(Flashback) Hands-On Experience (Darren)

[Growl]

Timestamp: Summer 59, 509 AV The long black fabric of Holly's dress dripped down her pale skin, and pooled around her feet at the floor. The cotton clung to her flesh, accentuating each and every one of her features as she moved slowly across the room, walking mainly on the tips of her toes, so as not to make any noise. The scent of several vanilla candles trickled up and into her nostrils, and the Vantha drank them up hungrily as she buzzed around the room, collecting all sorts of oils and lotions, and pooling them on the small shelf beneath the table she used for each and every one of her clients; and students. "Just be sure to pull off your shirt, and lie down in a position that you find relaxing," Holly instructed, her voice soft, rolling off her tongue like water over rock. "Perhaps on your stomach with your head tilted to one side, arms held against your side, or perhaps, folded under your head for support." As she buzzed around the room, she grabbed the last of her things, before lightly pressing the palm of her right hand into the Vantha's back. "Just lie down and let yourself relax... we cannot begin until then," she finished, with a discreet glance down at her dress, how it was cut in a V that dangled dangerously low between her breasts. Not enough to expose them, or her mark of course, but just enough to show off, and perhaps give her an added tip from some of the men. As soon as the Vantha had taken his shirt off, Holly glided over to his right side, and stood over him. "Are you ready now? Good and comfortable?" she asked, before finding it somewhat silly. If he was comfortable, he would not be here for a massage to wash away his stress; his pain, now would he? As soon as he had signaled to her that he was ready, Holly lifted her palms into the center of the man's back, just below his neck, rather slowly. "And this is how we begin," she said, as she lightly pressed her palms into his flesh, letting it fan out between her fingertips; to rise like tiny hills and mountains. Growing and sinking like the waves of the sea depending on the placement of her body, and how heavily she tilted herself into him. How heavily she leaned into his welcoming flesh; how much she let herself dive into her work. OOCJust in case it is not obvious, the NPC is Holly Whitevine. You are free to be the one who Holly is massaging... or you may enter the thread in a matter of your choosing, it makes no difference to me really...

[Darren]

Darren was just about to leave the hold that day when he happened across the pair. A captivating young beauty, hiss gaze was fixed on the woman as she went through the erotic motions of her craft. No hesitation, no reluctance, it looked as if she was enamored in her own little word as she eased the man's muscles. In fact the aroused vantha was starting to get a little jealous of this lucky client. A momentary lapse from her trance as he caught her eye. Darren hastily headed out soon after, feeling uncharacteristically skittish at the other Whitevine. This person had drive and he could feel it. Every motion he saw her do in that brief window accentuated her promise and strong feelings for her work, something that Darren felt he didn't have himself. Still he would have to see her again. "But what will I say?" He paused for a moment as he caught himself. Thankfully he was alone that evening, resting atop the snow he couldn't get rid of the prevailing memory of the woman's performance. Such dedication... he had to have it! Not giving himself enough credit, Darren rearranged the remaining rock formations near him as he looked at his recent accomplishment unimpressed. His day's work was that of clearing out a path of stones that lead to Morwen knows where. Not even knowing where or how he came across to doing such menial, strenuous work, the steadfast Vantha gave out an appreciative breathe of relief as his day's task was completed. At least now the path was clear, now the view to Avanthal was clear. Once a pile of rocky outcrop barred the way now replaced with a generously spaced path lined with the rocks that once blocked the way. Though others might have been otherwise discouraged to even bother trying Darren found the random work he sett for himself relaxing. Sure most of the earth was encased deep and usually heavy but otherwise manageable. His main focus throughout the whole process was that of form. Keeping his arms close to his body, back straight and his feet a shoulder length apart he worked efficiently both in terms of safety and muscle development. At the end he was felt sore but otherwise fine, the type where one would be able to do so much more as long as they paced him/herself. I have to meet her. Whoever she was. By the time he made it back to his hold the sun was only a slight sliver of light in the air as he inquired about the woman he saw in the morning. Learning her name and small tidbits about her only pushed his investigation further. And who else to talk to other then the person herself? Darren found himself in front of Holly's door, a few more hesitant moments and he would timidly knock on the door a few times before applying a bit more force. As she answered the door he quickly lost what little composure he had left as he tried to explain the sudden intrusion. "Uh hi there. Sorry for the intrusion, if I was interrupting something! Eh, I..um saw you, this morning. Right before I left, your door was open and I just took a small glance. Anyway! I came by because... I wanted to see you. And your work! I'm really impressed by what I saw earlier and had some questions about it if you have the time. Do you mind if I come in and talk to you about it?" oocAny date within the year 509 is good.

[Growl]

The moment Holly pressed the palm of her hands into the small of her client's back, she knew she had more than a few knots to get out. No wonder why this one has been complaining of excessive back pain, the Vantha thought as she ran her tongue over the back of her teeth a few times, producing a low clicking noise. "Well my dear, it looks like you're under a lot of stress," Holly commented, her voice soft, just like the flickering candlelight that surrounded them, the scent of vanilla and lavender. "Just one moment please," she went on as she ducked her head under the table and rummaged around the oils and lotions until she came to one labeled "almond oil." She pulled this to the front, and poured a generous helping into the palm of her left hand, before putting the bottle back on the shelf beneath the massage table. "Here we are," Holly commented as she began to rub her hands together, letting the oil sink into her palms as she spoke, the light, sweet nutty scent of the oil burst off her hands, and linger in the air around her and her client, "almond oil," Holly explained. "It is very good when trying to soften or smooth the skin; and the scent tends to help relax people," Holly added as she instructed her client to pull her long, wavy, light brown hair with blonde streaks out of the way, so that she could work. So that she could keep it from getting all oily. "Thank you," Holly whispered as she pressed her hands into the center of the woman's back, instantly feeling the woman's coiled muscles pressing against her flesh. Resisting the massage. "And just try to relax. I know it'll hurt at first, since we're working the knots out," Holly went on, as she pressed the heel of her hand into the woman's back, and began to whirl it around, digging it into the flesh to work out the kinks. "But it will feel far better when they're gone." The woman breathed in sharply as Holly let up on the pressure somewhat, choosing to swap out the heel of her hand, or the place where the wrist met the palm, for the tips of her fingers. Slowly, she closed her eyes, and felt for the tougher patches beneath the woman's skins. The areas that needed to be worked on. Each time she felt one, she'd push her fingertips into the woman's flesh roughly enough where they could be felt, and do their job, but not so intensely that the woman's flesh took on the form of tiny crescents, Holly's sharp fingernails. "Feeling any better yet?" Holly inquired, as she continued her work. The woman was about to reply when there was a knock at the door. "Oh, who could that be?" Holly whispered as she opened her eyes, and glanced over at the wooden frame. "Excuse me love, it shall only be a minute," Holly muttered, her voice floating through the airs like tendrils of smoke from her scented candles. Softly, as though it belonged there more than anything else. "Just try to relax," she finished, as she pulled her hands off the woman's back and walked over to the door. "Coming!" Holly called, her voice still not particularly loud. A few seconds later, she had finished gliding over the floor to the door, and was reaching for the knob, twisting it open just enough for her to peek out and see who it was. Not enough for Darren to see inside, past her body. "Well hello," she exclaimed, surprised to see an unfamiliar face. "And who might you be?" she asked, as Darren launched into his little speech. "Oh um..." she muttered at the words, her cheeks turning a rosy red as he went on. "I actually have a client, I don't think I could show you anything now, perhaps when she leaves, or some other time..." With that, the woman spoke, "are you coming back Holly?" "Yes," Holly shouted over her shoulder. "Coming!" She leaned into Darren, "excuse me love, but I've got to finish my work... on second thought... perhaps you could re-light a few of the candles for me... they seemed to have gone out. Do you mind?" she finally asked, as she pulled the door open a little wider, just enough for Darren to glance inside, as she turned on her heels and walked back over to her client. Moments later, her hands were pressed into the space just below the woman's neck, gently running over her flesh, rubbing the oil into her skin. Allowing it to warm up; allowing her to relax. OOCThe client is the woman pictured above. Have questions, find me in chat or pm me please. =)

[Darren]

The giant of a Vantha let himself give off a nervous smile as he watched Holly's reaction to his little panicked speech. The blushing was enough to relax him, looks like Holly was a innocent, wholesome young woman. However that thought soon changed when he heard the woman's voice in the background, maybe she was more womanly then he wanted? He let out a strained sigh of relief escape his lips as he heard the word work within her sentences. "Oh thank goodness... Hmm? Uhh, sure! I'd love to help." Though the first part was barely above a whisper the tone with the rest of his reply had a undeniable note of willingness and joy. Peeking his head slightly he was greeted by the curious gaze of Holly's client. Exchanging small hellos he looked around the room for the candles to light. The area being a seemingly sensual workshop of comfort his eyes looked appreciatvely at the extensive lotions, oils candles and other assorted equipment she used. Finding a small flickering candle he pried the wax away from it's base before spreading the flame out to a comfortable amount of untouched candles. The mixtures of the respective waxes was intoxicating as the aroused Vantha then watched Holly go to work. Her hands intrinsically moved throughout her client's body, her hand roughly following the contours of the other woman. It was if a spirit's will was relieving the woman from her muscle pains. The woman moaned appreciatively throughout the proceedings as she deftly manipulated the flow of her blood through numerous pressure points. That alongside giving an almost identical feeling to both sides this mastery was rarely appreciated as the woman relaxed further. And the way she moved. Holly seemed to be telling a story with the way her body was moving, shaking to and fro in a hypnotic fashion Darren also took time to appreciate the curves of the masseuse herself as he sat back on his seat. Darren was almost ready to burst out of his seat from the ambiance given off throughout Holly's performance. "That was amazing. The performance you gave. Erm, if you don't mind me saying." Darren got up from his seat as he looked at the other vantha. "Ahem, what I meant to say was. That deep tissue massage is a very complex and challenging routine. And your process was masterful, in fact it was amazing. Even more so... your amazing. ...When I saw you get lost in your art, and especially now when your looking straight at me. I am awestruck, with feelings of affection for you with your radiant, lustrous beauty."

[Growl]

"Is that better?" Holly asked as she allowed her hands to roam the entirety of the woman's back, spreading the almond oil into her skin, and causing it to glisten in the pale yellow light caused by her scented candles. Her client's pale pink lips curled into a small smile, and although she never answered Holly's question, the Vantha knew that she was pleased. She continued to run her hands back and forth over the woman's back, flattening her flesh as she worked, ignoring everything else that was going on in the room- Darren watching her work, the flickering of the candles, the smell of her oils, and scented candles, the soft, and satisfied sighs coming from her client. Until Darren broke the silence. Holly looked up at Darren as he spoke to her, her eyes wide open with surprise. The irises a deep yellow mixed with their usual emerald green. It was as though she had forgotten he was there, and perhaps her client had too, for Holly could feel her muscles stiffening beneath her palms once more. She glanced back down at her client, and could see her brow furrowing, as though she were a cat having been disturbed from a rather long, and relaxing nap. Holly blushed as she cast her gaze into the corner of the room, where a group of three different sized candles stood giving off tiny tendrils of grey smoke. Well that can't be good, Holly thought, she was just beginning to finally relax, and now we have to start on her all over it seems. Holly sighed as she looked back up at Darren. "You know..." Holly paused as she tilted her head to the side, realizing that the Vantha had yet to tell her his name. Her hands rested in the center of her client's back, and she pressed her palms into her flesh more forcefully, applying just enough pressure to get the skin to fan out around her flesh, between the spaces that lingered from finger to finger. "Half the battle is simply setting the stage for relaxation; creating an atmosphere that would promote such a state of being." Delicately, Holly flicked her eyes towards the candles that lined the walls. "For example, using some sort of scented candle can help create a relaxing atmosphere, where people know that they can unwind. Darkness can unnerve people, while bright light can also be unsettling... it seems that something in-between, a balance is best." There was a slight pause, "lotions and oils can help too. They bring the massage to a whole new level, don't you think?" she asked, her voice soft as honey as her client practically purred, although her brow was still furrowed, more than likely finding Darren's voice and proclamation of love for her masseuse a disturbance in her sanctuary, keeping her from her inner peace. Holly fell silent for a long time after that, simply busying the tips of her fingers with working out the last of the knot. "But thank you for the compliment love, it does mean a lot to me, to be complimented on my work..." Holly's voice trailed off as she pulled her hands away from her client, and the woman sat up. Instantly, she plucked her shirt off the table, and hastily tossed it over her shoulders, pulling it down her body. "Thank you," she said, her voice somewhat breathless. "You're welcome," Holly replied, with the slightest of smiles, her eyes their usual, radiant, emerald green color. "Well, I hope you enjoyed your massage. You're all paid up, so you may leave whenever you're ready. No need to rush things love," Holly went on as the girl beamed, her smile lighting up every portion of her face as she gave the slightest of nods. She pushed herself off the table a few moments later, flipping her long wavy lockes with a hurried twist of her head, as she walked steadily out the open door, and closed it lightly behind her. Well she seems satisfied, Holly thought, as she watched her go, before turning back to Darren, expecting him to say something else. He did seem the sort to talk a lot, after all.

[Darren]

"...that's nice to know." What was that suppose to mean? The look Darren gave was priceless as he only responded with a blank, moronic "uhhh..." whenever there was a break in her sentences. "Um, no problem... I um. Really found it amazing." The Vantha turned slightly red from embarrassment, he was really going to start like that? A slight look from Holly's client before she left and then Darren was left alone to deal with his proclaimed love. How exactly he would do so was still a mystery for him. "Ahh..." Rubbing the back of his head nervously as Holly finally faced him Darren was feeling as if he was made out of pudding when facing her breathtaking stare. "You... are really good at massaging." Laughing nervously he took a few steps away as he tried to make more sense with his words. Glancing back at the assorted equipment lying around the room slowly recalling what she said earlier about the bottle and lights. She also called it a battle, that he can relate to. Maybe if he looked at her as a sparring partner and let the words flow out? Looking back he withered at the woman's gaze. "You have a very extensive selection here. It's very extensive and expensive. I don't even know half of them, well maybe half. I recognized the almond, and here I see chestnut and uh... Sorry I'm babbling" Taking another another long breath accompanied by another sweep through the room he finially turned back at Holly to finally speak his piece. His mouth was open and his hands was raised as if he was trying to explain something but only a frustrated sigh came out as he gave up using his elaborate flirty lines. Making his way slowly, Darren stood up straight, towering over the girl as he slowly overcame his fears. "When I saw you this morning with your... erm." He would let her finish the sentence before continuing on, if she said anything other then boyfriend a noticeable amount of relief and joy would overcome him as he continued. "Yea... that. Umm... what you did there was life changing. I wasn't too sure about my lot in life as a Whitevine but then you come along and now all I can think of is to gain what you have here." Darren would pause as he mentally checked off what he covented from her before continuing. Poise, resolution, and the ability to lose oneself to their art. "What I really mean to say. What I have been wanting to ask of you is for you to teach me. So that I may be able to do the same things you do to you, with you, and hopefully with others." Darren froze slightly as he realized he went on another romantic escapade. He even moved to grip her hand to accentuate the mood. "Hehe... um sorry I'm being way too romantic then I need to be don't I? I was talking about massage... mostly. I mean! If you will have me. Not that I am forcing you or anything, just... uh. Sorry, babbling." Still his dismissal of other, mostly romantic, intent wasn't made very convincing as he held Holly's hands close.

[Growl]

Holly's face began to heat up as her cheeks continued to turn a deep shade of pink, and then slightly more red. "Thanks," she muttered, as she cast her gaze down at her feet for several seconds before looking back up at Darren, this one is definitely a talker... her mind whispered as she waited for him to stop tripping over his words. Her brow raising and her eyes sparkling as she stared at him, questioningly, despite her rising sense of being thoroughly amused. Just what is this one playing at? she wondered, as she folded her arms over her chest. "Saw me what?" she asked. "Saw me massaging my client? Putting up my hair? Lighting Candles? Changing?" she went on, taking a small step closer to him and peering directly into his eyes. "What did you see me doing exactly... mister...?" Holly's voice trailed off as he grabbed her hands. Holly's eyes grew wide, and turned into a more frightened, bright yellow with an emerald-colored rim. There was a sharp intake of breath as her heart began to beat heavily against her rib cage. What is he doing? she wondered, asking for a lesson, or hitting on me? Or hitting on me but using the guise of wanting a lesson? Several beads of sweat appeared on Holly's brow, causing it to glisten as she looked into his eyes, barely breathing. Thinking about what was going on before she jerked her hands away from him and took several steps back. She glanced down at the ground as several tendrils of grey smoke swirled around her; trying to calm her nerves with its scent. But all they managed to do was further muddy her mind as she closed her eyes, and wiped the sweat away with the back of her hand. How could this be real? Slowly, Holly opened her eyes, and looked up, and he was still there. He's just hitting on you love, it's not the bloody end of the world or anything. You should be nice to him; flattered really, by his words. They're rather kind, if not slightly over-done... there was a slight pause, you should be nice to him, offer him a quick lesson, and if he decides he wants to try getting something more, then you could always kindly ask him to leave. Holly sighed, "if it's a lesson you want," she began, her words gliding off her tongue easily, her voice sounding soft and somewhat sultry, "then why don't you take your shirt off and lie on the table?" she asked, giving her massage table a light tap with her right hand; as if to indicate that she was not kidding. "Just make yourself comfortable... and we can get right to work."

[Darren]

"...Just like that?" Smiling widely, Darren tried to stifle a laugh at the girls's innocence. "Um... don't you even want to know my name? I mean... I know a bit about you already. I was asking around a bit and eh... well I just wanted to learn the rest from you." Sitting down on the table, Darren's legs swung playfully as he gave an easy smile at the fellow Whitevine. The journey was just as important as the reward in the end after all. "Just allow me to clear things up Holly. Do you mind if I call you that? Or do you have a pet name I can use? Eh... anyways. I've been practicing massage since I was fifteen or so but never really got into it. But seeing that really changed my priorities. I'm Silfer's boy, Darren. Yea... anyways I'm usually just doing crazy stuff but I really do would like a job like yours." Moving to pull Holly to his side he would have her sit somewhat close to him as he let out a big huff of air escape his lips. His talking was amaranthine and Holly would soon realize it. Whether it was because she was deemed wifey or best friend material, shared a similar interest in massage, or just plain meek the normally tortured Vantha would lay everything out for her to hear. His muscles relaxed slightly as he babbled on, taking off his coat before continuing. "Um... where was I? Ah right. I really do want to learn Holly. But I really meant what I said earlier but erm if it's making you uncomfortable I can try reining it. Heh... look at me being all nice. Normally if I wanted a girl to get over the awkwardness I would just kiss her and wait for her to come around." He leaned forward slightly as his hands brushed up Holly's face slightly before clenching it angrily. "Erm.. sorry. This was a bad idea. I'm sorry for bothering you, I'll be leaving now. Maybe later I can control myself around you. You know? Do you normally have that effect on your male customers? Seducing them to their core and-nvm doesn't matter. I wished I did saw you when you were changing now that you mention it. Erm- I mean. Sorry. Babbling." Turning away quickly he stood away from her before he turned back. Looking back into her eyes his eyes were blazing with raging red eyes of intent as he advanced towards her. ...and grabbed his coat beside her. Putting his coat in a huff he gazed sadly at her before saying one last thing to accentuate his dramatic exit. "Remember the name Darren, Holly. I'll make myself a better man for you" With that he made his way towards the exit with an overall feeling of queasiness. oocEither stop him or post the thread happening at another day for another meeting? PM me if you dislike...

[Growl]

"Pet name?" Holly stammered as her eyes widened and she took a step back. Her eyes were growing glassy as though she were about to cry, when in reality, she honestly didn't know what to think of Darren. His apparent inability to filter himself, his strange way of flirting with her. Did he say he wanted to kiss me? And that he wished he had seen me changing this morning? Instantly, Holly's face grew an even deeper shade of red, it was beginning to feel as though it were on fire. She raised her right hand and placed it in front of her lips, her palm facing her flesh. She had to hide how her lips were now parted, only slightly at first, but were now spreading farther and farther apart. Holly wanted to say something, anything, but every word that came to her mind was catching in her throat. Thankfully, she didn't have to say anything, for Darren did a lot of speaking, and soon enough was reaching for his coat, and walking out the door. Leaving Holly alone, her face still red, surrounded by tendrils of smoke and flickering scented candles. She stood in silence for several moments, wondering what had just happened, simply staring at the closed door. Perhaps she should put the candles out, before they fizzled into nothingness.

[Growl]

Appreciation Time! Name: Darren Experience: +1 Observation, +2 Interrogation, +2 Seduction Lore: Setting the Stage, Holly Whitevine (Basic), Babbling, Making Holly Blush Additional Notes: The observation was for taking notice of Holly. The Interrogation for all the questions, and the seduction is obvious. I just hope Darren doesn't flirt like that again, anytime soon. *cringes* Anyway, I couldn't really give you other experience since you didn't do much. The next thread should be along soon... PM with questions or concerns.