A short time later, they reclined on the grass while the gentle wind brushed their skin. They gazed into the darkening sky while couples and threesome... made love nearby.“Do you think we’ll be ready for our rite of passage tomorrow?” Ari suddenly asked.“Of course we will. How could we not?” Alana replied.“I just worry. If we fail the challenge, mother and father will be so disappointed. Our father is the chief of the village. If his own daughters fail, we’ll bring shame to our whole family.”Ari. " There's a longer story there, to be sure," the fembot easily conceded. "One that we'll happily share with you someday. But for now, back to you."The woman took the proffered hint. The Empress didn't have unlimited time to spend with her, and had certainly summoned her for a reason. While her own intuition had already offered up a possible explanation, her rational mind rejected it outright. It would need much more in the way of supporting facts to even begin to be considered seriously.All. Fran can check out the linens and see what needed washing. Willow gave him a bank draft to stock the house and acquire any kitchen items he found missing.Gustave blanched when he saw how much the draft was for. Willow explained he would need to set up accounts with his supplies. This way he could make a deposit in each. That way they knew her money was good. They would sort out regular payments of the bills later when they get the house accounts sorted out. He was to keep receipts of his. The four sets of double doors that led to the lobby were now closed and he fumbled in the dark to find an exit. Once found, the door opened easily in his hand, almost as if it had been expecting him. The lobby was deserted. Scarlet padded benches lined its perimeter, only a short while ago laden with guests in all their finery. Now they were empty. A large chandelier burned brightly overhead, each of the hundreds of pieces of sparkling crystal hanging silently as though frozen in time. To the.