Chapter 21

21

T obias stood in the aisle of the stable and watched quietly as first the stalls and then the ring were explored. He never minded showing off his space -- this introduction to his work was one of the things he really looked forward to on these weekends, and the Doms currently opening chests and closets and testing chains were well aware of how elaborate his set-up was.

"You are welcome to make use of the space at your discretion," Tobias said when they were all in the ring. "The schedule of the weekend allows you ample time to play if you wish. There are also areas within the guest house where you can simply relax, and if you need something specific for your submissive, I'll do my best to accommodate you. Most of the instruction time will be here, in the ring, due to space, but we'll also meet for discussion." He looked around and smiled. "Any questions so far?"

"Are we able to take, say, some of the bondage tools back to the guest house?" one of the Doms asked from a few feet away. Tobias couldn't have been more pleased that Hayden had called him and inquired about some guidance with Brian, or about his interest in the less pain-related and more intense mental aspects of domination. "Gags, cuffs, rope... that sort of thing?"

"Absolutely." Tobias nodded. "The expectation is, of course, that they'll be cleaned and returned to the same place so Phan's inventory work isn't as stressful as it could be, but by all means -- use what intrigues you. If you see something used in instruction that you'd like to try, go right ahead. Also, if you'd like to try out the sensory deprivation equipment, I'll be more than happy to spot you."

Hayden raised an eyebrow. "That sounds interesting."

"I thought you might like the sound of that." Tobias grinned and lifted his arm to sweep around the ring. "Bradford is no stranger here, and I know that if you have questions or can't find something you need only say so. He'll have Nikki produce it, since -- as we all know -- the subs keep the order in here."

"I'm more than happy to help out," Bradford offered.

"I knew I could count on you." Tobias sat in his imposing, throne-like chair and watched Hayden and the other two Doms, Kraig and Simon, continue to explore, talking among themselves. "Bradford, who on earth is running the dining room? I don't think I've ever been in there without seeing Brian."

"Excellent question." Bradford laughed. "Unfortunately for me, Hayden has been requesting Brian more and more, and so I've had to train some new boys in his place. At the moment, there are three boys doing what Brian normally manages by himself."

"Heh." Tobias snickered. "I hope no one has let Brian know this. He'll be impossible -- or Hayden will really have to step up his game." Either way, it was going to be fun. "Have you spent much time with Simon? He's very quiet, but a quick thinker."

"I haven't yet. I try to invite each of the new Doms to dinner at least once, and I also try to watch a couple of their sessions. I haven't had the opportunity to do either for Simon yet. He seems pleasant enough from what I can tell."

"His boy is nice -- young, though. I think that's why he's here, trying to steer them into restraint and bondage and less flogging. He told me he wants to go deeper, but that means different things for so many people." Tobias shrugged. "We'll see how it goes. Are you going to dine in the guest house with them, or are you going to pull rank and come down to the house?"

"Oh, no. I'm a student this weekend, Tobias. Nikki has been asking for some quieter work, and when you told me about this weekend, I thought it would be perfect. I think it's good for him to learn alongside other subs, and a Dom can always benefit from refresher courses." Bradford smiled. "I'll be dining with the other Doms, unless you think that would make them uncomfortable?"

"I doubt it -- not after the first few minutes, anyway." Tobias smiled at his friend. "It might help them to see you as just another Dom, really. To see that you, too, need to take time to connect with Nikki. I think it'll be a good thing." He stood up as the other three came near. "So, that's the work space. Shall we go back to the guest house? Phantom and Noah have made sure that your kitchen is stocked, Bradford's houseboys have been in to clean and make up all the rooms, and I'm sure that you're all eager to settle in for your first evening. As I said -- feel free to find whatever you think you'll need for the night. There are toys in each room as well, and leashes at the house."

Hayden had found himself a pair of cuffs that, while made of a heavy, sturdy leather, were nonetheless lined with soft, forgiving fur. He handed them to Brian, who was kneeling with the other subs along the edge of the ring, to carry. Brian's eyes widened. "Still," Hayden admonished softly.

Tobias waited a moment while the others got themselves sorted, and then brought Noah and Phan to heel. "Come with me," he said, walking a line of ordering his own boys and inviting the guests. He hoped everyone would accept the words as they were intended, and led the way out of the barn and to the guest house. "You've all been assigned rooms, but you're free to use the common spaces whenever you feel like it. Sexual activity falls under the same rules as at the club -- get a room." He grinned and winked at Bradford.

"Really, Tobias. I fail to understand why you are looking at me," Bradford said with a laugh.

Phan giggled and turned it into a cough. "Sorry, sir."

Tobias sighed. "Two, boy."

"Yes, sir."

Nikki somehow managed not to laugh. "Good boy," Bradford said, a touch of indignant embarrassment in his voice. "Let's take our bags up, shall we?"

"Yes, sir." Nikki hopped up, grabbed the suitcases, and practically ran up the steps with them.

Bradford snorted. "Boys." He grinned. "I'll send him back down in a moment to help start supper." And with that, he excused himself.

Hayden grinned along with the others. "What's next on our agenda? We see you in the morning? Or is there something planned for this evening?"

"This evening, you get to talk amongst yourselves, settle in, eat well." Tobias smiled. "I'll leave the stables unlocked until eleven. We'll meet in the ring at nine tomorrow morning, and I expect everyone to have eaten and to be awake and ready to pay attention. Even Phantom."

Phan, two strokes up for the day, said nothing at all.

"Brian is an early riser," Hayden said with a grin. "We'll be there." He pointed to his luggage. "If you'll excuse us, then. Bring my bag, pet."

Brian was quick to move, and perhaps just a little more graceful than usual, too. He followed Hayden up the stairs easily.

Tobias shook hands with Simon, who just as silently went up with his boy, then paused with Kraig. "If you need anything, feel free to call the house or send your submissive down. We hope that everything is where it should be, but as this is the first weekend with the new set-up, I'm sure there's going to be a hitch somewhere."

Kraig nodded. "Will do. I'm very impressed so far," he said. "And thank you to your boys for stocking everything for us."

"It was their pleasure." Tobias beamed at him and headed home, his boys in tow. "See you all in the morning," he called as he left. "Noah, what are we having for dinner tonight?"

"I had planned on grilling, sir. There are steaks marinating, asparagus, and rice pilaf... and then perhaps a nice, hot cup of tea before bed."

"Oh, tea sounds nice." It had been a while since he'd had tea at bedtime.

"It sure does!" Phan said eagerly. "I'll help Noah with dinner, sir."

"Why, thank you, Phan." Noah snorted.

Tobias liked to hear that -- they were teasing and helpful and happy. The last few months had been a little bumpy, but right then, with the sun low in the sky and his boys at his side, Tobias was more than content.

He was in love and loved. He was successful, his friends were well, and his lovers were balanced and thriving. There really was no better feeling. Except, possibly...

"I think we'll have a late dinner, boys. I feel like having that tea now; no sense in waiting until tomorrow for the good parts."