“A House of Colours” Part 3 – Coming Home

A heady mix of nerves and excitement filled Poppy as she stood outside her apartment, dressed simply in her jeans, red sketchers and her favourite beach t-shirt. Over her shoulder was slung a small bag, packed for a weekend which ultimately she knew very little about, except for the fact that any moment now, the Black Range Rover would pull into view and whisk her away from her mundane life for a couple of days. Most of her Friday nights were an endless sea of sappy romantic movies or spent quietly disappearing into a historical fiction novel, but not this one.

Encounters and moments in the presence of her Mistress so far had consisted entirely of public places, other than that one incredible night in the hotel room. It seemed crazy that she still knew so very little about this woman, but despite the anxiousness churning in her stomach, Poppy’s heart didn’t care. Somehow, deep down she knew that this weekend was going to be a significant one. Given the opportunity, she had positively leapt at the chance to see the lair of her mysterious lioness.

She pondered the idea that perhaps she might even find out her Mistress’ real name, but ultimately that wasn’t important. She just knew how she felt in this woman’s powerful presence, and that was stimulus enough not only to follow wherever she lead, but to place her fragile trust in her.

The Jet Black vehicle pulled into view and drew alongside her, the passenger window whirring down as Poppy, on tiptoes, peered in with a dazzling smile. Her eyes were met by the familiar serene smile of her mistress, the picture of perfect composure, immaculately dressed as ever but casual, jeans, red blouse and THAT leather jacket. For Poppy, the black ruched leather jacket embodied so many of the fantasies that had been swirling around her head for the past week. And then of course, there was the black silk necklace that Poppy had never seen her remove, not even in the hotel shower. Finally, although not yet in view, the outfit was no doubt finished off with Mistress’ almost trademark red-heeled velvet ankle boots.
“Are you ready, my precious pet?” she asked firmly. Poppy answered nervously as that voice sent a shiver through her small body, “Yes.. I…I…I think so, yes!”

“Relax sweetie, hop in, we’ll talk on the way” was the calming reply. Climbing up into the massive car, Poppy’s limbs tingled with excitement. She was usually shy and timid, but today she had her adventurer’s hat on. She was as prepared as she could be for the unknown weekend ahead.

Within minutes they were on the main freeway heading north. Poppy had been sitting there quietly, trying to think of something interesting to say, until finally her Mistress broke the silence. “Poppy, I want to tell you about the weekend ahead. At anytime, you just say our word and I’ll turn this car right around and take you back home, ok?” A look of worry crept into Poppys’ face. “I understand, but that place isn’t very much of a home for me, Mistress…it’s more of just a place where I go when I get overwhelmed by the world or need to sleep.”

“Well, ok then,” she acknowledged. So let me start by saying that once we get to our destination, you will meet three special people in my life. And don’t worry, I promise they will all make you feel welcome. There is no doubt about that. They live with me in the place I have now come to call my home.” Poppy nodded, taking it all in. She hadn’t known exactly what to expect, whether there would really be others or not, as her Mistress alluded to when they spoke on the phone. But for some reason, she didn’t feel intimidated by the idea of others. Curious, she turned to her Mistress with a serious expression on her face, her top teeth tugging at her bottom lip. “Are they…umm…all…,” Poppy stammered until she was interrupted.

“Like me?” a quick smiling glance at the girl, as Mistress took her eyes from the road for a moment to make reassuring eye contact. “No dear. I always prefer to think that there’s no one like me, falsely of course! No, there are three girls at the house. Two, you could say, are like you, only, not really…what I mean is that they’re the same, but different. You’ll understand as you get to know them. And the other…well, the other is my wonderful partner.”

“Your partner?!” This surprised Poppy at the time, although on reflection, maybe it wasn’t so strange. “Yes, my partner, the light to my shade, and most definitely my better half in many ways. She found me first, but we are equals, always. In fact, everyone in the house is equal. We are a family. By societies standards a most dysfunctional one, but we are a family based on love, trust and respect for one another.”

“Sounds intriguing,” Poppy feigned in response, her mind needed time to think about that statement, but she didn’t have any. They had pulled off the freeway and were now winding through leafy streets, with big houses set well back from the curb. Poppy’s eyes widened and she gulped hard as the large houses slowly gave way to estates. And then she saw it, rising up four floors, a huge balcony on the two upper floors. This huge modern structure dominated the leafy suburban street, with crisp edges, straight lines and lots of glass. Most of the front south-facing façade of the building was floor-to-ceiling glass windows. It seemed almost out of place, surrounded by the cookie-cutter design of the neighbouring homes. This house stood defiant, like a beacon among the boredom.

They pulled up to the white gates and slowed to a stop outside them. Poppy soaked it all in, the lighting, the perfectly appointed lawns, minimal, yet precisely purposeful topiary. “Wow,” was all she could muster, as she turned to her driver who was herself staring at the imposing property. “My partners creation,” she turned and winked, “I’m not big on the colour.” Poppy mischievously grinned back. White certainly was NOT a colour she would associate with her mistress.

“So my dear Poppy, you are here up to this point of your own free will. I have not forced you to come, nor have I coerced, bribed or threatened you. This is your choice. You say our word right now, and I will turn the car around and take you back to your apartment.” Poppy nodded, “I understand Mistress. As long as I’m back for work in time on Monday, that’s fine.”

The Mistress turned in her seat and took Poppy’s hands into her own. “Thank you for your trust, little one. I promise you, I will prove that it is not miss-given. We will talk again, just the two of us, on Sunday night, and you will have a choice to make. But let’s not worry about that now. All the while you are in our house, you will be safe. And always remember our word. It is the shared word inside the home, and although seldom used these days, it is sacredly respected. Are you ready, my pet?”

Poppy took in all that had been said, nervousness and curiosity fighting in her mind, as she looked deep into the eyes of someone she barely knew, yet somehow completely and utterly trusted. She took a deep breath in through her nose, and answered with as much confidence as she could muster, ” Yes…yes Mistress. I am ready.” Their hands tightened in one another’s for a magical moment as they settled back in their seats. A button on the dashboard was pressed, and the white gates began to glide open ahead of them. Putting one hand on the wheel, the Mistress turned to Poppy as she shifted into gear.

“My name, is Raven, and you are mine now Poppy.”

With that, she faced forward and powered the car through the gates, not looking back until they had parked in the sunken driveway which dipped down, hidden below street level. Poppy felt the hairs standing up on the back of her neck, as she clung to those precious words. For the moment she learned her Mistress’ name, she knew that she had arrived home. Not the property, not yet, but home to her was now unquestionably in the heart of her Mistress, her Raven.

Raven locked the car remotely over her shoulder as they walked across the gravel driveway and approached the secluded, yet grand front door. The sunlight shimmered off its double-glass panes, as the door glided open remotely as if made of silk, just as the gates had done. “Someone needs to be handy with the glass polish,” Poppy cheekily stated, trying to cover her anxiousness. “What do you think YOU’RE here for?” answered Raven, casting the girl another devilish look as she purposefully strode into a grand circular hallway, her red heels creating an echo as she walked. Poppy took in the white marble flooring and white walls, only minimally decorated with the occasional floor-to-ceiling mirror, with recessed spot-lighting built into the walls, ceiling and floor alike. A grand serpentine stairway wound it’s way up two floors on one side, and down a single floor on the other. Poppy stood, mouth agape, suddenly feeling severely under-dressed given the opulent surroundings.

“I’ll give you the tour later,” Raven waved dismissively. “But basically, there are five floors. This ground floor is for reception, the only one we share with visitors. Basement downstairs is the Gym and ‘Fungeon’. This level includes the reception room, a seldom-used kitchen and the library. Come on, we’ll take the elevator.”

“Well of course,” Poppy giggled. “Doesn’t EVERY home have an elevator and a…umm…Fungeon?”

They stepped into the lift, mirrored of course. “Yes sweetie, I’ll show you later.” Raven smiled at the bemused Poppy as she tapped the button for the second floor. “Second floor is our main living space. Third floor has the bedroom suites, and the fourth floor has a small office. But people first, then the rest of the place later! Leave your bags here a moment little one. Friday night is quiet night, and they’re all keen to meet you. Ready?” Raven reached for her pet’s hand once again as the lift arrived at it’s destination. Poppy’s mind, now in overdrive as to what sites might greet her as the door opened, swallowed hard and clutched Raven’s hand in her own, drawing on her Mistress’ strength.

The doors smoothly opened onto a massive room. Pretty much the whole floor was dedicated to one single living space. Large sofas and chairs, a dining table set in a circular booth in the corner, and a huge TV, taller than Poppy herself. The whole rear of the room showcased floor-to-ceiling glass windows, leading out to a deck area. Her awe slowly subsiding, Poppy began to register the people dotted around the room, all in jeans and t-shirts, comfy clothes…one reading a Kindle, while the other two sat close together watching the giant screen. For all intents and purposes, they looked like just three normal girls.

On hearing the distinct sound of Raven’s heels click onto the tile floor, all three heads turned in unison. A long-haired blonde girl stood up first. “Come on girls, let’s meet our new guest!” She spoke softly as she strode confidently to greet the pair, her long golden hair flowing as she walked barefoot across the pale floor. The other two leapt up and followed. The lead girl smiling a massively wide smile as she approached Raven, stretching up to kiss her on the lips. “I missed you sweetie. But could you please take those heels off inside? You’re making us all feel inferior” She turned to Poppy, giving her a knowing wink. “And Poppy, welcome to our home. My name is Saffron.” She pulled the girl to her by the shoulders, kissing her on each cheek. Poppy felt a buzz of excitement, to be greeted so warmly by a perfect stranger. Now up close, she noticed the white lace necklace around Saffron’s neck, identical to the black one around her Mistress’ neck.

Having kicked off her boots, Raven was walking towards the other two girls, greeting the pair with open arms as they simultaneously nestled in, hugging her like children greeting a long-lost parent. Raven wrapped the two in a loving embrace, whispering “oh, I’ve missed you both! Now, go and introduce yourselves to our guest, girls.” Both girls simply nodded, not saying a word, and turning to calmly walk towards Poppy.

The first to reach her was another blonde girl, shorter hair in length to Saffrons, clearly nervous, but forcing herself to greet as instructed. “Hi, my name’s Daisy, but please just call me White,” she stated with a huge smile as she hugged Poppy. The second girl waited patiently behind her. “Er…hello.. White,” Poppy stammered, hugging her back, and thoroughly enjoying all the embraces.

As White stepped back, the second girl, with short black hair, now approached Poppy with even more caution than White had. “Hello…I…I…I’m Iris, but ple…please just call me Dark.” With that, she feigned a smile and launched herself at Poppy, arms outstretched for an embrace. Poppy’s eye quickly caught Saffron’s, who smiled reassuringly, much like a proud parent. Her mission completed, Dark stepped back, taking an almost regimental position beside White.

Poppy summarised it all, repeating each of their names and she turned to look at each of them, nodding as she worked to memorize. “Dark” a brunette, wearing an all black leather collar, with “White” beside her with a matching white one. “Saffron” with a white lace choker, and of course her “Raven” wearing her black lace choker. Poppy’s hand rose to her own neck, around which was her simple, boring seashell pendant. She traced a line with her fingers around her neck, looking back at the leather collars and frowning. “I suddenly feel a little left out,” she fretted. Sudden looks of concern flashed across White’s and Dark’s faces almost simultaneously.

“Oh no Poppy, don’t be,” Saffron said hastily. “We will happily remedy that when the moment is right. Raven dear, why don’t you give Poppy a quick tour of the rest of the house while the girls and I order dinner. And of course, show her where she’ll be sleeping tonight. Chinese ok? Pizza?” she added with with a wink.

“Just make it hot!” Raven called back, as she turned to take Poppy by the hand, leading her back to the lift. “Don’t get lost!” Saffron called as she and the girls took seats next to each other on the sofa and started making dinner plans.

Poppy stepped into the elevator alongside Raven, the doors gently closing sealing them in. “Ok so far sweetie, maybe a few questions?” Raven asked. “A couple yes, but I’m fine, absolutely fine Mistress” Poppy said with an excited smile. Raven held Poppy by the arms, “I knew you would be. Fridays is our down day, Poppy. You need not refer to me by that title on Fridays.” Poppy smiled. “But I want to, Mistress!” leaning her head into Ravens chest whose arms instinctively cradled her small head. “It’s just Fridays sweetie, and there’s only a few more hours of Friday left. But we all share in a quiet day, it’s good for balance. So, just for the next few hours please try using my real name.”

Raven reached for the elevator button and looked down at the girl. “Now… going down my dear?” Poppy looked back up to a slightly shorter Raven, having lost her heels upstairs, though still towering above the girl. With a beaming smile, whispering “I’m going wherever you go…Raven.”