Post by Naughty Kat on Aug 12, 2016 0:14:54 GMT -6
The rain outside was at a gentle fall, not so hard to warrant people from going outside but enough to create little streams down along the windows. Still, it was something both Zahara and Katalina were glad to be out of as they stood inside of the front hall of the well decorated and rustic looking home set out just outside of Sussex. The lengthy driveway was only the first part of the magnificence that they would be greeted by as they removed their coats and boots inside of the finely crafted front hall. Kat is the first to step from the rug striking her nylons to the hardwood floor before shivering out the cold. She turns around and smiles watching Zoey step out of her own boots before offering out a hand. With a warm smile, the magician accepts her lovers grip as the two enter the open hall.
In front of them was the doorway that would lead them to the kitchen, to their right was the stairway upstairs, and to their left was the wide opening with the parlour in behind. Inside, among the furnishings and paintings, was a sight Kat hadn’t laid her eyes on in some time. It was conflicting how she would approach this woman given how their lives had been for years. A handshake wouldn’t cut it, a hug seemed too small, a bow would seem improper. Luckily the woman makes the decision for Katalina as she stands pushing herself up using the arms of her chair and comes over. Her long brown hair was feeling a bit of gray in the roots, her arms seemed weaker than Kat had remembered, she wore a loose fitting dress that fell along her legs as she makes her way over bringing Kat in for a hug.
Charlotte: It’s good to see you, love.
Charlotte, or Queen Charlotte as she had once been accustomed, was Kat’s Mistress. Now, her overpowering demeanour in accordance to Kat was gone, replaced with age and love of those she had once called her own. There was no pecking order anymore as the elderly woman steps back and looks Zahara over.
Charlotte: You must be Zoey. My apologies if I come off as overly familiar, but Katalina has told me so much about you I feel I’ve been right there all these months.
So it’s no surprise then that she angles her arms up for a hug rather than a handshake. Zahara, who at times jokingly refers to herself as a ‘world-class hugger’ among her friends, willingly steps into the older woman’s embrace and returns her show of greeting with one of equal measure. Stepping back after, Zahara smiles warmly to the woman.
Zahara: It’s a pleasure to meet you at last, Miss Charlotte. Katalina speaks very highly of you and I’m glad we’re able to meet and talk at last.
At the woman’s gesture, Kat and Zoey take a seat on the sofa next to one another, watching as Charlotte lowers herself into a comfortable -looking armchair that the magician would bet was handmade. Adding in a little pressure, Charlotte begins to rock her chair back and forth slowly.
Charlotte: How long has it been, Katalina?
Katalina: A little over ten years now. It’s been...an interesting run so far. Everything’s been working out rather perfectly.
With a smile, Kat turns and squeezes her grip of Zoey’s hand. She was, is the most perfect part of her life it seems. Though Makayla was definitely the close second. The very close second.
Charlotte: And Camilla?
The name just itself is enough to draw Kat’s attention from her lover, to forget everything pleasant in her life as she swallows.
Katalina: No change. She’s where she needs to be.
Charlotte nods in response. She’s heard the nasty things her former friend and second Mistress of Katalina has done. The room falls silent for a few moments, surprisingly creating an awkward atmosphere in the room. Kat soon turns and kisses Zoey’s cheek lingering long enough to whisper.
Katalina: I’m going to make some tea.
She pats the back of her lover's hand a few times and rises up from the sofa.
Katalina: Is everything for tea in the same place?
Charlotte: It is, love.
A quick nod and slight hesitance from Kat before the current reigning domina turns and enters the kitchen. Zoey looks after her with a soft smile, her cheek still tingling. The mention of Camilla had lowered the temperature in the room a bit, which naturally left the young woman curious. Then it dawned on her who Camilla was… and an image of remembrance flashed into Zoey’s mind: the statue at the dungeon. Involuntarily she shivered, but feeling Charlotte’s eyes on her the magician snaps back to the present with her smile never wavering once.
Zahara: I apologize for my silence, Miss Charlotte, as I must admit to being in awe of you a bit… your presence and poise being very potent. I’m unsure as to whether she mentioned anything about it to you but I’m still learning my way around this lifestyle.
And learning the hard way in some areas, most certainly. Experience, Zahara was finding, was the best teacher… and she’d had some rough ones of late.
Charlotte: I’ve heard. You’re mostly into the ropes, aren’t you?
She asks, despite the fact that she already knew showing as such with a laugh following the question.
Charlotte: Things have become so...intricate these days. Ropes in designs, words, not just for tying anymore.
Another laugh as Charlotte gives away her retirement having been a few years ago, or close to.
Charlotte: I’m sure Katalina’s been a welcome help to your efforts. As has Holly, I’m sure.
Zahara: Holly has been an utter joy, almost as much so as Katalina herself. As for my preference, I’ll use whatever is available, but ropes are the most effective and what I’m most used to. They’re a staple for some of my stage routines so I feel most comfortable with. It’s more than that, though. I like to learn the other person’s body and senses, to figure out what causes them to feel certain sensations and emotions. That’s almost more important than restraint.
She stopped short of rambling overmuch, but came close. It was a side-effect of nerves, though that was slowly fading. She felt… comfortable around Charlotte. As if the woman were a favored teacher.
Charlotte: And when you’ve followed a grievous error by a huge mistake,
She begins before Kat soon steps back inside the room. Just a few steps in, not nearly enough to approach the couch as she looks around a brief moment.
Katalina: Are you still taking the usual in yours?
She asks rather plainly as Charlotte nods in with her rocking. With the affirmation received, Kat turns and heads back into the kitchen with her former Mistress watching a moment.
Charlotte: Had I known what Katalina would have been forced to go through, I’d have dealt with Camilla myself. But you’re not here for such nonsense, ramblings of a frail and forgotten dominatrix, how is little Makayla? I’ve only ever seen pictures of her.
It was there in Zoey’s eyes when Charlotte talked in such a way. She wanted to go to the older woman and hug her again, just to let her know without words that everything would be okay. But instead of such a forward gesture, she accepted for the moment the change of subject.
Zahara: She’s beautiful… and so very sweet, too. We’ve got her all set up to start preschool soon, which will be a big change. The first time she called me ‘mama’ I just about melted!
The thought always brought a smile to Zoey’s face. Probably always would. But she couldn’t just let go of what was said… not with her curious nature.
Zahara: Forgive my bluntness, Miss Charlotte, but curiosity compels me to ask what you mean by your comments just now… and to tell you that you aren’t forgotten. Not by Katalina or myself.
Charlotte doesn’t answer right away. Instead, she rests her palms on the arms of her chair and pushes her way up. Her feet shuffle along the floor as she stops by the magician and takes hold of her hand patting it a couple of times much like Kat had performed earlier.
Charlotte: You’re still learning if you don’t know that, love. I won’t be the one to remove the glitz...glamor of the role. I will be the one, however, going to the bathroom.
She chuckles slightly to herself and continues shuffling until she has enough strength to begin actually walking groaning on something under her breath adding in an extra laugh afterward. Zahara, concerned that she’d said something wrong, lowered herself back onto the sofa, considering the exchange from moments ago. She’d not pressed too deeply when Katalina brought up the old days, seeing the discomfort it put into the woman. But now she wished she had. Not long after, Katalina re-enters the room only this time with a tray wielding three cups of tea. She passes Zoey hers first then turns growing a little confused on the empty seat.
Katalina: Where’s Charlotte?
Zahara: She went to the bathroom, she said.
The magician responds as she accepts the tea, taking a slow sip of the steaming liquid. It calmed her a little, though concern remained. Zoey looked off in the direction the woman had went, gnawing at her lip a little. She could have sworn that she heard something but she wasn’t sure what and couldn’t swear that it wasn’t just the old-yet-well-kept home making old house noises. Rising to her feet, Zoey rubs her own arms and turns to Kat, showing concern.
Zahara: I hope I didn’t upset her somehow…
Now Kat was becoming concerned, she looks down the hall briefly before turning back to Zoey.
Katalina: What do you mean?
Zoey relates the brief conversation that they’d had before her return with the tea, simple enough as there wasn’t much to tell, though her attention is still on the hall.
Katalina: Oh. Sit down, love.
Kat waits as she rests the tray on a nearby table before joining her lover down on the couch holding her tea in front of her.
Katalina: First, what are your thoughts on the forgotten part?
Zahara: It sounds to me as if she misses being a dominatrix. While she may feel that she has the strength and willpower to do so, she might not feel as desireable as she once did, leading her to think that perhaps she isn’t wanted for such things anymore.
Sipping of her tea, Zoey turns from the hallway to her lover.
Zahara: Personally, I don’t see it. Granted, she doesn’t seem able to move as quickly as she may once have, but she’s still a beautiful woman… and you can’t put a price on knowledge. Knowledge can overcome a lot of limitations that would stop others. Maybe if she were given the chance to be active, to participate… it might do wonders for her. That’s my opinion anyway.
Katalina: It’s not that she won’t, it’s that she can’t. Soon, I’ll be under the same category. It’s not that I WANT to hang up my whip, it’s that I will have to. I mean, and be completely honest...when you, if you, thought of a dominatrix before you met me...what image popped into your head?
Zahara: A woman in a darkly-colored, tight and revealing outfit, usually made of something shiny, with a strong amount of presence and strength of will. But since being with you, I’ve seen several other varieties. What I’m describing is just the basic vision that most people would get when considering such.
She smiles faintly, putting her hand on Kat’s and squeezing lightly.
Zahara: You’ll never be unattractive as a domina to me, love, whether you hang up the whip or not. These eyes will always see you as the woman I fell in love with. I think you feel the same where Charlotte is concerned. Am I right?
Katalina: They do, but I also agree with her. Sooner or later people will cringe at the notion of being dominated by a fifty-plus year old woman. The best thing one can do in my profession is retire with dignity. That’s exactly what Charlotte has done. Unfortunately...it’s really all she’s done. Her husband, my… former master...
Charlotte: Is gone. Never coming back.
The dominance that Charlotte had used in her youth momentarily comes back as she looks across the room from the wide entrance toward Katalina. Kat, however, finds it troubling to look the woman in her own eyes as Charlotte makes her way across the room back to her chair where she takes the tea. After a sip, she lets out a prolonged sigh of gratitude.
Charlotte: Still good.
Now silent once more, Kat nods briefly keeping her eyes to the floor doing the best she can to avoid looking up at her former Mistress. Zoey notes this, her hand briefly alighting on Kat’s leg before turning back to Charlotte.
Zahara: Forgive my inexperience. It can make my outlook idealistic sometimes which clouds my perception. Still… the curiosity lingers. Perhaps you would be so kind as to relate the tales hinted at previously, Miss Charlotte?
Sipping of her tea further, finding it very relaxing, Zoey leans back a bit on the sofa. Her free hand settles at the center of Kat’s back, rubbing in as soothing a fashion as the magician can muster.
Charlotte: That’s alright. As you said yourself you’re still in the midst of learning.
Charlotte smiles rather warmly given the last few moments she’s displayed. Her gentle rocking creates a slight creaking noise as she looks up to the ceiling lingering her gaze a moment as if trying to remember.
Charlotte: Let’s see...Camilla was, or is, depending on how you wish to look at her presently,
Both were rather acceptable at the moment. Despite being a literal statue she was being kept alive through tubes running through her body.
Charlotte: Quite idealistic in how one plays the “game”. Her deal was a full separation. The way we would talk it just meant how things had always been. The dominants and the submissives. She meant to break up the submissive category, submissives and slaves. She bought a piece of land...set up her farm...and put her thoughts to the test.
Charlotte pauses a moment, her expression becoming a lot colder given where things were going from this point on in the story.
Charlotte: By this point I gave her Katalina, she didn’t...couldn’t stay here any longer and I figured some good experience would be just what she needed.
There was something else there, judging by the body language of Strife. She licks her lips, tightens her grip of the cup, but neither stops Charlotte from continuing. In fact, the more she seems to focus on Camilla the less agitated Kat becomes. Mostly because she knows how that story ends and can appreciate said ending whenever she wants back home.
Charlotte: Hadn’t heard much from either of them after that for some time. Though when I did it was Katalina and I knew Camilla was not one to ever go back to ever again. Authorities were called, but I doubt they got the job done. But enough of her, she’s where she needs to be.
Listening in silence, Zoey turned to Kat when the tale was over. Her hand still rested on her girlfriend’s back, feeling the tension ebbing flowing along the woman’s spine. Zoey drew away if only to take a sip of her tea, but was right back where she started again. Either without intending to or knowingly offering the information in a subtle way, Charlotte answered Zoey’s other question through her story. Not didn’t… couldn’t. That said it all. That, Zoey reasoned, was why Kat was so skittish around men.
Zahara: Through all of that she’s become an amazing person, has Kat. I don’t want to imagine what my life would be like without her in it.
Charlotte: That’s what I’m most glad to hear.
The former domina responds with a troubled smile trying in vain to attract Kat’s attention before giving up quietly going back to her tea.
With the removal of Kat's hand from a cellphone, we have our scene. Katalina sitting inside a dimly lit booth underneath a glowing lantern that swiftly comes more into view along with varous over parts of the wooden beam style ceiling.
Katalina: Shoot!
Take two, this time Kat is a little more hesitant to remove her hand from the phone keeping it in closely as her eyes wander in behind it. When it's clear things will be better this time, she smiles proudly resting back into her pillowy seat gripping a glass of white wine.
Katalina: Better. Sorry, pets, for the location...sound...lighting, I've actually been out wandering for close to an hour or so. Quite frankly I don't know where I am, really. A quaint little pub is all I know. However, I don't care as they serve drinks.
Speaking of, Kat brings hers up for a light little sip, just enough to moisten her upper lip.
Katalina: My apologies also I don't have any of my girls here with me. I'll see them when I get home.
Saying that seems to draw Kat's attention away as her index finger slowly runs the rim of her glass smearing around what bit of wine still rests near it.
Katalina: Even if I don't deserve such pleasantries as seeing their smiles.
After a moment, Kat takes another sip. This one longer than her first. At least on camera.
Katalina: Spent the few days in between the last show and coming here convincing Holly that letting her move to Tampa in September wasn't because I was displeased with her. Making a viciously controversial call with a co worker.
Intriguing. Tell me more. Well...no, but yes. It's an open yet closed relationship, easy to see yet difficult to notice. That kind of relationship, we all have them.
Katalina: Dealing with my old Mistress and my fear of men all began, convincing my girlfriend she was indeed a monster and having her leave for a few days...
That appears to call for a drink, not celebratory obviously, but Kat soon realizes her efforts earlier were a bit more voracious than she thought. Only a small droplet of wine remains so reaching out her hand to the phone we get a jump skip to a few minutes later and Kat is already halfway through her fresh glass.
Katalina: Self pity is a growing trend, individuals use it when they can't be bothered to be a little more positive in how they acquire everyone's attention. But my self pity tells me I'm not interested in this case. Yes, because I don't deserve it. Not a single thing I've done has been for my career, I'm not Strife this week...I'm Katalina. The dominatrix who only lucked out with one of her live ins being rather wealthy. One wireless transfer later and I'm out on the streets screaming “I'm success!”
So we opened up in this pub, how many drinks has Kat had before she even decided to record herself?
Katalina: Unless of course that case contains a contract to have a swift kick in the bottom,
The intoxicated domina turns her head for a very quick sip not wanting to forget her point being made here.
Katalina: Then you girls had better watch out because I'll be all...over that. As the old saying goes; cat's on the burner cause the stove is hot.
At least she's a happy drunk, even if the reasoning for getting there is depression.
Katalina: I'm getting another. Wait for me right here, girls.
Leaning in close enough for a kiss, we get another jump skip in the scene. This time Kat has both arms out stretched and is looking over her brow toward the phone as she steadies it. When she brings her arm back we see she's switched to something a little harder than white wine as she slides in her bottle of London Pride, the latter of which is what drew her to it.
Katalina: Let's get right to it. I am petrified of this match. Even moreso than my third engagement...
Um... Oh, Kat's needs a drink. She doesn't seem to react otherwise to what she's just said as she wraps her ruby painted lips around the top of the bottle and guzzles down a few gulps.
Katalina: But let's get to it. Come on.
Yes, while the buzz is still working. This should be good.
Katalina: First up we have Rebecca. Rebecca the not so Saint. Truly, love, I've dealt with my fair share of cowards in the past...but you take the baker.
Cake. I've heard bakery before too, but Kat's thinking taking people against their will. Don't know whether to count that as dominatrix Kat or Horsewoman Strife.
Katalina: A roll up is a skillful move, I won't contest that. At the end of the day,
Brief pause as Kat feels something coming up her throat. Not vomit, just a slight hiccup she tends to by pressing her fingers to her sternum. Not sure how that helps, but there you go.
Katalina: A win is a win. But grabbing Katie's tights,
Oh thank god she said “tights”.
Katalina: After ducking what should have been the finishing blow to turn it into your little reversal...that was an instinct. What was going through your mind? Did you realize you couldn't beat Katie fairly? Were you admitting to yourself that she was the better woman? Again, a win is a win. I'm just talking that split second between her control and your capitalizing. So threat be not you.
Suppose she's done then with Rebecca as she takes a faster sip of her drink pressing the bottle onto the table in front of her. One can only imagine what the bartender is thinking; she didn't drive so she's good for another. Or the responsible; she didn't drive so she's good for another.
Katalina: Gwendolyn. Quite possibly the one I respect the most under Datura who's behind Joanna but above Rebecca still behind Gwendolyn.
She didn't drive so she's good for another.
Katalina: Submission victory. You go, girl. Of everyone you know how to make that point, how to send the shivers through spines. You understand the necessity of humiliating your opponent, centre of the ring, while at the same time making it look incredibly flashy.
That's...our Gwendolyn. Really, how's she supposed to take that from an inebriated dominatrix whose off PPV record has been less than stellar?
Katalina: You don't care about leaving yourself incredibly open, discouraging your radius of vision. You care about results.
Okay, see where this is going. It's definitely coming from the dominatrix aspect of Kat as this is clearly just about territory.
Katalina: You're keeping the faith alive, the torch warm, the screams frequent.
At least this earns a toast from Kat who tips her bottle toward the phone following it up with a rather prolonged sip. One that doesn't end until she's placing the bottle down making a hollow noise.
Katalina: I appreciate the invite in wanting to hear yours now.
Well...that was with a certain hint of malice right there. Kat pinches the top of the bottle giving herself some time to calm down knowing she's still got two more names to get through here.
Katalina: Datura. What can I really say? That I dodged a bullet when it came to my avoiding in facing you? Would I even be here if you hadn't been moved further up the card? The answer...
Yes.
Katalina: Is no.
Okay.
Katalina: Two men were at your feet at Fate of the Gods...you decimated Tristan in your qualifying match. Actually...decimated still sounds like it took effort. You toyed with him. A man I had trouble with in my debut you made look like he didn't even know how to fight, let alone survive.
Certainly a colourful, sobering way to depict that, what some would stretch in defining a match.
Katalina: So...what do I say? Do I offer up an early congrats on your victory? We both know Joanna's heart isn't fully in this, so who else does that leave? The coward? The target?
Or tarjé. Wait, is that the right e? Nine years of in school French...they always said I'd need it.
Katalina: Or the woman who's been frighteningly dominant that it's considered a crime that she hasn't been pushed further. Really, this match is like...Manchester United going up against some schoolyard hopefuls. Playing with at least a Kevin Keegan.
There's a little laugh there as Kat slides the bottle on to the side from her reach, or just the view, and brings in her hands together.
Katalina: Speaking on that...we're left now with Joanna. A woman who, by all accounts and purposes,
Another little hiccup, which Kat excuses herself over. Rather self centred when it's put like that, isn't it?
Katalina: Frightens me worse than anyone. I know...she's fearless and a little crazy in the mind at times. Nobody says to the Horsewomen “I want to fight all of you”...and wins. Now, I was a bit incorrect in my ways of speaking before. Well, not entirely incorrect...more not wrong. Just that.
The buzz...it's coming back!
Katalina: While it's true her heart isn't in it entirely, it's not because she doesn't care. It's because she's the true dominant. She's dominated the dominatrix, and it's my job to be dominant. She's dominated the frightening, she's punched through the target and stepped on the cowardly. What point presents itself for her to be entirely in this? Especially when she has me...me watching out for her.
People should have assumed.
Katalina: Not like I haven't before...being there for her and Emma, shopping with her for her and Emma, placing her to work at the brothel, ascending my...useless self up to the heavens to help achieve the goal for both herself and Emma. Stepping up when Talon wasn't there.
Perhaps she's...too inebriated now. But she hasn't driven. Still, is she good for another?
Katalina: Being the bitch for both Matt and Winter, being forcefed a defeat courtesy of two...whiney nobodies...all the while watching you on the pedestal. Emma flung to the top heights. Where the bloody hell have you two been?
Maybe Kat should turn off her phone.
Katalina: I've been the first to grasp hold of my spot here, doing my part for the Horsewomen. Yet week after week you've denied all that I've done. Sorry, no, that would require acknowledging that.
Maybe someone else could?
Katalina: The Horsewomen came as a cohesive group. Unity toward power seemed to be our creed. But I'm a woman of my word. So I'll still help you, Joanna. I'll do everything in my power to make certain the precious Death shines. Once more when all is said and done...I'll be left with the sacrifices, you'll reap the benefits.
Thankfully, Kat reaches out for her phone presumably to turn it off.
Katalina: I've no drive, but I can certainly take another.
Immediate cut to black.
In front of them was the doorway that would lead them to the kitchen, to their right was the stairway upstairs, and to their left was the wide opening with the parlour in behind. Inside, among the furnishings and paintings, was a sight Kat hadn’t laid her eyes on in some time. It was conflicting how she would approach this woman given how their lives had been for years. A handshake wouldn’t cut it, a hug seemed too small, a bow would seem improper. Luckily the woman makes the decision for Katalina as she stands pushing herself up using the arms of her chair and comes over. Her long brown hair was feeling a bit of gray in the roots, her arms seemed weaker than Kat had remembered, she wore a loose fitting dress that fell along her legs as she makes her way over bringing Kat in for a hug.
Charlotte: It’s good to see you, love.
Charlotte, or Queen Charlotte as she had once been accustomed, was Kat’s Mistress. Now, her overpowering demeanour in accordance to Kat was gone, replaced with age and love of those she had once called her own. There was no pecking order anymore as the elderly woman steps back and looks Zahara over.
Charlotte: You must be Zoey. My apologies if I come off as overly familiar, but Katalina has told me so much about you I feel I’ve been right there all these months.
So it’s no surprise then that she angles her arms up for a hug rather than a handshake. Zahara, who at times jokingly refers to herself as a ‘world-class hugger’ among her friends, willingly steps into the older woman’s embrace and returns her show of greeting with one of equal measure. Stepping back after, Zahara smiles warmly to the woman.
Zahara: It’s a pleasure to meet you at last, Miss Charlotte. Katalina speaks very highly of you and I’m glad we’re able to meet and talk at last.
At the woman’s gesture, Kat and Zoey take a seat on the sofa next to one another, watching as Charlotte lowers herself into a comfortable -looking armchair that the magician would bet was handmade. Adding in a little pressure, Charlotte begins to rock her chair back and forth slowly.
Charlotte: How long has it been, Katalina?
Katalina: A little over ten years now. It’s been...an interesting run so far. Everything’s been working out rather perfectly.
With a smile, Kat turns and squeezes her grip of Zoey’s hand. She was, is the most perfect part of her life it seems. Though Makayla was definitely the close second. The very close second.
Charlotte: And Camilla?
The name just itself is enough to draw Kat’s attention from her lover, to forget everything pleasant in her life as she swallows.
Katalina: No change. She’s where she needs to be.
Charlotte nods in response. She’s heard the nasty things her former friend and second Mistress of Katalina has done. The room falls silent for a few moments, surprisingly creating an awkward atmosphere in the room. Kat soon turns and kisses Zoey’s cheek lingering long enough to whisper.
Katalina: I’m going to make some tea.
She pats the back of her lover's hand a few times and rises up from the sofa.
Katalina: Is everything for tea in the same place?
Charlotte: It is, love.
A quick nod and slight hesitance from Kat before the current reigning domina turns and enters the kitchen. Zoey looks after her with a soft smile, her cheek still tingling. The mention of Camilla had lowered the temperature in the room a bit, which naturally left the young woman curious. Then it dawned on her who Camilla was… and an image of remembrance flashed into Zoey’s mind: the statue at the dungeon. Involuntarily she shivered, but feeling Charlotte’s eyes on her the magician snaps back to the present with her smile never wavering once.
Zahara: I apologize for my silence, Miss Charlotte, as I must admit to being in awe of you a bit… your presence and poise being very potent. I’m unsure as to whether she mentioned anything about it to you but I’m still learning my way around this lifestyle.
And learning the hard way in some areas, most certainly. Experience, Zahara was finding, was the best teacher… and she’d had some rough ones of late.
Charlotte: I’ve heard. You’re mostly into the ropes, aren’t you?
She asks, despite the fact that she already knew showing as such with a laugh following the question.
Charlotte: Things have become so...intricate these days. Ropes in designs, words, not just for tying anymore.
Another laugh as Charlotte gives away her retirement having been a few years ago, or close to.
Charlotte: I’m sure Katalina’s been a welcome help to your efforts. As has Holly, I’m sure.
Zahara: Holly has been an utter joy, almost as much so as Katalina herself. As for my preference, I’ll use whatever is available, but ropes are the most effective and what I’m most used to. They’re a staple for some of my stage routines so I feel most comfortable with. It’s more than that, though. I like to learn the other person’s body and senses, to figure out what causes them to feel certain sensations and emotions. That’s almost more important than restraint.
She stopped short of rambling overmuch, but came close. It was a side-effect of nerves, though that was slowly fading. She felt… comfortable around Charlotte. As if the woman were a favored teacher.
Charlotte: And when you’ve followed a grievous error by a huge mistake,
She begins before Kat soon steps back inside the room. Just a few steps in, not nearly enough to approach the couch as she looks around a brief moment.
Katalina: Are you still taking the usual in yours?
She asks rather plainly as Charlotte nods in with her rocking. With the affirmation received, Kat turns and heads back into the kitchen with her former Mistress watching a moment.
Charlotte: Had I known what Katalina would have been forced to go through, I’d have dealt with Camilla myself. But you’re not here for such nonsense, ramblings of a frail and forgotten dominatrix, how is little Makayla? I’ve only ever seen pictures of her.
It was there in Zoey’s eyes when Charlotte talked in such a way. She wanted to go to the older woman and hug her again, just to let her know without words that everything would be okay. But instead of such a forward gesture, she accepted for the moment the change of subject.
Zahara: She’s beautiful… and so very sweet, too. We’ve got her all set up to start preschool soon, which will be a big change. The first time she called me ‘mama’ I just about melted!
The thought always brought a smile to Zoey’s face. Probably always would. But she couldn’t just let go of what was said… not with her curious nature.
Zahara: Forgive my bluntness, Miss Charlotte, but curiosity compels me to ask what you mean by your comments just now… and to tell you that you aren’t forgotten. Not by Katalina or myself.
Charlotte doesn’t answer right away. Instead, she rests her palms on the arms of her chair and pushes her way up. Her feet shuffle along the floor as she stops by the magician and takes hold of her hand patting it a couple of times much like Kat had performed earlier.
Charlotte: You’re still learning if you don’t know that, love. I won’t be the one to remove the glitz...glamor of the role. I will be the one, however, going to the bathroom.
She chuckles slightly to herself and continues shuffling until she has enough strength to begin actually walking groaning on something under her breath adding in an extra laugh afterward. Zahara, concerned that she’d said something wrong, lowered herself back onto the sofa, considering the exchange from moments ago. She’d not pressed too deeply when Katalina brought up the old days, seeing the discomfort it put into the woman. But now she wished she had. Not long after, Katalina re-enters the room only this time with a tray wielding three cups of tea. She passes Zoey hers first then turns growing a little confused on the empty seat.
Katalina: Where’s Charlotte?
Zahara: She went to the bathroom, she said.
The magician responds as she accepts the tea, taking a slow sip of the steaming liquid. It calmed her a little, though concern remained. Zoey looked off in the direction the woman had went, gnawing at her lip a little. She could have sworn that she heard something but she wasn’t sure what and couldn’t swear that it wasn’t just the old-yet-well-kept home making old house noises. Rising to her feet, Zoey rubs her own arms and turns to Kat, showing concern.
Zahara: I hope I didn’t upset her somehow…
Now Kat was becoming concerned, she looks down the hall briefly before turning back to Zoey.
Katalina: What do you mean?
Zoey relates the brief conversation that they’d had before her return with the tea, simple enough as there wasn’t much to tell, though her attention is still on the hall.
Katalina: Oh. Sit down, love.
Kat waits as she rests the tray on a nearby table before joining her lover down on the couch holding her tea in front of her.
Katalina: First, what are your thoughts on the forgotten part?
Zahara: It sounds to me as if she misses being a dominatrix. While she may feel that she has the strength and willpower to do so, she might not feel as desireable as she once did, leading her to think that perhaps she isn’t wanted for such things anymore.
Sipping of her tea, Zoey turns from the hallway to her lover.
Zahara: Personally, I don’t see it. Granted, she doesn’t seem able to move as quickly as she may once have, but she’s still a beautiful woman… and you can’t put a price on knowledge. Knowledge can overcome a lot of limitations that would stop others. Maybe if she were given the chance to be active, to participate… it might do wonders for her. That’s my opinion anyway.
Katalina: It’s not that she won’t, it’s that she can’t. Soon, I’ll be under the same category. It’s not that I WANT to hang up my whip, it’s that I will have to. I mean, and be completely honest...when you, if you, thought of a dominatrix before you met me...what image popped into your head?
Zahara: A woman in a darkly-colored, tight and revealing outfit, usually made of something shiny, with a strong amount of presence and strength of will. But since being with you, I’ve seen several other varieties. What I’m describing is just the basic vision that most people would get when considering such.
She smiles faintly, putting her hand on Kat’s and squeezing lightly.
Zahara: You’ll never be unattractive as a domina to me, love, whether you hang up the whip or not. These eyes will always see you as the woman I fell in love with. I think you feel the same where Charlotte is concerned. Am I right?
Katalina: They do, but I also agree with her. Sooner or later people will cringe at the notion of being dominated by a fifty-plus year old woman. The best thing one can do in my profession is retire with dignity. That’s exactly what Charlotte has done. Unfortunately...it’s really all she’s done. Her husband, my… former master...
Charlotte: Is gone. Never coming back.
The dominance that Charlotte had used in her youth momentarily comes back as she looks across the room from the wide entrance toward Katalina. Kat, however, finds it troubling to look the woman in her own eyes as Charlotte makes her way across the room back to her chair where she takes the tea. After a sip, she lets out a prolonged sigh of gratitude.
Charlotte: Still good.
Now silent once more, Kat nods briefly keeping her eyes to the floor doing the best she can to avoid looking up at her former Mistress. Zoey notes this, her hand briefly alighting on Kat’s leg before turning back to Charlotte.
Zahara: Forgive my inexperience. It can make my outlook idealistic sometimes which clouds my perception. Still… the curiosity lingers. Perhaps you would be so kind as to relate the tales hinted at previously, Miss Charlotte?
Sipping of her tea further, finding it very relaxing, Zoey leans back a bit on the sofa. Her free hand settles at the center of Kat’s back, rubbing in as soothing a fashion as the magician can muster.
Charlotte: That’s alright. As you said yourself you’re still in the midst of learning.
Charlotte smiles rather warmly given the last few moments she’s displayed. Her gentle rocking creates a slight creaking noise as she looks up to the ceiling lingering her gaze a moment as if trying to remember.
Charlotte: Let’s see...Camilla was, or is, depending on how you wish to look at her presently,
Both were rather acceptable at the moment. Despite being a literal statue she was being kept alive through tubes running through her body.
Charlotte: Quite idealistic in how one plays the “game”. Her deal was a full separation. The way we would talk it just meant how things had always been. The dominants and the submissives. She meant to break up the submissive category, submissives and slaves. She bought a piece of land...set up her farm...and put her thoughts to the test.
Charlotte pauses a moment, her expression becoming a lot colder given where things were going from this point on in the story.
Charlotte: By this point I gave her Katalina, she didn’t...couldn’t stay here any longer and I figured some good experience would be just what she needed.
There was something else there, judging by the body language of Strife. She licks her lips, tightens her grip of the cup, but neither stops Charlotte from continuing. In fact, the more she seems to focus on Camilla the less agitated Kat becomes. Mostly because she knows how that story ends and can appreciate said ending whenever she wants back home.
Charlotte: Hadn’t heard much from either of them after that for some time. Though when I did it was Katalina and I knew Camilla was not one to ever go back to ever again. Authorities were called, but I doubt they got the job done. But enough of her, she’s where she needs to be.
Listening in silence, Zoey turned to Kat when the tale was over. Her hand still rested on her girlfriend’s back, feeling the tension ebbing flowing along the woman’s spine. Zoey drew away if only to take a sip of her tea, but was right back where she started again. Either without intending to or knowingly offering the information in a subtle way, Charlotte answered Zoey’s other question through her story. Not didn’t… couldn’t. That said it all. That, Zoey reasoned, was why Kat was so skittish around men.
Zahara: Through all of that she’s become an amazing person, has Kat. I don’t want to imagine what my life would be like without her in it.
Charlotte: That’s what I’m most glad to hear.
The former domina responds with a troubled smile trying in vain to attract Kat’s attention before giving up quietly going back to her tea.
With the removal of Kat's hand from a cellphone, we have our scene. Katalina sitting inside a dimly lit booth underneath a glowing lantern that swiftly comes more into view along with varous over parts of the wooden beam style ceiling.
Katalina: Shoot!
Take two, this time Kat is a little more hesitant to remove her hand from the phone keeping it in closely as her eyes wander in behind it. When it's clear things will be better this time, she smiles proudly resting back into her pillowy seat gripping a glass of white wine.
Katalina: Better. Sorry, pets, for the location...sound...lighting, I've actually been out wandering for close to an hour or so. Quite frankly I don't know where I am, really. A quaint little pub is all I know. However, I don't care as they serve drinks.
Speaking of, Kat brings hers up for a light little sip, just enough to moisten her upper lip.
Katalina: My apologies also I don't have any of my girls here with me. I'll see them when I get home.
Saying that seems to draw Kat's attention away as her index finger slowly runs the rim of her glass smearing around what bit of wine still rests near it.
Katalina: Even if I don't deserve such pleasantries as seeing their smiles.
After a moment, Kat takes another sip. This one longer than her first. At least on camera.
Katalina: Spent the few days in between the last show and coming here convincing Holly that letting her move to Tampa in September wasn't because I was displeased with her. Making a viciously controversial call with a co worker.
Intriguing. Tell me more. Well...no, but yes. It's an open yet closed relationship, easy to see yet difficult to notice. That kind of relationship, we all have them.
Katalina: Dealing with my old Mistress and my fear of men all began, convincing my girlfriend she was indeed a monster and having her leave for a few days...
That appears to call for a drink, not celebratory obviously, but Kat soon realizes her efforts earlier were a bit more voracious than she thought. Only a small droplet of wine remains so reaching out her hand to the phone we get a jump skip to a few minutes later and Kat is already halfway through her fresh glass.
Katalina: Self pity is a growing trend, individuals use it when they can't be bothered to be a little more positive in how they acquire everyone's attention. But my self pity tells me I'm not interested in this case. Yes, because I don't deserve it. Not a single thing I've done has been for my career, I'm not Strife this week...I'm Katalina. The dominatrix who only lucked out with one of her live ins being rather wealthy. One wireless transfer later and I'm out on the streets screaming “I'm success!”
So we opened up in this pub, how many drinks has Kat had before she even decided to record herself?
Katalina: Unless of course that case contains a contract to have a swift kick in the bottom,
The intoxicated domina turns her head for a very quick sip not wanting to forget her point being made here.
Katalina: Then you girls had better watch out because I'll be all...over that. As the old saying goes; cat's on the burner cause the stove is hot.
At least she's a happy drunk, even if the reasoning for getting there is depression.
Katalina: I'm getting another. Wait for me right here, girls.
Leaning in close enough for a kiss, we get another jump skip in the scene. This time Kat has both arms out stretched and is looking over her brow toward the phone as she steadies it. When she brings her arm back we see she's switched to something a little harder than white wine as she slides in her bottle of London Pride, the latter of which is what drew her to it.
Katalina: Let's get right to it. I am petrified of this match. Even moreso than my third engagement...
Um... Oh, Kat's needs a drink. She doesn't seem to react otherwise to what she's just said as she wraps her ruby painted lips around the top of the bottle and guzzles down a few gulps.
Katalina: But let's get to it. Come on.
Yes, while the buzz is still working. This should be good.
Katalina: First up we have Rebecca. Rebecca the not so Saint. Truly, love, I've dealt with my fair share of cowards in the past...but you take the baker.
Cake. I've heard bakery before too, but Kat's thinking taking people against their will. Don't know whether to count that as dominatrix Kat or Horsewoman Strife.
Katalina: A roll up is a skillful move, I won't contest that. At the end of the day,
Brief pause as Kat feels something coming up her throat. Not vomit, just a slight hiccup she tends to by pressing her fingers to her sternum. Not sure how that helps, but there you go.
Katalina: A win is a win. But grabbing Katie's tights,
Oh thank god she said “tights”.
Katalina: After ducking what should have been the finishing blow to turn it into your little reversal...that was an instinct. What was going through your mind? Did you realize you couldn't beat Katie fairly? Were you admitting to yourself that she was the better woman? Again, a win is a win. I'm just talking that split second between her control and your capitalizing. So threat be not you.
Suppose she's done then with Rebecca as she takes a faster sip of her drink pressing the bottle onto the table in front of her. One can only imagine what the bartender is thinking; she didn't drive so she's good for another. Or the responsible; she didn't drive so she's good for another.
Katalina: Gwendolyn. Quite possibly the one I respect the most under Datura who's behind Joanna but above Rebecca still behind Gwendolyn.
She didn't drive so she's good for another.
Katalina: Submission victory. You go, girl. Of everyone you know how to make that point, how to send the shivers through spines. You understand the necessity of humiliating your opponent, centre of the ring, while at the same time making it look incredibly flashy.
That's...our Gwendolyn. Really, how's she supposed to take that from an inebriated dominatrix whose off PPV record has been less than stellar?
Katalina: You don't care about leaving yourself incredibly open, discouraging your radius of vision. You care about results.
Okay, see where this is going. It's definitely coming from the dominatrix aspect of Kat as this is clearly just about territory.
Katalina: You're keeping the faith alive, the torch warm, the screams frequent.
At least this earns a toast from Kat who tips her bottle toward the phone following it up with a rather prolonged sip. One that doesn't end until she's placing the bottle down making a hollow noise.
Katalina: I appreciate the invite in wanting to hear yours now.
Well...that was with a certain hint of malice right there. Kat pinches the top of the bottle giving herself some time to calm down knowing she's still got two more names to get through here.
Katalina: Datura. What can I really say? That I dodged a bullet when it came to my avoiding in facing you? Would I even be here if you hadn't been moved further up the card? The answer...
Yes.
Katalina: Is no.
Okay.
Katalina: Two men were at your feet at Fate of the Gods...you decimated Tristan in your qualifying match. Actually...decimated still sounds like it took effort. You toyed with him. A man I had trouble with in my debut you made look like he didn't even know how to fight, let alone survive.
Certainly a colourful, sobering way to depict that, what some would stretch in defining a match.
Katalina: So...what do I say? Do I offer up an early congrats on your victory? We both know Joanna's heart isn't fully in this, so who else does that leave? The coward? The target?
Or tarjé. Wait, is that the right e? Nine years of in school French...they always said I'd need it.
Katalina: Or the woman who's been frighteningly dominant that it's considered a crime that she hasn't been pushed further. Really, this match is like...Manchester United going up against some schoolyard hopefuls. Playing with at least a Kevin Keegan.
There's a little laugh there as Kat slides the bottle on to the side from her reach, or just the view, and brings in her hands together.
Katalina: Speaking on that...we're left now with Joanna. A woman who, by all accounts and purposes,
Another little hiccup, which Kat excuses herself over. Rather self centred when it's put like that, isn't it?
Katalina: Frightens me worse than anyone. I know...she's fearless and a little crazy in the mind at times. Nobody says to the Horsewomen “I want to fight all of you”...and wins. Now, I was a bit incorrect in my ways of speaking before. Well, not entirely incorrect...more not wrong. Just that.
The buzz...it's coming back!
Katalina: While it's true her heart isn't in it entirely, it's not because she doesn't care. It's because she's the true dominant. She's dominated the dominatrix, and it's my job to be dominant. She's dominated the frightening, she's punched through the target and stepped on the cowardly. What point presents itself for her to be entirely in this? Especially when she has me...me watching out for her.
People should have assumed.
Katalina: Not like I haven't before...being there for her and Emma, shopping with her for her and Emma, placing her to work at the brothel, ascending my...useless self up to the heavens to help achieve the goal for both herself and Emma. Stepping up when Talon wasn't there.
Perhaps she's...too inebriated now. But she hasn't driven. Still, is she good for another?
Katalina: Being the bitch for both Matt and Winter, being forcefed a defeat courtesy of two...whiney nobodies...all the while watching you on the pedestal. Emma flung to the top heights. Where the bloody hell have you two been?
Maybe Kat should turn off her phone.
Katalina: I've been the first to grasp hold of my spot here, doing my part for the Horsewomen. Yet week after week you've denied all that I've done. Sorry, no, that would require acknowledging that.
Maybe someone else could?
Katalina: The Horsewomen came as a cohesive group. Unity toward power seemed to be our creed. But I'm a woman of my word. So I'll still help you, Joanna. I'll do everything in my power to make certain the precious Death shines. Once more when all is said and done...I'll be left with the sacrifices, you'll reap the benefits.
Thankfully, Kat reaches out for her phone presumably to turn it off.
Katalina: I've no drive, but I can certainly take another.
Immediate cut to black.
