Everyone's A Winner Here

The five women walked over to the teller, to get some chips. ASTRID greeted them again, “Hello again. Would you like to exchange some collateral for chips? No matter if you walk out with more BP, everyone’s a winner here. Afterall, you’ll be more optimized for ~Master’s Pleasure~ even if you ‘lose’.” ASTRID beamed at them.

“Aye, so how does that work exactly, then?” Merida asked.

“We have a list of suggestions for each of you, and how much BP they are worth. The same thing could have a different value for different people though so keep that in mind.”

“That makes sense.” Talia commented.

“How dis it make sense that the same thing has a different value, then?” Merida said, annoyed.

“Well, it can have a few different factors, Merida. Like you would really hate being Mark’s doll for a day right. Well, that would be fine with me. Also Laura is the only one here that has had sex with Mark.”

Isabella blurted out, "¡Qué! How could Mark just do that? Haven't you been here for like a week? Does Allie know, dime?"

Talia did not like being cut off, “Isabella… Allie knows. As for how Mark can do that. Well, except for Chloe all of us have kissed him, pretty sure more than half of us have touched his penis and gotten him off. I get this is new to you, but the entire premise of us being here is that we are all going to be with Mark. Sure, Mark is going along with things pretty quickly but he has been respectful of all of us. Laura was the one that wanted sex, you should realize that unless Cassandra’s info packet for you was rather lacking.”

“I mean… I know Laura is very sex positive, and rather open to casual sex. I just didn’t think Mark would be. He isn’t going to want that with me so soon right?”

Laura looked at Isabella sympathetically, “Want? Yes. I’m pretty sure Mark wants to have sex with most of us right now. Expect? No. He’ll go at whatever pace you are comfortable with. Maybe slower. Probably slower.”

Talia continued where she left off, “As I was saying Laura is the only one to have sex with Mark. So I doubt wagering something like that would be as valuable for her as it would be for me as I’m a virgin. So the same thing isn’t really the same due to the value we place on it.”

Merida nodded, “Okay… that makes sense. Didnae think o’ it like that.”

Mark came back inside, joining them at the counter “So gambling? What are you all planning on wagering?”

“We were just about to look over the suggestions they have for each of us.” Laura replied. “We are looking for lower end options like 500 to 1000 BP worth. We don’t want to go crazy.”

“Glad to hear that.”

Flora grabbed Isabella’s arm and pulled her to the counter, “Come on Isabella let’s look over the options.”

“Wait… I’m not sure I want to gamble.” Isabella replied, but let herself be led to the counter.

“Oh, come on, it’ll be fun. Also we can talk and get to know one another, while also showing you what the show is about, in practice. We can just pick something really small for you. ASTRID can I get both mine and Isabella’s suggestions.”

“Certainly, Flora. If you would like my personal recommendations from the list just let me know.”

“Oh, here we go Isabella. I mean you were probably going to wear something similar tonight anyway right?”

“I certainly was not, mija!”

“Oh,” Flora whispered, “You sleep nude then? Bold choice when sharing the bed with two others.”

“Flora I was just going to sleep in normal PJs.”

“Okay so this isn’t that different. Instead of pants and a top you wear a nightie, plus I bet both Mark and Allie would like seeing you in it.”

Isabella considered that, “Okay fine. I have worn something like that around Allie so I guess it isn’t that big of a deal.”

Flora looked over her list, “Oh well that’s easy. I’d like chips for this one ASTRID, can I put it down three times?”

“Yes, you can. I’m, ~so happy~ you are embracing your changes, Flora.”

The others looked over their lists and made their selection of Collateral.

Merida: 12 hrs of working in the shops (1000 BP)
Laura: Random candy TF x2 on date day. (1000 BP)
Talia: Model one outfit of Maja’s choice on date day (500BP)
Flora: Go Topless for 24 hrs. x3 (1500 BP)
Isabella: Wear sexy pajamas until morning. (250BP)
Mark: 1 use of let's give it a boost (500BP)****

Chloe then shouted, “HEY MARK! COME BACK HERE FOR A SECOND.” Mark went over to Chloe to talk.

Talia spoke up, “Okay so I’m thinking blackjack, it has the best odds if we count cards.”

“Wait, are you sure?” Merida spoke up. “Because Astrid said that we got better odds depending upon what we bet. So maybe at roulette betting on red or black would be a 2:1 payout if it was just BP but if we bet chips might be something better. Since they don’t have to turn a profit here, the return odds for a win can be slanted slightly in our favor.”

“That’s a good point but, I doubt the odds of winning will be in our favor, just the odds of turning a profit. Whereas in blackjack, in theory you can push the odds to win to be in your favor with good enough card counting.” Talia explained.

“Sounds good to me, I mean I learned some basic card counting in college.” Laura said, as she began walking to a blackjack table. The rest followed her to the table.

An ASTRID came by with a tray of drinks, “Complements of the house! Please enjoy your games.” She set down a drink by each of them.

Laura looked over her drink, “Is this a White Lady?” She asked to ASTRID.

“Very perceptive. It is. These are the perfect cocktails for each of you. ~Satisfaction Guaranteed~”

“I don’t like drinking.” Flora said sniffing at her cocktail. “Why is it bubbly and smells of rosemary?”

ASTRID turned to Flora. “Well, I promise you Flora. You will enjoy your Forest Fizz, it is a gin cocktail.”

“Those are good.” Laura said, “Chloe is the big drink expert but I had plenty back in college.” Laura stared at Mark’s drink. “Why does that look familiar?”

“My drink?” Mark asked, “Well it’s just an amaretto sour with three cherries and a slice of lime. Not that uncommon.”

“Sure… just something tickling the back of my brain.”

"Well, I for one am grateful for the mojito right now, gracias a Dios," Isabella said. "I could use a good drink, de verdad."

“Umm, am I even allowed to drink? I’m 18 now. Also is this even safe to drink? It's pitch black.” Talia questioned.

Laura said, “That’s legal in Europe so yes you can drink. That I believe is called a Black Magic.”

“Okay oh expert, what is mine then?” Merida said, holding up her rock glass full of an amber coloured liquid with a large ice cube and a slice of orange garnish.

“That could be a lot of things. My guess though is a Rusty Nail. Because you’re Scottish now.”

“I guess I’ll take your word for it.”

ASTRID chimed in, “Lady Laura, is correct about all the drinks.”

Laura slammed her hand on the table, causing it to shake. “I remember now. There were two empty glasses in the tavern, off to one side when I went to see Chloe. They each also had three cherries in it and a slice of lime. They weren’t Chloe's, she was drinking Long Islands, so they must have been Sam’s.”

Mark eyed his drink, “Huh, I mean this has always been a favorite of mine. I guess that is something I have in common with Sam. Anyway shall we play?”

Everyone put in a small bet of 25 BP to start. ASTRID dealt out cards to the table. The players were seated Talia, Laura, Mark, Isabella, Flora, Merida.

ASTRID showed a Jack. Talia looked over the cards. “Okay well, I’m going to stand on 18, Laura with your 16, the count being negative and that Jack ASTRID has you should hit.” Laura followed Talia’s advice getting a two. “Okay. Now Mark.”

“Talia, I appreciate the help, but I know what I’m doing.” With only a 12 Mark hit, getting an ace, he hit again, getting a 7 to bring him to 20. “Stand.”

Isabella had 14 showing, with two 7s. “Umm? I’m not super familiar with blackjack. I normally play roulette or craps at the church festivals.”

“You should hit.” Talia, Laura, and Mark all said together. So Isabella did, but busted getting an 8.

Flora considered her 16, “Hit me.”

ASTRID dealt out a card while saying, “Well maybe if you ask nicely dear. I think Mark would enjoy that.” Flora busted getting a 10.

Merida had twenty showing, “Stand.” ASTRID flipped over a 2, then dealt herself a 4 and a ten.

“Dealer Busts.” Everyone but Flora and Isabella got their payouts. They put in another ante.

Mark asked Merida, “So Merida, when I talked to Chloe she mentioned why you wanted the extra BP. Care to talk about it?”

“I mean, aye, I guess?” Merida replied as Talia indicated a hit and busted. “I really dinnae want tae become yer dress-up doll, okay.” Laura stood, with 20.

“Okay, sure. But what were you thinking of buying to prevent that? Also… did you consider you could still get a doll TF even if you pick up something else?” Mark said, hitting getting 19 and standing.

Isabella looked down at her 16 and the face up 3 ASTRID had. “Um… should I hit on this? Also doll TF? What do you mean by that?”

“No you stand Isabella.” Talia responded. “I don’t know exactly what would tickle Mark’s fancy here but I can guess what it might look like. I mean being turned into a living latex blowup doll is possible, but I don’t think that is where Merida is heading. More like she’d either be a living mannequin, statue, or like a doll, with ball joints and things like that. Maybe replaceable hair.”

Isabella asked, “But why? Like Mark, are you into that, mijo?” Flora hit with a 12 showing and busted.

“A little, yes.” Mark said apologetically, “Sorry, if that creeps you out. But yeah I could definitely see that coming up too. I just wanted to point out to you, Merida, that I don’t think most animal or non-human TFs would preclude you getting that option. Like you would just be an animal girl doll.”

“Hmm… That’s a guid point. I’m gonnae split these aces, ASTRID.” She got a 2 and an 8. “I’ll stand on the 19 and hit on the other hand. I hadnae considered that. D’ye think that would be true for a plant-girl? Also I’ll stand on the second 19.”

“Maybe? Also you were thinking plant-girl? Not sure that’s the best choice.”

“Dealer gets 20. ASTRID said turning over a jack and then dealing herself a 8.”

“DAMNIT.” Merida growled in frustration. “Aye, I was. I figured it would be mair likely tae keep me from bein’ a doll. Why I thought you would be fine wi’ me bein’ a plant-girl. Isnae that somethin’ you are intae too?”

“Sure. If that is something you want I’m not going to stop you okay. I just want you to consider things. Also I really like your Scottish look Merida. I’d hate for you to lose that.”

They played a few more hands, of small antes, with Merida on a losing streak, and Talia on a winning streak, the others mostly stayed the same or at small losses or gains.

Talia spoke up before people bet, “The deck is hot at the moment this is when to increase your bets.” Talia put in 150BP, Laura put in 500BP, Mark increased his to 100BP, Isabella followed Mark’s lead, Flora went to 200 BP.

Merida was frustrated. “Damnit.”

“Merida, calm down.” Flora said.

“Dinnae tell me tae calm doon. I’m gonnae hae tae be a bloody mannequin at this rate.”

Talia chimed in, “Then why did you offer that as collateral? Flora is right, you should calm down. Honestly I don’t see what the problem is. Like I’m happy to help you pick something else. I just think you are blowing things out of proportion. I also think that maybe you are secretly hoping to enjoy being displayed in the shops.”

“So ye think I should juist be Mark’s doll?”

“What would be so bad about that?” Talia asked.

“Talia, ye cannae be serious! I’m a person, damn it.”

“So are Flora, Isabella, Sam, Aubrey, Laura and Allie. They aren’t cats, or wolves or sheep. Laura is actually a goddess so maybe that is a bit different. I guess Sam is actually a dragon too, but she’s still a person too. Or don’t you agree? Do you think they’re pets? Because isn’t that what you’re implying, by saying if you get a doll or mannequin TF changing your body you are then a doll. They got animal TFs so are they animals, not people?”

Mark added on. “Merida you know I’m not going to treat you like less of a person no matter what TFs you get right? So please don’t do anything rash.”

Merida felt defiant “ASTRID, ye said we get better odds fo' straight bets, right?”

“That is correct Merida.”

“Merida,—” Laura placed a hand over Mark’s mouth. Mark tried to pry Laura’s hand off, but despite his new physique she was still stronger than him.

“Mark, please stop talking, you and Talia are going to push Merida into doing something reckless because you keep telling her to stop.” Laura explained. “Merida, I’m not going to tell you not to do that. Just be sure that is what you really want. There are also more ways to get there, then just this. So please just consider your options, and if you are doing this because you want to or not.”

Merida, looked at Laura as Laura removed her hand from Mark’s mouth, “Thanks Laura, I’ll keep that in mind. ASTRID, whit would I get if I wanted tae make a wager that was the same as my collateral?”

“It would be valued at 1500 BP.”

“Then I’d like tae bet that and an additional 500 BP.”

“Merida!” Mark exclaimed, but ASTRID started to deal. “That was reckless.”

“Dinnae care. I’m in a huge hole anyway right now, if the deck is hot this is my best chance tae pull oot o’ it. I’m gonnae hae tae be in the shop windows anyway if I dinnae make my BP back.” Merida retorted.

“Mark, I actually agree with Merida to some extent. This is when she should increase her bets. I think she may have gone overboard, but Laura's 500BP bet isn’t ridiculous.”

ASTRID was dealing out the second set of cards, “That is a blackjack for Talia.” Laura had 18, Mark got 20, Isabella had 19, “Flora with another blackjack,”, and Merida had 20. ASTRID dealt her last card. “I have an Ace showing would anyone like to place insurance?”

“What’s that?” Flora asked.

Talia beat ASTRID to the punch, “Essentially you put a second bet down, betting that Astrid has a blackjack. If she does, you win 2:1 and your regular hand pushes, meaning it counts as a tie, even if you would normally lose. But if she doesn’t have a blackjack you lose the insurance bet, and the hand resolves normally. Those of us with blackjacks definitely shouldn’t do it. Since we would tie even if she does have a black jack. With how many high cards were dealt out the count went negative, before ASTRID’s second card.”

ASTRID spoke up, “Talia I have just been informed of a rules change going forward. While you can count cards yourself. You can’t do it for other people. That isn’t just you but we aren’t allowing coaching at the table anymore. You can do it beforehand but not at the table. Please allow any rules explanations to be handled by me as well. So insurance, anyone? Also to clarify your insurance bet is equal to half your current bet.”

People were considering it. Talia, and Isabella shook their heads. Mark decided to place the insurance bet of 50 for himself, Laura decided against it.

Merida thought. That would be a lot. I don’t actually have the chips for that. So I would have to put in another wager. So if I do it and she has blackjack I win big but if I do it and she doesn’t I’m going to have to do work in the store anyway. Even if I win the hand and can buy back my collateral. Mark took it but everyone else didn’t… I think Talia would have if she didn’t have a blackjack… at least I think she would. Screw her, screw Mark. I’ll show them. “I’m good.”

ASTRID impassively examined her face down card to check if she had a blackjack. “Dealer has blackjack.” ASTRID said, revealing a king.

Merida grimaced, and was on the verge of tears. Mark stood up and walked over to her and gently wrapped his arms around her. “Merida, it will be okay. This isn’t the end of the world. I’ll look to see if I can get you something in the store if it is really this important to you okay?” Merida just nodded, while trembling.

“I reckon I should just be done. I reckon this was a pure mistake, this was.” Merida said morosely.

“I think that’s a good idea. Now you have some chips you can’t cash into BP. So do I. ASTRID is there like a chance wheel, where we can use chips that we can’t cash for BP but don’t have enough to get our collateral back?”

“Yes we developed it so you wouldn’t waste chips. It is towards the far end of the room by the band.”

“Okay I think I’ve had enough so I’m going to spin the wheel.” Mark said

“I’m going to join you, I only have 75 BP in chips” Isabella said.

“I think I’m going to keep playing for a bit.” Talia said.

Laura nodded in agreement, “Same here.”

Flora considered, “I think I’ll take my winnings and cash out. But I’m going to hang around with Laura and Talia, assuming they don’t mind.”

“I guess I might as well go spin the wheel.” Merida said, “I only hae 200 in chips.”

So Mark, Merida and Isabella went to go spin the wheel. They found another ASTRID by it, “~WELCOME TO THE WONDERFUL WHEEL OF WHIMSY!~ So to explain you spend your chips for a spin, the more you spend the better the options on the wheel.”

“There are so many, I can hardly read whit any o’ them say.” Merida was squintin’ at the wheel. “Whatever, I hae 200 chips. Can I put them all on one spin?”

“Absolutely. ~AND HERE WE GO~” ASTRID spun the wheel enthusiastically. It spun and spun and spun. “~Whoopsie~ I may have spun it a bit too hard.” After almost two minutes it slowed and came to a stop.

“Gold slices are typically guid on these things, right, then?” Merida asked.

“~INDEED~ They are the best, actually. You won a jackpot.”

“Wait really?” Merida asked for confirmation. ASTRID nodded.

“Now let me change this to the Jackpot wheel so we find out which jackpot you won.” She pulled a lever and the wheel rotated so the back was now front, with fewer spokes, most were gold slices, but there were a few other colors of glittering gemstones. “Would you like to spin the wheel? Just a warning if it spins less than two times around it doesn’t count, and I’ll spin it.”

Merida was finally feeling hopeful, especially as she walked up she read one of the slices showing 10k BP in chips. Please, that one. Merida spun the wheel. As it slowed the wheel just passed by the 10k BP in chips. ~Click~,~Click~,~Click~.

“~OH how splendid!~ This one affects your upcoming TFs.” ASTRID beamed.

“How is that a jackpot?” Merida was frowning.

“Well, after the challenge not only will all three of your TF options be a quality grade higher, but Mark, Cassandra, and you will be taken into a time dilated room. Where you will have substantial say over what your TFs will actually be. Not complete control mind you but substantial. Realize that if you place poorly you might not have favorable TFs but they should be at least neutral even if you place last. Unless you refuse to participate of course.”

“Oh! Well, that is awesome.” Merida perked up some at that. I guess this might have been worthwhile after all. Still not looking forward to being a mannequin.

“Congrats Merida,” Mark smiled at her, “Glad something good came out of this for you. That also means you don’t need to rush getting that TF right?”

“I guess that’s true.”

“Okay my turn” Isabella stepped up. “I only have 75 BP in chips.” ASTRID spun the wheel after turning it back over. It stopped on a ‘???’ slice. “Does that mean it’s a mystery slice?”

“No, the question marks mean you get to ask questions, ~Silly~. There are three of them so you get three questions. Cassandra, I or Mark have to answer them truthfully to the best of our knowledge. Redeem them at your leisure.”

Mark asked, “That’s not going to be something she can use accidentally right?”

“No, only on purpose. It is a prize ~Master~” ASTRID sighed affectionately looking at Mark.

“Would you like to spin now Master?”

“Yes. I’ve got 400 in chips.”

“Excellent! One Moment.” ASTRID pulled another lever and a different wheel came up from the floor. “Here is the Master’s Wheel.” She waved her hands towards the wheel. ASTRID looked at Mark expectantly. Mark wasn’t sure what she wanted. “Master… aren’t you going to spin it?”

“Oh, I thought you were going to spin it.”

ASTRID placed a hand on her chest in shock, “Me… Spin… your wheel… while I would be honoured ~Master~, I simply couldn’t. It’s for you.”

“Astrid. Please spin the wheel for me.”

ASTRID nearly wept for joy and was struggling between really wanting to do it, wanting to follow Mark’s orders but also not wanting to sully something of Mark’s. “OH Thank you, ~Mark!~” Astrid spun the wheel. As it slowed ASTRID got excited, and when it stopped frowned. “I’m so sorry! I got you a gag prize.” ASTRID looked genuinely distraught.

Mark shrunk two and half feet in height as he shifted into being Mary. “Eeep!” Mary covered herself, but not before Merida and Isabella got an eyeful. As Mary was correct before, Cassandra did not give Mary a set of clothes as part of the TF. “Why can’t I change back, Astrid?”

+3 VP See Mistress Totally Nude (Allie&Isabella)

“Mistress, that is part of the gag. You’re stuck until you get back to your suite. You also can’t put on clothes or cover yourself except with your hands. I’m deeply sorry Mistress.”

Mary was flustered. “Also why am I so much curvier, I wasn’t this curvy before.”

“I believe that is a combination of Chloe’s TF and your own Mistress, but you would have to check with Cassandra.”

“Okay well, Merida I’m leaving to go to the suite right now. Isabella, you are welcome to come with me, since you have to go there anyway.” Mary saw that her phone was on the floor, and picked it up.

Mary: Hilde can you pick me up right outside of the casino?

Hilde: Sorry bosslady, no can do. Not allowed to take the carriage into town. Contestant got injured once stepping out in front of the carriage by accident. They were ultimately fine, but no more carriage in town.

Mary: Fine can you just get as close to the Casino as possible and send me directions to that spot. Also I don’t want you to make any comments when you see me. Okay?

Hilde: Okay. Sending you directions now.

“Alright, I see an exit over here Isabella you coming?” Mary was already halfway to the door arm pressed over her breasts to keep them from jiggling. Isabella hurried after her. “Merida, see you later okay.” Mary then rushed out the door streaking through town.