The house of ribbons, p.23
The House of Ribbons, page 23
“Asya, you’re pulling my leg. How can there be so many gods at once? Wouldn’t that be too many kings at once? People go to war, and one rules over the conquered time immemorial.”
“Slade, I love the way you think. This might be the wine talking, but you’re very attractive, and your smell is so intoxicating. No, wonder they want you so. You know, I briefly loved a man who smelled wonderful. I met him after Haley’s death. He was the one who was stabbed while stopping Haley’s assassin.”
“What happened to him?”
“Herrick and his daughter had to leave one night. I never saw them again. He was my very first love. I would have married him. One smell would make me drunk. You both have the same eyes. I wonder if you two are from the same place.”
“Asya, please, not you as well. Honestly, focus!”
“Yes, business before pleasure. I’m sorry. So, time means nothing to the gods. They can have overlapping ruling kingdoms that almost never fight, but it has happened in the past. New gods rule, then fall out of favor, only to be replaced by different gods. Is that a bit clearer?”
“Yes, thank you, Asya.”
“Don’t worry, boy. After a hundred or so years, you will see the world differently.”
“What was that, Asya?”
“Nothing, boy, just the wine talking, and from the sounds of laughter, it looks like their make-out session is over. So, let us rejoin the party. Stay close. A hungry group of women could overpower you just like that.” Asya snapped.
“Ladies, are we decent and calmed down?”
A few were redressing.
“I see that only two bottles have made it, so let us each have a small amount so we can share the last of the good stuff.”
“Where were you two?” Sofia asked, standing on shaky feet. She smiled.
I sat down next to Topaz and Tova.
“Quick talk with Asya about how hungry you all are getting.”
“I was keeping Slade safe from the likes of you six filthy-minded sirens. I worried you all would hurt the poor boy with the state you were in. His first time should not require a healer afterward, should it?”
Sunako laughed so hard she started to cough, then said, “I have no problem with that.” Then, in a blink of an eye, she was between my legs with her hands on my knees. “I can heal you. Then, you can thank me over and over and over again.” Sunako winked, and in a flash, she was back in her seat.
Cheri was next in my lap for a stolen kiss and back in her seat, all in under two seconds. It was a wonder no one ever got hurt running that fast.
They all laughed.
“Well, I think it is almost time for bed, and by bed, I mean sleep. I have a feeling that we will have a fun day tomorrow. Now, let’s get the room ready.”
We all got up and went into the bedroom.
“Watch and learn, ladies and boy.” Asya laughed while calling out something in a strange tongue. She clapped. The beds rose and collided.
Asya looked at me and said, “Cool, huh?”
“I’m warm but thank you.”
“No, ‘cool’ can mean awesome or good or a word you use to express excitement.” Asya just smiled and shook her head.
“Okay, let us do whatever needs to be done to get into bed, and I might have one more story in me.”
They all went back to the bathroom.
“Asya, why do they go to the bathroom so often and in pairs or groups?”
“I thought it was obvious. They’re talking about you.”
After everyone had ‘used the bathroom,’ they got into bed: Lucy and Sofia, Cheri and Tova, Sunako and Topaz.
“Asya, there is only room for one more. Please take my spot. I will sleep on the floor.”
“Thank you, Slade. That is very kind. Your chivalry seems to know no bounds, but I prefer to sleep floating in the hands of the gods.” Asya rose into the air and appeared to be floating in invisible water.
“Asya, that is very cool. Did I use that word right?”
“You did, and it is very cool. How about I let you earn a bed like this for the night? Are you up to a challenge?”
“How could I say no to an offer like that?”
“Good. Now first, give a kiss goodnight to these five little angels and then one to the naughty little demon Lucy.”
Laughter erupted.
Lucy did her best impression of a demon voice. “Come here, boy, and let me taste your soul. I want to make you my slave. Now come have a drink from my wicked flower!”
More laughter followed, and I smiled. I gave each one a goodnight kiss.
“Okay, Slade, my challenge to you is to wow me with your silver tongue. Show me your command of speech. Bend your words in a way that will amaze me. Come on, wordsmith. Impress me.”
“I have one request.”
“Out with it, you big staller!” Sofia commanded.
“No one makes a sound above breathing while I do this, especially you, Sofia.”
Everyone agreed.
I stood in the middle of the room, and I felt every eye on me. I dimmed the lights a bit and took a long, deliberately loud, deep breath. I closed my eyes and looked down. I extended my arms to my sides at shoulder height and faced my palms upward. I raised my head slowly and opened my black eyes. I heard a familiar gasp, and Sofia pulled the covers over her mouth and nose like a frightened child. I let out a long mournful sigh that wound down into a low, rumbling hiss. I stood in silence for a minute before I spoke.
“A glass of suicide raised in honor of a love lost to the abyss of loneliness. We sit back-to-back, isolated by time and regret. If only you could hear my plea. If only I had a voice that could reach you. Why have you gone deaf to my love? Will I ever see you again? Soon to embark on this lonely road to seek out your voice if only in a dying memory.” As I twisted my silver tongue, I poured passion into those cold words, giving birth to sentences. I breathed life into them, just to give them away to an audience that hungrily devoured them like candy.
Asya clapped, and the others followed suit.
“Slade, where did that come from?” Tova asked.
“I just thought of what it would be like to lose someone I love.”
“Well, I will tell you one thing, Slade. You know your way around words, and those were beautiful. When you speak, people want to listen. I’m happy that you ended up here where we can help mold you into a good person because a mind and tongue like that could cause a great deal of pain and suffering if wielded like a weapon.”
“Thank you, Asya.”
“So, are you ready to sleep in the arms of the gods?”
“Thank you, Asya, but I will share a spot on the bed. I don’t think I will be able to sleep well knowing that my friends are below me.”
“I see what you are saying, Slade. But why would you share your winnings? Don’t worry. There is no right or wrong answer.”
“I just think a prize like this one is better shared or not had because it could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to feel something that cool. I would rather talk about it later than describe it as if bragging.” I crawled between Sunako and Topaz.
“So, you will only take your prize if you can share it?”
Asya snapped, and seven bodies floated upward.
“Ladies, make sure you thank the boy tomorrow. Slade is a true gentleman.”
“Asya, how does this work? Can we roll over? What if one of us has to use the bathroom later?”
“Sweetie, I’m a light sleeper, so if one needs to go to the ground, I will know. Then you will float down. As for rolling over, just roll. But I get the best sleep on my back. If you want to move somewhere, just think about where or to whom you want to go to. I will ask that you all refrain from having sex, at least while I’m in the room. I would rather not get any liquids on me while I sleep. I will give you all a few minutes to enjoy being weightless.”
The lights got really low, and for about ten or so minutes, we all enjoyed floating and gliding around the room. Even Asya was in on the fun, but it was time to relax. Everyone said their goodnights to one another and paired up in each other’s arms. Topaz and Sunako left space for me, and I floated toward them to enjoy their body heat.
The light went off, and darkness enveloped us. Asya wished us goodnight and pleasant dreams.
“Who would like to be sung to sleep?”
Everyone said, “Please.”
“Okay, great. Then I have a special song with some help from Topaz and a pinch of magic.”
Asya began, then Topaz joined soon after as she held me close to her bare chest. I felt her voice in my chest, and little lights started to blink and fly around the room. I was struck by the awe of it all: music with a light show. My eyes became heavy, and I tried to stay awake, but sleep pulled me away to the land of the dreamers, lovers, fighters, and those who sought enlightenment in the realm of shared unconsciousness.
“I see you’re getting closer to me.”
“Who are you?” I asked.
“Someone from your past, and I want you back. Soon, you’ll be in my arms once more. Then you’ll never become lost again.”
Chapter 17
The House of Whispers
As I woke up, I felt amazing. My whole body was alive and comfortable. I was up before anyone else, but I was in the arms of Asya, and she was topless. I panicked at the thought of what might have happened, as my memory from the night before was hazy.
“You’re okay, Slade. You drifted toward me about an hour ago, and I didn’t want to wake you. You’re a snuggly thing, and I enjoyed it. Now, I’m going to gently push you toward the ladies—let’s keep this between us. Oh, and you might want to control that thing a little better because it woke up before you. So did your hips. If I were a slightly weaker woman, I would have guided you in.”
“You’re not making this easy, Asya.” We were eye to eye as I whispered, “I dreamed of the green-eyed woman again.” I stopped floating and slammed into the floor.
“Oops. Go to the bathroom and take care of that before it gets you into a tight spot.”
I returned, then floated back up and over to Topaz and Sunako. I came up between them, lying on my back with my arms outstretched under each one’s head. Soon, their bodies were snuggled tightly to me with their legs on my legs. Topaz’s face was tucked in next to my ear, and Sunako’s head was on my chest. Both pairs of hands quickly found their way in my shorts, firmly holding onto me—I was growing again. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Asya and tried to catch her attention, but when I did, she only waved at me and smiled. I slipped my arm out from under Sunako and attempted to remove their hands from me, but they only tightened their grips.
I kissed Sunako, and she woke up. I did the same to Topaz, who smiled as she blinked up at me sleepily.
“Ladies, I desperately need to use the bathroom, and as much as I want to enjoy you two a little longer, I must regretfully ask you both to unhand me.”
“Can I—I mean—can we have it back later?” Topaz whispered.
“Provided Lady Silk says it is okay that you and I can be together.”
Sunako made a purring sound, and they let go at the same time. I tried to glide toward the doorway, but as I got within five feet of the bathroom door, Sofia walked by and blew me a kiss.
“A gentleman always lets a lady go first.” She closed the door.
“Damn it.”
I floated to Asya and meant to touch her hip, but I only got her behind.
She rolled over and said, “Bad boy!” With a snap of her fingers, I crashed to the ground. I immediately wished I were in a better position because hitting the floor face, chest, stomach, groin, and knees-first was very unpleasant.
Sofia walked back in and said, “I warned you not to swear in the house. Asya dislikes it the most.” She then stepped on me rather than over me, and if that wasn’t bad enough, I didn’t think I was going be able to get up and not piss myself. So, I gathered my thoughts and willpower as I attempted to rise. Lucy walked on my back with her little feet and stopped with one foot on my lower back. With the other, she pressed down on the high center between my shoulder blades.
Lucy said, “Has anyone seen Slade this morning? Oh, hey, Slade. Whatcha doing down there?” She laughed.
“I fell, and now you are on me. Now, kindly get off so that I may use the bathroom,” I requested with irritation in my voice.
She laughed again, stepped off, and walked into the bathroom. I took a breath, stood up, and walked in.
“Oh no! I was here first, cutie. So, piss in front of me or hold it.” She smiled and peed in front of me, her eyes never leaving mine. “See, I’m not as shy as you.” She stood up, and I relieved myself while Lucy watched from the back. “See, not too hard, was it?”
I kissed her cheek and walked out.
A little while later, Asya somehow made breakfast for all of us by herself.
“Magic?” I asked.
She smiled. “No, silly. My little helpers bought me what I needed and assisted me in the kitchen.”
“Will they be joining us?”
“No, but you will meet them in about an hour when we go see Lady Silk. Now, everyone, let’s eat.”
We gathered around the table and enjoyed the eggs, potatoes, and small square pieces of ham. It was very delicious, and the conversations were light.
“I had a really fun last night with you all, and we are going to do that again very soon, hopefully, within the next week or two. But I will need Mr. Slade to escort me to the other two Houses, and I might borrow two of you as well,” said Asya.
We finished our food and cleaned up.
“Slade, Topaz, Sofia, please come with me to the main house.”
We gathered our things and made our way to Lady Silk’s house, where we were greeted by Elma.
“Good morning, Elma. I’m here to see the lady of the House.”
“Please come in, Asya. It’s always a pleasure to have you. How have you been?”
“Thank you, Elma. I am well.”
We entered through the main doors, and Lady Silk greeted us from the second-floor landing.
“Asya, please come up. No need to stand down there. You know my house is your house. Elma, please have tea sent to the north reading room.”
We walked upstairs, and Lady Silk hugged Asya. Then the two little ones appeared.
“Asya, I do so wish you would come live here with us, like old times.” Lady Silk seemed very happy. “Topaz, please take Sofia and Slade to your room. I will send for you soon.”
Topaz smiled and took our hands as we reached another set of stairs to the third floor. Her room was filled with many books on her shelves but no bed in the room, only a comfy-looking chair.
“Where is your bed, or do you float when you sleep?”
“I wish I could float. I want to learn that spell first. Tell me it was not the best sleep. I have no use for a bed. I only have a hammock. I set it up right before I go to sleep. It saves me a lot of space. If you move in, you will have the room two rooms over.”
***
In the reading room, Lady Silk said, “Asya, I see you have spent some time with Mr. Slade. Tell me: what do you think about him? I trust you were thorough, so please fill me in on what you have learned.”
Tea arrived, and it smelled wonderful.
“Thank you, Elma.” Lady Silk was always very polite. Asya deeply loved that about her.
Asya smiled. “Ah, yes, straight to the point. The boy is something of a mystery. A kind and gentle soul. He does not think of himself first, but what you really want to know is his abilities, am I right?”
“Please. Asya, don’t tease. That boy is the only person I’ve ever met that makes me nervous and not just in a sexual way.”
“First, is that because he can physically handle your shadows? Second, in a sexual way? Please, explain that.”
“Besides my father, no one dares to challenge me or my sisters because of my shadows, and yes, the ability to fight off my shadows has me somewhat nervous, as I am defenseless in more than one way. As for the sexual feelings I have for him—haven’t you noticed the way he smells, the way his eyes look right into you? To me, it feels like he is kissing my soul. It took all I had to not have him on the floor the other day. I’m convinced he is at least eighteen, and I am embarrassed of my feelings.”
“Silk, let me stop you right there. Mr. Slade will be loyal. This, I have seen. Give him some trust, and you will see that you have someone whose only want is to further the wants and needs of this great House. I also believe that, even if he regains his memories—which, by the way, were not forgotten but were removed—he will remain loyal to you and the women who have adopted him as their consort. I feel you have nothing to worry about from him. And, yes, he does smell wonderful. His eyes are hard to look into as well because they burn with passion. My only fear is it will cause reckless passion on the part of the women who are falling for him.”
“I have heard that he is quite taken with Sofia. Then, I have Topaz who is crazy for him, and I wouldn’t be shocked if one of the others liked him as well.” Silk laughed. “So many women and so few men. I’m astonished that the men get any work done around here, and you didn’t answer my questions. What can he do? Or am I just going to end up with another gifted fighter? Will there be more than just wanting him?”
“I feel that some females will fall all over him, and you will find out sooner or later. So, this seems like a good time to tell you that six have chosen him as their own. Shockingly, they’re willing to share.”
Lady Silk spat out her tea. “What the hell, Asya! How is that going to work? Two or three in one cottage and there are still problems, but six women sharing one man? Holy shit, that sounds like a potentially problematic situation, and I can’t have that.”
