PGDO: Climax and Denouement

[Jim Roberts]

[Feb 3 – Spindrift]

> The Pussycats, however, were simply transported. They were excellent
> performers themselves, and routinely played to large audiences. Large
> *Forest People* audiences, with more recent performances in and around
> the settlers, and most recently out on the Kirith River Plains. But
> nothing they had ever done compared with the size of a high energy
> Spindrift evening show, placed on a thrust proscenium stage playing to
> a full house. All three were staring in rapt wonder at the sight as
> the sound transported them into musical bliss. Now, perhaps Val’s eyes
> were more often fixed on the wonders of what modern and well funded
> Stage Magic might provide rather than on the performers, but all three
> Pussycats were well and truly captivated.

Soon afterwards, the Pussycats and Pals were back out on Casino Row
outside of the Sheriff and Bandit. There had been no need to discuss
what was next on the agenda. The Pussycats, and no less Tramma and
Mithi, seemed “amped” by their recent show. Whether their energy was the
natural side effect of the adrenaline dump of a fine show, some
spillover from the probably leaky Stage Magic kit, or some combination
of both, the result was easily seen in the lusty glow suffusing all five
of the ladies. The Pussycats in particular seemed to be of the same
mind, and without needing any discussion had resolved that now was the
time to properly thank those who had arranged for this magical night. As
a result, Finfin, Mithi, and Tramma fairly found themselves frogmarched
back down the Row towards Ragnir’s, though truth to tell the latter two
were as much leading as following.

In no time at all, the Pussycats and Pals were back at Ragnir’s Lucky
Seven, standing before the doorway into the Imperial Suite.

“No, I don’t think we’ll need any help for the rest of the night,”
Tramma laughed a reply to the maitre’d’s question. “I think we can
handle it from here.”

“Very good, madam,” he graciously replied, following the guests into the
suite only far enough to dismiss the bartenders and cabana crew. Long
before the staff had completed their retreat, by universal acclaim the
Pussycats had escorted the rest of their pals into the Master Bedroom,
where both schoolgirl and Dorian uniforms were shed. Everyone helped
everyone else out of their clothing, pausing only to fold and hang the
garments up in a spacious closet.

Then, once everyone was dressed only in their skin, Tramma led the crew
out the french doors behind the bar, and on out into the private section
of the establishment’s rooftop gardens. In the normal course of events,
anyone “dressed” in this manner ought to have felt the bite of a
winter’s night. But from elven constitutions, Arcane magics, or simple
enthusiasm, nobody felt at all cold as Tramma led the way into a
secluded hot tub, its rising steam visible in the light provided by the
underwater stonelights and the surrounding ever burning torches. Clearly
the designers of the pool wanted their guests to be able to see clearly,
no matter the hour. Which was just as well, as in Finfin’s experienced
eye, there was most certainly plenty TO see.

All six sat in a close circle in the tub, soaking up the wonderful heat
in companionable silence. Rather than feeling at all debilitated from
the warmth, all six found themselves both energised and in silent accord
for what would happen next. Perhaps surprisingly, it was the usually
unassertive Mel who led the way for the evening’s final Act. Giving her
pals a goofy grin, she slowly stood up, revelling in the admiring gaze
of her friends and the feel of the hot water cascading from her.
Reaching out her hands to those on either side, she gently pulled
everyone to their feet, and led the crew back to the penthouse suite.
Not a soul needed any encouragement, and all were eagerly pushing ahead
on the path back to the Master Bedroom.

* - * - *

The next morning, all were more than tempted to remain in the Imperial
Suite’s large and attractive master bed. But their responsibilities
would not allow for that indulgence. They really *did* have a schedule
to keep, and others were depending on them to be where they said they
would be. And adequately prepared. So still in the buff, Finfin took the
tray of empty coffee cups out for yet another refill. When he returned
to the master bedroom, he saw Mithi and their pals curled up atop the
bed, all still wearing not a single stitch between them. However, Mithi
had brought out the wizards two spellbooks, while the Pussycats were
clearly intending to begin their own meditations in advance of their
spell prep.

Mithi patted a spot in the center of the people pile where he’d be
snuggled up not just with her, but with as many of their Pals as
possible. Finfin nodded his grateful acceptance of the offer, even as he
passed around the tray of coffee.

One cannot properly meditate while sipping from a mug of coffee. And
letting it spill on oneself was not generally conducive to a proper
centering of one’s thoughts. So actual meditation was delayed for the
brief time it took everyone to enjoy a final round of coffee, all
snuggled together. Everyone’s eyes were drinking in the sight, and
pensively Finfin thought that each and every person was savouring this
moment, committing it to memory.

Clothing optional cuddled meditation in advance of spell preparation had
become as much a morning tradition among the musicians and friends as
morning lovemaking, and this was by far the first time they’d assembled
together.

But this was the first time that they were not together in *various*
stages of disrobement. For the first time, all were equally unclad.
Something that with some foresight, Finfin predicted might become more
common than not going forward, at least when it was just these Pals
together, along with perhaps other close friends. Perhaps all wanted to
rekindle the memories of this fine morning together, each person still
suffused with an even mix of afterglow, along with a new feeling of
companionable friendship. The glow might not endure, but hopefully the
friendship would. And hopefully their future mornings together would
remind them all of this very moment.

But moments are, by their very definition, momentary, and all too soon
passed as everyone finished their coffee. With a final admiring smile to
each and everyone, all then began their meditations, followed by their
book study for the wizards, prayer for Mel, and contemplative musical
doodling for the bards.

An hour later, with a few last looks of regret, everyone helped each
other one final time for this outing into their clothing, and soon after
they were checked out and rolling in a summoned four wheeler for their
rendez-vous with first Jeyshann and Songbird at the Teleport Tower, and
then the day’s later events leading up to the final confrontation with
the EHPK.