Elaya snickered. "As a matter of fact I do."
She lead the redhead off, going by main streets but still stealing kisses, nibbles, and even a few gropes of the redhead wonderful body before they arrived at Salon Beauté Parfaite. Elaya sighed. "The name is silly, but Yancy works wonders."
She lead her lover inside to an astonishingly modern and almost stereotypically trendy and over the top salon. Women, and men, and various beings in between were having their hair, nails, skin, and faces done up in any number of ways, and even more importantly were doing the work.
Elaya paused in the small foyer, where a large spiraling crystal spike from from floor to ceiling, and runs of colored water flowed down the ringing spirals on the spike into a basin surrounding the base. Elaya kept Sera well away from it. "One of many magical protections here. Speaking of don't even try to use any magic while we are here. yancy has a strict truce between all species and peoples, and an absolute ban on all magics not approved by him. meaning only what he and his staff use. But you can trust him darling. Believe me."
She smiling reassuring her lover as an actual gorgon, the umpteenth descendant of that legendary beauty who became Medusa, stood and simply cooed about how fetching her snakelike tendrils of hair had been shaped into an admittedly gorgeous set of dread locks. She of course had her eye cover's on as she thanked the staff and paid them a small fortune for their fantastic work, then almost floated toward the two lovers, smiled at them, then out the door, humming happily to herself.
Elaya giggled and kissed Sera's cheek. "You see why people are willing to hold the peace and restrain their magics? He is the very best."
As if summoned a tall and simply devastatingly handsome elf stepped out of nowhere. Like all elves he was inhumanly tall, rather pale, and so beautiful he broke your heart just to see him. His hair was snow white and luxurious, his clothes perfectly cut silver that wreathed his slender yet impossibly powerful frame beautifully. His eyes were solid gold and his skin sky blue. He smiled upon the ladies, gave them a regal bow, then spoke in a voice that was both deeper than the rumbles of stone, yet also litled like the sweetest music.
"Lady Elaya how wonderful to see you again. And this must be the famous Seraphina. I had heard the two of you had gotten together. A fine pairing I must say."
Elaya beamed and actually curtsied, then spoke in the elf's own tongue. "My Lord Yanith Harwinkle you do me great honor. This is indeed Seraphina, Living Flame." It did no good to lie to or try to trick elves. "And may i say your establishment looks even more delightful than when I last saw it."
He nodded. "You are most kind my dear. It is growing actually. I have purchased the whole of the block and am planning to expand to the entirety of the square."
Elaya nodded in return. "No finer business in the city."
He smiled. "Ahh flattery is it?"
She giggled. "Just a bit My Lord."
"You do know me too well Lady Elaya. But you are also quite right. But even my staff needs more space. You know we are already booked solid for the next fifty seven years?"
Elaya smiled, entirely unconcerned and not at all surprised. "I am only curious why it is not longer My Lord."
"it was until i expanded both the space and quadrupled my staff. I had never realized how skilled my kind are at this work but they seem to truly enjoy it. And what works faster than an elf?"
Elaay considered the question. "Only time itself I would say My Lord... and you do tend to cheat on that as well."
He laughed nodding. "True as well. Now what is to be my dears? A full day?"
Elaya bit her lip. "Well I would love to but we also wanted to go shopping My Lord. We have a date tonight-"
He sniffed cutting her off. Elaya did not even flinch. He was an elf. Older than things that had been ancient the day of the Crush. "My dear you wound me."
"Never My Lord. You-"
"Have a full range of clothing and accessories I am sure you would both look fantastic in."
Elaya blinked. "My Lord I was not aware you had branched into clothing as well."
He studied her for a moment then smiled. "Well of course darling. Forgive me but humans have no vision. No imagination. I saw some of the rags my poor customers came in with and was simply appalled."
Elaya nodded cocking her head. "Forgive me My Lord but...would these clothes fit .....human bodies?"
He laughed, the sound ringing like the purest silver bells. "Oh of course darling....Here let me show you." He clapped and several small faeries flew up to him. He simply looked at them and they shimmered then grew. Each became full human sized men and women, all gorgeous and glowing, and each arrayed in simply breathtaking clothing. Elaya blinked again then studied them and nodded. "Truly magnificent My Lord... I...I would be honored to purchase your clothing...I especially like that black gown...could you make it purple?"
The elf snapped and the dress, a long flowing evening gown , studded with what could have been millions of diamonds, shimmered and became a royal purple. Elaya cooed at the sight and squeezed Sera's hand.
She then looked up at the elf. "You are truly an artist My Lord... Thank you."
The elf nodded at his due, then rubbed his hands together. "Now. Onto the two of you. You'll be staying together?"
Elaya smiled at Sera and nodded. "Please My Lord."
he nodded again then gestured at the faeries who rushed off to a large full length mirror which opened to reveal a hidden section of the salon, where other than two normal looking chairs, everything was larger, and twelve other elves waited smiling. "I shall attend to the pair of you myself."
Elaya shook herself. "My Lord! I would not presume to-"
He actually flicked his hand cutting her off. "No. I will hear no arguments. You are my guest and I will attend to your day of luxuriation and preparation for this lovely lady myself."
Elaya gulped, then spoke very softly. "You are most kind and gracious My lord. And you do us both a great honor. But We have no appointment. Surely My Lord must be busy with more important-"
"I am not and there is no one more important here saving myself. Come."
Elaya nodded and lead Sera into the hidden room, which closed behind them. She actually squealed and pulled Sera into a kiss. "Sera...I..." She kissed her again having no words, then bowed to the elves who beamed at them.
They came forward, offered their own bows, and Elaya started. "Oh dear. My Lords and Ladies my apologies. Seraphina allow me to introduce the twelve elven months. Carnas, Viola, Dilla, Aprim, Hawthorn, Honeyrose, Delphius, Gulus, Aster, Calendula, Theony, and Holly." Each elf's hair was made up of flowers decided for each month. Carnas carnations, Viola violets, Dilla daffodils, Aprim sweet peas, Hawthorn's hair was Lily of the valley while his skin was the brown of the flower whose name he shared. Honeyrose had a mixture of honeysuckle and roses that was so beautiful and smelled so sweet even the other elves could not keep their eyes off her. Delphius had rather shorted cropped hair made up of water lilies, Gulus had poppies and gorgeous runs of gladioli. Aster had asters and morning glories. Calendula had her namesake but also marigolds in abundance. Theony had lush locks of chrysanthemums and peony, which should have been odd, but somehow simply enhanced his handsome features. And last came Holly. Her hair was bright green with locks of hollly running down onto the floor, but with bright points of white and red in Narcissus flowers, and poinsettias festooned throughout.
As they were introduced each curtsied or bowed, then they spoke as one, a chorus of beautiful voices. "It is our honor to see you again Lady Elaya. And to meet the Phoenix, Lady Seraphina. You are safe and welcome here. We are here to serve you."
Elaya drew Sera into another kiss, then with a sigh stepped away as her clothing was whisked away, and her hair undone. The elves took no notice of her body as they lead her to a shower and thoroughly scrubbed her from head to toe three times, paying special attention to her hair, her face, her nails, and seemingly not a bit of attention to her breasts or nethers. The elves were quick and expert and gently gave Sera the same treatment. Once done both ladies were taken to the chairs, which were soft yet very comfortable, and supported them fully.
Elaya reached over and took Sera's hand and smiled as the elves stepped away from the charges and Yancy stepped out of nowhere again. "Ahhh good. First ladies you will both understand that the initial wash was to remove the ghastly odors of this city from your exquisite forms and prepare you for the true pampering only Yancy can provide." He winked at Elaya who giggled.
He gestured at them both. "As you will note we began with the wash to ensure you were entirely fresh and clean for our work. And to gain an understanding of your needs and desires. For lady Elaya you will now be required to drink two full gallons of my special nectar."
Elaya nodded unsurprised, then cooed happily as a large glass of some golden liquid rose up beside her chair. She gripped the long rather silly curly wurly straw and set to sipping happily.
Yancy then turned to Seraphina. "You my dear are a somewhat special case. I can assure you however that my process has been formulated to not only not harm but to actually heal and enhance you and your abilities. the shower used on you was actually superheated water. I would advise you use the same methods when you bath as well. As for you you will have to drink a special concoction taught to me by one of your kind long and long ago."
A glass appeared beside her chair, and though the liquid looked the same as Elaya's for the moment, a green flame blossomed them grew within burning eternally. "My own version of Greek fire. cannot be extinguished, and is guaranteed to make you feel better and to keep you properly prepared for our day's work."
He waited until Sera's had taken a large drink at the urging of the others and an encouraging squeeze from Elaya, then he went on. "Now we have an interesting treatment for you first. A full steam. Elaya will be steamed until her pores are opened. Seraphina-" he couldn't and didn't roll her name like Elaya, but he did say it with a deep respect " You will be burned."
Elaya did not flinch still sipping her drink.
Yancy nodded at an alcove and the chairs moved that way. "The flames will open up your own pores, Cleanse you of the toxins. Replenish your own flames as best we can. The chair is entirely flame proof as are the cup and straw. I want you both to not speak and just drink your drinks as the treatment works."
He rubbed his palms together happily. "I haven't worked on a Phoenix in some time. A genuine pleasure."
The alcove closed and as promised Sera was engulfed in flames. They washed even over her hand linked with Elaya's but didn't touch or affect the steam covered werewolf, who dutifully sipped at her ever filling drink. The flames were hot, brilliantly hot, but still could not match the Phoenix's own. But the flames did offer healing, and nourishment, open in a way only fire could be. They held no secrets no traps, just cleansing aid to the Phoenix.
Elaya glanced over at her lover and winked. She was already covered in sweat, and as she sat there her skin actually grew at an even faster pace, growing even darker and smooth, while her breasts retained their recent growth. The hair on her head also grew insanely fast, already twice the length it was when they had left the inn, but oddly all the hair on her body actually vanished, including over her sex. She was humming happily and still sipping her drink, entirely at her ease.
Yancy stood outside the alcove watching them closely, but so obviously uninterested in the sexual allure of their bodies he might have been watching anything at all.
After a lengthy period, only Yancy truly knew how long, the steam and flames vanished instantly, and the alcove opened as the chairs reclined into tables. The twelve descended upon them and washed them down again, now using a mixture of superheated water and jets of flame on Sera.
As this happened they also scrubbed the two women down. They used oils and lotions that released every bit of tension, stress, and fatigue from the two, and opened their pores and bodies even more. Their hands were expert, and with six elves apiece the job was thoroughly done in no time.
Elaya did speak now. "My lord I would like the full table but I am not sure if Seraphina would."
He nodded, dismissing this for the moment as once again both women were rinsed down, then Elaya was actually lifted and given a short rubdown before hanging in midair her arms splayed out as she continued to drink her nectar her eyes closed. They then began to insert acupuncture needles into her. She didn't flinch or cry out save to sigh in happiness. Her entire body was beginning to glow now, and as she enjoyed she continued to hum.
Yancy turned to Sera. "I can do the same with you is you wish, but Elaya's transformations are much more violent than yours. Our process helps her eliminate the physical buildup of them. Not sure if your body even has that problem. Still i assure you it is painless and very relaxing."
Elaya nodded at that sentiment, then her needles were removed and both women given a series of full massages. Stones, reflexology, shiatsu, and a trio of deep tissue massages while sweet scents filled their nostrils. Elaya smelled Sera and her home and could not be happier.
Once this process was completed, the chairs rose back into chairs and they were covered in blankets, then given facials. Neither woman suffered from signs of aging, but Elaya insisted they both receive them and for good reason. Yancy applied these himself and the instant results were astounding. Elaya's senses exploded, her face felt fresher and cleaner than ever before, and she was also prepared the next steps. Through it all she drained away at her nectar, still humming. She had been forced to released Sera's hand but she could still see her lover and her eyes were going wild with happiness and desire. Her arousal was an omnipresent thing now.
Once the facials were cleared, Yancy sat between the two women as they were encased in yet more oils and lotions, while he worked on their faces. He chatted about the latest rumors and gossip. Which cities had hired who, which Circles were being douches, the latest happenings at the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, and on and on and on. His information was all the very latest and he seemed very certain when he stated his opinions. While he talked he perfected their eyebrows, their lashes, and in all shaped their faces perfectly for their true beauty, though he didn't apply any touches to them yet.
He then went to work on their nails. He started with their feet, shaping them into almost harsh yet smoothly rounded edges, then he coated them with metallic shades of purple for Sera and candy apple red for Elaya. Elaya tried to argue but he would have none of it. "You will wear each other's color. I insist upon it."
She giggled and let him have his way as she smiled at Sera. "i like having some of you on me all the time." She licked her lips invitingly.
Yancy ignored them and set to work on their hands. Her too he set to almost harsh yet smooth edges. He did decry this but as he knew they would likely ruin any extensions or fake nails in hours if not seconds, he instead gave them artistic polishes. Elaya had her puple now, and Sera red, but each had the other's name drawn amongst actually little scenes painted on each nail of each hand. on the left ring finger of each was an dazzlingly detailed portrait of the other. Elaya could not stop staring at the miniature Sera on her finger, then over at the real thing. "Exceptional My Lord...as always."
He nodded at his due once again, studied them then clapped. "Very well. we are nearly done. Now we must seperate the two of you."
Elaya moaned at the idea.
"Hush. Now you are to pick your underwear, your dresses, your shoes,a nd other such things., And then you will be made up. i refuse to let either of you spoil the surprise."
Elaya sighed and leaned over and kissed her lover for a long while, gently cupping her face. "I already miss you."
She was then whisked away. Yancy stayed with Sera and smiled. "So my dear. how shall we make you even more perfect for Lady Elaya?"
He gestured and shelves opened on the walls. Shoes, underwear of every style and type, and then mannequins in the most beautiful dresses rolled out before you. "Colors I can change as you will. Choose. Then we must decide on how to make you up. Though you have little need for it."
Meanwhile Elaya had been given the same choice. First she chose
She just hoped Sera would be pleased. Then she
fell in love with these. The angle was a bit extreme but they felt and looked so good.
The elves were a bit miffed at her dress choice at first.
. it was simple yet elegant, but then she added this white cloak and even they were floored.
She decided her hair was to be left loose, but did allow them to smoke her eyes some, and to give her a light pink lipstick.
She admired herself in the mirrors, then tried, in vain, to contain herself, knowing that Sera would look magnificent.
~
Rey thanked the sorceress and quickly drained then ate three of the thirteen hearts, then nibbled at the fourth, while Esmerelda boomed her laughter and devoured three loaves at once, then thanked the sorceress with a gently pat on the shoulder that was still so hard and heavy it nearly sent Laria to her knees.
"Where you going next?"
Rey shrugged. "I wanted to take her to the Hall of Artifacts. Think it's open?"
"Oh yeah. They have six different Holy Grails on display at the moment. And what they claim is the remains of the Godkiller." She shrugged. "I wouldn't mind seeing what they have myself."
Rey turned to Laria. "Interested in seeing the fake versions of great items of power?"
~
Gerry dragged Tatia into a massive arms shop, right up to the counter, and made her show her daggers to the owner. "She needs new armor, blade extensions...the works."
The others busied themselves browsing and examining the weapons, rather amazed at the number and the skill with which they were made, while the owner nodded, barked something that might have been a name, opened the counter and also dragged Tatia into the back, followed by Gerry.
The armorer was a woman. Smaller even than Tatia, but her age was unreadable. She began taking measurements, and from somewhere a small troll appeared marking down the measurements she called out. Soon the troll had taken over and was making Tatia grip her daggers in all sorts of ways, and move as she would in battle, while Gerry lolled on a plush couch, and the armorer hammered somewhere in the tangled mess that was her back room.
~
Kai had been dragged in a similar predicament. Drea had taken him to a clothing shop, very upmarket, let the ladies ooh over him, then tossed him over to be measured and made over. There were many a pinch and an 'accidental' touch of his chest, legs, arms, butt, and even some brushes over his groin, but no one tried anything further, and Drea stayed close, assuring him all was well.
Once they had him measured out, and he had been slipped the names and addresses of more than a dozen very fine and wealthy ladies, he was presented to a number of clothing items in his size. These included suits, and while there were no jeans, it was made clear he was to start wearing shirts. The ladies assured him that concealing was much more tantalizing that revealing, and any attempts at arguing would be entirely ignored.
Drea rolled her eyes at this. "You should have some nice clothes Malakai. You are a very handsome young man. No need to hide it behind that scruffy look you like so much."
