[Mercy Merchant]

Grace had blushed a bit deeper at Al/s compliment, after all, she is used to men eyeing her nice figure but this is the first time one has said anything quite like that to her.  She looks aver Al's head and gets a smile from Alyce and a knowing grin.  The experience on the steps outside the hotel pretty much unnerves her, but she notices that Alyce remains calm so, beyond the first surprised yelp, she remains silent, although her fingers are tight on the sleeve of Al's jacket. 

At the cab, the girls get in first and Al can plainly see that neither is wearing any underwear.  There is not a lot of time for talking as the cab ride to the steak house is really only a few minutes in duration.  Alyce is sitting in the middle and wraps her arm through his and snuggles up against him.  At the restaurant, Al is first out then helps the ladies out.  From his angle, the sundresses do not do much to hide the fact that neither woman is wearing a bra.  They smile at Al as they each take an arm to enter the restaurant and Al notes that Graces blush has mostly gone away by now.

[adamu]

Friday, August 1st, 2076

Mostly, but not all.

The girls, Alyce first, and then Grace, had not missed the chance on getting out of the cab to repeat the performances they'd made getting in. And Al, on helping Grace out, had halted the flow of his hand for just a split second, just as one foot had hit the pavement and the other was in the car, freezing her in place for the merest of instants and catching her eye.

Just so no one could pretend - just for that moment - that there was anything accidental about her little display.

But he'd closed the moment with a rakish smile. Shaking his head at Alyce and her naughty tricks. Wondering how she'd pulled it off, and what other surprises she might have planned, he joined the girls in front of the restaurant and, taking them both in from head to toe, said, "Did I mention how incredibly stellar the twain o' you is lookin'? Well, if I did then I didn't say enough. Y'all got me harder'n a hickory axe handle. So since the two o' you done turned yerself out fer a nice dinner an' a lovely evenin' out, what say we have ourselves a nice dinner an' a lovely evenin' out?"

[Mercy Merchant]

Friday, August 1st, 2076


Grace keeps her eyes on Al/s as he helps her from the car, knowing full well that his position would afford him a direct look at just about all of her.  She gulps as she feels the stirrings of something unexpected.  While part of her is incredibly unsure of herself or in what she has allowed the smooth talking Keep to talk her into, another part of her finds that she enjoys it immensely.  She is not really sure what Al has actually seen since he seemed to keep his eyes focused on hers, but just being nearly naked in front of him and able to allow herself to want him to look is enough to make her wonder just what sort of girl she really is.  Before now, she had been naked for just two men, boys really.  One was a student at her school before she went away for her first term at uni.  A wild party to celebrate the end of school and beginning a new life had resulted in her first coupling, a rather staid bit of two teenagers not really knowing more than where to stick what.  She had been so drunk that she barely remembers the incident, or the boy for that matter..  The second man is her current maybe boyfriend.  She has slept with him several times but she was having doubts about his suitability.  Just something he had said, you know?  Anyway they were taking a break apart for the summer and she would sort it when she returned to uni in another month or so.  She finds that to be as near to being naked in front of a near stranger is a big step for her, but she actually finds it freeing, in a way. 

The moment is broken when Al gently pulls her from the cab and takes an arm from both women, leading them to the restaurant entrance.  Al lets the amigo at the door know that he is Al Guthrie and he has a reservation.  Grace shakes her head slightly and smiles.  This man can be maddening, but she sees a bit of why the Keeb is hot for him.  The doorman points them towards the hostess, who checks her list and nods, smiling.  "Right this way, Mister Guthrie.  Your table is ready.  A nice booth with a view of the gardens outside, as requested."

As the hostess leads the three to the booth, Alyce moves her hips in a manner designed to cause her short dress to sway, almost but oooooooh barely not exposing her bare ass, but certainly hinting of it.  Grace does not have the experience of the older woman but her legs are enough to draw attention on their own.  It is inevitable that people watch them as they pass through the crowded eatery and one man manages to drop his fork on the floor just after they pass and bends over to pick it up just in time to catch a glimpse of two wonderfully shaped asses, bare as the day the women were born.  The poor man does not hear his wife's first comment, but the second is accompanied by a sharp kick under the table as the woman hisses at him.  "George.  What do you think you are doing?  Sit back up this instant."  For his part, George does sit back up in his chair and looks at his wife, wondering what she would look like walking about without any knickers on.  He grimaces and shakes the rather horrid vision out of his mind, preferring to remember the sight of the two women, something he will fantasize about for years to come.  Up to now, he had not liked the little holiday his wife had arranged in Falmouth, but that has changed forever.

The nice looking hostess seats Al and his companions and tells them that the wine steward and their waiter will be along shortly.  The booth does indeed have a terrific view of the restaurant gardens, which appear almost as a refuge from the busy town and the tourists filling its hotels and streets.  A small stream-fed pond provides the centerpiece for the garden and the sound of flowing water is meant to soothe the visitor, helping them forget for a bit of time the bustle of the outside world.    Artfully placed shrubs and trees serve to mask the several special booths on its edge from each other, providing a modicum of privacy to the occupants.  Soft music plays in the background and the lighting is a bit dimmer, so as to provide a special ambiance to the entire dining experience.

A man appears almost out of nowhere and presents Al with the wine list.  "Sir, would you care to order from the wine list or do you have a particular wine in mind already?  We have some magnificent Bordeaux, if I might be so bold as to recommend one for you."

Al opens his mouth to make some sort of Guthrism and Alyce puts a hand on his arm and nods.

[adamu]

Friday, August 1st, 2076

With Alyce having handled the pickled grape juice selection for the ladies, Al sent the man off with an order for something "cold, gold, an' inna bottle, preferably from America."

The waiter was a step behind the wine guy, and Al ordered buffalo wings and pork ribs to get them started. The man then left them to look at the dinner menu. Al went for the biggest prime rib they had. Grace tried to order something from the lower end of the menu, but neither of her hosts would conscion it, and when she protested that other options would be too much to eat, Al assured her he'd polish off whatever she couldn't. "One thing ol' Al can't abide is wasters o' food....so I'm always willin' ta come ta they rescue!"

Sitting between the two women, Al turned to Grace as they waited for the waiter to return and take their order. "Right then, let's talk about cello-playin' - what're he odds, hey? - law studyin' - won't hold 'er against ya - car drivin' Grace. Question comes ta mind when ol' Al looks at ya, li'l darlin', is where ya git all those damned fine muscles? I mean, yer natural endowments are top notch, an' don't think I ain't noticed. But reckon that's luck. Them shoulders an' legs, though, they didn't come fer free or even cheap. Now don't git me wrong - ol' Al don't really care none 'bout trivialities such as physical beauty in any case, reckon I'm all about the inner beauty, right? Right? But since the lines on those thighs an' arms do almost distract from them elegantly buoyant tits, can't help but assume yer a sportin' woman, an' can't help but wonder 'bout yer sport o' choice."

Grace laughed through her blush. "Um, so, you want to know what sport I play?"

"Ain't that what I jist said?"

"Right. Well, I've been riding since I was a wee tot. And at school I play some rugby in a girls' league. Can't really afford the time, to be honest, but i think the investment translates to better mental performance, end of the day, you know."

"Couldn't jist do it cuz it's fun."

She laughed again, and the ribs and wings came, accompanied by generous supplies of towelettes and three lemon-garnished finger bowls. Along with their first round of drinks.

Alyce toasted Grace, looking into the girl's eyes and complimenting her frankly on what a good sport she was being, and Grace shifted the attack back to Al. "Did you play sport, Al? I mean, you know, when you were much younger."

Al guffawed at her riposte, and said, "Reckon I rode some as a kid, too. Lotta huntin', if'n ya count that. Ain't never had no use fer tossin' 'round a ball, though. I am, however, partial ta urban brawl, an' they got a ball. Like watchin' combat biker some. I'll allow as I like things a bit rough - though rugby, that ain't fer no wiltin' lillies, now is it?"

Al got Grace to open up about her rugby misadventures while they all laughed heartily and got famously messy with BBQ and spicy rib sauce. By the time their mains were served they looked like three pre-schoolers around the dinner table, and laughed the more as they tidied themselves with the towelettes.

When things calmed over the steaks, it was clear that the ladies were itching to discuss music, and Al was happy to listen to them do it. it was clear to him from their conversation that there was a lot to classical music that he'd never quite tipped to, and after a half hour or so he figured it might even be in the same class as psychobilly.

Halfway through the steaks and Al definitely thinking ahead to dessert, their talk of music touched briefly on some shows Alyce had done Below. Knowing Grace was curious about that unique hellhole, and feeling in a generous mood, Al said, "Okay toots, heard ya mention ta young Grace here I warn't no fan o' that place, an' I'll allow my impressions ain't been the best. But I know they's a part o' yer heart there. Maybe it's time ya told us a bit about the place's good points...assumin' they is any."

[Mercy Merchant]

Friday, August 1st, 2076


Dinner is going swimmingly and then Al asks about Below.  Alyce goes quiet and looks at him for a few moments.  "Alright, I can say a few things about the good points of Below.  The people, Al.  That's it, plain and simple.  Most of the people who live in Below are from families that have lived there for generations.  Some of the original settlers were circus freaks who could not handle being stared at, poked and prodded, laughed at, and or screamed at.  The coming of the sixth world and the subsequent changes in people brought about a significant social change.  In the country I was born in, Russia, the central state machine tried to gather us together to experiment on.  They wanted to see why we were different and how they could use us for the benefit of the country.  There was no care about us as people.  I was one of the lucky ones.  I spent my entire early life inside a small compound, afraid to leave the walls.  The places was comfortable and secure, but it was still a place with a perimeter I could walk around in about an hour.  Many others were not so fortunate and dies or lived horrible lives in prisons and medical labs.  Other countries were more gracious to their new races.  I emphasize the word more.  Most normal people were afraid of the new metahumans and some had good cause to be.  Here in Britain, many who were in London found the abandoned warrens of Below a sanctuary against the prejudices of the surface, the Overworlders.  The expanded on what had been left behind and started lives down there.  They lived, worked, and raised families.  And just as in any other melting pot of society, there are good and bad people in Below.  Most of the people there just want to live their lives and get along with each other and with the Overworld.  Some don't.  In reality, there are no differences between the people of both places.  Al, you and I have experienced more hate and death and danger from people up here than you have ever experienced down there.  Your first experience there was a negative one and you have decided that most of the denizens of Below are of the same sort who attacked you when that is just not the case.  But you will not allow yourself to see that unless you let me show you the place as it really is."

Alyce looks at her dinner companions and smiles.  "Now, I am sorry if I have tossed a blanket on the fun, so let's get back to having some."

Grace has gone a bit pale but is actually glad for the break.  "Do you think that you could show me around there some day?"

"Certainly.  Perhaps during your next holiday from uni.  Come on down and I will see if I can get away to take you on a tour."

Grace smiles.  "Brilliant!  And, Al, there is a very nice stables just near here.  I understand that you are going out on a boat tomorrow morning, but would you like me to look into setting up some horses for the two of you in the afternoon?"

[adamu]

Friday, August 1st, 2076

"Li'l darlin', hell yeah we want the horses, but fer the three of us. An' you'll be onna boat, too, ol' Al's got anythin' ta say about it." He glanced at Alyce and gave her thigh a squeeze out of courtly couresy and got a confirming smile, but hadn't really needed it - she wouldn't have lassooed the girl into her exhibitionistic ways if she hadn't come to genuinely care about her - that was something Al had learned about Alyce.

Grace was a bit at a loss for words, however. Al continued, "Listen, ya done seem ta've passed this one's little initiation - which I can't say I've minded...an' hope they's more surprises ta come - so no way we can see ya as the help no more. Wouldn't even be right. So ta yer comp'ny we's takin' ya 'long as a guide, but us three'll know it's jist three friends makin' a day of it. An' that's all I'll say onna matter. Now I think someone said somethin' 'bout gittin' back ta the fun..."

To which Grace simply nodded vigorously. A lot was going on behind her eyes, like she was remembering something and thinking about something and feeling something all at once, but Al knew better than to try to guess what went on in a female's head. The laughter at the table quickly resumed, the talk turning a bit bawdy as more drinks were served and the three became better acquainted.

At one point between dinner and dessert, Grace was talking or something to a waiter and Al took Alyce's hand: "Thanks, toots. Wet blanket, yeah, that one was soaked. But ya opened ol' Al's eyes a bit, an' that don't happen ever' day. Reckon this little one rates a tour, then ol' Al oughtta git shown 'round a bit too, ya kin find the time. Now, evenin's young - an' spicy as you've made it, still been entirely too tame so far..."

[adamu]

Friday, August 1st, 2076

Alyce leans over to Al and gives him a quick kiss.  "Just wait, Al."

After Grace finishes with the waiter, Alyce slides out of the booth and announces that she is going to the loo.  Grace nods and slides out as well.  Alyce smiles at Al.  "We will be right back."

The two get to the bathroom and Grace practically collapses against the wall, fanning her face.  "Wow!  You were right.  I have never been so excited and confused at the same time in my life."

Alyce nods. "Still up for this?"

"Too bloody right I am."  Grace's mind flashes back to the few minutes the two of them had spent getting ready.  She had just agreed to come along and wear one of Alyce's frocks when the woman had tossed something at her as if it were just part of the conversation.

"You know, Al is really starting to like you.  I hope that does not bother you."  Alyce reaches up and draws a hand down Grace's cheek.  "I find that I am coming to like you as well and I really hope that doesn't bother you."

Grace had reddened and held her breath but had not pulled away.  She shook her head and managed to smile.  "No.  That does not bother me at all."

Alyce smiled.  "You are very beautiful, Grace.  So, are you willing to try to make the evening more fun?"

Grace had hesitated only a few seconds then nodded.

Alyce had smiled again.  "Al likes me to go without my knickers when we are together."

Grace had nodded as she smiled.  "So I have noticed.........wait, are you suggesting that I should do that?"

At Alyce's look, Grace had paled.  "I am not sure that I could do that."  Alyce just kept looking at her.  "Well, maybe.  Are you sure that he won't mind?"

Alyce had laughed.  "Are you kidding?  He would love it."

Now in the bathroom at the restaurant, Grace chuckles.  "This has been the best time. I feel liberated and sexy and a bit wanton all at the same time.  What is next?"

Alyce smiles broadly.  "We play the next bit by ear, but your next challenge will be when we get back to the room.  Al prefers that I wear no clothes at all when we are alone in a room.  I would like you to consider joining us."

Grace pales. "You mean?  You mean you want me to be in the room and naked, too?"

"Yes."

There is a long silence and Alyce begins to think she might have gone too far, when Grace softly nods her head.  "Sure.  If I can go out in public wearing only a frock for everyone to get a look at, I can do that."

Alyce smiles.  "Brilliant!  I think that will surprise Al a lot."  She looks like she wants to say more but doesn't.  Instead, she takes Grace's hand in one of hers and leans forward to give the younger woman a kiss that sets Grace back, but she does not pull away.  After breaking, Alyce leads Grace out of the bathroom and back to the table, where they both slide back on either side of Al.

[adamu]

Friday, August 1st, 2076

Al never could understand why women always wanted to do their business together. Were their bladders somehow synchronized? Or were they just that dependent on company? In a moment of epiphany, Al realized that both were afraid of what might happen if the other was out of their sight and alone with him. He congratulated himself on his keen insight.

The waiter had come by to take their dessert orders, but Al told him to come back once the ladies returned. When they did, Grace was blushing all over again, but there was a bit of extra spring in her step. They both looked like cats that had eaten the canary but also like they were trying to act totally natural. Whatever, he'd only hurt his brain if he tried to figure them out. Instead he just said, "Ladies, it's worth bein' without ya fer a few if only ta see the sight o' yer twin lovelinesses makin' they way back in my gen'ral direction." And like all women, their expressions made it clear they appreciated the remark.

For dessert, Al ordered the double chocolate and orange brownie, skipping the ice cream. Well, actually insisting they substitute it for more of the brownie. Alyce had the key lime stack, and Grace the sticky toffee pudding. The sugar blended well with their third round of drinks, and soon their conversation was cascading across the table like a chocolate fountain, punctuated by dipping strawberries and marshmallows of laughter.

The girls finished with coffee, Al with a beer, and then he suggested a turn around the garden as they waited for the cheese board. It was a lovely enclosure, cozy but not cramped. Unlike a lot of such places, the pond was pristine, with no sign of the associated plumbing. There were rock-garden paths to explore; plenty of space to enjoy the ambiance without ever seeing the surrounding diners. But there was also a path around the garden's circumference that afforded peeks at the other booths facing the garden, lending a naughty sense of voyeurism that blended well with the understated lighting that crept up from lamps set in the ground along the paths. The stars overhead offered the perfect canopy.

[Mercy Merchant]

Friday, August 1st, 2076


Alyce thoroughly enjoys the key lime stack, but also appreciates the bits of sharing that all three do, taking small bites from the other two desserts.  “Now that I have tried all three, I can definitely say that the key lime is the best.”  Grace tries to wipe away some sticky toffee from where it threatens to drip from her chin to where her perky breasts are pushing out the fabric of her sundress, apparently missing a drop or two but does not seem to notice as she is too busy laughing at one of Al’s jokes, for which she seems to be developing a liking for.
 
The walk about in the garden finds favour with everyone and the women let Al escort them along the path and over the small pond.  While on the bridge, Alyce pulls Grace over and places a finger on her breast.  “You missed a spot or two of toffee.  May I?”
 
Grace blushes a bit and bites her lower lip even as she nods.  Alyce dips her head to the top of the left breast and lets her tongue lazily brush down the exposed flesh, licking up the two small drops of toffee.  Grace closes her eyes and lifts her face a bit and Alyce can feel the heart rhythm of the other woman pick up and her breathing go shallow.  As her tongue reaches the edge of the fabric it gently pushes under it, reaching for the barely concealed areola and nipple, eliciting a soft moan then a gasp from Grace, who thrusts out a hand to grab onto Al’s jacket to keep her balance.  Finished, Alyce allows her tongue to trace its way back to the woman’s neck before standing away from her.  Grace’s eye remain shut for a few additional seconds then she looks back at Alyce with eyes like saucers.  “Wow.  Just bloody wow.”  She shakes her head as she shakily moves back over to Al’s arm.
 
The inner path intersects with the outer path at several places and Al guides the women to it at one point.  At various spots, the path narrows and tree branches cause one to duck to move past them.  Al is treated to a very nice sight of the posterior of both women each time and he is pretty sure that someone at two of the other VIP tables gets pretty much the same treat, albeit slightly concealed by the tall grasses that give each booth a bit of privacy.  They do pass one other couple taking a stroll around the outer path, trading pleasantries, and Al is pretty sure that he spies a young woman in one of the almost hidden booths with her head bobbing in the lap of an older gentleman.  The man catches Al’s eye and nods before putting a hand on the girl’s head and pushing down gently.  There is no doubt that Alyce sees this on her ultrasound sensor and Grace shakes her head as they pass the table, an indication that she has noticed something as well.
 
As they reach their booth on the path, they see that the waiter has placed the cheese board on the table and refilled the girls’ wine glasses and brought another beer for Al.  Al slides in after Grace so that he is back in the middle and all enjoy the fine cheeses presented.  After they finish, the waiter appears almost as if out of thin air to enquire if he can bring them anything else.  When Al indicates no, the waiter slips him a small chit to sign and Al does so with a small flourish, adding a sizable tip for the excellent service.  Grace looks over to Al and says, “Thank you so very much for the dinner……….and everything else.  I really had no idea that there were such nice people as you about.  This has been a magical evening.”
 
Alyce looks at Al then at Grace.  “I see no reason to call it a night yet, do you, Al?  There is a nice walk near the waterfront where we can see the lights of the castle across the inlet and I was thinking that Grace might want to see some of your card tricks.  He really is quite good with a deck of cards and I am sure that he would appreciate a new audience.”

[adamu]

Friday, August 1st, 2076

The walk down to the water was well worth their trouble. Even late into the evening the antique and curio shops were open, boutique toy stores and vintage map vendors alongside nautical history specialty houses and local galleries, with plenty of clothing shops, each with its own distinct flavor. The cobbled streets were busy with strolling couples and small groups, but by no means crowded, and lined with old-fashioned gelato and crepe stands, and clever street performers.

The ladies stopped in more than one apparel shop - Alyce sensed that Grace was concerned she'd packed for neither boating nor riding, and swooped to her rescue with her bottomless credstick, all without the slightest hint of inconvenience or obligation. Not a fan of clothes shopping, Al lurked on the street or browsed military memorabilia shops. Though he checked in on their fashion efforts from time to time.

It was a warm evening, so the girls were not uncomfortable in their abbreviated frocks, and a light breeze wafting through their hair lent a magical quality to the giddy glow they were already sporting.

By the water, they could indeed see the castle across the inlet. They stopped and leaned on the railing, and Al said, "Ya know ladies, they's a story - well, a legend, really - 'bout ol' Dartmouth Keep. They say if ya gaze long 'nuff at the topmost window in the east tower under a full moon an' at low tide, which wonder o' wonders, we got tonight, then ya can make a wish. Now, that ain't true, o' course, 'specially since ol' Al jist done tried it an' no beer appeared in my hand. But ya know how it is, with the Awakenin' an' all, scholars all tryin' to prove the old tales really were true, jist a matter o' mana levels an' some such Satanist nonsense. But I hear tell that with Dartmouth, jist a wee bit o' the ol' wishin' magic done come back. Jist a smidgen, mind. Nothin' really useful, jist a little taste o' what might be, Baalzebub's hold on this world grows any tighter. Fer instance, I heard that if ya wish fer, say, a particular card.....whyn't ya name a card for me there, young mistress Grace?"

She licked her lips, eyes alight. "Okay, six of clubs."

"Alrighty then, good a card as any. But din't ya listen ta ol' Al? Ya gotta gaze up at the window like I showed ya, there, an' concentrate on yer card...there, ya done it?"

"Yes." She was looking at his hands expectantly, but he left one on the railing, and the other on Alyce's shoulder.

"Well, lookee there, seems the story's true. Yer wish done come true."

She looked puzzled. "How?"

"Card's right there, li'l darlin;. Bein' a gentleman, ol' Al can't very well fetch it for ya, but I'll allow its in a place I spent a fair part o' the evenin' studyin'."

Grace followed his gaze down and there, nestled smartly in her cleavage, was a card.

"Six o' clubs?" Al asked.

She snatched at the card in gleeful shock, but then her lips twisted in amused surprise. "No, Al....It's a Joker."

"Sheee-it, that ol' fool. Always tryin' ta make ol' Al look bad. Now what he means is that ol' Al's full o' mischief. That's what a Joker's all about, I reckon we can agree. Now, one bit o' mischief I been thinkin' of all night, has been gettin' into dear Alyce's dress here."

Al took off his jacket. "Hold this, li'l darlin'," he said, handing it to Grace, now wearing only his yellowing wifebeater. And then, careful not to expose her to the eyes of passersby, Al put his hand up Alyce's dress.

"Hmmm..." She sucked breath sharply through her teeth. "Nope, not there." He explored a bit more, eliciting a surprised gasp. "Damn, not there either. Where is that pesky thing?" Removing his hand from under the hem of her dress, he faced her toward the water and stood behind her, reaching around to search for the card under the top half of the frock. "Hell's Bells, where...is...that...?" His explorations brought more distress to Alyce as Grace looked on and giggled hysterically, delighted to see her mentor-in-crime finally in the hot seat herself. She doubted Alyce was embarrassed, but it was clear she was being mercilessly teased.

Finally giving up on his search of her bust, Al scratched his head in dismay and then, "Oh ho!" And he plucked a card from her ponytail. "How do like them apples? Seems there was never no need ta act so improperly after all." Handing it to Grace, he said, "One o' the only things Blind Fury here can't do," clearly referring to reading the card face.

"Bloody hell, six of clubs!" the blond girl shrieked.

[Mercy Merchant]

Alyce enjoys a good card trick, but this one is one of the best she has seen in a long time.  It has been over eight years since Al has touched her body like this and she shivers in delight and anticipation as his fingers first caress her.  The slight gasp at the light touch turns into soft pants as his fingers gently probes inside her for the card and her hips move almost of their own accord to bury him a bit deeper.  The sexual tension that has been building in her all night threatens to erupt from her and his fingers are well lubricated when he pulls them back out, eliciting a soft moan from her.  She leans against his body when he moves behind her and places his hands inside the dress to gently massage her breasts.  Her already hard nipples are extremely sensitive and she sighs at the gentle touch, mentally willing him to not stop.  Of course, she does not have any sort of mind control super powers and he removes his hands only to find the damned bloody card in her hair.  It takes all of her willpower to not turn around and rip her dress off, begging him to continue touching her.

Grace is mesmerized.  Her initial reaction at the slight discomfort Alyce was feeling quickly turns into something else.  Although she cannot see everything in the dim light, she does not have to to know what he is doing under the frock.  Her own breathing gets a bit raspy as she begins to softly pant in unison with the Keeb, almost wishing he were touching HER body that way.  Alright, there is no almost wishing here; she does wish he would touch her body that way.  Her past sexual experiences have never had her reacting in the manner that Alyce is now and the man is only using a couple of fingers.  She is absolutely fascinated by Alyce's reactions as the man reaches under the upper part of the sundress and her own breasts ache so much for his touch that she moves her hands without really thinking about it, using one to caresses them through the thin fabric of her own dress wile the other touches the wetness between her legs.  Al breaks the moment by finding the damned bloody card and she drops her hands to her sides in an almost embarrassed manner, hoping that no one has seen her touching herself.  She looks from the card to Alyce's face and sees the older woman turn her face to hers and lick her lips and Grace blushes as she is sure that the Elven beauty has actually noticed everything.  The blushes grow deeper when she realizes that she actually does not mind as much as she should.

Al, ever the gentleman, allows the two women to calm down before suggesting that they move on.  Grace hands him his old jacket and takes an offered arm as Alyce takes the other.  The rest of the walk is pretty much a blur.  Grace knows that she responds to questions but for the life of her cannot seem to remember any of the conversation beyond the barest amount.  Her mind is occupied as strange, almost taboo thoughts whip about.  My God!  Who are these people and what have I gotten myself into?  I should not be doing this.  Any of this.  This is supposed to be a bloody job, not some sort of existential experience out of a porn trid, and yet here I am, wanting one or both of my erstwhile clients to touch me.  Alright, who am I kidding; I want them to shag me into insensibility.  How did it get to this and do I even really care?  Hell bloody no, I don't give a fig.  What I care is that it not end in complete frustration.

Al guides the women along the walk, heading back to the hotel.  After the first couple of questions, it is obvious that Grace is not really paying attention and they stick to talking mostly between themselves.  Alyce worries a bit that she has gone to far with the young woman, but instinctively feels that she has gotten closer to Grace than she has to anyone but Al in a long time.  That in itself disturbs her a bit, but she does not want to stop and hopes that Grace does not want that as well.  The night doorman greets the three and casts very admiring looks at the women as they climb the stairs to the entrance.  He sighs a bit and wishes that her were as lucky as the man between the beauties.

As the three exit the lift on their floor, Alyce gently urges Al to the door to her room, which sits between the other two.  Once inside, she closes and locks the door and moves to the foot of the large bed.  Once there, she turns and removes her dress in a sensual manner guaranteed to increase sexual desire in those watching her.  Grace stares, letting thoughts run through her mind that before tonight would have been quickly chased away but now seem completely normal.  She shudders when Alyce is finished removing the simple cloth dress.  She has seen the woman naked earlier in the day, but now...........now things are a bit different.  She opens her mouth and closes it twice before being able to speak.  "Holy bloody hell.  Is that something you just know or can you teach me how to do it?"

Alyce laughs, and even her laugh seems sensuous, but she motions for Grace to come to her.  "I have been taking my clothes off for others to enjoy for a long time.  It is indeed something that I can teach you, but it would take lots of practice.  Come here and let's try to get Al's elephant back into that oak ax handle condition it was in earlier."

Alyce guides Grace through removing the dress, using her hands to guide the young woman's body into a couple of different poses.  She stands naked as she has Grace remove the dress and put it back on several times.  Grace quickly loses any embarrassment at being naked in front of Al and manages to do a reasonably sensuous strip tease.  Her skin has almost melted where Alyce has touched her and her breathing is far from normal by the time Alyce judges her motion as well done.  Alyce moves to stand behind Grace and uses a hand to point the girl's face at where Al is standing and trying to get into a more comfortable position.  "See?  I think we succeeded, don't you?"

Grace nods, mesmerized and bit astonished at the size of the rather obvious bulge in Al's trousers.  "Oh, yes, I would think that we have succeeded rather bloody well."

Alyce sits down on the bed and pats beside her.  "Come on, sit next to me."  She turns her face to Al.  "Alright, Al.  You now have a very appreciative audience.  Why don't you show us some more card tricks?"

Despite herself, Grace licks her lips and nods in agreement.  Maybe he will search her for the card this time.

[adamu]

Friday, August 1st, 2076

Al had seen a lot of things in his life, including Alyce seducing two different women before his eyes. But this was different, and he was mesmerized. He finally spoke, scratching the stubble on his face. "Holy frijoles, that's jist a bit more'n I bargained for. Heh. Looks like Alyce told ya 'bout the room dress code. Well, Grace, that takes guts, so I reckon ya earned yer card trick."

He took his jacket and boots off, opened the adjoining door and tossed them into his room, then took out his cards. "Jist a quick one - been a helluva day."

They sat side by side on the bed watching him intently as he shuffled the cards in one-hand. Grace was clearly excited but uncomfortable - she wasn't deliberate covering anything, but she sat with her knees together and her arms in such a way that afforded a tiny modicum of modesty. Alyce, on the other hand, was sitting in a rather more suggestive pose.

He asked Alyce to name a card, and she said nine of diamonds. He shrugged, shuffled the cards in the one hand again, and again, still standing in front of them, and held the deck out in front of himself. Turned it over to face them and there was the nine of diamonds. Grace, remembering that Alyce could not read the card, whispered to her that it was the card. They started to laugh and applaud, but he held up a finger. He removed the card and handed it to Grace. Then shuffled the deck a few more times. Took the card back from Grace. Then tossed it into the air, flipping it expertly so that it shot up almost to the room's high ceiling, then held out the deck and caught the card in the deck itself, so that it was half protruding, face towards them, though the rest of the deck was back to them.

Then he handed the deck to Grace. "All right darlin', now very carefully remove the cards above an' below where the nine o' diamonds is stickin' out. That's it, keep takin' away cards till yer left with jist the nine there an' the two cards next to it, top an' bottom....There, ya got five cards, now, with the nine showin'. Now, take the two cards on top of it an' look at 'em."

Grace did so. "Oh my...they're the seven and eight...of diamonds."

"Now the two on the bottom, naked kemo sabe...reckon ya can guess what's comin'..."

And on turning over the other two, Alyce didn't have to be told. "Seriously, Al? The ten and jack of diamonds?"

"Noooo way," laughed Grace.

Al collected the cards. "How 'bout one last drink fer you two lovelies afore ol' Al hits the sack. An' I don't mind admittin' I'm makin' the time for it so's I can take in the scenery."

[Mercy Merchant]

Friday, August 1st, 2076


Alyce gets off the bed and walks over to the mini bar, motioning for Grace to come with her.  The younger woman had lost some of her reticence during the card tricks and blushed only a little bit as Al's eyes follower her movements.  When they get to the bar, she leans over and whispers to Alyce.  "So, is it like this all the time?  I mean, you naked and..............?"

Alyce nods.  "Yes, but it does get a bit more exciting if someone comes to the door.  Al like to order room service so that he can allow the bell staff to look at me, too?"

Grace gasps and pales.  "Bloody hell, you say.  I don't think I could do that.  Letting others see me.  My father would just die."

Alyce smiles then places a hand behind Grace's neck, pulling her head close enough to kiss her.  The girl is startled and gives an attempt to move away, but it is not a truly serious attempt and her struggle lessens with each second of contact.  Soon, she opens her lips to the pressure of Alyce's tongue as it probes for greater access.  Alyce moans softly into Grace's mouth, setting off a chain reaction in the girl. "Holy shit.  This feels fragging awesome.  Am I a lesbian and just never knew it?  Or bi?  Frag, I don't know and I am not sure if I care." 

Once the kiss is completed and the women break apart, Alyce pats Grace on the arm.  "If you are interested enough, you can do anything, even allow perfect strangers look at your naked body."

Alyce gives Grace her drink and takes one back to Al, who is standing near her bed.  She hands him his drink and softly says, "You do not have to leave tonight, Al.  You know that, right?"

[adamu]

Friday, August 1st, 2076

Al chuckled from his seat, beer in one hand, cigarette in the other. "Well, do an' I don't. But I reckon that's an offer needs young Grace's sign-off..."

The blond bit her lip and just shrugged shyly.

The last thing Al wanted to do was hurt the girl. He got up and approached her. He grabbed her ass with one hand and a breast in the other and kissed her softly. Just for a moment. "That's ta let ya know it ain't you," he told her quietly.

Then he went to Alyce and kissed her long and deep, pressing his body against hers.

At the adjoining door, he said, "You girls jist stay up an' chat as long as ya like. Don't mind ol' Al's snores. Reckon I'll be by inna mornin'...have some breakfast brought in."

[Mercy Merchant]

Friday, August 1st, 2076


Grace stands frozen in place for a few seconds after Al leaves the room.  She can still feel the impression of his hands on her body and his lips against hers and part of her shivers uncontrollably.  Alyce notices the movement and nods.  "He is like that, you know.  Al Guthrie."

Grace walks over to the bed and sits on the edge.  "I am not sure whether to be pleased or hurt.  There was so much innuendo and.......and I thought promise.  I was steeling myself to have him shag me and I was trying to figure out if I want that or not."

Alyce shakes her head.  "No, you have to be honest with yourself.  You do want him to bed you, don't you?"

Grace looks at the Keeb with large eyes.  "Ye.....Yes.  I suppose I do.  Does that make me a horrible person?  To want to shag your man?  Do I......?"

Her last question trails off without being finished but Alyce nods.  "I understand some of what you are going through.  Understand this first of all; I am not jealous.  I would be happy to have Al make love to any woman.  I want him to be happy.  I love him so much that it hurts and I would gladly let him be with anyone if that made him happy.  I know that he loves me, but he will not bed me.  There is something going on inside of him that he will not talk about.  He keeps saying that he will when it is time, and I think he has come closer to saying it on this trip than he ever has before.  Maybe by the end of the three weeks.  But if not, I will continue to wait for him to be able to talk to me so I can try to convince him that all of his arguments will not stop me from loving him."

She pauses then continues.  "So get it out of your head that anything is your fault.  I can tell that he likes you very much.  A good bit of you being with us was at his invitation and I appreciate what you have done in order to remain here.  I half feared and expected that you would be running for the door when I first told you what I would like you to do.  He is very right, you are far more than a hire car driver to us and I hope that we do not treat you as that."

Grace blinks and says, "Wow.  That was a talk.  And I was thinking some of the things you said not to worry about."  She motions to the connecting door leading to Al's room.  "It was just that I had some thoughts of how the night would end and............and that did not happen.  Now I am a bit confused."

Alyce moves to sit on the bed next to Grace and uses a hand to brush a stray hair back in place.  "It does not have to be a completely empty night.  Not if you don't want it to be."

Grace's eyes widen again and her breathing gets a bit more rapid.  "Do you.....do you mean.....?"

Her words are cut off as Alyce leans into her and begins kissing her.

---------

Alyce is up early, awakened by her internal alarm.  She can hear the soft breathing of the woman in bed with her and smiles.  For someone who had never bedded a woman before, Grace had proven to be a very fast learner.  Both women had been worn out before dropping off to sleep.  Alyce's overly sensitive nose easily picks up the odors of the musk from both women and she slips out of bed to go to the bathroom.  Toilet done, she steps into the shower as she confirms that breakfast will be delivered in about twenty minutes.  Body clean, hair clean, and teeth clean, Alyce walks out into the bedroom just as someone knocks on the door.  The small drone Alyce had placed just outside the door lets her know that a hotel bellman was delivering breakfast.  She pads over to the door and opens it as Grace stirs.  The bellman cannot believe his eyes as he drinks in the form of the naked woman in the doorway.  She steps aside to usher him in and he is rewarded by a quick glimpse of an equally naked Grace sitting up in the bed before she yelps and flings a sheet over her body.  Alyce grins at the man and signs the chit he presents and watches as he leaves the room.

Turning back to the bed, Alyce laughs.  "You can come out now.  The poor man is gone.  You will have to stop trying to hide that delicious body of yours.  Get up and shower while I get Al"

Grace nods and tosses the sheet back before running to the bathroom.  Alyce opens the connecting door and finds Al nearly dressed.  Of course, it does not need much, but her heart still stutters a beat or two to see him there.  "Breakfast has come.  Grace is in the shower.."

Al smiles at her and comes over to take her hand and go to where the breakfast cart is set up.  The noise of the shower cuts off and Grace comes out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel.  Alyce shakes her head and Grace stops.  She pauses, as if a bit unsure then barely blushes at all as she drops the towel and comes to sit down at the table.