[Flashback] The Art of Seduction (Solo)

[Aello]

Timestamp: Summer 7, 508 AV The red lanterns swayed amongst Zulrav's breath, its ethereal caress causing them to stir. The small candles that illuminated their center flickering, casting the thin paper that surrounded them in a delicate, blood red glow, as the sun began to sink behind the mountains. Off in the distance, seemingly in another portion of the world. Aello ignored this however, the way the wind swept her long brown hair off her shoulders, the way the wooden frame of her bow was beginning to feel slick with her sweat. The way the lanterns danced in the wind. This has to be the place the men where whispering about earlier, the young spiritist thought, as she turned her head slowly, from left to right, simply to check that the coast was clear. She didn't want anyone to see her go inside, lest they spread rumors of her nature; rumors that could only be taken in a dark light. When she was as certain as she could ever be, she darted inside the inviting, circular wooden door, to the red lantern. Her heart hammered uncontrollably in her chest, as the door slammed shut behind her. Causing her to jump, as she took a few more steps inwards. Aello's eyes darted around the place. It appeared much larger on the inside than on the outside. Well, there's no going back now, she thought, as her ears absorbed every note the band of musicians played. Every soft, subtle melody that served only to arouse the patrons that had arrived long before she. She drank in the sight of each of them- all men older than she. Some young, some middle-aged, some old. Each seemed to be holding a glass of red wine in their hands, while a woman tended to their needs- rubbing their shoulders, their backs, their feet. Showering their necks with kisses as they curled into their sides. Resting their bodies daintily across red-cushioned seats, or even the floor. Running their hands all over their patron's chests; whispering things in their ears. Things Aello could only imagine, more than likely promises to be carried out later in the night. Once the only light cast across the floor was that created by Zintila's sparkling silver stars. Some of the men seemed to be casting their gaze from their women towards Aello. She could see them watching her out of the corner of their eyes, as a slightly-older, taller woman with hair the color of a raven's feathers approached her. Her eyes seemed to dance over Aello's slender form, as her hands lifted the long folds of her skirt. A simple white, upon which golden lotus flowers, and lilly pads had been embroidered. The skirt was tied off by a delicate pink sash, a large bow hanging to the side, as the fabric folded into a strapless top, which just barely covered the woman's breasts. Upon reaching her, the woman stopped, her plumb, rose-colored lips curling into a delicate smile. "Welcome to the red lantern my dear. I am Madame Belladonna, the proprietor," she began, as she allowed her hands to unfurl. Her fingers slowly made their way away from her palm, causing the fabric she had once clutched onto so tightly to tumble to the ground. It all bunched around her delicate ankles, which had been fully-exposed, but a moment before. It was not until then that Aello could take in the dress fully. Marvel at a master at work. The hours it must have taken for such a thing to be created. The amount of money it must have cost. "How may we at the red lantern help you?" Madame Belladonna inquired, as she raised a single, dark brow, into a high arch, which matched the shape of Aello's bow. The girl swallowed the clump of saliva that had gathered in her throat before replying. "I am in need of some of your... services." The woman's brow remained in place, as though she was somewhat surprised by Aello's answer. The men had fallen silent, listening to the lull of the music, how it had quieted down, and now sounded as though it were something that a mother may play an unruly child in order to get it to sleep. Perhaps it was on purpose, perhaps all the men in the bar wanted to hear what Aello had to say. All of their eyes were on her, now anyway. Maybe the musicians were simply, playing to the desires of man. In the near silence, Aello's heart skipped a few beats. She could feel a few beads of sweat appear on her brow, as she shifted her weight uncomfortably from one foot to another. She could hear the kissing come to a halt. See one of the younger men gently urge a woman's subtle lips, her face away. She could hear some of them snickering, see some of them eyeing her hungrily. Her grip tightened upon her father's old bow. After but another moment, Aello turned to glare at the men sitting around the bar. "Thinking about me on top of another woman?" she snarled. Most of the men simply smiled. She had caught them red-handed. Others laughed, one of them whistled. Aello bristled. Her muscles bunching beneath her pale flesh, rippling angrily beneath her skin. Like the once still waters of a lake, into which a stone had been tossed. "Well don't," she growled. "I have more than enough arrows in my quiver to send one through each of your hearts, and another between your eyes. Perhaps the second will knock some sense into your brains." Although her voice sounded rather confident. Aello was regretting her words, her decision to come here. Her palms were sweating all the more furiously, making it all the more difficult to hold her bow. Her hands were shaking, but only a little. She knew, inside of herself, that she lacked the number of arrows to take them all out. Especially if they all came after her at once, then she'd be toast. But there was no need for them to know that, if she could still conceal it. Certainly, the men could not know what rested in her quiver, or her skill with a bow just by looking at her, right? "Lady Belladonna!" one of the men at the bar whined. "Did you hear what she said to us?" Madame Belladonna turned from the men, back to Aello. "There will be no violence here, or you will be turned out," she explained. As she bowed her head slightly and apologize to the lady of the red lantern, Aello could hear some of the men snickering, even though the music had picked up again. Even though she could hear some of the women's lips pressing loudly against the oldest man's wrinkled flesh. Aello turned to the men, and shot them all a look. Her eyes blazing, her muscles tense. If looks could kill, they'd all have been sent to Dira. As though sensing the situation could get out of hand at any moment, Lady Belladonna piped in, her voice smooth as silk, "You wished for a man's services? We have some of the more... exotic... races." The words floated around Aello, caressing her flesh like a warm blanket. A skilled lover. "No, that of a woman. One of your finest," Aello replied, her tone surprisingly neutral, considering how uncomfortable she had been feeling, after everything that occurred. Madame Belladonna nodded. "An hour with her should suffice... I can always add more time, should I find it necessary," Aello added with a gulp, as she reached into her pocket with her right hand, the one that was not holding the bow, and extracted a few coins. Madame Belladonna held her hand out, palm facing up. Aello dropped the kina into the lady's hand. They clinked up against each other, as she counted them. "Right this way," Madame Belladonna instructed, as she turned and led Aello through her establishment. They walked through a narrow hall, past the musicians and men at the bar. They then turned down another slender hall, which was lined with dark wood doors, each circular, like Leth's moon. The man of the night. After passing a number of doors, Madame Belladonna stopped in front of two, which were right across the hall from each other. She knocked on each, and called to the women inside, asking them to come out into the hall. Within an instant, two women dressed in the finest kimonos stepped out of their rooms. They closed the door delicately behind them, as they stood on either side of their lady. "Tana," Madame Belladonna said, as she gestured to the woman on her right, "Mist," she added, as she gestured towards the woman on her left, "you may have company this night." The girls giggled. "These are the two women who enjoy the warmth of another woman's flesh against their own. Feel free to bed either that suits your fancy." Aello nodded, as she drank in each of the women. Tana was taller than Mist. But only by a few inches. Whereas Tana stood tall, at about 5'8, Mist was no more than 5'5. Each woman was slender, yet still shapely. The middle section of her body rising into a set of curves that caused Aello to blush. Each had pale skin, similar to Leth's moon. But Mist's was paler, lined with a tint of peach, whereas Tana's had golden tints to it. Tana's hair was a long, deep red, that cascaded down her shoulders, until the middle of her back. Like the inarta; newly changed leaves in the fall. Her eyes were a crisp green, a slender almond shape, which seemed to take everything in. Mist's hair was tied up in a tight ponytail. It swung as her body swayed, waiting for Aello to make a decision. It was darker than Tana's, a dark brown, similar to the bark of an evergreen tree. Her eyes were a soft amber color. "They're both lovely," Aello whispered. "But I'd like to take Tana." She always did have a thing for redheads. Madame Belladonna bowed, nodding her consent, before heading off down the hall. Mist returned to her room, not looking at all disappointed. Perhaps she simply did not find Aello attractive, or knew that someone else would come along for her that night. If only she were patient, and took the time to wait. As soon as they were alone, Tana smiled at Aello, and extended her left arm to her. Aello walked over, and rested her right arm on top of Tana's. It was surprisingly strong, for a lady of the night, Aello thought, as she allowed her hand to fall over the side of Tana's own, slender ones. "Shall we?" Tana asked, as she turned and led Aello inside her room. Aello simply smiled, and provided the most subtle nod. OOCI don't know if the pay should be extracted from my ledger, since this is a flashback.

[Aello]

Once inside, Tana guided Aello over to a queen-sized bed, crafted of what appeared to be a darker wood. Perhaps mahogany, or something of the like, Aello thought, as she sat down. From atop the bed, which sank easily around her form, providing a gentle cushion, Aello could clearly see the four large bedposts, which stretched nearly to the ceiling. Dangling in one gentle sweep, from the top of these posts, were several strips of a sheer red fabric. Aello put her things down on the floor. "We won't be needing those," she whispered, as Tana offered a small smile, and took a seat on the bed next to her. As soon as Aello had appeared to have settled in, Tana leaned into her, and plucked a delicate kiss on her cheek. Aello could feel Tana's pale pink lips sinking into her flesh, pushing it away. Causing it to tingle, and grow red. I must be blushing, Aello thought, as she delicately raised her right hand, and pushed Tana away. Tana peered at Aello. Her right brow raising into a questioning arch. Aello offered her the slightest of smiles. "Can you teach me something?" Aello asked. "Teach you... what exactly?" Tana inquired, her voice soft, as she ran her right hand up the length of the plush, red cotton sheets, and over to Aello. Resting her hand on her thigh. Pushing it up and down, slowly. The gesture nearly caused Aello to jump. Aello cast her gaze down at Tana's hand, as her blush deepened. "Teach me how to be seductive," she whispered. "More like you." Tana lifted the hand atop Aello's thigh to her chin, lifting it delicately, so that green eyes met with brown ones. Each seemingly shimmering in the pale light cast by the series of candles that had been littered all about the room. "Are you sure that is what you wish?" Tana asked. Aello nodded. "When there are so many other things I can show you? Do to with you?" Aello nodded. Tana smiled suggestively. "As you wish," she said, as she pulled her legs up onto the bed. Aello did the same. Now, each girl kneeled, facing the other. "The first thing you must do, is dress in a seductive manner. But not so revealing a manner that you seem like a harlot." Aello giggled, as Tana eyed her up and down. "You seem to have chosen a good color for your skin," Tana commented, "a rich, sapphire blue, which offsets your eyes... a very good start, picking colors to wear that look good on you. The second thing you should know, is that it is best to buy things that accentuate your figure, look good on you." Aello nodded, this all made sense to her. "Perhaps," Tana continued, "this would look a little better..." her voice trailed off as she extended her hands to Aello's shoulders, and pulled the straps of her dress off of the one on the right, and onto the space a few inches above her elbow. Tana leaned back, and eyed her again. She clucked a bit, and then pulled the other strap down, into the same position. "No, no, it's best when they are both up," Tana commented, as she put them both back up. "The V-neck is also nice. Lets us see something, without seeing... too much of something." Aello smiled. "Now that that is in order... perhaps you should be shown how to look seductive. The proper stance, the right moves, in order to bring someone to their knees... or at the very least, their hearts a flutter." Aello's blush deepened. Like you're doing now? she wanted to say, even though Tana wasn't doing much at the moment. "The most important thing to remember, is to stand and sit up straight," Tana began, instantly, Aello pushed her shoulders back, and straightened her posture. "Good, that shows you off nicely... the second thing to be mindful of, is your face. It can bring any man or woman closer to you, or push them away, depending on how you display your emotions. On how you emote."

[Aello]

"Men and women alike seem to go for one of two things- a confident woman, who will look at them head-on to bring them to their knees," Tana continued. "Or a shier woman, who will only display small portions of herself at any given time." Aello nodded, although that may have been over-simplifying certain things, it seemed to make sense. "Now, women of the first sort will look like this," Tana began, as she stared at Aello head on, her eyelids closed only a little, so as to make her gaze appear all the more intense. Her hair was swept away from her face, making sure that nothing obscured Aello's view of it. "Now you try it," Tana instructed. "Alright," Aello whispered, as she turned her head so that each portion was pointed towards the red-haired woman. She allowed her eyelids to close a little, and for a small smile to curl the ends of her lips. The girl leaned into the position a little more, as though to allow Tana to get a better look at her. "Like this?" Aello asked. Tana giggled. "You look as though you are about to eat me," she commented. Aello's face contorted into a position that denoted her displeasure, along with a hint of confusion. "Perhaps if you soften your eyes, it will help." Aello closed her eyes, and rid her face of any expression. A moment later, when she opened them again, she allowed her lids to lick the edge of her eye-sockets. She stared at Tana, head-on, allowing her eyes to peer at nothing other than the crisp green orbs that denoted Tana's own. As she continued to hold the position, she parted her pale pink lips, but only a little, making it appear as though she were pouting, or perhaps, inviting Tana's lips to taste her own. "That's a bit better," Tana commented. "Although the parted lip makes it appear as though you're a bit more... innocent... that may work with your age though. You seem young. Or at least, younger than most that would venture into the red lantern." Aello closed her mouth. "That isn't a bad thing. Surely, you don't enjoy having far older men atop you all the time. Men with sagging bodies, who can do little, if anything, to pleasure you." She smiled devilishly at the comment, her eyes flashing mischievously, as Tana pulled her head back, but only a little, as though in shock at the girl's comment. "Well... yes... you are an improvement over them," Tana whispered. Aello simply smiled knowingly, as though waiting for Tana to continue on with her lesson. Tana cleared her throat. "The mark of the shy woman is hiding their true self," the red head went on after awhile. "Or at least, that's what seems to be the case with some of the shier girls here." Aello nodded, as Tana swung her legs around, so that she now sat with her back facing her. She allowed her back to curl into her body slightly, as she turned her head, so that her chin rested atop her right shoulder. She tilted her head downwards, allowing her gaze to settle on the red sheets by her hand. "It's best when one's hair sweeps over the side of her face," Tana added, as she allowed a slender smile to creep over her lips. Aello could feel herself blushing, as Tana moved her gaze from the sheets, onto her form, before allowing them to dart back to the sheets again. As though she didn't want Aello to know she was looking at her. "Now you try," Tana instructed, as she turned herself back around. Instead of turning around, as her instructor had done, Aello remained in the same position as before, allowing herself to face Tana for another moment, before she turned her head to the right. As she moved, her hair trickled along the length of her shoulders, and fell into her face. Obscuring part of her eye, and nose from view. Before the long brown lockes curled away from the length of her chin, and continued to cascade down the length of her chest. As Aello sat still, she cast her gaze down at the sheets, and allowed her hands to pass over them slowly, from left to right. It seemed as though she were trying to right any folds in the sheets, or perhaps, lovingly caressing a lover's back. "You seem far shier a girl than anything," Tana whispered, as she placed her hands on the mattress, and leaned forward, planting another kiss on Aello's nearest cheek. "Is that so?" Aello whispered, as a slender smile crept across her lips. "It is so," Tana commented, as she backed up a bit, allowing Aello to turn to her. "And is that all you are going to teach me?" Aello asked. Tana shook her head. "No, but the rest of it- how a simple touch can incite certain feelings in your partner, for example, is far more easily shown, and practiced, then simply spoken of." Aello giggled. "Trying to make more than my cheeks a little red?" she asked. It was Tana's turn to blush then. "Perhaps," she replied, simply. Aello's smile widened. Perhaps she'd be better with this portion of her lesson. Far better than she was at anything else.

[Aello]

"So then Tana, would you prefer I be gentle, or a little rough?" Aello whispered, as she eased herself up onto her knees. "Whatever would please you," Tana replied. Aello smiled devilishly, as she placed both of her hands on the mattress, and pawed over to Tana, slowly. Careful not to make a sound. Careful not to make the bed creak beneath the shifting of her weight. As she neared the other woman, Aello raised her right hand to Tana's face. She allowed herself to cup the woman's left cheek. The heel of her palm curling beneath her chin, as the rest of her fingers spanned her soft, fleshly cheek. Her thumb rubbed the skin delicately, as it moved slowly towards Aello's other fingers, and then towards them. Aello slowly leaned closer, pulling her entire body towards Tana's, which was curling into itself. Kneeling. Waiting. Finally, Aello closed her eyes. Allowing her eyelids to remain calm, fluid. Tana did the same, as their heads inched closer and closer. Aello's turning slightly to the side as their lips finally met. Brushing. Touching. Ever so slightly that it sent a tingling sensation coursing through the length of Aello's pale pink lips. A sense of warmth, as she pulled away, and allowed their two noses to touch. To press lightly against each other, before she moved in for another kiss. A deeper kiss. A kiss in which their lips did more than merely graze each other. A kiss in which their lips pressed into each other. Sank into each other. Molded to each other. Made room for each other. A touch which caused Aello's heart to soar, as she accepted the heat of another woman against her own heat. As she raised her left hand, and cupped the other side of Tana's cheek, and pulled her closer. Pulled her in more deeply. The two women remained locked together, by their lips for a long time. Until Aello finally opened her eyes first, and pulled away. She dropped her hands onto her knees, and simply stared into Tana's crisp green eyes, as they too, slowly opened. "That wasn't bad for a kiss without the use of one's tongue," the girl commented devilishly. Aello turned bright red. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly. Unlike Tana, she had been left strangely breathless. But then again, perhaps that was to be expected. After all, Tana had far more experience in matters such as this, than did she.

[Aello]

"What? Don't tell me you're not interested," Tana whispered, as she reached for Aello's cheek. Aello pulled back a little, and shook her head. "Always trying to seduce me, aren't you Tana?" Aello asked. "Isn't that the name of the game?" Tana replied. Aello's lips curled into a devilish grin, as she propelled herself towards Tana, and extended her hands towards her shoulders. Pushing the older woman onto her back. She looked down at the woman as though she were some sort of cat who had recently pounced upon her prey. Aello leaned in a little, pushing her face closer. Tana seemed to squirm beneath her hold, as Aello parted her lips, and extended her tongue, licking the length of the girl's neck. She could feel Tana shuddering beneath her, as she pushed all the more forcefully against her shoulders, to keep her pinned down. "Are you sure that's what you want?" Aello whispered in the girl's ear, after having dragged her lips a little closer to it. Tana nodded, her breathing seemed to deepen. Aello could feel her warm breath buffet her neck. Circle around her form until it settled in a place between their chests. "Very well," Aello whispered, as she pulled her lips towards Tana's and planted them firmly upon them. Their lips seemed to sink together, to mold. Aello pulled away a moment, allowing their lips to brush, as Tana took the time to lick her own lips, as though inviting Aello to partake in something more. After a moment, Aello lowered her lips again. Allowing them to lock with Tana's. After another moment, she had parted her lips, and gently pressed her tongue against Tana's lips. She could hear the other woman breathing. Feel her chest rising and falling beneath her as her lips parted in welcome. As her tongue darted forward to meet with Aello's. Aello could feel her heart hammering, as she allowed her hands to fall from Tana's shoulders, and make their way across the bed sheets, to a spot in the center. Just behind the other woman's neck, where they may provide her with some level of support. Tana kept on pushing up against her tongue, forcing her way into Aello's mouth. Aello's breathing quickened. Inhalations coming in so rapidly, it seemed as though she didn't have enough time to finish exhaling, before she was trying to draw in another, fresh breath. She could feel Tana's tongue circling her own, hungrily, as the woman's hands made its way to the center of her back. Rubbing in small circles. Warming her. After a moment, Tana pulled away, allowing them each to stare into each other's eyes. As though they truly were lovers. "Tana," Aello whispered breathlessly, as Tana's right hand rose to meet her hair. To run through the strands, absently. She merely smiled, as Aello bent to kiss her again. Softly. On her lips. Down to her chin. There was a knock on the door. Aello looked up, and then back down at Tana, as if to ask what that could be. "Your hour is up," Tana explained. Instantly, Aello pulled herself off of Tana, and into a kneeling position. "Thanks," Aello muttered, her cheeks still a bit rosy, as she got up, and gathered her things. Tana said nothing as Aello walked over to the door, and then looked over her shoulder, for one second, as though to say goodbye. When she reached for the door, her hand shook a little. Making it harder to turn the knob and leave. To put out the fire of the night. OOCRemind me to never again write a thread such as this. Ok, thanks.

[Aural]

Player: Aello XP: Seduction +4, Observation +2, Listening +2 Lores: All Eyes Are on You, Call Me Miss Showstopper, Remember: Don't, Eat the Teacher's Face During Lessons, I Kissed a Girl and I Liked It, I Purr Like a Cougar, A Pool of Ice Cold Water Couldn't Put Out This Fire Other: Madame Belladonna was so taken with your performance and your balls, that on your way out, she offered you your very own room in The Red Lantern. Additional Notes: Oh my! *ahem* Let me catch my breath. This was really fun to read, you're such a lovely writer that this was a quick and easy run through. I especially love all your descriptions. On a side note, I don't think you need to deduct any money either since it's a flashback. Hopefully, if I'm wrong, someone will let me know! If you have any questions about your score, lores, etc, shoot me a PM.