Page 88 of Infala: The Bonding Games
The main building looked almost like a fairy-tale castle, only one that had been transported into a distant realm and modified with the highest of technology features. While the walls were stone, the windows appeared to be empty spaces. In fact, they were sealed by a force field that could be adjusted to allow free-flowing air or none at all, and all the variations in between.
A series of quaint outer buildings were staff quarters, and they were inhabited by the small army that maintained the estate.
“Do not worry about their pay,” their guide informed them as they exited the craft. “Nearly all who work here do so for free food and lodging.”
“What about the crops?” Ziana asked, noting there seemed to be quite a lot of agriculture interwoven across the property.
“What is not used by the owners is sold at market, the proceeds increasing your fortune.”
Ziana wrinkled her nose. “I’m not so sure how I feel about that. Dorrin?”
“It is a curious arrangement, I must agree.”
“Yeah, it is. I wonder, do we actually need that money to keep this place running, or is that just on top of it all?”
The guide nodded. “Ah, I understand the question. An astute inquiry from the new owners. To answer, it is additional revenue. The property is self-sustaining otherwise and owned free and clear.”
“Then I’ve got an idea. Let’s look into sharing that money with the people who live here. I mean, free room and board is one thing, but I speak from experience that it can be incredibly stressful not having a nest egg of your own. What do you two think?”
“Dorrin is the man of the house, and I defer to him,” his father said, patting his son on the back.
“Oh, Father. You know I value your wisdom. Please, what are your impressions of this idea?”
The older man grinned. “I think it is awonderfulidea. And further, I am now certain that you have selected the best possible mate with whom to spend your days. This act says a lot for you, Ziana.”
“Thank you.”
A white-clad woman with muscular arms stepped out of one of the nearby doors, gave a little nod, then stood still, waiting.
“Ah, that would be my masseuse. You two go enjoy your new home. I’m going to bathe, get a massage, eat, and get a good night’s sleep.”
“Are you sure you do not wish to join us this evening, Father?” Dorrin asked.
The man chuckled. “Oh, my boy. You are to be Infala bonded. You don’t want me around for that sort of thing. You’ll have plenty to do without me there.” He flashed a wink then turned for the waiting masseuse. “See you both in the morning! Or afternoon. We know how Infala bonding can be.”
With that he left them to their own devices, the Nimenni general already arrived and setting up his Skrizzit equipment inside.
“Well, shall we?” Dorrin asked, extending his crooked arm.
“With pleasure,” Ziana replied, happily taking it and following him inside.
They found a staffer waiting for them just inside the entryway. A jolly woman named Oomballa. She informed them that the bathing area in the master suite was already prepared for them, showing the way, pointing out all the features of the estate as they walked. By the time they arrived, the new owners had a fair understanding of their property, as well as a deep feeling of affection for this woman. If the other staffers were half as good as her, they’d be living a marvelous life indeed.
The bathing area was resplendent, featuring every possible feature imaginable for one’s bathing and relaxation needs. No expense had been spared, but then, the former owners never thought they’d be giving this place up.
It was a delight the couple was more than glad to take full advantage of, their bodies still sticky with sweat and dirt from their strenuous final challenge. They’d been floating on air since they won, but now that they had a moment to stop and take it all in, the aches and pains made themselves apparent.
“Don’t worry,” Dorrin reassured her as they stripped and stepped into the cascading warm water. “Our Infalas were unharmed during the games, so we won’t need to wait for that area to heal before he does his work.”
“We’re really doing this, aren’t we?” she marveled, sliding up to him, holding his naked body close, his length twitching hungrily against her warm flesh.
“We are,” he replied, kissing her soft and deep. “And even without the pigment, this is what I want.”
“Me too. I just wonder how he’s going to do it. That, and what it’s going to be like once he’s done.”
“We will soon find out.”
“Blood.”
