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The Reception Menthis took a deep breath and stepped onto the anti-grav platform that served to transport Lord Hokochu's guests from the palace complex down into the vast reception chamber. The hall was full: he'd delayed his arrival in an attempt to shorten the length of time he would need to spend in the company of his demon-kin. Unfortunately this also had the effect of making him the centre of attention for all those already assembled; he tried to ignore the overwhelming sensation of eyes watching his slow descent and gazed out over the throng.
A bewildering swirl of scent and form and colour. Movement as beings snatched glasses and beakers of various pungent or aromatic beverages from massive trays carried by their host's slaves. But worst of all was the sheer noise, assailing ears used only to silence, the winds and the soft voices of his servants. He'd have a headache before the reception was half over.
He walked through the crowd, absently responding to greetings from strangers and even more negligently from those he vaguely recognised, and found himself a relatively secluded spot from which to watch the proceedings.
Most of these demons must have arrived during the night, he assumed: there were many more here than at the small reception yesterday. Most of them had a servant with them, which puzzled him, until he realised they were tasting their masters' food and drink - discreetly - before handing over plates and goblets. Well, given Hokochu's previous record, that was only wise - not that it bothered Menthis: he drank only water and ate nothing at such functions.
Gazing around, the academic part of him pointed out that if nothing else, the reception was an intriguing sight…
Over there Miyu Oujo was arguing with Pai, Lava looking on, alert and intense. Elsewhere Hiei had been collared by Inuyasha, who seemed to think that their both being part-demons gave them some sort of kinship. The foul-tempered little fire-demon soon disabused him of the notion, which, Menthis thought, may very well lead to blows later, given Inuyasha's tendency to hold grudges… In another corner Gozu seemed to be trying to chat up Kurama (currently in human form): Menthis thought the outcome of that little dialogue might be worth keeping an eye on once Yuusuke turned up. Not that he approved of fighting, of course - though he was perfectly capable of defending himself should the need arise - but it could allow very revealing insights into the nature of demon combat.
One voice came very clearly through the overall noise, of course: towards the centre of the hall the creature known only as HIM was waving his pincers dangerously, pontificating to all and sundry about his latest aerobics programme and attempting to demonstrate some of the trickier moves, which, given he wore his usual spike-heeled thigh high boots and very short red outfit, had him wobbling dangerously close to falling over. Which was not something Menthis wanted to see… His gaze moved on to AmanoJakyu, whose frowning gaze seemed to be veering from Miyu to a mysterious figure in a long black coat sporting a wide-brimmed black hat. No. He didn't want to know what that was all about. In his one and thankfully only meeting with the half-demon, Amano had tried to foist his sister Megumi onto Menthis… He couldn't see Megumi, which probably meant she was off having carnal relations with one of Lord Hokochu's guests… He shuddered, making a mental note to avoid both of them.
He caught sight of a caped figure out of the corner of his eye, and turned in that direction, sure that the creature he glimpsed briefly was human, but the gesticulating being only had time to intone "By the flames of the Faltine…" before being blasted into oblivion by Mezu. The big red bespectacled demon grunted, then grinned shame-facedly at Menthis with a muttered "damn gatecrashers" before lumbering off in search of something to eat.
Menthis shook his head, trying to remember why he'd come here. Oh, yes. To observe demons…
An hour later he'd had enough of observing demons and found his way to a balcony overlooking a shapeless void. Leaning against the railing he gazed into the dark for a moment or two before becoming aware of a tall figure standing behind him. He glanced over his shoulder and offered a slight smile.
"Shido."
Golden eyes smiled through wisps of hair that seemed to glow violet in the light of the uncertain stars.
"Menthis. It has been a long time. You are well?"
"Indeed. And you?"
The slender figure inclined its head.
"Well, also. What brings you here?"
"Most likely the same as you."
Shido joined his colleague, resting against the railing, gazing out at swirling nothingness.
"Hokochu."
Menthis nodded and glanced at the reluctant vampire. It always faintly surprised him that he was able to tolerate Shido's presence with no discomfort, while being in the company of other dark souls was a torment. Perhaps it was because Shido also defended humans against the dark forces.
That he was also elegant, intelligent and attractive didn't hurt either.
"Your work?"
Shido sighed.
"Continues as ever. Your studies?"
"As ever…"
At that point one of the palace slaves threw open the doors with a melodramatic and entirely unnecessary flourish.
"His Excellency the Dread Lord Hokochu, Prince of Pain and Misery… will not be present at this reception. He has more important matters to attend to."
Shido glanced at Menthis, one fine eyebrow raised.
"Ever get the feeling we're being put in our place?"
Menthis chuckled humourlessly.
"What more could one expect? Ah well. At least this means I will not have to suffer this… travesty of a function any longer."
Shido hesitated.
"Would you… care to join me for a drink? In my rooms, I mean."
Menthis smiled, then shook his head.
"I thank you for the courtesy, but I have a headache, and notes to transcribe to my records. I will simply return to my own quarters." He inclined his head. "No doubt we will meet again before our return."
Bowing slightly, he turned and prowled back into the chamber - leaving Shido gazing forlornly after him…Even with the master absent from his suite there was still plenty to do.
Lin set the other servants to thoroughly cleaning his rooms, satisfied to see the new female demon Beal had mentioned working as diligently as the rest. The groom smirked; the little lavender-furred creature was keeping her distance too – the surviving staff had obviously told her that the major domo hadn't been joking about eating her...
The demon's drab hair was kept out of her eyes by an incongruously pretty jewelled clasp. Her master had given it to her; it was an artefact from the human world – quite old by their standards – and her most prized possession.
Lin had spent close to two-hundred years in Menthis' employ and it had given her a connection of sorts to the demi-demon. A ripple of awareness skittered now across the groom's consciousness – her master was returning early from the reception.
"Hurry!" she snapped, "I want this place shining by the time I count to thirty. One... two..."
The servants put on a frantic burst of energy, finishing their tasks and scuttling out of sight well before the female demon had finished counting. Lin surveyed the spotless room and nodded, all was acceptable, then she took up her customary position at the door.The master looked tired, and was rubbing his forehead - that meant he had a headache. And that meant Lin could pamper him to her hearts' content for an hour or two…
She caught the cote as he let it slip from his shoulders.
"Will my lord take a bath, now?"
He cupped his hands at the nape of his neck and rolled his head backwards, back arching slightly.
"I believe I will, Lin."
Blushing proudly at his rare use of her name, she ushered him over to the chair and dived quickly into the bathroom to set the water running, returning to divest him of boots and tunic, then easing off the snug leggings. Kneeling between his legs she gazed up, eyes warm.
"Will my lord take something for his pain?"
He blinked and frowned slightly. He hadn't known she'd been aware of the headache.
"If you know of something that will work…"
"If my lord will wait here for a moment…"
She hastened into the servants rooms, beckoning to the lavender-furred one.
"Here, if you please. Quickly!" she growled when the young demon hesitated. Lin held out a delicate goblet, placed the new servant's wrist over the top, and nicked the vein with a nail, ignoring the girl's sharp intake of breath. With the goblet a fifth full of blood, the groom returned to her master's suite, filled the glass with the red liqueur, and presented it to Menthis, head bowed.
"This should help, my lord."
Menthis sipped it slowly, surprised and pleased at the rich flavour, and even more pleased when, a minute later, his headache suddenly vanished. He nodded his thanks and handed back the goblet: Lin smiled shyly and gestured to the bathroom.The tub was sunken, and a reasonable size, but by no means as large as Lord Hokochu's. Still, it provided enough room for her to tend to her master.
As ever keeping her tunic on, she showered him first, the warm water sluicing away much of the stress of the day, then ushered him to the bath, watching avidly as he stepped in and stretched out with a sigh.
"Comfortable, my lord?"
He sighed again and nodded.
"Considerably more so than an hour ago." He frowned. "I question the wisdom of coming here. Surely we could have conducted any business at a distance - and I would be spared having to suffer these… moronic fools…"
Lin carefully sluiced water over his head, wetting his hair then working in a light, minimally-lathering cleanser - her lord wasn't fond of fussiness, as he termed it.
"There still might be something of interest, my lord. After all, this is only the second day. Perhaps tomorrow…?"
He closed his eyes, head unconsciously pressing back into her hands.
"Perhaps…"
There was silence for a moment as she carded her fingers through his hair, then rinsing it over the side of the bath and wrapping the heavy silky mass in a thick towel before sliding into the water with him, the slightly abrasive sponge he preferred ready in her hand.
"Is there anything in particular my lord would like?"
Resting his head back on a folded towel she'd put ready, he half-opened an eye and offered a small smile.
"I place myself in your talented hands."
Beaming happily she began to apply the sponge…
The master preferred a light, delicately-fragranced oil in his bath rather than bubbles - with suited Lin just fine: not only did it leave his skin deliciously smooth, but it also gave her an unimpeded view of his lean and luscious body gleaming palely in the lightly-blue-tinged water. She stroked firmly and fairly swiftly up the long legs, using light strokes over his groin, watching fascinated as the tentacles forming the upper part of his organ untwined and stretched out, moving gently in the water like… like… flower petals in the wind? Not quite the analogy she was looking for, but it would do. She reached to stroke each one individually, smiling to herself as they elongated and enlarged, the pene heads firm, the skin in the central channel slowly turning a bright, tempting red. His hips were rocking up into her touch already: if she brought him off now, he'd be fine for another orgasm before he got out of the bath…
Sighing happily she sank under the water, wrapping each tentacle in the two halves of her tongue and licking firmly up to the head, arousing him still further before using her hand to pull them into a clump, easing them into her mouth and deep into her throat to let the cilia work their teasing magic.
He came, of course, within seconds - he was so sensitive he'd never been able to resist her physical charms! He whimpered as she swallowed and swallowed hot spiciness then licked up the limp and quivering pene, nuzzling his groin as they slowly returned to their resting state and surfacing slowly so as not to splash him. She smiled at the picture he made, sprawled contentedly, relaxed and limp… So relaxed she felt only a slight qualm in asking her own small favour.
"My lord? Might you…?"
He smiled and reached a hand to her, and she knelt beside him, hands clenched as he fondled and rubbed and gently scratched between her thighs, easing one long finger into her and stroking firmly: she gasped and shuddered as she came, head flung back and eyes squeezed shut.
And at that point there came a quiet, almost timid, knocking on the main door. Catching her breath and quickly composing herself, Lin settled decorously back on her knees in the water, listening to Beal open the door and greet whoever-it-was who'd come calling. She thought she recognised the voice…
Beal tapped on the bathroom door and stuck his head inside.
"Lord Shido, to visit the master. May he enter?"
Shido… Shido… Ah, yes, Lin remembered… A trip to the human plane, and her master's meeting with the charming young man, not really a demon as such, but considered on a par with the dark souls by the ungrateful humans he tried to protect… Yes, she remembered. He was quite lovely…
She glanced at her master, who nodded: she smirked up at Beal.
"As long as he has no objections to master being in the bath…"
Beal ushered the vampire into the bathroom and retired to bleed one of the servants so they could offer him hospitality, and Lin smiled up into lovely golden eyes. Noticing how Shido's gaze was drawn irresistibly to her master's body under the water.
The vampire flushed and tugged at his collar.
"Er, perhaps this isn't such a good time…"
Menthis shifted and made to stand up: Shido frantically flapped his hands.
"No, no, my lord. Please, it's not necessary for you to… rise…"
Lin almost laughed aloud as the vampire blushed: there was a distinct bulge at his goin. Hn, interesting - very interesting. She'd have to discuss this with Beal, later.
Menthis lay back again: Shido crouched down at the side of the bath, hands loosely draped between his knees, incidentally hiding his erection.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your… bath…" Lin was sure he would have liked to slide in with her master, "… but I forgot to say - an ancient demonic text has come into my possession, and I wondered if you might like to… borrow it. For your researches. It seems to be authentic." he added.
Menthis regarded his visitor sombrely.
"Do you know its age and provenance?"
"Ancient Arabic. At least a thousand years old."
Menthis raised an eyebrow.
"Not the long-lost Necronomicon?"
The vampire shook his head.
"No - something much older and, I believe, more - accurate…"
"Then I would indeed be interested."
Shido flashed a small, exultant grin.
"Then perhaps we could arrange a mutually convenient time for you to inspect the book? Should I bring it here?"
"That would perhaps be most appropriate. Speak with my major domo: he will advise you when I will be free."
Shido nodded and rose to his feet, casting one last regretful glance at the lean body laid out so temptingly under the rippling water, and bowed his farewell: Beal ushered him to the main room to check the master's diary and offer the vampire a glass of hot demon blood. Lin eyed her master curiously: Menthis was frowning slightly.
"If what Shido has said is true, this book could be of inestimable value to my work…"
Yes, thought Lin, that's all very well, but what about Shido? Beautiful, more cultured than the vast majority of demons, from a human background - it would be a good match. But the master was quite oblivious to the vampire's obvious admiration. She sighed soundlessly. Her master could be so clueless at times.
He fell silent, obviously deep in thought, and she hesitated to intrude on his cogitations. But the water was cooling, and he really should start recording everything he had observed at the reception while it was still fresh in his mind. She'd have to forego her own pleasure this once.
"My lord…?"
He glanced up at her and smiled faintly.
"Yes, it would be best for me to spend the rest of the day at my studies. My towel...?"
Lin scrambled out of the bath and grabbed for the soft absorbent square, drying her master then helping him into a warm, black, voluminous robe, tying it around his narrow waist then brushing out his hair, relishing the feel of the heavy silk through her fingers.
"Do you require anything else, my lord?"
"Not at this time."
"Very well, my lord…"
As he settled to his work, opening the small computer that went everywhere with him, she bowed and slipped out of the room. She'd know, instinctively, if he needed her - but right now she had to speak to Beal…Lin closed the door then leant back against it, grinning fit to burst.
"What?" Beal asked from the pallet. The crocodile demon was lying on his back, his broad, rough-skinned organ already rising in anticipation of his colleague's voracious libido.
"Our master has an admirer!" Lin's large, pale eyes were sparkling and she clapped her hands together happily.
"Who?"
"Shido."
"The vampire?"
"Yes!"
"Hm, he's suitable..." Beal was privy to the groom's hopes for their master.
Lin nodded, shrugging out of her clothes.
"And from what I know of him, he's discreet, and not given to that posturing our lord hates so much – " she straddled Beal's hips, impaling herself on him without ceremony.
"Not to mention damn pretty," the demon stroked a coarse palm across her mottled chest, raising the four wide mamilla lined up across the bottom of her ribs.
"Oh yes," Lin thrust herself sharply downwards, "very pretty. Wouldn't it be lovely if I could attend to them both?"
Beal chuckled, sliding his hand between their bodies to scratch at her groin.
"You'd be one very content, well-fed little demon."
"Oh... yes..." thoroughly aroused by the thought – and Beal's actions - the small female quivered and came with a gasp. Beal grinned as he waited for her to recover before pounding up into her body for a second round.
"I've arranged for him to visit the day after tomorrow: we'll see what happens. In the meantime, if you could plant the seeds in the master's mind…?"
Lin smirked.
"I'll see what I can do…"
© 2003 September 10th Joules and Lutra
© 2003 WordWrights
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