Chapter Thirteen: Girl Talk
Iolene needed to speak to Aaron again, it has been a few days since Erena. Iolene needed her friends more than ever. In a rush for a decision, she decided to visit his room. Breathing calmly, she opens the door and to her surprise, it is Aaron changing into his clothes. Seeing him naked she races out apologising as Aaron struggled to comprehend what just transpired. He tried to race after her but trips and falls over his pants, groaning with annoyance and shame.
Iolene races to her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.
Iolene breathing hard and fast. Her mind thinks of Aaron as she paces back and forth. Her heart is beating so fast that she felt almost as if she is having a heart attack. I am such an idiot! She curses herself. Overwhelmed by embarrassment. I should have bloody knocked! She has seen penises before but seeing Aarons it felt different. Trying to shake away the thought, she moves to the bookcase and tries to read a book. But it failed... She could not stop thinking of him.
His face, his cute nose, strong arms, powerful legs, his... Member... Iolenes leg twitches as she hugs a pillow, eventually screaming into it.
A knock is then heard on the door, Iolene pauses. Hoping it is Aaron in a weird way. She wanted to apologise for barging in the way she did. It was completely un-ladylike.
"Who is it?" Iolene meekly asks. Expecting to hear his voice.
"It's Lexi! I've been trying to find you!" She spoke.
Iolene rushes to her vanity desk to look at herself in the mirror. She looks messy with her hair undone. She sighs with defeat and lets Lexi inside. "Wow... You look, shabby miss. I take it you don't want to walk through Constants Garden?" Lexi says as she pats Iolenes loose hair down.
"Um..." That is all Iolene can mutter.
"What happened?" Lexi asks as she walks in circles around Iolene. The red priestess noticed Iolene's flushed cheeks. Lexi looks beautiful and playful. It's one of the rare times she is not wearing her priestess armour. Wearing a purple dress that looked perfect for her body type.
Iolene recounts the moment at the tree and walking in on Aaron naked in his bedroom.
"Wow... So that's what happened between you two? Too bad, that Lei's and my plan went awry." Lexi says. "And? Then what happened?" She smiles.
"Nothing..." Iolene said.
Lexi scoffs and then laughs. "You are so smitten... and Aaron is an idiot. But cannot deny that he has a point." She swirls her dress as she sits on Iolenes bed. Aaron is a bastard... It was foolish for Lei and me to play matchmaker. But they are so adorable together. Lexi thinks as she looks at the lovesick girl.
"I'm smitten?" Iolene says with surprise as she sits next to Lexi. "So, this is what love feels like?"
"Yes... You're young... All young people have a little flutter of feelings to someone they are attracted to and eventually, it will evolve into something more." Lexi smiles as she looks at Iolene still petting down gold strands on Iolenes head. The poor girl looked confused. Lexi then stops smiling as she realises the priesthood in Aquarius City truly failed her... Lexi holds her hands tightly.
"What do you know about attraction and sex?" Lexi asks.
"I know of the body parts. But, not much else..." Iolene says sadly. She was never able to read about that subject since the Priesthood library never contained such material.
"Well, miss Iolene Summers... You are a late bloomer..." Lexi says confidently. Lexi wished she spared some of those erotic novels, but Aaron has been reading them intently to practice. Who would have thought that a joke from me can become something Aaron actually enjoys...
"Late Bloomer?" Iolene replies. "Yes... I suppose. I didn't bleed until last year... It means I am ready for children." Iolene looks down at her hands still holding to Lexi's. Children... If I married Akvor she would have had a child by now... Iolene shivered at the thought.
"Not just that, I've noticed your boobs are starting to come out!" Lexi shouts playfully as she tickles Iolenes ribs. "Look at them! By the time you're my age, they will be nice and plump!"
Iolene looks down laughs and places her hands on her chest. Feeling them and notices the difference from the year before. "But Aaron refused to kiss me..." Iolene says with annoyance. She then discussed what Aaron told her.
Lexi sighs as the smile disappeared. He has a point... As Lexi had to admit... Iolene is heir to one of the most powerful families in the world. Aaron was a slave from Dominus Sahara. Lexi however didn't want to push that subject now. She instead decided to give Iolene a lesson about sex. Women from the red empire are sexually free. There is no shame of losing one's virginity before marriage (Only the consequence of a bastard is feared). However, her being part of the priesthood she did have a reputation to uphold. A reputation that was not high in the first place for joining at an older age and not as an orphan. She would be lying to herself if she didn't rebel. Especially when her father died... But Lexi loves sex in general. However, she is picky whom she sleeps with, Aaron was easily one of the best, but she wouldn't dare mention it now.
Lexi gives her a basic lesson about sex. Iolene felt nervous as she takes in this information. So that is what a man does with it... Iolene thinks. She looks down at her legs and clenches her hands.
"Tonight! Now that you are sixteen." Lexi whispers. "We are going to the Hall of Love!" Letting go of Iolenes hands she leaves the room.
The night approaches and Iolene chose to wear a nice simple blue dress, wearing a navy cloak. She has eaten her fill of cheeses as Lei and Lexi meet up in her room. Lexi loudly announced they are going to the common night markets. A small lie she gave to Stein and Mali, Iymp is keeping Aaron and Beau busy by training them, she did not care about Fred. The three closely lean forward as Lexi discusses the night plan.
"We are going to the Hall of Love!" Lexi laughs.
"What?" Lei asks his blue eyes wide from surprise. "What is Iolene to do? She must remain pure! Are you crazy?"
"She is just to observe. To learn not to experience..." Lexi whispers. Iolene didn't know what to do. She treated people in the hospital, surely that is enough? She questions herself. But she cannot deny that it sounded like fun.
"What about Aaron?" Iolene asks.
"Aaron cannot be trusted," Lexi says bluntly. "He is close to Mali, all he has to do is ask Aaron and he will tell..." Iolene and Lei agree if he knew their night will be over before it began.
It is a warm and calm night as the three entered the merchant district. Walking through the Merchant district streets felt different at night as different smells from various cuisines lingered in the air. Smoke, curries, cheeses, and sweet smells made the three-feel hungry as they snacked on strawberries from Constants pantry. The streets are surprisingly crowded as many people and dragons are heading out to whatever nightly adventures await them. Leaving the glorious mansions behind as they enter the smaller streets of stores, cafes and restaurants which all were crowded.
Iolene couldn't wipe the smile off her face as the lamps lit the street as it looked beautiful as it did during the day. The street pavement is so smooth that it was easy to walk on. Walking for half an hour Lexi spots the Hall of Love. The most elite and expensive brothel in the world.
Iolene couldn't help but marvel at the size of the building. It's almost a palace of its own. Ten white pillars of naked women and men caged the front as it had three massive gold doors. Iolene touched and looked closely at the door noticing the engravings are men and women making love. A motif that she notices are everywhere on the walls, tapestries, candlesticks, carpets, chandeliers, anything carved, and paintings. The two doors open as the three look in awe and amazement. A large curved grand staircase is a sight to behold as they look up, they can see the glass roof dome.
Iolene wanders over to her right as she sees a unique statue. But to her surprise it was no ordinary statue as she moved to greet Iolene. Iolene jumped back in surprise. The woman is completely naked and painted white. The woman smiles as she spins slowly, revealing her whole body.
"Hello ladies and the one gentleman, how may I assist you tonight?" A pink-haired mistress speaks. She is much older, but her beauty can still be seen. Her eyes are still wide and hopeful. Wrinkles are hidden by make-up. She is well kept as her smile is perfect. First, ask them for money as Lei and Lexi put down a "small" deposit of gold coins.
Lexi looks at everyone excitedly as she asks Lei and Iolene to follow as the mistress leads them into a room on a higher floor. The red carpet and pink walls got Iolenes attention as she looks at the paintings. Detailed in many different bedding positions as it made Iolene feel awkward.
The mistress opens a door labeled 47. The room is surprisingly large as it had a super king-size canopy bed. Soft wool rugs on the floor, a large chandelier above. A large ornate fireplace that has not yet been started. Iolene looks around nervously as Lei admires the room as Lexi sits on the soft bed. Feeling the mattress, it is easily the most comfortable she has ever felt.
The mistress then offered refreshments while opening a cabinet full of different kinds of drinks from around the world. Lei takes a shot glass of Scorpion Vodka, Lexi a Fireball with cinnamon and Iolene chooses chocolate liqueur. All drinking happily as the mistress looks at the three. Asking what kind of company, they desired. Lexi encourages Lei to have fun with a nice man. "Let yourself go!" She said, Lei's cheeks flush red as he had no idea what she meant. Lexi confirmed to him that she knew all along about his desires.
The mistress leaves as three waits in the room. Iolene paces as she looks at the canopy oak posts, left side is naked women while the right is naked men. Iolene strokes the men curiously. She sighs as she twirls her dress and removes her cloak.
Lexi and Lei having a funny conversation. This is not the first time Lei has been to a brothel. He and his brothers used to sneak away from the palace to get a glimpse of the women. Chin and Cheng loved it and had the best time. However, he did not enjoy it as much... He did not understand why until he saw Lord Kang, who was a guest in the house. He was handsome with a soft innocent face, large eyes, and long head hair, and his body was slender with some defining muscle. But Lei couldn't help but feel something for him. He wanted to experience and understand himself, but he couldn't as it is rare to find male prostitutes. They are banned in the Blue Empire and the brothels are only worked by women.
The mistress arrives back at the room with a group of three men and three women. All wearing deep red cloaks.
The mistress grabs the hand of the first woman. "This is Elyra the of the wilds. Born in the incognito forest... She is a wild creature to be tamed by the love of civilization." Elyra walks forward smiling, then reveals her body to the three. Her wild curly black hair blossomed from the hood. She then performed a stretch exenterating her breasts which Lexi claps. Elyra's skin looked like milk and is so smooth Iolene felt jealous. Iolene asked about her skincare routine. Eleya giggles and grabs Iolenes hand and plays with it.
"I can easily help you with my secrets." She says alluringly. Lexi tells Elyra softly that the blonde is off limits and not to be touched. Lexi grabbed Elyras hand kissing it gently.
"As the lady commands," Elyra says lovingly as she steps back. As another is to be introduced.
"This is Eliana, a volcanic flower picked from the lava of Vulkania." She walks forward letting her dark red hair loose from a tight bun. Letting go of her cloak revealing her naked body. Like Elyra before her, she stretches showing off her body. Lexi leans to Iolene saying how perfect her ass is, Iolene tries to see the appeal. "She is beautiful... They are all beautiful." Iolene says sincerely.
"Introducing Belle, a dark-skinned black-haired beauty. A diamond mined from Macdan." The woman smiles revealing her white teeth. Lexi growls playfully as she does.
"This is Andor the majestic dragon of the iron mountain." A tall dark man with massive muscles reveals himself. Lexi bites her lips seeing him. Lei smiles when he sees him, he is larger than Fred. Lei is extremely impressed. The Iron mountain notices as he approaches Lei and kisses him on the cheek. Lei blushes so brightly
"Introducing Sir Ares... Born from Dragon City. A knight who protects everyone, especially the damsel." A tall brown-haired man reveals himself. As he walks up to Iolene, resting his hands on her knees. Lexi gently tapped the man's knuckles not to touch her.
"Last but not least Snake the contortionist." A tall slender man reveals himself. Covered in purple scale tattoos, his long white hair flows down to his knees. He then bends his back showcasing flexibility.
The mistress bows as the six begin the show.
Iolene clenches her dress as she sees the six people begin to perform. Belle kisses Ares as Andor kisses Snake. Lexi is enjoying herself as she watches excitedly. Lei felt nervous as he has never seen such revealing acts. Looking at the Iron Mountain, he can feel himself harden and tries to hide it.
The moans and noises they made Iolene clenches her dress harder. They were making love... Iolene could not stop looking at them. She felt emotions she did not fully understand. What is it like to kiss? For love? For fun? What does it feel like to have him inside? Iolene thinks that one day she will have to do the act herself. To become with child and give birth. But with whom? Aaron rejected her and she is still reeling from it.
The show lasted an hour as they all finished. Hot and sweaty as the six stood up and bowed. Since their services are done.
"So, what did you two think?" Lexi says cheekily. Her smile was so wide she felt she has accomplished something, and she did.
"I don't know... " Iolene shyly says. Her heart beats fast as she felt hot and sweaty as if she participated.
Lei couldn't hold his desires anymore. He asks the mistress for the Iron Mountain. Giving her gold, the mistress smiles as she beckons the man with a hand gesture. Andor all sweaty from his exertions grabs Lei's hand and the two walk away. Leaving Lexi and Iolene.
"Well we won't see Lei until tomorrow and he won't be able to walk." Lexi jests.
They leave the room as the show is over and the workers clean themselves. Lexi holds onto Iolenes arm, wearing their cloaks. The young girl is quiet as she looks up at the orgy painting. "Does it really feel that good? Watching them, they were having a time of their life" Iolene asks innocently.
"I am going, to be honest; they are actors, they are paid to play and are experienced. But for you at first, it may feel strange. But eventually, you will find what you like and if the partner is good. It can be amazing."
"So, you have sex frequently to feel amazing," Iolene says as Lexi laughs.
"Yes, I love sex. I am not ashamed. The Red Empire are not prudes, we are more culturally flexible than others."
"What was your first like and who did you do it with?"
"Well... I had to do a task a trial for the priesthood. It was hard, I did not expect to do such a thing." Lexi's face turned pale as she reflected on Rodrigo. She had not thought of him in a long time. She does not even remember his face, only that she killed him and drank his blood. Iolene gently shakes her shoulder. Lexi fake smiles saying that she is fine. "After the trial. I was exhausted and angry. I had to escape the priesthood. I needed comfort I suppose... Exploring the city that is going through war, everyone is miserable." Lexi sighs. "That was when I met Darsh, charismatic Darsh. He was a soldier, we met at the drunken lava. He was very handsome... Strong chin, charming, black beard, muscles, and tall." Lexi remembers his features clear as day. "I liked his company, and he enjoyed mine. He then took me to an inn, and we did it. We said goodbye next morning and parted ways."
Iolene admitted in her mind that she expected more. But she nods as she understood.
Lexi smile disappears as she hears a familiar voice. His laughter rang through the halls. Iolene snaps out of her mode of thought.
"Fred?" Lexi says in shock. "Shit! Playtime is over, time to leave!" Grabbing Iolene's hand and pulling her through the hall. Lexi looks around a corner. She sees a mister, Aaron, Mali, and Fred talking to each other. Lexi is not surprised that Fred is joining them. He has been taking turns in every brothel in the city.
Lexi scoots Iolene away and hides behind a marble statue of dragons mating. Both remained quiet as they walked past, the mister is guiding them on a tour of the hall. Hearts beating to hope they don't notice, especially Mali. Both sigh with relief as they disappear around the corner away from view.
Iolene and Lexi then race back to Mercer mansion laughing as Iolene looks back to the beautiful building. Iolene separates from Lexi as the girl jumps into bed. But she could not sleep, for Aaron still plagues her mind. With her hand, she decides to reach down beneath the sheets to feel herself in a way she never thought she could.