Relationship Boundaries

Sam poked Mary’s cheeks a few times. Trying to get her to get up. After several minutes and some extended cheek pinching, Mary finally sat up on the table. “Wha? Sam quit that.” Mary swatted Sam’s hands away from her cheeks. “Why were you pinching my cheeks?” Mary asked with a pout.

Sam scowled. “Because you wouldn’t get up.” Sam didn’t look too good, and Mary smacked her upside the head so she’d feel better. Sam’s face immediately relaxed. “Thanks. That’s much better. You were out for like twenty minutes. The others have already left.”

Mary seemed disappointed.

Sam asked, “What was getting orgasms from everyone not a good enough goodbye?”

Mary grumbled while crossing her arms. “It’s not that…”

Sam said, “So, you’re annoyed that you didn’t get everyone’s panties.”

Mary’s eyes shifted from side to side as she kept her silence.

Sam sighed as she facepalmed. “You’ve started a hoard of our panties, haven’t you?”

Mary’s tail twitched slightly, betraying her.

Sam leaned towards Mary, putting her arms on either side of her. She kept leaning in, forcing Mary to lean back. “Mary, love, for your own good, as your mate, I’m telling you to get rid of that hoard.”

Mary scowled.

Sam said very patiently. “I bet you didn’t even deliberately start that hoard, did you?” Mary didn’t reply. “That’s what I thought. We do not need you stealing our panties all the time. I’m promising you right now that I will dismantle this hoard every time I find it. So please just let it go.”

Mary pouted, “Fine… they’re currently under the mattress in my suite.”

Sam attempted to pat Mary lightly on the cheek, but Mary caught her wrist. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?” Sam asked innocently.

“You were going to pat my cheek and say ‘good girl,’ weren’t you?”

“And if I were?” Sam asked playfully.

Mary just stared at Sam. Then smacked her upside the head to give her another dose of healing while also making a point.

Sam rubbed the side of her head. “That doesn’t really hurt much when you use the boon, but it is still really annoying. Do you really have a problem with me calling you that? I’m rather certain you’ve called several of us that.”

“It’s… complicated. You know I don’t like being treated like a submissive. That’s what it felt like you were doing right then.”

Sam said, “I suppose that’s fairly accurate. You do realize that not all of us are submissive, right?”

Mary scoffed, “I know that. Except for the stuff we did while dragons, would you say I really ever tried to dominate you?”

Sam considered that, “No. I wouldn’t consider what we did while dragons to be dominating me either. I assume that’s because of my history?”

Mary nodded, “Yes, but you aren’t the only one I’ve refrained from that with.”

“Fair enough. I suppose I should clarify that some of us want to be in control, too,” Sam replied. “Is this a line for you?”

Mary nodded, “Yes. It isn’t a hard line, where I’m going to say it’s never going to happen, but it most certainly is not going to be a regular thing. Honestly, as Mary, I’m more against it happening at all. ”

Sam asked, “Aren’t you the same person either way? Why is it different?”

“Probably for the same reason that I’m perfectly comfortable wearing dresses as Mary but not as Mark. Might be because I’m smaller, and so giving up any control makes me feel more vulnerable.”

“Hmmm…” Sam seemed to ponder that, then eyed Mary while smirking at her. “Does that mean while you were a big beefy Amazonian princess, I’d have had a better chance of you letting me tame you, love?”

Mary scrunched her forehead. “I… I guess so. Thinking about it. I mean, still not thrilled by the idea, but yeah, less of a problem.”

“Intriguing how your mind works sometimes,” Sam commented. “Now you’ve got a job to go do. Unless, of course, you’d like to spend some quality time with your fiancée first?”

Mary pulled Sam in and kissed her on the lips passionately, then pushed her away. “Sorry, but I definitely don’t want to spoil my night with Isa by getting back late. I think she’ll want to talk, considering everything. If there is time when I get back, though…”

Sam smirked, “I’ll be waiting for you… Assuming that is, someone better doesn’t come along while you’re gone.”

Mary rolled her eyes as she took off flying north to clean up the horde of infected.

---

Curing all the infected took longer than Mary thought it would, partially because the city was further away from where she battled Sam than she realized. Honestly, she wasn’t sure she had gotten all of them, but when she spoke with the various Priestess Petras, they seemed confident that with her efforts, the outbreak would be contained even if she missed a few.

The Petras had told Mary of several other outbreaks happening all over the place, though. Mary decided, since she still had time before she expected the groups to get back, to go and squash the nascent outbreaks before they really got going. So Mary went from place to place, cleansing each area swiftly. Mary did note that quite a few of them were places she knew that the other team had been to before. Once she realized that, she started sniffing the area and found their scent. It was always Hilde and Merida, but the scent seemingly just stopped randomly.

By the time she had finished playing whack-a-mole with the infections, the sun was setting, so she returned to the capital. Everyone else had already returned, and she found Isa waiting for her in the courtyard. Isa had changed out of her gear into a floor-length black dress.

Mary smiled as she transformed back to her humanoid form. “You look lovely, Isa.”

Isa blushed, “Thanks.” (Isa thinks you’re really pretty, too.)

Mary noticed her bare feet. “I see you’re not wearing any shoes.”

Isa coughed and hurriedly said, “So what would you like to do tonight?” Then Isa slipped her arm around Mary’s and started to lead them into the palace towards Mary's suite. (Isa really doesn’t want Mary to find out she can’t wear anything more than this dress.)

Mary let Isa lead her to the suite but grinned and glanced down at Isa’s crotch. When they got to the suite, Mary said, “So, you’re going commando right now?”

Isa went still as she stared at Mary in horror. (Oh god, please don’t stare at Isa like that. Also, don’t stop staring at Isa like that.)

Mary was the one this time to lead Isa to the dining table and get her seated. Then Mary said, “Here, let me do something to help you tonight.” Isa cocked her head to the side, looking at Mary, wondering what Mary was going to do. Mary reached out and removed her collar.

Isabella was conflicted, and she moved uncomfortably in her seat. (Does Mary not want Isa as her own anymore? But Isa is carrying Mary’s baby.) Isabella said, “Thanks, Mary. I really appreciate that.”

Mary sat down next to her and turned her chair to face Isabella. “You say that…”

Isabella groaned, “Let me guess, my body is betraying me?” (Isa can’t just admit that Isa wants you to treat her like a pet. Isa would die of shame.)

“Pretty much.” Mary nodded.

Isabella took a deep breath. “Look, I’ll admit that I’ve enjoyed having that collar on a lot more than I thought I would.” Isabella couldn’t stop fidgeting. (Oh God, kill Isa now! God, why does even this turn Isa on?) “I hope you realize I’m not your pet.” Isabella leaned forward, exposing her cleavage and the fact that she had no bra on, while tilting her neck just a little to expose it. (But Isa could be. Isa would love that. Just put back on the collar.) “I’m going to be the mother of your children. My bad, I mean our children, all four of them.” (Well, at least four! Isa wouldn’t mind giving you several more. Shame you can’t knock Isa up again right now.) “I want you to treat me with respect.” (Isa also wants to be a good girl for you and receive lots of headpats and have you brush her fur and take her on walkies.) Isabella was currently holding a small box in her hand.

Mary nodded as Isabella was talking, finding her body to be incredibly distracting, but Mary managed to pay attention to her words as well. When Isabella finished and had absentmindedly pulled out a small box, Mary said, “I understand. Isabella, you’re my friend. I respect you, but I think you can’t admit what you really want, too. What’s in the box?”

Isabella looked down at her hands holding the present Cassandra had given her earlier that day. “Um… nothing.” Isabella threw the box hurriedly into her rucksack. (An enchanted leash for Mary to take Isa on walkies!) Isabella sighed, seeing Mary’s eyebrows shoot up. “My body just told you, didn’t it?” Mary nodded sympathetically. “Look, I don’t know why I find that hot, okay. I just do.” Isabella was squirming in her seat. (Isa is so horny right now.) “I still don’t want to be a full-time pet.” (Part-time would be great though.) “Can… can we just talk about something else?” (Yes! Like what it would take to get you to take me on walkies?)

Mary really didn’t know what to do with Isabella acting like this. Mary decided to get up and make some tea to buy some time. After the kettle was on, with mugs out and filled with tea bags, Mary turned back to Isabella. “Isa…” Mary began deliberately shortening her name to see her reaction.

Isabella scrunched up her face slightly and looked away from Mary, but her tail was also wagging. (Isa doesn’t care for that name, except when Allie and Mary use it.)

Mary started over slowly, in a slightly sing-song voice, “I-sa-bell-a!” Isabella turned towards Mary. Before she could interrupt, Mary continued, “Thank you for looking at me when I’m talking to you. Now, I have a problem. See on the one hand, your body is supposed to reveal your true intentions. What you really want. On the other hand, you keep telling me something different, verbally. To complicate matters further, what your body is saying is to simply ignore your words and do it anyway. That you want me to humiliate you and treat you like a pet.”

Isabella’s gaze lowered to the floor. (Fuck that sounds so nice. Why does that turn Isa on? Isa hates this so much, but also loves how it feels.)

“Isabella, look at me while I’m talking to you.” Mary sternly said.

Isabella snapped her head back up, staring right at Mary. (Isa is sorry she was a bad girl.)

Mary sighed, “Isabella, you mean too much to Allie and me for me to screw up here. So, here’s my solution. You tell me if it works for you.” Mary looked at the collar she had taken off Isabella earlier. “Right now, it won’t work exactly due to that being magical, but after this round, if you’re wearing a collar or choker, your Isa, my incredibly good, devoted, and loyal puppy. I’ll be listening to whatever your body says and following that instead of your words. After all, pets don’t talk.”

Mary could tell Isabella was getting turned on as she sat there looking at her, but her eyes kept flicking elsewhere, finding it really hard to maintain eye contact. Isabella's mind was racing. Damnit, why the hell does that sound appealing? Sure, I like her, but being her pet? Her good little puppy dog? Isabella took note of her fiercely wagging tail. Fucking traitor. (Isa wants that badly. Isa wants to be a good girl, but I want respect too.)

Mary let Isabella’s body speak for a moment before continuing. “Now, while you aren’t wearing a collar, you are Isabella. Allie’s fiancée and the mother of our children. My friend and lover. I will be ignoring whatever your body says for the most part. Does that work for you?”

(Yes! YES!) Isabella nodded hesitantly. “I suppose so. I do have a question, though. What if I’m wearing the collar, and my body says to leave it on, but I tell you to take it off?”

Mary tapped her lips in thought as the kettle went off. She continued considering that question as she poured the tea and brought the mugs to the table, passing one to Isabella.

“What would you like me to do?” Mary asked.

Isabella hesitated before responding, but her tail was wagging frantically. (Keep it on!) “I… I think I would prefer it if you removed it.” (Say you won’t! Please say you won’t!) Isabella felt her heart pounding.

“Isabella, do you remember what I just told you? Without that collar on, I’m going to ignore your body. So do you want to revise your answer, or not?” Mary blew slightly on her tea, removed the bag, and took a sip.

Isabella frowned. Is she saying that my body is telling her to simply keep it on? I mean, sure, that would be hot, and I’m sure Allie would eventually tell Mary to remove it. But based on what Mary’s said, my body has been rather enthusiastically saying to get myself humiliated and that I’m massively into pet play, which I can’t really deny. “I… I think I’m good, Mary. I’m not going to let my libido win over my reason.”

Mary waved a hand, palm up in front of her, “Well, there you go. That’s what I’ll do.”

Isabella asked, “Why are you listening to me instead of my body?”

Mary warmly said, “Because you’ll always be a person to me first, and even if you want something, that doesn’t mean you’ll indulge. If you were an alcoholic, I’d be willing to bet your body would be asking for a drink regularly. This isn’t destructive like that, but simply because you enjoy and want it doesn’t mean that I’m going to indulge your desires you expressly say no to.”

“Thank you, I mean that.” Isabella smiled bashfully. “So what would you like to do tonight?”

Mary shrugged, “It’s your night. Technically, you’re the one who’s supposed to plan this.”

“Right…” Isabella said meekly. “Umm, for the rest of the round, could you… not overindulge me. I sort of need to wear the collar for its bonuses.” (Isa still wants you to indulge her, though… at least somewhat.)

Mary nodded, “Sure. As I said before, for the rest of the round, it will be a bit different since you can’t just take that collar off yourself. I’ll use my best judgment, balancing what you say you want versus what your body says you want.”

“Thank you. Can we just have a nice dinner together and relax? I had… well, an interesting day.”

Mary asked, “Sure. What—”

“Stop!” Isabella exclaimed. (I don’t want to discuss it. Please!) “Please don’t ask about it. Talia said it likely wasn’t caught on the cameras for the audience. I don’t want it to come up as a transformation.”

“I find that hard to believe,” Mary replied. “But okay. Would you like to help me make dinner or just order something?”

“Order something. I’m exhausted.” Isabella said, leaning back into her chair.

Mary tapped a few buttons on the tablet on the table. “So, would you tell me whatever you are comfortable with telling me about what you did today?”

Isabella hesitated, fearing her body would end up blurting out secrets, but ultimately nodded. “We wound up at the temple of diligence…”

Isabella went on to explain the challenges, leaving out most of the details from the second challenge, slightly disappointing Mary. As she was explaining, Freya brought in dinner. Mary seemed a little perturbed by the simulated reality and how long Allie had been in it. The transformation, on the other hand, and the condition to remove it made her giggle. Upon hearing about it, Mary said, “Oh, Allie is going to hate that, but it might be good for her. You know she never really liked to keep things tidy.”

Isabella chuckled, then continued her story. By the time she had gone through everything, they had finished their meal. “So we fought the statues and then filled the mana orb and came back here. Honestly, not all that eventful.” (Except for all the times Talia made Isa and Allie cum!) Mary quirked an eyebrow. Isabella sighed, “My body just told you something, didn’t it?” I hate this transformation. (Isa finds it a turn on to have all her secrets spilled.)

Mary couldn’t believe how much Isabella wouldn’t admit to herself. Mary stood and pulled out Isabella’s chair. As Isabella stood, Mary grabbed her by the waist and hefted her over her shoulder, and started to float towards the bed.

Isabella exclaimed, “MARY! What are you doing? Put me down.” Isabella wasn’t really protesting physically, though. Mary could see Isabella’s tail saying. (Isa likes being carried.)

Mary did as instructed and put her down on the bed, lying down next to her. Mary put her face close to Isabella’s and softly said, “You know I can smell you. I can smell how turned on you are right now. Ah, there it is again, stronger now.” Mary put a hand on Isabella’s hip and kissed her gently. A moment later, their lips parted, and Mary rested her head on Isabella’s shoulder. Mary closed her eyes and just breathed slowly, enjoying the moment.

Isabella asked, as Mary just lay there with her. “Are you really not going to do anything more?” (Isa was expecting more. Isa wants Mary.)

Mary opened one eye and tilted her head to look up at Isabella. “You said you wanted to relax. Did you already forget what I told you? If you want something right now, you’ll have to ask for it. Don’t worry, I’m still planning to put the collar back on you before we go to sleep because it takes eight hours for the bonuses to come back.”

“What… what if I wanted you to put it back on before then?” Isabella asked hesitantly. (The collar was so soft and comfortable and hot! Please collar Isa!)

“Then, Isabella, you need to tell me that’s what you want me to do. Out loud. Is that what you want me to do? Do you want me to go grab the collar and put it back around your neck? Do you want to be my good little puppy?”

Isabella wouldn’t meet Mary’s gaze and nodded slightly. (Sometimes more than anything, but I’m also Allie’s)

Mary didn’t move and just kept staring, then put her head back down on Isabella’s shoulder, seeing as Isabella wouldn’t respond. Isabella asked, “Mary? Aren’t you going to… You know?”

Mary didn’t bother moving her head this time. “Know what? I thought I was pretty clear.”

Isabella nearly pleaded, “Yes, I want that. Please.”

Mary looked back at Isabella, sitting up slightly. “Want what? Be specific.”

Oh God, she wants me to say it… That’s so embarrassing. It was embarrassing before admitting I liked it, but to actually ask to be collared? I might die. (Mary knows exactly how to push Isa’s buttons. I just want to kiss her.) “I… I want you…” Isabella covered her face. She tried to muster her resolve but instead rolled over onto her stomach, buried her face in the pillow, and muttered something that Mary couldn’t make out.

Mary climbed onto Isabella’s back and slowly unzipped the back of her dress. Then she started to massage Isabella’s exposed back and felt the tension melt off her as Mary went from muscle group to muscle group. As she finished, Mary gently kissed all over Isabella’s back. She leaned down and hugged Isabella. Mary whispered into her ear, “Maybe in the morning you’ll be able to be a bit more honest.”

Mary went and got the collar and put it back on Isabella so the buffs would reactivate by morning. Then Mary pulled her close as they fell asleep.

---

Brooke sat down across from Talia and Laura. The pair was sitting on opposite ends of a couch, neither looking towards the other. She explained to Talia what had happened in the temple of Charity. Talia wasn’t pleased and was pouting. Talia hadn’t actually found anything that had happened at the temple to be a problem. It was the fact that Laura had a problem with her essentially doing similar things for her.

Brooke was giving the two a moment to collect their thoughts before beginning. She was also trying to ignore a new sense she had gained. It took a little while to understand what she was sensing, but Laura’s blessing to guide her towards aiding the ones she cared for was rather literal. She could tell the direction that Sam, Mary, Allie, Laura, and Talia were in. She could also get a general feeling for how far away they were. It wasn’t exactly distance, and since Mary had returned to the castle, she knew that none of them were really that far away.

After letting the silence linger for long enough, Brooke began, “Okay, so first thing is first. I don’t want any raised voices, sarcasm, or insults. Do I make myself clear?” Brooke held a long-handled rod with a rounded end that she had threatened to bonk them on the head with if they broke her rules. Laura and Talia both nodded. “Now, I’m going to summarize everything each of you told me individually. Talia is worried you’re pulling away because she’s your high priestess. She’s also upset that you have a problem with her worshiping you, yet you’ve been rather eager to have others worship you. She’s feeling rejected.”

Brooke held up a hand to stop Laura from interrupting her. “You’ll have a chance to speak in a minute. Now, Talia, Laura feels like the way you’ve been acting is a bit creepy and unsettling for her.” Talia frowned, hearing that. “She’s feeling like you’ve lost sight of her as a person and see her simply as a sex goddess. Now, Laura, I’ll turn the floor over to you first.”

Laura turned towards Talia, who wasn’t looking towards Laura. Brooke spoke before Laura could. “Talia, please look at your girlfriend when she is speaking.”

Talia wiped her face with a hand as discreetly as she could before turning around and looking at Laura. Brooke gestured for Laura to go ahead. Laura said, “Talia… first, I owe you an apology. I should have been more mindful of my actions. Acting as I did during the temple right after telling you I was bothered by your worship was thoughtless. I’m sorry.”

Talia found it difficult to meet Laura’s eyes but did so. After several moments of silence, Brooke prodded Talia with her rod. Talia understood that she should say something. “I just don’t understand your problem, Laura. Every time we’ve done stuff together, you’ve been happy, if not downright eager for me to treat you like the Goddess you are. What am I doing wrong? Because I know I’ve not violated any of your teachings.”

“That right there.” Laura said, “You speak of my teachings, but I don’t have any of those. I’m not some authority figure for others to emulate. I’m not infallible, and neither are my opinions. Yet you’re treating me like I am.”

Talia blinked a few times rapidly. Then took a few breaths, her eyes started to glow as she used her boon to consider her words. Brooke bonked her on the head and said, “No time dilation. It’s not fair to Laura for you to have hours to consider your words while she has seconds.” Talia rubbed her head, annoyed, and considered what to say. “Laura… I don’t feel like I’ve treated you like that. I’ve certainly not treated you like you’re infallible. Both before and after becoming your high priestess. Plus, don’t you remember me telling you that you aren’t even the highest figure in the religion? I’m still Christian, just a brand-new denomination that includes you as part of it.” Talia paused and seemed to be struggling with her words. Talia turned to Brooke, “I don’t know how to say what I think needs to be said without it sounding like an insult or coming off condescending.”

Laura replied, “Just say it.”

Brooke shrugged and then nodded for Talia to continue. “Okay, Laura. I know I’m smarter than you. That’s simply a fact. You aren't dumb by any measure, but you’re wrong frequently. Sometimes even about sexual things. I’m also finding it laughable that you think you aren’t someone that others should want to emulate. You’re an Olympic athlete. A successful Olympic athlete. You’re confident and hot as hell. You even spoke of wanting to get into modeling for sports magazines and hoped to become a trainer. You were always going to have people following, admiring, and emulating you; the scope and topic of things have just changed.”

Seeing that Talia was done, Brooke said, “Laura, maybe you can give us a specific example when Talia has treated you as infallible?”

Laura thought about it, but was having trouble coming up with an example.

A long silence lingered before Brooke said, “Okay, so we’ll circle back to this. Talia, do you have anything you’d like to add to my explanation about how you are feeling?”

Talia considered and shook her head, “No, between what you said and what I’ve added so far covers everything.”

Brooke nodded and looked to Laura, who just shook her head. Brooke then said, “Very well. Now, I have a solution to your problem, but it’s easier said than done. Now these are my opinions on this matter. Laura, you need to get past this issue you have with Talia worshiping you. From what I’ve seen and heard, she’s not really done anything wrong, besides some poor communication. You need to embrace being a goddess and accept Talia as your high priestess if you want things to work. To that end, I’m assigning you homework.”

“What?!” Laura exclaimed. “What do you mean by homework?”

“I mean things I expect you to complete before our next session. If you don’t do them, there won’t be another session. You and Talia are going to sit down and go over your teachings in detail. Talia, you are going to instruct Laura in her own teachings as if she were a convert who knows nothing about the goddess Laura. Understand? I mean that literally, imagine that you had an eager convert or were teaching your own children, and teach Laura exactly like you would teach them.”

“Uh…” Talia began, “That… I could do that, but I’m afraid it will sound like I’m being condescending the whole time. Like, imagine another person coming along and explaining how to repair the ships you regularly work on, like you knew nothing about ship repair.”

Brooke nodded, “I understand your concern. Try your best. Also, I’ve had that exact thing happen. I’ve had to train others to repair ships, and at the end of their training, that was literally part of the test I gave them. They had to explain everything to me like I knew absolutely nothing about ship repair. You’re going to do the same thing. It should also help Laura get a better grasp on what worshiping her outside of the bed chamber means to you. Which should make it less uncomfortable for her.”

Laura said, “Is that really necessary?”

Brooke stared at Laura, deadpan. “Laura, I’ve been assigned this relationship to repair and maintain by Mary. I can literally tell how to do that. You don’t have to do it my way, but then things are on you. I’ll try to help where I can, but this is what I’ve got at the moment. Talia, I want you to do your best to refrain from anything like worship or reverence for Laura as much as possible. I know you can’t stop it, but you have to do your absolute best. This excludes any sexy time you and Laura have where she encourages it.”

Laura then asked, “What… what if I can’t really accept being a goddess?”

Brooke bonked Laura on the head. “Then maybe you should have considered that before making it your main path. You clearly want it. Plus, from the sounds of things, if you can’t manage to tolerate it, then Mary might be the only one for you. Since you said that some of the others are already being swayed by your divine influence. With the ones you’re sexually involved with being affected the most.”

Laura frowned, hearing that. Talia just nodded as if that made perfect sense. Talia said, “Well, what would you expect to happen if you repeatedly worship at a divine altar?”

Brooke considered whether to bonk Talia for that or not. She decided not. Brooke replied, “You mean eating her out?”

Talia nodded, “Yes. Consensual sex is literally the backbone of the faith. Maja also made clear that while we could make a physical altar, her loins are Laura’s altar as well.”

Brooke frowned, “Laura, I meant what I said about trying to convert me.”

Laura nodded, “I understand. I’ll only order you to go down on other people in the future.”

“Good, now go to bed. Talk more in the morning.” The two nodded and made to leave. Brooke said, “Actually, Talia, you should probably wait another fifteen minutes with me.” Brooke saw Laura pause and give her a curious glance. Brooke said, “I don’t have anything in particular to discuss with her, Laura. It’s just that Allie and Sam are 'talking' in our bedroom.” Brooke used finger quotes to emphasize her point.

Laura mouthed, ‘Ah.’

Talia gave Laura a quick peck on the cheek and sat back down. Laura strode out of the room feeling slightly better about things with Talia than when she woke up, which was progress she’d happily take.

---

Allie felt great. Sam’s soft lips were pressed against hers. Sam’s arm was curled around her back. Both were naked, of course. Allie didn’t want to stop, ever. As soon as Allie had returned to the palace, Sam had come to find her and swooped her off to their bedroom. Sam had spent the better part of an hour kissing and exploring Allie’s upper body like she was making up for lost time over the past few weeks.

Sam finally paused for air, taking in a deep breath. Allie said, “Sam… What’s gotten into you? Not that I mind. I’d just like to know how to get you like this again.”

Sam started a full belly laugh. She leaned back and held her palm to her cheek. “Oh my, you two really are alike.”

Allie cocked her head to the side. “Who am I like?”

Sam replied, “Mary. She said, practically the same thing after our whirlwind of sex, where we destroyed the bedroom and got engaged.”

Allie shuddered in pleasure when Sam used the ‘E’ word.

Sam noticed and whispered seductively into Allie’s ear, “I’m engaged to your wife.”

Allie bit her lip as her eyes fluttered.

Sam chuckled, “Wow, you’ve got it bad.”

Allie just nodded absentmindedly for a few moments before replying. “Yeah… I think it’s because of the nature of the transformation.” Now, Allie had Sam’s full attention as her lists of things to perfect currently had knowing TF triggers active. She was demanding an explanation just from her gaze. “Well, the transformation is about me finding each of us being Mary’s wife a turn on. Sure, I can fantasize about it, but it’s the difference between fantasizing about tying someone up and actually tying them up.”

Sam said, “I believe the term is tying someone down in this case. Not up.” Sam smiled playfully at Allie, who gently pushed Sam to the side.

“Wow, did you join Isabella and me as expectant mothers?”

Sam replied, “I hope not. My mom would probably kill Mary.” She considered something for a moment: “Actually, I put even odds on it being my uncle instead. Then again, maybe my dad just comes back from the grave and haunts her ass for decades.”

At that moment, as if Sam summoned it herself, a ghostly head popped up between her and Allie’s faces. Sam shouted in alarm as she tumbled back.

Allie immediately got extremely concerned, not knowing what was wrong, as she couldn’t see the ghost. “Sam, what’s wrong?” Allie rushed through the ghost and moved to Sam’s side and hesitantly reached out to touch her shoulder. “Did… did I do something…”

Sam took a second just to breathe. “No, Allie, I’m fine. Just got spooked. There’s a ghost here. A woman. She just popped up through the bed with her head coming right between our faces. She looks like she's from the early 1900s, probably post WW1, I think.”

Allie scowled, “That’s uncalled for.” Allie glared around the room, not sure where the ghost was, but she wanted to make sure to get in a glare at it. Then she noticed where Sam was staring and glared in the same direction.

Sam asked the ghost, “So, are you going to introduce yourself and drop your guidance on me or what?”

“Hmmm…” The ghostly woman replied, “I suppose that’s only proper. My name is Laura.”

Sam frowned and said, “You’ve got to be shitting me.”

“Language, young lady! I’ll overlook your dalliances with another woman, and a married one at that, because I’m aware of your situation, but there is absolutely no cause for such foul language.”

Sam scowled. I suppose there’s nothing to be gained by being antagonistic at this stage. “I apologize. I’m sure you’ve heard the term swear like a sailor. I’m a sailor.”

Ghost Laura frowned, “Yes, I’m aware. I’m also aware of your intentions with my descendant.”

“You have a problem with Laura and me?” Sam asked, with some heat in her voice.

“Yes, but then again, I have many problems with that child. I thought I should warn you. Your best friend is in danger of being changed by her. Laura has already taken the first steps to turn Brooke into her devoted plaything. You as well, to be honest, though I’ve been told that dragons aren’t as susceptible.”

Sam scowled at Ghost Laura. “Why should I believe you?”

Ghost Laura laughed, “Worried that I just want to spoil that brat’s and your fun? Hardly. As for why you should believe me? I can’t lie to you. I can’t- not I won’t. Use the info or don’t.”

Sam remembered that the text of the transformation did say the ghosts couldn’t lie to her. “Okay, what did Laura do exactly?”

“Ask her yourself.”

“Why shouldn’t I just assume this is your way of getting back at Laura because you’re a prude?” Sam questioned.

Ghost Laura seemingly stared off into the distance for a moment. “I am a prude by your standards, certainly. I don’t approve of almost any of her choices. My disapproval of her choices is immaterial, however. She has done what I have said. Do what you think is best to protect your friend. Have a pleasant evening, and I apologize for the scare and interruption.” With that, Ghost Laura vanished.

Sam scowled. Allie saw her looking at the ground, now in thought. Allie asked, “Is the ghost gone?”

Sam nodded, “Yeah… it was apparently one of Laura’s ancestors. She was… odd. She seemed like a bit of a prude, overly polite, and openly stated she disapproved of Laura, but at the same time, I got the sense that she actually cared about Laura.”

“What did she have to say?” Allie asked.

“Just that Laura is apparently changing Brooke and me.”

“How so?” Allie asked worriedly.

“I think into her believers. At least that is what it seemed like the ghost was implying.”

“No way she would do that.” Allie countered.

Sam nodded, “At least not consciously, but assuming my transformation is accurate and the spirit can’t lie. Laura has already taken the first steps for that.”

Allie frowned, “I don’t believe that. Also, not being able to utter lies isn’t the same as having to tell you the truth. Fey rules likely apply.”

“Fey rules?” Sam had no clue what Allie meant.

“Speaking technical truths with the intent to deceive. Also, just because she believes it to be true doesn’t make it the truth.”

“So you think I shouldn’t be worried?”

Allie shook her head, “No, you should definitely be worried, just very cautious. I would go over her exact words carefully and see if there is any wiggle room in their meaning. Maybe calmly talk to Brooke and Laura about this.”

Sam sighed, “Just great… this makes what I wanted to discuss more awkward.”

Allie tilted her head, “Oh? I thought your ‘I would really like to talk with you alone’ bit earlier was code for sexy fun times.”

Sam blushed, “It was that too, but no, I really did want to talk with you alone about something important. I intend to pursue a romantic relationship with Laura.”

Allie nodded as she took that in. “Okay, sure. Not sure why that required a talk, really. We already agreed you could have another romantic partner.”

Sam sighed, “Well… Talia is a complication.”

Allie frowned. “How so?”

“She’s indicated she is also interested in me that way.”

Allie nearly said, ‘No,’ immediately, but stopped herself and really considered Sam’s unasked question. Sam let her sit in silence for a long while. Allie eventually said, “No. I’m not okay with you pursuing Laura and Talia.”

Sam asked, “Would you explain why?”

Allie nodded, “As we discussed before, this isn’t an open relationship. I know when Isabella got here, I asked, and we adjusted things. I’m still willing to do that somewhat, but this isn’t the same thing. Plus, it doesn’t sound like you really want to be with Talia anyway. It sounds like you want Laura and are asking about Talia because things could get complicated.”

Sam hesitated. “That’s… essentially correct,” Sam replied.

“So my answer is no. There’s also a second reason. I know you said we weren’t touching Brooke, and I won’t be. I won’t even be using her transformation, even if she wouldn’t mind. The thing is, I could see something changing for her where she found you attractive. At which point, I expect that you would come talk to me about that. You love her, which makes sense; she’s always been there for you. If something like that happened, I’d be far more inclined to allow that, even if you pursue something with Laura. That is far closer to what happened with Isabella and me.”

Sam looked slightly disappointed.

Allie continued, “Honestly, I don’t see the problem. Sam, we already agreed we could have sex with other people in the harem. You aren’t with Isabella, and that’s not an issue. Why would it be an issue to be with Laura and not Talia?”

Sam struggled to explain, “I… it isn’t that it would be an issue exactly. Just… I think things would end up getting really awkward and strain Laura’s relationship with Talia.”

Allie frowned, “That’s not a good enough reason. Sorry if you’re disappointed, but I’m firm on this.”

Sam scratched the back of her head, “Okay. I understand. I’ll let Laura and Talia know and see where things stand.”

Allie said, “Great. Also… be careful with Talia. She’s… well, stuff happened in the temple that I was surprised by. She’s far more crafty at getting people to do what she wants than she lets on.”

Sam raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Well, Isabella and I didn’t really want to do any of the sexual tasks in one of the trials with her.”

Sam nodded, “Understandable.”

“Except that the two of us did. We did a lot with her. She didn’t badger us into doing anything either. Honestly, I’m hoping that she actually was deliberately making an effort to do stuff with us and not simply a natural.”

Sam frowned, “You mean you told her no and she did it anyway?”

“Yes and no. That’s the thing. At the beginning of the room, we told her we didn’t want to do anything with her. As things progressed, though, things just seemed to happen, and Isabella and I agreed to let her do things.” Allie shivered, remembering what Talia had done. Partially in pleasure and partially concerned. “Just be careful. Okay?”

Sam nodded, “Okay. Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

Allie nodded, “Yes. It wasn’t bad, really, but I’m going to try avoiding letting something like that happen again. Now, I believe we should have a little more time before Brooke and Talia come barging in.” Allie leaned towards Sam and gently pushed her down as their bodies pressed together and their lips met.

---

End of Day Standings:
Unspent Empire Merit: 750