Mail 2 (L,A,S,F)

An hour before the previous events, Genet was making her deliveries to the Trident house, where all four members of the Friday gaming group had gathered to have dinner together. After she took their plates, she gave them bags of mail that she’d gathered for them and left as they spread throughout the house.

Luna:

Since it seemed like Felicia and Ava would probably end up in the Trident, Luna offered to do her mail in the entryway. The door was still open to the bedroom so she could hear the friends quietly talking together. She decided to stop listening and open the bag.

The first letter was handwritten, the style feeling like the writer had built up small habits over a long period of time:

From: Hazel
To: Luna
I’m not big on telling others what to do, and you seem to have your shit more or less together, so the only advice I’ll give is that being in the spotlight isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes all eyes are going to turn to you, and knowing how to guide and direct others is as much a part of supporting them as taking action yourself. The more you know about what you want to have happen, the better suited you’ll be for stepping up when you need to.

“Thank you for that…Hazel. It feels a little strange to say that knowing our Hazel for so long. I wouldn’t say I mind the spotlight, I just don’t want to linger there. Does that make sense? I don’t want to do anything that’ll **** doors to close.” She put down the note and went for the next one:

Hi Luna
So I was told you were a lot like me, in that you haven’t done relationships before. I only just asked another one of the contestants to be my girlfriend officially. I’m probably going to ask Mark some time soon, but haven’t yet. Honestly I’ve rarely had more than lust towards another person so this is new to me too. I get that Dick is kind of your boss and your friend but seriously consider being friends with benefits if you find him attractive. Things can be complicated, sure but honestly screw the opinion of others on what you do with your own body. The only things that really matter are do you enjoy Dick and does Dick enjoy you? If the answer is yes to both tell anyone that has a problem with you two screwing to piss off. Also I highly recommend considering a threesome with Hazel and Helena or a foursome with them and Dick.
Get a good Dicking,
Laura Elliot
Goddess of Desire

Luna let out a little laugh. “Not to be rude, but don’t you think it’s a little pretentious to call yourself a goddess? Especially a goddess of desire.

“On your main point, I agree with you there. Dick’s always been my friend more than my boss, especially since I kind of **** him into that position. As long as he doesn’t get weird about things, I’m more than happy to try friends-with-benefits. I’ve normally only done something like that if I either trusted the other person to be normal about boundaries or I knew we had a set expiration date, but friends-with-benefits isn’t a bad option here.

“And on your suggestion at the end, don’t worry. I’m looking for an opportunity to do at least one of those.”

Luna put down the letter from the “goddess” and picked up the next one. A little box

Luna-
Truly a shame we didn't get to see you as the season's master dear, still there is no rule saying you can't have a little harem of your own within his. I do believe some of the others would be open to that. Also do please try to care for Maeve, I fear she will neglect herself trying to take care of everyone else.

• Shar

“Thanks for the thought, Shar. I’ll try to watch out for her, it seems like she’s trying to take on everything at once. I’m not really helping with that after sending Hel her way, but someone needs to address her.

“Like I said when Ata offered, I’m really not interested. The idea sounds hot and all, but after a while it’s just eight people who you can’t get away from. If it makes you feel better, then I’ll let you know that I do plan on a few side projects.”

Luna put down the letter and opened the box. It was lined with cushioned red velvet on the inside. It held a beautiful golden tiara, sculpted to look like a ring of roses woven together. Luna felt at the tiara, and for a moment she wondered if the gold had actually been sculpted or if the roses had somehow been gilded and hardened into the tiara.

“Thank you, Shar.” Luna murmured, running her thumb along the gold. “I don’t know when or where I’ll have the opportunity to wear this, but I want you to know I appreciate the thought and work that went into this.” The latina carefully put it back in the velvet box before setting the box on the floor next to her. She took out the next one, which had a cardboard box attached:

Dear Luna,
Such a lucky transformation for you to get at the start. Sharing the master's arousal is not only fun but super useful. Helps with bonding with him for sure.

“Definitely fun, not sure how much I’d agree on the useful.”

Have really enjoyed your round one. You've had a really sexy round having such a hot round of sex with Dick. Also great to see someone getting along with everyone so well, at least a lot better than some of the others. You are definitely in my top three. Good luck. I'm really hoping you do well.
Endorsing you,
Sally
P. S. I'm enclosing a gift for you that can enhance your next sexy time with Dick. This tart is not only delicious and magically preserved but will increase the arousal of the person that consumes it temporarily. It's a ton of fun!

“Wow, that’s helpful. If a man was to eat this, would he be able to get it back up faster?” She waited a moment. After recognizing that she wasn’t getting an answer, she mused: “Genet wouldn’t let you give us anything dangerous, right? I’ll run it by her later. You won’t regret this.” She set it down next to her other gift, and reached into the bag. She pulled out a postcard, and was trying to stifle her laughter as she read:

Luna,
Or should I say Goona? (lol) Don’t worry too much, everybody gets distracted by the sexy sometimes, I know I do. You still had an awesome round, and I’m glad you decided to show your loyalty to your Master like that! He needs the support, and it’s not like you can’t reap the benefits of a sweet guy and several beautiful women while remaining a contestant, right?
Harems are great for folks who don’t like being tied down (unless you get a bondage tf, I guess). You can indulge, take some time to chill while others take care of each other, and there’s certainly no rule against bringing an entire softball team around for some extra spice. Maybe you could ask Genet to release some of your past adventures on the supplemental specials channel? Been a while since I’ve caught a really good orgy and Lobster sounds delicious right about now.
Rooting for your happiness!
Vee

“You know what, I’m in a good mood between this and the last few letters. I’m sure Genet’s watching me right now, so I’m saying now that she has my permission to air anything from the Providence Lobsters as long as it’s on a channel we don’t have access to.” She placed it with the others and reached for the next one:

To Luna, from Hardric
Greetings.
Well, that's quite the situation you find yourself in here. My apologies, but it does sound like your life has been fairly busy so far… And that the ‘Now’ is going to be a thing to navigate too.
Sorry, that’s not very helpful. The best I can do is offer words, it’s not like I have that much experience of relationships or anything to offer, beyond stories of fiction I read, or other seasons of this show. And soon a season of this show, from ‘personal experience’, shall we say, I guess…
Still, happy for you that you’re branching out not just with your friends, but beyond too them too, so, best of luck with Ms. Petrov. I do hope you can manage to work something out for yourself here. And of course, best of luck with Dick moving forward.
And well, don’t be afraid to do this, moving forward. Want to try everything? Try everything. Well, everything that is not pushing past others’ boundaries, but life is meant to be lived through, not survived through.
Also… I might have been saying to Dick he got his work cut out for him here. My quite bad I guess, but well, it is a group effort for everyone here. Help him with that, help the others… And of course, help yourself too.
That’s a lot of rambling from me I guess. But well, I do wish you and the others the best. The place is… something (especially if speculation boards are right about where Genet and her associates for this season are right), but it is one the **** side for this, and I do genuinely hope you all manage something functional and feeling good for everyone involved.
Keep going,
Hardric.

“Shoot.” Luna muttered, her mirth from a moment ago dropping. “I know it probably made sense in context, but I really hope you were the only one so he doesn’t get wrapped up in it.

“Back before he started going to therapy, Dick’s habit of trying to blame himself was even worse, if you can believe it. Every time we stumbled when we were trying to get James expelled from college, he’d find some reason that it wasn’t my fault but was his fault. Once I bombed a Soc final and he apologized to me! Maeve helping him get better at not doing that has been almost as helpful as addressing his panic attacks.”

She set it down with the others and pulled out another letter:

Dear Luna,
Hey there! It’s so wild to be able to communicate with other contestants. I hope you actually get to read this because I have something really important I want to say to you. You can’t let this opportunity go by! Destiny has brought you here! It’s trying to tell you how to get your life together and achieve happiness. You’ve already been together so long, now is the time to put away the past hang-ups and really put yourself out there! You’re already so close, but imagine how close you will be once he has officially put a baby in you!

Luna crumpled it into a ball, throwing it into the wall

Ava, then Felicia, came out of the room. “What was that?” Ava asked, before uncrumpling them and piecing together the rest:

Not just Richard, but all these women! Think of how happy you’ll all be together, raising families together, sharing a home together, sharing beds together, simultaneous orgasms…. Sorry, I got distracted. Don’t let this opportunity go by! Fate is calling you! Hugs and Kisses!
Noemi Castro

“Jeez. This Noemi girl is crazy.” Ava said. “She’s talking like some sort of deranged prophet.”

“Do you think that’s a transformation making her like that?” Felicia asked.

“That’s the worst thing I can possibly imagine.” Luna glowered. “If I’d heard someone that obsessive at the beginning of the week when Hel was looking for help with her escape plan, I think I would’ve joined her. That ice demon she told me about has to be better than that.” she said, referring to the offending mail.

“I’ll get rid of it.” Ava offered as she tore up the problem. The letter became confetti, raining down on the ground around them all.

“You good to move on from that nutcase?”

“In a few minutes. Hopefully another one like Vee is next.”

Ava went back to the bedroom. Felicia hesitated for a moment, then went into the bathroom to see Stella.

Ava, a few minutes earlier:

After Genet had traded plates for mail, Ava was leaning against the fish tank as she opened her bag. Pulling out the first envelope, she read in a clear voice as instructed:

Ms. Soto,
As another Forever DM (even trapped on a smut show like you, I’m still DMing), I have enjoyed the snippets of your gaming sessions that I caught in the last half-hour or so of hopping around episodes of your season. It has been a joy. Good job helping that blonde with dyscalculia (I am almost certainly a former teacher at this point. I am definitely not qualified to diagnose a learning disability; have her properly examined back home) with the clicky-clacky math rocks too.
Again, lesson learned from the last gift I gave. Hopefully, these don’t cause too much trouble, but I got you a pair of Charlatan’s Dice. Some d6’s that you can will to roll a certain result. Not sure how they can help you in the real game, but they sound kind of neat. Have fun.
Regards,
Harper.

“What’s dyscalculia?” Ava asked out loud.

“Basic answer, it’s a learning disability similar to dyslexia but for numbers. Adults with it often struggle with measurements, proportions, and money management, along with any other math skills that they hadn’t learned when they were younger.” Felicia responded from her side of the room. “Maeve could probably give you a better answer from the psych side.” The doctor went back to her stuff after that.

“Thanks.” Is that why she was afraid to try G&G then, and struggled with the dice? That’s good to know. Maybe I should ask Maeve about it at some point. “Thanks for the dice. I’m not sure when loaded dice would be fair to use, but we’ll see.” Ava pulled out the next one:

Ava, Hey-yo Soto!
I wanted to send some support and say you’re doing a good job so far this season. I mean…you didn’t do anything with the Master and your only VP came from the first impressions poll but still…that JOI scene with Stella was fun! I know a lot of humans get up in arms about transformations, but I hope you won’t be afraid to push for what you want if the opportunity arises. Where I come from a little innate reality warping is as common as…I guess…access to hair salons for humans? If you want to change yourself, it’s not a matter of “fixing” anything, it’s just about what you’d enjoy most!
Rooting for your happiness!
Vee

“What’s a J.O.I?” Ava had another letter leaving her with questions.

Felicia had the answer again, though she was clearly confused this time. “That’s a porn thing, where someone gives directions on how to masturbate. They can be kind of relaxing. What kind of freak is messaging you out of the blue about them?”

“Technically it’s not fully out of the blue.” Ava admitted. “Remember what I mentioned with Stell?”

“Oh, right. You enjoyed yourself?”

“I did. That’s what the letter is talking about.”

Felicia didn’t respond further. Ava started another one:

From: Tess
To: Ava
I don’t know how you do it. I could barely figure out balancing life before I was brought on this show, I have no idea how you’re still finding time to make things fun for yourself and others after. Keep it up, I guess, and I’ll just keep trying to figure out how you’re doing what you’re doing.

“Thanks, Tess. To be fair, I’m not really sure what I’m doing either. I think I’m doing this wrong, but I’m not entirely sure what ‘right’ is supposed to look like.” She put it down and started the next one, which had a book shaped wrapped present attached:

Ava-
You are in a very difficult spot dear but I am rooting for you. Perhaps seeking pleasure through others second hand will help, nothing says you have to be alone on your dates. Bless you for helping Stella, who is also in a difficult spot of her own. Perhaps working together you can help each other. As a game master you surely understand the need for taking grip of your own fate and not being passive. Perhaps branching outside your comfort zone might help?
Shar

“Thank you, Shar. I know I need to step out of my comfort zone, I’m just trying to figure out how.” She opened the package. As she’d thought, it was a book. Shar’d gotten her the rulebook for a gothic vampire TTPRG that she’d seen at The Silver Dragon, Requiem by Darkness. “Thank you for this as well. I’ll have to see if the others are interested in trying it, hopefully the clans could make for more varied character creation than almost everyone picking humans like in G&G.”

She picked up the next one. It had its own seal, which she recognized instantly as the logo from Super Smash Gals.

Dear Ava,
Please, please, please I hope you did well in the challenge. You have such low VP and I really don't want to see an elimination and I know Genet really doesn't want to give one. Speaking of your low VP you really should do something about that and I'm sure Richard would be more than happy to help. Based on your experience in the gym I think you'll really enjoy it too. That was really hot by the way. You even got such a wonderful transformation for it with Gym Bunny. Here's hoping Ata's interest in you didn't lead to you getting eliminated first
Worried for you,
Sally

“Thanks Sally. I wasn’t expecting there to be so many gamers writing. Hopefully you don’t get sued for that logo.

“With eliminations, you’re talking about what we saw during the first night? I didn’t think Genet was bringing those back but…I guess some penalty would’ve happened if I went negative? I’m glad Felicia dragged me into fifth.” Ava waited to see if Felicia would say something again, but it sounded like she was busy. “We’ll see if I can figure out how to not make the gym a one-off.”

She opened the next one, trying to make out the flowery script:

Dear Ava,
Sorry for being brief, I didn’t get sleep last night. I love your G&G sessions. I’m an actress myself and to see your passion for storytelling is so heartwarming. I’m also really happy you have worked to include Aubrey, everyone should feel welcome to participate. I don’t play my world’s version of G&G, I just don’t have time, but I have friends who do. I’ve included a present I got for one of their birthdays that they loved. It’s a set of metallic dice with each being a different color of the rainbow, along with a dice tower that they won’t damage. As apparently the metal dice can start to leave nicks on playing surfaces when you roll them.
Good Luck
Ellen Thompson

“Thanks Ellen. I think you’re the first person here to put their last name. I couldn’t very well leave Aubrey out, not when she was making an effort for me, so I’m glad you’ve enjoyed what Genet’s shown you of our games. I appreciate the dice, Mrs.Smok put out ones a lot like these every June that I thought were cool, but I never ended up getting a set.” She put the dice down on the vampire game before grabbing another letter:

Dear Ava,
Hey, I just wanted to say I resonate with you a bit. Restrictive Household and peace through athletics are something that I relate to. I don’t want to sit here and lecture you like I have it all figured out but I did want to share some tips.
Now that you’re out, try to make as many mistakes as possible. I don’t mean take risks, I just mean don’t be afraid to fail, its good for you and you find the things you like and care about that way. Also, please…for health reasons alone, invest in some literature on reproductive health. I was ashamed of my body for a long time, partially because I didn’t understand it, thanks Dad. Also just as a side note, sex is really fun and feels good, so figure out the parameters you want to engage it with and go ham.
You have a good head on your shoulders and it seems like you have some pretty awesome friends. Maybe this doesn’t mean much to you, but I just wanted to give support the only way I could figure out how, considering Reyna won’t let me buy a thumb drive while writing this.
Good Luck to you,
Amy Tanaka

“Another one put their last name.” Ava said at the end. “I…I’m sorry that it sounds like you went through a lot of what I did. I never wanted to know about any of this sex stuff before, and Dad seemed kind of relieved at the time. I know I enjoyed what Stella and I did at the gym and I need to do more like that, but doing something with someone else still feels kind of weird. Like, I’ve tried looking up actors that were supposed to be hot, and I tried actresses eventually to check if I went the other way. I even tried the werewolves and sea monsters in the stuff Felicia watches and-”

Felicia cut her off. “Woah, don’t just tell them that!”

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine, I guess it’s too late now.” The blonde’s tone was wilting.

They both moved on. The next one that Ava opened was thicker than the others:

To Ava, from Hardric.
Greetings.
First and foremost… F your sperm donor. With a chainsaw. A rusty one. And your egg donor isn’t doing herself any favors either.
Can only wish you this friend group you have, and the group you’re in now, gets to become your family, because these deadbeats decidedly weren’t. People in there definitely look like they have the care for you at the very least.

“I feel like the four of them already are sometimes.”

And as someone with Foot In Mouth Syndrome… My sympathies. Still, beyond thatI can see your friends have diverging opinions about this. And to give my honest opinion… ‘Fixing’ or ‘Staying Your Way Because You Are Perfectly Fine As Yourself’, both and any mix of these two are fine, but this has to be your own choice. And one you take for your own sake. You want to put in more effort, good, but no need to go beyond uncomfortable over this if this becomes a strain for you.
If the people around you are truly family to you, and they look like they do, they will respect what effort you put in and why, and work with your choice as you work with theirs. Or they learn too. I do guess a caveat about the limits of reasonableness is to be added, but you are a kind person from what I can tell, so this one feels like it goes without saying.

“Thank you for understanding everything there.”

And don’t feel shame about any problems your past left you to handle. You are trying, and this is worth everything. I hope I live up to this in my soon-to-be future.
I wish you to be able to build something new and better than what you had in the past too, and that you get to keep it a way you like for a long, long time.
Keep going,
Hardric.

“Thank you again.” Ava said with tears in her eyes. “I think I needed to hear a lot of what you said. I do want to try, so much of it just feels weird. I’m glad that-” Ava stopped, hearing a frustrated shout from the hall. Wiping her eyes, she got her roommate’s attention to check on Luna together, finding her spooked like a horse about to bolt.

Stella, a few minutes earlier:

While the others were taking the bedroom and hallway, Stella had holed up in the bathroom for privacy. She was sitting in the dry shower, mail bag next to her. She opened the first letter, beginning to frown as she read:

Hi Stella,
My host told me a bit about you and what you’ve been going through. I’ve had trouble adjusting to the show too. I got sort of carried away and well it turned into an awful experience. I am super glad you got that upgrade because being an emotional wreck is awful. Also good on you exploring your TF with Dicky. I know that since I’ve relaxed a bit and embraced my TFs I’ve been so much happier with things. I’m hoping you will cross that 100 VP threshold personally but even if you don’t I hope you can find love and happiness with your friends and new family. Know that you have quite a few fans, even if the initial popularity poll indicated otherwise. Mark says those are based far more on looks, initial TFs, and your ‘role’, than on who you are as a person.
Best Wishes,
Flora Sparrow
Master’s Pretty Kitty
P.S. I’ve included something from one of the magic amenities from my season. For us it’s a Calming Chamomile hookah pod, but Cassaandra said Genet might make it a tea bag or something for you instead. It will help you magically relax and let you set aside your worries for a day. I thought it might help you open up and take a step to do something you want to do but are afraid to actually do.

“The first popularity polls are usually based on looks, and that’s why I ranked so low? I guess that makes sense…” She put the letter and tea teabag down and hesitated for a moment before drawing the next letter:

Stella- I do not know who hurt you so badly child, and they are very lucky for this. Take solace that you are in the company of what seems like good people that you can trust now. This is a good time while you are in a safe environment to try reaching beyond the borders imposed upon you by others so cruelly in your past. I have sent you something that I hope will help. Grip it tight and you will both smell the wonderful aromas of a kitchen in use and feel a warm comforting hug. I do not know how long the enchantment will last but may it carry you through tough times ahead.

• Shar

Stella gave it a squeeze, her smile starting to return. “Thank you, Shar. I think you would get along well with my mom.” A little more confident, Stella reached in for the next letter:

From: Elsie
To: Stella
Stella,
I know that the circumstances into which you have been thrust must be hard for you. I can only imagine what my own reaction would have been like if I hadn’t been ‘gifted’ with an initial set of transformations to make my transition easier. As someone who, in her former life, would have spent much of my time agonizing over each surprise and change thrust upon me, please allow me to offer you this advice: Don’t allow your fear of the unknown to stifle what might otherwise be an ultimately enjoyable experience. You’re already making good strides in that direction—now you just need to allow your mind and your body to recognize that sometimes the path of least resistance is the best one—it’s OK to simply accept that something is going to happen, and enjoy it for what it is.

“I’m trying. The passiveness of what I asked him to do helped. If it was most other people, I don’t know if I'd have been able to bounce back from how scary the first few days were.” She reached for the next one:

Dear Stella,
Ah, a chef. A plus to have in any harem and I feel you will make a great one for the harem once you learn to loosen up a bit. Not judging or anything just believing that you will grow over the course of the show. Just look at how good you've done already. You had a transformation you emotionally weren't handling well but instead of lying down and giving up like I've seen some others do you adapted and got the transformation changed into something better. You certainly seem to be enjoying the new version based on your date with Dick. As someone who grew up baking with my mother I'd send you something I made to see if you like it but don't feel you're sexually ready for my cooking yet.
Good luck and believing in your growth,
Sally

“Sexually ready for your cooking? Do I want to know what that means? Either way, thanks? I guess?” Stella put it down and grabbed another letter:

Stella, GIIRRLLLL!
That was an amazing win in the challenge! Maybe ask Hazel about potential careers in espionage, naked spies could be the new craze. Don’t let anyone say you didn’t earn it. Also that was a very sweet suggestion for your Master’s transformation. Not only will it keep things running smoothly, but should give Dick more confidence to push boundaries if he knows he won’t trample them! You had a pretty slow start, but to think you’d be leading JOI experiences, being massaged to orgasm and winning challenges all in the first round. I guess some dishes really do taste better after some slow cooking.
Proud of you! Rooting for your happiness!
Vee

“I…” Stella turned scarlet. “I-” She tried to start one more time. “I forgot that people in the audience could see me. I don’t know if you’re serious about the spy thing, but that seems like a bad idea? I was surprised I won the vote, I thought most people would choose the rough sex one. But a lot of this show thing seems… gentler than I expected after the first night? Almost all of you have been really nice to me. Even the brutally honest girl that tried to give me **** seemed to like me”

There was a knock at the bathroom door. Does someone need the bathroom? Maybe I should’ve gone somewhere else. She hurried over and opened the door. Felicia was on the other side, and came in to lean against the sink. She looked less confident than usual.

“I’m sorry, I’ll get out of here so you can use the toilet” Stella said, trying to sneak past the blonde.

“I don’t need to pee. I actually wanted to talk to you.” Felicia said, closing the door.

“Really? Why?”

“Do I ever scare you?”

Stella was caught off guard by the question. I should lie here, right? I know she’s never doing it intentionally.

Felicia saw her hesitation and nodded. “That’s enough. I’m sorry for putting you on the spot.” she conceded before leaving.

That wasn’t good. Stella knew she should go after her friend, but she wasn’t sure what to say. Maybe the next letter will have good advice? The stressball showed up right when I needed it…

To Stella,
from Hardric.
Greetings.
Also, props to you for the Challenge. Ups of being late to write I guess. Even with a TF helping, it still takes guts to go for what you did to evade Ata. And well, there is no underestimating the guts of taking the decision that allowed you to elude her in the first place. I do hope you managed to get to use it too to help yourself about whatever thing you’d feel like you need to sort through where this one could help.
And well, speaking of this… you certainly got one right about no one to judge you. Not anyone in the Monkey Crew here in the audience (me included), or welp, even anyone in the cast with you, Dick included. Don’t get me wrong, I get valuing friends and their input, and their decisions and emotions, but the street goes both ways.
You get to set what is good and comfortable and where you want to go, and others do not get to shape this beyond what you are comfortable with. Living together might mean compromises, but it stops being compromises when you are not actually okay with them too. Hopefully, you manage to get to this point without the need to be a nudist soon. I mean, you look goo- I am going to shut up before making myself a bigger moron.

Stella turned red again.

I know, a watcher of this show is saying this, but… Well, the sex means nothing if the people involved don't get to be happy about themselves, and without needing to be compelled or fully rewritten to get there.
It cannot be an easy thing to deal with, as I feel like I am about to discover, but… The people around you feel like real friends and family. I am sure you can count on them too and get somewhere when you feel unambiguously good about yourself alongside them.
Keep going,
Hardric.

Compromises that everyone is comfortable with? “Thank you. I don’t know how much I’ll be doing the whole nudist thing or not. But I think the main point here helps.” She decided to send Luna a message asking for her to check on Felicia. She got a promise to help back, and decided to move onto the next letter while she waited for an update. The writing was careful and even, but the words themselves were almost manic:

Dear Chef Steward,
Hi, this is my third attempt at writing this. I can’t seem to get the words to come out right, and now Noemi is cheering me in the background, which is making me feel more self-conscious. I just wanted to say how amazing it is that you’re running your own restaurant at your age! I’m a chef too! Well, I’m a line cook right now! But I know how hard it is to set up your own space and how many restaurants go under after only one year. You must be incredibly skilled! I would love to try your cooking, and oh, to cook for you too. And exchange recipes! What’s your favourite cuisine? Your favourite recipe? I really wish I could just chat with you! I’m glad your host lets you use their kitchens, I know I’d be going crazy if they didn’t let me in. However, dealing with the stray wool everywhere can be bothersome. Gosh! I wish I could think of more things to say, but I already feel like I’ve probably taken up more of your time than is appropriate. I wish you the best of luck on your show! Maybe I can visit your restaurant sometime when this is all over?
Salute!
Madeline Purcell

“Hi, Madeline.” Stella started. “I appreciate your compliments. If we ever get a chance to meet, I’d like to see how our styles compare. I don’t know if you were watching my date with him, but when I’m not working I tend to prefer rich comfort food. My personal favorite is beef stroganoff. Dick and the others have all probably had it a dozen times before.

I don’t know why there’s ‘stray wool’ in your kitchen, but that does sound annoying. If you want to visit or need any help once we’re back in the real world, you can always reach out to me. There’s an email address on the Fence&Post website I can always be reached at, I tend to prefer written communication when possible.

Felicia, a few minutes earlier:

After Genet had given everyone their assignments, Felicia was leaning against the bed on the other side of the room from Ava. Opening the first letter, she read:

Hey Felicia,
Love your competitive spirit. One thing though, winning is far more satisfying when you kick your opponents butt at their best. I haven’t actually watched your season so I’m working on limited info here, but was told that you might be a tad over zealous and willing to ‘knock others down’ so to speak, to get the victory. Your Aubrey might be a rival in your love life, but she isn’t an enemy. Getting to 100 VP might mean you win Genet’s game but do you care about that more than beating Aubrey to Dick’s dick? So consider what winning at the show could cause you to lose.
Get Dicked,
Laura Elliot
Goddess of Desire
P.S. I am so sorry about the puns, Mark is rubbing off on me. I wrote them down and immediately wanted to edit them out but my Host refused to let me.

Felicia felt guilty reading it. Am I too eager to knock people down? Winning the game is about beating the others to him, right? “Shut up.” She was saved from having to respond further by Ava asking a question about learning disabilities. Is that what Aubrey has? She mentioned that I shouldn’t talk about math with her.

She reached for another letter, hoping the next one would be less stupid:

Hi Felicia,
Love the enthusiasm to go after what you want. Mark thinks you are one of the three that are in love with Dick in your season. Probably one of the two original ones even. Well get Dick to love you back. Here’s the thing, my understanding is that Dick actually knew and trusted everyone fairly well in your season, unlike Mark in my season. I say this because trying to get one over on the others is likely not to make Dick all that happy, which is counter productive to winning. I’d like to help you out though. I got a TF that makes me want to alter my style to please Mark more, so I now have a bunch of clothes, some even brand new that I don’t need anymore. Cassandra, my host, has agreed to send over a selection of them that should be in your new size.
Follow your passion,
Merida Voguel
Master’s Fiery Lassie

“I-” I’m not too competitive for him, right? Dick’s so good at arguing with me. “Shut up. You said yourself that your TF is about changing yourself for your man. “This ‘Mark’ guy may like a people pleaser, but Dick’s better than that.”

She heard Ava say something about JOI. “What are you freaks saying to her?” Felicia muttered, before raising her voice to try to explain it to her best friend. She sat there for a few minutes after finishing the explanation. These weren’t as fun as she’d hoped they’d be when Genet was hyping them.

It wasn’t until she heard Ava talking about some of her favorite hentai that she refocused. After shutting down that line her best friend was meandering down, she opened the next letter. A slow, quiet clap started as she ripped open the letter:

Dr. Owens,
Normally, I find myself at a loss for entertainment in the lighter forays of this fine program, and although your lovely infighting with Ms. Turner is delicious, it wasn’t until that masterful downfall you orchestrated for your lovely shopkeeper that I truly felt connected to this season. To think she can still be broken by her old transformations and the disappointment of her beloved patron after so many years. Wonderful. Your competitors have plenty of weaknesses to exploit, I am so looking forward to your continued good work.
Sincerely,
Dee

Plenty of weaknesses to exploit. She read again. Then she just sat there, until Ava got her attention. She did her best to help with Luna, but she was too distracted to contribute. Afterwards, she decided to see Stella to verify her fears.

***

She’s just been lying like that.” Felicia heard Ava tell Luna. “She hasn’t responded to anything I said."

“Do you want to give me the room? I’ll see if I can help pay you back for that stepford wife you shredded for me.”

Felicia watched Luna sit down in the chair in front of her. She flipped over to avoid looking her friend in the eyes.

“You get a fucked up one too?” Luna asked.

Felicia didn’t respond.

“I’m sure they’re not all bad.” Luna said, starting to rifle through Felicia’s mail bag. “This one’s from Ata!”

“Really?” Felicia asked. She still didn’t turn around.

“Can I read it to you?”

“...Sure”

Felicia,
I voted for Carnivore. You earned it.
-Ata

Felicia turned around, hope creeping into her voice. “Can I see it?” She wanted to see for herself that things weren’t as bad as she thought.

Luna seemed **** to hand it over. Is she just trying to calm me down, and it’s not actually what it says? Is it even from Ata? The latina finally tried to offer it, but it morphed into a candy bar with the same HH logo as their phones. I guess I’ll have to trust her. It's still a little suspicious. Felicia decided, both a little disappointed and relieved.

“Do you want to try another one?” Luna asked.

Felicia tentatively nodded, taking one out she saw with the Super Smash Gals logo. She read it out loud, her voice getting steadier:

Dear Felicia,
You are awesome so far I have to say. I love a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it with gusto. And you even got to start off with one of the best types of transformations. Though they could always stand to be even bigger. As my mom always said "breasts can never be too big."
Now, a suggestion for some sexy fun you can have with Dick is to take advantage of your job as a doctor and engage in some nurse play. Get a sexy nurse costume and everything. Men go crazy for that kind of power play. Not that I'm saying nurses are lesser than doctors or anything. They are just as important. It's like when a powerful female CEO engages in secretary play. Just a big turn on power play fantasy. Just a suggestion. Wishing you luck in the challenge (which may sound weird as it will be over when you read this) and in the overall competition
Loving you and your boobs,
Sally
P. S.
Speaking of bigger breasts I've included a delicious cake in your letter. It temporarily gives a large increase to the size of your breasts, and I made sure to make it safe for your dairy problem. Great for testing out if you want bigger full time and for getting Dick's motor going. Have fun!

“She was one of my horniest so far too.” Luna said as she smiled.

“Where’s that cake?” Felicia asked. How big could I get?

As she wondered that, something else came out of the envelope. A wooden table manifested into existence in between the two of them, with a cake on it that smelled fresh. Whoever this “Sally” was had put the God of Battle logo on the cake in a coconut cream frosting. Felicia was almost tempted to cut a slice now, before she remembered she’d need to go out in public whatever size it made her. Better to save it for later this round.

“I’m to head back out and let Ava know she can come back in. I might ask for a slice later, I haven’t decided yet.”

“Thank you, Sally. You’re my favorite so far. I’ll think about everything you said.” Excitedly, she reached in and opened the next one, which had a large package attached:

Dear Doctor Owens,
Not sure how to get this started, so I guess I’ll just ask upfront: how do you manage to do both things? Like, how do you maintain that skepticism you have about everyone and still have the boundless confidence you seem to have?
I am constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop all the time, and it just weighs on me. You seem to also have issues with trusting people, but also…you don’t seem to care at the same time? Like, I wish I could be that way.
Doesn’t help that I’m trapped on an island with a cheating ex and a bunch a women who are being told to stab me in the back, but I’d be bad even without that. I don’t know, you just seem to have everything on such a tight lockdown, I’d like to be able to mimic even a fraction of that.
I don’t think you need luck, if anything, Richard better work not to fuck things up, since I don’t see you having any trouble catching his heart, you’re like a **** of nature, and that’s coming from a person made of plants.
Keep at it!
Lily Wright

“Wait, you’re made of plants? That’s fascinating.” The medical professional in her latched onto the end. Does her blood circulate like normal people? Does she photosynthesize? She tried to regain her focus, to help with the advice she’d been asked for.

“You want my advice?” Felicia started. “Figure out what people are inclined to do. Some people might be controlling, manipulative bitches that try to stop you from screwing their brother. That’s life. But even people that are awful and untrustworthy are predictable. You can still trust someone that’s untrustworthy to act out in the same usual ways. If you’re worried about being stabbed in the back by the rest of your season, study what they do when they’re enacting their other plans so you can be confident when they start giving out the same signals around you.” Felicia tried to nod encouragingly. “Now let’s see who’s next:"

Felicia:
Greetings dear.
First off I must admit you are my favorite amongst your fellow contestants. Your fighting spirit and endless drive are a joy to see. I do hope your research on challenges was helpful to you. I invite you to take a closer look at my season beyond them though for more hints at steps you could take to improve your odds. Susan in particular might be helpful.
Please note that Genet is not your enemy, but a potentially very useful ally if approached right. Also I believe you may find working with Aubrey instead of against her to be a good strategy. She needs comforting, not antagonism. And you could use someone in your corner. Earn a place in her heart and she will never let you go. Best of luck to you my champion

Shar

• I don’t care what the results of that poll are, you won.

“I…I can give Aubrey both. I want Dick, but I’ll protect her if I can.” Felicia tore open the package. “Is this a fucking battle-axe?” Indeed, a mithril axe had been gifted to her, roses embossed in a pattern on both heads of the axe. “Holy shit. And it’s like this thing is weightless… I don’t know if there’s an opportunity for me to use it for anything, but I can’t wait to show Dick and Ava. She’s going to flip.” After spinning it in her hands for a few minutes using skills from baton lessons her mother had **** her into, she finally put it back in its box and safely under the bed. The next one had gold ink, and felt rather cryptic:

To: Dr. Felicia Owens
From: A concerned party
I hate to comment on the social dynamics of a season of Harem Hotel, but I think you are a unique case in terms of perspective. You want to be challenged, you want to be your best, and you want others to be their best. You want to win, but without those features you don't value victory in the same way. I think that is admirable.
I think there is a perspective you should consider. Let me quote someone from your culture, David Foster Wallace:
If you worship money and things—if they are where you tap real meaning in life—then you will never have enough.
Worship your body and beauty and sexual allure and you will always feel ugly.
Worship power—you will feel weak and afraid, and you will need ever more power over others to keep the fear at bay.
Worship your intellect, being seen as smart—you will end up feeling stupid, a fraud, always on the verge of being found out.
David Foster Wallace thought this was a good argument for religion. I'd argue your culture's God is dead in a metaphorical sense, but given his story is about having already come back from that it is not necessarily a problem with his strategy.
If I could help you fight deities and Producers I would, but it's not like the antimatter bomb got through the mail when someone tried to **** Azure. Enough Producers are paranoid motherfuckers I don't think I can give you anything particularly helpful to your situation. If you get back home with sanity and agency, I recommend searching your Earth's Roswell, New Mexico for other contestants and similar artifacts, as many people who have supernatural or paratechnological influences find Roswell an easy place to hide. If you're looking for aliens, Salem is the traditional bolthole.

I haven't been thinking about fighting producers. Should I be? Hel got her shit rocked by a random host. "I don't feel stupid or weak." Sometimes I feel weak, but that isn't necessarily bad. "This isn't super specific, but do you expect that fighting gods is something I need to be concerned about? I guess I can look into Area 53 back when we get home, see what's there. If this-" She gestured around at the house. "Is real, then maybe other magic is real. I appreciate the advice, though I wish it was a little more specific and I hope I'll never need it."

She grabbed the next letter, this one thicker than most of the others:

To Felicia, from Hardric.
Greetings.
Now, I guess one advantage of being disgustingly late on those is that one gets to refer to things that happened the most recently to the people in this show, like the Challenge.
Well… I will confess I agree with wanting to go out of bat for someone that got demeaned by a bully. And that, welp, this is Harem Hotel, so again, hard to hold against you wanting to win this to help get ahead of the Elimination Bat. For the other part… It is okay to question yourself after pushing past what one can see as certain limits. As long as you are okay with yourself, and/or learn and accept what you learn about yourself when doing something you feel not okay about, it is not a waste in any way.

Felicia nodded, keeping both Ata’s reaction and her forgiveness in her mind.

Now, I… Might suggest to be out in the open about what happens or not with members of the group, both Richard and your fellow Contestants. I realize you will end with stuff you might not want to fully share, and that much is okay, but… I don’t think massaging the truth to the point where it shifts blame away from you, or put it onto others where it is not the case, is the best of ideas.
In that vein… Keep in mind this is going to be a group effort, and a group thing by the end of it. Wanting to go ahead is fine, but please keep in mind doing this at the price of others is pretty counter-productive. Different mindset despite being a sore loser on both sides of the family I guess, but I’d say here, not losing, and everyone not losing, is more important. I know, Kumbaya with everyone is hard, but at least make sure you can live with the people you’re bound to spend the rest of your life with.
Mind you, this show, and this level of relationships is not something I had the experience with in my life so far, so I guess you can call it Internet Monkey Braying too. Mind you bis… I guess I’m about to get into a situation where I’ll have to put that money in my mouth about all this. Wonder if it will be passed in your direction. And I guess this means you get weapons-free on me in writing if I fail to live up to what I preach.
Keep going,
Hardric.

“I…don’t like most of what you have to say. But you might have been right about a third of it. So I guess thank you, good luck with whatever situation you’re referring to, and fuck off.”