Maison du Velours
by
"Sexual pleasure is a passion to which all others are
subordinate but in which they all unite."
CHAPTER I
Lacoste; the consequence of an ill-fated serein, as well as the
only dwelling within the
horizon's reach. I approached the small village, determined to
further my distance from the
shackles of a repugnant convent only days at my back. My
destination adopted the precise allure
of nature and equivocal libertinage in its display that I had
been warned against in my previous
life. However, far removed from any such villages one would call
accommodating, it would
suffice a night's rest.
My cloak bore the perforations of a week's travel, covering my
only attire and a pocket of
daubed currency. I advanced onto the main road, at last able to
spare my clothing of the full
torrent of rainfall with the nearby households and cabarets.
Candlelight spilled from the
windows of each dwelling onto the darkened streets where small
masses perused each pub and
filled every interior. The night air was made thick with mist and
ardor, and the inhabitants
seemed wary but uncouth to my presence among them.
I was approached near the first tavern by one such vaurien.
"Qu'est-ce que c'est? I know you from somewhere. Where have
you been this night? Come, let's to
my chambers out of this storm and relieve you of those wet
clothes."
His breath and beard smelled of spirits, but the mug in his hand
was less subtle. I wrapped my
cloak around my chest tightly.
"Pardonnez-moi, monsieur, but you are mistaken. I do not
know you, and likewise."
His intrusive step forward forced me against a wall with my
subsequently large step backwards. I
clutched my pocket, though it was clear my assets weren't of
interest to the vaurien. My subtle
objection seemed to further his encroachment.
"What is your name?" asked he. "Once I know more
of you then I can be sure to find some very
enjoyable ways of getting to know me."
I dared not speak an answer, trembling at the thought of having
my name known to any of the town.
I stepped forward, declaring my stance and denying further
intrusion into me.
"Please, monsieur, let me be."
The vaurien's gaudy behavior transcended to a contentious rage in
an instant. His free hand
raised, I drove my arms forward, taking his already hindered
balance to my advantage. A splash
of wet silt covered my cloak, to say nothing of what came of his
clothing. I made haste to leave
the scene, already lamenting my choice of dwelling for the
evening. In my wake a roar of
laughter filled the opaque street.
...
Away from the small discord, I then came to another street more
removed of onlookers. The laughs
and banter of the recent scene still echoed nearby, where no
doubt an angry recreant was also
commencing his prowl. I made the decision, thereupon, to lodge
somewhere other than outdoors for
the night if at all possible.
In a nearby alleyway I stopped before a relatively dry settee and
foolishly began cleansing my
cloak of the matted silk. Soon following my attempts, I was
approached yet again, this time by a
being of less intimidating posture and manner.
"Bon soir, mademoiselle," came the voice. "Has the
gallantry of the townspeople become apparent
yet?"
"Oui, I think I am familiar now," said I.
She had a conciliating manner about her, marked by a smile of
amenity. Her dress was near
similar to mine, also hidden beneath a cloak for the loathsome
weather. Her features seemed
to blend with the shadows, leaving only her crimson lips and
bright blue eyes in clear sight.
The light scent of her perfume became a temporary reprieve from
the serein.
"May I ask you your name?" inquired she. "Or will
I find my face in the mud as well if I should?"
I felt the life in my cheeks.
"Adele. My name is Adele."
"Adele," she repeated, "c'est beau."
"Et vous?" asked I.
There was a short pause, and a smile came to her face as she
seemed to contemplate her intended
response.
"Je suis Charlotte."
"Bon soir, Charlotte," I pronounced, smiling for the
first time since my arrival.
"May I assume that this is Adele's first visit to
Lacoste?"
"Oui, I am traveling."
"To where, mademoiselle?" asked she.
"I am as much in question of that as you are."
"Oh, un aventurier. How exciting."
"Understand, I am not in search of the sort of excitement I
just witnessed," answered I.
"Nor are many of this town, but few would have been so brave
under similar circumstances."
"I have been acting out of the ordinary in many matters as
of late, I confess."
Charlotte nodded obligingly, offering her hand with a smile.
"Are you in need of a lodging, Adele?"
I was reluctant to accept, fearing motive behind her atticism.
"I... am somewhat hesitant when it comes to accepting
courtesy, perhaps derived from the lack of
it I am supplied. Forgive my caution, Charlotte."
She continued to smile, withdrawing her hand and instead reaching
into a pocket.
"Perhaps Adele would be more obliged to a more direct form
of courtesy," said she. I puzzled for
a moment as Charlotte produced a small amount of currency in her
right hand and set it before me.
"Pour vous."
Caution bred confusion, then concordance. I accepted her gift,
feeling at fault for denying her
previous offer.
"Merci."
"It is the least I can offer to such a lovely
aventurier," replied she.
Her flattery brought even greater blushes to my face as I looked
towards the street.
"Where do you reside, Charlotte?"
"Mmm... two accordances in return for none hardly seems
just," said she, shaking her finger
jovially. "But perhaps we shall meet again for your
opportunity to thank me. Au revoir, Adele."
Charlotte rested her arm back under her cloak and turned away. I
felt slighted to follow,
instead taking rest upon a nearby settee, underneath a
strengthened overhang which kept the rain
at bay. My newest complice had already disappeared around a
corner by the time I gazed back in
her direction. I fell asleep clutching myself and my newly
acquired assets.
CHAPTER II
An hour hadn't passed and I was awoken by the sound of a passing
carriage and two clattering
horses. The serein had nearly subsided and only a tranquil
drizzle of rain fell from the corners
of the overhang under which I rested. The scent of damp birch
splinters and burning torches now
filled the air along with the still remaining clamor of unseemly
rounders. Stagnancy and
sobriety seemed as two unheard of virtues in Lacoste, I thought.
If I was to get a decent
night's rest it was not to be found in an alleyway in the very
heart of a lively habitation. I
rose from the settee, assuring myself of my small sum before
removing from the alleyway and
beginning my search for the nearest hostel.
Inns lined most every street, but cost seemed equally as abundant
for each. If I was to stay at
an inn it would have meant the reduction of half my assets in a
single night, even with
Charlotte's generous offering added to it. Determination,
however, was a quality I held with
vigor.
Among a row of lively dwellings I came upon a structure in the
guise of a hostel, only lacking
any visible sign or identification. It's exterior was set in damp
concrete and dotted with small
windows at points. It seemed a hostel at first glance; perhaps
one of affordable but limited
vacancy. I determined that investigating posed no apparent threat
and approached the entrance.
An excitement mixed with trepidation embraced my muscles as I
parted the dampened doors and
entered the hostel. The warmth of an indoor environment was
nearly enough to drown my
consciousness into a restful sleep as I peered ahead. The lush
hallways were draped with velvet
curtains, as well as each divan and arm chair. Candles were set
on nearly every wall,
illuminating the interior with a dull but bright shade of amber.
It seemed a temperate dwelling,
with nearly every occupant traipsing scantily clad in warm
colours and vibrant dresses. A deep
fragrance of elegant perfume embraced my senses, gripping my
emotion and calming my nerves. I
hadn't stayed but for a moment and I was met by a sylphlike lady
in what looked to be the most
formal of all female attire in the chamber.
"May I help you, mademoiselle?" asked she.
"Is this not a hostel, ma dame?"
"Non, mademoiselle," said she, in poised amusement.
"But the innocence of your observation is
genuinely refreshing."
"Oh, I apologize, perhaps I should leave."
She took my hand, smiling amiably.
"You look frozen, mademoiselle, what is your name?"
"Adele."
"Well, Adele, it isn't very often that such elegant femmes
turn up here by themselves. Do you
require accommodations for the night?"
I merely thought of the outdoors and began to tremble once more.
The warmth of the chamber
seemed zealously inviting, far too agreeable to deny. I would not
make the same mistake twice.
"I do," said I.
"You are welcome then in our establishment, Adele. Je suis
Emilienne."
I politely curtseyed for my hostess.
"Bon soir, Emilienne," said I.
"Please, let me take that wet cloak. I will prepare a
chamber upstairs, rest here until then."
Emilienne lifted my cloak from my back and folded it, turning
towards the staircase with a
delicate stride. Her hair was a deep shade of umber, curled near
the front but straight
otherwise. A gentle smile seemed embedded on her face, along with
her felicitous grey eyes. An
airy, light blue petticoat adorned her figure, extending nearly
to the floor and complete with an
elegant bodice and emerald necklace. Her attire was not
exceedingly quiet, though it was clearly
the most formal in the chamber as I had previously inferred.
I made rest on the arm chair near the door, tracing my eyes
across the chamber and its
inhabitants. Adjacent the staircase there sat a couple upon the
same chair, lost in intemperate
conversation and subtle actions of concupiscence, heedless to the
presence of a host of others.
Their actions, however, seemed somber in comparison to the
display ay another corner of the
chamber, this one involving two femmes. Pleasures of the flesh
seemed as the subject matter of
la Maison du Velours. I couldn't help but poke jest at my
naivete moments earlier.
My presence roused the attention of a nearby courtisane who
approached me with a winsome look in
her countenance.
"Are you comfortable, mademoiselle? You look quite chilled
from the evening wind."
"Chilled, but light of heart, ma dame," answered I.
"Oh, so polite... merci," said she, extending her hand.
"Fleurisse, and you?"
"Oh, je suis Adele. Pleased to meet you."
Fleurisse had a bright shade of chestnut coloured hair, similar
to mine only set behind her head.
Her dress was more lively than that of most others, including my
previous acquaintance. The
length of her back could be seen and her arms were made bare. She
held a feathered fan, just as
many of the other courtisanes, and seemed to relish in the small
puffs of air it provided. Her
smile was thick with avidity.
"Will you be staying perchance, Adele? I doubt our
maitresse would pass on such an agreeable
addition to our establishment, nor would I given the sight of
such a radiant jeune femme before
me."
She seemed a courtisane of considerable flattery and compliments.
Her speech easily melted my
emotions and brought life to my smile and cheeks. Skill was
apparent in her every subtle
gesture. Before I could reply, Emilienne returned from the
staircase. A cheery but grave look
could be interpreted from her expression.
"I apologize, Adele, but I could not find a room for a
single occupant. It would seem that every
chamber is set for at least one of us for the night. You would
have to join with one of them and
I'm sure that you would not be interes..."
Fleurisse seemed to hold in a spell of zest.
"Merveilleux! I have the very solution, maitresse. Adele
may stay with me tonight."
Emilienne looked in my direction.
"Is this acceptable? I see no trouble in it if Fleurisse is
interested, but it is your decision,
mademoiselle."
Difficult as it may have been to decide if other options were
available, I felt the unseen limbs
of the chamber at my heels, beckoning me further somehow. One
thought of what possible wretches
awaited me beyond the exit was more than enough to confirm my
decision.
"It is acceptable, ma dame, more than acceptable."
"You do understand the undertakings of our
establishment, Adele." Emilienne prompted.
"Oui," said I, somewhat unnerved.
"Not that they concern you, of course," Emilienne
stated, smiling. "I shall prepare the chamber
shortly then. You are free to converse with the others until such
time."
Emilienne then turned towards the stairs, leaving me beside the
ever-eloquent Fleurisse.
"Do not worry, my dear Adele," said she. "We are
all of us quite accommodating to guests. I will
be with you shortly as well."
Upon her words she made her return to her previous engagements,
dalliance with a number of the
other 'guests' as she put them. I was left alone in a sea of
velvet and perfume, mixed with the
mild fervor of candlelight and inspired breathing.
I began to trace my way along the wall, avoiding most inhabitants
as I continued deeper into the
main chamber. The interior was decidedly luxurious for such a
small town, taking on the near
appearance of an equitable establishment. Each room was marked by
partial walls at places,
serving as large door frames almost and hung with elegantly
coloured but undrawn curtains. With
each step I was eyed by the various courtisanes set throughout
the chambers, some in more errant
attire than others. Those who were not sitting seemed to enjoy
crossing my path at the exact
moment I approached, daintily examining the stranger who walked
among them with sly
inquisitiveness.
At length I came upon a door frame in the far corner of the
establishment which was nearly
drowned in darkness, with only a single candle's light set in the
center of the room. I looked
around, wondering if I would be at fault if I were to investigate
the strange chamber. The
majority of the others seemed unaware of the room, instead
remaining nearby but still distant to
the entryway as if its ominousness eluded them.
I approached the entrance, stunned by a mellifluous voice from
within the shadows.
"Searching for an enjoyable night's rest,
mademoiselle?" came the voice. "Many would say you
have come to the right place."
I remained standing in the door frame, narrowing my eyes to catch
a glimpse of the suppressed
figure. Her features were partially shrouded as she sat near the
single light source.
Decorated vases of flowers rested at various points throughout
the room, all staged around the
small table at which the mystic courtisane sat. Her docile
movements and redolent perfume
nearly served to entrance my senses.
"What is this place?" asked I, curiously.
"A place mademoiselle, where the very threads of ecstasy are
sewn into each bed and its
occupants," said she. "There have been innumerable
titles, but many have come to call this place
la Maison du Velours."
The courtisane produced a single rose in her hand which she began
to examine, calmly. Locks of
ebony hair rested on her shoulders and her attire bore a similar
resemblance to Emilienne's,
though perhaps more ravishing in its display. Her lips remained
the only major portion of her
features set in the dim candlelight.
"So this is indeed not an ordinary inn," said I.
A smile could be made out in her expression.
"Perception does not seem to be one of your
greatest gifts, Adele," replied she.
"You know my name?"
"Word travels quickly when one such as yourself calls upon
this establishment."
"And where do you place in this establishment?" asked
I.
The courtisane began to caress the rose with her fingertips, as
gently as if it were another's
limb.
"My services are expensive, jeune femme," quoth she,
with a calm serenity in her words.
I could not fathom an answer to her words. Instead, I stood
clumsily in place, waiting for the
courtisane to speak again. Her every word seemed as a verse of
poetry, spoken in a tongue of
absolute skill and seduction.
"I..."
"'I' believe that Adele is looking for someone else in la
maison; Fleurisse perhaps."
"Ma dame, I apologize for intruding but I must ask..."
"Are questions all that the aventurier has accumulated on
her journey?" she interrupted,
peacefully. "Perhaps you should return when some of your
queries have been answered. And with
luck we may become more familiar with each other soon. Bon soir,
mademoiselle."
As if timed exactly to her words, I was quickly interrupted again
by a voice at my back. I
turned to see Emilienne standing nearby, motioning for my
approach with a candle.
"Adele," said she, "I have prepared your chambers
for the night. Shall we?"
With a final gaze into the darkened room before me, the
mysterious courtisane brought her face
partially into the light, smiling benignly as the rose became
lifted to her nostrils. I turned
back to Emilienne and followed her lead towards the staircase
near the entrance of the maison.
"Who was she, ma dame?" I inquired, shortening the
distance between us both.
"She has as many names as she does customers, Adele,"
said she. "Though she is quite different
from the far majority of the others here."
"You do not know her well?"
Emilienne smiled.
"I believe she values her secrecy, mademoiselle. But, oui, I
know her well enough."
I continued to puzzle over her words until we came upon the
staircase once more. Emilienne
began her ascent, grasping her single candle as I followed close
behind. My mind and heart
seemed to race with greater haste than ever before. Thus began my
first eve dans la
Maison du Velours.
CHAPTER III
Atop the staircase I came upon a dim hallway, absent of any
candles or windows. The sheer size
of the establishment itself seemed astonishingly larger now that
I had become better acquainted
with the structure. A total of six doors could be seen along the
hallway, with surely a small
number more around the corner at the other end. Emilienne held
her candle before us both as she
led me to the fifth door, opening it and offering me her candle
politely.
"You may light the others if you wish, Adele, but be sure
to snuff them all before you fall
asleep."
"Merci, ma dame," said I.
"Bonne nuit, Adele."
Emilienne smiled as she closed the door behind her, leaving me
alone in the chamber. The single
light of my candle was not yet enough to illuminate the chamber
adequately so I wandered forward
in search of more candles. Near the bed a stand was set with two
such candles. I lit them and
set the remaining light on the opposite side of the sheets near a
mirror.
Finally out of harm's way it seemed, I slumped down onto the
large bed, sighing heavily. An
immediate difference in comfort could be felt compared to the
settee I had previously
rested on. The sheets were of a silken texture, smooth and
enchanting against my fingertips. I
felt as if upon a cloud, gently floating in the night sky with
only three dim stars nearby to
light my path. It became rather difficult to keep my eyes open...
very difficult.
...
I was awoken from a light sleep the second time by the quiet
opening of the chamber door. I
hastily sat up from the sheets, fearing the possible sight of a
couple due to the absence of the
velvet drape signal on the door. To my relief, or rather partial
relief, it was Fleurisse. She
flashed her avid smile upon closing the door behind her.
"Did I wake you, Adele?" asked she.
"Oui, but I do not mind as I'm very accustomed to short
sleeps," said I.
"Indeed. And another one of many mysteries about you I
cannot help but adore."
Fleurisse approached the bed and removed her footwear, proceeding
to disrobe at the same time.
"Oh, shall I not watch?"
"Mmm... I am quite comfortable with undressing in front of
others, Adele, and you are no
stranger to beauty I'm sure," said she. "For one who
need only look in the nearest mirror for
it."
Again I could not stop from blushing.
"Merci."
"It would be silly for me to sleep in such a lovely dress, I
believe," said she.
"Should I disrobe as well?"
Upon speaking I felt incredibly silly, wishing that I had not
uttered anything at all.
Fleurisse was nearly bare before me when she looked back in my
eyes. It seemed neither of us
could withhold a sense of unbridled excitement in our
expressions, though for Fleurisse it
appeared a far more natural state of emotion.
"I can only imagine the extent of your beauty beneath those
garments, Adele. It must surely
exceed my own."
"You have a great gift for flattery, Fleurisse," said
I, slowly reaching behind my back.
"Flattery is a gift very easily given when the recipient far
surpasses any words spoken of her."
She showed herself bare to me, and I could not deny the beauty of
her figure any more than I
could mask my excitement. Her skin was fair, her green eyes
radiant in the dim candlelight.
My actions seemed a great deal more clumsy as I attempted the
removal of my dress before her.
Fleurisse covered her mouth, amused at the scene before her and
seemingly caught in a fast
approaching splendour. She stepped forward and grasped my
trembling shoulders.
"You seem in a flutter, Adele. You needn't remove your
garment if it bothers you."
"It does not bother me, Fleurisse," answered I.
"Though it would mark the first time I have
disrobed before anyone outside of my former convent."
"Mmm... perhaps I can aid you then, to ease your
apprehension. May I?"
Her earlier description seemed far more accurate than I thought.
My heart was well aflutter,
perhaps more so. I struggled to maintain a decent composure, only
further incriminating my
dignity.
"Oui," I sounded, barely more audible than a faint
whisper.
Complaisant in her expression, Fleurisse maintained her grip upon
my shoulders, rotating until
she stood at my back. There, her very breath could be felt at my
neck, steady and lenitive.
With her soft hands she proceeded to remove my dress, pausing
every so often as new regions of
my figure were made bare before her. At length, we both stood
naked; my back to her front.
"I did not... come here with the intention of receiving... services,
Fleurisse, but..."
"But you would not deny yourself the experience if you were
given the chance," Fleurisse stated,
her lips near my ear.
I felt my body trembling with fear, anxiety, but also excitement.
"Am I being given that chance?" asked I.
"If that is your wish, Adele."
My mind raced, hoping to arrive at a simple decision. I had never
imagined myself in such a
position; I felt more threatened than I had been at the hands of
the vaurien hours earlier. At
the same time I ached with a curiosity borne from a past life of
rules and obedience. Where
once duty and morality ruled my actions, I now believed in
independent thought, the strength of
free will. My innermost desires where mine and mine alone to
command. At that moment I spoke
words that I knew would forever change my life somehow.
"What must I do?" asked I, softly.
"Only what your heart tells you," replied she.
Indeed the fires of passion worked in mysterious ways, as the
very thought of what stood beyond
my shoulders seemed to ignite a flush of enthusiasm deep within
my body. Soft breaths parted
the hair at my back, gently caressing my skin with an invisible
touch.
I could barely speak, but was able to voice a soft response.
"I have nothing to... give you for this, Fleurisse."
"As exorbitant as my services may be, I would never demand
anything in return from one so
perfect," Fleurisse pronounced. "However, you are still
mistaken. There are things much more
valuable we can give each other, Adele..."
Before I could comment, Fleurisse slowly set her hands upon my
hips. I felt the weight of my
legs attacking my balance. My breath disturbed the candles with a
heavy sigh. Briefly,
Fleurisse's breath again moved against my neck, this time
accompanied by her first true touch.
Her lips rested against my skin for a moment before removing and
returning with a second gentle
kiss, then a third, each at points around my neck. I angled my
head, trembling and vocalizing
the sheer ecstasy of her simple, yet passionate movements upon my
body. With her hands,
Fleurisse cradled my breasts, faintly rubbing her warm fingers in
a circular motion consistent
to that of her continued kissing.
With a deep breath I inhaled the scent of her wondrous perfume,
narrowing my eyes towards the
two candles ahead. The fragrance was that of wild fruit, similar
to the very smells I had
experienced on my day's travel through a vast wilderness. The
scent served to calm my nerves
and enhance my excitement. With each kiss the sensations grew
more apparent, more staggering.
Between my legs the very signs of sexual arousal trickled from my
inner thigh towards the floor
where our discarded clothing still remained.
"Fleurisse..."
With every kiss, every caress, the very sound sent a chill of
bliss through my being. Fleurisse
inhaled my scent with a lustful vigor, pressing her nose gently
against my skin to relish the
fragrance. At length, she finally brought her chin to my
shoulder, allowing me to turn and see
the marvel in her eyes. After only minutes in her arms I felt my
demeanor forever altered.
Skill was not the appropriate word for the power which she
commanded so naturally. Our first
kiss served to confirm this fact.
We became locked in an endless embrace, our lips fastened
together, our bodies trembling with an
undeniable vigor. Fleurisse removed her hand from my breast,
guiding my own to my stomach where
we both caressed my belly in large circles. The climax of our
kiss was marked by a surge of
pleasure between my legs, where my vagina was made slick with
excitement, anticipation.
"Pleasure is our gift to give, Adele," Fleurisse
whispered. "And you supply it with your mere
presence."
With her fingers she halted our rhythmic caress of my belly and
slid lower, towards the very
core of my passion.
"Ohhhh..."
"Do you feel it?" asked she, ever so softly in my ear.
Upon my breath, Fleurisse reached my trembling vagina with her
fingers at last. An unimaginable
bliss coursed through my body, driving my senses wild with
excitement. Her fingers bathed in my
thick fluids, pressing softly against my labia as I fell victim
to the passions of seduction.
My heart raced, as did my breath, while my mind spun with desire
and my body wavered in place.
"I... I have never felt this way with..."
"Avec une femme?" she whispered.
"Oui."
"You have missed much in your life, Adele; far too
much."
With her words spoken, she removed her fingers from my labia,
gently sliding up my belly until
her hands both rested upon my breasts. A fervent trail of my
excitement traced its way from my
vagina across my stomach, ending at the very tip of my nipple
where her palm rested. The allure
of sapphism seemed far greater than I had once imagined. My body
pulsed with desire, with
sexual effeminacy never before realized in my life. I slowly
turned, finally set before
Fleurisse so that our eyes met.
"You will show me what I have missed, Fleurisse?"
"Certainement, mademoiselle," said she, smiling her
wondrous smile.
The candlelight threw shadows across each of our figures,
illuminating our bodies in a deep
amber hue. Fleurisse took my hand into hers, gently motioning for
me to take my place upon
the silken sheets. With a deep breath, I sat, inhaling her
perfume a second time and sighing
heavily.
As her eyes engulfed my body with their gaze, Fleurisse brought
her fingers to my hair,
caressing my ebony locks which now flowed freely along with hers.
A deep sigh came with my
exhalation, signaling the pleasure she seemed to command of my
senses. With featherlike strokes
her hand danced through my hair, weaving in-between each strand
and nearing my lively cheeks
with each pass. I tilted my head affectionately, calming every
nerve, every muscle which sat
tense from the moment. My mind and body became released, eager to
delve further into the
ecstasies the courtisane masterfully unbound from deep within my
soul.
"Fleurisse, your touch... I cannot begin to
describe..."
"Then do not attempt to, Adele. Allow yourself to embrace
what you feel, without words."
Indeed her art was beyond any words able to justify the actual
experience. I sat entranced by
the power of Fleurisse, unable to dwell upon anything other than
my desire for her to continue,
to caress my body further, to make love to me.
With narrowed eyes, Fleurisse retrieved her fingers from my hair
and fell to her knees, kneeling
before my legs and the edge of the bed. At her back, two of the
candles appeared in view over
each of her shoulders, casting light upon the back of her head
angelically as she flashed a
benevolent smile.
"Part your legs, Adele... s'il vous plait," said she,
softly.
As to her wishes, I slowly parted my legs, revealing the physical
excitement I was no longer
able to conceal. From between my legs my glistening fluids
engulfed both my inner thighs and
the very lips of my vagina entirely. Its flow was gentle, paced,
and enticing to her eyes.
Fleurisse was then struck with my scent at the very second I took
in the first breath of my own
sweet fragrance. It drove my senses wild, beyond imagination,
stimulating every nerve of my
body with excitement. After a brief falter, Fleurisse came to her
senses, lowering her lips to
the tip of my knee with a kiss not unlike the one I had felt on
my lips. My limbs trembled,
sensing the overwhelming passion which grew more fervent at the
origin of my desire. A second
kiss, this one closer, drew my thoughts towards purging the
unbearable anticipation with my own
fingers. I held myself at bay, gazing down at Fleurisse's lips
and the wistful flesh of my
vagina, so close to her paced approach. I began to caress my
breasts manually, unable to
silence the urges of gratification which beat upon me restlessly.
"Ohhh Fleurisse... Ohhh, oui..."
My cries filled the room, echoing in my own ears with the subtle
tone of Fleurisse's soft
kisses. Her lips drew nearer, and soon her very breath could be
felt upon my moistened vagina.
I sounded a whimper of ecstasy, trembling with every passing
second, unable to calm the raging
emotions within. A final series of kisses bordered the very edge
of ultimate bliss. Fleurisse
paused, as if to warn me of the celestial bliss which I was to
experience for the first time.
"The first touch is the most memorable, the most seraphic.
It is my gift to you, Adele..." quoth
she.
My mind was thrown into a deep vertigo as Fleurisse's lips
embraced my eager vagina at long
last. My eyes became sealed shut as a burst of heaven coursed
through my veins, my skin, my
entire body in the span of a mere second. I threw my head back,
moaning more heavily than ever
before as the rapture of her first kiss drew me beyond the stars
in a single instant. My labia
pulsed with excitement, drawing forth a vigorous flow of thick
secretions which became swallowed
by Fleurisse, joyously. My imagination could not have fathomed
such incredible sensations.
Slowly, my legs parted further, accommodating Fleurisse's head
more readily as her mouth
caressed my vaginal lips with a gentleness I had not thought
possible. I lowered my back at
last, lying upon the sheets of silk which served to soothe my
bare skin. With my hands I
continued to excite my breasts, drawing pleasure from my nipples
nearly as readily as Fleurisse
was able to. My nostrils inhaled the strong scent of my womanhood
mixed with that of the warm
candles which flickered about us. Conscious thought seemed
hopeless as my mind was set with
the fulfillment of my desires, attaining the peak of sexual
arousal at the hands of the
courtisane before me.
At the very moment I began to think my pleasures approaching
their steady peak, I was struck
with volley of sensations borne from beneath the small hood which
sheltered the very epicenter
of true ecstasy; my clitoris. A single touch drew my hands to the
bed sheets where I gripped
tightly, holding in a cry of pleasure. Fleurisse seemed well
aware of the sensations which she
had awoken, letting out a calm sigh of felicity in my stead.
"Oui, Fleurisse... there, right there, more..."
pronounced I, moaning with each exhalation.
Her lips gently nuzzled my small bud, kissing it with a pace I
would never have managed in my
haste had I been in command. I felt my very skin begin to moisten
from perspiration, and the
warmth of the chamber and the candlelight seemed greatly apparent
at that instant. My eyes
became teared with emotion, joy, as I struggled to hush my cries.
The ceiling seemed to pulsate
with my body, as if the chamber were a part of me. My vision
became blurred, and my nose became
engulfed with my own fragrance more than ever. I felt my body
become tense, then relaxed, as
Fleurisse's caress of my clitoris became more apparent in its
enthusiasm. Beneath my flowing
vagina the very sheets of the bed became moist with my fluids. My
jaw remained ever open,
allowing my moans to easily fill the room amidst the subtle sound
of Fleurisse's slurring.
"Something... I feel something... inside, uhhhh,"
Unable to answer, Fleurisse continued to make love to me, opening
her mouth to allow her tongue
the very taste of my pleasures and the feel of my swollen labia
and clitoris. Within my body a
slow expanse of pressure drew near somehow. I rested my hands
upon my thighs, pulling them as
far apart as possible as the surge approached, coursing through
me slowly as Fleurisse's tongue
pressed against my moistened bud, waiting for the moment of
climax which I finally believed to
be approaching. With a final tender embrace of my clitoris, all
my vision was lost to an
explosion of light and the feeling of absolute gratification I
had so desperately wished and
hoped for.
Fleurisse drew her head away from my vagina as a burst of thick
nectar splattered onto the
sheets before her and my echoing voice filled the room with a
booming cry of ecstasy. My body
pulsed with sexual energy, releasing it in waves with each
passing second of my first climax by
another woman. A flood of my viscous release was cupped by an
astounded Fleurisse as she
watched, amazed and nearly bewildered. After a short time had
passed I had still not softened
my screams, which brought Fleurisse to her feet. Gently, she
reached out a single, dripping
hand and covered my mouth, dousing my voice with the lavish
fluids my climax had produced. My
eyes widened, unprepared for such an action as I was forced to
experience the taste of my
passion first hand. Fleurisse then rested herself upon the sheets
next to me, gently running
her damp hand from her chest down across her stomach, leaving a
trace of liquid behind.
My eyes soon weakened, blurring once more as a haze of
astonishment crept over my body. I was
unable to move as the courtisane sat up and leaned overtop me,
her lips dripping with my fluids.
"Did you enjoy it as much as I did, my dear Adele?"
asked she.
I attempted to focus my eyes, failing. The haze of images before
me was still mixed with the
blinding light of my climax. My words in reply were nearly
silent.
"Oui..."
Fleurisse lowered herself towards me, kissing my lips a final
time, now with the added use of
her tongue. It was the perfect completion to the divine bliss I
had just experienced, crowned
with the dulcet taste of my own lust.
I fainted in a perfect state of mind and body as the courtisane
rose to snuff the candles. It
was the first time I slept peacefully and uninterrupted since my
departure from the convent.
CHAPTER IV
A soft creak awakened me from my dreams early the next morning. I
peered up through narrowed
eyes to find Fleurisse putting the final touches on her
appearance before the mirror. Her smile
was calm and cheery in the early light. My small movements
brought her attention towards me.
"Ah, Adele, awake so soon?"
"Not entirely," I managed to answer.
Fleurisse rose from her small seat in front of the mirror and
came to my side, parting the hair
blocking my vision.
"I hope this will not be the last time I will see you in my
chambers this way in the morning. It
would pain me to see you leave us so soon."
"I have not decided whether I wish to leave yet, Fleurisse,
do not worry."
"I shall not then," said she. "I am needed in the
main chamber, but I will return shortly. You
are welcome to rest here until then."
"Merci, Fleurisse."
Her smile reflected the same merriment I had grown to adore on
her since my arrival. Fleurisse
gently brushed her hand through my hair before turning towards
the chamber door. Following her
exit, I rose from the sheets, quickly becoming reminded of my
bare body. I quickly began a
search of the chamber for my discarded clothing. No sooner did I
rise from the bed and the door
was opened yet again, this time by someone other than Fleurisse.
I raced for the bed sheets,
pulling them from the mattress entirely to drape myself. At the
door stood Emilienne, holding
my garments which appeared freshly cleaned and folded.
"Bonjour, Adele, I... Oh, I didn't expect you to be out of
bed so early."
"Everyone else seems to be quite active," said I, still
clutching the sheets high.
"Oui, but we are accustomed to providing our services nearly
all hours of the day, including the
early morning."
"Oh, I understand."
Emilienne wore a similar dress to the one I had seen the night
before, only more of a crimson
colour now. Her emerald necklace remained from her previous
attire as well. She stood smiling
at my attempts to conceal my body from her.
"I see that you and Fleurisse were engaged in... activities
last night. Was it enjoyable for
you, mademoiselle."
I felt my cheeks glow with a similar colour to her dress.
"Oui, but I did not mean to..."
"There is no need for justification," Emilienne mused.
"Fleurisse has yet to find a client who
has refused her services, although you are our first female
client I believe,"
"Oh."
She took a small step forward.
"I washed your garments for you, Adele. I must say that it
was difficult to remove much of the
mud though."
"I have been travelling a great deal lately, and clean paths
are somewhat of a luxury."
"Ah, of course," said she, grinning. "You needn't
cover yourself, Adele, I have been witness to
the unclothed figures of everyone in the maison. Fleurisse has
already enlightened us with her
tale of last night's transgressions for that matter, including a
vivid description of your
elegant body."
"Indeed!" stated I, feeling somewhat betrayed.
"Oui, but do not worry. Our communications never leave these
walls," said she.
Realizing the futility of draping myself, I allowed the sheets to
fall to my feet. Emilienne
seemed tranquil towards my figure, as if she had seen it numerous
times before. She approached,
handing me my clothing gently.
"Merci," said I.
"You are just as lovely as Fleurisse described, Adele.
Perhaps more so."
As Emilienne turned towards the door I rose my voice to halt her.
"Wait, ma dame... I..."
"Hmm?" she sounded, turning slowly.
"Emilienne, I... was wondering about your feelings on me
staying another night if possible, but
only until..."
"Certainement, Adele. You may stay as long as you wish. It
may be difficult to remain in
Fleurisse's chambers tonight however, as she was already being
asked for last evening by our
clients. I may perhaps be able to find another one of us for you
to stay with though, if it is
acceptable for you."
I paused, apprehensive at first, but certain that my travels
could wait.
"It is more than acceptable, ma dame. My only hope is that
my imposition does not hinder you or
your... clientele any further."
"Of course not, Adele. Now I must return downstairs, but
you are welcome to stay in these
chambers for now. I would suggest that you dress, lest someone
else should intrude and discover
you as I have. And, if you're interested, I will be serving a
small meal in the kitchen shortly.
You're welcome to join us."
"Will your clients be there?" asked I, timidly.
Emilienne smiled amiably.
"Non, jeune femme. Only permanent residents of our
establishment dine here. We do not open our
doors until we have prepared for the day, though overnight
clients often remain in these
chambers or leave during that time. I suggest you do not go
calling upon any of the other
chambers up here just yet."
"I shall not then, merci," said I, beginning to dress.
Emilienne turned again for the door, closing it behind her. Upon
her exit, I inhaled the
fragrance of my clean garments, sighing happily. My environment
seemed the complete opposite
to that of my former residence; a quality that drew my interest
even deeper. Freedom was
encouraged, nature was glorified, pleasure was abounding. I began
to wonder if leaving was even
a possibility as of yet.
...
Shortly after dressing, I made a final gaze at myself in the
mirror before leaving Fleurisse's
chambers in search of the others. Down the stairs, the redolent
aroma of edibles forced its way
into my nostrils with a mesmerizing allure. I trudged downwards,
staring at the interior of the
maison which seemed strangely different in the daytime. The
velvet curtains all each wall were
bright and full of life, and the very structure of the maison
seemed comforting around me. It
had been the first time in days I had slept in complete shelter
from the elements and, as such,
I felt an outlandish connection to la Maison du Velours.
At the base of the stairs I turned towards the direction of the
enticing aroma of provisions
which quickly led me to a partially opened door and the sound of
merry banter within. As with
my entrance into anything of the unknown, I felt aflutter as I
set my hand against the door and
pushed it open.
Immediately, I was engulfed by the eyes of a host of courtisanes,
all seated at various
locations around the kitchen as they ate. All at once their
conversation halted as they peered
at me. There were about nine in total, all in elegant dresses as
they sat with plates of fresh
bread, fruit and even meat, most likely leftover from the night
before. I felt a flush of
anxiety, thinking that it was a mistake to encroach upon them for
food when I had nothing to
give in return yet again.
A familiar face approached, setting her hand upon my shoulder and
smiling. Emilienne turned to
the other courtisanes and proceeded to introduce me.
"Je vous presente Adele, a new resident to our
establishment for the time being."
Small whispering commenced as soon as my name was spoken.
"Ah, the one who Fleurisse told us about..."
"Mmm... how lucky she was, and how beautiful she is..."
My eyes remained set on the floor as Emilienne waded through a
group of four to find me a spot
at one table. The casual banter of the others soon regained life,
and I felt slightly more at
ease.
Emilienne soon presented me with a plate consisting of the same
meal as the others, along with
proper utensils. My reluctance to look up at any of the
courtisanes before me was soon
shattered when one raised her voice with a gesture able to seize
my attention.
"So, how was Adele's evening with Fleurisse?" came the
voice. It sounded vaguely familiar, and
yet I did not glance up at the one who had uttered the words.
"Was it as worldly as you
imagined?"
"Oui, and were your cries loud as she brought you to your
summit?" cried another.
The kitchen became filled with light laughter and titters which
turned my cheeks even more red
as I kept my head lowered. The voice which had uttered first
spoke again.
"Does our aventurier yet have a destination in mind, or is
she content with 'indoor aventures'
at this time?"
Again a light laughter rose. Emilienne, now conscious of the
courtisanes' prodding, stepped in
with her voice.
"Let her be, all of you. Adele is our guest, not the object
of our amusement."
"She was for Fleurisse," came another, lively.
Again the laughter rose, this time louder than ever. I felt a
great flush upon my body, an
uneasiness that nearly drove away my appetite completely. It was
clear my presence in the
kitchen was not unfolding pleasantly.
Emilienne calmed the amusement once more, this time more firm
with her words. My eyes remained
upon my food, which I had barely touched. I was first to leave
the table upon quickly consuming
my plate's contents. Overtaken by apprehension, I left the
kitchen and made my way towards the
door, concealing my heightened emotion. Before my exit, I
retrieved my newly washed cloak and
draped it over my shoulders, not looking back as I left the
maison. My attempts to restrain
tears were somewhat a failure.
CHAPTER V
After applying my cloak I turned the nearest corner from the
maison in search of a place to
rest, to gather my thoughts which I now believed to be misguided.
The quips of each courtisane
still struck my emotions, tearing at my cheer with great swipes
for such simple attacks. My
pain came not so much from the actual words, but through the
memories they sparked from my past.
It was reminiscent of similar meals I had borne witness to; and
no less painful even from a
group so different.
The morning weather was fair, but damp. My footwear hardly
protected my feet from the mud,
which nearly engulfed my ankles with each stride. The street
smelled of wet stone and marshy
wood, not different from the night before. The sun hid behind a
thick layer of cloud and a
small mist rested among the streets. After a brief pause to clear
my eyes, I made my way
towards a nearby tavern.
The interior was quaint and sparse with life thanks to the early
hour. A tall bartender stood
serving a customer as a small group of others sat in conversation
at a table. The familiar musk
of spirits brought a certain drunkard of my previous acquaintance
to mind. I could not help but
smile, drying some of my tears for a moment as I took my place
upon a chair in the far corner of
the establishment.
For a great time I waited, glancing often at any sudden movements
nearby like a frightened
animal. The bartender let me be, not even approaching to ask if I
wanted a drink of some kind.
My paranoia quickly led me to believe that I was surrounded by
the very audience who had
witnessed my 'scene' the night before. I cringed at the thought
that one of the customers was
the vaurien's associates or even worse, the vaurien himself.
After nearly half of an hour had passed, and when the sun's light
had just begun to spill into
the windows, another customer entered the pub. As with the
kitchen, I kept my head down, still
wary of the chance it could be a familiar, disgruntled scoundrel.
My apprehension peaked as the
footsteps seemed locked in my very direction.
My gaze drew upwards, discovering the true identity of the
customer who approached me.
"Charlotte," said I, abruptly.
"Bonjour Adele," replied she, drawing back her hood.
"How strange that I should find you alone
in here this morning. I would have thought you to be far on your
way by this time."
"I have been... occupied."
Charlotte wore her same cloak, this time with different attire
beneath. Her hair was dark as
night, set behind her head perfectly; unlike my own which I knew
was unsightly without having to
peer into a mirror. She soon finished her approach, taking a seat
before me with a graceful
stride. The bartender took notice and began to make his way
toward us both.
"Need I guess what you mean by your occupation, or
is the answer accurately depicted in your
hair?" said she, settled comfortably in her seat.
"Forgive me, I look ghastly to be sure," said I,
attempting to fix my appearance.
"Not at all, Adele. Rather you look as if you have
experienced quite an aventure. I would love
to hear your tale."
Upon her words, the bartender finally finished his approach,
standing before Charlotte with an
empty glass and a cloth.
"Can I get you something, ma dame?"
Charlotte raised her eyes towards the figure, still keeping her
head focused in my direction.
"Wine, please. And you, Adele?"
"Oh, non, I cannot afford anything I'm afraid."
The bartender seemed vexed by my presence knowing that I had
nothing to give him, but his
silence continued as he returned to the counter for Charlotte's
order. I found it difficult to
look her in the eye as she smiled calmly at me, as if somehow
privy to the knowledge of last
night's transgressions following her departure.
"Did Adele spend my offering so quickly?" asked she.
"If so, on what, may I ask?"
I began to blush, remembering her kindness and my impolite
acceptance of her donation.
"If I must pay for a beverage I prefer it to be water, which
I'm sure they do not serve."
Charlotte continued to smile as the bartender returned with her
drink and turned back to his
duties.
"Where did you find lodging last night Adele? A quiet
hostel, or did you remain on your settee
in the alleyway?"
My reluctance to answer was overtaken by a responsibility I felt
to speak honestly to one who
treated me with such respect. My tongue held the words for a long
moment before I spoke.
"Do you know of... la Maison du Velours, Charlotte?"
asked I, hesitantly.
As if unaffected, Charlotte answered, "Oui, I have heard the
name before. Is that where you
spent your night?"
I nodded slowly. Charlotte's grin widened.
"And you were able to find a chamber all to yourself?"
"That... is not exactly how things happened."
Charlotte took a sip of her beverage, narrowing her eyes.
"Surely Adele did not acquire the 'services' of
the residents there, being so careful with her
funds," said she, cheerfully.
"I didn't have to pay... I mean it wasn't my intention to,
but..."
"But you could not resist the temptation of aventure."
I paused.
"Oui."
Charlotte seemed acquiescent in her expression.
"Was it an enjoyable experience, Adele?" asked she,
tilting her head.
"It was... I cannot deny it wasn't, though it is not a
subject I feel at ease in discussing with
one who would surely never consider..."
As I spoke she soon finished her beverage, setting it down and
running circles along the lip of
the cup with her finger.
"Mmm... Adele, your skills of deduction sound quite
irrefutable. I daresay you trust them
without question."
I puzzled on her words.
"Charlotte?"
She shook her hand, smiling.
"Pay my words no mind, Adele."
"Oh..."
"If you prefer the subject to be distant from last
night," began Charlotte, "how about yourself
then, Adele, if I may inquire."
"Myself?" I repeated, holding back a gulp.
"Oui. How is it that you've come to Lacoste, so far from
wherever your home is or was. What made
you abandon your former residence, Adele?"
I took in a deep breath, pining over whether to divulge such
knowledge to one I had only known
for minutes at a time. Her smile seemed felicitous as ever,
genuinely interested in the tale I
was to tell. Before speaking I sat up straight and brushed a
single lock of hair from my
vision.
"I... I have come from a convent; a religious establishment
run by a church in my town of
origin."
"And why did you depart this sanctum, Adele? Were the
clericals too harsh with their 'habits' so
to speak?"
"It was far more than rules which led to my exodus,"
said I. "I felt... chained. Chained to a
set path to which the end was already known; a life already lived
out for me. I was the only
member who did not fit in with the others. Laughed at for the
slightest of errors, and made to
work the hardest of all. I felt... drowning."
Charlotte's expression turned to that of empathy almost. She
reached out her hand as if to
comfort me.
"Some creatures are not meant to be caged I suppose. Is this
why Adele now welcomes the unknown
so readily?"
"Oui," said I, softly.
"Why did I see tears in your eyes when I entered if this is
the life you have chosen?" asked
she.
"Because... I quit the maison after being mocked by its
courtisanes. It brought back memories
from the very place I now lament."
Charlotte gestured for my hand. I placed it in hers.
"Words can be bitter, yes. But courage can overcome a
weakened heart," said she, delicately.
"Merci, Charlotte."
She retrieved her hand, placing it back at her side as she
continued to smile encouragingly.
Her perfume brought my senses to ease as I looked directly upon
her, not retreating to the table
or floor with my gaze this time.
"Do you plan on leaving Lacoste this morning, Adele?"
asked she.
"I have not yet decided," stated I.
"Some of life's grandest aventures can be found in the
smallest of towns, Adele. If you search
hard enough."
Charlotte rose from her seat, pulling her hood back over her
head.
"Wait," I pronounced, reaching out my hand. "I
never had the chance to thank you for your
kindness."
"Is there some special way you wish to do that,
Adele?" asked she, cheerfully.
"Where can I find you should I do so?"
Charlotte's amiable smile shone through her cloak as she placed
her payment for the beverage on
the table before her.
"Propinquity should not be a problem, mademoiselle, if you
are perhaps slightly more perceptive
this evening as opposed to the last."
Upon her words she gave a parting smile before turning and
leaving the pub with her
ever-graceful stride. Again I found myself wavering in her
tracks, oblivious as to intention
or motive. Charlotte's mystery was an aventure all its own; an
aventure that I soon felt
determined to pursue somehow.
The remainder of my morning was spent resolving the conundrum of
whether to follow Charlotte's
words and seek her out or to continue on my journey, which as of
yet had no clear destination.
My decision came much later in the day than I had expected...
CHAPTER VI
Night had nearly fallen by the time I found myself standing
before la Maison du Velours once
more. The life of the structure could be seen from the bright
windows and internal laughs and
banters. My attempts at locating Charlotte's home were fruitless,
and I knew my only option was
to stay another night with Emilienne and her cache of
courtisanes. Needless to say, my mind was
racing with excitement and intrigue at the thought of an evening
even close to the night before.
I decided that I would apologize for my hasty departure before
requesting a chamber from the
maitresse.
On my approach, a light mist began to fade in through the town,
signifying the eve's beginning
and my entrance once again into the unknown. The trembling of my
limbs became evident as the
doors came within an arm's reach and the familiar fragrance of
perfume that so many of the
courtisanes dawned invaded my senses once more. I parted the
doors slowly, gazing upon the
crowd of figures who both sat and stood throughout the main
chamber. The maison was
considerably busier than the night before.
Closing the doors behind me I was greeted by the pleasant sight
of Emilienne, who apparently
remained close to the entrance during the evening to assess any
clients who came calling upon
the maison. Raising her brow in delight, she wrapped her arms
around me gently and flashed her
poised smile.
"Ah, Adele, so wonderful to see you again. I had thought
that after this morning you would never
have returned to us. I apologize for your oppression at our
hands."
"There is no need to," replied I, happily. "I was
at fault for leaving so suddenly. I have come
to ask for forgiveness and a place to stay for the night if
possible, ma dame."
"Naturellement, Adele, I have not forgotten my offer. You
are always welcome to our
establishment. I will see if Fleurisse can spare her chamber for
the night once more, but if not
it will have to be with another."
"I have no preference, ma dame. Whatever is available."
"Very well, Adele, I shall see what I can do. You are free
to converse with the others if you
wish, though I suggest you minimize your involvement with any
'clients', lest they mistake you
for one of us."
Emilienne released me and turned away, winking with her lovely
gray eyes. Her emerald necklace
shone in the bright candlelight which filled the room, making the
air thick with a fervent
energy. I felt a great weight lifted from my chest, standing once
more in the maison. Its
environment seemed to eradicate my worries, my pains, and fill my
soul with life and energy. I
began to wish that Charlotte was around to share in my happiness.
Rather than taking a seat near the doorway this time I made my
way into the crowd of people,
searching for a decent place to sit which was not hidden in the
shadows. Charlotte's words had
remained with me and became repeated in my mind as I felt flushes
of both anxiety and
fascination at once. The torrent of spectators seemed to fix
their eyes on me for moments at a
time as I made my way through the main chamber in search of a
vacant arm chair.
Before I could make leave into the next room my path became
blocked by a supple chest and
familiar perfume.
"Adele, where have you been? I have missed you ever so much
today."
"Fleurisse," I began, "I'm glad to see you again.
And I wanted to thank you for last night. It
was glorious."
For the first time I managed to make her blush.
"Your pleasure could not compare to that which I felt,
merely being in your presence, Adele,"
said she, cheerfully.
Her skills of flattery certainly hadn't dwindled since our last
encounter, and her dress was no
less revealing as well. Fleurisse leaned forward and gave me a
kiss on the cheek.
"I would love to reciprocate your pleasure once more
sometime, perhaps even tonight if I am
free."
"As would I," I pronounced.
Fleurisse drew herself back up to full height.
"We shall see, my dear Adele. Until then I'm sure you'll
have no trouble making yourself
comfortable."
With a spirited smile Fleurisse returned to her conversation with
others, glancing in my
direction often until I finally made my way towards the ominous
chamber of the night before. It
remained a great deal darker than the main hall, still set with
flowers and a single candle.
The floor creaked with my steps as I entered, peering around the
room for a nearby seat.
Opposite the door frame there sat a familiar figure, this time at
a mirror with her back turned
to me and her head focused on the single candle mounted on a
table once more. She appeared to
be reading a letter of sorts.
Quickly the banters of the main hall seemed to calm as my feet
roused the attention of the
adumbrate courtisane.
"Bon soir, mon jeune voyageur," said she, calmly.
"Returned for another eve of unbridled lechery
perchance?"
I halted in my tracks, attempting to distinguish the strange
courtisane's face for a second
time. Her back remained to me, the light partially reflecting her
features in the mirror.
"I... I am not quite certain yet."
"An indecisive aventurier; odd combination of
qualities," replied she, tamely.
"I..."
Before I could answer I was interrupted again.
"Is our special guest looking for something in particular
this time or is she merely browsing?"
"Actually, I was looking for a place to sit," said I,
narrowing my eyes for a moment as a
glimpse of the courtisane's face showed in the mirror.
"Is that all, mademoiselle?" asked she.
"And a possible chamber to stay in for the night as
well."
There was a pause, no doubt as the courtisane stopped to smile.
"Are you asking for the use of my bed,
mademoiselle?" inquired she.
"Are you offering it?" I returned.
The courtisane took a deep breath. I could nearly see her
invisible smile, hidden beneath her
long locks of hair and elegant attire. My feet began to inch
forward, closing in on the shadows
surrounding her figure. The courtisane remained in place, her
breath calm and peaceful as she
peered at her letter. A vaguely familiar scent filled my nostrils
as I continued my approach; a
perfume I had smelled before, though not ever from within the
maison. My mind raced as I came
within reach of the tranquil courtisane.
"The real question, mademoiselle, is are you willing?"
came she, now aware of my proximity.
"I was with Fleurisse," said I, with minor confidence.
The courtisane's smile could be seen plainly.
"Am I Fleurisse?" inquired she, not expecting
an answer. "I suppose there would be only way to
instill the answer to such a question."
I was directly upon her now, able to make out her features more
clearly though still not enough
to recognize what might have been the obvious. A small jolt of
courage was enough to drive my
words from my heart to my lips.
"May I... ask you your name?" said I, remembering
another quote from my past.
"I gather you already know the answer to your question,
mademoiselle."
Slowly, the courtisane turned to face me, revealing her delicate
features and radiant blue eyes
at last. I gasped with shock upon realizing her identity.
"Charlotte!" I exclaimed, lost in amazement. "You
reside here at the maison?"
She smiled calmly.
"At this time, oui, Adele, though my sojourn will most
likely be a temporary one as well."
"It was you who spoke to me in the kitchen this
morning?"
"Oui," she pronounced, "and I am glad to see that
you have learned to be a little more
perceptive. Had you but gazed upwards you would have known this
hours earlier."
I began to blush as Charlotte raised her hand and took mine into
hers.
"I... knew I was going to see you again, Charlotte. I even
wished it to be so."
"Why, Adele?"
"Because, I wish to thank you for your kindness, your
affection."
Charlotte smiled softly.
"Thanking me is unnecessary, Adele. I have always been
accustomed to fulfilling others' dreams.
But you are the first who has truly touched my heart with your
courage and beauty."
"Charlotte... I..."
Before I could finish once more, Charlotte rose from her seat and
set her finger by her lips in
a gentle hush.
"I believe that the lovely Adele has found a vacant chamber
for the night," said she,
soothingly. "The question is whether or not she will find a
moment's rest for the night."
I sighed calmly as Charlotte brought me into her embrace, a soft
and tender embrace of genuine
affection. My breath remained calm as I trembled gently in her
arms, just as Emilienne entered
the darkened chamber with the news I was already privy to.
"Adele, it would seem that every chamber is full tonight
exc... oh, I see you have already
discovered the occupant of that chamber."
"Oui," said I, still locked in my embrace.
"Adele, may I introduce Charlotte," Emilienne stated.
Charlotte and I exchanged an inward amusement.
"Bon soir, Charlotte," said I. "Pleased to meet
you."
"Et tu, Adele," replied she.
Emilienne stepped forward as Charlotte and I parted from our
embrace.
"It is getting rather late. Perhaps you two lovely young
femmes should retire for the night. The
main bed chamber is prepared?"
"Oui, ma dame, as always," replied Charlotte.
"I will ensure your privacy in that case," said
Emilienne, happily. "Bonne nuit."
With that, she turned and made her way back into the main
chamber, leaving us still standing
together.
"Shall we?" I pronounced, mimicking Emilienne's voice
from the night before.
"After you, Adele," replied she.
-The Marquis de Sade
-1776-
Atop the staircase, Charlotte and I walked towards the far doorway at the end of the hall, our steps reaching the floor almost in unison. As with the previous night the hallway was dim, even more so with the absence of a candle to assist our journey. Charlotte seemed more accustomed to the dark than I, and led me with a temperate confidence. Neither of us spoke until we reached the doorway of the main bed chamber, which seemed to be reserved for Charlotte and her 'clientele'.
"Charlotte," I began, "what was that letter you were reading earlier? A message from family?"
She smiled calmly as always.
"I have no true family, Adele, but I consider those closest to me family I suppose," said she. "Rather the letter was from an occasional client of mine, a writer of sorts."
"Is he wealthy?" asked I.
Charlotte opened the door, narrowing her eyes tranquilly.
"Most with which I am familiar are, oui. This particular client addressed himself as Donatien Alphonse Francois to those of us here. His tastes... well, that is another tale in itself. He has rarely been in this establishment at all however, though his name seems to grow with each season."
Charlotte entered the room, her back turned as I took in a final breath before crossing the threshold into anticipation, into the very depths of intrigue. The door soon became closed, leaving us alone in the luxury of the main bed chamber.
The room itself was the most impressive of all chambers in the maison. Set in the center of the room, the bed was set with four poles in each corner, hung with the very same velvet drapes as each doorway. The bed sheets were a deep crimson, pressed perfectly without wrinkles and set with a number of pillows in each of the four corners. Adjacent the bed a full length mirror could be found on either side, next to more vases of flowers as with the chamber Charlotte had sat in. Two candles rested on tables near each mirror, maximizing the amount of light and making the room appear to swell with warmth and comfort. It was the most exquisite bed chamber I had ever laid eyes upon.
"Will this chamber be adequate for a night's rest?" asked she, chastely.
"I suppose it will be adequate enough," replied I, less able to maintain a moderate countenance.
Charlotte approached the bed, standing before the mirror as she retrieved a single rose from a nearby vase. My heart began to pound madly as I stared at her every movement, still standing at the entrance.
"Does Adele plan on gazing upon the chamber from the doorway the entire evening?" she mused, closing her eyes.
Attempting to mask my apparent trembling, I walked forward, halting directly behind Charlotte and taking a place upon the sheets. My limbs shook with apprehension while my emotions raced with suscitation. I felt the temperature of the room slowly rise as Charlotte's divine perfume penetrated my senses and served to soothe my nerves slightly.
"I could never imagine that this was to be a part of my journey, being with another this way," I pronounced softly.
"I promise to make this the most memorable part of that journey, Adele," said she, slowly turning to face me once more.
As we faced each other we exchanged a look of endearment, almost of love if that were possible. My body felt alive with passion, anticipation. Sensuality seemed an emotion very pleasant to both the mind and body, and it seemed to radiate invisibly from us both. My breath quickly transcended to quick heaves as I struggled to calm myself.
"Charlotte," I whispered, staring longingly into her eyes.
With the ease of an angel, Charlotte brought herself towards me, resting her arms on my shoulders and drawing them gently towards the sheets. I shut my eyes tightly, trembling with every moment of her warm touch and beginning to feel the first sparks of physical excitement between my legs.
"My methods are very specific, Adele. You need only relax and allow your body the attentions it so deserves."
Lightly, Charlotte's fingers traced their way down my garments, removing from my body near my stomach. For a long moment I waited, listening to her calm breaths and subtle movements as she took a seat upon the bed next to me. A small jolt of excitement traipsed through my body and I could not help but smile for a moment.
Soon her breath came upon my skin, starting at the base of my neck and causing each hair to stand on end, then at my chin and cheeks, and finally into my locks of hair. With each inhalation I took in the deep scent of perfume, drawing my body further into a state of ecstasy and relaxation. Then, without fair warning, I felt the mild touch of a flower against my chin. I jerked for but a moment, returning my head to a still position as Charlotte slowly began to trace my features with the soothing pedals of the small rose in her fingers. First came my lips, which she circled with the flower for a few moments before reaching the base of my nose and then my cheek. I felt myself begin to blush, still unable to end my trembling which now seemed increased thanks to the faint touch of the rose. With each of Charlotte's breaths I began to slow my own inhalations, gradually mimicking her rhythm until we both seemed to breath as one. Perspiration began to form near my forehead as the heat of the chamber became even more apparent.
"To limit ourselves in life means the very denial of our dreams," whispered she, angelically. "Open yourself to the gifts you have been given, Adele."
As if lost in a dream I obeyed, finally calming my trembling with a great breath of air, still in unison with Charlotte as if she shared my emotions. The rose continued its soft journey until it came to my eyes and then my forehead. From here it paused, resting against my warm skin as if to contemplate its next destination on my body. My chest rose high into the air with each breath, now also apparent to my arousal. My urges could no longer be denied, nor suppressed. Charlotte and I spoke without words.
Raising my shoulders from the soft sheets I began to disrobe, allowing my eyes to remain closed and in tune with the sounds of our breathing as Charlotte waited with a serene patience. Soon standing, I shed the final pieces of my attire to the floor, feeling the warm brush of fervent air against my bare skin for a second time. With the loss of my clothing seemed to come a loss of my once present fears and inhibitions. The memory of my once painful life seemed to fade into the darkness, replaced by the enchanting light of passion and affection. I felt myself standing before the gate of paradise as Charlotte spoke once more, this time infinitely peaceful with her words.
"Adele, you are the most radiant of all beings I have gazed upon," quoth she.
Unable to answer, I felt a single tear form near my eye; the beginning of a revelation I felt approaching for a great time.
Resting my shoulders on the sheets once more, I felt the kiss of the rose upon my skin a second time. Beginning near my forehead once more, the gentle flower travelled down my nose, stopping just at my nostrils where I inhaled my first scent of true paradise. My entire body swelled with a glowing warmth, kindled by Charlotte's mere touch upon my body. Soon the rose came to my chin and then my neck once more, this time free to travel further along my body which lied bare before the angelic courtisane.
Passing lower, I felt the rose trace a path towards still untouched areas of my skin. I held my breath, breaking from our rhythm for the first time as Charlotte passed across my breast and over my bare nipple with the faint pedals. A shock of opulent bliss coursed through my being at the touch, continuing its surge to each of my limbs and finally my bare vagina which now pulsed with a similar excitement. My hands remained locked at my sides, holding back from the urge to further satisfy the depths of my ecstasy.
"Oh, Charlotte... oui."
My mind raced with extreme thoughts; thoughts of love, of lust, of paradise. I began to wonder what I would have left to desire if heaven itself were laid bare, as it seemed close to such an event. Charlotte, as if able to sense my advertency, began to further the rose's journey towards the source of my enravishment. With a gentle pass across my stomach I gripped the sheets of the bed, unable to suppress my voice as I moaned for the peerless courtisane of my dreams, the one which I felt myself falling deeper and deeper in love with as each incredible sensation drove me further into a blissful stupor.
With a dulcet gesture, Charlotte leaned her head over my neck, allowing her flowing locks to brush across my skin as the rose began to pass over the small patch of my pubic hair. I let out a deep sigh as her warm lips embraced first my neck, then my cheek, all while her hand continued to guide the flower deeper between my parted legs. Then, with a final pause and a single deep breath by us both, Charlotte brought her lips to mine with our first kiss at the exact moment the rose came to the focal point of its journey. My mind soared as we remained locking in an embrace of absolute passion, my entire body quivering with life and lust as the flower's pedals caressed the moist flesh of my labia.
When we parted, it seemed as if the two of us had become as one, complete in each other's arms. Charlotte narrowed her eyes with a smile of true affection.
"A true lover's touch can never be matched," said she, in the most quiet of tones. "Neither can their first kiss if they both mean it."
I opened my eyes partially, feeling a warm tear course down my flushed cheek.
"We can, Charlotte," answered I, softly. "With our second kiss."
Following my words, Charlotte raised the now dampened rose from my vagina, resting it on the very cheek which my tear had just crossed. Then, with a silent inhalation, we kissed for a second time, able to relish in the scent of our arousal and the fragrance of the enchanting blossom as our lips pressed together tenderly. having once believed a kiss to be a useless gesture of affection, my mind came to welcome such an embrace as the most beautiful and heavenly ways to focus two people's love for each other. With Charlotte, it seemed almost as if I were locked in a kiss with the most delicate of all flowers. The sensation of her lips was nearly lighter than that of the rose itself upon my cheek. With our second parting, I felt my body caught on the edge of fainting. Charlotte inhaled for me, rousing my senses and returning me from the stars with her gentle voice.
"I believe you were right, Adele," stated she.
Slowly raising her head and coming to full height next to the bed, Charlotte gazed upon my body as I allowed my fingers to grasp the dabbled rose and run it down the length of my chest and stomach, leaving a sultry path of my fluids in its wake. The scent of my arousal soon overcame the fragrance of perfume which had been previously set in the air.
With a divine smile the courtisane finally began to disrobe before me, her elegant frame blocking the candlelight and casting a deep silhouette across the chamber as she shed her dress. Her eyes remained narrowed cunningly as more of her fair skin became illuminated in the dim amber glint, looking as if her body were cast in a layer of gold ore. Then, with a subtle turn, enough to allow my eyes a precipitous glimpse of her bare breasts, Charlotte snuffed the candles with a quick breath of air. The chamber's light was cut in half as the amber glow retreated towards the only remaining source of illumination on the opposite side of the bed. Her graceful figure became shrouded in near complete darkness once again, leaving only a faint outline of her features as shed the final piece of her attire.
"Charlotte..."
"Am I acceptable for Adele?" asked she, presenting herself from amidst the shadows.
The warm amber hue rested at Charlotte's hip as she stood, stretching up her side and outlining her full breasts as well as her locks of dark ebony hair which hung over her shoulders. I marveled over the sight of her angelic body as she stood calmly with her arms out, as if to welcome me into her being.
"More than acceptable, ma dame," said I, repeating another phrase I had spoken once before.
I felt my own hands begin to caress my body as she gazed down for a few moments, waiting for the moment that we would embrace each other with more than a tender kiss. My wait finally came to an end when Charlotte took her place upon the crimson sheets at my side, still calm with her breath as it parted the hair near my cheeks. Our eyes glowed in the candlelight as we stared, not speaking, not thinking, just... feeling.
Gently, Charlotte took the rose from my fingers and brought it to her nose, inhaling my scent and sighing as if to say it was more beautiful than the flower itself. Then, setting it aside she began to run her fingers through my chestnut coloured hair. My arms trembled, so close to the bare skin of the delicate courtisane as she reached out her other hand, setting it upon my stomach.
"Oh Adele," she whispered, "si beau."
Sensing the heat which swelled between my legs, Charlotte slowly began to caress my warm skin, inching towards the lips of my vagina as they quivered with an incredible excitement. It felt as if the rose had been placed upon my body once more, though this time infinitely more soft with its touch. I felt myself drifting away, amongst the clouds of the twilight sky and then beyond the moon itself as Charlotte's touch finally reached the greatest source of my arousal.
"Ohhhhhh..."
Charlotte's fingers became soaked in a thick discharge of my fluids as I moaned heavily, unprepared for the momentary bliss awakened within my body. My skin became flushed with light perspiration as her other hand continued to brush through my hair. With a tranquil smile she dipped a single finger into my vagina, bathing in the calm flow of my fluids for a moment before removing to slide back across my stomach towards my breast in a similar path to that of the rose's earlier.
Her finger mounted my breast, circling my nipple and covering it in my thick nectar. I closed my eyes as a small wave of pleasure washed over me, nearly as powerful as the one I had felt the night before. My chest rose and fell with each heavy breath, partially chilled but more than warm from our bodies so close together. I listened silently as Charlotte brought her head over my breast and ever so gently began to consume the warm fluid from my nipple, slowly allowing her fingers to return to my vagina with a tender caress.
My body soared as Charlotte made love to me, more beautifully and affectionately than I could have possibly imagined. Our bodies moved closer together, then closer, as she continued to embrace my nipple with her lips, drawing in my arousal as if it were an exotic mead quenching a libidinous thirst deep within her. Without further thought, Charlotte brought her leg to the opposite side of my body and took her place upon me just below my stomach.
Bringing her upper body to its full height, Charlotte narrowed her eyes as she gazed down at me. A small amount of my fluids remained at her lip.
"Do you feel it, Adele? My body against yours?"
"Oui," said I, barely voicing the words.
Indeed I felt her upon me. Within an instant the evidence of her passion, her arousal came seeping from between her legs onto my skin, trickling down my hips and soaking into the crimson sheets below. My hands, which had been resting near my breasts, instinctively began to find their way towards Charlotte and her waiting vagina.
"Mmmm... c'est gentil, Adele," pronounced she, slowly.
The faint sound of Charlotte's body pressed against mine, coated in a layer of her fluids, quietly echoed through the chamber along with our breathing. At the very moment my fingers made it to the moist patch of hair between her legs, Charlotte let out a sigh of pleasure, resting her hands slightly above my hips and allowing her neck to tilt backwards. Then, with a small gesture, Charlotte motioned for me to slide my fingers under her body, towards my own vagina where the arousal had become even more intense from our proximity.
Resting my hand against my now moistened stomach, I gently slid my palm down my skin until I reached the slick area which Charlotte rested upon. With her knees as support, she lifted herself from my body and allowed my hand to pass underneath her and reach the lips of my vagina which had become swollen with excitement. Then, before either of us had a chance to speak or even take another breath, she gently rested herself down upon my wrist, careful to still allow its movement as I began to caress myself. Charlotte and I both moaned as the small hood of her vagina brushed against my arm, stimulating for the first time her clitoris with the small friction created by our subtle movements.
"Ohhhh Charlotte," said I, feeling her fluids course onto my hand and then between my legs to mix with my own.
Charlotte reached up and cupped her breast with one hand, supporting her weight with the other as she mounted my wrist and gently drew her hips forward and backward in a delicate motion, allowing her thick nectar to sink onto my arm and stomach. Our breathing quickened, and our bodies flushed with heat, perspiring greatly as our moans grew louder, our passion grew greater.
My fingers began to caress my own clitoris, no longer holding back with their desire to ignite the greater depths of my pleasure. At the same time, Charlotte drew her hips back and forth, towards and away from my chest and driving her vagina deep into my slick wrist and arm, stopping finally as she took in a great breath.
The air of the chamber became overpowered with the aroma of our bodies, our arousal combined. Charlotte released her breast and dismounted my body, lying next to me as she drew her hair out of her face.
"Ohhh, Adele."
Lifting my hand from my stomach, I mimicked Charlotte's movements by slicking back my hair, nearly unable to see clearly through my teary eyes.
"Charlotte," I pronounced, "make love to me."
Reaching across my body, Charlotte motioned for me to take my place upon her. I did, and once again our eyes sat parallel as I rested on top of her, our bodies intertwined, and our vaginas pressed together. My eyes remained opened as I lowered myself for our third kiss at the very moment Charlotte wrapped her arms around my back and drew me tightly against her. My clitoris began to pulsate as our fluids mixed and our bodies moved against each other. Our moans became stifled amidst our embrace, as our damp hair entangled. It was by far the greatest moment of my existence, and I felt as if my mind had become overwhelmed with emotion, with love even.
"Oui, ohhhhhhh, oui," I sounded, following our kiss. Charlotte expressed her arousal in sensuous moans and sighs, still in an ever-graceful voice.
My whimpers became far louder than any noise she made as I felt our very bodies becoming slick and wet from perspiration and our fluids. The crimson sheets of the bed became darker with moisture, damp and warm from our combined discharge as our vaginas pulsed together. My toes pointed downwards as I held in more and more jolts of ecstasy which nearly forced me to cry out. Ere long I was hit with a small surge of bliss which I knew to be my first climax.
"Uunnnhhhh... Charlotte..."
A hot splash of my nectar burst forth, further covering Charlotte's clitoris in my fluids and exciting a smile of gratification upon her lips. My body drew weaker for an instant as my muscles tensed, already near a second peak of ecstasy. Our breasts meshed together, sliding against one another easily from our perspiration as Charlotte peered down as if to look upon our vaginas and her own clitoris which drew more swollen, more wet with arousal as each second passed.
With the hope that I would excite Charlotte's first climax at my hands, I was hit with an enormous pressure, greater than the first and nearly as fast. I cringed and let out a cry of celestial bliss as the very muscles of my vagina contracted with a second climax of my own.
Charlotte's moans remained in check as a second spurt of my discharge soaked the sheets below and caused my full weight to fall upon her. My eyes became weak as I struggled to decipher her expression. My body nearly fell limp as I strained to voice my words amidst my endless cries of passion.
"Charlotte... are you... close?"
After a short pause she answered, "Oui, Adele, I am close."
My strength seemed to flow from my vagina as my nectar peacefully continued its course. Nearly unconscious, I mustered my final ounces of energy to remain awake, hoping to witness the single moment I had been waiting to achieve for Charlotte; her climax.
One by one my senses seemed to fade, just as the amber light dimmed in my vision. The heat of our bodies became too much to bear. My body had become saturated with a pleasure I could not imagine. My nostrils inhaled the great aroma of Charlotte's vagina, as well as my own, and became the last sense I maintained until the inner strength of the courtisane's skill gave way to the threshold of paradise. With an immense cry, Charlotte drew her back away from the sheets in an arch as my thanks for her love and kindness washed over her at long last.
"Adele! Ohhhhhhhhhh..."
At that very moment, I slipped out of consciousness, only just able to feel the thick gush of her sweet honey as it burst forth onto the lips of my tired vagina, pouring from in-between our bodies down her inner thighs and onto the sheets which seemed no longer able to soak in our fluids. Her cries echoed for the greatest time, carrying forward into my thoughts as I fainted. In my very dreams I came to imagine the glorious end of her summit, warm beneath my tender body as she and I fell into a mutual sleep in each other's arms. It was the most intensely erotic moment of my life, and the true beginning of my new existence.
...
Hours passed as if they were days. Neither of us rose, neither of us moved other than to breath in the ever-present aroma of our love which hung in the chamber's air the entire night. Our bodies remained locked together as one, slick with the product of our ecstasy as our chests rose and fell in a rhythm worthy of two lovers. I had never felt more alive, more at peace than with my Charlotte.
When we both rose, the sun had not yet taken its place upon the horizon. The chamber was dark, and the candles which had remained lit through the night had melted entirely. Awake but still weakened, I remained atop my love, waiting for the moment her eyes would open and meet mine once more, as if to signify our rebirth. I waited, and waited, and finally it happened.
Charlotte awoke, narrowly opening her beautiful blue eyes to greet me with her felicitous smile. Neither of us could move, and our hair had become tangled together, even painfully when I attempted to shift my head slightly. We both stared. We stared at each other longingly, knowing that words could not adequately express any emotions we felt. My attempts were close enough.
"Charlotte, I love you."
With a gentle smile, we kissed each other for a final time, parting only to let my one love speak her last words before we fell asleep once more.
"I love you, Adele."
...
Charlotte and I remained together from then on, still unaware whether our sojourn would eventually take us away from the setting of our first night together, though neither of us could ever fully resist the allure of the wondrous structure which rested amidst the ravenous streets of Lacoste. It was indeed true that the grandest of aventures could be found in the smallest of towns. This was how my Charlotte and I came to love each other for always; dans la Maison du Velours...
END
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