Watching Alice continue off, winding down the path and out of sight, Karen just fought to hold back her tears. She was just so confused, upset, and angry that she didn't know what to make of anything. Standing there, trembling with emotions as she tried to understand what was going on. Sweating, tired, and sticky, she really didn't have the energy to confront it.

So when a slim young woman rides up to her rescue, Karen groans in relief. Slumping and leaning entirely on her walking stick, she watches the woman come up, and gratefully takes her hand. Riding sidesaddle was a new experience (well, riding entirely was), but she was all too happy to get back off the horse. Petting the regal animal on the nose gently and smiling up at her 'savior', she turned for the door...

Stumbling as she looked inside, she gaped at the sheer decadence of the interior. Walking in slowly, she blinked at the sudden onset of maids! How many of these were there in this island? She yelped as she was stripped, pulled in, and massaged and cleaned! She twitched and squirmed in surprise as she was felt, groped, and cleaned, and then finally tried to relax. Blushing at the way they fawned over her, and even kissed her forehead, she finally just closed her eyes and breathed in gently. She'd do something, or ask questions, later... in the meantime, she let their hands roam over her tanned and toned thighs, her full breasts, and through her long black hair, and -tried- not to react.

(OOC note: After reviewing this thread, it appears as if some of the events leading from page 3 to 4 have vanished. Basically, Karen is given a ride to the mansion by a horsewoman and ushered in to take a bath. I apologize to any readers for the random lack of continuity.)

The maids were well practiced. Their hands not only scrubbed her skin clean, but also pressed the soreness from her muscles. Expert fingers kneaded the flesh of her thighs all around, and her calves and feet, as well as her back and even the ripe swell of her behind. Even then, everything was executed with such brisk professionalism that Karen was hard pressed to resist anything, lest she interfere with the maid’s pattern. So it was that when the tub was drained Karen stepped out shining and fresh. An unexpected dousing of cold water reinvigorated her as her body responded to the shock. Her assistants gave her a few seconds to shiver, covering her newly stiffened nipples with her hands, before delivering a liberal toweling. The rich fabrics brushed her streaming skin softly despite their efforts, leaving a thin sheen of perfumed oil to coat her. The washroom was put back to order almost immediately after Karen’s drying, and the girls placed fleeting kisses upon her hands and breasts before she had any notion of protest, then filed swiftly out of the door. Left alone and bewildered amidst the tiles and steam, Karen did not have long to wait for guidance.

“Miss?” a pleasant, cool voice inquired from outside. The door swung inward, and the speaker stepped in. She was a small woman, lusciously proportioned in a conservative grey dress. Her sleeves were puffed in an antiquated style, and the bodice drew closely enough to push her bosom into round prominence against the dove colored material, but the cut was minimalist in a modern fashion, allowing her long pleated skirt to sweep modestly around her ankles. A white ruffled color stood up around her neck, set off by a large brooch the color of a robin’s egg. Her hair was black and cut into an attractive, boyish bob, and she wore small spectacles perched on the bridge of her small nose. She dipped into a brief curtsey. “My name is Mademoiselle. Come with me Miss, if you would be so kind. The Mistress wishes to make your acquaintance, and to discuss how you came to be stranded on her island.” Mademoiselle flicked blue eyes up and down Karen’s nakedness emotionlessly. “Immediately.”

Karen took a while to relax, feeling uncomfortable and nervous as the maids scrubbed over her firm curves. After the first minute or two, she finally eased back with a tired sigh and simply let herself float. She let herself be pushed about, raised up, wandering hands scrubbing sensitive flesh as she shivered in sensation. In truth, despite the discomfort, a good and hot scrub was what she needed, and her tired mind drifted off with her tension and stress.

The shock of the cold water brought her back, making Karen jump and squeak! Her curves danced as she covered herself, shaking and kicking water off and trying to warm up shocked limbs. The towels came soon after, and she raised her elbows high up to let them continue their work. The shock of lips on her sensitive palms and breasts made her squeak anew, albeit far too late for her disjointed thoughts to catch them.

Folding her arms across her generous chest, she looked around aimlessly, finally pivoting at the sound of the noise! "Ah! You...?" She looked at the well-shaped woman with a frown; not that she disapproved of the dress, but something about her... shivering and naked before the strange woman, skin glistening enticingly with the perfumed oil, Karen felt even more naked than she was.

"Sorry. Mademoiselle?" The french "name" rolled off her tongue awkwardly as Karen struggled with her French. "...I need some clothes. After that, I can meet this... Mistress. Is that ok?" The stress and force in her voice pushed her own desire not to be stuck like this, hoping it'll be enough to convince the strangely-named woman to make that much of a concession. 'Mademoiselle' my pert behind. That's not a name, just a title... I know at least that much.'

Karen nods back as Mademoiselle introduces herself, arms still crossed. When she nears, Karen flushes and straightens more. She was surprised at the sudden closeness, as well as the woman's assessing eyes. Breathing in slightly, she reluctantly let her arm be pulled away from her assets, shivering as the strange woman's fingers tightened over hers.

'Just what is she thinking...?' She thought, wondering as she was pulled along. Wait... I can wear anything, I don't need something fitted for me. The young fighter was blushing as she was pulled along, not really resisting, but still lamely covering herself with an arm. She was flustered, embarrassed still, and confused greatly. She didn't have much time to contemplate the mirror, though she felt it twinge deep in her heart as they began to ascend.

Finally, as they reach the top, she forces herself to straighten out a little, pulling lightly at her arm to cross them again. She felt awkward, flustered, and exposed still, but she began to push back those feelings. Her breasts rose between her arms as Karen took in a deep breath, then reached up to elegantly brush her hair back over her shoulders.

With force of will, she pushed her hands down to her sides, opening and closing them... she felt goosebumps on her arms and shoulders as the voice reached her, and she boldly stepped forwards and pushed on the doors. She was ready to find out just what the hell was going on here...

Karen's eyes raked from side to side, taking in the room as she approached this woman. When her eyes fell on the shapely silhouette, her fist clenched and she smiled. She was trying to be polite... but something was really suspicious with this whole place. The Mademoiselle's poise and behavior before only sharpened her awareness of this place.

Watching the woman dress, the Mistress made her shiver. Something about this woman... was far more elegant, graceful, and sensual than Karen coudl ever hope for. And it reminded her of a coiled, ready snake. She resisted the urge to shrink in to herself, to cross her arms and cover herself.

Karen pursed her lips, glancing away from Mademoiselle slowly. ...You can call me Karen. Do you have a name, other than Mistress? Karen reined in her stormy feelings... it wouldn't do to start accusing her right and left. She wanted to know a bit more about her situation... about how much danger Karen was in, right now, before she did something rash. You own this island?

Karen inclined her head in a polite nod as Natsuki introduced herself, trying to sit comfortably in her seat. It was hard; she was exposed, uncomfortable, and worried, and it was all she could do not to squirm or cover herself.

...why do they call you Mistress, Natsuki? She asked, specifically calling her by name. Seeing Mademoiselle directed to fetch Karen some tea and drink... followed by the promise of clothes, she smiled and slumped slightly in relief. Then she flushed a touch, straightening herself. Showing weakness in this situation, not a good idea.

She listens as the Mistress explains the tea, feeling a little overwhelmed by even such a simple thing, and as elegantly as she could took the teacup and raised it to her lips. ...Wait, what if this was... messed with somehow? Tainted or poisoned? Karen hung in that position a bit too long, and finally tilted it to let the drink touch her lips. Sipping it so lightly, she placed it back on the table and looked back to Natsuki.

Questions... yes. She warred over her thoughts before she decided to strike out boldly. Hopefully not strike out, either. Yeah. I have a couple. First... why are all these people here, and letting you boss them around? Karen raised an eyebrow, keeping her frank tone as she continued.

...Not that I want to stay. I'd rather not infringe on your hospitality any more, so if I could just get a way to get back, I'll be out of your hair. Karen shrugged before she realized the gesture would make her breasts dance and jiggle before Natsuki's eyes. Flushing again, she mentally cursed herself.

I am called Mistress, Karen….because….because…” Natsuki trailed off. Her face appeared in the lamplight. She tapped her chin thoughtfully. Her violet eyes searched the heavens, as if attempting to divine the answers from the stars. The dark mural gave her nothing, but she smiled regardless, chuckling. “Well, I suppose they call me Mistress because I tell them to.” She searched Karen’s expression with all the subtlety of a cavalry charge, resting her chin in her hand. “They do whatever I tell them to, because they’re powerless.” Natsuki’s firm lips spread, and a certain softness overtook her face. “Ahhh. I’d bet that’s not the answer you were expecting, is it? By the way, I hope you’re enjoying the lait de vie. You may as well just drink it, instead of sipping it constantly like that.”

Karen at first didn’t know what the Mistress was talking about, but then she noticed the cup at her lips, a few droplets of creamy froth clinging to her lips. The cup was half finished, and she realized that her mouth was full of the drink’s flavor. It was pleasant, but not sweet, despite the traces of honey. The drink was rather thick, viscous actually, and possessed a strangely compelling flavor, mild but powerful. Before she knew it she had taken another sip, apparently without her full volition. Had she been drinking without realizing it? The implications made her muscles freeze. Natsuki regarded her with the coy admonishment of an adult watching a child acting foolishly.

“That’s right. Delicious isn’t it? That’s also part of why they obey me, because they all want another taste. Just one more irresistible swallow.” All at once the doors flew open. From the sides low silver trays emerged, marching on their gleaming legs toward the center of the room. The platters were piled high with steaming, succulent meats and mounds of exotic fruits, as well as bread, butter, cream, and tea. The feast arranged itself between the two women on its own, without human interference. Natsuki watched the procession without interest. From behind Karen heard skirts rustling, and Mademoiselle briskly passed her to kneel at the Mistress’s feet. As she did so, three dressing mannequins flanked Karen, walking into positions at her flanks and behind. They settled empty gazes upon her, turning blank cloth faces her way, stuck through with pins. The animate dolls were all dressed in beautiful silken dresses, and wore starched aprons sporting a pouch stuffed with seamstress’s tools. They laid their smooth wooden hands on Karen’s arms and shoulders. The lifeless hands promised untold strength, but for the moment they rested gently on the woman’s skin. Natsuki placed a hand on Mademoiselle’s bowed head. Natsuki tossed her head imperiously, victoriously.

“Even the soulless, mundane objects of the earth obey my wishes, you see Karen? There is not a thing I cannot command, and not a word passes lips that I cannot hear. These trifling miracles are the least of my capabilities. Isn’t that right Mademoiselle?” Mademoiselle leaned her head, caressing Natsuki’s knee with her smooth cheek. “Mistress can do anything.” Mademoiselle agreed, clinging to her Mistress pathetically. “I love my Mistress.”

Natsuki curled her fingers in Mademoiselle’s hair, causing the prostrate woman to make a hum of contentment deep in her throat. “Now then Karen. Dine with me, now that you understand better. We’ll discuss your fate in the meantime.”

Karen shivers as she watches Natsuki ponder, and then shift to an aggressive stance. Breathing in sharply, she glares right into her eyes... and then starts as she realizes the cup was still in her hand. What the heck??!

Flushing terribly, she put it down quickly, the cup thumping loudly against the table. But even with it put down, her head was beginning to swim. The taste lingered in her senses however, and her hand trembled slightly. She was about to exclaim in anger, to ask just what was in that drink...

When the doors burst open. Breathing hard, she looked to the platters of meat and fruits being lain out on the table. Flustered, fearful, angry... and aroused, Karen fought back a feeling of frustration as she watched the food arrive, feeling greater confusion as she sees their manner of transportation. Such a powerful flaunting of her power made her even more nervous. Watching the mannequins fawn over their lord, Karen slowly breathes out, feeling herself even more flushed. Just from the fear?

Fate? That seems... rather bold. She responded tightly, eyes staying on Mademoiselle for the moment. It was a clear fear response, but there wasn't much she could do... running seemed helpless. She had to try and get ahold of herself! Why was she so hot, so afraid? Even her nipples were erect from the strange fear and excitement in her sensuous figure... she hesitated a long moment before reaching for the silverware, struggling to calm down.

Karen's expression was dark as she looked at Natsuki. She fought not to shiver under her gaze, but she shuddered anyway. Being measured up like a... Karen shivered again, feeling herself growing hotter and hotter for some reason. She listened to Natsuki with a growing sense of anger... of dread... of a strange heat from the juices the devilish woman had left in her drink. Trying to push the feelings down, she quickly covered her chest and flushed as Karen heard Natsuki's peals of laughter and Mademoiselle's observatory tone.

Her glower had heat, but no real bite. And eventually she folded at least in part, reaching up to silence her hunger by grasping her silverware and finding something quickly to dig in. At this point she was only half-listening to the 'Mistress', eating slowly but cutting full and heavy bites to eat. Eat. Not drink. She couldn't dare to take that stuff again, could she? As she listened, at least, the twisted shape of this place made a weird sense to her now, it's secrets so openly explained to the young warrior-wannabe.

And something else. Her mind, already trying to swing back towards the milky liquid she had tasted, and her body's powerful desire for more, seized on a morsel she didn't know. She couldn't know. A grain to a bigger secret, slipped from careless lips, perhaps. Either way, Karen couldn't be any worse off for pushing it. "...Obligated?" She asked, her face strangely heated as she interrupted, like she felt bad for performing some wrong... ugh. Was this place getting to her that much already??