Page 2 of Liberating Lena

“Let me introduce you to everyone, then we’ll grab your luggage and start our tour with where you’ll be staying.”

My heart sank. I’d hoped I could stay with Carrie, at least now she was familiar, while everyone else was a complete stranger. I didn’t dwell, however, and obediently followed her as we met everyone in the room. I recognized the vibe of the Dominants and felt a zing of excitement to be back in an environment where life made sense.

We grabbed my luggage, and I followed Carrie to the submissive suites. She said there were twelve suites in total and that was why all accommodations for the new intern submissive program were shared, but bedrooms were private. I felt relief sweep through me when she opened the door to a bright sunny room filled with relaxing scents and decor.

“Oh, this is very serene. Are all the suites like this one?”

Carrie chuckled. “They are as varied as the people who stay in them. I’ve been here for quite a long time, but I’m getting ready to leave soon. Then whoever takes over this space will undoubtedly make it theirs.”

Her comment brought up relief knowing that my hope she’d be my roommate had been granted, but it also brought up questions… why was she leaving? Where was she going? Had she found a Dominant to call her own? If she saw the questions reflected in my eyes, she didn’t respond as such.

She opened an adjoining door that led to a plain but comfortable bedroom with an ensuite. “This is your room, Lena.” Another door led to a small linen closet. “You can store your items here, or in the chest of drawers under the window.”

I hadn't brought a lot with me. “This will suit me just fine. Thank you.”

“Why don’t you leave your things here and I’ll take you on a tour of the main facility and the Dungeon on the bottom level. Grab your key card and I'll show you how to get your items from the cafeteria.”

I took a few deep breaths. So much newness, I could feel myself yearning to already be in the daily habit of my new world. I desperately wanted the protocols that would make my life here that much simpler. As if reading my mind, Carrie gave me a small smile.

“Don’t worry, Lena, in a day or so this will all seem natural and fluid.”

Carrie took me around and showed me everything Rawhide had to offer in the main building and handed me a map that showed where everything else was located in case I wished to go exploring on my own. During the tour, I recognized the others from the ride here, each with their personal host. I hoped they felt as comfortable as I did.

The approach to the Dungeon boasted beautiful, highly polished wooden double doors that seemed to glow in the dim lighting of the area. Circles of bright copper formed an illusion of a chain, each string leading to a corner of the door. It was a very striking and artistic representation of a St. Andrews Cross.

“Wow, this is nicely done.”

“Right?” Carrie giggled. “Master Derek did a great job setting the tone from the moment you step in front of the Dungeon. You will be serving here, not what the service subs usually do but as it was part of your request, you can opt to be in scenes you agree with. You are allowed to observe scenes where you’re not a participant, and in between you will help with restocking supplies. Sound good?”

“It sounds perfect,” I breathed. We stepped through the doors and into the Dungeon proper. We entered into what had been designed as a type of lounge. A long wooden bar took up one wall while several tables and chairs were arranged around the room. Smaller loveseats and oversized chairs formed cozy areas for guests to enjoy a drink before or after scening. It was intimate and welcoming at the same time.

I admired the smooth stone floor that felt warm under my feet, although the room itself was cool. Carrie led me to a waist-high railing that allowed visitors to look down on a lower level that was clearly the play area.

“The large armoires hold the play implements.”

Here she pointed at cabinets stationed around the play floor that I supposed would hold much the same type of thingsI’d seen at my local Dungeon… towels, bottles of water and additional aftercare items.

“Our day starts at 7 am; we’re responsible for cleaning and restocking until 9 am. From 9 am to 12 pm we help the other service subs with checking rooms and the small cabins that the guests rent during their stay. As Master Derek mentioned, we have a full house as of tomorrow.”

It was a lot to take in all at once, but the smell of leather soothed my senses.

“You’re free until 7 pm at which point you’ll be expected back in the Dungeon for another round of cleaning. The Dungeon reopens at 9 pm and you’ll then serve at least an hour during our peak time. Do you have any questions?”

I had thousands but I was feeling too overwhelmed to voice them.

“Don’t worry, Lena, all the information is in this packet.” She handed me an envelope she’d been carrying under her arm since we’d left the main lobby.

Carried looked at her watch. “Meals in the cafeteria are included in your package. I suggest you grab a bite to eat, go through your packet, unpack and relax. Tomorrow is your first day.” We left the Dungeon and took the stairs up to the main floor. “I’ll see you at 6:30 in the morning. Enjoy your evening, Lena.”

“I will. Thank you for everything.”

Carrie waved and headed out the door to who knew where. I turned, following the map she’d handed me and found the cafeteria. It wasn’t full but it was starting to get busy, prime dinner hour.

I chose a tuna poke-inspired bowl with a green ginger tea and sat down to enjoy my first meal at the Ranch. While I ate, I went back over everything Carrie had described and showed me. It was simple, I knew, but it was a new daily habit and after tonightI wouldn't be wondering where I was supposed to be. Instead, I’d know where I was expected and I fully planned on flourishing under the watchful eyes of the experienced staff.

The one question I’d wanted to ask Carrie during the tour was what would happen if I was late? Or didn’t do the job as well as they hoped. Would there be a punishment? I made a mental note to see if my packet answered that question before approaching my new roomie.

After dinner, I followed the map to my room and used my key card to get inside. Carrie wasn’t there. I roamed the small suite, smelling the flowers and herbs she had growing in pots on the windowsills. Looking outside, I caught the tail end of the sunset, the great orange ball spread out and dipping behind the mountain range that lined the back of the property. It was cathartic and I said good night to the sun, goodbye to the life I’d led before I arrived today and, with hope in my heart, headed to my room.

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