Go Big...

~ping.~

Sam felt warm, rested, and relaxed, with just the beginnings of consciousness stirring.

~ping!~

She felt something jostle her as her very comfy pillow moved ever so slightly. “Five more minutes,” she mumbled in a sleepy voice and nuzzled into her pillow. It really is a great pillow. Warm, firm, yet soft and cushy.

~PING!~

Sam felt someone gently stroke her hair back. Please, just a bit more. I want to enjoy this soft, warm bed and amazing pillow just a bit more.

~POP~ Sam was jolted awake. “Okay, you two, I was trying to gently tell you to get up, but it is nearly 10 am,” Cassandra chastised them. “Normally, I would allow you two to be all lovey-dovey and just stream your subconscious thoughts to the audience since there’s a market for that. But I have also been getting requests from Freya to get you to breakfast, but that’s up to you.” And with another ~POP~, Cassandra vanished.

“Morning, sleepy head. Do I make a good pillow?” Mark smiled at her with affection in his eyes.

“Very much so. Best night of sleep in a good while.” Sam placed a hand on Mark’s bare chest, really wanting to go back to sleep. She noticed Mark’s arm was around the back of her waist and found she liked it there. “I guess we should get dressed and head down to breakfast.” Sam slipped out of Mark’s embrace effortlessly and walked over to the wardrobe with a spring in her step.

Mark followed her and grabbed a polo shirt and slacks to wear. “I’ll go change in the bathroom and shave, feeling the stubble come in. Could you shout when you’re finished changing?”

“Sure, no problem.” As Mark walked to the bathroom, Sam was considering what to wear. The butler uniform is more like normal clothing than anything else I got yesterday. But, do I want normal? I mean, I might as well be in a fairytale. Yeah, no, I’m not going with the magical girl. But this cape… okay, I think I’ll go with this one.

Sam slipped into the outfit and fastened the cape around her shoulders. She looked into the nearby mirror to make sure everything looked to be in place. As she did, she saw various versions of herself, most flickered away quickly until only two remained. It started with her and Mark at an altar, getting married; he was in a tuxedo. While she was wearing something very similar to what she was now, A white military uniform, with a skirt coming down to just below her knees, a floor-length cape was affixed to her shoulders, which was stylized and fitted to act like a wedding train. It flashed forward to the image of her walking through the front door of a house in her military dress uniform; she had been promoted a few times, it seemed. She could hear a cry in her head MOMMY’S HOME, from a pair of children. Just before they came into view, the scene shifted.

She saw herself in an office near the top floor of a skyscraper overlooking a metropolitan city, but she couldn’t immediately place which one. Behind the desk was a portrait of herself in a stylish suit jacket and pencil skirt. At the bottom of it read Samantha Garret, ne Irving - CEO, Garret Information and Security Consultants. On the side of the room was a weapons rack showing off various melee weapons, but this Samantha picked up a Bo Staff, which looked identical to the ones used yesterday. Moved through a set of stances and movements with the staff, showing absolute perfect control of her body and training with the staff. A man walked in and spoke with the sound resounding in her mind, “Missus Garret, I have that file you requested. The one on Ellen’s most recent stalker.”

“Thank you, Jeffrey. Once I review it, I’ll let you know how to proceed with handling him.” Samantha reviewed the file and placed it in the top drawer of a filing cabinet right at the front. Pushing back the other folders with big red Xs on the front of them. Samantha Garret loved her family, and no one messed with her family.

Sam came back to herself, feeling like there was something wrong, like she had learned something important, but couldn’t quite remember it. “Mark, I'm done changing.” A scowl still on her face in contemplation.

Mark came out of the bathroom with all traces of stubble gone and gave an approving nod, looking over Sam, “Looking g— Sam? What’s wrong?” he had cut himself off seeing Sam’s facial expression.

“I—I’m not sure. I was getting dressed. Then I was making sure that everything was in the right place in the mirror. I felt like I learned something really important. Like it’s on the tip of my tongue, or just out of sight, but I can’t remember it.”

“The mirror? Wait, Cassandra said that was this room's Amenity. Let me call her.” He got out his phone, but she just appeared in a POP.

“What? Couldn’t get enough of me? Well, Mark, you are charming, but I’m not going to be part of your Harem, so forget it, buster.”

“Cassandra, you know why I wanted to speak with you. The Mirror. What does it do? I want a proper explanation.”

“Nothing nefarious, I promise. It just shows current likely futures and leaves a faint lingering memory of it. Like a song you know the tune to, but can’t remember the words for. Or a dream, that you can remember the feelings but not the details. It neither compels nor instills a desire. Just shows likely possibilities.”

“No funny business? Really just a possible future? No, manipulating them into becoming that in any way?”

“I promise, no manipulation. Well, at least no magical manipulation.”

“Cassandra!”

“What? Look, I don't want to lie to you. So I clarified. The only manipulation is getting them to think about the potential futures. The mirror is offering them choices which they are free to ignore and try for something else, but it is offering the most probable outcomes, unless something radically alters their path. I’m not altering them in any way.”

“Mark.” Sam placed her hand on his arm. “Assuming we can trust her.” Sam gave a skeptical glance towards Cassandra. “Then it isn’t something to worry about. It doesn’t seem intrusive. But you might want to watch Aubrey if she is going to use it.”

“Fine, Cassandra. I hope you are not lying because if I find out that you are.”

“You'll do what? What do you think you can do to me?”

“There isn’t a lot, but you want me to care about these girls. Congrats. Because I do. So, there isn’t a lot I can do to you, but I am pretty sure that I could convince most of them to use the Wish at the end against you. And given your comments about your Producer, pretty sure he would let that happen. Like I said, Cassandra, I hope you aren’t lying to me, because I actually sort of like you. You’re a decent host. I get that there are things that are outside your control, and I won’t take vengeance for that. I would hate it if one of the girls gets eliminated, but unless you set it up intentionally. I get that it is part of the show. But you deliberately lie to me when it comes to the well-being of my Harem members, and we will have a problem.”

Cassandra gave Mark a calculating gaze, “You really are just about perfect for this role.” Then she gave him a smile and vanished.

“Well, that was odd.” Sam chimed in.

“Let’s get down to breakfast to see what sort of trouble the others wound up in.”

“Right, you said Freya was being cryptic about the others yesterday, before. Well, before I went on a tirade. Any idea about what?”

“She said it would be obvious at breakfast, but that there shouldn’t be any lasting consequences. Maybe it got more problematic overnight.”

They headed out of the building and found Hilde waiting impatiently, tapping her foot by the carriage.

“Hilde, can you tell me what is going on? No one will tell me.”

“I could bossman, but I won’t. And unlike Freya, you can’t order me to do that. Not in my job description. Besides, it's better if you just see it for yourself. So I’ll take you there if you get in the carriage.”

“Fine, let’s go see what is going on.” Mark opened the door for Sam and offered a hand to give her a slight lift into the rather high carriage.

“Mark, calm down. It won’t help to be anxious when you get there.” She placed a hand on his rapidly bouncing leg.

“Sorry. It’s just I would like a couple of days where something crazy doesn’t happen.” Mark started counting off on his fingers. “****, The thing with Ellen, Allie not being able to think straight, now whatever this is. Those are just the largest things to have cropped up.”

“Speaking of the thing with Ellen… About Flora, do you think you can just let it go? Please.”

Mark sighed, “Do you know exactly what happened? Or just general details.”

“Generalities. Something about the bondage stuff in the tower and a lot of orgasms.”

“Well, it isn’t just what or why she did what she did. It is about the very real danger she put Ellen in. How do you think it would have felt to have something like 120+ orgasms all at once, where each became stronger the more there were?”

“Uh… I honestly have no idea, but I could imagine the pleasure would cause her to go ****, maybe insane?”

“Yeah, Cassandra had said that by the time I got there, they had 44 orgasms, and they still had about another 16 hours left. I’m not totally convinced yet that there isn’t going to be some permanent fallout.”

“Ellen and Aubrey have already talked it over with her. Not saying Ellen is going to trust Flora with something like that again, but I think they have come to an understanding. Please let it go.”

“I’ll talk to Ellen before I do anything. If she says to drop it, I will, but I’m not sure I’m just going to forgive her and pretend she didn’t mess up badly. Okay, Sam?”

“I guess that’s fair. But could you tell Flora that so she isn’t just waiting for you to punish her.”

“Sure, after we resolve whatever Freya told me about.”

Sam gave Mark’s hand a light squeeze and smiled at him.

Mark and Sam stepped out of the carriage to a sight he was thoroughly confused by. He saw Hilde rushing over to help her sister keep a few of the girls at the table, as they seemed to want to sort of wander off in a daze.

“Okay, Freya, can you explain what the hell happened here?”

“I apologize, Sir,” She said with a deep bow and a sad expression on her face. “I failed in the task you assigned me. Allow me to start from the beginning.” Freya began to explain yesterday’s events to Mark in detail.

Shortly after Lunchtime

“Hey, Allie, could you come here for a sec?” Chloe called out to her.

A giddy Allie skipped over, arms swaying at her side, not a care in the world, with Freya following close behind her. “Yea Clo? What you need Allie for?”

“Well, do you remember you said you would talk to me about the effects of the candies?”

“Oh. No. But Allie is happy to talk with Clo. The candies were delicious and felt really good. Still feel really good. Make Allie happy, but make it hard for Allie to think.”

“Do you think we could go to one of our rooms and talk about it? Merida and I had been thinking of taking some of the candies today, so that way the effects should be out of our system by Merida’s night with Mark.”

“Why? Mark seemed to like Allie’s milky titties.”

“I’m sure he does, he probably would like to see Merida like that too, but I think Merida would prefer to be able to show Mark the real her. When I told you to take them before your date, it was because I thought you didn’t need to worry about that like us, so you could just have some interesting fun. But Merida hasn’t spoken to Mark in fifteen years.”

“Clo, Allie may not be able to think well. But you aren’t fooling Allie. Merida talked with him yesterday and this morning.”

“Fifteen years before coming on the show.”

“Oh, that makes more sense. Sure, let's go to my new room. It smells really nice.”

“Let me just grab Merida, and we can head over. I think she would be interested to hear the effects as well.”

So Chloe, Allie, Merida, and Freya went to the Sultan’s Sugar Garden.

“By 'eck, this place is somethin' plush, an' awfu' red.” Merida exclaimed “Och, an' whit is that smell?”

“I think it’s nice, sort of fragrant,” Chloe responded.

“Yea, it smells like cinnamon and happiness!” Exclaimed Allie, “Does Merida really not like Allie’s new room?” she said with a bit of a pout.

“Ah like the room juist fine, but tha smell is awfu' strang.”

“Might I suggest leaving the door open to let some fresh air circulate, Young Miss Allie?” Freya suggested.

“Okay, but only because I like Merida a lot more than the nice smells.”

"Eh? Cheers. Ah, think?"

They all got comfortable lounging on different piles of pillows in the room, as there was very little furniture besides the bed and table, and the bottom of the room. Then Chloe began questioning Allie, pulling out a lab notebook and pen.

“Okay, so what can you tell me about the two candies? Let’s start with the Hot Tatamales.”

“OH, they made Allie’s nippies feel really good. Like when Markie would touch Allie down here.” Placing one hand firmly on her crotch. “But it was so distracting this morning, and Allie’s titties were so big Allie couldn’t wear a bra or top.”

“But you’re wearing those now? Did the effects end?”

“It stopped when Freya fondled Allie’s titties.”

“That is not what happened.” Freya corrected. “I did not fondle the Young Miss.”

“Freya, don’t lie. Lies are wrong.” Allie pouted, “You rubbed your hands all over Allie’s titties and made them not sensitive so Allie could wear stuff. Why would you lie? Do you not like Allie?” Her lip was quivering with sadness.

Freya sighed, “Young Miss Allie, yes, I touched your breasts to rub a numbing cream on them, not to fondle them. I like you perfectly well, but the way you described it would imply that we were being sexually intimate, which we were not.”

“An—And people thinking we were int—inta— doing things, would make Freya sad? So you don’t like Allie? Because Allie thinks Freya is really pretty. Allie would kind of like to do things with Freya. But Allie understands, Freya does not like Allie.”

“Young Miss Allie, it’s not that I don’t like you.”

“It’s not? So Freya would do things with Allie?”

“I—maybe someday. I don’t feel comfortable… doing things like that at this time. Okay. It isn’t because I don’t like you.”

“Okay, Allie will wait. Freya is kind and pretty. Plus, Freya should probably do things with Markie first.”

Freya did not respond to that, just letting out an exasperated sigh, while Merida and Chloe were giving each other glances and smirking with amusement.

“Okay, Allie. Back on topic. Were there any other effects from the Tatamales?”

“No, just really sensitive titties.”

“Okay, good, what about the Milked Dumbs?”

“Well... Allie’s titties got big, not this big, but big. And Milky. Allie thought Allie was pregnant, but Markie said that not how babies work.” Allie said a little glumly. This caused Merida and Chloe to give each other worried glances.

“Allie, did you and Mark want kids? I mean, before this. I just want to make sure it wasn’t the candy.”

“Yeah, Allie wants Markie’s babies. Markie wanted to wait until married.”

“Okay, so if the candy didn’t make you this big, what did?”

“Uh, Milk? Being Milked? Milking Markie? Allie think?”

“Whit in God's name dae ye mean by milkin' Mark?”

“Markie’s thingy, Allie milked it with Allie’s mouth and pussy.”

“So Mark also took one of the candies?”

“Yeah, Markie and Allie took a dummy each.”

“Okay, anything else they did?”

“They made Markie want Allie to milk Markie? And drink Markie’s milk?”

“Okay, so an oral fetish and cum fetish in Mark, and lactation and breast expansion for Allie. So what made it harder to think and made your breasts bigger?”

“Uh, everything for smarts, and milking Markie for titties.”

“And do you have any idea how much you consumed?”

“Is, a lot, a number?”

“Okay, thanks, Allie. Actually, would you mind if we got some of your milk for testing?”

“I don’t think that is a good idea, Miss Chloe.” Freya’s disapproval, evident.

“Allie not mind Freya, Allie has lots of milk since Allie no have baby for milk.”

“Allie—”

Chloe cut off Freya. “Freya, Allie agreed to help me with testing these. Please stay out of it.” Freya gave Chloe a disapproving stare but kept silent.

“Clo, don’t be mean to Freya. If Clo continue to be mean, Allie won’t help Clo.”

“Sorry, Allie, I wasn’t trying to be mean.”

“Okay, so do Clo want to drink Allie’s milk right from the titties or some other way?”

“Let me go get a container. Cassandra actually gave me some instruments to run tests with for this.” Chloe quickly ran and fetched a few measuring containers, not knowing what size would be appropriate. “Okay, so Allie, I was wondering could we try milking you until you feel empty?”

“Allie, not sure. Allie hasn’t felt empty titties and titties been leaking since taking candy.”

“I see, then can I get a few liters?”

“What’s a le turs?”

“I mean, can you fill up some of these glasses?”

“Sure, no problem.”

“ALLIE!” Freya finally had enough. “Please reconsider. I don’t believe Master Mark would be pleased that you are doing this?”

“Why not Markie said Markie was fine with sharing Allie with the others. Is Freya saying that Markie was lying to Allie?”

“I doubt that he was lying. But sharing you isn’t why he would be upset. This would make it harder for you to think for longer. Lady Merida, please back me up. Miss Chloe, please reconsider.”

“Look, Freya, ah’m no’ sayin’ ah agree wi’ this entirely, but ah’d also like tae no’ be walkin’ intae it blind. As Chloe an’ me, weel, we micht’ve accidentally set aff Chloe’s transformations when we made a deal earlier this week.”

“So you think taking advantage of Young Miss Allie while she is in this state is a good idea? After what happened with Lady Ellen? You think Master Mark is going to be pleased?” Freya scolded her. “Please reconsider. If I were allowed to physically restrain you from doing this, I would, but I can’t without Master Mark explicitly ordering me to.”

“Aye, she’s made a guid point, Chloe.”

“How about this? I get everyone together, and we discuss it like adults.”

Freya was not pleased and sighed, “Better than nothing, I suppose. Maybe Mistress Laura will talk some sense into you.”

Chloe had sent out a text to everyone but Mark and Sam, asking them if everyone could meet up somewhere, as she wanted help with something. Not having anything better to do, everyone agreed to meet at the cottage.

“Okay, Chloe, what do you need help with?” Talia asked once everyone was outside the cottage.

“MS. Chloe needs help receiving a swift kick in the butt to come to her senses.” Freya fumed.

“Why's she got her drawers all in a twist?” Ellen inquired of Chloe.

“Because she wants to stop Allie from helping me test the candies. Which she agreed to do when she was of sound mind. I am looking to test the effects of her milk more accurately.”

“She wants to take advantage of Allie and keep her dumb for longer.” Freya shot back.

“I am not taking advantage of her; she specifically agreed to help me test the candies if I let her have them for her date with Mark. She isn’t **** to continue this either; I specifically didn’t bind the agreement, so if or when Allie feels uncomfortable, she could say so, and we would stop.”

“Chloe, Allie is clearly not in her right mind right now. Even if she agreed before.” Talia said, “We don’t need another incident like the other night.”

“COULD EVERYONE STOP TALKING ABOUT ALLIE LIKE ALLIE NOT HERE! ALLIE IS HER OWN PERSON!” She stomped her foot with a pouty face.

“Allie did say Allie would help Clo, and Clo didn’t make Allie have to. Allie checked. Allie might not be… normal right now. But Allie isn’t dumb, Allie understand what will happen to Allie if Allie milked. Allie will find it harder to words. Freya say that Allie will words normally tomorrow, right now, so Allie have trouble with words a bit longer. Allie is okay with that. Allie has been happy this morning until everyone is fighting over Allie helping Clo. Freya, Allie happy that Freya cares about Allie and wants to keep Allie safe. Allie wants to do this. Allie, sorry for doubting that Freya liked Allie. Allie knows Freya will keep Allie from hurting Allie. So please, Freya, let Allie help.”

“Sorry, Freya, I agree that this might not be the best idea. But even if Allie isn’t operating at full capacity, that was both coherent and rational. I’m not going to stop her unless you can tell me she is being compelled or that it is actually dangerous or can cause lasting harm.” Laura stated matter of factly.

“I can’t, Mistress Laura.”

“Okay then. Allie, I want you to know I agree with Freya here, you shouldn’t do this, but if you are insistent on helping Chloe out, I think we all should stay and help keep things under control. Does that work for you?”

“Allie is okay with that. Allie likes everyone here. Allie would enjoy spending time with everyone.”

“I would also like to make a request, Allie.” Allie looked at Talia quizzically. “I’m concerned about this as well. I know you all might see me as a wet blanket, but I think it would be best for there to be someone not involved in all this who can say nope too far we’re stopping now. Like a designated driver sort of and maybe we could all move inside the cottage or one of the other rooms. If Chloe is going to actually be testing the milk, I assume someone will be drinking it.”

“Talia is smart. Allie wishes Talia liked girls. Allie would kiss Talia every morning, so Talia would have Talia’s voice back.” Talia went a little red at Allie’s weird compliment, “Allie understand, though Markie no like boys, which Allie think strange. Allie would like either Laura or Talia to be the person thingy that Talia described.”

“If we are doing this, can I request that both are?” Freya said, already exhausted.

“Well now, I reckon you brung the rest o' us here on account o' you aim to use us as test subjects,” reasoned Ellen, “Not like I'm against givin' new things a twirl. I reckon we all oughta help out, might could also keep any o' us from gettin' too ditzy.”

“I—I’m not sure I want to be involved in this.” Flora said meekly, “It just seems like it could go like the other night.”

“Listen here, missy, I’m still a little riled up with you, pitch in, and I'll talk to Mark ’bout leavin’ you be.”

“Re—really? I guess. I mean, it isn’t like we all have to get to Allie’s state, right?”

“Of course not, I actually thought the candy was going to be lactation-based, so I actually came up with a series of tests.” Chloe opened her lab book. “I just need to do a small revision now that I have some initial feedback. And thank you, Ellen and Flora. Aubrey, you in? I already know Merida agreed to help out.”

“Allie wants Aubrey to join in, too. Aubrey, wouldn’t it be nice to have milky titties like when Aubrey has Markie’s babies? Get ex—experi— ex-per-i-ence with milking?”

Aubrey did like the idea A LOT, “I well, I wouldn’t want to be left out, so unless Laura or Talia you want to instead, I could take one of your places as the DD.”

“Nope,” the two said in unison.

“YIPPIE! Allie is so happy. Just wait until everyone tastes it. The milk is so good!”

Mark sighed, “Okay, I can see where this went. But why are all their breasts so big? Allie’s milk should only reduce their intelligence. At least I’m pretty sure about that.”

Chloe came over, seeing that Mark had arrived. “Sam, would you mind taking over Allie watching while I explain the rest to Mark? Freya, you probably can go help with the others, too.”

“Oh no, I am making sure that Master Mark knows exactly how dumb you were, MA’AM,” Freya mustered as much derision to her voice as she could, “I’m not letting you try to weasel out of this. I told you not to do this pretty much every step of the way.”

“How about this,” Talia interrupted, “An actual neutral party explains it to Mark, and you two go back to dealing with this mess?” Freya looked mad, but not at Talia.

“Very well, Dame Talia, I trust that you will be truthful with him.” Freya practically dragged Chloe away to go help manage the mess she had made. With Sam following after them.

“Okay, so Freya is pissed. Care to explain, Talia? Also, how are you talking?”

“I closed my eyes and let Laura kiss me, with everything going on, not being able to communicate was a problem. Yes, Freya is angry mostly at Chloe, but I actually think she is mad at most of us. Not Allie, but probably at least a bit of everyone else. Things started off simple enough; we all did this puzzle test Chloe made. Got everyone’s time, did a few tries to get a baseline. Then everyone but Laura, Chloe, Freya, and I had some of Allie’s milk. Did that a few times, then someone I forget who had the bright idea to make milkshakes with her milk, Chloe had asked if she could add the last Milked Dumb to the blender to see what effect it would have when split among multiple people.”

“Laura and I talked about it with Freya, but we thought it wouldn’t be too bad, one candy split over five people.”

“Five? I thought only Aubrey, Ellen, Merida, and Flora were doing this.”

“At first, but once milkshakes were brought up, Allie was pretty insistent that she get one too. Honestly, I don’t think that would have been too bad by itself. See, we gave Aubrey the least since she has the date tonight with you, also in theory we think it will be gone by this evening since we started just after lunch, and most of the stuff was done and under relative control when Freya texted you. At least until this morning.”

“The problem was that we let Merida help Chloe make the milkshakes, when none of the people who took anything should have been involved in the process. We found out eventually Merida put both of the Hot Tatamales Chloe had given her to hold onto earlier this week into the milkshake blender. Also, you are slightly mistaken about the milk only reducing intelligence. It also causes milk production, at least in women not already lactating. Honestly, Freya convincing Cassandra to let us all stay in the Sultan’s Sugar Garden last night is probably the only saving grace as to why it isn’t worse. See, the milked dumbs apparently have an effect when mixed with milk from someone under the effects of milked dumbs, at least that is Chloe’s conclusion. Specifically, it increases milk production when milk is consumed. And the girls couldn’t help touching themselves because of the Hot Tatamales. I think you can figure out the rest.”

“What can I do to help?”

“Honestly, not much, maybe you could take Aubrey off our hands even if she is the least impaired, just start your date early, keep it simple, and then do what Aubrey had planned in the evening instead. Oh, Mark, I want to mention Chloe gave all the Cockolate Bunnies to Laura yesterday, pretty sure she is planning on using them with you, just a heads up.”

“Thanks, Talia, for helping to look after everyone.”

“No problem, did you happen to think about what we talked about?”

“I — I did a bit. I don’t have a full list yet. I’ll make sure I have one by the morning of our date, okay. But I still don’t think you should take the deal.”

“I know you do. I’m still undecided and exhausted. I didn't have much time to mull it over, but I mentioned it to Laura and Freya, and both said they would come up with some ideas that wouldn’t be too bad, but still work.”

“Okay, let me make the rounds just to check on everyone, and then I’ll take off with Aubrey.”

Mark looked them all over, and dang, were they big now.

He moved to Allie first, “Hey, Love. You okay?”

“Allie, peachy. Allie fuzzy. Allie sleepy. Markie kissy Allie, please.” With her arms outstretched, making a grabby motion. Mark leaned into her and gave her a few kisses.

“Okay, I’m going to go check on the others, okay?”

“Bye-bye, Markie. Allie missed Markie, Allie sleepy time now.” Allie got up from the picnic table and went to curl up against the cottage exterior, looking like a little puppy taking a nap.

Next up was Flora, who was doing much the same as Allie up against a nearby tree, but with a sullen expression. Mark tried to keep any annoyance out of his voice. “Hey, Flora, are you doing okay?”

“Mark? Marky Mark? I’m sorry, I’m a stupid little kitty. A stupid. Horny. Little. Kitty. I said sorry to Ellie and Brie, and they forgave me, but only kind of. I really am sorry, I just wanted to have fun playing with Ellie, teasing her a bit.”

“Flora, first, you aren’t stupid, at least not normally. I talked things over with Sam. I am upset with you, and I don’t think that is going to change immediately, but I agreed to talk it over with Ellen if she thinks you have atoned, then that will be that. Okay?”

“Thanks, I can try to make it up to you, not punish but like… earn forgiveness. Not sexual. Like earn trust back.”

“Sure, we can talk about it more later.”

Mark moved on to Ellen next, with Laura standing next to her holding a chain attached to a collar. “Okay, explain. Why is she in a **** Leia outfit?”

“She’s more docile and obedient this way. We had to strip her out of her Cowgirl costume because she just wanted to milk all of the boobs like they were udders, even her own. I told her to lie down and go to sleep a bit before you got here. Whoever needs a break is in charge of making sure she doesn’t wander off, as, besides Aubrey, who we can actually trust to stay in the area, Ellen is the easiest to deal with. I’ll make sure she knows you checked on her later.”

“Thanks, Laura.”

“Mark. We need to talk about your reaction with Flora,” she said in a low voice, not to get the others’ attention.

“Laura, I already talked with Sam. I am going to talk with Ellen if she tells me to leave it be, I will.”

“No, Mark. We need to talk about this, not now, though. And if Ellen wanted to do something to Flora as punishment, that would be one thing. But regardless of what Ellen tells you, you need to understand that if you punish Flora, that you and I are going to have a problem. We’ll talk more later. It won't be a productive talk right now.”

“Okay, fine. We’ll talk later.” Mark walked off, annoyed but not completely sure by what.

Mark entered the cottage to check on Merida. “Hey Merida, —”

“Och! Look! Hubby's here!” Merida ran over, clearly not having time to change from yesterday, and kissed Mark on the lips as she threw her arms around him in a hug. Then smacked her lips and said, “Eh? Wait a minute... no, that's no' richt at a'... that wis someon' else! Ach, it wis anither Merida!”

+2 VP Kiss the Master on the Lips

+1 VP Hug the Master

“Uh, hi. So are you okay? And what was that about me being your husband?”

“Och, me? Ah'm grand! Dinnae fuss aboot wee me! An’ the husband thingy... ah got muddled! Cos ma heid's a wee bit toom, eh? An’ ah had a picture in ma heid... o' us gettin' hitched... but it wasnae this time! Or this us!”

“Okay, that’s good to hear. So… Are you going to let me go?” Mark, firmly locked in Merida’s embrace, inquired.

“Och! Ah... sorry aboot that! Juist got... a' excited-like, eh? Cos the folk in charge... they keep makin' me pose! An' it maks me fair randy! Wi' them a' lookin'! Ah actually... did a come, once sae far!”

Mark just shook his head at that. “Well, glad you're having fun at least. Going to go check in with Aubrey.” Merida struck a cheeky pose and gave him a wave as he left.

“Hey Mark, Sorry…”

“Sorry? About what, Aubrey?”

“I forgot about our date tonight! And that I might still be... like... under the influence of this stuff?"

“Hey, it’s fine, Talia thinks it will be gone by this evening. Hopefully, there will be time for whatever you had planned.”

“Oh gee! Hope so! Cos... I wouldn't wanna make our first date... sad? Like, if I messed it up and made you sad?”