8 comments/ 15413 views/ 6 favorites Azure Planet Ch. 01 By: BatteriesNotIncluded ** This is the first chapter of the story I'm already in the middle of the second chapter, so I don't expect there to be too much lag time between submissions. I hope you enjoy and please leave comments, criticisms, and advice below. I look forward to reading them!** * It had been a long work week. Meetings, business lunches, report deadlines had swirled around Lyra Minot like a frenzied whirlwind. She ran herself ragged all week making sure she tied any and all loose ends up before leaving work. No one would have any reason to call or email her for anything. Freedom! At least for a few weeks. If anything did come up (as Lyra tended to worry about) Greg had been left with explicit instructions on how to manage everything. She knew she could trust him. This was going to be Lyra's first real vacation in nearly 8 years. She could hardly believe she'd been with Advantis Solutions that long. She had started as an intern making minimum wage just after finishing her business degree at Emory. In 8 years, she had fought, kicking and screaming, up the ranks. She ate, slept and breathed work. Now, she was a Senior Business Analyst and loved what she did. Her career was incredibly satisfying, but over the years her social life had been kept to a dull roar. She'd had little time for friends and even less time for romantic entanglements. There had been a few flings along the way. Some hot and heavy, some barely sparking, but over all her Saturday nights were spent with a pint of Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia and her DVR. Whenever the mood struck, there was a pile of overly dramatic romance novels and a good vibrator to take care of things. The street lights were glowing strong by the time Lyra pulled into her carport. She had a little less than 2 hours to pack and get to the airport. Her flight was from Atlanta to Orlando and then she was taking a taxi to Port Canaveral for a 7 day cruise. And that was just the beginning of her vacation! By this time tomorrow, she thought, I'll be sipping mimosas on the private balcony of my suite. Normally, she wouldn't have spent such an extravagant amount on a room for just herself, but she felt it was fair to splurge after all the hard work she'd done. Why not have the best? Lyra hurried into the house and into her bedroom where everything she was planning to bring with her was layed out in piles. She was the most scatterbrained, yet organized person she knew. She had to write out a list with catagories just to make sure she packed everything she would need, and admittedly, she still would forget something. Thankfully, her Visa card was her friend and she could buy anything she'd need. She pulled out her luggage and began packing everything in it. She eyeballed the lacy pile of underthings she had purchased one night after a long day and a few too many glasses of wine. In her tipsy stupor, she'd decided that she NEEDED to have a nice little collection of new bras and panties just for this trip. Who knew? Maybe she'd meet a sexy stranger who would sweep her off her feet. She wouldn't want to be caught in an 18-hour bra and Hanes Her Ways. She shook her head at the thoughts. What had she been thinking? That I need a thorough rough and tumble came her thoughts. Her pussy was seriously under-satisfied and her vibrating friend had kicked the bucket a few weeks prior. She finally gave into her drunken mental shoulder demon and stuffed them in her case right before zipping it up. If nothing else, she had options. Looking at her watch, Lyra realized she had a enough time to shower and change before she needed to leave. She stripped off her suit coat, blouse and skirt and threw them on the bed. She'd worry about dry cleaning when she got back. She padded into the bathroom and started the shower. As the steam started to rise in the room, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her dark brown hair was pulled up into a tight chignon. It was very neat looking and gave off the uber-professional vibe she tried to exude. She pulled each pin out until her wavy hair cascaded down her back. Her hair was her favorite feature. Long and soft and silky. She took great pride in the care of it. Lyra was wearing a very practical, no fuss white bra and matching cotton panties. She laughed at how innocent and young it made her look. "Virginal" popped into her mind. "Far from it!" she said laughingly to her reflection. Her eyes roamed further down, taking in her body. She wasn't a tiny girl. She had her share of curves. Her breasts were on the high end of average. She couldn't complain much there. Her waist was slim, but her hips were wider than she liked. Her stomach wasn't as flat as she'd like, but she did like its soft look. If she pressed on it, she could feel her muscles just under the surface. She had her mom's ass and thighs. They were strong and firm, definitely not made for skinny jeans. Her skin was soft and the color of porcelain, though not for lack of attempt to tan. She'd spent hundreds of dollars at the tanning beds before she realized there was just no use. Her skin was never going to stay darker. There was a light dusting of freckles over her face and arms, as well as a few across the top of her breasts. She felt attractive in her own skin, which was all that mattered to her. Lyra unclasped her bra and let her breasts pop free. The cooler air in the room caused her nipples to tighten and pucker. She ran her hands over them enjoying the tingling sensation than ran through her. Yes, it had been a while. She'd make a point to find time when she got back to reach out to a few former flings. It'd be nice to feel a man's hands on her skin and his cock between her thighs. Nothing could replace that sensation. That heavy, filling thrill that coursed through her body as a cock slid deep inside her. The feel of strong hands touching and massaging her breasts and pinching her nipples lightly. A pair of soft lips and roving tongue to occupy and satisfy her mouth. Flinging off her panties she hopped in the shower, all too aware that her thoughts were causing a slickness down below. The hot water hit Lyra's body and instantly she felt relaxed. She ran her hands down her body and over the tops of her thighs. Her right hand wandered to the slick folds of her pussy and began to explore, while her left slid up to tug on a hardened nipple. Mmmm, yes, she thought, this is just how I want to start my vacation. She tentatively slid a finger inside and swirled it around. It was warm and wet and begging to be filled. She slid a second finger in and gently began to finger herself. The walls of her opening clamped down on her fingers and her clit began to throb incessantly. She let her thumb slide up and rub over the taut bud in rhythm with her fingers sliding in and out. Her orgasm was a slow build, increasing to a crescendo. She peaked and had to lean against the wall as it broke over her. Wave after wave of pleasure washed over her as she felt herself clamp down on her fingers. A small moan hissed out past her lips. It took a minute to get her barrings afterwards. Her thighs were quivering and her heart felt like she had run a marathon. She felt the usual post orgasm euphoria as she finished up in the shower. She hurriedly got dressed in her favorite t-shirt and jeans and headed out the door to the airport. This vacation was going to be awesome! ~ Her trip did not have an auspicious start. A five car pile up had delayed Lyra getting to the airport. She missed her flight and had to change to a red eye flight. Then, her red eye had engine issues. They had to be deplaned and wait for another plane to come in its place. By the time she made it to Orlando, she had just enough time to hail a cab and get to the port. Thankfully, she was now happily strolling down the beach in Costa Maya, goggles and snorkel in hand, taking in the last of the day's warm sun. The sun was on the verge of setting and Lyra wanted to take one last dip in the water before heading back to the ship. With goggles and snorkel on, Lyra swam out to where one of the locals had said there was a coral reef. She watched the colorful fish swim and anenomes sway with the water's motion. It was sort of mesmerizing to watch them dance in the water. It was so much prettier than what you saw on TV. She swam the length of the reef and was about to turn towards the shore when she noticed what appeared to be a s mall underwater cave. A dim light glowed from inside it and her curiosity took over. She swam towards it, and as she got closer the light was getting a little brighter. She wondered if it was one of those glowing anenome creatures she'd seen on the discovery channel. She knew they thrived in dark places and the cave looked pretty dark. A small underwater current seemed to be flowing in the direction of the light. The current slowly picked up momentum as Lyra approached the cave entrance. What could that little light be? she thought. Suddenly, Lyra realized she was being pulled by the current. She tried to swim against it and head back the way she came, but it had grown in strength and speed. She wasn't a strong enough swimmer to fight it. Thoughts of being pulled into the cave and drowning began to flash through her mind. By the time any rescue workers could find me her, she'd be long gone. Still Lyra fought against it until her lungs burned from holding her breath and her muscles began to feel the fatigue from the struggle. Just before Lyra lost consciousness, she remembered the feeling of a strong pulling force and then a sudden sense that she was falling. Then her world went dark. Azure Planet Ch. 02 *** This is a total plot chapter. Fair warning. The sexy stuff will come soon enough!*** Chapter Two: The portals began opening just before light break. Jaegar, Addae, Valdon, and Garrick were on The Great Hunt together to find what had made it through. Once every five complete sun cycles the portals opened to their world. It was a fantastic, but dangerous time, for creatures not of their world could pass through the portal to them. They prayed to their gods at the onset of the hunt for blessings upon their people and safety for their tribes. Most times, the gods favored them and left incredible treasures for them to find. Plants and food from the heavens were bestowed on them. Technology and knowledge were other gifts they were given. On occasion, beasts and other cognitive creatures, like themselves, from throughout the vastness of the heavens would be sent through. . They were prepared for whatever may come their way. Good or bad. "Jaegar, it doesn't appear we are in the proper search area for the portals. Maybe your calculations were off?" his brother Addae remarked. No, he was sure this was the right area. "Just keep searching the area. I'm sure something will turn up," Jaegar ordered. Their search continued into the late morning. Garrick and Valdon searched the high areas while Jaegar and Addae searched low. They were just about to head back to the compound when Jaegar spotted a small alcove in the rock face a few strides from where he was. He saw the fading light of the portal opening. Just what they had been searching for! Jaegar's piercing whistle sliced through the air and his clan quickly fell in behind him, weapons at ready. They slowly approached the alcove, fanning out into at ready position while he entered the alcove. Jaegar's eyes slowly adjusted to the lack of light inside and they scanned the area. The light from the portal was now completely gone. At first, he saw nothing and wondered if this portal had been a dud. Would serve him right for not using the coordinates the Great Ones had given him and his warriors to seek. He was about to call out to his brothers that there was nothing here when something caught his eye. Jaegar leveled his saber in the direction he'd noticed it and slowly approached. At first he couldn't believe his eyes. There appeared to be a hand just on the other side of a large stalagmite. Jaegar's whistle pierced the air again. The clan barely fit inside the alcove as they filed in all together. All of their weapons were trained on the place where the hand rested. Jaegar peered around the stalagmite only to find a woman lying there unconscious. A strange mask with a long tube was covering her face and she was sparsely clad in a top barely covering her breasts. A strange loin cloth type bottom was wrapped around her hips. She appeared to be sleeping and didn't move when Jaegar nudge her with his foot. He would have sworn she was dead if he hadn't seen the slight rise and fall from her chest. Gently, Valdon knelt down and removed the mask and tube from the woman's face. The warriors audibly gasped at the sight before them. She was the most stunning creature any of them had ever seen. Garrick knelt and ran a finger down her face. Her skin was soft and warm. She smiled in her sleep and rubbed her cheek against his hand. He could feel his braes getting uncomfortably tight as an all consuming fire of desire blazed through him. From the looks on his brothers' faces their thoughts were in the same place. Addae picked the woman up from the ground and took outside. They needed to make it back to camp before it became to late. They all stared at the woman's unconscious form and all had a feeling this woman was going to mean a lot of trouble for the clan. ~ The first thing Lyra became aware of was the dull ache in her head. It was the same feeling she'd get the morning after she'd had one too many drinks. She couldn't remember what had happened to her, but she began to wonder if the stress had finally caught up to her and she was still home in bed, having a fitful dream. It had to have been an excruciatingly vivid dream. Bits of her memory began to piece together in focus. She was on vacation. She'd been snorkeling near the reef and had seen a glowing light. She remembered swimming towards it and then trying to swim away from it. There was a struggle and then she'd blacked out. Oh no! she thought, I'm dead. I must have drowned. Panic began to flood through her. She wasn't ready to die or to be dead if that were the case. She struggled to bring herself to consciousness. Her eyes fluttered open to the sight of a cloudless night sky. The wind was blowing softly through the trees, their branches dancing and swaying. She could see the stars twinkling happily down at her. A plume of smoke was drifting through the air from the fire blazing beside her. She heard hushed voices speaking nearby and she turned her head to see who it was. There were three large men on the other side of the fire staring intently at her. A scream bubbled up in her throat, but the sound that passed through her lips was a mere squeak. Lyra jumped to her feet, backing away from the fire. Turning to run, she barreled straight into a rock hard chest. Another squeak passed through her lips, as the stranger's strong arms wrapped around her. "Be still," Jaegar ordered, "we wish not to harm you." Lyra looked up into a pair of bewitching blue-green eyes. They were the color of the ocean after the perfect summer storm. She stood entranced for a moment before the situation at hand hit her. Some giant strange men had her alone in the woods. She didn't know where she was or how she got here. She didn't know how to get back to the ship. Lyra's fight or flight instinct kicked in and she struggled in earnest against the man. "Let me go, asshole! I refuse to end up one of those sad stories on the 10 'o clock news of the poor woman who gets kidnapped, raped, and killed while on vacation!" A line from one of her favorite movies crossed her mind "...If all else fails S.I.N.G. Solar Plexus, instep, nose, groin." She knew in the position she was in she couldn't get a shot at his gut and her head only came to his chin, so his nose was out. She could still go for the instep and groin. She raised her foot up and stomped down on her assailant's foot as hard as she could. Jaegar grunted, but his grip didn't budge. She swung her knee back, aimed at his groin and was poised to thrust it forward when her legs were swept up from behind. Another of the men must have gathered what she was about to do and thought to stop her. She continued struggling as she felt someone binding her legs, her arms soon following. Tears fell down her face as the fear set in. They set her on the ground next to the fire again and began to argue with one another. The group spoke a litany of words that sounded like a mix of Spanish, French and English. There were a few words she didn't understand at all. They were wondering what they should do with her. Well that was good. They didn't already have a plan in mind. Maybe she could convince them to let her go. "Por favor, por favor no me hagas daño. Déjame ir y te diré a nadie." she begged. She decided to try French "Je suis très riche et vous donnera beaucoup d'argent pour ma liberté." "Please, Please don't hurt me. Let me go and I'll tell no one. I am very rich and will give you lots of money for my freedom." Her pleas were met with strange looks. "As you were told before, we do not wish to hurt you," Valdon said to her. "You may speak in your own language. We can understand you." Addae admonished. She didn't believe there would be no harm. They may not want to kill her, but they would probably still rape her and then sell her into slavery. Anger began to fill her and it fueled her resolve to get out of here. She'd need to know more about her kidnappers to tell the authorities, though. She looked up at the group of men. They didn't appear to be related except for they all had the same piercing blue green eyes. and asked "Who are you? And what do you want?" "I am called Jaegar, of the Sol Warrior Tribe, of the clan Arcturus. These are my brother warriors. They are called Addae, Valdon, and Garrick." gesturing to each as he said their name. He placed a fist to the left side of his chest and bowed his head. The other men followed suit. "Right...Well, Jaegar of the Sol Warrior Tribe, where the hell am I? Why are you holding me hostage?" She glared at the warriors hoping they'd think she was more tough than she really was. They looked more curious than worried about her. "You are on Azure Planet. You came through one of the portals the gods open to our world. As for being a hostage, you are not. My brothers bound you because you were attacking me. I explained there was no need, but what's done is done." He squatted down next to her. "We can no longer chance you running from here. You could get hurt or eaten by any number of beasts. We will keep you bound until we reach the compound tomorrow and the Great Ones will then decide your fate." His tone suggested no more questions or arguments. The others nodded in agreement and began to settle down for the night. Addae picked her up from where she was and set her on a small pallet. It looked like it would be an uncomfortable night on the ground, until Lyra laid down and felt all her muscles relax. You would have thought she was laying on the most luxurious bed in the world for how comfortable it was. All of her thoughts of escaping drifted away, as exhaustion set in. She'd been through a lot in the last few...had it been hours? Or days? Or years? The questions swirled through her mind as she fell into a comfortable, though fitful, sleep. ~ The gates to the compound swung open in greeting. It was late afternoon and the warrior tribes were returning from the Great Hunt with the spoils of their searches. Food, weapons medical supplies, gadgets and gizmos of unknown technology, exotic beasts and fowl, all we brought to the center of the compound and presented by each tribe to the Great Ones. The warriors were then gifted a portion of their spoils or were paid for them. The brothers approached the Great Ones throne room with Lyra in tow. The men knelt down in front of the celestial beings inside. They were tall creatures, thin and blue. Black oval shaped eyes peered down at the group of warriors and their treasure. The Great Ones' essences exuded knowledge and authority. Fist to chest Jaegar rose to his feet and addressed the beings. "Great Ones, we have brought back a woman from the portal we sought. To you, we bring her, for the honor of the Sol Tribe and the clan of Arcturus." He knelt again as the Great Ones spoke. "Young Arcturus clan, you have honored your clan, your tribe, and your gods. Your reward awaits you. You may proceed." The Great Ones voices hissed through the air. The warriors stood, leaving the bound woman and left the room. Lyra was left kneeling before the giant blue beings, trembling with shock and fear. They were unlike anything she had ever seen before. Exactly like the aliens in all those crazy movies back home. Aliens weren't real though. They couldn't be. She really must have lost her mind. She must be in a mental ward right now. What had happened to her? "Silence your thoughts, young Lyra Minot. This is not a dream." a voice hissed. Lyra looked up at the beings in front of her. " You have passed through one of our portals into this world. The gods have seen fit to bring you to our planet for a greater purpose than that for which you were destined on your own. The people of earth were not fit to hold power and in their lust for riches and war, decimated the planet into nothingness. Of course, that won't happen for many earth years to come, but in the here and now has already occurred. Earthlings and other creatures continue to pass through our portals long after the planets are destroyed. They were placed many years in the past, in precise locations, for those who are destined to be here. " Lyra shook her head. Her planet was gone. Her family and friends dead. All lost in the blink of an eye for her. It soothed her little, that in earth time, everyone was still living their lives oblivious of what would happen. Tears formed in her eyes as the thought of never seeing home again hit her. She didn't care what they did with her now. She didn't have much hope for a future. "Why does she thinks these thoughts Brother Great One?" one of the voices remarked "Emotions of this magnitude are normal for a human female." came the reply. "Young Lyra Minot, you are to be given a choice. You may choose the clan you wish to join with. You will be a part of their family. Like a "wife" from your planet only more prized and revered. If you refuse to choose, the clans will fight for the honor to have you. Any blood shed that occurs will be on you for not choosing of your own accord. You will have two cycles of the moon to choose." What? Lyra thought. Now I have to choose to marry a family of strangers? And if I don't someone could die fighting for me? She couldn't fathom someone dying because of her, no matter how upset she was with the prospect. She'd go along with their customs for the moment. If only to avoid someone else getting hurt. "We are glad you are agreeable." a Great One approached her and touched the bindings on her arms and legs and they fell away. Rubbing her wrists Lyra checked for marks, but found none. "First you will be allowed to bathe. Then you will take nourishment. More will be explained to you then." Lyra was lead to a door opposite of where the warriors had exited and found herself in the middle of a long hallway. A short, pink creature approached her and said "Hello Mistress. My name is Quin'lyn. I am to be your personal attendant. I am most pleased to do your bidding." The creature beamed a smile up at her showing not one, but two rows of small sharp teeth. Quin'lyn grabbed her hand and lead her down the hall into what appeared to be a bathroom. She led Lyra to a small cubicle and asked her to disrobe. Lyra did as she was asked and stood in the cubicle trying to cover her naked form. Quin'lyn noticed her discomfort and pushed a button on the wall. Instantly a force field flew up the front of the cubicle shielding everything from her neck down from view. "Mistress," Quin'lyn spoke "if at any time you are uncomfortable or displeased, you have only to tell me and I will remedy it quickly. I have been an attendant for many sun cycles and have seen all forms of beings. You have no need for shyness with me." Lyra couldn't help smiling at the little creature. "Thank you, Quin'lyn" she said to the creature. Quin'lyn began tapping at the buttons on the wall. Hot, scented water began to spray Lyra from all directions. Slowly the tension began to ease from her muscles. The water felt like tiny little massagers all over her body. A cloth had been hung over the force field and she used it to scrub her entire body from head to toe. After rinsing herself off the water shut off and warm air began to blow all over, her body and hair quickly drying. A robe was hung over the force field, which she quickly donned, enjoying the soft feel of the material against her skin. Quin'lyn was back at the wall pushing buttons and the wall that had covered her from view disappeared. Lyra stepped from the showering cubicle and across the room, as Quin'lyn led her through a curtain into a dressing room of sorts. A costume was hung on a hook on the wall. "This is what you are to wear." The costume was made of a bright blue sheer fabric that draped in such a way as to show her body off, but keep some of her secrets hidden. A pair of sandals made of soft white leather and laced with a gold would protect her feet. Quin'lyn helped her dress and lead her back into the bathroom area. Someone had set up a vanity in the middle of the room and it held all the implements for Quin'lyn to help her do her hair and make-up. "I wouldn't even know where to begin with all of this." Lyra looked over the large variety of colors before her. "I usually settle for simplicity. Little eyeliner and mascara and pink gloss on my lips." Quin'lyn smiled her beaming smile. "Then that is just what we will do. If you permit I will add a touch up here or there." Lyra nodded to the woman and Quin'lyn set to work. When at last she was allowed to look into the mirror, she hardly recognized herself. Quin'lyn had kept the simplicity to her make up using soft browns for her eyes and a pretty pink for her lips. She'd also touched each of Lyra's cheeks with a dusky rose color. Lyra's face glowed and her blue eyes shown as bright as ever. Half of her hair was pinned up into a loose bun and the other hair hung down in a cascade of curls. "Your reaction shows me you are pleased with my work. I assure you it is my greatest wish to please you." Quin'lyn turned and headed towards the bathroom entrance. "I will now take you for your nourishment. Follow me please, Mistress." Lyra stopped her before she went through the door. "Please stop calling me Mistress. You can call me Lyra." A looked screwed up Quin'lyn's face. "Where I come from the term Mistress is used as a sign of respect and affection. However, if this is not to your liking, I will simply call you Miss Lyra." Lyra continued to try to convince Quin'lyn to call her just 'Lyra', but the attendant wouldn't budge. "It just isn't done." she said. Lyra acquiesced for the moment, but knew eventually she would convince the attendant otherwise. They arrived at a large empty dining room. Lyra was seated at one end of the table and Quin'lyn left to fetch her food. She sat waiting and thought on the choice she'd be making soon. She had to pick amongst a bunch if strangers she didn't know at all and choose a family. Plus, from the looks of her attire this wasn't going to be as simple as eenie meanie miney mo. The attendant returned with a bowl of fresh fruit, some she recognized, some she did not, two fresh baked roll with butter, and a shallow dish filled with a simple stew of vegetables and meat. As her eyes took in the food, her stomach began to growl and protest how long she had been staring at the tray. She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten a real meal. She'd had a tiny lunch on the island before going snorkeling, planning to have a nice dinner that night on the ship. The warriors had fed her some sort of dried meat and bread that morning before heading to the compound. It was long past time she ate. She'd know all too soon what was going to happen. With that thought, she picked up her spoon and tucked in to her meal. ~ The clan Arcturus stood in the courtyard with a number of other clans. Soon after receiving their rewards for the Great Hunt, they had been escorted here and told to await further orders. The anticipation in the air was palpable. Addae stood to Jaegar's right. Valdon and Garrick to his left. They were having a quiet conversation amongst themselves. "You know what usually happens after the hunt." Garrick's stated. Jaegar smirked "A woman would be a nice addition to our clan." "For more than one reason." Addae nudged Jaegar in the ribs. "Going to the High Plains would be a great honor." Valdon stated with excitement. Though none of them spoke of it, every warrior in that courtyard had one thing on their mind; the courtship ritual. It was a rite of passage to participate in the ritual and an honor to have a woman choose your clan to join. Having a woman in your clan was a sign that the gods found favor with your clan and tribe. The women of the planet were held in the highest regard. They were the life bringers to the planet. When a clan had attained a certain level of honor and prestige they were moved to the high plains for two moon cycles where the ritual would take place. Their entire responsibility for that time was to focus on courting the women. Once the ritual was over the women would choose a clan to join and return home with them. The clan shared the woman who chose them and collectively took care of her. If a woman refused to join a clan, the clans were permitted to fight one another for her. The winning clan could claim the woman for their family. Azure Planet Ch. 02 The sound of a horns blast caught the mens' attention. They were being summoned by the Great Ones. The clans filed into the throne room and knelt, fist to chest, once again. The Great Ones looked over the gathering for a moment before they began to speak. "Azurian Warriors, you are here because you have gained the blessing and honor of joining the courtship ritual. You will have one hour to ready yourselves for the High Plains. You will arrive there by dusk. Many blessings to you all." With that they were dismissed. The men hurried to their living quarters and readied themselves for the High Plains. ~ Lyra sat in the living quarters she had been assigned waiting nervously for someone to come get her. It was dusk by the time she had arrived at what she was told was the high plains. Quin'lyn had departed from her soon after she'd eaten and a different attendant had escorted her to a teleport zone. It had been something straight out of a science fiction space movie. She stood on a glowing circle in one place, one moment as a flush ran through her body. She closed her eyes at the sensation. As the feeling passed, she opened them to find she had traveled to a different zone. "Welcome to the high plains, Mistress." the zone operator had greeted. Another attendant met Lyra and escorted her from the teleport zone into the High Plains. It appeared to be a resort of sorts. There were pools to lounge by and gardens for as far as the eyes could see. Individual apartment style quarters were spread all around. The dwellings were grouped in twos and shared a common area. A knock sounded on her door. Quin'lyn entered carrying a tray with a drink and strange looking fruit. "Hello Miss Lyra. Are you pleased with your rooms?" She set the tray next to Lyra. "Yes, they are very nice." Lyra smiled at her. It was nice having someone at least a little familiar here. She'd been feeling very lost and lonely sitting here on her own. "You'll find a small assortment of clothing in the closet. Your food will be brought to you three times a day. If you get hungry sooner than meal, all you have to do is call for me and I will bring you whatever you wish. Enjoy your food and drink now, it will be a time before things begin." Quin'lyn encouraged Lyra to finish everything. The attendant busied herself around the room. After finishing the last sip of her drink, Lyra began feeling slightly dizzy. The colors of the room swirled before her eyes. She closed her eyes against it. There was something wrong with the food. Whether it was drugged or bad, she didn't know, but she hoped the feeling would subside soon. She weakly got up from her seat and stumbled her way to the bedroom. She made it to the bed just in time to collapse into sleep. ~ Vivid dreams began running through Lyra's mind. She was naked, walkng through a forest of trees, desperately searching for something. She ached with the all consuming craving to acquire it. She heard the steady rhythm of drums and followed the sound. Voices singing and yelling joined the cacophony. The trees opened into a clearing with a large campfire. All around the campfire groups of women danced and moved their bodies to the sound of the drums. Their hips shook and their arms waved as they sang and yelled around the fire. The urge to join them came over Lyra and knew its what she was supposed to do. There was no thinking. Just feeling. She danced and moved around the fire with the women. She yelled and chanted along. It felt freeing. She wanted to do this all night. Suddenly the drums stopped. The silence was deafening. The only sounds heard were those of the nature around them. Slowly each woman turned and aced the woods. Lyra's ache returned. This wasn't what she'd been aching for. Her need was still not met. One by one the women started tearing off into the woods. It was as if a silent call was pulling them to their destination. Soon Lyra was alone by the fire. She focused in on the urge she felt. Her body was taking on a life of its own. She turned and tore into the woods, following an invisible path, to where, she did not know. She stumbled onto another clearing where four men were bound, gagged, and blindfolded. They wore nothing more than loin clothes. It was a strange sight to behold. Without a thought Lyra began to unbind them. As each man was freed they stood fist to chest with their heads turned to the ground. When all four were standing around her, she let out a war-like cry of triumph. Four sets of blue green eyes turned up towards her. The Arcturus clan stood staring at her. Their eyes seemed to devour her, though not one made a move towards her. They wouldn't touch her. Heat spread through Lyra's body like a wildfire. This is where she was supposed to be. She controlled this situation. Desire consumed her and she let it take over. She wanted these men. All of them. Now. She noticed a tent like structure off to the side of the clearing. She stepped past the men and towards it. Instinct told her once she walked in there was no turning back. She was accepting this situation no matter what may follow. The ache was too great. And only they could ease it. Looking back at the men staring from across the clearing, she stood at the entrance of the tent. Slowly, she crossed the threshold. The die was cast.