Nalcara's Shacles

Then

The woman on the massive bed began to stir. She lay amidst a tangle of sheets and pillows strewn haphazardly across the incredibly comfortable surface, almost obscured by the accessories. Humanoid was likely the best way to describe her. The pointed ears marked her as clearly not a human, though they were much too short for a pure elf. Then there was the long dark green hair, and the green tinted skin. She sat up slowly, before stretching, and yawning. Sort of.

"Mmmrgh-Mmnp!" Her hands went to her face at the aborted vocalization. They found a metal shield covering her mouth and jaw, wrapping snugly around her head. Further explorations revealed no seam or latch to remove it. The movement also brought attention to a sensation on her bare back, which turned out to be a chain dangling from a collar, similarly seamless, around her neck. Following the metallic links, she discovered them anchored to the solid wooden head of the bed, tethering her to the furniture. She rolled her eyes. The gag cut off her magic, and she was trapped in this bed. Her only option was to wait.

She didn't have to wait long. A man soon appeared; almost certainly human. Not unattractive, relatively fit, of indeterminable age. He wore loose fitting pants, and a light open robe. A bowl of various fruits hovered in behind him. "Ah, good morning, dear. Sleep well?" He said in a smooth voice. "I thought you might like some breakfast before you go."

"Hrmn." His companion grunted. Her posture, reclined rather seductively, suggested contentment, while her knit eyebrows conveyed a touch of annoyance. She wrapped her fingers around her leash and gave it a sharp tug. "Mmph?"

"Ah, yes. Well, you have, in the past, snuck out without so much as a wave." He said with a hint of a smile. "As for the gag, you are quite clever. Best to limit your options." He waved a hand dismissively, and with a click, the metal shield split and loosened around her face.

She reached up and pried the device from her head. "I suppose I can't deny," she mumbled, stretching her jaw," that such mischief is in my nature. But you will release me today? I should be getting back. And this body is starting to ache a little."

"I suppose it has been several days." He sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. "But yes. As much as I enjoy your companionship, I enjoy my solitude as well.. And I expect you'll want to resize before you eat. Besides, to look at, your true form is just as comely as this one." Another gesture released the collar, which slid off and fell to the mattress.

The woman vanished. In her place, a tiny green figure with dragonfly wings fell to and bounced off a pillow. "Ah!" She groaned, stretching on the sheets. "That shape is fine for the utility, but it does feel good to get back in my own body." She sat up, flexing her newly returned wings, before flitting to the fruit bowl and plucked a grape from a bunch. "How long can that collar hold a shape? Normally that spell holds about an hour, perhaps a little more. But even when I tried to dismiss it, I could not. You had me locked in that body."

"Theoretically, indefinitely." The man replied. "You have been the longest test subject, and also the greatest size differential. I suspect that is why you ached this morning. Were I to, say, sculpt an elf into that shape, I believe it would be much longer; perhaps years, before their body would attempt to rebound as I posit yours did. Perhaps never."

"Speaking of elves," the atomie said, wiping grape juice from her chin. "Please thank Yandra for being my guinea pig when she returns."

"I most certainly will." The man replied. He was quiet for a moment. "We're you satisfied with our arrangement?"

"Quite satisfied. In multiple regards." She grinned at him. "Now, if I could only get my clothing back..."

"I'm sure they're around here somewhere." He said. "I'll organize a search... after I've watched you eat your breakfast."

- - -

The doorway shimmered at the wave of his hand, opening the portal. As it stabilized, the interior of the small shack that he maintained in the outside world came into view. "I will be traveling for a time." He said. "So I won't be checking the house as often. It may be a while until we meet again."

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder." The atomie hovered nearby, examining the portal. She generally hid her amazement at the casual and seemingly effortless power he displayed. "Thank you for your hospitality, knowledge, and assistance."

"And thank you, Nalcara, for your companionship and insight." He responded. "Farewell."

"Until next time, Jaxir." Nalcara bowed mid-air, and flitted through the wavering passage. She felt the change immediately; from the circulating arcane energy in the private sanctum, to the fresh air of the remote structure. Both refreshing in their own way. This had been a worthwhile trip. She could learn by just being in the presence, of such a powerful wizard, but when he actively shared his knowledge... And he'd been quite impressed by their experiment with Jix. Imagine a backwoods atomie impressing an arch mage!"

She incanted the 'teleport' spell with the grin still on her face. She finished with a clear picture in her head of the flat stone outside her home, and felt the pop of rushing air. Her feet touched down on the stone, as a horrendous sensation washed through her. Nalcara's eyes snapped open to reveal gray fields of ash. What!? How!? She couldn't think. She couldn't breathe. The very atmosphere of the place was crushing her. She gasped for air, forcing out a desperate spell.

Now

Sarah cringed inwardly as she entered Shimmering Ponds manor. Many of those gathered within smiled and waved, which wasn't so bad. It was the other groups that began moving toward her as soon as they saw her that made her anxious. Socializing was stressful.

"Would you like me to hold them off for a bit?" Korina inquired. She'd entered with the Mage, and whether it was her guard's instincts or her growing closeness with Terra, the Captain had seemed to have appointed herself Sarah's unofficial protector of late. Something which did not go unappreciated.

"Thank you, Captain, but no." Sarah replied. "I'll talk to them."

"Tough being popular, eh boss?" Terra nudged the Mage with her shoulder.

Sarah sighed and cast a sideways glance at her companion. "Yes, but at least the money's good."

The first group to reach them was a trio of dancers from the Shackled Maiden led by Vicki. "Sarah!" She called in greeting. "Do you have any new toys today?"

"I have one." Sarah replied with out elaborating.

"Well, what is it? What does it do?" Reeva was another dancer, tall and slim with a long dark brown braid down her back.

"You'll have to be patient, girls." Kasuri slipped gracefully along side Sarah. "It's my commission, and she won't give even me the specifics."

"Can we have just a little hint?" Reeva pressed with the air of a child on her birthday.

"I tested it on Terra." Said the mage without a hint of humor. "Perhaps you can get something from her."

Terra watched as several sets of eyes turned toward her. "Oh, thanks Boss."

"It's tough being popular." Sarah replied flatly.

The next to approach Sarah was Jossi. The inventor was not unpleasant company; the two shared a similar way of thinking. Her presence even brought a slight smile to the Mage's face. Sarah couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt though. Whenever she saw the girl, Sarah recalled the night they met, and the awkward predicament Jossi had been in.

"Sarah!" Jossi gushed. "Those springs you gave me worked great! Where did you get them?"

"I made them." Sarah replied. "They're adamantine, so they should serve your purpose."

"Adaman-!" Jossi exclaimed. "How did you-?" She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Right. Magic. But where did you get adamantine? And what do I owe you for them? It had to be expensive."

"It's fine. I had some scraps from a project some time ago." Sarah said. "You've been helping me with the non-magical engineering on these projects. It's the least I can do."

"That's fun though." Countered Jossi. "How about..." She paused, her cheeks coloring a bit. "Maybe I could help you test things. Like Korina does. I mean, I can be naked or locked up, if it would help."

Sarah forced a smile. Her thought was that Jossi was flirting, which, itself was not an unpleasant thought. They actually had quite a lot in common, and got on quite well. Jix had even suggested chaining the girl to their bed some time. But Jix wasn't here. And while Sarah knew that the fey's only issue would be that she missed it, The Mage just couldn't bring herself to be intimate with anyone since the atomie left. She also did not want to reject Jossi outright. People were hard. Especially when you liked them. "That is, of course, unnecessary, but we can arrange something, I expect."

"I in-insist." Jossi stammered.

Sarah closed her eyes for a moment before opening them with a half grin. "Wait until you see what I have for tonight. You might change your mind."

* * *

"What I have tonight," began Sarah, "is a commission given me by Kasuri. It was not something I'd ever considered, but I was fortunate to find an appropriate spell in a book I purchased from an adventurer." She reached into her bag and retrieved her device. It was a rod, perhaps six inches long with a polished finish and rounded ends.

"Oh, I know what that's for!" Jekki called playfully. "Do you need a volunteer?"

Sarah paused for a second, considering the phallic object in her hand. "I guess I had not considered the shape. It certainly could be used... in that way, but I think when you see what it actually does, you will not want to. And no, I will not be needing a volunteer. In this instance, Kasuri should be the one to help demonstrate her new... toy."

"Oh?" Kasuri raised an eyebrow. "Very well Sarah. My curiosity is piqued. What do you need me to do? Shall I disrobe?"

"Yes, if you would." Replied Sarah. "Then, for this demonstration, it would be best if you were restrained in a seated or reclining position. Perhaps the 'exam table' or the 'hot seat'." Sarah referenced two near by pieces of equipment by the names the society most commonly used.

There was a flurry of whispers and giggles, as Kasuri was very seldom restrained in the dungeon proper. She would usually take her turns as captive as a personal prisoner of someone who won the right. Partially because she was just naturally dominant, but also because she was not gentle when she had prisoners of her own, and pay backs could be a bitch for someone who couldn't defend themself.

This was not lost of Kasuri, who frowned. She knew that once bound, she'd likely be stuck for the evening, and perhaps even the morning. "How fortunate for me that I am something of a masochist. Very well, Sarah. Which device do you recommend for this."

"The chair, for..." The Mage's cheeks colored, "reasons I will explain as we go." Sarah glanced around, finally spotting who she was looking for. "Narani, Annise? Would you please secure our subject?"

Both women immediately stepped forward. Narani had a predatory grin on her face as she slinked from the crowd. Annise also wore a smile as she moved to the chair. The auburn haired woman was on watch tonight, and as such, also wore the indicative polished leather collar.

The chair in question was a heavy, solid piece of furniture. It was smooth and polished; coated with a layer of stain to give it that aged look. The accompanying hardware, by contrast, appeared brand new. There were straps on the arms for wrists and biceps. Straps on the legs for the ankles and near the knees. A set on the back for the waist and above the collar bones. A collar around the neck, and finally a strap across the forehead. A fully engaged occupant of the chair could only move their fingers and toes. There was even some fasteners for a gag to further pin the head in place even as it silenced the victim. But where the 'hot seat' really got its name was the removable panel underneath, that not only left a reasonably sized hole in the seat, but it's prisoner exposed and accessible.

"Are the locks really necessary?" Kasuri muttered through gritted teeth.

"Perhaps not." Narani replied, snapping a padlock closed on the collar strap. "But it has been some time, Mistress Hai, since you have been properly contained, and I am not going to miss this opportunity." The cleric raised the gag in front of Kasuri's immobile head.

"Please don't gag her." Interrupted Sarah. "Among other things, her feedback will be important." Sarah waited a moment until her assistants finished their work and stepped back, Kasuri thoroughly pinned in place. "I'm calling this device the 'pain rod'. Kasuri asked me if it was possible to cause pain without injury through magic, and I found a few spells that do just that. I was a little uncomfortable with this one. The spells were in a book clearly written by an unpleasant person. However, with a group like this, and the safeguards of my own, I think it will be acceptable."

Narani's playful smile evaporated. "How much pain?" She glanced down at the squirming Kasuri. "I know Kasu's penchant for... discomfort so I shouldn't be surprised, but... What are these safeguards?"

"Such a worrywart, Nara." Teased Kasuri, continuing to test her bonds.

"This demonstration is one of them," replied Sarah, "so that no one is surprised. The other is a strict time limit; approximately ten minutes per day is all that it will function. As for the amount of pain, well... I've certainly felt worse, but it's not pleasant."

"Matter of opinion." Muttered Kasuri.

"At any rate," Sarah went on, "I have no experience with the crop, but I suspect it's comparable to a lash with one; the difference being that it could be sustained as long as contact is maintained."

"And there is no physical injury?" Pressed Narani. "You've used it on yourself?"

"Yes, and Terra volunteered as well." Replied Sarah. "It's a draining experience, but there were no lasting effects. The only difficulty I had was a sustained contact of several minutes."

"And that was?" Inquired Narani.

Sarah's cheeks reddened. "I was standing, which was a mistake. My knees buckled and I dropped to the floor. And vomited a little. Hence the chair and lack of gag for Kasuri."

Narani frowned. "How long was this contact?"

"Little over five minutes." Terra put in. "She had me count for her." She shrugged. "It hurts, but once the rod is off it stops."

"Five minutes?" Narani raised her eyebrows. "Good to know you're serious about product testing. All right. Give me a taste, then we can try it on Kasu."

"Oh, thank you, mother." Kasuri sang.

"You are in no position for sass." Chastised Narani. She extended her left arm. "Do the hand. It's sensitive, and damage, or lack there of, will be immediately apparent."

"As you wish." Sarah gripped the rod and said, "Activate." The device hummed briefly. "It's now on." She brought it over the cleric's outstretched palm. "And three, two, one..." She tapped on the center of the hand.

"Yee-OUCH!" Narani yelped, recoiling and shaking her hand. "Definitely comparable to... a... crop..." Narani blinked and examined her hand, flexing and wiggling her fingers. "But the pain faded, and with no lasting mark. "Very well, Sarah. I approve. But we will have to be careful with that."

"Agreed. But as it is not mine, I'm not the one to convince." Without preamble, Sarah tapped the device on the captive Kasuri's shoulder.

"GUH-HA-Ngh!" Kasuri didn't do anything so undignified as shriek; even caught off guard as she was, but she did react. Aside from her bitten off shout, she threw herself against her restraints, which held implacably. She panted slightly as the tip of the rod lifted clear. "Agh, that was..." her eyes flicked to the mage, "delicious. Don't stop now!"

Narani sighed and rolled her eyes. "Indeed. Go ahead, Sarah. I'll stop you if I think she needs a break."

The Mage nodded. This time, when she touched Kasuri's shoulder, she dragged the tip of the rod down her arm, to the cuff pinning her elbow to the chair. Ready for it this time, the bound woman only hissed through clenched teeth. She gave a small yelp when Sarah lifted the rod from her arm and relocated to her armpit dragging it down her side to her hip. The Mage wound a trail around her captives torso, between her breasts and across one nipple, which provoked another cry.

The climax came as Sarah traced a line down the top of Kasuri's left thigh and back up her right. Quite literally. Kasuri's body seemed to seize, her torso arching against the straps that herd it, with her hand gripping the arms of the chair tightly. And she made a most undignified noise; somewhere between a growl and a squeal. Sarah lifted the rod, looking to the cleric.

Narani merely smirked. "That, Sarah, is the very definition of a satisfied customer. I'm impressed. Kasu usually needs a lot more foreplay." She looked around to the audience. "Now if you wouldn't mind using the time left on the 'toy to allow a trial to any who want one? I agree with you about it not being a surprise."

"Wa-wait." Panted Kasuri. "Get me... out of this... chair first."

"She can't." Grinned Narani holding up a set of keys. "You're locked in." She nodded to the mage. "I'll take care of her.",

Kasuri tracked Sarah with her eyes as she moved off. "Not that I'm surprised, Nara, but I will repay you for this."

"Cleric of retribution, remember?" Returned Narani, holding up the chair's gag. "I'd be disappointed if you didn't."

"Guhmmrph!" Kasuri grunted as the spongey ball was fixed into place. She fumed for a moment, trying to glare but the half-elf slipped from her field of vision. The fought her bonds fiercely for a moment, not budging an bit before settling down. Growling to herself, she listened to the shrieks and yelps from Sarah's test subjects. It was totally going to be worth it once she was free of this chair. And in the mean time, the 'music' was nice.

- - -

Jossi gripped the flat bar floating in the air, trying her best to budge it. Finally she lifted her knee up to the waist high object and put all her weight on it to no avail. It continued to float, completely unmoving. "That's amazing." She said, continuing to poke and prod the device. "I just can't get my head around it. I keep expecting to find strings or something, but even that wouldn't explain how it's just... stuck there."

"You're a mechanic." Replied Sarah from her workbench. "Action and reaction. Science. Magic doesn't always make sense scientifically, but I guess that's kind of the point." She was working on a mechanical device herself, a collar. She was actually just directing her 'unseen servant' who was doing the fine work inside the tight space. The mage was really only holding a light and watching through a set of Jossi's magnifying goggles.

Jossi pushed the button on the 'immovable rod' and caught it when it was released from its place. "You seem to manage both all right." She complained as she returned the device to the shelf she'd found it on.

"I studied both." Replied Sarah. "Elemental magic in particular needs a good grasp of physical science. Electrical conductivity, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics. You need to know how a given element will react to the environment. I had a classmate who cast a fireball in a narrow hall where it couldn't properly expand. It burned his eyebrows off and threw him twenty feet through the air." The mage set the collar down and took off the goggles. "I got the spring in place with the pin to hold it. And you're much better at mechanics and engineering than I am. I'm just useful for fine work like this."

"And 'fabrication'. And 'mending'..." Jossi countered. "Your are an engineer's dream." She turned back to the shelves containing Sarah's tools and devices. "Hey, what's these two bottles here? The yellow and blue ones tied together with the ribbon