>>35297070
>[] Approach him first.

>>35297070
>[] Take a moment to compose myself.

>>35297070
>[] Approach him first.

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This is one of those situations where taking charge is appropriate. Salespeople should never be indecisive, it looks bad for the employer. The same applies to following instructions from a Dominant, and what is a manager except a Dominant who gets pad for it?

Walking up to the tall, clean shaven, well dressed gentleman with a smile, I take my handbag and keep it in both hands in front of me, so he won't feel obligated to shake my hand. “Hello. My name is Chi Tomas. I'm here to see Mister Kinkaid about the interview.” Calm, collected, controlled, just like a good subbe should be when presenting themselves. I really shouldn't think about it like that but it helps me stay calm, especially when the voices in my head are being contentious. Right now they're calm though, which is a good thing.

His eyes brighten and he steps aside, directing me with an open hand towards the back where there are two doors, both with deadbolts and standard locking knobs. They look exactly the same otherwise. “Good afternoon, Miss Tomas. I'm Howard; Mr. Kinkaid is in the back, but he'll be right with you. Can I get you anything, water, coffee?”

Howard is playing the perfect host, and he's very good at it.

[] Water is fine.
[] Coffee, please, Howard.
[] No thank you, sir.
[] Thank you, Howard. May I ask you some questions? >Write in.
[] Other?

>>35297195
>[] Water is fine.

>>35297195
>[] Water is fine.

>>35297195
[] No thank you, sir.

>>35297195
>[] Coffee, please, Howard.

>>35297195
>[x] No thank you, sir.

[x] Water is fine, thank you.

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“Water is fine, thank you Howard.” He smiles and steps around the counter, and opens a small refrigerator, and takes out an eight-ounce bottle of water, which he wraps in a napkin before bringing it to me. This is a very demanding establishment. I think I would like working here. I thank him again and smile up at him – he's somewhat taller than I am – and he might be blushing just a little. “I'll let Mr. Kinkaid know you are here, Miss Thomas.” I hank him again, and step a little ways from the doors.

Howard unlocks the left hand door which leads to a hallways, and I hear the door lock behind him. He didn't unlock the deadbolt, and the key had to be held to open the door, so it is an automatically locking door. Which is very wise in a place like this. The suit fits him snugly, and I find myself wondering if he enjoys being fitted or not. The first couple is leaving, very pleased and talking to each other quietly. The other sales associate, an older gentleman, is approaching the remaining couple, who are looking at the birthstone section.

My observation is interrupted by the return of Howard and an elegant, middle aged man dressed in very expensive Armani. He's also wearing a wedding ring, clearly custom made. He immediately notices me and steps up, offering his hand. “Miss Xi Tomas? I'm Martin Kinkaid, the manager.” Howard politely excuses himself as I shake Mister Kinkaid's hand. “Please come inside,” he asks as he opens the right hand door, which is unlocked and leads to a very nice office with a one-way mirror that looks over the store. Opposite the office door is another door, with a one way mirror installed – undoubtedly security.

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>>35297364
He asks me to have a seat, and I do, my fingers running over the arm of the soft leather of the seat just once as he sits down behind the desk. “You have very nice resume, Miss Tomas. Can you tell me what you know about jewelery?” I give him the short version, of course – the Four C's, the matching of metal to skin tone, the various cuts of gems. All in all, it is a very ordinary interview and he's thoroughly professional.

Towards the end, though, he does ask me something odd.

“Miss Tomas, I read that you've worked with several artists. Do you know Cam Harper?”

[] Yes....
[] No....
[] ….uh oh. Yes, I do, personally.
[] I've heard of her work, but nothing more.
[] Other?

>>35297374
>[] ….uh oh. Yes, I do, personally.
If it is true, I guess.

>>35297374
>[] I've heard of her work, but nothing more.

>>35297374
>[] ….uh oh. Yes, I do, personally.

>>35297374

[x]

>>35297374
>[] No...

>>35297374
[X] Other?
I've heard of her work, but our paths have yet to cross.

>>35297374
>[] Yes...

>>35297374
>[] I've heard of her work, but nothing more.
Honestly got no clue what's going on

>>35297374
[] I've heard of her work, but nothing more.

>>35297374
Whatever option is closest to the truth.

>>35297475
>>35297478
Seems like a metanarrative choice.

>>35297374
>[] I've heard of her work, but nothing more.

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[X] I've heard of her work, but nothing more.
[] Other: I haven't met her personally yet.

Cam Harper is a somewhat....no, honestly a very controversial artist who paints nudes. I mean that she paints women and girls who are nude. She's ridiculously rich and she's very good. I heard about her through someone who knows her well, a fellow gemology student named Yvette who posed for her and did some very....exotic work for her too.

I try to stifle my racing heart and I manage not to blush, because that was a while ago. “I do know of Miss Harper's work, Mister Kinkaid, but I have not met her.” I consider carefully. “I have met acquaintances of hers, but not her personally.”

He nods, and smiles a little pleased by my honesty. “Cam is a regular customer here, as are several of her friends. I wanted to make sure there wouldn't be any issues with her if she did come in.” I nods. “She's a very important customer, and you'll meet number of famous people here. Privacy is paramount, naturally.”

“Of course Mr. Kinkaid. There won't be any problems.” He rises and I stand up and take his hand.

“Thank you for coming by, Miss Tomas. I need to go over a few more applications, but I'd like you to come in for a practical interview later. Perhaps after the weekend, if that's all right.” That's good news – it might not be a job, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. “Which number is best to contact you?”

“My cell phone is the best way Mister Kinkaid. I will look forward to your call.” The relief of being released from the interview is heady, and he walks me out to the store, saying he will give me a call in the next day. Wonderful! “Thank you very much, sir.” He excuses himself and goes back into the other door.

[] Look about the shop a little.
[] Howard isn't busy at the moment....
[] Call a cab to go to Shreve Co.
[] Take the bus to Shreve Co.
[] Other?

>>35297578
>Call a cab to go to Shereve Co

>>35297578
>[] Take the bus to Shreve Co.
That sounds fun.

>>35297578
>[] Take the bus to Shreve Co

>>35297578
>[x] Take the bus to Shreve Co.

>>35297578
>Call a cab to go to Shreve Co.

>>35297578
[X] Take the bus to Shreve Co.
Let's look about the place a little.

>>35297578
>[] Call a cab to go to Shreve Co.

The bus will leave her dirty and sweaty and stinking of people.

>>35297578
>[] Look about the shop a little.

Calling it know, the artist will show up if we stay.

>>35297578
[] Take the bus to Shreve Co.

>>35297578
>[] Take the bus to Shreve Co.

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[X] Take the bus to Shreve Co.

The fact that Cam Harper's friends come in here means I might get to see Yvette again. That would be nice; I haven't seen her since we took the college courses during high school for gemology and jewelery making. She was incredibly good despite being one handed. Yvette spoke very highly of Cam, but also a little protectively. I wonder....but that's another thing for later.

It's still early for the munch, which is only a short distance from Shreve Company. It wouldn't hurt to check up on my application there anyways. This job is not guaranteed yet, and practical interviews are much more in depth and easier to make a mistake on – I'll be expected to know the cuts, faceting, and many qualities of various gemstones, as well as be up on the current styles and trends. I should probably visit a book store and check on the fashion magazines while I'm out.

I give Howard a small wave goodbye, which he returns with a smile, and step out. It cool, but not cold, and sunny. This area is connected to the rail system, but the street I want isn't, so a bus it is. The streets are fairly busy, especially here, but the sidewalks aren't so bad. It doesn't take long to reach a bus stop, and it looks like a ten minute wait. There are a few people waiting, mostly people shopping the upscale places. Tourists, I suspect.

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>>35297743
The bus isn't crowded, is surprisingly clean, but the scent of some of the passengers is positively nauseating, even though there aren't any homeless people. I suspect someone using crank, and I work hard to keep my expression calm and my handbag very tight. When the bus reaches my stop I'm very happy to get off – the bus at least. I try and avoid the other way without permission.

Shreve Company is on the corner, and there are a number of other small, upscale shops as well; a boutique, a rare book store, and an art gallery, as well as the cafe (not a Starbucks, thank goodness). A few other stores as well, but nothing that I need really.

[] Business first: Shreve Co.
[] Curiosity first: Daniela's Art Gallery.
[] Scouting first: Bellisimo's Cafe.
[] Comfort first: Boutique Gloria.
[] Other?

>>35297754
>[] Business first: Shreve Co.

It's not even a question.

>>35297754
>[] Comfort first: Boutique Gloria.

>>35297754
>[x] Business first: Shreve Co.

>Curiosity first: Daniela's Art Gallery

There won't be time for it later, guys.

>>35297754
>[] Curiosity first: Daniela's Art Gallery.

>>35297754
>[] Business first: Shreve Co.

>>35297754
>[] Curiosity first: Daniela's Art Gallery

What kind of kinky art is it about?

Also
>Kinkaid

Subtle.

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[X] Other: What is in the Art Gallery?

I find myself torn between dutifully following up on my application and satisfying my curiosity. After all, if Cam Harper visits Shane Company, she would probably visit Shreve Company as well since there's an actual art gallery near it. And the idea that she might have art in the gallery naturally leads to the idea that Yvette might put some of her work for sale too....

I walk over to Daniela's Art Gallery and gaze up at the art displayed in the windows. It has two stories with high ceilings; many of these buildings do. There are windows in the upper section and it's clearly a part of the gallery. Here, down where they can be seen, it seems to be sculptures made of metal and welded, with heat patterns from the effort used to make the sculptures more vibrant. Monsters and human figures in contorted poses mostly. Inside there are paintings and more sculptures....I can't see too much more though. It seems popular, there are a number of people in there.

[] Business first: Shreve Co.
[] Curiosity first: Daniela's Art Gallery.
[] Scouting first: Bellisimo's Cafe.
[] Comfort first: Boutique Gloria.
[X] Other: What is in the Art Gallery?

>>35297867
>[] Curiosity first: Daniela's Art Gallery.

>>35297867
>[X] Other: What is in the Art Gallery?

>>35297867
>[] Curiosity first: Daniela's Art Gallery.

>>35297867
>[] Curiosity first: Daniela's Art Gallery.

What is th X for in the Other option?

>>35297867
>[] Comfort first: Boutique Gloria.

File: Cardinal_gems.png (800 KB, 1000x1000)

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[X] Curiosity first: Daniela's Art Gallery.

Curiosity gets the better of me and I step over the doors which open automatically for me. Despite the plate glass windows, I can see there are not only cameras but also hide-away-window caging on either side of the entryway. There are a number of people here, looking about, studying the paintings, the sculptures. Most of the sculptures are welded metal and heat treated, like the ones in the window. 'Marcus Bloom' is his name. The pricing is a bit ridiculous, which means he's in vogue more than good. Still, some of his works are....a little scary. Twisted human figures and bold, upright monstrosities.

The paintings are of two types, mostly abstract or minimalist. They're not getting a whole lot of attention. Several people are going upstairs though, and from the photograph on the wall, I can tell that what is upstairs is definitely far more racy. It depicts a kneeling girl who has been pierced with needles along her spine in two rows; she's outstretched, nearly in the lap of an equally naked but nothing visible man.....there are wires stretched from the needles in her back to the needles in her arms which are lifted up and tied together, hands resting on a polished curved wooden plinth. His hands barely touch the wires....

A living harp. And she's smiling at the man, who is smiling back. My heart beats quite a bit faster....

[] Downstairs is fine for now.
[] ….I have to see more of what is upstairs.
[] Maybe a curator can tell me about the artists on display right now.
[] There are an awful lot of patrons, is there an event?
[] Other?


>>35297935
Forgot to erase it.

>>35298003
>[] ….I have to see more of what is upstairs.

>>35298003
>[] Downstairs is fine for now.

>[]Downstairs is fine for now

>>35298003
>[] ….I have to see more of what is upstairs.

>>35298003
>[] Downstairs is fine for now.

Eh, not interested.

>>35298003
[] ….I have to see more of what is upstairs.
May as well

>>35298003
>[] ….I have to see more of what is upstairs.
We've already established our character is curious, so lets sate that curisoty

>>35298003
>[] ….I have to see more of what is upstairs.

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[X] ….I have to see more of what is upstairs.

If my indecision before was bad, this is worse. I'm not that deeply into pain, not like some people, but that is far beyond anything I'd try. But she looks so happy, and he looks like he's enjoying the conversation with her. And what is upstairs has got to be much more strange or intense....

“The Harp.” I step to the side and turn, startled by the voice. A sleepy eyed young woman is looking at the photograph I've been admiring. She's taller than me buy several inches, and she's wearing a very nice suit, with a simple white blouse with a few buttons undone and an open black suit-jacket . Her hair is short with thick blonde curls and she's looking at me with hazel eyes, studying my choker. “That's the title. Sorry, I thought you were here for the munch, and I haven't seen you around before. He has a few others upstairs, as well, but he's not the main attraction.” She smiles a little, almost apologetically. “Maybe a warning, maybe an invitation.”

I kind of think she should have a French cigarette holder in her hand.

[] I ~am~ here for the munch, I thought it was at the cafe.
[] I'm sorry, I didn't mean to jump, ma'am.
[] What do you think about it, miss?
[] What other things are up there, if you don't mind me asking....
[] Other?

>>35298157
>[] What do you think about it, miss?

>>35298157
>[] What other things are up there, if you don't mind me asking....

>>35298157
> What do you think about it, miss?

>>35298157
>[] What do you think about it, miss?

>>35298157
>[] What do you think about it, miss?
>[] What other things are up there, if you don't mind me asking....

>>35298157
[] I'm sorry, I didn't mean to jump, ma'am.
[] What do you think about it, miss?

>>35298157
>>35298157
>[] I'm sorry, I didn't mean to jump, ma'am.
>[] What do you think about it, miss?
>[] What other things are up there, if you don't mind me asking....

>>35298157
>>35298157
>[] I'm sorry, I didn't mean to jump, ma'am.
>[] What other things are up there, if you don't mind me asking....

>>35298157
>[] I'm sorry, I didn't mean to jump, ma'am.
Preferably with large amounts of blushing

>>35298157
[] I'm sorry, I didn't mean to jump, ma'am.

>>35298157
[] What other things are up there, if you don't mind me asking....

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[X] What do you think about it, miss?
[] What other things are up there, if you don't mind me asking....
[] Other?

Now that my heart is no longer in my throat, I turn back to the photograph. Well, it's a print, really, but it's sort of the same thing. “What do you think of The Harp, miss?” She gives me a surprised look, then turns to the picture, politely ignoring that I'm blushing credulously.

“I imagine she's in no pain....she's high on the endorphins of the experience. I think what makes it special is that he didn't pose them too much.” She crosses her arms under her breasts and tilts her head slightly, her eyes still sleepy. “He didn't wait for them to take a pose, and didn't make them stay still. He aught them talking. They're relaxed, unconcerned, perfectly happy to be where they are and doing what they are doing.”

She looks at me and smiles, her heavy lidded eyes only just barely touched with eyeshadow. “The true meaning of 'au naturale'. Simple enjoyment of the moment in spite of what it looks like it should be.”

I glance at the painting, and suddenly realize whats missing. “There's no blood. Those are piercings.”

“You're right. Most people miss that when they first see it because of the needles.” Turning to me she offers her hand, slightly tilted, which could be a handshake or a light grasp of fingers in the making. She's wearing a ring on her middle finger – a triskelion, the symbol that BDSM borrowed as an emblem. “Belle.”

[] Shake her hand lightly....?
[] Kiss over her hand, maidenly....?
[] Gently take her hand....?
[] Bow slightly, not ready....?
[+] Other: What else is up there ma'am?

>>35298407
[>] Gently take her hand....?

>Shake her hand lightly

Don't dive headfirst yet.

>>35298407
>[] Gently take her hand....?
>[+] Other: What else is up there ma'am?

This is really slow, but its kind of exciting I hope something happens this thread

>>35298407
[] Bow slightly, not ready....?

>>35298493
inb4 shitstorm happens

>>35298407
>Shake her hand lightly

>>35298407
>[] Bow slightly, not ready....?

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[X] Shake her hand lightly....?
[] Kiss over her hand, maidenly....?
[X] Gently take her hand....?
[] Bow slightly, not ready....?
[] Other?

I'm not really sure whether to take her hand gently or shake her hand lightly....her smile says she's enjoying my confusion too. I gently take her hand and squeeze lightly, half of a handshake and half not. Her smile widens but those sleepy eyes droop a little more. “Xi. It is a pleasure to meet you, ma'am.” Belle's eyes open a bit more and I fight the urge to blush. How is she doing that, making me feel flustered by just looking at me? I've never had someone do that before.

“If I may ask....what else is upstairs?” I presume she's a regular, especially since she knows enough about the artwork to suggest it might be more of the same upstairs. She probably arrives early for the munch every week.

She smiles and looks into my eyes. Her eyes are grey ringed with brown, the strangest hazel eyes I've ever seen. “Well, there is always something by Harper upstairs – the Diane is a fan. Usually there are prints of photographs ranging from simple nudes to very suggestive bondage to, well....” Belle gestures to The Harp. “Statuettes are also making a return, ceramics. I think this week she was supposed to have some pieces by Schwann that were more risque than usual.” Yvette mentioned him; he does elegant, long limbed figurines. “There are private shows, but those are for special guests.” lifts her hand and runs her thumb along the edge of her ring.

[] Ask her about the munch?
[] Ask her if she would mind accompanying me upstairs?
[] Excuse myself and go upstairs?
[] As how one might become 'special guest'?
[] Other?

>>35298407
>[] Shake her hand lightly....?

>>35298600
>[] Excuse myself and go upstairs?

>>35298600
>[] Ask her about the munch?
>[] Ask her if she would mind accompanying me upstairs?
>Other
Slip up and ask who are giving the private shows

>[] Ask her about the munch?

>>35298600
>[] Ask her if she would mind accompanying me upstairs?
>[] As how one might become 'special guest'?

>>35298600
>[] Ask her about the munch?
>[] Ask her if she would mind accompanying me upstairs?
Why is it called a Munch anyway?

>>35298600
>[] Excuse myself and go upstairs?
>[] As how one might become 'special guest'?

>>35298600
>[] Excuse myself and go upstairs?

Strong and independent wymun, capable of finding her own owner.

>>35298600
[] Ask her about the munch?
[] Ask her if she would mind accompanying me upstairs?

>>35298644
Meeting Over Lunch.

>>35298674
Oooh. That makes sense.

>>35298674
>>35298681
Calling it a "munch" while at a gallery will only cause confusion

>>35298600
>[] Ask her about the munch?
>[] Ask her if she would mind accompanying me upstairs?
Late!
Again!

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[X] Ask her about the munch?
[X] Ask her if she would mind accompanying me upstairs?

It's getting loud inside my head, and I'm probably getting too excited. Still she doesn't seem too overbearing, and she hasn't asked me what I'm looking for outright, so it wouldn't hurt to keep it friendly for now. “Would you mind if I asked about the munches?” Belle smiles slightly, but she answers me, rather than playing any games.

“They really are very simple affairs. Some locals who enjoy the lifestyle, getting together and sharing stories and answering questions. It is usually she same group f people week after week, and they try to maintain tolerance even in the face of the occasional kook or nitwit. They're not part of any association or company, though some of the people from the local clubs do join on occasion.” Her smile widens a little. “It is a place where people new to the scene can get answers, but they do have to warm up to you. Not exactly insular, but cautious, with good reason.”

That makes sense, and it is fairly safe. I glance at the clock – a little over half an hour before the munch is scheduled to start. I look at Belle, who had been kind enough so far. “Would you like to accompany me upstairs, Belle? I'd like to see....” That surprises her. Yes, I have a brain and a will, I'm not a completely clueless girl. Not that that Belle is much older than I am.

Belle checks her watch – and elegant and simple gold affair – and gives me that sleepy, indulgent smile. I really kind of wonder what she would look like when she's excited. “I have some time. I do want to be there for the planned discussion, which will most likely be derailed.”

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As we head towards the stairs, I ask about the discussion. “Total Submission and it's Dangers, supposedly. It's a subject that freaks many people – and not just ordinary ones – out quite a bit.” The stairs are wide enough that two can walk abreast and I find myself anticipating what I might see already. She glances at me but doesn't say anything, and my cheeks are burning again.

Then we're upstairs....and I can see why she called the photograph downstairs both warning and invitation.

>To be Continued Sunday near the same time....

>>35298887
This is so teasing it hurts

>>35298887
Grnk

Thank you for playing.

>>35298918
And thank you for hosting XS, I hope you're enjoying this as much as I.

>>35298887

This is worrisome

>>35298918
Thanks for running. When do you plan to run the next thread?

>>35298933

Sunday evening, it seems.

Tomorrow at approximately the same time, 1:00-2:00 am PST. Depending on business and issues with the connection.

>>35298927
Xi is fun to write. Slightly crazy submissives are fun to write. Totally insane dommes are even more fun. But I probably won't get the chance.

>>35298980
I certainly hope you get the chance, but due to the length of the quest I'm sure there's a lot of things we'll be unable to do

>>35298987
We'll see. I will most run it for the weekend next week a well, two or maybe three days. After that we'll see.

>>35299006
I just KNEW this would happen

>>35299006
Thank you very much XS

>>35299022
You could read AToW for slower plot progression if you like...

>>35299057
More on the part of the expanding how many sessions you're going to be running, than slow plot. After all, you can't exactly rush a story like this if you want to capture the proper feeling, right?

>>35299080
True enough.