Aftercare and explanation

Inside of the city hall Aeriella was led to a room where a large tub filled with warm water was already waiting for her. A bar of soap and a towel were lying on a stool next to it. There was also a small table, a carafe with water and a cup stood on it. The elf poured herself a whole cup and drunk it greedily, she then stepped into the tub. Having oil rubbed into one’s skin was not unpleasant in itself, but now she simply wanted to be fresh and clean; at least physically. She used the soap generously on her skin and pondered on recent events. Now that the post-orgasmic clarity was finally kicking in, she could once again focus her thoughts. Judging from the sun, she assessed she had spent over half an hour on that platform. Most of it was hanging upside down, so her head still felt rather heavy. There was definitely something odd about the whole experience and it was not merely the absurdity of the law itself. The entire event looked more like a spectacle, something that was staged, well-prepared and rehearsed. The sorceress was nor paranoid, so she did not suspect that someone had set up a trap specifically for her. That would have been too much hassle merely to humiliate her. But someone had set up something and she was determined to find out what it was. She was still even more determined to borrow the belt for analysis.

While drying herself after the back Aeriella noticed that the guard had also left a dress for her, right next to her own clothes. Apparently they treated their law seriously and did not want her to violate it again right after being punished. The dress seemed to have been made for someone shorter and with smaller breasts. It fit, but tightly wrapped the elf’s buxom chest and exposed almost her entire long legs; hopefully Kammelteau had no laws against short, tight dresses. The sorceress put on her boots, but left the catsuit for now. She drank some more water, then headed towards the door, hoping to find the Mayor or the Captain, or someone else who would answer her questions. She was surprised to learn that a guard was waiting outside of her room.

“The Mayor invites you to his office, Lady,” the man said, trying to sound official. He failed to hide the lust in his gaze, as his eyes moved downward to the elf’s breasts and legs.

“Lead the way,” Aeriella replied, pretending that she did not notice his glance.

The office was located nearby, it was spacious and expensively furnished; the host was sitting inside, behind his extensive desk, and reading a document. When the sorceress came in, announced by the guard, he stood up immediately.

“Please, Lady, sit down,” he said in a conciliatory voice, pointing towards a small table at the side, “I believe I owe you an explanation.”

Aeriella was unable to hide her astonishment, she was not expecting to find any answers so easily.

“It would be kind of you,” she replied in a dignified tone.

She sat in a soft armchair by the table in a slightly less dignified way. A combination of leather, travel boots and a short, summer dress did not make one look overly noble. The Mayor had already seen the elf’s entire, naked body, but he still could not resist the temptation and looked at her legs, when she sat down and crossed them. The dress hiked up even higher, so they were wholly exposed. The host did not stand idly, ogling his guest, but put a glass in front of her and filled it with wine.

“Thank you,” Aeriella said politely.

He then joined her by the table in the second armchair, with his own glass of wine.

“Before you express any doubt, Lady,” Alainon began, “the law is real. It’s also very old. No-one knows why it was originally written, but it has been in **** as long as anyone can remember, long before I assumed the office.”

The elf sipped her wine as he spoke.

“And how often was it executed?” she asked when he made a pause.

“Let me put it that way,” the Mayor replied with a slight smile, “you’re the first person who broke it unwittingly. It’s not customary for women around here to dress like that.”

Alainon continued to explain that the law was basically used as an excuse for public, rather perverted entertainment. Every now and then an actual prostitute, though currently unregistered, would put on a catsuit and thus earn a punishment. The woman would even pay a fine afterwards, which included the cost of oil and soap. The paycheck that followed naturally made up for any losses. To anyone who would accuse the citizens and authorities of being perverts (none of the locals would do that), they replied that they were simply following the ancient laws, fulfilling the will of their ancestors. Aeriella’s arrival was a serendipity, but they followed it with their usual modus operandi.

“Dear Lady,” Alainon’s tone changed when he finished explaining and addressed the elf directly, “you are by far the most gorgeous woman we had ever whipped. Your performance, though unaware and improvised, was also the most spectacular one. It’s not merely my opinion, I could see how much the citizens loved you. I was wondering whether there’s a chance you could… perform for us again?”

Aeriella was not exactly happy that he made that proposal. Sure, she could simply reject it, but she was about to ask about the possibility of borrowing the belt. Now he would certainly ask for a performance in return. The Mayor noticed the elf’s hesitation and added:

“Next time the preparations would not be so rudimentary, Dear Lady. We will put a canopy over the platform to protect you from the sun. The bath afterwards will be as comfortable as our baths can offer. We’ll also provide you with a meal and our best wine afterwards.”

It was touching how much they actually cared for her comfort. The sorceress had to admit that, in retrospect, the whole experience was not so bad. Her orgasm was genuine and astonishingly intense; plus the audience seemed to love the unaware performer. The latter was important, because it eliminated the element of humiliation; the locals did not have such intentions, although initially she was not aware of that. She decided to try how much Alainon was willing to pay for her services.

“I could do that for you,” Aeriella replied and the Mayor smiled broadly in response. After a short pause she added, “I could even make the spectacle more entertaining than it already is.”

“Marvellous!” Alainon exclaimed, “what kind of improvements do you have in mind, Dear Lady?”

“I’m a sorceress,” she admitted, “I could cast a simple spell on myself which would make any sounds I make heard throughout the entire square, even over the clapping and cheering. Plus we could add a few elements to the performance itself.” She proceeded to explain her ideas.

“Brilliant, my Lady!” the Mayor replied enthusiastically when she finished, “I’m so glad that you not only decided to participate, but also showed valuable initiative. I’m certain that you’ll want something in return,” he stated, rather than asked.

“Yes, indeed,” the elf agreed, then made a pause and pondered for a moment.

While she was explaining to Alainon her ideas, she grew excited for the performance. As crazy as it sounded, she now actually WANTED to do it again. In a short span of time she went from shocked by the prospect to enthusiastic. The elf did not need the money anyway, so she decided to skip the bargaining altogether.

“In return for my performance,” Aeriella continued, “I ask that you lend me the belt for a limited period of time. As a sorceress I want to examine its enchantment, I will return it intact. I also expect that you’ll allow me unlimited and free passage over your bridge.”

The Mayor smiled brightly.

“Then we have a deal, Lady Aeriella,” he said in a cheerful tone.

They discussed the organizational details of her next performance. The sorceress needed at least a week to meet with Nieobecnikus and bring him back to Laerinia’s court. She could then return to Kammelteau for another show. After the conversation Aeriella happily accepted an invitation for a meal. She was behind schedule anyway, so an hour or two would not make a difference; a good meal and a glass of wine were always welcome during travel.

Two days later the sorceress arrived at her destination, where she was supposed to meet with Nieobecniku. Instead of him she found a letter to herself at a local inn. The wizard apologised for his absence; unforeseen circumstances prevented him from coming. He promised to do his best to arrange another meeting next year. The entire excursion has been for the naught. Or has it?