She awoke to someone knocking sharply on her door. Startled and momentarily forgetful of where she was, she scrambled to find something to wear, crying out "Just a minute!"
Immediately, the door opened and Ojas entered. "You should know, Annis, that I knock to wake you, not to ask your permission to enter." His voice was stern, but he smiled. "I have come to escort you to session."
"Is there anything I should do? I mean, I haven't brushed my teeth or ..." Annis was still a bit panicky.
Ojas was very reassuring. "No, dear. Don't worry about that, all of it will be taken care of in session today. Are you warm enough?"
"Yes, I'm fine."
"Then do not bother with your robe; follow me immediately."
When they got out into the hall, Lamis was already standing there, waiting for them. She smiled at Annis and asked how she liked her room. "Oh, it's marvelous!" she answered, as they got into the elevator. "It's exactly me, if you know what I mean."
"I feel the same way! It reminds me of being back in Lebanon -- all the dark wooden windows, rugs, incense, and fires..."
"I would love to see it sometime," answered Annis. "It sounds rather different than mine."
At that, they resumed silence as they entered the orientation room.
"Good morning, girls," welcomed Megan. "Please go to your sections, relax, and drink the beverage on your table."
Annis walked to her pad, this time finding another herbal tea next to her. It was pale yellow and a little sweet and served warm. She sat there sipping, and smiled good-morning to Azra and to the other girl who was now perched on a bright yellow pad. She assumed they were waiting on the other two girls who were still missing. By the time Ojas returned with them, she had almost finished her tea. The two of them were welcomed and resumed their places.
"Well, now that we are all here," began Etan, "let me ask you about the session yesterday. You were told to notice something about the rest of the group; who can tell me something about Kendis and her sexual preferences?" He indicated the girl right next to Annis, the one who had used the two -- pronged dildo yesterday. No one offered an answer. Unsure, but wanting to please Etan, Annis raised her hand.
"Yes, Annis. Please, tell us something about Kendis."
"I would think she likes things slow and hard, sexually."
Ethan smiled. "Why would you think that?"
Annis looked at Kendis whose face was bright red and she was staring at the floor. "Well...Kendis only used the one dildo yesterday and she was very forceful, but took it rather slow. Actually..." she hesitated. "Go on, Annis," prompted Megan.
"Ummmm... I don't actually know if she came or not. Her whole session just seemed very intense. Not really pleasurable."
"Thank you Annis. That was very insightful. Anyone else?" Annis waited, but no one else offered an answer. "Too bad. Kendis, can you come up here please?"
Kendis stood and walked up to the table.
"Kendis, you will take four strikes with the rod this morning for your classmates inability." A general out cry arose, everyone except for Annis was calling out that they could indeed say something about her experience yesterday. "I'm sorry, Kendis, but the time to hear these explanations is past. Please put your hands on either side of your head and spread your legs."
Kendis was white as a sheet. Annis guessed that, like herself, Kendis had never experienced much sexually in public. Megan picked up a thin birch rod about three feet long and walked behind her. "Kendis," she said, "there will be one strike for each of your classmates who had nothing to offer. Usually, regarding punishments, you will have a safe word to use in case things get too intense for you. However, no safe word is given for your first punishment, regardless of what it is. You must be strong for this. Keep your eyes open, look only at Etan, try to make no sound except I want you to count out each blow."