoke suggested there was certainly an element of regret in all her actions leading to this moment. Their first meeting had been a one sided affair of self-gain, and all others had been within the ring.

Naga kept her gaze on the motions of the water, remaining stoic and calm for now. She was not all so certain that this so called restraint would hold if she gazed upon Asp, all too aware of the dress she was clad in from the limited selections, knowing how divine her skin and figure was, how brilliantly red her hair was when it flowed… Even now, her darkest desires whispered in her ear.
"I trust that Maid Ella has tended to your every need and made you comfortable? I am aware she is one of our newer attendants here. I desired to have a more experienced Maid tend to your services, but the Baroness insisted Ella would be a more ideal choice for you. If there have been any missteps... I would like to know." Naga spoke, looking to break her chain of thought.

“Other than that, how has your stay been within the manor thus far?” Naga would finally look to break the ice, her head turning slightly, daring to gaze upon the goddess of a woman within her presence for the first time since she sat down with her.

[BlackAkuma]

Despite the stillness of the moment and the serenity of the waters, there was an air of menace about the situation, a palpable tension that threatened to spill over at any second. Watching Naga brought to mind the image of a shark, a great white beast swimming off in the distance. Powerful, majestic, but dangerous. A creature that could end any life around it at a simple whim, something far too strong to be resisted, too fast to be avoided. In the ring, Asp had officials, she had security, she could find safe haven. She was miles away from help, trapped in a gilded cage. This was Naga’s domain, her lair, and the predator could strike at any given second.

She could sense that Dominique wanted to, as well. Asp was well aware when her body was being gazed on, and also aware when someone was making a pointed effort not to do so, and that seemed to be the case. Was her host truly that ravenous that she could only hold herself back to avoid looking at her? They still had many hours to go, and she should’ve found some solace on the drive over, where she’d taken her time squeezing her over and over again. It seemed her thirsts could only sated for so long.

”You did. And I am.” There was a time when she might have acknowledged those facts with some degree of ruefulness, but now she did so in a calmer, thoughtful tone—the day had changed a few things. ”Even so, I express my gratitude. It’s only right.”

Asp grabbed some water and gulped it down quickly as Naga continued her questions. Whatever came next, she knew it would be good to stay hydrated. ”Please, let the Baroness know that Ella was exemplary. She chooses well.” She nodded. ”All my needs were tended to, even the ones I hadn't thought of. She has all my compliments.”

She shifted on the mat, stretching out and letting her legs stretch, finding more comfort in a Venus pose. It was brief, but she could see something of Naga’s eyes now, as the woman partly turned her way. She didn’t answer her hosts question straightaway, more taken with the moment as she stared up at her, as if she were trying to put the puzzle pieces together.

”Naga.” She closed her eyes and propped up on her elbow. ”Dominique. Are you truly that taken with me that you can’t look my way for a few seconds and maintain control? Are you that smitten?”