Podcasts about Darrian

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 145:37

Es ist wieder Zeit für eine neue Folge 4th&1 Jonas, Patrick und Harold holen Euch im letzten Wochenende ab und bereiten Euch auf dieses vor. Gute Besserung an Darrian, der im Concussion Protocol ist und nicht teilnehmen kann *Timestamps*00:00 Intro03:28 Paderborner Psychospielchen Recap05:18 GFL2 Süd Zusammenfassung08:55 GFL2N Hamburg vs. Cottbus21:00 Lübeck vs. Langenfeld23:00 BIelefeld vs. Rostock 28:30 Oldenburg vs. Düsseldorf33:10 Landesliga36:00 Aurich vs. Cuxhaven Verbandsliga48:25 Buxtehude vs. Steinburg55:45 Exkurs: Sportlicher Abstieg aus der Verbandsliga? 56:45 Restgedanken Steinburg… und mal wieder ein Import 1:02:58 Bremen vs. Emden 1:18:10 Lüneburg vs. Kiel21:42:30 Huskies vs. Ravens 1:56:05 Exkurs: Oberliga 2024Regionalliga2:01:35 Hannover vs. Braunschweig2:06:21 Pre Cap Landesliga2:06:45 Grizzlies 2 vs. RRRocket2:07:40 Delmenhorst vs. Aurich Verbandsliga2:08:15 Steinburg vs. Schwarzenbek Oberliga2:09:00 Osnabrück vs. Hannover2:12:03 Göttingen vs. Bremerhaven 2:14:00 GFL2 Cottbus vs. Lübeck 2:19:40 Possible Upsets Checkt unseren Sponsor LEAGUE&LEGACY auf Instagram und auf www.leagueandlegacy.com

Equipping Night: How To Share Your Faith | Darrian Graves

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Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 69:33

4th&1 Week 7

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Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 162:42

Darrian, Harold, Jonas und Patrick sprechen über den vergangenen Spieltag und geben Euch Storylines und Einschätzungen für den Kommenden. **Neu**: Mit GFL200:00 Intro01:05 GFL2 Quick RecapLandesliga 11:32 Emhusen - Cuxhaven 18:20 Hamburg - Rendsburg 22:52 Flensburg - Ostholstein31:20 Diskussion: Import QBs in Landesliga35:00 Jugend in Schleswig Holstein vor der These dass Jugend vor Importen finanziert werden sollten54:17 Grizzlies 2 - Invaders 2Verbandsliga 57:14 Schwarzenbek - RotenburgOberliga 1:20:25 Osnabrück - Bremerhaven1:38:20 Kiel - HamburgRegionalliga1:50:40 Hamburg - Braunschweig2:05:00 Recap Ende Pre CapLandesliga: 2:06:27 Team RRRocket - Invaders 22:08:42 Wolfenbüttel Black Wolves - Hannover Grizzlies 22:11:00 Emhusen Windmills - Delmenhorst Bulldogs2:13:00 Verbandsliga - Spielausfall NF Seals Rotenburg Wolverines2:13:40 Emden Tigers - Salzgitter Steelers2:14:34 Schwarzenbek Wolves - Buxtehude Jackrabbits 2:20:23 Lohne Longhorns - Union Bremen Bulls2:23:35 Ritterhude Badgers - Hannover Stampeders2:24:05 Hamburg Ravens - Cou 22:26:28 Göttingen Generals - Osnabrück Tigers2:28:00 Elmshorn Fighting Pirates - Hannover Grizzlies GFL22:31:00 Langenfeld Longhorns - Oldenburg Knights2:32:45 Rostock Griffins - Hamburg Pioneers2:35:25 Düsseldorf Panther - Bielefeld Bulldogs

Today on HERo Talk, Darrian talks with JUNO award winning composer Vivian Fung! We talk about her career, music, and upcoming concert on May 30th for the premiere of her new work "Lamenting Earth." To learn more about Vivian, visit her website to learn more about her and her music. https://vivianfung.ca/

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4th&1 Week 3

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Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 171:57

Darrian, Jonas, Patrick und Harold fassen den Spieltag vom 4./5. Mai zusammen und geben einen Ausblick auf die Spiele am 11./12. Mai. 00:00 Intro01:37 Nordic Football6:13 Darrian wird Stadionsprecher10:38 Rumpel Football Oberliga -> Stats13:10 Landesliga - Bye Week für Wolfenbüttel13:46 Rendsburg Knights - Flensburg Sealords16:30 Diskussion - Schwaches Team- melden oder nicht? 22:55 Emhusen Windmills - Aurich East Frisian Ducks36:00 Hamburg Wild Tigers - Neumünster Demons53:37 Diskussion - Kompensation bei Spielabsagen des Gastteams? 1:07:04 Team RRRocket - Hannover Grizzlies 21:10:11 Verbandsliga: NF Seals - Schwarzenbek Wolves01:22:28 Diskussion: Importe in Landesligen01:44:53 Salzgitter Steelers - Lohne Longhorns01:52:00 Lüneburg Razorbacks - Hamburg Ravens02:02:07 Göttingen Generals - Hannover Stampeders02:09:40 Bremerhaven Seahawks - Ritterhude Badgers02:14:00 Vorschau02:14:55 Rendsburg Black Knights - Hamburg Wild Tigers02:16:32 Buxtehude Jackrabbits - Rotenburg Wolverines02:19:53 Bremen Bulls - Emden Miami Tigers02:22:30 Lüneburg Razorbacks - Hamburg Ravens02:24:45 Osnabrück Tigers - Hannover Stampeders02:28:25 Hamburg Swans - Hannover Grizzlies02:32:20 Diskussion - Quo Vadis Regionalliga ‘25Schaut auch mal bei unserem Sponsor leagueandlegacy.com vorbei, auch gerne auf Insta

Hanno Heinrich, Sebastian Müller- HC/OC,QBC Lohne Longhorns

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 104:21

Die Coaches Heinrich und Müller sind HC und OC der Lohne Longhorns. Die Longhorns sind letztes Jahr in die Verbandsliga aufgestiegen. Was ist der Grund für ihren Erfolg? Sie werden als (nicht ganz so) heimliche Favoriten in der Verbandsliga 2024 gehandelt- ist es vielleicht doch mehr Schein als Sein? Darrian, Jonas und Harold sprechen sie auch auf Importgerüchte an- die Coaches beantworten alle Fragen. Der Talk ist auch auf Facebook Video und Youtube!

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Episode 223 "Inside the Octagon" Ft. Darrian Hayes & David Bosnick

Third Coast Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2024 55:15

This episode was recorded at the Global Fitness Center in Alexandria, Louisiana. Climb into the octagon with Joe, Darrian, and David as they navigate though multiple topics. Darrain elaborates on his recent win at AKA 35 to claim the Flyweight championship belt. He gives us insight into multiple elements from training, conditioning, and to film studying. David breakdowns his title defense victory to retain the Featherweight Championship belt. The group discuss an array of topics ranging from family, personal goals, favorite cheat foods and much more.

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WHO IS YOUR ONE? | Darrian Graves

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 43:52

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Turn it Upside Down | Darrian Graves

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Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 39:28

Jasmine & the Argonaut: Part 3

SteamyStory

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2024

Paulo's SeductionIn 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.By the time Ellen and I join them, nearly all the contestants are in the dining area and are already eating at the table. Ellen and I go over to the side table where the buffet is laid out, and we select some food. Patrick looks at me as I sit down opposite him, but he doesn’t say anything. After Vincent’s revelation earlier about Patrick’s feelings towards me, I’m not certain what to say to Patrick.“Were there many contestants in the practice rooms this morning?” I ask Patrick, more to make him to talk to me than any real interest in the movements of the other contestants.“Um; No. I was alone for most of the time. Paulo joined me for a while, but a woman called him away. When he returned he looked like a cat who had fallen into a bowl of cream.”I immediately realize the importance of what Patrick is saying about Paulo, but it is Ellen who quizzes Patrick for more details. By the time he’s done, I have no doubt that Sylvie was the woman Patrick saw, and Paulo was summoned to gather information from me while I was in Effie’s room. A very slick operation, but one which may still end in my favor.When we arrived in the Argonaut complex yesterday, Patrick and I gobbled our food down in case it disappeared before our hunger was satisfied. Both of us come from poor families where meals can be irregular. Today we eat at a more leisurely pace. We would have time for a pleasant conversation if Patrick showed any inclination to talk. He simply eats in silence, although his eyes rarely leave me. After a while his gawking starts to annoy me. I’m about to say something rude when Ellen puts her hand on my arm.“Perhaps if you stopped rubbing your breasts, Patrick wouldn’t stare at them so, Jasmine,” whispers Ellen in my ear.I drop my hands in a flash and suddenly feel awkward. The tenderness hasn’t quite worn off, and I must have been trying to sooth my breasts without thinking about what I was doing. From Patrick’s reaction he must have heard Ellen’s words and I don’t know which of us is the more embarrassed.“Er; Sorry, Patrick,” I say. “Ellen and I were trying on some jewelry and one of the pieces is quite heavy. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”“Um; that’s OK. I didn’t mean to stare. That’s a nice ring, by the way.”I suddenly realize I’ve left the emerald ring on my finger. In my haste to get changed I forgot to take it off and return it to Ellen. Fortunately Ellen doesn’t seem to mind.“Yes, it’s an emerald,” I reply. “Ellen has been kind enough to let me borrow it for the television show this afternoon.”“Well you will look a very fine lady when you walk up onto the stage,” says Patrick.“Actually, I’m not going for the fine lady look. I think the warrior princess style is more appropriate for me. What do you think?”“I don’t know,” replies Patrick. “Harper said that sponsors might be put off from helping us if they think that you are.”“That will do, Patrick,” says Harper, who is sat further down the table, but listening to our conversation. “Once we have finished lunch, Jasmine and I will have our discussion about how she should handle herself during the show.”Harper’s interruption stifles any further conversation, and we finish lunch in silence. After lunch, Patrick and Ellen leave on different missions. I’m left alone with Harper.“So,” I begin. “Are you going to tell me what you told Patrick?”“No,” replies Harper. “I told Patrick what he needs to know and believe. Which isn’t necessarily the same thing that you need to know and believe. You and Patrick are very different people when it comes to handling interviews. Patrick has a natural gift that makes people instantly like him. You, on the other hand, have a knack of annoying and confusing people. I know you confuse me. You scowl at people you should please, and flash your eyelids at people you should avoid. Tell me how you think you should portray yourself this afternoon.”“I thought your role is to tell me,” I reply. “I’ve no idea. I know I hate trying to read from a script.”“Which is why I don’t think anything we rehearse here is going to help you. You are at your best when you are being spontaneous. My only advice to you is to remember that you need to attract potential employers; and you must.”Harper lists a dozen or so pieces of advice, most which I forget as soon as he has said them.“Now what?” I ask when Harper has finished his speech.“You have an hour before you need to get changed for this afternoon’s charade,” says Harper. “Why don’t you go for a walk.”Chapter 12: SabotageI return from my walk a few minutes late to find Harper, Ellen, Patrick, Vincent, and two other of my room-mates in the middle of what I can only describe as a crisis meeting. At first I think the crisis is somehow my fault.“I told you where I was going,” I say before anyone can accuse me of doing a disappearing act.“Yes, we know,” says Harper. “Ellen wanted to fetch you, but we thought we had better come up with a solution before we told you. But you’re here now anyway.”“So what’s the problem?” I ask, relieved that for once that I’m not the cause of the crisis.“It appears a maintenance man called while we were having lunch to fix a problem with your wardrobe door,” says Vincent.“But there’s nothing wrong with my wardrobe door,” I say, assuming they mean the well-worn, but still functional, cupboard I’ve been assigned to store my things.“So what happened?” I ask.“Sabotage!” says Ellen. “The maintenance man tampered with your dress for tonight.”I look at Harper for an explanation.“A chemical has been sprayed onto your dress,” says Harper. “We’re having it analyzed. It is likely an irritant or mild poison. Nothing that would be noticeable to anyone picking up your dress, but powerful enough to cause the wearer a few problems after a short while. It was lucky I was suspicious when the security staff told me about the visitor.”“Can the chemical be removed?” asks Ellen.“Probably, once we identify it. But that would take too long. We have less than an hour before Jasmine must go across to the studio.”“I’ll fetch some of my dresses,” says Ellen. “Perhaps one might fit Jasmine with only minimal alterations.”While I appreciate Ellen’s offer of help, her taste in clothes is very different from mine. I’d rather wear my own dress; the one I was wearing when I arrived here. But that would be only as a last resort. I decide to take matters into my own hands.“Ellen, thank you for your offer of help,” I say. “This is what I would like you to bring.”I give Ellen a short list of things I know she has in her room. If she thinks my request strange, she has the decency to refrain from voicing her opinion aloud. She doesn’t hesitate and goes off to her room to fetch what I requested. I turn to the other contestants in my dormitory.“Thank you all for your help, but I can manage with Harper and Ellen’s assistance from here,” I say. “You had best go and get ready yourself. Most of you are in the batches of contestants before mine, so you probably need to go soon.”The others seem relieved and nod in agreement. They have wasted precious time dealing with a problem that shouldn’t have involved them in the first place. By the time Ellen returns, my room-mates have changed their clothes and left for the studio. My dress is still on the hanger where I left it. A slight stain on the wardrobe wall around it could be residue from the chemical spray.“That stain is what alerted me to the problem,” says Harper. “We’ve checked around for other unwelcome additions. The maintenance man was only here for a few minutes, so he won’t have had time to do much. I think it is likely he was sent specifically to sabotage your dress for tonight. Once we’ve identified the chemical I’ll have the rest of your clothes and bedding checked.”“So I can’t even wear my own dress?” I say.“Not until it is checked, no. I’m sorry, we’ve let you down. I should have known to have a backup set of clothes for you. I’m new to these dirty games too.”I explain my plan to Harper, who listens carefully. He goes thoughtful for a while before going into the corridor to make a telephone call. Ellen returns laden with the items I requested just as Harper completes his call.The next half-hour is a whirlwind of activity inside the dormitory. To my surprise neither Harper nor Ellen oppose my decision to take personal responsibility for my costume tonight. Their comments are helpful and supportive as my costume takes shape. A few additions thanks to Harper’s telephone call help to perfect my outfit. By the time my make-up is applied I really feel on fire. I complete my preparations by sliding the emerald ring onto my finger. A new wave of confidence sweeps through me. I had previously complained of being a marionette in tonight’s show, dancing to other people’s tunes. No more; now I really feel in control.Ellen places a large cape over my shoulders which completely hides my costume. A deliberate ruse devised by Harper to foil the paymasters of the saboteur. If they believe I’m wearing the studio dress, then it’s unlikely they will attempt any other act against me. It also allows me the element of surprise when I finally reveal my costume.“Are you wearing those shoes?” asks Ellen, pointing to the training shoes I’ve been wearing all afternoon. Apart from the cape, it is the only part of my clothing that is visible.“Only for now,” I reply. The shoes that matched the outfit are quarantined with the dress.Harper escorts me to the studio. Ellen left a few minutes before us. They aren’t allowed backstage, so they’ll will be watching from their seats in the audience. The show has already begun. Each batch of five contestants spends about five minutes being paraded around the stage, at which point the audience vote for one of them to be interviewed. The chosen contestant is then interviewed for about five minutes, before rejoining the others on a platform at the rear of the stage.While I was changing, Ellen told me about the nature and scale of the underhand tricks that are tolerated by the Argonaut’s officials. The guiding rule is that unless a contestant shows unexplained signs of physical injury, or is unable to stand unaided, the officials won’t undertake any serious investigation into any skullduggery. Providing that unwritten rule is observed, any amount of doping and intimidation is tolerated, and no investigation will be conducted into claims of sabotage. Had the saboteur of my dress succeeded in his mission, then his paymaster would have been secretly congratulated for a masterful stroke. The poor victim is such cases is left to rue their misfortune.I join the other four contestants in the eighth batch at the studio, and we are soon escorted into a large room where the ten contestants from the preceding two batches are waiting to be called onto the stage. Most are simply standing about nervously. A few are making last minute alterations to their costume. Everything is done under the watchful eye of two of the television studio crew.On one side of the room is a large screen displaying the show being broadcast from this building. The overbearing hosts, led by Darrian, are amusing the audience with anecdotes and recollections from previous Argonauts. In between segments, a batch of five contestants are brought out and paraded around the large stage, before standing on a raised platform at the rear of the stage.I’m busy watching the screen, so I don’t notice Patrick approaching me until he is virtually on top of me.“I just wanted to wish you good luck tonight, Jasmine,” says Patrick.“You too, Patrick,” I reply.It’s the only opportunity that I get to say anything to Patrick before his group is called onto the stage. I study each contestant’s costume as they make their final preparations, focusing mainly on the women. Most of their outfits are colorful evening dresses. That means they will be hoping to impress the same employers; the ones who like to hire young women who look sweet and pretty. A couple women in their mid-twenties are a bit more daring in showing their cleavage. They may impress a different segment of the audience, although I’m sure that segment will have more than its fair share of perverts.As for me, I’ve no idea which employers I might attract. Will the audience admire my hastily designed costume, or will I be laughed at and mocked? To be honest, I don’t care. My real goal tonight is to wrong-foot my powerful rivals. My imaginary warrior princess who is guiding me tells me I’m doing the right thing.Chapter 13: A special treatI have nearly twenty minutes to wait before it is my group’s turn on stage. Since none of the contestants in the room are being very talkative, I focus on watching the show on the huge screen. It also enables me to avoid talking to Chloe, who is in the last batch of contestants. I adjust my opinion of some of the contestants as they take their turn in the spotlight.Finally my group is called onto the stage. I wait until the last minute before removing my cape, and make the final adjustments to my costume. I may not be wearing Ellen’s great-aunt Sophie’s costume exactly as she once wore it, but it is close enough for my younger and inexperienced body. Ellen said this would be the first time in thirty years that the Jewels of Desire have been worn, and I’m determined to do the costume justice. Thanks to Harper’s tasteful additions, the costume is now suitable to be worn in public. I’m not showing as much bare flesh as the original costume left displayed. While near-nudity isn’t frowned on by the upper echelons of the city, it most certainly is at home. My modified costume is decent by my home settlement’s standards, but only just.Chloe’s exclamation as I reveal my costume confirms that I will certainly attract plenty of attention tonight. What the audience won’t get to see is the hidden secret of the Jewels of Desire. The design of the costume has one obvious purpose; sexual desire. The wearer uses her costume to titillate and excite the observer. What isn’t immediately apparent to an observer is that the costume is also designed to arouse the wearer. The strangely shaped piece that fits over my cunt, rubs against my clit in a very sensual way. Of course I could adjust the piece to prevent it from arousing me, but having decided to wear the Jewels of Desire, I fully intend to do so properly, within acceptable bounds. Besides, it will help me quell my nerves during the interview, should I be selected.I remove my shoes and take a few practice walks about the room. The initial discomfort is soon replaced by a more pleasant feeling. Within moments I feel every bit the part that I look; an extremely desirable young woman. I don’t care if some of the audience think me worse than a whore. This costume transforms me and I like the rebel it makes me.“; thank you Patrick and to group seven,” says Darrian as he concludes his interview with Patrick, who has rejoined the group preceding mine on the raised platforms. “And now ladies and gentlemen I’ve just received word that we are all in for a special treat. I’m informed that the next group contains a contestant wearing a most unusual costume. Let’s show our appreciation as group eight take to the stage.”As I step out from the wings and onto the stage, the polite applause given to every contestant suddenly erupts into gasps, cheers and thunderous applause. The audience is going wild by the time I reach half way across the stage. For once the hosts are torn between savoring the sight of me and calming the audience. The effect on me is almost as powerful as the emotional trip Paulo took me on last night. If it is possible to have an orgasm while walking about on a stage, then I think I just had one.The audience loves my demonstration, unaware my movements are stimulating me as well. By the time the audience is called on to vote, I’m in a highly charged sexual state. I stand still so as not to tip my already sensitive body into another orgasm. I don’t know how many of the audience are watching me, but I feel as though hundreds of eyes are watching my every move. The idea of being watched only excites me even more. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised that my costume has earned me an on-screen interview. The other four contestants in my batch look relieved that they have avoided being picked. They will still be interviewed, but in the peace and quiet of a private room, later this evening.“Well, what a sight for sore eyes you are, Jasmine my dear,” says Darrian once the audience has calmed enough to make conversation possible. “What an exquisite costume. You have certainly excelled yourself.”“I’m glad you like it,” I reply to the compliments each of the show’s hosts have heaped on my costume. “The costume isn’t entirely original, and most pieces have a history. The larger two pieces once belonged to a famous dancer, and are known as the Jewels of Desire. The emerald ring is said to have once been the property of a warrior princess.”“Fascinating,” says Darrian, as his eyes roam every part of my body.In fairness to Darrian, he is very professional and manages to ask his questions despite the delectable eye candy within touching distance of his chair. Of course, being a good showman, he has me conclude my interview by asking me to parade my costume once more for the audience to admire. I do so with a daring I didn’t think I had in me. The rubies on my costume catch the spotlights and sparkle. At the moment I feel like I’m on fire.Half an hour later the tenth and final on-screen interview with Chloe concludes, and after a brief wrap-up by the hosts, the show ends. A thoughtful member of the studio crew has my cape and shoes waiting for me as the contestants file off the stage. All the contestants’ helpers are waiting to bustle us away before any more foul-play can occur in the confusion. Paulo makes a point of coming over to me before he is whisked away.“Well done, princess,” he says as he slips a note into my hand. “And I like the costume.”“Thanks. You didn’t do so bad yourself, professor,” I reply, keeping up our private game.Vincent keeps watch over me while the rest of our dormitory are gathered together. There are crowds everywhere and it would be easy to get waylaid. After my performance on stage, I’m just as much at risk from over-enthusiastic admirers as potential saboteurs. We make it back to the dormitory without incident. While we were at the studio, Harper has had my bed and belongings checked for any other traces of the chemical that was on my dress. It turns out the chemical was a skin irritant that would have left me scratching my way through the show. After a quick debriefing and congratulations all round, Patrick and I are left in peace. The others are given ten minutes to freshen up before being escorted downstairs for their interviews. Those of us who were interviewed on-screen have the rest of the night free. I read Paulo’s note, which is an invitation to a party starting in just over an hour.I take one last look in the mirror at myself wearing the Jewels of Desire. They are mine for tonight, and despite my exhaustion I’m reluctant to take them off. Ellen will collect them in the morning before all the contestants begin the first of a series of tests and challenges that make up the Argonaut event. I put on some light music and I gently dance to the rhythm. On impulse I adjust the pieces of my costume so the pieces play their diabolical, but wonderful, tricks to my senses. After a while I am contemplating joining Paulo’s party. My common sense battles with my slutty urges.Chapter 14: Invitation to a partyI’ve only ten minutes to change for the party if I want to make an impression on the city-born guests who will be attending. Fortunately I showered and washed my hair straight after the television show. Changing clothes isn’t going to take long. I’m tempted to wear the Jewels of Desire, but I owe it to Ellen to keep the jewels safe until I can return them in the morning. That’s not something I can guarantee at a party, particularly one organized by Paulo. I’m not sure how he has managed to organize the invitations to include several of those in tonight’s studio audience. The Argonaut event is surrounded by festivities and celebrations among Argon’s elite. I can only assume Paulo has somehow persuaded a group to attend his party. Half a dozen or more, all female, from what Harper tells me, although Harper isn’t the most reliable source of gossip.I ask Patrick if he wishes to come, but he declines. I’ve already established that he and Paulo don’t get on. I think Patrick was hoping that he and I would keep each other company tonight. If he were to come out and ask me to stay I might consider doing so, but I’m not putting up with his ‘secret admirer’ routine. Nevertheless, I feel a twinge of guilt for leaving a fellow Buchanan contestant alone tonight.Paulo’s invitation gives me enough information to plan my attire from the limited wardrobe available to me. As Paulo said at the outset, clothing is almost optional. I begin to wonder if this is going to be a party or an orgy. To be honest, I’m more than a little nervous about how I am going to cope. I want to be with Paulo, but the prospect of sharing his attentions with other women doesn’t sit comfortably with me.I present myself at the room set aside for the party guests to assemble. The guests arrive singly. The first is a young woman a year or so older than me with long blond hair. She has the superior look of someone from the Argon’s ruling elite, although her clothes are relatively plain. She makes no effort to greet me and she sits on the opposite side of the room. The second, third and fourth women are equally aloof.The people of Argon’s city center place great importance on their looks. Despite their arrogant attitude, these young women are hardly the pick of the crop. Perhaps that’s why they are here rather than at some swanky party elsewhere. I have no idea what drives these people to do what they do.A fifth woman arrives. Unlike the others she clearly doesn’t want to be here. I walk over to her.“Hi, I’m Jasmine,” I say. “Is everything alright? You don’t look happy to be here.”“Um; Hi; I’m Sheba; Bathsheba actually, but only my parents ever use my real name. And no; I don’t want to be here. But my parents said I must prostitute myself with a contestant tonight or they would marry me off to my slime ball of a third cousin.”“They told you to prostitute yourself?” I say in genuine shock.“Um; not in so many words, but that was their meaning. They know how I loathe my third cousin. He’s been trying to get his paws on me since I was twelve.”“Did your parents specify any particular contestant?” I ask.“No. Male or female. They don’t care. If I can seduce a contestant into working for my parents, I get another six months grace to find a husband. But with six of us here tonight I don’t stand much of a chance. I hear the contestant hosting this party is an arrogant peacock.”“Yes, that sounds like Paulo. Perhaps I can help you. I know one of the other contestants. He would probably appreciate some feminine company tonight.”I almost laugh out loud when she leaps at my offer. I quickly bustle her out of the room and up to the dormitory. I just hope Patrick accepts the opportunity on offer. Patrick is alone in the dormitory so I practically throw Sheba at him. What happens next is up to the two of them. That’s all the pandering I intend to do tonight.I bolt downstairs before I miss the arrival of the final guest. The other women don’t seem the slightest bit interested in Sheba’s disappearance. We don’t have long to wait before the final guest arrives. Unlike her rivals, this young woman is pretty. A natural beauty with long black hair. I wonder why she wants to take part in this tacky party tonight. She puts on the all-too-familiar superior look and sits near the other women without greeting anyone.Cassius, one of the volunteer helpers, enters a few moments later. He reads off the names of the women on his list. When he calls out Sheba’s name I tell him that Sheba withdrew. Another woman enters the room while Cassius is making the alteration to his list. She’s in her mid-twenties and dressed in a smart black leather outfit. She hands Cassius a small bag and murmurs something only he can hear.He nods and the new arrival moves over to where the other women are sitting. Although there are empty seats on my side of the room, she stands over one of the women and tells her to move. To my surprise, she and the woman next to her meekly stand up and move across the room.“The arrangements for tonight have been changed,” says Cassius. “Mansel from Bourbon commune will be hosting the party. Paulo and Chloe have each made alternative arrangements for tonight.What?!Mansel enters a few moments later and Cassius disappears with the bag the black clad woman gave him."Well, this appears to be my lucky night,” smirks Mansel.Mansel calls out the names of the five city-born women and escorts them out of the room. They seem puzzled by the change of plan, but Mansel’s pleasant banter seems to remove their immediate concerns. While Mansel acknowledges my presence, it appears I’m not invited to his party.That leaves me and the woman in black. The others have barely left the room when she stands up and moves across the room and sits next to me. I feel slightly intimidated by her domineering presence.“Hi. I’m Sarah,” she says in a pleasant voice. Not at all like the tone she used with the other women only moments before.“Hi, I’m.”“I know who you are, Jasmine. Your face has been plastered on the entertainment feed for most of the evening. Which leaves the question of what are you doing trying to gatecrash this party? Were you hoping to sabotage some of your rivals tonight? That would be very risky and not very sporting.”“There’s nothing sporting about the Argonaut,” I reply. “But sabotage isn’t my style. Paulo invited me to the party and I agreed to come. Now it looks as though he’s stood me up.”“Nonsense. Why change the host of the party? It would be far simpler to cancel your invitation. Anyway, it explains the reason for the change of plan. I admire your courage. I’m betting on you being one of the winners of the Argonaut. Take this; it may prove useful. If you emerge victorious, then contact me after the Argonaut is over. I might be able to arrange something that is mutually beneficial to both of us.”I look at the card Sarah has given me. It simply contains a picture of a black cat.“Um; Thank you. But there’s no address on the card,” I say.“Ha ha! What an innocent you are! So delightful. Any of the Argonaut officials will know how to find 'Le Chat Noir’. Just remember to ask for me by name.”I tuck Sarah’s card into my pocket and nervously look about the room. Has Paulo changed his mind about seeing me?“When you see Paulo, you must stamp your authority on him,” says Sarah. “He will feel uncertain about you after your success tonight. Don’t lose your advantage by turning into a blushing maiden.”“You have experience at handling this sort of situation then?” I ask.“Ha ha ha! Yes. You could say that. I was once an innocent young nineteen-year-old like you, but these days I’m co-owner of Le Chat Noir club. It caters for clients with rather special tastes. I’m here to meet a client now. Just watch and learn. But a word of advice; know when to keep your mouth shut about what you see.”Cassius returns with Chloe. She is wearing a thin coat over whatever she is wearing underneath. She sees me talking to Sarah and freezes. The look she gives me leaves me in no doubt that I’ll be her first target for elimination tomorrow, possibly sooner. Sarah stands and walks over to Chloe and stands a meter in front of her. Without any verbal exchange Chloe removes her coat and hands it to Cassius. I thought the clothes I am wearing are skimpy and revealing, but Chloe’s clothes border on indecent. She wearing a leather skirt that could be more accurately described as a wide belt, and a top so flimsy that one good cough would send it flying across the room. A small black cat motif is visible on both items of clothing. The clothes must have been what was inside the bag Sarah gave to Cassius.“Good evening, Chloe. I’m Sarah. You have requested my services for this evening. Do you understand and agree to tonight’s arrangements?”“Yes,” says Chloe in a subdued tone. She suddenly flinches at the steely gaze Sarah gives her. “Yes, Miss Sarah,” Chloe corrects herself in a louder voice.Sarah nods and signals Chloe to put on her coat. Sarah then escorts Chloe from the room. “I’ll return her here at two o'clock,” says Sarah to Cassius. As she leaves Sarah quickly turns to me and winks.I stand bemused at what just occurred before my eyes. I’ve no idea what sort of arrangement Sarah and Chloe have but my fertile imagination can come up with several possibilities.Chapter 15: Seduced by Paulo“Chloe will kill you if you mutter one word about what you’ve just seen to Paulo or anybody else,” says Cassius, clearly not happy about Chloe’s arrangements for tonight.“I think she wants to kill me anyway, but I’m not a blabber mouth,” I reply, heeding Sarah’s advice about knowing when to stay silent. “Whatever games she wants to play tonight are her own business as far as I’m concerned.”“Hmm. OK. That’s a good attitude.; Now I shall escort you to where Paulo is waiting.”I follow Cassius to the elevator, and we go up to one of the rooms on the top floor of the building. I can hear Mansel’s party further down the corridor.“Be gone by 2 am,” says Cassius as we enter what must have once been a teacher’s living quarters. “If Chloe discovers you here when she returns I can’t answer for your safety.”I nod in acknowledgement of his sound advice. I walk into the living room and see Paulo sat by the window. I turn to say 'thank you’ to Cassius, but he is already on his way out.“We have the place to ourselves,” says Paulo. “Chloe decided to go out again and Mansel agreed to take over hosting the party. I hope you aren’t too disappointed about missing the party.”“I’m most upset,” I lie. “I was so looking forward to a decent party and you change the arrangements without even informing me.”“I’ll do my best to make it up to you. Would you like something to drink?”I let Paulo make a close examination of my outfit. He reaches out to touch me but I grab his hand.“Not so fast, Paulo. We have a few things to sort out before we go any further.”He steps back and looks at me with a puzzled frown. This isn’t going the way he expected and I’ve got him off balance. I shall follow Sarah’s advice and show him who is in control of whom tonight.“Firstly; What is my name?” I ask, recalling that he had admitted to previously fucking young women without bothering to learn their name.“Jasmine,” he laughs. “After this evening’s broadcast I could hardly not know it.”“Good,” I reply. “Now, there is the not-so-small matter of you abandoning me at two o'clock this morning with a chain locked around my ankle. I think I deserve some serious groveling from you for that shabby trick.”“I said I’m sorry and explained it was Chloe’s doing. What more do you want me to do?”“Don’t hide behind Chloe’s skirt,” I say, mentally recalling that very little could hide behind the skirt Chloe was wearing when she left here. “You can kiss my feet. Then I might forgive you.”“Kiss your feet?! You’re joking, of course!; You’re not, are you?”I let the silence between us continue. Paulo doesn’t know what to do. He resolves the impasse by pacing about the room. I’ve won a victory of sorts. At least he isn’t throwing me out. While he is pacing about I move over to a chair and sit down. Paulo returns with a plate of nibbles and silently offers it to me.“Thank you, Paulo,” I say as though our previous conversation hadn’t occurred.I can tell that his grand seduction scene has collapsed around his ears. I just hope he doesn’t take too long making his mind up about my demand. Yesterday I would have pretended it was a joke so we could move onto what we both want to do. Tonight I feel the need to ensure Paulo sees me as an equal and not just some wench who is good for a roll in bed.Paulo sits on the couch a couple of meters away from me. He tries making small talk, but his efforts are half-hearted and our stilted conversation peters out. Then he leaps up without warning. I tense in case I need to defend myself. But he sits down on the floor near me and lifts my left foot. Off goes my shoe and he gives the top of my foot a short kiss. Then he removes my right shoe. Instead of kissing the top of my foot he nibbles my toes. The pleasant sensation makes me giggle.“So, am I forgiven for leaving you alone in the café last night?” he says.“Umm; possibly. Why don’t we move over to the couch and you can apologize some more?”Before I can stand up Paulo lifts me in his arms. He carries me to the couch and lays me length ways with my head resting on the arm of the couch. He kneels on the floor by my head and before I know what is happening we are locked in a deep kiss. This is the seduction scene he had planned before my arrival and unless I exert some control over what is happening I will become a willing slave to passion. My traitorous body yields to his skillful hands as they roam freely over the exposed parts of my body. Any minute now those hands will be exploring more intimate territory and I’m not certain I will be able to stop him. Worse still, I’m not certain I actually want to stop him.Finally he releases my mouth and begins work on my neck. The sensations I felt last night are returning in force. My body arches as his hands start working towards zones that should be out-of- bounds. At least out-of-bounds unless and until I give my permission. The sensible part of my mind makes a valiant effort to exert some control. Not control over Paulo, but control over me.“Wait, Paulo!” I gasp.Last night he would have completely ignored my request and continued with his great seduction. Last night I wouldn’t have made any effort to repeat my plea. Tonight Paulo is a little more wary of me and to my surprise he complies. Which is fortunate as I’m not certain I would have the willpower to repeat my request tonight any more than I had last night. I use the pause to reposition myself into a more comfortable position. In doing so I free my left arm which had been trapped under my body since Paulo lay me on the couch.“You are going too fast for me,” I say. “We have plenty of time tonight, or have you other plans for later on?”“My only plans for tonight involve you and only you,” he replies showing a remarkable amount of sensitivity to my needs.It’s not that I’m unwilling or uncertain about tonight. I came here knowing full well our relationship would go much further than last night. My insides quivered with desire when I realized I will have Paulo’s exclusive attention. Not once have I been in any doubt that this is where I want to be tonight. I know tomorrow Paulo and I will be enemies; No! Not enemies. Rivals. The junta and their supporters are the enemy for perpetuating the evils of serfdom.“You are going all thoughtful on me,” says Paulo when he notices my distraction.“Sorry,” I reply.This time I really am sorry for letting my mind wander. Tonight belongs to Paulo and me. My hand reaches out for his chest. Without any conscious command, my hand unfastens two buttons on his shirt and slips inside the opening. He simply allows my hand to explore. My other hand takes one of his hands and guides it towards my shoulder. Secretly I’m hoping he will take my hint and unfasten the single strap holding my top in place. But his hand moves in another direction and starts playing with my hair. His touch is divine and I respond willingly to his caress. He is far more skilled than me at this sort of play. I feel slightly embarrassed that I’m unable to give him the same degree of pleasure that he is giving me.“I’m not experienced at this sort of thing. Tell me what you would like me to do,” I whisper as he leans forward and kisses my neck again.“Anything? You would do anything?” he whispers.“Yes. Within reason,” I reply. The sensible part of my mind is still with me, even if the rest of me wishes it wasn’t.“Can you dance?” he asks.Of all the things I thought he would ask of me, dancing never entered into my head. I haven’t danced in years. My mother taught me to dance when I was little. But twelve hour working days leave very little room for dancing.“I haven’t danced in years, but I think I can remember how. Is that what you want me to do? Dance with you?”“Yes. I’ll put on some music and we shall dance.”To be continued in part 4, by Rachael Jane for Literotica.

Jasmine & the Argonaut: Part 3

Steamy Stories Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2024

Paulo's SeductionIn 4 parts, by RachaelJane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.By the time Ellen and I join them, nearly all the contestants are in the dining area and are already eating at the table. Ellen and I go over to the side table where the buffet is laid out, and we select some food. Patrick looks at me as I sit down opposite him, but he doesn’t say anything. After Vincent’s revelation earlier about Patrick’s feelings towards me, I’m not certain what to say to Patrick.“Were there many contestants in the practice rooms this morning?” I ask Patrick, more to make him to talk to me than any real interest in the movements of the other contestants.“Um; No. I was alone for most of the time. Paulo joined me for a while, but a woman called him away. When he returned he looked like a cat who had fallen into a bowl of cream.”I immediately realize the importance of what Patrick is saying about Paulo, but it is Ellen who quizzes Patrick for more details. By the time he’s done, I have no doubt that Sylvie was the woman Patrick saw, and Paulo was summoned to gather information from me while I was in Effie’s room. A very slick operation, but one which may still end in my favor.When we arrived in the Argonaut complex yesterday, Patrick and I gobbled our food down in case it disappeared before our hunger was satisfied. Both of us come from poor families where meals can be irregular. Today we eat at a more leisurely pace. We would have time for a pleasant conversation if Patrick showed any inclination to talk. He simply eats in silence, although his eyes rarely leave me. After a while his gawking starts to annoy me. I’m about to say something rude when Ellen puts her hand on my arm.“Perhaps if you stopped rubbing your breasts, Patrick wouldn’t stare at them so, Jasmine,” whispers Ellen in my ear.I drop my hands in a flash and suddenly feel awkward. The tenderness hasn’t quite worn off, and I must have been trying to sooth my breasts without thinking about what I was doing. From Patrick’s reaction he must have heard Ellen’s words and I don’t know which of us is the more embarrassed.“Er; Sorry, Patrick,” I say. “Ellen and I were trying on some jewelry and one of the pieces is quite heavy. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”“Um; that’s OK. I didn’t mean to stare. That’s a nice ring, by the way.”I suddenly realize I’ve left the emerald ring on my finger. In my haste to get changed I forgot to take it off and return it to Ellen. Fortunately Ellen doesn’t seem to mind.“Yes, it’s an emerald,” I reply. “Ellen has been kind enough to let me borrow it for the television show this afternoon.”“Well you will look a very fine lady when you walk up onto the stage,” says Patrick.“Actually, I’m not going for the fine lady look. I think the warrior princess style is more appropriate for me. What do you think?”“I don’t know,” replies Patrick. “Harper said that sponsors might be put off from helping us if they think that you are.”“That will do, Patrick,” says Harper, who is sat further down the table, but listening to our conversation. “Once we have finished lunch, Jasmine and I will have our discussion about how she should handle herself during the show.”Harper’s interruption stifles any further conversation, and we finish lunch in silence. After lunch, Patrick and Ellen leave on different missions. I’m left alone with Harper.“So,” I begin. “Are you going to tell me what you told Patrick?”“No,” replies Harper. “I told Patrick what he needs to know and believe. Which isn’t necessarily the same thing that you need to know and believe. You and Patrick are very different people when it comes to handling interviews. Patrick has a natural gift that makes people instantly like him. You, on the other hand, have a knack of annoying and confusing people. I know you confuse me. You scowl at people you should please, and flash your eyelids at people you should avoid. Tell me how you think you should portray yourself this afternoon.”“I thought your role is to tell me,” I reply. “I’ve no idea. I know I hate trying to read from a script.”“Which is why I don’t think anything we rehearse here is going to help you. You are at your best when you are being spontaneous. My only advice to you is to remember that you need to attract potential employers; and you must.”Harper lists a dozen or so pieces of advice, most which I forget as soon as he has said them.“Now what?” I ask when Harper has finished his speech.“You have an hour before you need to get changed for this afternoon’s charade,” says Harper. “Why don’t you go for a walk.”Chapter 12: SabotageI return from my walk a few minutes late to find Harper, Ellen, Patrick, Vincent, and two other of my room-mates in the middle of what I can only describe as a crisis meeting. At first I think the crisis is somehow my fault.“I told you where I was going,” I say before anyone can accuse me of doing a disappearing act.“Yes, we know,” says Harper. “Ellen wanted to fetch you, but we thought we had better come up with a solution before we told you. But you’re here now anyway.”“So what’s the problem?” I ask, relieved that for once that I’m not the cause of the crisis.“It appears a maintenance man called while we were having lunch to fix a problem with your wardrobe door,” says Vincent.“But there’s nothing wrong with my wardrobe door,” I say, assuming they mean the well-worn, but still functional, cupboard I’ve been assigned to store my things.“So what happened?” I ask.“Sabotage!” says Ellen. “The maintenance man tampered with your dress for tonight.”I look at Harper for an explanation.“A chemical has been sprayed onto your dress,” says Harper. “We’re having it analyzed. It is likely an irritant or mild poison. Nothing that would be noticeable to anyone picking up your dress, but powerful enough to cause the wearer a few problems after a short while. It was lucky I was suspicious when the security staff told me about the visitor.”“Can the chemical be removed?” asks Ellen.“Probably, once we identify it. But that would take too long. We have less than an hour before Jasmine must go across to the studio.”“I’ll fetch some of my dresses,” says Ellen. “Perhaps one might fit Jasmine with only minimal alterations.”While I appreciate Ellen’s offer of help, her taste in clothes is very different from mine. I’d rather wear my own dress; the one I was wearing when I arrived here. But that would be only as a last resort. I decide to take matters into my own hands.“Ellen, thank you for your offer of help,” I say. “This is what I would like you to bring.”I give Ellen a short list of things I know she has in her room. If she thinks my request strange, she has the decency to refrain from voicing her opinion aloud. She doesn’t hesitate and goes off to her room to fetch what I requested. I turn to the other contestants in my dormitory.“Thank you all for your help, but I can manage with Harper and Ellen’s assistance from here,” I say. “You had best go and get ready yourself. Most of you are in the batches of contestants before mine, so you probably need to go soon.”The others seem relieved and nod in agreement. They have wasted precious time dealing with a problem that shouldn’t have involved them in the first place. By the time Ellen returns, my room-mates have changed their clothes and left for the studio. My dress is still on the hanger where I left it. A slight stain on the wardrobe wall around it could be residue from the chemical spray.“That stain is what alerted me to the problem,” says Harper. “We’ve checked around for other unwelcome additions. The maintenance man was only here for a few minutes, so he won’t have had time to do much. I think it is likely he was sent specifically to sabotage your dress for tonight. Once we’ve identified the chemical I’ll have the rest of your clothes and bedding checked.”“So I can’t even wear my own dress?” I say.“Not until it is checked, no. I’m sorry, we’ve let you down. I should have known to have a backup set of clothes for you. I’m new to these dirty games too.”I explain my plan to Harper, who listens carefully. He goes thoughtful for a while before going into the corridor to make a telephone call. Ellen returns laden with the items I requested just as Harper completes his call.The next half-hour is a whirlwind of activity inside the dormitory. To my surprise neither Harper nor Ellen oppose my decision to take personal responsibility for my costume tonight. Their comments are helpful and supportive as my costume takes shape. A few additions thanks to Harper’s telephone call help to perfect my outfit. By the time my make-up is applied I really feel on fire. I complete my preparations by sliding the emerald ring onto my finger. A new wave of confidence sweeps through me. I had previously complained of being a marionette in tonight’s show, dancing to other people’s tunes. No more; now I really feel in control.Ellen places a large cape over my shoulders which completely hides my costume. A deliberate ruse devised by Harper to foil the paymasters of the saboteur. If they believe I’m wearing the studio dress, then it’s unlikely they will attempt any other act against me. It also allows me the element of surprise when I finally reveal my costume.“Are you wearing those shoes?” asks Ellen, pointing to the training shoes I’ve been wearing all afternoon. Apart from the cape, it is the only part of my clothing that is visible.“Only for now,” I reply. The shoes that matched the outfit are quarantined with the dress.Harper escorts me to the studio. Ellen left a few minutes before us. They aren’t allowed backstage, so they’ll will be watching from their seats in the audience. The show has already begun. Each batch of five contestants spends about five minutes being paraded around the stage, at which point the audience vote for one of them to be interviewed. The chosen contestant is then interviewed for about five minutes, before rejoining the others on a platform at the rear of the stage.While I was changing, Ellen told me about the nature and scale of the underhand tricks that are tolerated by the Argonaut’s officials. The guiding rule is that unless a contestant shows unexplained signs of physical injury, or is unable to stand unaided, the officials won’t undertake any serious investigation into any skullduggery. Providing that unwritten rule is observed, any amount of doping and intimidation is tolerated, and no investigation will be conducted into claims of sabotage. Had the saboteur of my dress succeeded in his mission, then his paymaster would have been secretly congratulated for a masterful stroke. The poor victim is such cases is left to rue their misfortune.I join the other four contestants in the eighth batch at the studio, and we are soon escorted into a large room where the ten contestants from the preceding two batches are waiting to be called onto the stage. Most are simply standing about nervously. A few are making last minute alterations to their costume. Everything is done under the watchful eye of two of the television studio crew.On one side of the room is a large screen displaying the show being broadcast from this building. The overbearing hosts, led by Darrian, are amusing the audience with anecdotes and recollections from previous Argonauts. In between segments, a batch of five contestants are brought out and paraded around the large stage, before standing on a raised platform at the rear of the stage.I’m busy watching the screen, so I don’t notice Patrick approaching me until he is virtually on top of me.“I just wanted to wish you good luck tonight, Jasmine,” says Patrick.“You too, Patrick,” I reply.It’s the only opportunity that I get to say anything to Patrick before his group is called onto the stage. I study each contestant’s costume as they make their final preparations, focusing mainly on the women. Most of their outfits are colorful evening dresses. That means they will be hoping to impress the same employers; the ones who like to hire young women who look sweet and pretty. A couple women in their mid-twenties are a bit more daring in showing their cleavage. They may impress a different segment of the audience, although I’m sure that segment will have more than its fair share of perverts.As for me, I’ve no idea which employers I might attract. Will the audience admire my hastily designed costume, or will I be laughed at and mocked? To be honest, I don’t care. My real goal tonight is to wrong-foot my powerful rivals. My imaginary warrior princess who is guiding me tells me I’m doing the right thing.Chapter 13: A special treatI have nearly twenty minutes to wait before it is my group’s turn on stage. Since none of the contestants in the room are being very talkative, I focus on watching the show on the huge screen. It also enables me to avoid talking to Chloe, who is in the last batch of contestants. I adjust my opinion of some of the contestants as they take their turn in the spotlight.Finally my group is called onto the stage. I wait until the last minute before removing my cape, and make the final adjustments to my costume. I may not be wearing Ellen’s great-aunt Sophie’s costume exactly as she once wore it, but it is close enough for my younger and inexperienced body. Ellen said this would be the first time in thirty years that the Jewels of Desire have been worn, and I’m determined to do the costume justice. Thanks to Harper’s tasteful additions, the costume is now suitable to be worn in public. I’m not showing as much bare flesh as the original costume left displayed. While near-nudity isn’t frowned on by the upper echelons of the city, it most certainly is at home. My modified costume is decent by my home settlement’s standards, but only just.Chloe’s exclamation as I reveal my costume confirms that I will certainly attract plenty of attention tonight. What the audience won’t get to see is the hidden secret of the Jewels of Desire. The design of the costume has one obvious purpose; sexual desire. The wearer uses her costume to titillate and excite the observer. What isn’t immediately apparent to an observer is that the costume is also designed to arouse the wearer. The strangely shaped piece that fits over my cunt, rubs against my clit in a very sensual way. Of course I could adjust the piece to prevent it from arousing me, but having decided to wear the Jewels of Desire, I fully intend to do so properly, within acceptable bounds. Besides, it will help me quell my nerves during the interview, should I be selected.I remove my shoes and take a few practice walks about the room. The initial discomfort is soon replaced by a more pleasant feeling. Within moments I feel every bit the part that I look; an extremely desirable young woman. I don’t care if some of the audience think me worse than a whore. This costume transforms me and I like the rebel it makes me.“; thank you Patrick and to group seven,” says Darrian as he concludes his interview with Patrick, who has rejoined the group preceding mine on the raised platforms. “And now ladies and gentlemen I’ve just received word that we are all in for a special treat. I’m informed that the next group contains a contestant wearing a most unusual costume. Let’s show our appreciation as group eight take to the stage.”As I step out from the wings and onto the stage, the polite applause given to every contestant suddenly erupts into gasps, cheers and thunderous applause. The audience is going wild by the time I reach half way across the stage. For once the hosts are torn between savoring the sight of me and calming the audience. The effect on me is almost as powerful as the emotional trip Paulo took me on last night. If it is possible to have an orgasm while walking about on a stage, then I think I just had one.The audience loves my demonstration, unaware my movements are stimulating me as well. By the time the audience is called on to vote, I’m in a highly charged sexual state. I stand still so as not to tip my already sensitive body into another orgasm. I don’t know how many of the audience are watching me, but I feel as though hundreds of eyes are watching my every move. The idea of being watched only excites me even more. Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised that my costume has earned me an on-screen interview. The other four contestants in my batch look relieved that they have avoided being picked. They will still be interviewed, but in the peace and quiet of a private room, later this evening.“Well, what a sight for sore eyes you are, Jasmine my dear,” says Darrian once the audience has calmed enough to make conversation possible. “What an exquisite costume. You have certainly excelled yourself.”“I’m glad you like it,” I reply to the compliments each of the show’s hosts have heaped on my costume. “The costume isn’t entirely original, and most pieces have a history. The larger two pieces once belonged to a famous dancer, and are known as the Jewels of Desire. The emerald ring is said to have once been the property of a warrior princess.”“Fascinating,” says Darrian, as his eyes roam every part of my body.In fairness to Darrian, he is very professional and manages to ask his questions despite the delectable eye candy within touching distance of his chair. Of course, being a good showman, he has me conclude my interview by asking me to parade my costume once more for the audience to admire. I do so with a daring I didn’t think I had in me. The rubies on my costume catch the spotlights and sparkle. At the moment I feel like I’m on fire.Half an hour later the tenth and final on-screen interview with Chloe concludes, and after a brief wrap-up by the hosts, the show ends. A thoughtful member of the studio crew has my cape and shoes waiting for me as the contestants file off the stage. All the contestants’ helpers are waiting to bustle us away before any more foul-play can occur in the confusion. Paulo makes a point of coming over to me before he is whisked away.“Well done, princess,” he says as he slips a note into my hand. “And I like the costume.”“Thanks. You didn’t do so bad yourself, professor,” I reply, keeping up our private game.Vincent keeps watch over me while the rest of our dormitory are gathered together. There are crowds everywhere and it would be easy to get waylaid. After my performance on stage, I’m just as much at risk from over-enthusiastic admirers as potential saboteurs. We make it back to the dormitory without incident. While we were at the studio, Harper has had my bed and belongings checked for any other traces of the chemical that was on my dress. It turns out the chemical was a skin irritant that would have left me scratching my way through the show. After a quick debriefing and congratulations all round, Patrick and I are left in peace. The others are given ten minutes to freshen up before being escorted downstairs for their interviews. Those of us who were interviewed on-screen have the rest of the night free. I read Paulo’s note, which is an invitation to a party starting in just over an hour.I take one last look in the mirror at myself wearing the Jewels of Desire. They are mine for tonight, and despite my exhaustion I’m reluctant to take them off. Ellen will collect them in the morning before all the contestants begin the first of a series of tests and challenges that make up the Argonaut event. I put on some light music and I gently dance to the rhythm. On impulse I adjust the pieces of my costume so the pieces play their diabolical, but wonderful, tricks to my senses. After a while I am contemplating joining Paulo’s party. My common sense battles with my slutty urges.Chapter 14: Invitation to a partyI’ve only ten minutes to change for the party if I want to make an impression on the city-born guests who will be attending. Fortunately I showered and washed my hair straight after the television show. Changing clothes isn’t going to take long. I’m tempted to wear the Jewels of Desire, but I owe it to Ellen to keep the jewels safe until I can return them in the morning. That’s not something I can guarantee at a party, particularly one organized by Paulo. I’m not sure how he has managed to organize the invitations to include several of those in tonight’s studio audience. The Argonaut event is surrounded by festivities and celebrations among Argon’s elite. I can only assume Paulo has somehow persuaded a group to attend his party. Half a dozen or more, all female, from what Harper tells me, although Harper isn’t the most reliable source of gossip.I ask Patrick if he wishes to come, but he declines. I’ve already established that he and Paulo don’t get on. I think Patrick was hoping that he and I would keep each other company tonight. If he were to come out and ask me to stay I might consider doing so, but I’m not putting up with his ‘secret admirer’ routine. Nevertheless, I feel a twinge of guilt for leaving a fellow Buchanan contestant alone tonight.Paulo’s invitation gives me enough information to plan my attire from the limited wardrobe available to me. As Paulo said at the outset, clothing is almost optional. I begin to wonder if this is going to be a party or an orgy. To be honest, I’m more than a little nervous about how I am going to cope. I want to be with Paulo, but the prospect of sharing his attentions with other women doesn’t sit comfortably with me.I present myself at the room set aside for the party guests to assemble. The guests arrive singly. The first is a young woman a year or so older than me with long blond hair. She has the superior look of someone from the Argon’s ruling elite, although her clothes are relatively plain. She makes no effort to greet me and she sits on the opposite side of the room. The second, third and fourth women are equally aloof.The people of Argon’s city center place great importance on their looks. Despite their arrogant attitude, these young women are hardly the pick of the crop. Perhaps that’s why they are here rather than at some swanky party elsewhere. I have no idea what drives these people to do what they do.A fifth woman arrives. Unlike the others she clearly doesn’t want to be here. I walk over to her.“Hi, I’m Jasmine,” I say. “Is everything alright? You don’t look happy to be here.”“Um; Hi; I’m Sheba; Bathsheba actually, but only my parents ever use my real name. And no; I don’t want to be here. But my parents said I must prostitute myself with a contestant tonight or they would marry me off to my slime ball of a third cousin.”“They told you to prostitute yourself?” I say in genuine shock.“Um; not in so many words, but that was their meaning. They know how I loathe my third cousin. He’s been trying to get his paws on me since I was twelve.”“Did your parents specify any particular contestant?” I ask.“No. Male or female. They don’t care. If I can seduce a contestant into working for my parents, I get another six months grace to find a husband. But with six of us here tonight I don’t stand much of a chance. I hear the contestant hosting this party is an arrogant peacock.”“Yes, that sounds like Paulo. Perhaps I can help you. I know one of the other contestants. He would probably appreciate some feminine company tonight.”I almost laugh out loud when she leaps at my offer. I quickly bustle her out of the room and up to the dormitory. I just hope Patrick accepts the opportunity on offer. Patrick is alone in the dormitory so I practically throw Sheba at him. What happens next is up to the two of them. That’s all the pandering I intend to do tonight.I bolt downstairs before I miss the arrival of the final guest. The other women don’t seem the slightest bit interested in Sheba’s disappearance. We don’t have long to wait before the final guest arrives. Unlike her rivals, this young woman is pretty. A natural beauty with long black hair. I wonder why she wants to take part in this tacky party tonight. She puts on the all-too-familiar superior look and sits near the other women without greeting anyone.Cassius, one of the volunteer helpers, enters a few moments later. He reads off the names of the women on his list. When he calls out Sheba’s name I tell him that Sheba withdrew. Another woman enters the room while Cassius is making the alteration to his list. She’s in her mid-twenties and dressed in a smart black leather outfit. She hands Cassius a small bag and murmurs something only he can hear.He nods and the new arrival moves over to where the other women are sitting. Although there are empty seats on my side of the room, she stands over one of the women and tells her to move. To my surprise, she and the woman next to her meekly stand up and move across the room.“The arrangements for tonight have been changed,” says Cassius. “Mansel from Bourbon commune will be hosting the party. Paulo and Chloe have each made alternative arrangements for tonight.What?!Mansel enters a few moments later and Cassius disappears with the bag the black clad woman gave him."Well, this appears to be my lucky night,” smirks Mansel.Mansel calls out the names of the five city-born women and escorts them out of the room. They seem puzzled by the change of plan, but Mansel’s pleasant banter seems to remove their immediate concerns. While Mansel acknowledges my presence, it appears I’m not invited to his party.That leaves me and the woman in black. The others have barely left the room when she stands up and moves across the room and sits next to me. I feel slightly intimidated by her domineering presence.“Hi. I’m Sarah,” she says in a pleasant voice. Not at all like the tone she used with the other women only moments before.“Hi, I’m.”“I know who you are, Jasmine. Your face has been plastered on the entertainment feed for most of the evening. Which leaves the question of what are you doing trying to gatecrash this party? Were you hoping to sabotage some of your rivals tonight? That would be very risky and not very sporting.”“There’s nothing sporting about the Argonaut,” I reply. “But sabotage isn’t my style. Paulo invited me to the party and I agreed to come. Now it looks as though he’s stood me up.”“Nonsense. Why change the host of the party? It would be far simpler to cancel your invitation. Anyway, it explains the reason for the change of plan. I admire your courage. I’m betting on you being one of the winners of the Argonaut. Take this; it may prove useful. If you emerge victorious, then contact me after the Argonaut is over. I might be able to arrange something that is mutually beneficial to both of us.”I look at the card Sarah has given me. It simply contains a picture of a black cat.“Um; Thank you. But there’s no address on the card,” I say.“Ha ha! What an innocent you are! So delightful. Any of the Argonaut officials will know how to find 'Le Chat Noir’. Just remember to ask for me by name.”I tuck Sarah’s card into my pocket and nervously look about the room. Has Paulo changed his mind about seeing me?“When you see Paulo, you must stamp your authority on him,” says Sarah. “He will feel uncertain about you after your success tonight. Don’t lose your advantage by turning into a blushing maiden.”“You have experience at handling this sort of situation then?” I ask.“Ha ha ha! Yes. You could say that. I was once an innocent young nineteen-year-old like you, but these days I’m co-owner of Le Chat Noir club. It caters for clients with rather special tastes. I’m here to meet a client now. Just watch and learn. But a word of advice; know when to keep your mouth shut about what you see.”Cassius returns with Chloe. She is wearing a thin coat over whatever she is wearing underneath. She sees me talking to Sarah and freezes. The look she gives me leaves me in no doubt that I’ll be her first target for elimination tomorrow, possibly sooner. Sarah stands and walks over to Chloe and stands a meter in front of her. Without any verbal exchange Chloe removes her coat and hands it to Cassius. I thought the clothes I am wearing are skimpy and revealing, but Chloe’s clothes border on indecent. She wearing a leather skirt that could be more accurately described as a wide belt, and a top so flimsy that one good cough would send it flying across the room. A small black cat motif is visible on both items of clothing. The clothes must have been what was inside the bag Sarah gave to Cassius.“Good evening, Chloe. I’m Sarah. You have requested my services for this evening. Do you understand and agree to tonight’s arrangements?”“Yes,” says Chloe in a subdued tone. She suddenly flinches at the steely gaze Sarah gives her. “Yes, Miss Sarah,” Chloe corrects herself in a louder voice.Sarah nods and signals Chloe to put on her coat. Sarah then escorts Chloe from the room. “I’ll return her here at two o'clock,” says Sarah to Cassius. As she leaves Sarah quickly turns to me and winks.I stand bemused at what just occurred before my eyes. I’ve no idea what sort of arrangement Sarah and Chloe have but my fertile imagination can come up with several possibilities.Chapter 15: Seduced by Paulo“Chloe will kill you if you mutter one word about what you’ve just seen to Paulo or anybody else,” says Cassius, clearly not happy about Chloe’s arrangements for tonight.“I think she wants to kill me anyway, but I’m not a blabber mouth,” I reply, heeding Sarah’s advice about knowing when to stay silent. “Whatever games she wants to play tonight are her own business as far as I’m concerned.”“Hmm. OK. That’s a good attitude.; Now I shall escort you to where Paulo is waiting.”I follow Cassius to the elevator, and we go up to one of the rooms on the top floor of the building. I can hear Mansel’s party further down the corridor.“Be gone by 2 am,” says Cassius as we enter what must have once been a teacher’s living quarters. “If Chloe discovers you here when she returns I can’t answer for your safety.”I nod in acknowledgement of his sound advice. I walk into the living room and see Paulo sat by the window. I turn to say 'thank you’ to Cassius, but he is already on his way out.“We have the place to ourselves,” says Paulo. “Chloe decided to go out again and Mansel agreed to take over hosting the party. I hope you aren’t too disappointed about missing the party.”“I’m most upset,” I lie. “I was so looking forward to a decent party and you change the arrangements without even informing me.”“I’ll do my best to make it up to you. Would you like something to drink?”I let Paulo make a close examination of my outfit. He reaches out to touch me but I grab his hand.“Not so fast, Paulo. We have a few things to sort out before we go any further.”He steps back and looks at me with a puzzled frown. This isn’t going the way he expected and I’ve got him off balance. I shall follow Sarah’s advice and show him who is in control of whom tonight.“Firstly; What is my name?” I ask, recalling that he had admitted to previously fucking young women without bothering to learn their name.“Jasmine,” he laughs. “After this evening’s broadcast I could hardly not know it.”“Good,” I reply. “Now, there is the not-so-small matter of you abandoning me at two o'clock this morning with a chain locked around my ankle. I think I deserve some serious groveling from you for that shabby trick.”“I said I’m sorry and explained it was Chloe’s doing. What more do you want me to do?”“Don’t hide behind Chloe’s skirt,” I say, mentally recalling that very little could hide behind the skirt Chloe was wearing when she left here. “You can kiss my feet. Then I might forgive you.”“Kiss your feet?! You’re joking, of course!; You’re not, are you?”I let the silence between us continue. Paulo doesn’t know what to do. He resolves the impasse by pacing about the room. I’ve won a victory of sorts. At least he isn’t throwing me out. While he is pacing about I move over to a chair and sit down. Paulo returns with a plate of nibbles and silently offers it to me.“Thank you, Paulo,” I say as though our previous conversation hadn’t occurred.I can tell that his grand seduction scene has collapsed around his ears. I just hope he doesn’t take too long making his mind up about my demand. Yesterday I would have pretended it was a joke so we could move onto what we both want to do. Tonight I feel the need to ensure Paulo sees me as an equal and not just some wench who is good for a roll in bed.Paulo sits on the couch a couple of meters away from me. He tries making small talk, but his efforts are half-hearted and our stilted conversation peters out. Then he leaps up without warning. I tense in case I need to defend myself. But he sits down on the floor near me and lifts my left foot. Off goes my shoe and he gives the top of my foot a short kiss. Then he removes my right shoe. Instead of kissing the top of my foot he nibbles my toes. The pleasant sensation makes me giggle.“So, am I forgiven for leaving you alone in the café last night?” he says.“Umm; possibly. Why don’t we move over to the couch and you can apologize some more?”Before I can stand up Paulo lifts me in his arms. He carries me to the couch and lays me length ways with my head resting on the arm of the couch. He kneels on the floor by my head and before I know what is happening we are locked in a deep kiss. This is the seduction scene he had planned before my arrival and unless I exert some control over what is happening I will become a willing slave to passion. My traitorous body yields to his skillful hands as they roam freely over the exposed parts of my body. Any minute now those hands will be exploring more intimate territory and I’m not certain I will be able to stop him. Worse still, I’m not certain I actually want to stop him.Finally he releases my mouth and begins work on my neck. The sensations I felt last night are returning in force. My body arches as his hands start working towards zones that should be out-of- bounds. At least out-of-bounds unless and until I give my permission. The sensible part of my mind makes a valiant effort to exert some control. Not control over Paulo, but control over me.“Wait, Paulo!” I gasp.Last night he would have completely ignored my request and continued with his great seduction. Last night I wouldn’t have made any effort to repeat my plea. Tonight Paulo is a little more wary of me and to my surprise he complies. Which is fortunate as I’m not certain I would have the willpower to repeat my request tonight any more than I had last night. I use the pause to reposition myself into a more comfortable position. In doing so I free my left arm which had been trapped under my body since Paulo lay me on the couch.“You are going too fast for me,” I say. “We have plenty of time tonight, or have you other plans for later on?”“My only plans for tonight involve you and only you,” he replies showing a remarkable amount of sensitivity to my needs.It’s not that I’m unwilling or uncertain about tonight. I came here knowing full well our relationship would go much further than last night. My insides quivered with desire when I realized I will have Paulo’s exclusive attention. Not once have I been in any doubt that this is where I want to be tonight. I know tomorrow Paulo and I will be enemies; No! Not enemies. Rivals. The junta and their supporters are the enemy for perpetuating the evils of serfdom.“You are going all thoughtful on me,” says Paulo when he notices my distraction.“Sorry,” I reply.This time I really am sorry for letting my mind wander. Tonight belongs to Paulo and me. My hand reaches out for his chest. Without any conscious command, my hand unfastens two buttons on his shirt and slips inside the opening. He simply allows my hand to explore. My other hand takes one of his hands and guides it towards my shoulder. Secretly I’m hoping he will take my hint and unfasten the single strap holding my top in place. But his hand moves in another direction and starts playing with my hair. His touch is divine and I respond willingly to his caress. He is far more skilled than me at this sort of play. I feel slightly embarrassed that I’m unable to give him the same degree of pleasure that he is giving me.“I’m not experienced at this sort of thing. Tell me what you would like me to do,” I whisper as he leans forward and kisses my neck again.“Anything? You would do anything?” he whispers.“Yes. Within reason,” I reply. The sensible part of my mind is still with me, even if the rest of me wishes it wasn’t.“Can you dance?” he asks.Of all the things I thought he would ask of me, dancing never entered into my head. I haven’t danced in years. My mother taught me to dance when I was little. But twelve hour working days leave very little room for dancing.“I haven’t danced in years, but I think I can remember how. Is that what you want me to do? Dance with you?”“Yes. I’ll put on some music and we shall dance.”To be continued in part 4, by Rachael Jane for Literotica.

Jasmine & the Argonaut: Part 2

SteamyStory

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024

The Jewels of DesireIn 4 parts, by Rachael Jane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Chapter 7: An underhand trick.I quickly realize the seriousness of my situation. If I don’t return to the dormitory before roll-call, I will be returned to Buchanan in shame. A chill runs through me. I berate myself for being so stupid as to drop my guard and allow Paulo to chain me like this. There is no doubt in my mind that he’s the one responsible for my predicament.Is he being a coward who is scared of meeting me in fair competition? That seems inconsistent with the Paulo I’ve been with tonight, but he would surely have woken me had he noticed anybody else entering this café while we slept. Perhaps he is a better actor than I gave him credit. For all I know, his training could have included a course in seducing maidens. After all, half the contestants are young women. Some, like me, will be gullible enough to fall for Paulo’s charms, and walk into his deadly trap. But I mustn’t dwell on Paulo’s reasons. My immediate priority is to get free.I test the strength of the chain restraining me. It’s similar to the security chain threaded through the handles of the cabinets behind the bar. Paulo must have come across a spare length of chain while he was exploring earlier. The chain is lightweight but strong. There is no way I can break it. Which means I must somehow break the lock securing the chain to my ankle. It is a combination lock like the one securing the other end of the chain to the table. Unless I’m extremely lucky, I won’t have enough time to open the lock by randomly guessing the five-digit combination. Just as I’m about to vent my frustration with a few choice curses, a flash of inspiration hits me. Paulo must have known the combination to fasten the lock to the chain. How did he know the combination?I check the tables and floor around me, as far as my chain allows. The combination must be written on something. I just hope it is something within reach. Could Paulo have been careless and left me the combination?The chain is long enough for me to reach the small service area next to the bar. If the owners of the café have written down the combination, then this is the most likely place on this level. My frantic search is rewarded when I find a basket holding more lengths of chain and padlocks. Each padlock has a small detachable tag with the combination for that lock printed on it. Unlocking the padlock enables the tag to be removed. I search the bottom of the basket for any tags no longer with their padlock. Sure enough I find four tags. Hopefully one belongs to the lock securing the chain around my ankle.I try the numbers on the lock on my ankle. I meet with success on the third number, and within seconds I’m free of my chain. But before I can go anywhere I hear two people talking. They are coming up the interior staircase from the main café below. Two voices I recognize. Paulo and Chloe! They are too close for me to try and exit over the balcony, so I can’t leave the way Paulo and I entered. My only option in the time available is to pretend I’m still asleep and chained to the table.“See, she’s still asleep,” says Chloe. “The sound you heard was probably the fridge humming.”“I don’t know,” replies Paulo. “I’m still not happy about leaving her chained like this. It’s an underhand trick.”“Think yourself lucky I didn’t chain you as well,” replies Chloe. “You saw her during the preliminary session this evening. She’s a serious challenger and she’s best eliminated now.”“But someone will find her in the morning and set her free,” replies Paulo.“Yes. But she will have missed the eight o'clock roll-call by then, and she’ll be disqualified from the Argonaut.”“I still don’t like it. Anyway, why did you follow us? And how did you get out of the complex?”“I saw the pair of you as I was returning from a night out. I realized that this is a golden opportunity to improve my chances of success. Did you not read the Argonaut rules? Despite what most people believe, the contestants aren’t prisoners while we are here. As long as we attend the morning and evening roll-calls, and the various tests and interviews, we can come and go as we please. Why do you think your night time frolics weren’t stopped?”“The rules? You mean that fifty page book they gave us when we arrived? Of course I’ve not read it!”“Well if you spent less time trying to climb between a girl’s legs, and more time paying attention to what really matters, your chances of winning a work permit might be better. Come on, we’re leaving before sleeping beauty wakes up and starts screaming the place down.”“How do we get out of here?” asks Paulo.“You’re not too bright are you,” scoffs Chloe. “The door lock only stops people entering the café. We can just walk down to the front door and back to our dormitory.”Paulo and Chloe leave. My anger competes with my embarrassment. I get up as soon as I’m sure they have gone. Paulo has taken my nightie and Chloe has taken my towel. I’ve no clothes and I’m starting to get cold. A naked woman is easy target for any loiterers out there. At this time of night any city citizens still about may well be on the prowl for sex. I search the service area for a tablecloth or something to put over me. I find an apron that at least provides me with a semblance of decency.I make my way back to the old boarding school, making sure Paulo and Chloe are nowhere in sight. Re-entering the school presents no problem. Chloe is right in saying the contestants are allowed to come and go. Perhaps I should have read the rule book as well but my late acceptance to the Argonaut meant that I only had a few days to prepare.A retina scan at the security desk confirms my identity and I’m allowed to return to my dormitory. My anger at Paulo’s betrayal has abated. Despite Chloe’s intrusion, I did actually enjoy my time with him tonight, particularly when I remember why I chose to leave my room wearing such provocative clothing in the first place. I was looking for the type of experience and adventure which Paulo delivered. Not that I am in any mood to forgive him; but I’m no longer embarrassed or afraid. If anything, Chloe’s actions have filled me with determination and resolve. Yesterday I was nervous of the specially trained contestants; today I realize they are actually afraid of me. I shall look forward to seeing Paulo and Chloe’s faces when I appear for roll-call in the morning.The clock says it is 3:30 in the morning when my head hits my pillow. This time I have no difficulty falling asleep.Chapter 8: Preparations“Stop fidgeting, Jasmine,” says Ellen, my dormitory’s assigned helper from the collection of city-born volunteers for the Argonaut. “You need to look your best this afternoon.”It’s a message Ellen has constantly repeat. Along with the forty-nine other hopefuls, I will be paraded in front of the television cameras this afternoon. What’s worse, ten of us must endure a five minute interview with Darrian, one of the obnoxious hosts of the televised segments of the Argonaut. None of us will know which ten of us are to be interviewed until we are on-air. I can honestly say that I am dreading it. The only benefit in being selected for an interview is the opportunity it provides to improve my chances of winning. Only a few contestants will be declared the eventual winners of the Argonaut, but that won’t be until the final session on Sunday. Of course, fluffing an interview would be disastrous for my chances.I sigh as I add the finishing touches to my dress. When I picked it from the studio’s wardrobe I thought it to be a beautiful dress. Now I’m not so sure. I’m grateful for Ellen’s valiant efforts to make me look my best, even if I don’t see the purpose of this afternoon’s charade.“How do you feel?” asks Ellen when she is satisfied with her work.“It’s a beautiful dress. Thank you,” I say with as much enthusiasm as I can muster; which isn’t much, given my lingering dislike for this cattle market in the first place. But I had few other options open to me when I accepted the belated offer from an anonymous benefactor to sponsor me for this event. And winning the Argonaut will at least mean that my family can benefit as well.“Yes, I know how you look in it, Jasmine. But how do you feel?” persists Ellen.“How should I feel?” I reply, slightly surprised by her question.“Jasmine! You ungrateful girl!” snaps Ellen. “I am trying to help you.”“I know, and despite what you think, I appreciate your efforts,” I reply. “But I feel like a marionette; all dressed up to please an audience who simply want to ogle pretty young men and women desperate enough to parade about for the entertainment of our so-called betters. Aren’t we just fifty puppets, each performing to the studio’s script?”“Your image is important, Jasmine,” says Ellen. “Most of those in the audience will be deciding their vote on how attractive you are. Harper will advise you what to say when you have your session with him later. Impress the audience tonight, even if you aren’t interviewed, and someone watching may help you to gain a work permit. If you don’t, then they will favor one of your rivals.”I’ve heard this speech from Ellen at least twice already this morning, and it isn’t even ten o'clock yet. I know she believes in what she is saying, but somehow I can’t buy into the rotten arrangement. It’s true that several previous winners of the Argonaut owe their career success to the timely arrival of a sponsor’s helping hand. But nothing in our world comes for free. Some contestants may be naïve enough to believe that sponsors give their generous help through the kindness of their hearts, but I’m not one of them. If a contestant is lucky, their sponsor is only interested in winning a high stakes bet. But lurking in the background are those sponsors whose help comes with unsavory conditions that enslave their victim for life. The alternative is to fail, and live out your life as a serf in your settlement, but you don’t need a sponsor’s help to do that.“You asked me how I feel, and I gave you my answer,” I snap. “Don’t worry, I won’t disgrace you this afternoon by picking my nose in front of the cameras. I’ll read Harper’s script as you demand.”“Will someone try talking some sense into her,” says Ellen to nobody in particular, throwing her hands in the air in exasperation.“I’m sorry, Ellen,” I say when it becomes apparent that she isn’t about to launch into another lecture. “I really do like the dress. But there’s nothing of the real me in this outfit.”“There’s no need to be sorry. I should have realized what is missing before. You need some jewelry to complete your outfit. I have a good collection. You can borrow a few items. I’ll go and pick out a few suitable things for you.”“No, Ellen,” interrupts Vincent, a contestant from Tudor who shares this dormitory. “Jasmine must be allowed to choose her own jewelry. At the moment she is merely the wearer of that studio dress. You should let her transform it into an outfit of her own.”Ellen and I look at Vincent in surprise. For my part, I’m amazed by Vincent’s understanding of my needs; even though I don’t fully understand them myself. When I look at Ellen I begin to worry in case she might refuse. It’s one thing to lend me a ring or a necklace of her choice; it is something else entirely to let me rummage through her private jewelry collection.“Yes, yes, OK,” says Ellen after a few moments hesitation. “I’m not certain many of my pieces are suitable for a young woman, but I will allow Jasmine to look through what I have. Follow me, Jasmine.”I quickly change into my ordinary clothes and hang up my dress in the wardrobe I’ve been allocated for my things. I follow Ellen to her private quarters in the south wing of the old boarding school. Ellen’s room is one of several small but comfortable rooms provided for the volunteer support staff. Unlike the contestants’ dormitories, the rooms in the south wing aren’t monitored by the intrusive security cameras. I’m just thankful Ellen hasn’t decided to stay in her own apartment, which is apparently on the other side of the city.“Make yourself comfortable, Jasmine, while I fetch my collection,” says Ellen as she goes to the safe located inside the wardrobe.I sit in one of the two easy chairs and look around Ellen’s room while I wait. Her few personal effects tell me very little about the real Ellen. Until now I have thought of her as one of the many city-born oddballs. Someone who means well, but circulates in a completely different world to me. When I see the small chest full of jewelry I realize there is an aspect to Ellen I never knew existed.“I’ve not had much chance to sort them out,” says Ellen when I peer into the chest. “Everything is a bit jumbled up.”The contents of the chest resemble a pirate’s treasure trove in miniature. Some items are inside small boxes, while others are simply let loose. Several necklaces have become tangled around each other.“Oh, ignore those,” says Ellen. “They’re just cheap trinkets. The items we are interested in are in the boxes at the bottom.”I delve deeper into the chest. Sure enough, below the tangled necklaces and bangles I find a dozen or so different sized boxes. I carefully lift them out and spread them out on the table. I lift the lid on each box and my mouth drops in amazement. Most boxes contain a matching set of ring, necklace and earrings. A few contain broaches and other types of jewelry. I return to the chest and remove the two larger boxes at the very bottom. I place them next to the other boxes on the table.“Ah! I wouldn’t bother with those,” says Ellen before I can open the lids to the last two boxes. “They aren’t suitable for a respectable young woman.”Her comment raises my interest, but I do as she asks and focus my attention on the boxes I have opened. I’ve no idea whether I’m looking at priceless jewels or glass imitations. After studying each box in turn I realize I have subconsciously made my choice.“May I try this one on?” I ask picking out a ring with a beautiful green gemstone. Ellen nods in response.The ring with the green gem seems to draw me to it in a way none of the other items do. I slip the ring on my finger; it’s a snug fit, but not too tight. I try on the necklace and earrings as well, and walk over to the mirror. I think they are the most beautiful pieces of jewelry I’ve ever seen. In the corner of my eye I can see Ellen watching me with a strange expression on her face.“I like these the most,” I say to Ellen. “May I borrow them this afternoon? I promise to take good care of them.”“Hmmm. You surprise me, Jasmine. I had expected you to go for the diamond cluster or the rubies. What made you choose the emerald ring and necklace?”“I don’t know. I like several of the other sets, but this ring somehow calls to me. If you think it inappropriate, I’ll happily change my choice.”“No, that won’t be necessary. Choosing jewelry is a very personal act. You like what you like. But you said it called to you. What did it say?”I could be trite and say ‘pick me, pick me’, but that isn’t what I sense. It’s more like an energy flowing into me through the ring. It’s as though a former wearer of the ring has left her imprint in the ring and she is communicating with me. I try explaining what I sense to Ellen.“I’m sorry, I know I’m being foolish,” I say when I finish my lame explanation.“Interesting,” says Ellen in reply. “The ring is very old. I’ve never sensed what you describe, but my great-aunt always claimed that the ring spoke to her.”“So the ring and necklace have a history then?”“The necklace is a more recent piece my great-aunt had made to go with the ring. The ring, however, is hundreds of years old. It is reputed to have been made for the daughter of a great ruler. Legend says that she was a warrior princess who rode into battle at the side of her father. When her father died, and her brother became ruler, the princess devoted the rest of her life, and her considerable wealth, to helping the poorer people of her lands. It is a perfect match for you Jasmine.”I try my best to stifle a laugh. Ellen must be joking with me. Warrior, princess and wealth are three words which have never been associated with me, nor are they ever likely to be. Ellen doesn’t pay my reaction any mind, and begins placing the lids back on the other jewelry boxes. A knock at the door stops Ellen before she can finish. She leaves me alone while she answers the door.Chapter 9: The princess and professorEllen goes to the door, but she doesn’t admit the caller into her room. I can hear Ellen and another woman talking, but I can’t make out what they are discussing. It soon becomes apparent that they could be a while. I resume what Ellen had started, and close the lids on the remaining jewelry boxes. Then I remove the emerald ring, necklace and earrings I’ve been wearing and return them to their box, placing it to one side. Ellen still hasn’t agreed to allow me to wear the emeralds tonight, but I remain hopeful.On impulse I open one of the boxes Ellen had dissuaded me from opening earlier. Inside is a large piece of jewelry. At first glance it looks like a large multi-strand necklace with several gold chains, each slightly longer than the one above, meeting at a single point at the back of the wearer’s neck. The chains are decorated with small red gems that catch the light. But what makes the piece unusual are the two small shaped metal discs on the lowest chain. The two discs look like flattened cones, and each is engraved with a strange symbol. I carefully lift the piece out of its box to examine the engraving. Too late I realize I’m not alone.“What are you doing, Jasmine?” asks Ellen.“Oh! Oh! I’m sorry,” I stammer. “I didn’t mean any harm. I was just looking.”“Well, well, well, Ellen,” says the woman standing next to Ellen. “I can’t believe you still have that piece.”I look up and see that Ellen has invited two people into the room. The woman looks very like Ellen, so I presume she is Ellen’s sister or cousin. My heart sinks when I recognize Ellen’s male guest is one of the other contestants. One I’ve tangled with before. Paulo!“What’s going on?” I ask, suddenly feeling very wary.“Don’t worry, Jasmine,” replies Ellen. “This is my sister, Sylvie. The Argonaut organizers have assigned her to support Paulo’s dormitory. Paulo you know, of course.”Of course I recognize Paulo. He’s the man who deflowered me last night. Seeing him here like this does funny things to my emotions. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m attracted to him. An attraction which could spell disaster to my chances of succeeding in the Argonaut. Ever since I first saw him I must constantly remind myself that Paulo is a dangerous rival; not someone I should be trusting with my affections.Sylvie takes the necklace from me and holds it up to my breasts. I almost die of embarrassment. I now realize the purpose of the spring-clips on the inside of the metal cones. Ellen was right; this isn’t something a decent young woman should wear. But Paulo’s presence and my self-preservation skills save me from revealing my naivety. I remember the golden rule which my father instilled in me when we hunted together in the woods; 'Never show weakness in front of a dangerous predator’. I brazen the episode through by making light of the situation.“What do you think, Paulo?” I tease. “Do you think I should wear this tonight? Will the sponsors in the audience like it?”My self-confidence takes an enormous leap forward when I see Paulo is struggling for words. Sylvie saves him from having to answer my questions.“Don’t flirt with Paulo, Jasmine,” she admonishes. “What you wear is up to you. If you want to look like a prostitute, then that’s up to you.”“That piece has never belonged to a prostitute, Sylvie,” exclaims Ellen. “You know it was made for our great-aunt Sophie.”Paulo and I just stand and watch as Ellen and Sylvie have an extended spat over the occupation and morals of the great-aunt in question. In other circumstances their quarrel would be funny. But inside this small room, their quarrel is making me feel uncomfortable.“We could go for a drink or something while they finish scratching each other’s eyes out,” says Paulo. “I saw a café of sorts just down the corridor.”“Um; Yeah, sure,” I reply, anxious to get out of here.“Paulo and I are going to the café while you two sort out your differences,” I manage to say to Ellen during a moments respite in her row with Sylvie. I don’t wait to see if what I say registers in her mind.Paulo shows me the way to the café he saw earlier. The café is quiet since almost everybody in the complex is busy preparing for this afternoon’s television show. Fortunately I carry a small amount of pocket money for situations like this. It seems Paulo’s does the same. We each order a drink and sit down at one of the tables.“You really are an enigma,” says Paulo in a pleasant tone. “Would you really wear a piece of jewelry like that?”“Perhaps,” I reply, knowing I wouldn’t really do any such thing.“So, how did you manage to get back in time for this morning’s roll-call?” asks Paulo.“That’s for me to know, and you to worry about,” I reply, not entirely forgiving Paulo for his part in Chloe’s dirty trick of chaining me to a table while I was asleep.“Fair enough. So tell me about yourself.”I’m not going to fall for that one! Paulo must think me really stupid if he believes I’ll reveal all my strengths and weaknesses to him. I’m not going to forget that we are rivals. I’m relieved when I see the expression on Paulo’s face. He’s just fishing, and he knows I won’t tell him anything important.“I’m really a warrior princess who rides into battle alongside my father,” I say, playing along with Ellen’s story about the emerald ring’s history. “When I’m not fighting battles, I spend my time helping the poor people of our realm.”“Oh, really?” replies Paulo. “And I suppose Jasmine isn’t your real name.”“No, of course not,” I reply. “It’s; um; Mihrimah.”“Ah! Mihrimah. A name which means 'the sun and moon’ does it not?” laughs Paulo. “We obviously read the same books. How does the line go? Ah yes, I remember, 'The Ancients believe that mih ri mah, the sun and moon, protect the emerald forest.’ I think you aren’t being entirely truthful with me, princess.”I can’t help but join in his laughter. There are hundreds of books available on the local feeds. It’s the only form of free entertainment open to serfs. What are the chances of Paulo reading the same book that I like?“So, I’ve told you about me. What about you?” I reply.“Oh me? I’m but a humble scholar who studies history; law; science; um,” begins Paulo.“Really? I would never have thought a foot soldier would be so well educated, professor,” I tease.“There is a lot you don’t know about me, princess.”“I know. It’s a shame we can’t talk to each other like normal people,” I say. “There’s too much at stake for both of us.”“But we can at least be civil to each other,” replies Paulo. “We must have a lot in common. We both like the same books, and we are both crazy enough to have accepted a sponsor’s nomination to be here.”“What made you accept your nomination?” I ask.“Winning the Argonaut will secure my future,” replies Paulo. “I didn’t want to sign up for another ten years in the military. Nor did I want to spend the rest of my life as a serf working in the pack-houses for twelve hours a day, and being paid inadequate wages. I can’t afford any of the other ways of acquiring a work permit for a city job.”“Winning the Argonaut may simply give you a more comfortable prison,” I say. “How many Argonaut winners do you know of who have gone on to live a carefree life? None, I bet. Most of them are at the beck and call of their sponsors. According to the news-feeds, only a few have ever married and had children.”“You have obviously studied the subject,” replies Paulo. “You are right, I suppose. But I’ve no intention of ever having children, and I’m strong enough to avoid seeking comfort in alcohol and drugs. How about you? Despite a bleak outcome if you win, that hasn’t deterred you from applying for an assessment. Wouldn’t you rather have a family of your own?”“Me? Like you I must take risks if I want to be free of serfdom. And I wouldn’t be so irresponsible as to bring a child into the world we live in. Our rulers ensure our laws keep them secure in their privileged position.”“But if the world changed, would you want children then?” asks Paulo.“Perhaps,” I muse. “But changing the ways of our rulers doesn’t seem likely. What we did last night was probably a once-only event for me.”“You still have time.”“To do what? To change the ways of our rulers? Hardly.”“No. To solve your other problem.”“Is that some form of pick-up line?” I laugh. “When and where do you suggest we do the deed? Might I remind you we have to perform on a television show this afternoon; and tomorrow’s schedule won’t make it any easier.”“I shall work something out. I’m greatly encouraged by the fact you don’t reject the idea out of hand.”Chapter 10: Game in progressI’m surprised. Not by Paulo’s words, but by my own behavior. For some reason I’m not being my normal shy and easily embarrassed self. Not that I mind. This whole conversation makes me feel so alive. I lean forward and look into Paulo’s eyes, daring him to respond. He matches my movement and we are sitting face to face, only centimeters apart.Then everything turns into chaos. Just as I am contemplating sharing a kiss with Paulo, Ellen arrives. She’s not alone. Sylvie and three security guards are with her.“What on earth do you think you are doing, Jasmine?” growls Sylvie. “I raised the alarm when I realized you had left Ellen’s room. Don’t you remember any of the personal safety instructions you were given?”I glare at Sylvie, trying my best to restrain my anger. I’m about to let fly with a tirade, when Paulo places his hand on my arm.“Jasmine and I came out here while you two had a sisterly reunion,” says Paulo. “Jasmine told Ellen where we were going. It’s hardly Jasmine’s fault if Ellen didn’t listen.”“Hum, Well; OK; I suppose,” blusters Sylvie, unable to find anything wrong with what Paulo has just said. “But you two should not be together without supervision. Come on Paulo. We shall return to your dormitory.”“We were hardly unsupervised,” Paulo replies. “The café proprietor was here.”Paulo seems to have quietened Sylvie’s thunder. I’m still angry with her, but I will hold my wrath in check until we are somewhere more private.“Thank you for a pleasant interlude, professor,” I say as I stand up. “As you can see, we are summoned back to reality. Such are the trials of a Argonaut contestant.”“And thank you, princess, for bestowing a humble scholar with the honor of your regal company,” replies Paulo in a mischievous tone.I can’t help but laugh, despite my anger with Sylvie. On impulse I lean over and kiss Paulo on the lips. I don’t know whether I do it simply to annoy Sylvie, or to fuel Paulo’s interest in me. Either way, my action succeeds on both counts.“We must do this again sometime,” I reply.I don’t get to hear Paulo’s response. Ellen takes my arm and guides me back to my dormitory. Neither of us says anything on the journey back along the corridors. Only when we arrive at my dormitory does Ellen show her relief and delight at finding me safe.“Well? Are you going to explain yourself?” asks Ellen firmly, but without the venom Sylvie added to her same question when I was with Paulo.“Paulo told you what happened. You and Sylvie got into a row, so Paulo and I stepped out while you sorted out your differences. End of story.”“Not 'end of story’, Jasmine. What were you and Paulo discussing?” persists Ellen.“Ellen!” I say, barely holding my anger in check. “I appreciate your help and advice, but you are not my mother. I don’t have to explain to you what I say and do with a man.”“Yes you do,” replies Ellen, unmoved by my reply. “While you are here in the Argonaut complex, I am responsible for your safety. Your battle for victory doesn’t start with this afternoon’s television show. The Argonaut has already begun. Until you are either eliminated or declared a victor, I need to know about your every move so that I can protect you. Now, I repeat my question; what were you and Paulo discussing?”I look at Ellen. As soon as I do, I realize that this isn’t an argument I’m going to win.“Fine! Have it your way,” I sigh. “We were just talking about a make believe life and family.”“And what was the meaning of the kiss?” asks Ellen, still not willing to let the matter drop.“It’s what a man and woman do when they like each other,” I reply.“You like him!?” splutters Ellen. “In case you’ve forgotten, he’s going to be trying to eliminate you from the Argonaut!”“And I him,” I reply. “That doesn’t mean that we don’t like each other. The officials can put us through all the tests their warped minds can devise, but they can’t tell us who to love or hate.”“I can’t believe this,” sighs Ellen. “Is there anyone who can make you see sense.”“I know you think I’m obstinate and moody,” I say before Ellen can begin a lecture. “You don’t have to help me if you don’t want. I know my chances of winning are slim, but I want live my life on my own terms. I won’t think any less of you if you simply wash your hands of me.”There’s a stunned silence. I’ve taken Ellen by surprise.“What did I tell you?” says Vincent, who has been sitting on his bed watching our argument. “There’s fire in her soul. I for one will be proud to help Jasmine if she needs me.”“Yes, me too,” says Ellen. “When we are finished here I shall fetch the emeralds you liked, Jasmine. You’ll knock the audience dead wearing those tonight.”“Does that mean you are allowing me a free reign to do what I want later?” I ask Ellen.“No. Of course not. You’re still a novice at the underhand games which will be played out behind the scenes this afternoon and tonight. In fact they’ve already begun. Doesn’t it strike you as strange that Sylvie and Paulo just happened to call at to my room while you were there? Was it you or Paulo who suggested going to the café when Sylvie started arguing with me? Do you think Paulo is really interested in you, or is he simply trying to gain useful information which he can use against you?”“Those thoughts had crossed my mind,” I reply. “I agree. I don’t believe Paulo’s presence in your room was a coincidence. But which of us gains the upper hand as a consequence is still a game in progress.”“What do you mean, Jasmine? What game?”“I intend to see Paulo again when I can. He may be physically stronger than me, but very few of the Argonaut’s tests rely on muscle. However, when it comes to mind games, I think I am better than him. I shall find out when I next see him.”“You are playing a dangerous game, Jasmine. I advise you to abandon your quest. If you fail, Paulo and the other contestants will target you for early elimination tomorrow.”“I think my contestant profile that the Argonaut’s organizers have published already marks me as a target. Paulo’s appearance this morning only confirms it. My best chance is to weaken Paulo’s resolve to attack me. He must either fear me or love me.”“If that is your strategy, then I salute your cunning,” says Ellen. “But I still advise against it. There is very little I can do to help you.”“I don’t ask for your help. All I ask is that you don’t hinder my hunt.”“Very well,” says Ellen. “Providing you keep me or the reception desk informed of your whereabouts. Kidnapping a contestant is a very risky tactic, but it has been tried before. Remember, if you fail to turn up for a roll-call, you will be automatically eliminated.”“How about you let Jasmine’s try on her dress with the jewelry she has chosen,” says Vincent. “The others will be returning soon for lunch. It will be better if you have finished the fitting before they arrive.”Ellen nods in agreement and goes to fetch the emerald jewelry I picked.“Where is Patrick?” I ask, suddenly remembering he left the dormitory a few hours ago for a run.“He finished early,” says Vincent. “He went down to one of the private rooms to practice his interview skills.”“Is he still angry with me?” I ask.“Angry with you? Why do you think he is angry with you?” asks Vincent.“We travelled here together, but as soon as we arrived he suddenly didn’t want anything more to do with me. Something I did must have made him do that.”“You have already identified the reason, Jasmine,” says Vincent. “You said your best chance of winning is to make your rivals either fear you or love you. Paulo isn’t the only man who will be competing against you.”“But why would Patrick fear me? We were getting along fine until we arrived here.”“He doesn’t fear you, Jasmine,” says Vincent. “Well, not much.”“Then he; oh!” I say, suddenly realizing that the strange looks Patrick has been giving me had a deeper meaning than I thought.Chapter 11: A little tendernessI take the studio supplied dress from my wardrobe, and I quickly change into it. I’m busy admiring myself in the mirror when Ellen returns with her emerald ring, necklace and earrings. She fastens the necklace for me, and for the first time I see the combined effect of the dress with Ellen’s emeralds.“Perfect,” says Ellen. I can’t help but agree with her. If looks alone could see me through this afternoon’s performance, then I would be home and dry. But I must still navigate my way through an interview, or make myself noticed if I’m not one of the ten contestants chosen. If I’m interviewed, I need to be eloquent and confident in my responses to the hosts’ questions. Not just because I want to impress any potential employers, but because Paulo and the other contestants will be watching my every move.“Do you think Paulo will like my outfit?” I ask Ellen.“Paulo? Hmmm; I think you will snare him with these emeralds.”“Do you think I have a better chance if I wear that piece which belonged to your great-aunt Sophie?” I ask, remembering Paulo’s reaction when he saw it. “Who was this great-aunt of yours anyway?”“Sophie? Oh, she was a famous dancer. Her stage name was Desire. She lived a very bohemian life. My parents regarded as the black sheep of the family. But I liked her. I used to visit Sophie quite often when I was young, so I knew Sophie much better than did Sylvie or any of my other sisters. That’s why Sophie left her jewelry to me when she died. The emeralds were hers as well. A gift from a man she lived with for many years.”“Have you ever worn her jewelry?” I ask.“The emeralds, yes, but not that piece you were looking at when Sylvie intruded. I’ve never been in a situation where it was appropriate to wear it. It’s not the sort of jewelry you wear in public places, and it takes a certain amount of confidence and practice to wear it. You do understand how it should be worn, don’t you?”“Yes. Thanks to Sylvie’s demonstration, I know how it fastens,” I say, giving Ellen a demonstration using my fingers to represent the spring-clips. “You would need to be wearing a thin top to stop it sliding off, though.”“Or no top at all,” laughs Ellen. “But we are getting side-tracked. The others will be here soon. If we are done I suggest you change back into your regular clothes."Ellen, could I borrow that piece of Sophie’s I saw earlier?”“What!? There is no way you are wearing that on the television show.”“No, of course I won’t. I do have some sense of propriety. But I might be able to use it to snare Paulo.”I put on my most winsome smile and Ellen finally agrees after some hesitation. She must have anticipated my request as she has the box with Sophie’s piece in her bag. She hands it to me.“You knew I was going to ask to borrow this,” I say.“I didn’t know, but I suspected you might ask when you noticed Paulo’s interest,” smiles Ellen. “You had best try it on. You might not be able to keep it in place.”I find a thin top and change out of the dress. Fortunately Vincent has decided to go for lunch. He’s harmless enough, but I think I’ve treated him to enough eye candy for now. Ellen hands me the jeweled piece and watches as I nervously place the discs in position. I anticipated a certain amount of discomfort from the pressure of the clips on my nipples, but the initial pain is almost unbearable. Fortunately the pain soon passes and after a short while I can only sense the weight of the piece tugging on my nipples and breasts.“Now try walking about,” says Ellen. “Try to shake it loose. We need to see whether it will stay in place.”I do as Ellen suggests and try moving into several different positions. The piece remains firmly in place, but several movements cause me to wince in pain as the weight or tension in the linking chain pulls against me. After a few minutes Ellen seems satisfied with my first attempt at wearing it.“OK,” says Ellen. “You can take the piece off.”What sounds like the simplest of tasks turns out to be the most excruciatingly painful experience I could imagine. As soon as the clips are removed, the numbness in my nipples quickly goes, and my body protests strongly. I bite my lips to prevent myself from crying out. If I fail this last test, then Ellen might not let me borrow the piece. I rub my chest gently to ease the pain, and after a while only a little tenderness remains.“Hmm. Do you still wish to borrow this piece?” asks Ellen as she places it back in its box.I nod and Ellen hands me the box. I give her a hug in thanks, being careful not to aggravate my tender breasts. The sound of Patrick’s voice coming from the corridor prompts me to finish changing and join the others for lunch.To be continued in part 3, by Rachael Jane for Literotica.

Jasmine & the Argonaut: Part 2

Steamy Stories Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024

The Jewels of DesireIn 4 parts, by Rachael Jane. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Chapter 7: An underhand trick.I quickly realize the seriousness of my situation. If I don’t return to the dormitory before roll-call, I will be returned to Buchanan in shame. A chill runs through me. I berate myself for being so stupid as to drop my guard and allow Paulo to chain me like this. There is no doubt in my mind that he’s the one responsible for my predicament.Is he being a coward who is scared of meeting me in fair competition? That seems inconsistent with the Paulo I’ve been with tonight, but he would surely have woken me had he noticed anybody else entering this café while we slept. Perhaps he is a better actor than I gave him credit. For all I know, his training could have included a course in seducing maidens. After all, half the contestants are young women. Some, like me, will be gullible enough to fall for Paulo’s charms, and walk into his deadly trap. But I mustn’t dwell on Paulo’s reasons. My immediate priority is to get free.I test the strength of the chain restraining me. It’s similar to the security chain threaded through the handles of the cabinets behind the bar. Paulo must have come across a spare length of chain while he was exploring earlier. The chain is lightweight but strong. There is no way I can break it. Which means I must somehow break the lock securing the chain to my ankle. It is a combination lock like the one securing the other end of the chain to the table. Unless I’m extremely lucky, I won’t have enough time to open the lock by randomly guessing the five-digit combination. Just as I’m about to vent my frustration with a few choice curses, a flash of inspiration hits me. Paulo must have known the combination to fasten the lock to the chain. How did he know the combination?I check the tables and floor around me, as far as my chain allows. The combination must be written on something. I just hope it is something within reach. Could Paulo have been careless and left me the combination?The chain is long enough for me to reach the small service area next to the bar. If the owners of the café have written down the combination, then this is the most likely place on this level. My frantic search is rewarded when I find a basket holding more lengths of chain and padlocks. Each padlock has a small detachable tag with the combination for that lock printed on it. Unlocking the padlock enables the tag to be removed. I search the bottom of the basket for any tags no longer with their padlock. Sure enough I find four tags. Hopefully one belongs to the lock securing the chain around my ankle.I try the numbers on the lock on my ankle. I meet with success on the third number, and within seconds I’m free of my chain. But before I can go anywhere I hear two people talking. They are coming up the interior staircase from the main café below. Two voices I recognize. Paulo and Chloe! They are too close for me to try and exit over the balcony, so I can’t leave the way Paulo and I entered. My only option in the time available is to pretend I’m still asleep and chained to the table.“See, she’s still asleep,” says Chloe. “The sound you heard was probably the fridge humming.”“I don’t know,” replies Paulo. “I’m still not happy about leaving her chained like this. It’s an underhand trick.”“Think yourself lucky I didn’t chain you as well,” replies Chloe. “You saw her during the preliminary session this evening. She’s a serious challenger and she’s best eliminated now.”“But someone will find her in the morning and set her free,” replies Paulo.“Yes. But she will have missed the eight o'clock roll-call by then, and she’ll be disqualified from the Argonaut.”“I still don’t like it. Anyway, why did you follow us? And how did you get out of the complex?”“I saw the pair of you as I was returning from a night out. I realized that this is a golden opportunity to improve my chances of success. Did you not read the Argonaut rules? Despite what most people believe, the contestants aren’t prisoners while we are here. As long as we attend the morning and evening roll-calls, and the various tests and interviews, we can come and go as we please. Why do you think your night time frolics weren’t stopped?”“The rules? You mean that fifty page book they gave us when we arrived? Of course I’ve not read it!”“Well if you spent less time trying to climb between a girl’s legs, and more time paying attention to what really matters, your chances of winning a work permit might be better. Come on, we’re leaving before sleeping beauty wakes up and starts screaming the place down.”“How do we get out of here?” asks Paulo.“You’re not too bright are you,” scoffs Chloe. “The door lock only stops people entering the café. We can just walk down to the front door and back to our dormitory.”Paulo and Chloe leave. My anger competes with my embarrassment. I get up as soon as I’m sure they have gone. Paulo has taken my nightie and Chloe has taken my towel. I’ve no clothes and I’m starting to get cold. A naked woman is easy target for any loiterers out there. At this time of night any city citizens still about may well be on the prowl for sex. I search the service area for a tablecloth or something to put over me. I find an apron that at least provides me with a semblance of decency.I make my way back to the old boarding school, making sure Paulo and Chloe are nowhere in sight. Re-entering the school presents no problem. Chloe is right in saying the contestants are allowed to come and go. Perhaps I should have read the rule book as well but my late acceptance to the Argonaut meant that I only had a few days to prepare.A retina scan at the security desk confirms my identity and I’m allowed to return to my dormitory. My anger at Paulo’s betrayal has abated. Despite Chloe’s intrusion, I did actually enjoy my time with him tonight, particularly when I remember why I chose to leave my room wearing such provocative clothing in the first place. I was looking for the type of experience and adventure which Paulo delivered. Not that I am in any mood to forgive him; but I’m no longer embarrassed or afraid. If anything, Chloe’s actions have filled me with determination and resolve. Yesterday I was nervous of the specially trained contestants; today I realize they are actually afraid of me. I shall look forward to seeing Paulo and Chloe’s faces when I appear for roll-call in the morning.The clock says it is 3:30 in the morning when my head hits my pillow. This time I have no difficulty falling asleep.Chapter 8: Preparations“Stop fidgeting, Jasmine,” says Ellen, my dormitory’s assigned helper from the collection of city-born volunteers for the Argonaut. “You need to look your best this afternoon.”It’s a message Ellen has constantly repeat. Along with the forty-nine other hopefuls, I will be paraded in front of the television cameras this afternoon. What’s worse, ten of us must endure a five minute interview with Darrian, one of the obnoxious hosts of the televised segments of the Argonaut. None of us will know which ten of us are to be interviewed until we are on-air. I can honestly say that I am dreading it. The only benefit in being selected for an interview is the opportunity it provides to improve my chances of winning. Only a few contestants will be declared the eventual winners of the Argonaut, but that won’t be until the final session on Sunday. Of course, fluffing an interview would be disastrous for my chances.I sigh as I add the finishing touches to my dress. When I picked it from the studio’s wardrobe I thought it to be a beautiful dress. Now I’m not so sure. I’m grateful for Ellen’s valiant efforts to make me look my best, even if I don’t see the purpose of this afternoon’s charade.“How do you feel?” asks Ellen when she is satisfied with her work.“It’s a beautiful dress. Thank you,” I say with as much enthusiasm as I can muster; which isn’t much, given my lingering dislike for this cattle market in the first place. But I had few other options open to me when I accepted the belated offer from an anonymous benefactor to sponsor me for this event. And winning the Argonaut will at least mean that my family can benefit as well.“Yes, I know how you look in it, Jasmine. But how do you feel?” persists Ellen.“How should I feel?” I reply, slightly surprised by her question.“Jasmine! You ungrateful girl!” snaps Ellen. “I am trying to help you.”“I know, and despite what you think, I appreciate your efforts,” I reply. “But I feel like a marionette; all dressed up to please an audience who simply want to ogle pretty young men and women desperate enough to parade about for the entertainment of our so-called betters. Aren’t we just fifty puppets, each performing to the studio’s script?”“Your image is important, Jasmine,” says Ellen. “Most of those in the audience will be deciding their vote on how attractive you are. Harper will advise you what to say when you have your session with him later. Impress the audience tonight, even if you aren’t interviewed, and someone watching may help you to gain a work permit. If you don’t, then they will favor one of your rivals.”I’ve heard this speech from Ellen at least twice already this morning, and it isn’t even ten o'clock yet. I know she believes in what she is saying, but somehow I can’t buy into the rotten arrangement. It’s true that several previous winners of the Argonaut owe their career success to the timely arrival of a sponsor’s helping hand. But nothing in our world comes for free. Some contestants may be naïve enough to believe that sponsors give their generous help through the kindness of their hearts, but I’m not one of them. If a contestant is lucky, their sponsor is only interested in winning a high stakes bet. But lurking in the background are those sponsors whose help comes with unsavory conditions that enslave their victim for life. The alternative is to fail, and live out your life as a serf in your settlement, but you don’t need a sponsor’s help to do that.“You asked me how I feel, and I gave you my answer,” I snap. “Don’t worry, I won’t disgrace you this afternoon by picking my nose in front of the cameras. I’ll read Harper’s script as you demand.”“Will someone try talking some sense into her,” says Ellen to nobody in particular, throwing her hands in the air in exasperation.“I’m sorry, Ellen,” I say when it becomes apparent that she isn’t about to launch into another lecture. “I really do like the dress. But there’s nothing of the real me in this outfit.”“There’s no need to be sorry. I should have realized what is missing before. You need some jewelry to complete your outfit. I have a good collection. You can borrow a few items. I’ll go and pick out a few suitable things for you.”“No, Ellen,” interrupts Vincent, a contestant from Tudor who shares this dormitory. “Jasmine must be allowed to choose her own jewelry. At the moment she is merely the wearer of that studio dress. You should let her transform it into an outfit of her own.”Ellen and I look at Vincent in surprise. For my part, I’m amazed by Vincent’s understanding of my needs; even though I don’t fully understand them myself. When I look at Ellen I begin to worry in case she might refuse. It’s one thing to lend me a ring or a necklace of her choice; it is something else entirely to let me rummage through her private jewelry collection.“Yes, yes, OK,” says Ellen after a few moments hesitation. “I’m not certain many of my pieces are suitable for a young woman, but I will allow Jasmine to look through what I have. Follow me, Jasmine.”I quickly change into my ordinary clothes and hang up my dress in the wardrobe I’ve been allocated for my things. I follow Ellen to her private quarters in the south wing of the old boarding school. Ellen’s room is one of several small but comfortable rooms provided for the volunteer support staff. Unlike the contestants’ dormitories, the rooms in the south wing aren’t monitored by the intrusive security cameras. I’m just thankful Ellen hasn’t decided to stay in her own apartment, which is apparently on the other side of the city.“Make yourself comfortable, Jasmine, while I fetch my collection,” says Ellen as she goes to the safe located inside the wardrobe.I sit in one of the two easy chairs and look around Ellen’s room while I wait. Her few personal effects tell me very little about the real Ellen. Until now I have thought of her as one of the many city-born oddballs. Someone who means well, but circulates in a completely different world to me. When I see the small chest full of jewelry I realize there is an aspect to Ellen I never knew existed.“I’ve not had much chance to sort them out,” says Ellen when I peer into the chest. “Everything is a bit jumbled up.”The contents of the chest resemble a pirate’s treasure trove in miniature. Some items are inside small boxes, while others are simply let loose. Several necklaces have become tangled around each other.“Oh, ignore those,” says Ellen. “They’re just cheap trinkets. The items we are interested in are in the boxes at the bottom.”I delve deeper into the chest. Sure enough, below the tangled necklaces and bangles I find a dozen or so different sized boxes. I carefully lift them out and spread them out on the table. I lift the lid on each box and my mouth drops in amazement. Most boxes contain a matching set of ring, necklace and earrings. A few contain broaches and other types of jewelry. I return to the chest and remove the two larger boxes at the very bottom. I place them next to the other boxes on the table.“Ah! I wouldn’t bother with those,” says Ellen before I can open the lids to the last two boxes. “They aren’t suitable for a respectable young woman.”Her comment raises my interest, but I do as she asks and focus my attention on the boxes I have opened. I’ve no idea whether I’m looking at priceless jewels or glass imitations. After studying each box in turn I realize I have subconsciously made my choice.“May I try this one on?” I ask picking out a ring with a beautiful green gemstone. Ellen nods in response.The ring with the green gem seems to draw me to it in a way none of the other items do. I slip the ring on my finger; it’s a snug fit, but not too tight. I try on the necklace and earrings as well, and walk over to the mirror. I think they are the most beautiful pieces of jewelry I’ve ever seen. In the corner of my eye I can see Ellen watching me with a strange expression on her face.“I like these the most,” I say to Ellen. “May I borrow them this afternoon? I promise to take good care of them.”“Hmmm. You surprise me, Jasmine. I had expected you to go for the diamond cluster or the rubies. What made you choose the emerald ring and necklace?”“I don’t know. I like several of the other sets, but this ring somehow calls to me. If you think it inappropriate, I’ll happily change my choice.”“No, that won’t be necessary. Choosing jewelry is a very personal act. You like what you like. But you said it called to you. What did it say?”I could be trite and say ‘pick me, pick me’, but that isn’t what I sense. It’s more like an energy flowing into me through the ring. It’s as though a former wearer of the ring has left her imprint in the ring and she is communicating with me. I try explaining what I sense to Ellen.“I’m sorry, I know I’m being foolish,” I say when I finish my lame explanation.“Interesting,” says Ellen in reply. “The ring is very old. I’ve never sensed what you describe, but my great-aunt always claimed that the ring spoke to her.”“So the ring and necklace have a history then?”“The necklace is a more recent piece my great-aunt had made to go with the ring. The ring, however, is hundreds of years old. It is reputed to have been made for the daughter of a great ruler. Legend says that she was a warrior princess who rode into battle at the side of her father. When her father died, and her brother became ruler, the princess devoted the rest of her life, and her considerable wealth, to helping the poorer people of her lands. It is a perfect match for you Jasmine.”I try my best to stifle a laugh. Ellen must be joking with me. Warrior, princess and wealth are three words which have never been associated with me, nor are they ever likely to be. Ellen doesn’t pay my reaction any mind, and begins placing the lids back on the other jewelry boxes. A knock at the door stops Ellen before she can finish. She leaves me alone while she answers the door.Chapter 9: The princess and professorEllen goes to the door, but she doesn’t admit the caller into her room. I can hear Ellen and another woman talking, but I can’t make out what they are discussing. It soon becomes apparent that they could be a while. I resume what Ellen had started, and close the lids on the remaining jewelry boxes. Then I remove the emerald ring, necklace and earrings I’ve been wearing and return them to their box, placing it to one side. Ellen still hasn’t agreed to allow me to wear the emeralds tonight, but I remain hopeful.On impulse I open one of the boxes Ellen had dissuaded me from opening earlier. Inside is a large piece of jewelry. At first glance it looks like a large multi-strand necklace with several gold chains, each slightly longer than the one above, meeting at a single point at the back of the wearer’s neck. The chains are decorated with small red gems that catch the light. But what makes the piece unusual are the two small shaped metal discs on the lowest chain. The two discs look like flattened cones, and each is engraved with a strange symbol. I carefully lift the piece out of its box to examine the engraving. Too late I realize I’m not alone.“What are you doing, Jasmine?” asks Ellen.“Oh! Oh! I’m sorry,” I stammer. “I didn’t mean any harm. I was just looking.”“Well, well, well, Ellen,” says the woman standing next to Ellen. “I can’t believe you still have that piece.”I look up and see that Ellen has invited two people into the room. The woman looks very like Ellen, so I presume she is Ellen’s sister or cousin. My heart sinks when I recognize Ellen’s male guest is one of the other contestants. One I’ve tangled with before. Paulo!“What’s going on?” I ask, suddenly feeling very wary.“Don’t worry, Jasmine,” replies Ellen. “This is my sister, Sylvie. The Argonaut organizers have assigned her to support Paulo’s dormitory. Paulo you know, of course.”Of course I recognize Paulo. He’s the man who deflowered me last night. Seeing him here like this does funny things to my emotions. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m attracted to him. An attraction which could spell disaster to my chances of succeeding in the Argonaut. Ever since I first saw him I must constantly remind myself that Paulo is a dangerous rival; not someone I should be trusting with my affections.Sylvie takes the necklace from me and holds it up to my breasts. I almost die of embarrassment. I now realize the purpose of the spring-clips on the inside of the metal cones. Ellen was right; this isn’t something a decent young woman should wear. But Paulo’s presence and my self-preservation skills save me from revealing my naivety. I remember the golden rule which my father instilled in me when we hunted together in the woods; 'Never show weakness in front of a dangerous predator’. I brazen the episode through by making light of the situation.“What do you think, Paulo?” I tease. “Do you think I should wear this tonight? Will the sponsors in the audience like it?”My self-confidence takes an enormous leap forward when I see Paulo is struggling for words. Sylvie saves him from having to answer my questions.“Don’t flirt with Paulo, Jasmine,” she admonishes. “What you wear is up to you. If you want to look like a prostitute, then that’s up to you.”“That piece has never belonged to a prostitute, Sylvie,” exclaims Ellen. “You know it was made for our great-aunt Sophie.”Paulo and I just stand and watch as Ellen and Sylvie have an extended spat over the occupation and morals of the great-aunt in question. In other circumstances their quarrel would be funny. But inside this small room, their quarrel is making me feel uncomfortable.“We could go for a drink or something while they finish scratching each other’s eyes out,” says Paulo. “I saw a café of sorts just down the corridor.”“Um; Yeah, sure,” I reply, anxious to get out of here.“Paulo and I are going to the café while you two sort out your differences,” I manage to say to Ellen during a moments respite in her row with Sylvie. I don’t wait to see if what I say registers in her mind.Paulo shows me the way to the café he saw earlier. The café is quiet since almost everybody in the complex is busy preparing for this afternoon’s television show. Fortunately I carry a small amount of pocket money for situations like this. It seems Paulo’s does the same. We each order a drink and sit down at one of the tables.“You really are an enigma,” says Paulo in a pleasant tone. “Would you really wear a piece of jewelry like that?”“Perhaps,” I reply, knowing I wouldn’t really do any such thing.“So, how did you manage to get back in time for this morning’s roll-call?” asks Paulo.“That’s for me to know, and you to worry about,” I reply, not entirely forgiving Paulo for his part in Chloe’s dirty trick of chaining me to a table while I was asleep.“Fair enough. So tell me about yourself.”I’m not going to fall for that one! Paulo must think me really stupid if he believes I’ll reveal all my strengths and weaknesses to him. I’m not going to forget that we are rivals. I’m relieved when I see the expression on Paulo’s face. He’s just fishing, and he knows I won’t tell him anything important.“I’m really a warrior princess who rides into battle alongside my father,” I say, playing along with Ellen’s story about the emerald ring’s history. “When I’m not fighting battles, I spend my time helping the poor people of our realm.”“Oh, really?” replies Paulo. “And I suppose Jasmine isn’t your real name.”“No, of course not,” I reply. “It’s; um; Mihrimah.”“Ah! Mihrimah. A name which means 'the sun and moon’ does it not?” laughs Paulo. “We obviously read the same books. How does the line go? Ah yes, I remember, 'The Ancients believe that mih ri mah, the sun and moon, protect the emerald forest.’ I think you aren’t being entirely truthful with me, princess.”I can’t help but join in his laughter. There are hundreds of books available on the local feeds. It’s the only form of free entertainment open to serfs. What are the chances of Paulo reading the same book that I like?“So, I’ve told you about me. What about you?” I reply.“Oh me? I’m but a humble scholar who studies history; law; science; um,” begins Paulo.“Really? I would never have thought a foot soldier would be so well educated, professor,” I tease.“There is a lot you don’t know about me, princess.”“I know. It’s a shame we can’t talk to each other like normal people,” I say. “There’s too much at stake for both of us.”“But we can at least be civil to each other,” replies Paulo. “We must have a lot in common. We both like the same books, and we are both crazy enough to have accepted a sponsor’s nomination to be here.”“What made you accept your nomination?” I ask.“Winning the Argonaut will secure my future,” replies Paulo. “I didn’t want to sign up for another ten years in the military. Nor did I want to spend the rest of my life as a serf working in the pack-houses for twelve hours a day, and being paid inadequate wages. I can’t afford any of the other ways of acquiring a work permit for a city job.”“Winning the Argonaut may simply give you a more comfortable prison,” I say. “How many Argonaut winners do you know of who have gone on to live a carefree life? None, I bet. Most of them are at the beck and call of their sponsors. According to the news-feeds, only a few have ever married and had children.”“You have obviously studied the subject,” replies Paulo. “You are right, I suppose. But I’ve no intention of ever having children, and I’m strong enough to avoid seeking comfort in alcohol and drugs. How about you? Despite a bleak outcome if you win, that hasn’t deterred you from applying for an assessment. Wouldn’t you rather have a family of your own?”“Me? Like you I must take risks if I want to be free of serfdom. And I wouldn’t be so irresponsible as to bring a child into the world we live in. Our rulers ensure our laws keep them secure in their privileged position.”“But if the world changed, would you want children then?” asks Paulo.“Perhaps,” I muse. “But changing the ways of our rulers doesn’t seem likely. What we did last night was probably a once-only event for me.”“You still have time.”“To do what? To change the ways of our rulers? Hardly.”“No. To solve your other problem.”“Is that some form of pick-up line?” I laugh. “When and where do you suggest we do the deed? Might I remind you we have to perform on a television show this afternoon; and tomorrow’s schedule won’t make it any easier.”“I shall work something out. I’m greatly encouraged by the fact you don’t reject the idea out of hand.”Chapter 10: Game in progressI’m surprised. Not by Paulo’s words, but by my own behavior. For some reason I’m not being my normal shy and easily embarrassed self. Not that I mind. This whole conversation makes me feel so alive. I lean forward and look into Paulo’s eyes, daring him to respond. He matches my movement and we are sitting face to face, only centimeters apart.Then everything turns into chaos. Just as I am contemplating sharing a kiss with Paulo, Ellen arrives. She’s not alone. Sylvie and three security guards are with her.“What on earth do you think you are doing, Jasmine?” growls Sylvie. “I raised the alarm when I realized you had left Ellen’s room. Don’t you remember any of the personal safety instructions you were given?”I glare at Sylvie, trying my best to restrain my anger. I’m about to let fly with a tirade, when Paulo places his hand on my arm.“Jasmine and I came out here while you two had a sisterly reunion,” says Paulo. “Jasmine told Ellen where we were going. It’s hardly Jasmine’s fault if Ellen didn’t listen.”“Hum, Well; OK; I suppose,” blusters Sylvie, unable to find anything wrong with what Paulo has just said. “But you two should not be together without supervision. Come on Paulo. We shall return to your dormitory.”“We were hardly unsupervised,” Paulo replies. “The café proprietor was here.”Paulo seems to have quietened Sylvie’s thunder. I’m still angry with her, but I will hold my wrath in check until we are somewhere more private.“Thank you for a pleasant interlude, professor,” I say as I stand up. “As you can see, we are summoned back to reality. Such are the trials of a Argonaut contestant.”“And thank you, princess, for bestowing a humble scholar with the honor of your regal company,” replies Paulo in a mischievous tone.I can’t help but laugh, despite my anger with Sylvie. On impulse I lean over and kiss Paulo on the lips. I don’t know whether I do it simply to annoy Sylvie, or to fuel Paulo’s interest in me. Either way, my action succeeds on both counts.“We must do this again sometime,” I reply.I don’t get to hear Paulo’s response. Ellen takes my arm and guides me back to my dormitory. Neither of us says anything on the journey back along the corridors. Only when we arrive at my dormitory does Ellen show her relief and delight at finding me safe.“Well? Are you going to explain yourself?” asks Ellen firmly, but without the venom Sylvie added to her same question when I was with Paulo.“Paulo told you what happened. You and Sylvie got into a row, so Paulo and I stepped out while you sorted out your differences. End of story.”“Not 'end of story’, Jasmine. What were you and Paulo discussing?” persists Ellen.“Ellen!” I say, barely holding my anger in check. “I appreciate your help and advice, but you are not my mother. I don’t have to explain to you what I say and do with a man.”“Yes you do,” replies Ellen, unmoved by my reply. “While you are here in the Argonaut complex, I am responsible for your safety. Your battle for victory doesn’t start with this afternoon’s television show. The Argonaut has already begun. Until you are either eliminated or declared a victor, I need to know about your every move so that I can protect you. Now, I repeat my question; what were you and Paulo discussing?”I look at Ellen. As soon as I do, I realize that this isn’t an argument I’m going to win.“Fine! Have it your way,” I sigh. “We were just talking about a make believe life and family.”“And what was the meaning of the kiss?” asks Ellen, still not willing to let the matter drop.“It’s what a man and woman do when they like each other,” I reply.“You like him!?” splutters Ellen. “In case you’ve forgotten, he’s going to be trying to eliminate you from the Argonaut!”“And I him,” I reply. “That doesn’t mean that we don’t like each other. The officials can put us through all the tests their warped minds can devise, but they can’t tell us who to love or hate.”“I can’t believe this,” sighs Ellen. “Is there anyone who can make you see sense.”“I know you think I’m obstinate and moody,” I say before Ellen can begin a lecture. “You don’t have to help me if you don’t want. I know my chances of winning are slim, but I want live my life on my own terms. I won’t think any less of you if you simply wash your hands of me.”There’s a stunned silence. I’ve taken Ellen by surprise.“What did I tell you?” says Vincent, who has been sitting on his bed watching our argument. “There’s fire in her soul. I for one will be proud to help Jasmine if she needs me.”“Yes, me too,” says Ellen. “When we are finished here I shall fetch the emeralds you liked, Jasmine. You’ll knock the audience dead wearing those tonight.”“Does that mean you are allowing me a free reign to do what I want later?” I ask Ellen.“No. Of course not. You’re still a novice at the underhand games which will be played out behind the scenes this afternoon and tonight. In fact they’ve already begun. Doesn’t it strike you as strange that Sylvie and Paulo just happened to call at to my room while you were there? Was it you or Paulo who suggested going to the café when Sylvie started arguing with me? Do you think Paulo is really interested in you, or is he simply trying to gain useful information which he can use against you?”“Those thoughts had crossed my mind,” I reply. “I agree. I don’t believe Paulo’s presence in your room was a coincidence. But which of us gains the upper hand as a consequence is still a game in progress.”“What do you mean, Jasmine? What game?”“I intend to see Paulo again when I can. He may be physically stronger than me, but very few of the Argonaut’s tests rely on muscle. However, when it comes to mind games, I think I am better than him. I shall find out when I next see him.”“You are playing a dangerous game, Jasmine. I advise you to abandon your quest. If you fail, Paulo and the other contestants will target you for early elimination tomorrow.”“I think my contestant profile that the Argonaut’s organizers have published already marks me as a target. Paulo’s appearance this morning only confirms it. My best chance is to weaken Paulo’s resolve to attack me. He must either fear me or love me.”“If that is your strategy, then I salute your cunning,” says Ellen. “But I still advise against it. There is very little I can do to help you.”“I don’t ask for your help. All I ask is that you don’t hinder my hunt.”“Very well,” says Ellen. “Providing you keep me or the reception desk informed of your whereabouts. Kidnapping a contestant is a very risky tactic, but it has been tried before. Remember, if you fail to turn up for a roll-call, you will be automatically eliminated.”“How about you let Jasmine’s try on her dress with the jewelry she has chosen,” says Vincent. “The others will be returning soon for lunch. It will be better if you have finished the fitting before they arrive.”Ellen nods in agreement and goes to fetch the emerald jewelry I picked.“Where is Patrick?” I ask, suddenly remembering he left the dormitory a few hours ago for a run.“He finished early,” says Vincent. “He went down to one of the private rooms to practice his interview skills.”“Is he still angry with me?” I ask.“Angry with you? Why do you think he is angry with you?” asks Vincent.“We travelled here together, but as soon as we arrived he suddenly didn’t want anything more to do with me. Something I did must have made him do that.”“You have already identified the reason, Jasmine,” says Vincent. “You said your best chance of winning is to make your rivals either fear you or love you. Paulo isn’t the only man who will be competing against you.”“But why would Patrick fear me? We were getting along fine until we arrived here.”“He doesn’t fear you, Jasmine,” says Vincent. “Well, not much.”“Then he; oh!” I say, suddenly realizing that the strange looks Patrick has been giving me had a deeper meaning than I thought.Chapter 11: A little tendernessI take the studio supplied dress from my wardrobe, and I quickly change into it. I’m busy admiring myself in the mirror when Ellen returns with her emerald ring, necklace and earrings. She fastens the necklace for me, and for the first time I see the combined effect of the dress with Ellen’s emeralds.“Perfect,” says Ellen. I can’t help but agree with her. If looks alone could see me through this afternoon’s performance, then I would be home and dry. But I must still navigate my way through an interview, or make myself noticed if I’m not one of the ten contestants chosen. If I’m interviewed, I need to be eloquent and confident in my responses to the hosts’ questions. Not just because I want to impress any potential employers, but because Paulo and the other contestants will be watching my every move.“Do you think Paulo will like my outfit?” I ask Ellen.“Paulo? Hmmm; I think you will snare him with these emeralds.”“Do you think I have a better chance if I wear that piece which belonged to your great-aunt Sophie?” I ask, remembering Paulo’s reaction when he saw it. “Who was this great-aunt of yours anyway?”“Sophie? Oh, she was a famous dancer. Her stage name was Desire. She lived a very bohemian life. My parents regarded as the black sheep of the family. But I liked her. I used to visit Sophie quite often when I was young, so I knew Sophie much better than did Sylvie or any of my other sisters. That’s why Sophie left her jewelry to me when she died. The emeralds were hers as well. A gift from a man she lived with for many years.”“Have you ever worn her jewelry?” I ask.“The emeralds, yes, but not that piece you were looking at when Sylvie intruded. I’ve never been in a situation where it was appropriate to wear it. It’s not the sort of jewelry you wear in public places, and it takes a certain amount of confidence and practice to wear it. You do understand how it should be worn, don’t you?”“Yes. Thanks to Sylvie’s demonstration, I know how it fastens,” I say, giving Ellen a demonstration using my fingers to represent the spring-clips. “You would need to be wearing a thin top to stop it sliding off, though.”“Or no top at all,” laughs Ellen. “But we are getting side-tracked. The others will be here soon. If we are done I suggest you change back into your regular clothes."Ellen, could I borrow that piece of Sophie’s I saw earlier?”“What!? There is no way you are wearing that on the television show.”“No, of course I won’t. I do have some sense of propriety. But I might be able to use it to snare Paulo.”I put on my most winsome smile and Ellen finally agrees after some hesitation. She must have anticipated my request as she has the box with Sophie’s piece in her bag. She hands it to me.“You knew I was going to ask to borrow this,” I say.“I didn’t know, but I suspected you might ask when you noticed Paulo’s interest,” smiles Ellen. “You had best try it on. You might not be able to keep it in place.”I find a thin top and change out of the dress. Fortunately Vincent has decided to go for lunch. He’s harmless enough, but I think I’ve treated him to enough eye candy for now. Ellen hands me the jeweled piece and watches as I nervously place the discs in position. I anticipated a certain amount of discomfort from the pressure of the clips on my nipples, but the initial pain is almost unbearable. Fortunately the pain soon passes and after a short while I can only sense the weight of the piece tugging on my nipples and breasts.“Now try walking about,” says Ellen. “Try to shake it loose. We need to see whether it will stay in place.”I do as Ellen suggests and try moving into several different positions. The piece remains firmly in place, but several movements cause me to wince in pain as the weight or tension in the linking chain pulls against me. After a few minutes Ellen seems satisfied with my first attempt at wearing it.“OK,” says Ellen. “You can take the piece off.”What sounds like the simplest of tasks turns out to be the most excruciatingly painful experience I could imagine. As soon as the clips are removed, the numbness in my nipples quickly goes, and my body protests strongly. I bite my lips to prevent myself from crying out. If I fail this last test, then Ellen might not let me borrow the piece. I rub my chest gently to ease the pain, and after a while only a little tenderness remains.“Hmm. Do you still wish to borrow this piece?” asks Ellen as she places it back in its box.I nod and Ellen hands me the box. I give her a hug in thanks, being careful not to aggravate my tender breasts. The sound of Patrick’s voice coming from the corridor prompts me to finish changing and join the others for lunch.To be continued in part 3, by Rachael Jane for Literotica.

#58: How to Live Life to the Fullest (ft. Darrian Spilman and Cheyanne Kurth)

The Groove Life Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 63:34

On Today's Episode: "Ninja, drag king, cheer coach, and choreographer are only a few things that describe these amazing guests on this episode. Darrian & Chey are unstoppable in their pursuit for what brings them life. It has been such an honor to perform alongside these gifted artists and watch them emerge into our creative community. I guarantee you're going to love this episode as much as we did." - ShaneWelcome to The Groove Life, a bi-weekly podcast from one of the Corridor's hardest rockers Shane Lunsford, joined by his daughter Mikah, focused around good vibes and positivity - the things in life that make you groove.New episodes every other Monday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you find your podcasts.Visit GrooveLifePod.com for the Groove Life Spotify playlist!The Groove Life Podcast is produced by Upload Media Group as part of the Upload Media Incubator Series. This collection of podcasts and projects receives discounted production rates, educational benefits, and additional support from Upload Media to help bring their project to life. Learn more at UploadMediaGroup.com.Mentioned in this episode:Need Pizza 2024This episode is sponsored by Need Pizza in downtown Cedar Rapids, IA. Need Pizza is a full pizzeria and bar with a focus on New Haven-style pizza that also features 30 craft beers on tap. It's not that you WANT pizza - YOU NEED IT! Learn more at https://www.needcr.com/Announcing Our Beer Collaboration: EnVivo!Join us at Lion Bridge Brewing Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Friday, March 29th to celebrate the release of EnVivo, a mexican lager released as a collaboration between Lion Bridge and The Groove Life Podcast! There will be live music, a live recording of the podcast, and tons of great beer including EnVivo!

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Composition Talk with Jocelyn Hagen

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 53:25

This week on HERo Talk, Darrian is joined by composer, Jocelyn Hagen. Jocelyn and Darrian talk about composition, promoting women in composition, and incorporating multimedia into the classical music space.

Sebastian Blase & Max v. Laack, HC, OLc Oldenburg Knights GFL2

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 70:35

Sebastian Blase ist HC der OL Knights, Max v. Laack ist dort OL Coach. Als Kicker hat Darrian 7/11 Field Goals verwandelt und ist damit aktuell auf dem zweiten Rang der 2023'er Field Goal Effizienz der GFL2. Sie reden über einen Ausblick der Knights in 2024, sowie aktuelle Ereignisse des deutschen Football- unter anderem auch das Teamsterben, das wir in den letzten Wochen bis in die höchsten Spielklassen beobachten können. Der Talk ist eine Stunde lang und auf deutsch. Viel Spaß!

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Inclusive Arts Organizations

arts inclusive organizations small talk darrian

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 55:52

Catch up with Miranda and Darrian as we talk about what will happen in our upcoming 2024 episodes. We also discuss our Small Talk answers about how arts organizations can be more inclusive.

Augusta Read-Thomas Talk- from season 1

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 48:20

Join Angela and Darrian as they talk with composer, Augusta Read-Thomas about her music and what makes her so well known!

Same God - Same Church | Darrian Graves

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Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 36:06

Release - Receive - Rest | Darrian Graves

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Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 33:27

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Advent: Joy | Week 3 | Darrian Graves

Praise Church

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2023 5:02

Talking with the PhDiva (Dr. April James)

harvard darrian hero talk

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 42:50

Today on HERo Talk, Darrian sits down to talk to Dr. April James. April talks about her time at Harvard, opera, health during school, and her book The Tenth Muse: How Maria Antonia Advanced the Pastoral Opera. Learn more about Dr. James at her website, https://www.aprillynnjames.com/about-april-plus-madison.

What is Accountability? | Darrian Graves

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Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 38:50

Delight In Me | Darrian Graves

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2023 36:52

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Kate Warren Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 37:30

Today on the show with Darrian is French Horn player, Kate Warren. Together they touch on a variety of topics from gendering brass instruments to promoting yourself on social media! Learn more about Kate Warren at https://www.katewarrenmusic.com or on instagram @katewarrenmusic

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Bow Talk with Amelyse Arroyo

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Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 63:55

Amelyse Arroyo joins Darrian on HERo Talk to discuss her bow making career and bow maintenance for our fellow string HERoes. Tune in to learn more about bows and check out Amelyse @arroyobows or at www.arroyobows.com

Sept. 16: Darrian Matassa-Fung of Global News, BC. Illigal Drugs Prohibited from Playgrounds, Spray and Wading Pools, Skate Parks

Roy Green Show

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2023 7:33

Global News B.C: B.C. prohibits illegal drugs from playgrounds, spray and wading pools, skate parks. Guest: Darrian Matassa-Fung. Online journalist, Global News, BC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Talking with Musicians' Health Lab

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Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 51:18

Today on HERo Talk is Kensley Behel from the Musicians' Health Lab! Kensley and Darrian discuss how to be a health conscious musician and how to be more effective in the practice room! Learn more about the Musicians' Health Lab at https://www.kensleybehel.com or on instagram @kensleybehel

Season 3!!

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 42:57

Welcome back to HERo Talk! It is season 3! Darrian and Miranda sit down to talk about our summers and what you can look forward to during this next season of the podcast!

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40 Days of Devotion: Serving | Darrian Graves

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Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 35:53

Brothers behind tech firm Qualifi on being Black founders, raising capital, ‘unwillingness to die'

The IBJ Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2023 56:55

Darrian and Devyn Mikell grew up in central Indiana, played sports, went to college, tried a few things to get their careers started and ultimately launched a tech firm together. They have some juicy stories from their early days of griding that would resonate with other tech founders: starting with the wrong sales strategy, struggling for months without revenue and slowly building a base of investors. There are a few things that are relatively unique: First, they're brothers, and we all know that it's often not easy for family members to work together. Second, they recently reached an important milestone with a $4.5 million fundraising round. Third, they are among the few company founders in any industry sector who are Black. Businesses majority-owned by Black or African American people accounted for only 3% of all U.S. firms that were classifiable by the race and ethnicity of their owners in 2020, according to the Pew Research Center. And the Mikells have made hiring people from underrepresented populations a priority at their company, called Qualifi. The issues of diversity and inclusion dovetail into the mission of Qualifi, which sells software that helps employers automate the hiring process and avoid biases that could slip into the interview process. In this week's edition of the IBJ Podcast, the Mikells join host Mason King for an in-depth interview about how they work together as brothers; the inspiration they've received from their family (including an older brother with a Pro Bowl career in the NFL); how they handle the rollercoaster of startup life; obstacles that Black entrepreneurs face; and the importance to them of diversity as they grow the company. The IBJ Podcast is brought to you by Taft.

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ILB Darrian Beavers on returning from last year's injury

New York Giants Audio Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2023 5:49 Transcription Available

Inside linebacker Darrian Beavers addresses the media prior to Saturday's practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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What is Your Forever | Darrian Graves

The Job Interview Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2023 32:02

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SEC Media Days begin PLUS Darrian Dalcourt and newcomer CJ Dippre on the countdown

Locked On Bama

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 23:26

The SEC media days have begun which means it is the unofficial- official start to football season! Has anything fun happened yet? Also, Jimmy Stein's world famous Alabama roster countdown continues with Darian Dalcourt and CJ Dippre! Roll Tide.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!birddogsGo to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE or enter promo code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for a free Yeti style tumbler with your order. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you.eBay MotorsFor parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.FanDuelMake Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

SEC Media Days begin PLUS Darrian Dalcourt and newcomer CJ Dippre on the countdown

Locked On Bama

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 27:11

The SEC media days have begun which means it is the unofficial- official start to football season! Has anything fun happened yet? Also, Jimmy Stein's world famous Alabama roster countdown continues with Darian Dalcourt and CJ Dippre! Roll Tide. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! birddogs Go to birddogs.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE or enter promo code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for a free Yeti style tumbler with your order. You won't want to take your birddogs off we promise you. eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let's ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don't miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

Darrian Mikell - Qualifi CEO - The Future of Interview Tech, Interview Mistakes and How Qualifi is Changing the Game

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 23:36

Darrian Mikell is the Co-Founder and CEO of Qualifi, a SaaS platform that powers the fastest phone interview experience in the world and helps recruiting teams hire great candidates. Darrian joins us to discuss the future of phone interviews, common mistakes, and how Qualifi is changing the game. - Thank you to Chris Fontanella for supporting The Job Interview Experience! Chrisfontanella.com Jump-Start Your Career https://a.co/d/c0qO9Oo Tune Up Your Career https://a.co/d/8MQHyMF - AeroPress Supports The Job Interview Experience! Use code CANDIDATECLUB15 for 15% OFF Coffee Makers! https://aeropress.com - Job Interview Experience Website - Interview Coaching, Candidate Club Interview Prep, Contact & More: https://www.jobinterviewexperience.com/

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“Baby Stylist” to BOOMING clientele: why you need to know Darrian McDuffy

The Impactful Stylist Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 68:45

This episode has something for every stylist no matter what stage you are in your career! It's a MUST listen especially if you want some actionable advice and inspiration.

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E72: How to Identify Your Real True Skin

Dirty Hair Secrets With Hair Regrowth Expert, Precious Rutlin

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 31:27

Darrian has been enjoying making skin care products to help those who deal with dermatitis, dry skin and skin sensitivities, which is why she decided to launch Bumble Scents in 2020. In this episode we talk about: how to idenify your kid's skin condition find out your real true skin type how to deal with oil skin the best SPF sunscreens and so much more Connect with Darrian Byrom, Owner of Bumble Scents: Website: https://www.bumblescentsskincare.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/bumblescentsskincare FB: https://www.facebook.com/darrian.hines.94?mibextid=ZbWKwL Book Your Appointment Bumblescentsskincare.booksy.com To get your copy of the 6 Toxins Hair Guide, DM the word "6toxins" to IG @preciousrutlin or FB @preciourutlinconsulting #faceprimer #spfsunscreen Follow Precious on Tiktok and Instagram @preciousrutlin #skincare #naturalskin #melaninskincare #skinwellness #protectyourskin #dryskin #oilyskin #nourishedhairpodcast

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Philippians | Week 4 | Darrian Graves

Praise Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2023 37:04

Thanks for listening! To learn more about Praise Church and how you can get involved, head over to www.praisechurch.tv While you're there, check out our virtual lobby where you will find ways to join us live online, fill out a next-step card, join a small group, ask for prayer, or give online. We hope to connect with you soon!

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I AM | Darrian Graves

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 30:41

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Good-bye Season 2 / The HERo Conference

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 49:58

Join the HERo Team, Darrian, Miranda, Bella, and Amanda as they close out season 2 by talking about the HERo Conference! We discuss all the people and events at the conference and all the hard work we did to get to where we are now. We have fun figuring out how to have four people on the podcast with only three mics! Join the fun and let us know your thoughts!

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Harp Talk with Dr. Noël Wan

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 55:31

This week Darrian sits down with harpist, Dr. Noël Wan. They talk about harp and what it means to gender instruments. Don't forget to register for the HERo Conference for the weekend of May 12-13! Tickets to individual sessions also available.

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The answer to your problem is the heart | Darrian Graves

Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 37:04

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Conference Talk and Toxic Teaching Relationships

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Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 54:56

This week on HERo Talk, Darrian and Angela, will be talking about everything you can expect at the inaugural HERo Conference. We will also be discussing toxic student/teacher relationships in classical music. Register for the conference today! $25 for students! Register at www.her-omusic.com today!

Corinne Stillwell Talk