Chapter 25: Alistair Gets an Education
The group got more relaxed as the night wore on. Starr found herself with another glass of wine, she'd never had wine before and she quite enjoyed it. She didn't realize she was getting quite tipsy. Alistair came up to her, a glass of water in his hand, "Starr," he said carefully, not wanting to slur his words, "have you ever had wine before?" He was only slightly drunk, he couldn't drink much and he had enough experience with unpleasant morning afters to avoid them, and he certainly didn't want his Starr to suffer although her soft, slightly unfocused look was incredibly arousing, he imagined it was how she would look after they made love, Maker willing. When Starr shook her head, he traded glasses with her. He put his glass on the table and waited while she drank the water. He added the empty water glass to the wine glass and pulled her into his arms. "You know, Leliana is playing her lute and Anders is not the only man who knows how to dance. One of the Revered Mothers got it into her head that the templars should learn. I don't know why she thought it was important, but I actually enjoyed it, except when I had to be the girl."
Starr giggled and let Alistair whirl her around the floor, soon they were joined by Zevran and Elissa and Oskar with Sanga. Eventually he slowed, and she rested her head on his shoulder, breathing him in and nuzzling, just a little. Alistair tightened his grip and immersed himself in the moment, enjoying the feel of her against him, no armor between them. "I'm glad you're wearing the ribbon I bought you," he whispered into her ear and felt her shiver in response. She looked up at him, her eyes a shimmery blue with violet, and she just smiled at him before dropping her head down again. They were oblivious to the conversations around them as they continued their slow dance.
"Thiss Alistair seems like good man," Oskar admitted to Sanga. "They look good together, like they belong. Like you and me," he added, grinning at Sanga. "My little girl, she seems . . . mmmm . . . lighter than earlier today. You have good talk? I saw healer Maggie come by earlier."
"Ye-es. Oh Oskar, she suffered so much more than we imagined. She was so badly hurt, had so many doubts and she's carried all that pain for years. At least she has some answers now and can decide what she wants." Sanga smiled up at the big man, "They do look like two halves of a whole, don't they? I understand he's rather innocent, or maybe inexperienced is a better word."
Oskar chuckled. "Ha, elf and I, we have plan. Man should know how to pleasse hiss woman, like I pleasse beautiful Sanga. We give him basic knowledge, so he can treat her better if he lucky enough for her to accept him. Tonight we do thiss, it will be fun," he laughed with wicked delight, Sanga laughed with him, secure in the knowledge that Alistair would not be forced into doing anything he wasn't ready for. And where better to learn something about pleasing a woman?
"I don't think Alistair has ever been as happy as he is right now," Elissa murmured as she danced with Zevran. "I never would have guessed that he might be a good dancer. Although," Zevran dipped her just then, "I don't think he knows all your moves. You are very smooth, Zevran."
Zevran smiled at her, "I am happy that you noticed, my dear Warden. Dancing can be very seductive when done well, do you not think?" Elissa smirked in answer. Zevran started to put his plan in action, "however, the lovely Starr and her handsome soldier seem to have imbibed perhaps a bit more wine than is wise, at least for walking back to camp late at night. Sanga has offered rooms for all of us, if we so desire. What say you?"
Elissa looked at Zevran, "That's very kind of her, but why do I get the feeling there's something you're not telling me? I think you're up to something." Skepticism came easy when talking to Zevran.
"My dear Warden, how you wound me," Zevran gave a big theatrical sigh. "If you must know, I do plan on being 'up to something' with a beautiful young woman I met earlier this afternoon. Do you wish to know details? We could arrange some company for you, if you wish," he leered wickedly at her. He wasn't at all surprised when she declined.
Wynne and Morrigan watched the dancers and Leliana. Wynne enjoyed watching them, all those handsome younger people enjoying themselves. Morrigan looked at the older mage, "I don't understand the point of all this, if they want to have sex there are plenty of places to go. Why all this public touching?"
"Morrigan," Wynne looked at the prickly young woman and carefully phrased her answer, "dancing with somebody who dances well can just be fun; you might want to try it yourself."
Oskar approached them; both mages looked at him appreciatively. "Beautiful women should not be sitting on sidelines watching other people dance. Would either of you care to join me while music still livess?" Oskar gave a shallow bow and waited.
Wynne urged the younger woman to accept. "Go on Morrigan, you might not get a better opportunity to learn." Morrigan scowled at her but accepted, if for no other reason than to not give the old woman an excuse to berate or tease her later. Oskar, was careful to keep her at arm's length, she obviously didn't care to be too close to other people. He explained the basic steps and they began. Stiff at first, Morrigan relaxed and actually began to enjoy herself once she stopped trying to control the steps. She was relieved that he didn't try to talk to her. She had enough of people trying to talk to her all the time. And none of her companions could talk to her while she was dancing. Perfect.
Zevran and Elissa separated, the Warden to talk to Wynne and Sanga, Zevran to cut in on Alistair and dance with Starr. "Alistair, Wynne would like to dance and we both know she won't accept any request of mine." He smoothly insinuated himself between the two and whirled away with Starr in his arms. He looked up into her eyes; she was smiling at him sleepily. He rather enjoyed the way they fit together, he could easily reach up to kiss those luscious lips or kiss the top of her magnificent bosom. He smiled wickedly at the thought but relaxed his hold on her. "So, you seem different this evening my beautiful cousin. Your afternoon with Sanga seems to have agreed with you."
"It was wonderful. I think we talked for hours. I'm glad we got to spend time here, Zevran."
"My dear cousin, I'm happy you're happy." He looked at her seriously for a moment, "Starrelena, if you wish to talk about anything, I am here for you. I want you to know that."
She searched his face and understood. "I, I know that Zevran. Thank you," she leaned her forehead against his and they continued dancing in silent kinship. The closeness of that moment was a memory Zevran treasured for many years.
When Leliana finally stopped playing, the party broke up. Only Starr, Alistair, and Zevran remained behind. Starr was sleepy and feeling the effects of the wine. She and Sanga said goodnight, leaving the men together. After a few moments of desultory conversation, Oskar and Zevran looked at each other and nodded. It was time. Oskar spoke, "Alistair, come, we talk as men. We go where we won't disturb our ladies." Alistair hesitated, but finally agreed. If he had only known it, his thinking paralleled Zevran's from earlier in the day. He wanted to know who hurt his Starr.
They relaxed in what Alistair thought was Oskar's private lounge. The big man poured brandy for all of them and brought out cigars. Alistair accepted the brandy. After they made themselves comfortable, Alistair looked directly at the Oskar and asked him the question that had been bothering him for days, "Who hurt Starr?"
"I tell you same thing I tell elf. We have suspicions, not facts. Not even rumors. If I knew, I would tell. If I knew, I would crush." Looking at the fire in Oskar's eyes, Alistair believed him. He was disappointed not to get more information, but he would find out some other way. Oskar let his thoughts settle, and then looked at the young man. He felt better about Alistair, any man who wanted to be worthy of his little Starr should want to know who hurt her. He liked what he had seen of him that evening. His impression of Alistair was of an honorable man who cared for her and who wanted her happiness. He also knew inexperience when he saw it. What he had observed over the course of the evening only confirmed what Zevran had told him earlier. "So, Alistair, iss true you are virgin and know nothing of women?"
Alistair choked on his brandy and began coughing and turning red. When he could breathe again he turned to glare at Zevran who had disappeared. Turning back to Oskar, he shifted his glare to the older man and with as much dignity as he could muster he responded, "I fail to see how much experience I may or may not have with women is any of your business. I appreciate that you care for Starr, and because she cares for you I will only say this: I love her and want her to be happy."
Oskar laughed, his booming voice filling the room. "Never mind, you learn," as Alistair opened and closed his mouth, unable to speak and resembling a fish Oskar continued, "Iss important for man to know how to pleasse hiss woman. Little things many men do not think about, but women notice. But now, elf come back with ladies, we get treated well."
Alistair was suspicious, but slowly relaxed as he noticed that the six women gathered around the men and took their hands. He watched the two women paired with him looking at his hands in dismay. One of them looked at him reproachfully, "how many women have you hurt with these raggedy nails? Do you have any idea how much a torn nail can hurt sensitive skin?" She held up his hand and pointed to the nail in question.
"It's, um, it's never been an issue, I mean, umm . . ." Alistair's voice trailed off into an indistinct mumble.
The two women on either side of him looked at each other, then back at the shy templar with knowing expressions. "I see," said the woman who spoke before. "I'm Alice, Sarah and I will get your nails in shape. Pay attention so you can take care of them yourself. Trust me when I say your lover will appreciate not getting stabbed with these jagged spikes." With a huff she bent over his hand and began. "With these calluses, I guess you do a lot of fighting. Were you at Ostagar?" Alistair nodded and then lowered his head to watch the two women, both brunettes, clean under his fingernails. He was actually a little disgusted by all the dirt they pushed out and resolved to take care of them in the future. Sarah and Alice chatted with him as they worked on his hands. They explained what they were doing and what he could do to maintain the neat appearance they finally achieved.
Alistair examined his hands, admiring how neat his nails were yet still looked manly. He started when Alice and Sarah began pulling off his boots, "Hey, what are you doing?" He felt a little foolish when Sarah, the one with long hair loosely tied back, told him they couldn't do his toenails with his boots on. Alice got up and brought back a bowl of water and some cloths. As they bathed and rubbed his feet, he sat back in his chair and enjoyed the treatment. When his eyes closed, Oskar, Zevran and the other women quietly left, locking the door behind them. Alistair didn't open his eyes again until he felt his leg being stabbed, when he looked down both women were naked and Sarah was rubbing his toenails against his other leg. "You, you're naked!" he sputtered, blushing when the two women laughed at the obvious. "L-l-look, you're both p-pret-t-ty, b-but I'm n-not, that is -" he really couldn't speak any more, he was so embarrassed. He wanted to jump up and leave, but they were holding his feet, against their naked bodies. He could feel himself stirring at the contact.
Amused, Alice finally took mercy on him, "Relax, sugar. Oskar told us you were very inexperienced, that your friend wanted you to learn something about women before you took the plunge, so to speak. We are here to educate you, not do anything you don't want us to." Calmly, she and Sarah continued with rubbing and massaging his feet while he tried to think. "We just demonstrated why it's important to keep your nails clean and trim. Just imagine that nail against a woman's tender flesh. The number of times I've been with a client, only to be stabbed by toenails . . . well it certainly doesn't help the mood, does it?" She smiled at him cheekily. He weakly shook his head and sat back. "We've done this for others before you. We'll trim your toenails now, and you can think about what we offer. If you want us to stay, we will. Anything that happens here stays here between us. Any questions you ask don't go any further. Later, sex is an option."
His hands gripped the arms of his chair as his thoughts whirred. "Somehow, I am going to get Zevran, death isn't good enough." Sarah and Alice kept working on his feet, sometimes reaching across and touching each other. "Oh Maker, is this really a good idea?" Certainly his manhood seemed to be reacting favorably to the presence of all those naked breasts. "I don't have to do anything; they can't force me to do anything I don't want." His thoughts kept traveling from one barely coherent thought to the next. Ultimately, desperate curiosity influenced his decision. His face was redder than any beet, "Umm, I g-guess I c-could learn something. I admit my life has b-been pretty sheltered until recently."
"She's a lucky girl; I can tell this isn't easy for you." Sarah rubbed his toenails against his leg again, "Can you feel the difference? It's not just good grooming that will actually keep your feet healthier for you, but it is a small courtesy to whoever your partner is." The women began rubbing his feet again, "foot rubs can be relaxing or," and she pressed the bottom of his foot in such a way that he felt the rush of excitement travel at lightning speed straight to his groin, "it can be a very sensual and sexual experience." Alistair shifted, trying to hide the fact that his manhood was at full alert.
This time Alice took charge. "Alistair," she said as she put one hand on the top of each thigh and looked him in the eyes. "We are professionals, your body is reacting perfectly normally, and there is nothing for you to be ashamed of. Just relax; Sarah was just making a point. Any massage, be it a foot rub, back rub, neck rub, whatever, can be foreplay and be the beginning of a romantic evening. The power is in the hands of the one giving the massage. If you want us to teach you some basics, so you don't apply pressure incorrectly, we can do that." They finished with a relaxing foot massage and then stood in front of him. Taking him by the hand they took him to the next room and where they climbed into the waiting bed.
"One reason Oskar chose us, is that Alice and I are partners, and we both enjoy an audience. This way you can see how a woman responds when she is . . . enjoying the actions of her lover. Or a man." Sarah waited as comprehension dawned on Alistair's face. She looked at Alice who nodded her head before continuing, "If you want to join in at any time, we're agreeable. You can still ask questions. This is the part of the education we like best, so please relax and get comfortable." Alistair moved so he could lean back against the wall, putting some distance between him and the ladies.
Alice leaned in and twined her fingers in Sarah's hair before kissing her lips. Alistair watched as Sarah's mouth opened and their tongues danced together. He noticed the pulse in Sarah's neck quicken, and felt his own quicken in response. Their hands traveled to the other's breasts, fondling and caressing nipples. When Sarah pushed Alice back down on the bed and replaced her hands with her lips, he heard Alice's breath hitch, her visible nipple become erect and beg for attention. Attention he was tempted to give it. He remembered with some relief that Starr had reacted to his attentions in a similar fashion, and a worry he wasn't even aware of disappeared.
Alice's flesh quivered as Sarah moved down, kissing and licking, nipping here and there. Alistair was getting harder and harder. When she got to the juncture of Alice's thighs, she stopped and Alice spread her legs apart in invitation and demonstration. "Alistair," Sarah spoke in a voice husky with desire, "look here." She opened the folds of flesh open to view. "Alice's entrance is here," and she slid her finger slowly in and out. "See the moisture?" Alistair was breathing hard as he nodded. He couldn't have looked away if darkspawn crashed in. "If your partner is a woman, you want her to be moist. It means she's feeling desire and is ready or getting ready for you. Some women are slower to be ready than others. That's normal." She moved her hands forward, "See this? We call this a woman's love nub. For many women this is a very sexually sensitive area. Just be careful not to be too rough." Alistair watched, fascinated as Sarah fondled the 'love nub' before bending her head down to lick and suck on it. Alice's hips started bucking, getting wilder. Her legs wrapped around Sarah. Alistair pictured Starr wrapping her legs around him and whimpered.
Hearing him, Alice paused and then moving quickly she flipped Sarah over, so her butt was up in the air. She held Sarah's head down while her rear was tensing and quivering in anticipation. Her voice hoarse, Alice asked Alistair to get the bottle of oil and some cloths out of the stand next to the bed. She opened the oil and poured a little into her hand then gave the bottle back to Alistair. She slicked her fingers and then began lubricating Sarah's rear passage. "If you're with a man, whichever of you is receiving will need to be prepared. Also, as a change of pace some people like to explore the back entrance, so to speak. That's up to the two of you. However, it will not have the natural lubrication of the more traditional entryway." She slowly slid one finger into Sarah, and held it there. Sarah whimpered for more. "One last thing, Alistair, you're about ready to burst. Pour yourself a little oil, then take yourself in hand if you wish. Here or back in the other room if you want privacy. The cloths are so we can clean ourselves up when we're done." Alice then turned all her attention back to Sarah.
Alistair didn't think he would make it into the next room. He moved back, pulled off his shirt for comfort, and pulled his britches down enough for access. Maker it felt good not to be confined! He quickly poured a little of the oil into his hands and wrapped them around his shaft, spreading the oil. He faltered as self-consciousness almost took over, but the moans and cries from Alice and Sarah quickly got him going again and he closed his eyes. Without realizing it he kept in time with the rhythm they maintained, imagining that it was Starr gripping him, that it was her moistness easing the passage as he moved in and out. In his mind she was moaning and urging him to hurry. Finally, he came, streams pouring out of him as days of pent up desire found release. Sarah and Alice were momentarily awed, and then grabbed cloths in an effort to keep it from getting all over them, Alistair, and everywhere else. Finally spent, he whispered, "Maker, I needed that."
The girls started giggling; realizing what he said, Alistair felt himself blushing, and then chuckling. Soon they were all laughing helplessly for no particular reason. Finally, they calmed down. As they were cleaning up, Alistair reflected that Starr used to clean up rooms like this and felt a little uncomfortable. He was definitely more relaxed when they moved back to the other room.
"So, any questions? Do you, want anything? Or anyone?" Sarah asked him, handing him some more brandy before getting some for Alice and herself. One woman curled up on either side of him, but he didn't feel uncomfortable as he normally would have. He frowned into his brandy, slowly swirling it. They were women, and knew a lot. Maybe they had answers Zevran didn't. "Alistair, is something wrong?" Sarah asked him tentatively.
"What? No, I mean yes. Hmmm." Alistair swallowed some brandy and concentrated on breathing so he could calm himself and be coherent. "First, thank you. I guess you already know that tonight was the closest I've been to, to having sex with a woman," he would have been surprised to know they found his blush just then endearing. To himself he added, "Except maybe for that morning with Starr." He looked at each of them in turn, "You've been very kind. And I don't want to be clumsy or accidentally hurtful."
"But maybe on purpose?" purred Alice. At Alistair's completely blank look she laughed. "Alistair, you should know that sometimes a little pain can spice things up. In fact, for some it's necessary either on the giving or the receiving end." She and Sarah snickered as his eyes got wide and his mouth dropped open. "But that's something you need to find out on your own. Maybe you'd like to be spanked?" Alistair got redder and redder as he tried to picture spanking Starr or being spanked by her. He decided he wasn't ready to even think about it.
"S-so s-s-some p-people really l-like to b-be hurt?" Alistair was beyond mortified when his voice actually squeaked on the word 'hurt.'
The women shrugged in acknowledgement. "That's not really our thing, except, like Alice said, occasionally for a change of pace. If you decide that that's your big turn on, we can put you in touch with some specialists. They can help you with setting rules so that it remains sexual and neither you nor your partner gets badly hurt. Sanga won't stand for somebody being deliberately cruel and hurtful beyond what was agreed to."
"Yeah, she won't let Vaughan Kendells through the doors. Not after what he did to one of the elven whores a few years ago."
Narrowing his eyes, Alistair asked, "Who is Vaughan Kendells? What did he do?"
Sarah's voice was bitter, "he's a noble with a preference for elves and causing pain. He's son to the Arl of Denerim and practically untouchable unless his father decides differently. He nearly killed the poor girl! She'll never work as a whore again."
"Sanga is a good woman to work for. She didn't boot her to the street as some others would. She let her stay without charging her a copper, and then found other work for her. I hear, though, that Vaughan merely resorted to taking women from the Alienage. If they survive they get passed to his guards. After that, if they still live they get dumped near the Alienage gates. I think he even took two women on their wedding day, the dirty bastard!" Alice was shaking with anger.
"Hmmm, could this be the man who took Starr?" Alistair mused, outraged. "Doesn't anybody do anything? He shouldn't be allowed to treat people like that."
"Don't be naïve, Alistair. The Arl of Denerim's son? Unless the king himself is willing to step in and tangle with Arl Urien and any of his cohorts, the guard won't do anything against him. And as long as he sticks to elves or the occasional human of low standing who won't be missed, the chances of the king even hearing about it are slim to none," Sarah brooded over the injustice. "Well, nothing we can do about it. Oskar makes sure none of us go out alone, so we're pretty safe." Deciding to change the topic she smiled at Alistair, "Ready for a back rub? I think we could all relax."
Alistair's education ended with massages, learning to give as well as receive. When they finally left the room and found Oskar and Zevran, the women left. But not before Alice kissed him on the cheek, saying, "You know, Alistair, if you ever decide to change professions talk to Oskar. You've got a knack." The two women went off arms entwined.
Oskar looked at the blushing templar in amusement then showed him and Zevran where they would sleep. As they were getting ready, Zevran smirked at Alistair, "So, did you have a good time, Alistair my friend. Did you learn anything useful?"
Alistair contemplated Zevran, "Yes. I wonder how you would look bald." He turned over and went to sleep; leaving Zevran looking at him suspiciously as he nervously stroked his blond locks. It was a while before he was able to fall asleep. He resolved to sleep extra lightly until Alistair decided to forgive him.