Chapter 21: Ann tests her abilities

Yvette was in Ballet, Donna was in Arousal Training with Andre. Ann in the meantime was where she had been sneaking off to for months. She was in Oral Arts, and she was working on station eight. After finally getting the techniques correct, she leaned back in satisfaction after seeing the screen show the words she sought. Task Complete.

A philosophy book she'd been reading as part of her corporate reading list had something in it which applied to this situation. "The main obstacle on the journey of self discovery is fear. Fear allows you to end your journey early, convincing you that nothing more is to be gained."

The obstacle was here, and Ann knew it. It lay before her, and she had no idea how to surmount it. Phase three oral arts, the next stations, included deep throat techniques, which were only now being taught to Diane, Geneva's training was just now beginning to return to light, her nose having healed for ten good days, and the Doctor had approved light training, so long as it caused her no pain.

Ann stood and walked to the door, removing the chair she used to block the door, it had no lock, and opening it. She stepped into the hallway, and found it empty, not surprising, the slaves had cleaned down here this morning. She turned to her left and hesitated. Music, classical piano, seemed to be coming from down the hallway. Turning back to her right, she moved towards the other end, and stopped in shock in the doorway to Ballet.

Rebecca and Jeannette were moving through graceful Ballet movements in synchronized beauty. Ann stood in the doorway, and watched the two dance across the floor, assuming poses that were known the world over, classical ballet. Ann was amazed. Of course, she knew that Rebecca had been a literal Ballerina, and had once danced in the Calgary Ballet, but she had no idea that Rebecca still danced.

Rebecca's body was obviously more suited to the movements, some of which seemed difficult for Jeannette, with her larger breasts, additional height, and classic curves to accomplish. Rebecca on the other hand, was thinner, with smaller breasts, and shorter.

As the song ended, Ann resisted the almost overwhelming urge to clap. "That was beautiful."

Jeannette smiled and lowered her head in acknowledgement. Rebecca seemed flustered for a moment. "I didn't know anyone was in the training wing this afternoon."

"I was just walking about." Ann said vaguely. "How long have you two been doing that?"

"When Jeannette returned to the society, she asked if I could keep training her. I agreed. There wasn't anymore we could do with the standard curriculum, so we started to dance." Rebecca said as she took a towel from Jeannette who had gotten it from the floor. She dabbed at her own neck while Jeannette did similar motions.

"You're both so graceful. It's impressive to watch." Ann said stepping into the class proper. "Jeannette, if you're finished here, can I talk to Rebecca for a moment?"

"Certainly Mistress, I should check on dinner anyway." Jeannette said and left.

Ann turned to Rebecca. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."

"You didn't, it's all right. Just surprising to be caught, but expected I guess." Rebecca said with a friendly smile.

"Actually, finding you was a godsend, I need to talk to you about something Rebecca. I have a problem."

"Usually I find one of the guys when I have that problem." Rebecca said grinning easily.

Ann chuckled. "They wouldn't do." She turned and slowly walked to the door and glanced into the hallway, insuring they weren't overheard and turned back to Rebecca. "I've been training myself, on Oral Arts."

"Really?" Rebecca said surprised.

"Yeah." Ann admitted. Before her courage evaporated, she rushed the next part out. "I've completed phase two. Here's the problem. I've never done it to anyone live. I've also never done anything with a girl, except for being the center of attention with the slaves."

Rebecca nodded and seemed to understand instantly. "Phase three includes things you can't train yourself for, and you need to know if you're doing it right."

Ann nodded. She felt humiliation well within her and wanted to run from the room. "I thought of asking Jeannette or Diane to help me."

"No, you did the right thing. I'll be happy to spend an evening with you Ann. Then we can talk about phase three. I'm not really much in training that, but I've done it. Thomas would probably be best, but that's later." Rebecca stepped up and held out her hand. "Come on, let's get cleaned up for dinner, and afterwards, you and I can torment Donna."

Ann accepted the hand gratefully. Rebecca understood her fears, or at least acknowledged them. As they walked towards the central area, Rebecca leaned a little closer. "You're working even harder than I suspected at this Ann. Demanding more from yourself than we have."

"I know how much I still have to do, and it scares the living hell out of me Rebecca." Ann admitted.

Rebecca smiled. "It pleases me, but we'll talk later, where the guys aren't."

Ann breathed a sigh of relief. She knew she was going to have to talk to Devon, or Thomas, but just not today.

Dinner was the usual, everyone was brought up to date on training. Crystal was in sleep training tonight, Yvette and Donna were in phase two, solidly in phase two. They had much as Suzanne had, breezed through phase one. The ballet was the hardest of course, but that had been seen to, as it always was.

"Devon, I started the report on Donna. It took a while to get close to her erotic image, I think she's fighting me, or resisting me." Andre said.

"OK, where did you get to?" Devon asked.

"I think she'd rather have a girl in the room with her." Andre began. "She originally answered that she normally is with Yvette when Master chooses to play with her."

Devon nodded. "Let me read the report when you're done. It would fit, Yvette is the lead of their house, so Donna's fond of her. I can see that."

Andre nodded. Thomas cleared his throat. "Diane is still having trouble with the throat angle. I think she's blocking it so to speak."

Devon nodded. "We all know phase three is a bitch for the students, they're tired, and the tasks are so difficult as to appear impossible."

"Crystal in sleep training tonight?" Rebecca confirmed.

"Yes, Jeannette has the duty, I've already told her."

After the meal Rebecca and Ann returned to Ballet where they found Donna waiting for them. "Good Donna, let's run through the phase one positions, and we'll just review for today all right?" Rebecca said.

Ann took the lead, and after finding that Donna had preformed the positions properly, moved to phase three. Donna was too dedicated in pleasing. She wanted to make her Master happy, so it was difficult to find fault. Rebecca saw minor flaws, but not anything large enough to cause her to step in.

They reviewed Slave Throat, and Donna demonstrated it properly. Ann shrugged helplessly at Rebecca, and then said. "Well it looks like you've remembered everything. We'll teach you new positions tomorrow."

"Thank you Mistress." Donna said and rose. She stopped at the door before leaving. "Mistress, may I speak?"

"Certainly." Ann replied somewhat surprised.

"Mistress, I know we're to serve Master, and I know we're to obey any Master. I'm trying, really I am." Donna began obviously frightened.

"What's wrong?" Ann asked, more gently than she intended. Her concern obvious.

"Master Andre. He's big, and beautiful, and he looks just like my Brother." Donna began. "I think I failed my class because I couldn't relax around him. Crystal said I should tell you, or Jeannette, that you'd understand."

Ann smiled. "I do. Thank you for trusting me with this. I'll handle it Donna."

Rebecca grinned as Donna left the room after again thanking them. "The one thing we didn't consider."

"That Andre would resemble a family member, and give her the willies over the whole incest taboo?" Ann asked grinning back. "That's perfect."

"We'll let Devon know in the morning, and switch to either Thomas, or one of us for the future. I bet they'll make more progress with her." Rebecca agreed and they left the room after extinguishing the lights.

Upstairs Ann followed Rebecca into her room and stood uncomfortably. Rebecca sighed and sat on her bed. "Ann, you look like you're going to jump out of your skin. Relax and sit here."

Ann sat on the bed. "Rebecca, this is a difficult thing for me."

"I know, and relax. There isn't anything difficult about this. Two people making love, is a wonderful and beautiful thing." Rebecca began gently taking Ann's hand. "All you have to do is relax, and enjoy the experience."

Ann sighed. "I've had to adjust so much of my thinking since I got here. I've managed to orgasm in situations I thought it would never happen."

"You've also managed to adapt to a lifestyle that you had no knowledge of. Now, you want to know if you can move forward, or if you're as far as you can advance."

"I'm afraid." Ann admitted. "I have one overwhelming fear that keeps me up some nights."

"You're afraid that you'll find the slave life preferable to the Dominant one." Rebecca said softly.

Ann's eyes nearly bugged out of her head. "How did you know?" She demanded.

Rebecca smiled reassuringly. "Ann, you'd be less than human if you didn't see the pleasure our girls get, and the joy they exhibit. You wonder if you can share in that joy."

Ann slumped and sighed audibly. "Am I a slave? Am I just fooling myself?"

"You're no slave Ann. You're too assertive, too determined to be a good slave. You are an excellent dominant. But you're human too, and you don't want to be in control of everything every moment of the day." Rebecca said gently laying a hand on Ann's shoulder. "You want to relax and let go sometimes, and that is when you wonder if the slaves have the best part of it."

"We're always working for them." Ann said wearily.

"Yes, and they're always working for us too." Rebecca acknowledged.

"Devon, all of you told me how tough this was going to be. How hard we worked."

"We also play." Rebecca pointed out.

Ann smiled. "Even that is work sometimes."

Rebecca nodded. "Are you happy Ann? Are you happy here with us?"

Ann thought for just a moment and then looked at Rebecca's face, into her eyes. "Yeah, I guess I am."

"You're being paid, to do impossibly hard work, and impossibly long hours. You're also happy, and unless I miss my guess, you realize now how important our work is, to them." Rebecca said with a small gesture down the hall in the direction of the slave rooms.

"I do. Those girls, all of them, need us." Ann admitted.

Rebecca placed a gentle hand on Ann's face, and smiled. Ann leaned in and kissed her. Relaxed enough now, to make love. Rebecca had instantly realized that Ann was afraid that Rebecca would just shuck her clothing, as they did with the slaves, and lay back ordering Ann to lick her to several nice orgasms. Ann was afraid that she'd play the slave, and was more afraid she'd like it. Letting Ann see Rebecca as an older, more mature, sisterly wise friend, was needed tonight.

Ann kissed Rebecca, and felt soft, gentle hands roaming her back. They collapsed onto the bed, kissing each other. Hands explored unfamiliar, yet similar geography. Rebecca's breasts were slightly smaller than Ann's own. Ann was a little taller, more full bodied, but not Jeannette. Her own breasts would barely fill out the C cup bras she normally wore, and would seem slightly overfilled in the B cup bras she occasionally wore to give the impression of cleavage.

Ann felt Rebecca licking and nibbling on her neck, moving towards her ear, gently kissing and caressing her ear with her tongue. Ann shuddered in pleasure, feeling a rush of arousal flood her. Rebecca was tender, gentle, more in tune with the needs of Ann's soul, of her sensitive side. Of course, Ann understood that this was because Rebecca was a woman too, and it's true that only a Woman, can understand another.

Ann's hands roamed over the somehow familiar, and unknown body of Rebecca. She knew her own body, and was familiar with it's appearance, it's feel under her hands. Yet, this was different, and similar at the same time. Rebecca's breasts were smaller, more compact, and if age had taken some of the pertness from them, she was still firm, taut even. Ann wondered about something, and decided to find out as they lay on the bed making out. She ran her hands down Rebecca's back and felt her ass. Ann gripped it tightly, testing it. It was as firm as it looked.

Rebecca for her part, allowed Ann to set the pace, enjoying the company of another. Deciding that Ann's wondering hands were invitation to do the same, she began to caress and explore Ann. Rebecca's caresses and exploration were more focused than Ann's curious wonderings. Rebecca was working to heighten Ann's arousal. As Rebecca nibbled on Ann's ear, she felt a shudder run through the body of her lover. Ann had a thing for ears eh? That was good information, that was information that Rebecca intended to use. Ann's tighter grip on Rebecca, her hands showing more urgency confirmed it. Ann reacted to people nibbling on her ears. She liked it.

Ann wanted to feel skin against her, skin against her own skin. Opening the buttons of Rebecca's blouse she exposed Rebecca's sexy little white bra. For the first time, she saw a bra as she suspected, hell she knew the guys saw them. Enticing, erotic, and even sexy. Ann kissed her way down Rebecca's neck, kissing the upper chest and licking the bra edges, plunging her tongue down the space between Rebecca's tits.

As they made out, they removed each others clothing. Doing the dance of love that couples all over have done. Removing shirts, bras and pants. Jeannette had said it. This was love. "If married couples do it, it's making love. If a couple does it, it's making love, if I do it it's not love? Whatever, but it was still pretty good."

Ann felt her arousal, her inner heat increasing. Rebecca also gave signs of this increasing heat. Hands found intimate spots, caressing the union of buttock and leg. Caressing pelvis, and then Rebecca's hand found Ann's sex. Ann was trimmed, a process that she labored over ever week, but she was certainly a natural blond. Deciding that Ann could use some relaxation, this wasn't a test really. Well, it was a test, but not a test of a slave, Rebecca licked her way down to Ann's center.

Ann relaxed into the gentle ministrations of the senior female trainer, and felt only subtle differences in the way that Rebecca and the lead slave Jeannette applied themselves. Rebecca was certainly very good, excellent in fact. Ann felt enjoyment, even tenderness in Rebecca's actions, but Jeannette's excitement at serving Master wasn't here. Her love of serving Master wasn't in the touches. It was subtle, and Ann turned off the clinical part of her brain for a while. She relaxed into the incredibly erotic feelings she had and just enjoyed the moment.

Rebecca took Ann to a nice orgasm, and then gave her a second bigger one. Then she let Ann down gently. The next test, would Ann balk at kissing her, with her own juices on her lips, lay before them. Rebecca kissed her way up Ann's sensuous body and Ann passed that no problem.

Ann realized it was her turn, she'd received pleasure, now she was going to give pleasure to her lover of the night. She kissed her own way down Rebecca's body, trying to bring pleasure to Rebecca. She started to lick and caress Rebecca's completely hairless sex. Like Jeannette, she had been lased to insure no hair would grow on her body.

Rebecca relaxed into the technique, recognizing a playful desire in Ann. Ann's technique was technically correct, and Rebecca gave the proper responses to show that. Ann was still slightly inhibited though. That would leave in time Rebecca decided. Ann was growing into a more open minded, sexually active woman. This night was scary to her, and Rebecca knew how scary, and how important it was to Ann. Rebecca let herself orgasm, refraining from resisting, but not really giving herself the command to come. She liked natural Orgasms. The commanded ones were all right, but they lacked something, some chemical, or physiological element to make them really good.

Ann kissed her way back up Rebecca's lean body, and lay beside her, cuddling and kissing at times. As they relaxed into post sexual bliss, Ann wearily asked the question. "So do I make a good slave?"

"No. You make a more attentive lover than you did when you arrived. It's not just slaves that bring pleasure to their partners. That's what we train here, but we could train someone to be just a more attentive and skilled lover." Rebecca said gently caressing Ann's shoulder.

"Attentive? You mean pleasurable?" Ann asked with the note of weariness plain in her voice.

"Yes, it doesn't take a slave to please a lover, nor does pleasing a lover make you a slave. It's your heart that makes you a Dom, and your passion that makes you want to give and receive pleasure." Rebecca explained.

Ann was considering this as she drifted off to sleep. Rebecca smiled at the younger woman as she slept before closing her own eyes on a long and trying day. Ann was the future of the Academy, of this whole process. Andre, Thomas, and her were the tools to start the tradition. Devon was the architect, Jeannette the prototype product. Yet it was Ann who among all of the staff so far that was the most important. Ann would be the Lead Trainer one day.

In the morning, Ann woke next to Rebecca and found the scent of their lovemaking still filling the room. It had been tender, gentle, and erotic as hell. For a first time, of making love to another woman, as an equal, it couldn't have been better.

Ann groaned as she realized she'd have to brave the hallway and duck into her own room to get ready for the day. Knowing that the slaves, and other trainers would be up and moving now as well. "So much for secrets."

"Good morning Ann." Rebecca said lazily as she stretched. "The problem with living like this is that there are very few secrets around, and even those that someone doesn't know, they do suspect. Don't worry, no one will think less of you, if anything, they'll be happy you're fitting in with us so well."

"I know, and it bothers me some." Ann grumped. "I need my coffee, and it's in my room." Ann said as she thought of the coffee pot that waited for her. It would even now be finishing it's automatic brew cycle.

Ann groaned and stood up. She looked across the floor, and found first her pants, and then a bra. It wasn't hers. Setting it down gently, she turned around and found Rebecca laying in bed, her breasts uncovered, and she was smiling at Ann. "Problem?"

"At least with guys, I know what underwear is mine." Ann grumped good naturedly.

Rebecca grinned, and then chuckled. "Fuck it, just walk to your room, get your coffee, I'll sort this out in a few."

Ann shrugged, recognizing the challenge for what it was. Further she reasoned, literally everyone on the floor had seen her nude, because she'd slept with them all at least once. Stepping to the door she went into the hall finding Jeannette walking down the hall towards her, no towards Devon's room. Ann smiled and waved, and then stepped next door to her own room.

Ann tried to see anything in Jeannette's eyes or face that would indicate or show some thing that Ann could find offensive. There wasn't anything. Jeannette behaved as though finding a nude woman in the hall was totally normal. Well, it was totally normal. Finding Ann nude in the Hall wasn't totally normal, but it was well known that she did spend time with other trainers, and so it was sort of normal.

Ann poured a cup of the blessed brew of life in the morning and sat on her bed. Only here, in this house, was finding nude people in the hallway normal. Only here, in this house, of anywhere on earth, was there no negative comments, or looks, from anyone, about some sexual activity or another. Only here, were the people free enough, to do whatever they wanted. Only in a house full of slaves, and Masters, was there enough freedom from bias and judgmental attitudes that you could enjoy life.

Ann decided that was way too strange, and impossible. But it was true, sort of. Ok, I'll worry about the morality of this later, after a shower, and breakfast, and whatever else I'm supposed to be doing today.

At Breakfast, no one mentioned Ann's being buck assed naked in the hallway. So Ann left it alone too. Devon began his instructions.

"OK, Crystal actually managed a couple hours sleep, which for a teenager is not nearly enough. So she'll be stumbling all over today." Devon began.

"Any classes?" Andre asked.

"Yeah, let's give her a Ballet refresher upstairs, and then send her to the Kitchen. Geneva's ready for some light training. I think we'll give her an anal plug, and then send her to Admin." Devon continued.

"Devon, last night, Donna stopped us after her Ballet class. She said that there was a great resemblance between Andre, and her Brother. She didn't elaborate, but I told her I understood, it's the whole Incest Taboo for her. It's a big killer of arousal." Ann tossed out.

Devon nodded and turned to Andre. "You're not training her anymore. No classes with her."

"Right Boss, I figured she was a little gay, that never occurred to me." Andre said sincerely. "I was trying to be gentle, and charming, and all that. I guess it gave her a really creepy vibe."

"Yeah." Devon agreed. "Thomas, you've got her this morning for Oral Arts, watch for anything, don't mention this unless she does first, don't lead her into it."

"Right Devon." Thomas answered between bites.

"Becca you've got Yvette this morning, and Ann's upstairs with Crystal. Andre throw a plug into Geneva and Diane. Then send Geneva to admin, and take Diane to arousal training." Devon finished. "That's it folks, let's get busy, we've got slaves waiting."

The group scattered in seconds and Devon went into Admin to find it empty. Jeannette would be going up to sleep now, and Geneva wasn't in yet. He flipped the switch on the coffee maker and went to his office. They were damn short handed right now. Two paying trainee's, and they almost couldn't manage to train their house staff.

One slave was in full training today, Diane. One was in the Kitchen, and another in Admin. Granted, even if she was able to be trained, if there was a trainer available, Geneva couldn't do it, she was still too hurt.

Devon sighed. He heard Geneva enter a few minutes later and start the computers. She brought him a cup of coffee as she had for every morning the last week. "Good Morning Master."

"Good morning Geneva, how are you today?" Devon asked. He looked at her closely, and saw her bruised eyes were no longer swollen. They looked a sickly yellow, which was a sure sign of them healing.

"I'm fine Master, thank you. Anything special today?" Geneva asked. This was her way of asking if anything wasn't on the schedule, some change he was aware of that she would need to know.

Devon shook his head. "Nothing yet. How does it feel to have a plug in again?"

"Wonderful Master. I'm very happy to be trained again." Geneva said with a smile.

Devon smiled back and waved his hand for her to go back to work.

For two hours, he read the internet's news. Getting up to speed on the days activities. Getting familiar with changes in the world since yesterday. He tagged a couple stories and sent them to the email group Trainers, so the others would be advised.

The ringing phone startled him. Geneva had gone to clean the VIP rooms so she couldn't answer it. "Vassal Academy, Devon." He began.

"Devon, when are you going to come to town again? I've got a meeting with the products development team tomorrow morning, and I need your input." Dominique began without any pleasantries.

"Dominique, I don't know. You know what we've got going on here. With two students, and the staff, things are very busy. I literally don't have one trainer to spare right now." Devon explained.

"Damn it Devon, this is important." Dominique said coldly.

"All right Dominique, I don't suppose you can shoot the details to me here can you?"

"I can, but I'd bring them with me, and the shots might be real." Dominique explained.

"How about this afternoon, I'll come to your office, and we can discuss it then." Devon offered.

"Good, see you then." Dominique hung up.

Devon set the phone down and sighed. They were too short handed, but it had to be done in house, so that left him. Ann entered. "Crystal's in the kitchen, her teeny bopper ass is really dragging Devon."

"Yeah, we're probably going to give her a night off tonight, because we're too short handed to watch her in the cage." Devon admitted. "I'm glad you're here. I've got to go to town this afternoon, and you're going to keep the fort while I'm gone. Have Rebecca teach Diane Ballet this afternoon, and put Yvette in with Andre for Arousal. Donna in with you for her ballet this afternoon. Diane can clean the staff wing or whatever you can think of."

"Do you need to leave now?" Ann asked.

"No, about lunch time, so I can spend the afternoon with Dominique. I'll get a sandwich there I guess." Devon said thinking.

Ann rose and walked to the door closing it and turning his lock. "Devon, there's something I need you to do for me." Ann said.

"What is it?" Devon asked, confusion obvious on his face.

Ann walked to him and not as gracefully as a slave, but far more so than anyone untrained and gracefully lowered herself to her knees. She moved her mouth a couple times, as though she was trying to speak, and then finally opened her mouth and assumed a fair representation of slave mouth.

Devon blinked in surprise. He eased himself forward, and unzipped his pants, freeing his cock. Ann lowered her head and took him into her mouth. Devon got his second surprise, or was it his third. She quickly demonstrated that she was fully trained in level two oral arts. Her tongue swirled, and her suction and wraps were perfect. Her technique clearly demonstrated one that was trained. She wasn't as passionate as Jeannette, or the slaves, but she was certainly competent.

After Ann ran through the station eight techniques, she leaned back, leaving his cock erect, and glistening. Devon looked down at her in astonishment. "You've been busy haven't you? When did you learn all of this?"

"When I had the night watch, and when I had time in the days or evenings. Devon, I stopped because I'm not a slave. I wanted to make sure you understood." Ann said.

"I do." Devon said as he started to move to place his cock back in his pants.

Ann moved to intercept his hand. "It doesn't take a slave to please a partner though." Ann said, and then lowered her head to take his cock into her mouth. Some time later, after she'd finished sucking his cock, she knelt back and looked up at him expectantly.

"Ann, that was very surprising, and frankly, quite unexpected." Devon began. He adjusted himself into his pants and zipped up as she moved to the couch.

"Devon, I finished because I started, and I've enjoyed your company, as an equal. I've enjoyed the other trainers, on equal terms. Giving pleasure, is something we should be able to do for an equal partner." Ann said uncomfortably.

"It was wonderful, you've certainly mastered that task." Devon said as he leaned back. "I'm assuming that you wanted to discuss the level three training."

"Yeah, see. I don't think I can teach myself to deep throat." Ann began.

Devon nodded. "It's going to take some help. I can see that."

"Also, there is something else you should know." Ann said casually.

"I presume it has to do with your being in the hallway this morning?" Devon asked.

"Yeah, I think I've pushed that fear away." Ann admitted. "Devon, this shit scares the hell out of me. Is that why I was told to read that philosophy book a month after I started?"

Devon shrugged. "You're also reading the Art of War, and other books which help us understand the mind. A couple psychology studies are on the list as well."

"Rebecca helped me understand that I'm not a slave, and giving pleasure doesn't mean I'm submissive, just attentive." Ann explained. "Devon, I'm more comfortable with myself, who I am, what I'm doing, than I was."

"I know, and I'm not going to waste time telling you what you already know, I'm duly impressed." Devon said. He glanced at his watch and nodded. "I've got to leave before long, and have a meeting with Dominique, would you like me to give her any messages?"

Ann smiled as she stood. "Tell her, your Apprentice Trainer is nearly fully qualified, hopefully as Diane and Geneva graduate, no later than when Crystal does, I'll be a fully trained, and qualified Dominatrix."

Devon bowed his head. "I'll do that."

Ann unlocked the door and walked out of the room without any of the feeling of humiliation, or degradation that she assumed she would have felt. Devon had been gracious, if off balance regarding her revelation. She found Geneva typing at one of the computers and walked to her. Taking a moment to truly size her up, Ann considered what Geneva could do, without hurting her nose. "How's your nose doing Geneva?"