Psyche & Eresto Pt. 01 Ch. 04

Psyche & Eresto Part 1: Second Life

Chapter 4 of 4: The Banquet

There was a light knock on the door. "Knock, knock," said a familiar voice.

"Come in, Cassandra!" Kim closed her diary and sat up on the loveseat. She put her pen in the spiral of her spiral notebook and looked up as Cassandra came in and closed the door.

It was the following day, in the mid-afternoon. Kim had done her reading and running, and had also gone for a walk on the grounds in the morning. She was just finishing up her day's diary entry, filling it with her thoughts on the previous evening's conversation with Eresto.

"Hey hun, big day today!" Cassandra beamed. "Your first ten day banquet in a couple hours. After today you are officially part of the gang." Cassandra was wearing something that was between a toga and a robe. Sitting there in jeans and a tshirt she had just gotten from her apartment in a quick "First Life Check", it suddenly dawned on Kim that she had never seen Cassandra in modern Earth clothing like what she was wearing.

Kim reached to the desk next to the loveseat and put her diary in the top drawer. The cover of the diary with the words "Psyche Diary -- NO ERESTO" were the last thing she saw as she put the diary away.

"I'm really nervous," Kim scooted over on the loveseat, making room.

Cassandra sat next to her. "Yeah that's understandable, but you only go the first time once. You'll meet some new people, eat good food... drink a lot of wine... you'll have a blast."

"Seeing people is what makes me nervous."

Cassandra looked over at the far wall, seeing a portrait of Kim that Eresto had drawn a couple evenings earlier. Clad in red, with eyes almost glowing with happiness, it might as well have been a high resolution digital picture of a woman who was more goddess than human. "Wow, did he do that?"

"I've never seen anything like it," Kim replied. "He's an incredible artist."

"Very nice..." Cassandra's voice trailed off, and she sat back for a moment looking at the picture. After a brief pause, she spoke again. "So, have you spoken with Eresto about what we talked about yesterday?" She turned to look at Psyche.

"We watched the sunset and talked a lot last night," Kim answered. "I told him I'll help and support him any way I can. And I found out why he's been so single for so long."

"Aha! The truth comes out," Cassandra interjected excitedly. "So, what's the story?"

"He had a lover a long time ago, and she left him." Kim bit her lip. "He's been heartbroken. I can't bear to think of his wonderful soul as being hurt so."

"Huh, interesting." Cassandra raised her eyebrows as though she was considering the new information. Then she spoke emphatically and definitively. "Well I think he's over that, because the chatter among the ladies is that the most desirable bachelor in Angelhome is head over heels for his new pet."

"I love him so much," Kim gushed, holding back tears. "I don't care that things are different here, or that I have to sacrifice to be here with him. He's everything I could want in a man, and I want to look after him."

"Well, I know this place isn't easy to deal with at first. That's why you've been given space." Cassandra patted Kim on the shoulder. "If you have any doubts, you need to talk to him pronto."

Kim shrugged. Thoughts raced through her mind and she had an uneasy feeling in her gut. Her eyes went to the door that led home. "Is it true, we can walk out at any time?" She asked.

"There was a girl who left, some time back," Cassandra said. "She had been here a while and her longing for the people of her old life consumed her." Cassandra gazed at the wall, as though she was reaching deep into her memory to recall. "She had been here before me, and us girls tried to console her, but the thought took root in her mind and ultimately she told us she had to go. She walked through her door, closed it from the other side, and and was gone for good. Her partner was pretty heartbroken for a while, but they tend to bounce back."

"So they don't try to keep us from leaving?"

"No, but it's not as simple as that." Cassandra replied. "You'll never know or be with another man like Eresto. There's simply no man like him on earth, and no place like this."

"I see. But then again he's not a man is he?" Kim replied. "I've love him, and I want him, but there's something that he can't give me. What I'll really want some day." She turned to Cassandra, hopeful to hear a reply that might bring her comfort.

"He's not, but understand: if you leave, there's no returning and you'll never see him again. We don't see their kind, in life or afterwards." She took Kim's hand. "That's the thing I realized. Here, we have something that most people don't even know exists. It's not perfect but it's damn close."

They sat in silence for a moment, and Cassandra seemed to be in thought. "It's interesting, though," she said as she looked into Kim's eyes again. "They really are a lot like us, like humans, aren't they? I mean, beyond the fact that the, uh, biology works out well."

"In some ways, but he's pure and simple in his soul," Kim replied, stopping to think about her Lover. "There's a lot I think he doesn't understand about human emotions, or at least mine."

"Typical guy," Cassandra noted.

Kim felt a knot in her stomach and a tear welling up in her eye. "He's all love and art. He really loves the world around him and he really loves me. Every time I look into his eyes, that's all I see."

"Not jaded by life on Earth," Cassandra concurred. "And they're sort of built to last, in the soul. I guess when they have infinite days to live, every day might as well be like starting life anew. Otherwise it would all get boring."

Kim felt a tear streaming down her cheek and wiped it away. "Thanks for the help," Kim replied. "I'm really glad I have you to talk to."

"We all need help getting through these first stages of the life here. I did." She rubbed Kim's hand. "I can see why he fell for you, you know. It's not just that you're beautiful. There is a life force inside you. I can't see it because I'm not one of them, but I can tell something's there." She paused and considered for a moment. "I'm really glad Mistress Abeldine asked me to help you out."

"She did?"

"I guess I haven't mentioned that?" Cassandra wondered out loud. "Yeah, she asked me to help you get acquainted with the way of life here."

"Well then, I'm glad she did," Kim said as she looked at Cassandra's lips and smiled. The other smiled back, and Kim felt something in the back of her mind pushing her forward.

Kim leaned in slowly, tentatively, as Cassandra closed her eyes. She kissed Cassandra, whose hand slid over Kim's arm. Cassandra returned the kiss and ran her fingertips over Kim's wrist lightly, almost tickling. Kim felt her skin tingling. She moaned slightly against Cassandra's lips and opened her mouth. Her tongue flicked against Cassandra's front teeth, and their kiss deepened.

Kim pushed Cassandra back slowly until her back was against the side of the loveseat. Her arms went around Cassandra's neck, and Cassandra wrapped her arms around Kim's back. Kim could feel her inhibitions letting go as they kissed passionately. Cassandra's kiss was so smooth, so warm and welcoming, and their lips moved effortlessly together. Kim whimpered softly as she felt her desire overtaking her, pushing her conscious thought into a state of trust. She felt that she was submitting to her desire, and she let herself go.

After a minute Cassandra pushed Kim away. "Woah," she said as she broke the kiss. Without realizing it, Kim was leaning awkwardly against her and tried to sit back up on the couch. "That cute little body of yours was crushing me, babe."

"Sorry," Kim giggled. "I was kinda into it."

"That's the spirit, Psyche" Cassandra smiled.

"It's funny," Kim said, giggling. "I'm not bisexual, never have been."

"That's alright," Cassandra laughed. "I wasn't either in First Life."

Kim looked from Cassandra's lips to her eyes, which winked. Kim blushed and realized Cassandra could tell she was turned on. "Who knows," Kim said. "Maybe you could join me and Eresto some time. That could be fun."

"Oh yeah," Cassandra laughed. "He would love that, I'm sure. Double the battery charging for him."

Psyche laughed but trailed off. "What do you mean?" She asked.

Cassandra's laughter stopped short, and she glared at Kim. "What the fuck, Kim! It's Kim, right?" She said angrily. "I told you to talk to him about this!"

Kim nodded slowly. "Oh shit," she thought to herself.

Cassandra jumped up out of the chair and paced, arms crossed. "Honestly, woman!" She said finally. She was stammering. "Did you have relationship problems like this in First Life? You have to talk to your man!"

"Shit, I'm sorry," Kim's voice trailed off.

Cassandra sat back down next to Kim and took her hand, clearly trying to control herself. She sighed and tried to explain. "Kim, I told you yesterday our energy is important to them. I'll just lay it on you, now: They need us."

"What do you mean, they need us?"

"Us mortal women have power in mind and body to create and nurture life," Cassandra explained. "Your Lover feeds off of it. Especially in bed, when you orgasm for him. It's a big reason we're here. They gain strength from us."

"Woah!" Kim sat forward in the seat, her jaw dropping. "Really?"

"He hasn't brought this up at all?" Cassandra seemed outraged.

"No..."

"Fucking clueless idiot," Cassandra exclaimed. "Ugh I should've known. He hasn't had a lover in God knows how long. He probably forgot about it."

"When we spoke last night," Kim thought about the previous evening for a moment. "I think he was maybe going to mention it. But I cut him off. We were also talking about his heartbreak from his previous lover, and he seemed so vulnerable and hurt."

"He should've told you sooner, anyway. That dumbass. It's pretty important that he talks to you and you understand eachother in this matter."

"Is it true, then?" Kim asked. "We're here to give them the power to do their angelic duties?"

"Well, many of them genuinely do care, as well." Cassandra said, seeming to calm down a bit. "I meant what I said, that Eresto is head over heels for you. Everyone in the palace knows it."

"What about you and Balthus?" Kim asked.

"Balthus and I..." Cassandra stopped to consider it. "Well, our relationship has had its ups and downs. It's become a bit functional over time. Our love has cooled off some, but our lust is... well, I'm not complaining, let's put it that way. Plus I love living here. I've made more and closer friends here than I have in my First Life."

"I had no idea," Kim bit her lip and looked down at the bed.

"It's something you definitely need to talk to Eresto about," Cassandra added. "Look, I'm sorry I got angry. I can tell you feel vulnerable and believe me, it's important for you two to understand eachother perfectly." She slapped the loveseat with her hand in frustration. "I thought after yesterday you'd have talked to him about it."

"No, but I will. I promise." Kim answered, feeling determined.

"You're so sweet and so beautiful," Cassandra looked at her affectionately. "Please do this. Please talk to him."

"I'll have to care for him first when he gets back," Kim said. "He made the journey to the Second Step today, so he'll be tired."

"He might need your help a lot soon," Cassandra replied. "Something's going on with the angels, something important. I think he'll need you. Balthus has told me he needs me more than he ever has."

"I'll help him any way I can," Kim replied, her voice trailing off slightly. She perked back up. "But then... they're using us aren't they?"

"It's not as bad as that," Cassandra responded. "For one thing, he loves you and you love him. I don't know what I would do without Balthus. He's my Love, my Hero, my everything. And don't forget you live in paradise and serve a larger cause." Cassandra spoke urgently, like she was pleading with Kim. "They watch over all of creation, and we help them with that."

Kim looked into Cassandra's eyes briefly, then cast her gaze to the floor as she sat back in the loveseat. She felt uneasy, like she was entering a place where she didn't know what would happen and what to expect, where the same hurts that she had felt in the past might be lurking and waiting to take her again.

"I don't want to feel used," Kim said finally. "You're right, I've had relationship problems in the past. Not talking about how I really feel, and then being used by guys who want something from me, only to be dropped when I'm inconvenient. It's happened more times than I'd like to admit."

Cassandra put her finger under Kim's chin and turned her head to face her. "All of us Sisters were brought here by guardian angels who fell in love with us, Kim," Cassandra noted. "We weren't being watched because we were living perfect lives. Some of us are rescues."

Looking into Cassandra's face Kim saw a sadness, like Cassandra was remembering something she didn't want to. She felt a swell of sympathy for the beautiful Latina. She leaned in closer and put her arm around Cassandra.

"I guess I'm not the only one who's gone through difficulty in coming here," Kim rubbed Cassandra's back. "I'm sorry if I reminded you of something upsetting."

"For a place that's designed to be paradise, things here can be tough," Cassandra stated. "But if you get past the initial shock, many things become much easier."

Kim considered all the thoughts going through her head. There was a pause.

"And besides it's banquet day!" Cassandra said cheerfully. "The ten day wait for it is so worth it! Best food you'll have here. And wine and anything you can ask for. They pull out all the stops. And... after tonight you are officially here."

"What are you wearing?" Kim asked, happy for a change of subject.

"Royal blue, Balthus' favorite." She replied. "I always wear that when I want to keep his attention."

"I'll be in red, I just love that dress." Psyche responded.

"You look beautiful in that dress, Sister," Cassandra said. "Like a goddess, I shit you not."

Kim laughed. "That's fitting, isn't it? That Psyche looks like a goddess?"

They both laughed lightly, and then there was silence. Kim looked at Cassandra's shoulder, her mind wandering. Cassandra's presence was comforting, and suddenly Kim found herself leaning toward her and felt Cassandra's arm enveloping her.

Cassandra put her hand on Kim's knee. "I was new here once, too," she whispered, her breath hot on Kim's mouth. "We all need comfort from time to time."

Kim closed her eyes and held her breath. She leaned closer to Cassandra and pushed her inhibitions to the back of her mind. Feeling Cassandra's lips on hers, she exhaled. Cassandra pushed her back against the loveseat and kissed her passionately.

Cassandra's hand slid up from Kim's knee to her chest, caressing her breast lightly. As Kim sighed softly, she felt Cassandra's hand massaging her breast through her t-shirt. The cups of her bra slipped off, and Kim felt Cassandra's slow but passionate touch on her breast through her shirt.

Kim placed a hand on Cassandra's shoulder, fingertips digging into her lightly. Thoughts raced through her head. "She's really into this... woah that feels good." Kim could feel herself getting wet, as Cassandra seemed to know just how she wanted to be touched. Kim pushed her tongue into Cassandra's mouth and rubbed her back, wanting to give affection back, but she felt like Cassandra could overwhelm her.

Kim broke the kiss and pulled away slightly, panting hotly against Cassandra's face. "Oh wow, woah" she said, putting a hand to her forehead. She felt dizzy.

"You ok?" Cassandra sat back up and straightened out her clothes a bit.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Kim wasn't sure about that but sat back up. "Shit I'm really turned on."

"Am I intruding?"

Kim and Cassandra both turned to the door, which was opened. Eresto's face was there. He looked surprised and opened the door further to step into the room.

Cassandra got up as Kim sat up and started straightening herself out. "Welcome back, Eresto," Cassandra replied. "No, I was just getting ready to leave."

Cassandra walked swiftly to the door as Kim slipped her bra back on her chest. Looking up, Kim saw Cassandra walk past Eresto. Their eyes were locked, and Cassandra placed her hand on his arm as she walked by him and out the door.

Eresto turned to Kim. "Are you okay?" He seemed concerned as he closed the door behind him.

"I'm fine, Love," Kim got up quickly from the loveseat to greet him, and saw that he looked a bit pale. Her heart went out to him as he looked exhausted. "I know you had a difficult journey today, how are you?"

"Tired, but glad to see you again," Eresto replied as he took his red angel vest off and cast it on the loveseat. "The trip was long but didn't seem difficult, not when I knew I would see you at the end of the day." He smiled warmly at her like he always did.

Kim threw her arms around Eresto's waist and buried her face in his chest. She felt his strong arms around her and his cheek against the top of her head. She couldn't help but notice how perfectly she fit in his arms.

"Maybe you should let me take care of you, my Love," Kim said as she pulled away from him to look up into his face. She reached up to run her fingers through his hair. "I was going to take a bath before the banquet this evening. You should join me."

"That sounds nice," he smiled down at her.

"You'll have to let go of me."

"Nope."

They both laughed and she stayed there looking up into his eyes for a moment before pulling away. "I'll make the water nice and hot."

Before long Kim was in the bath, in the beautiful tub with hot water, soaking. While Eresto was still in the bedroom, she was thinking about everything that she and Cassandra had spoken about, and wondering what to make of it all. Eresto seemed so genuine, and Cassandra had been a good friend and had tried to warn Kim about some of the things she was anxious about. Kim felt like she was getting in her own way, but also was unsure about what Eresto had told her, about Cassandra trying to use her to get to him.

She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being used, and the thought turned her stomach. Eresto seemed so genuine, and she saw that every time she looked into his eyes. Part of her didn't care, and wanted to give in to the fact that she was in paradise and in love with a an incredible man. But she knew she yearned to be loved and wanted, too. A shadow of doubt gnawed at her consciousness, and as she considered it she thought of what Cassandra had said about Abeldine instructing her to get Kim acquainted with how things are here. "I wonder what that means," she thought to herself. Between that and what she had thought about Cassandra trying to get to Eresto, Kim wondered about Cassandra's intentions.

Her distractions suddenly faded away as Eresto climbed into the bath with her. The sight of his trim mid-section made her forget her doubts and she realized she wanted him.

"You seem distracted, Psyche," Eresto said as he looked at her with concern and put his arm around her. "There are things we haven't talked about yet, but I know Cassandra has helped you with some of them. Maybe we can talk."

"We should, but not now, Eresto," Kim smiled and ran her hand over his hair. "I've been thinking about you today and I want to please you."

Kim climbed into Eresto's lap, rubbing the bar of soap over his broad shoulders. As she did, she felt his strong hands on her hips, holding her steady. Underneath her, he was starting to get hard as she pressed her groin against his. She smiled and remembered her first day, when they were in a similar position. So blissful she had been, not even knowing or caring where she was. So much had changed in so little time.

Kim bit her lip. Eresto was handsome and beautiful, and a kind soul. She wanted to ask questions, but the moment was perfect with him, like most moments they were together. While doubts sat at the back of her mind, every fiber of her body told her this was right.

"Eresto, do you love me?" Kim asked.

He looked up at her with those deep, penetrating blue eyes as he pulled her closer. "With all my heart, Psyche."

Kim moved her hips. She felt his now-hard manhood rubbing against her moist pussy. Looking into his eyes, she reached down into the bath water to massage his dick and guide it up into her. As he slipped inside, she leaned in to kiss his lips. She started to rock her hips on top of him and feel him sliding inside her. She ran her fingers through his hair. She lost herself in their kiss didn't find herself again until she had ridden him to climax and was moaning into his mouth.

As her vagina spasmed with pleasure, he moaned passionately and she knew he was cumming too. She wrapped her arms around his head and pressed it against her chest tightly, cradling him. His arms squeezed her, as his mood moved from pleasure to affection.

Pulling away for a moment, she looked at him. His skin was no longer pale, and he didn't look tired at all. In fact, he had a glow about him. Kim realized she had seen this in him before. He looked up at her lovingly, adoringly. Kim marvelled at the change for a moment. "Holy shit, it's true," she thought to herself. She closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against his, silently. Inside her mind, emotions were pouring through her thought like a tidal wave. She could feel anxiety begin to overwhelm her even as she and her lover basked in the afterglow of beautiful lovemaking.

Kim let go a sob and wrapped her arms around Eresto's neck. Pushing her forehead against his she tried to hold her emotions back. It was no use. She sobbed uncontrollably, and started to cry as anxiety poured out of her. He stirred and began rubbing her back.

"I'm sorry," she said through the sobbing.

"Oh wow! Kim what's wrong?" Eresto was clearly surprised.

She could barely hear him over her crying. She buried her face in his shoulder, pressing her closed eyes against him as tears streamed out of them. She could feel his strong arms holding her tightly, and she thought he was hanging on to her for dear life. She felt like such a wreck, an emotional puddle of a mess in another relationship that was probably doomed to fail. But this time it wasn't an awful man who was using her. This time it was the perfect man in perfect place... or maybe not the perfect place after all. She wondered what else there was to know. When she arrived she had felt like a baby born into a world where she was seeing everything for the first time. It finally occurred to her: what else didn't she know about this place aptly called Second Life?

"They've been shielding me," she thought to herself. "And maybe Cassandra, too. What would they keep from us? Is there danger?"

She pulled away from him and sat on his lap, wiping tears from her eyes. She looked at him. He had a look of horror on his face and was speechless.

"Eresto, why did you bring me here?" Kim asked, her voice shaking with emotion.

"Because I cared about you, and I could tell that you wanted me," Eresto answered without missing a beat. "I knew we wanted eachother. It couldn't be in your bed on Earth, I had to bring you here."

"God I'm such a mess," Kim put her hand over her eyes.

"You're here now, and we're together. It's so perfect, isn't it? I love you and you love me." Eresto pleaded.

"Perfect, sure, as long as I don't pay attention to the fact that I'm being used for sex." She cried out.

"I'm not using you. Period." Eresto insisted, almost insulted. "You know by now that I love you?"

"No, I do. But it's not you." Kim answered. "Why was a muse watching me in the first place? Shouldn't you have been watching over an artist or a museum or something?"

"You were a strong spirit in distress," Eresto answered. "Mistress Abeldine assigned me to watch over you."

"Abeldine." Kim declared. "She's in the middle of all this. Her name keeps coming up. And she looks down on me. I feel like a pawn when she's around."

"She has a lot of responsibility," Eresto answered. "We all have a purpose, and hers is to watch over Earth and the Stairway. She is all the more important now that the war is growing hot again."

"War?" Kim's eyes went wide.

"Yes, war with the demons of Hell." Eresto said. "She will have news of it at the banquet. But you are in no danger. I wouldn't let danger come anywhere near you."

Kim shut her mouth and she felt suddenly cold. "So there is danger, here," she thought. "What did I get myself into?"

"I want to know about this war," she demanded. "I have a right to know if I'm safe here."

"Banquet begins in half an hour, and we'll both get the news we need of it."

"I'm nervous and I feel like a wreck. Do I really have to go?" Kim asked.

"Going to this banquet makes you fully a part of this community," Eresto answered. "You have to go."

"I'm worried about seeing Abeldine there," Kim answered. "I don't like her and I don't think she likes me."

"Abeldine wants what's best for Angelhome," Eresto assured her. "And she's under a lot of pressure, like many of us. She doesn't dislike you. I'm certain she's glad you're here."

"Ohhh yeah," Kim replied. "She wants me for my sex, for the power I give you."

"She's not the one who wants you, Psyche. I am. For your beauty, inside and out."

"Shit, I don't know what to do or what to think." Kim wiped the tears from her eyes.

"One way or another, it's time for the tenday," Eresto pointed out. "We need to get ready. We'll be there for an hour or less, and we can talk afterwards. Let's just get through it, first."

Kim splashed water on her face at the sink, trying to pull herself together. "Just make it through the next hour, Kim," she thought to herself. "Then you can finish this conversation with Eresto and everything will be fine." She saw her Love in the mirror, getting dressed in the bedroom and going about his business. She looked at him, as she often did when she was idle and he was about. Even being upset on the inside, the sight of him without a shirt on gave her goosebumps.

The red dress looked incredible on Kim, as it always did. She watched herself in the bathroom mirror as she tied the sash and her dress clung to her skin. She saw Eresto approaching her from behind in the mirror. Their eyes locked, he put his hands on her shoulders and leaned forward to kiss her neck lightly. She smiled and pretended like she was over being upset.

Without a word, Eresto pulled his hands away. When she saw them again, they were holding the ends of a necklace. He reached over her head and put the necklace around her neck, clasping it behind her head. A pendant hung, unlike anything she had ever seen before. It was purple, like amethyst, but as with many things in the palace it glowed as with an inner light.

"My God," she gasped after gawking at it for a moment. "It's beautiful."

"I was hoping you would wear it tonight," Eresto requested.

"I don't think I'll take it off," she turned to face him and put her hands on his shoulders. "Ever."

As he leaned in to kiss her, she closed her eyes. She returned the kiss, but in her mind she knew doubt and anxiety. "Hold it together for a little while, then we'll be ok, Kim," she told herself.

Soon they were walking hand-in-hand out of their suite and down the staircase to the banquet. They were a bit late, and the walk was solitary. Her mind ablaze with questions and distractions and fear, Kim wondered how she could possibly become fully a part of this community in the next hour. "We still need to talk, about a lot of things," she thought. Never mind the fact that she had only met a handful of people.

"I know you're nervous, Psyche," Eresto seemed to sense her anxiety. "Your first banquet doesn't need to be perfect. Some women have trouble with it and everyone knows how difficult things can be when you first arrive."

"Before we get there, I want to tell you that you chose a woman who's a complete mess of feelings," Kim wasn't too high on herself at the moment.

Eresto stopped them, seemingly sensing her inner turmoil. He took her hands in his. "Kim, I wouldn't have been watching you if you were perfect. And I fell in love with who you are."

"I'm so nervous," Kim answered, her eyes pleading up at him. "Do I have to do this?"

"Yes," Eresto replied, again. "We both have to go, together."

The gathering was on the first floor of the palace. The great hall of the palace had a high, vaulted ceiling and chandeliers hanging, seemingly made of crystal like the beautiful one in the entry hall. A fountain carved of gold, in the same shape as the fountain in the courtyard, sat to the side of the hall. Psyche marvelled at the room, and the incredible beauty. Round tables with white cloth were arranged around the room. Off to the side next to the bar was a banquet table with a feast laid out, and the bar was tended by a tall bartender. Kim forgot her troubles for a moment and realized how hungry she was.

Many were already gathered in the hall. The angels were in their red and white uniforms. The women wore evening downs similar to Kim's, but in varied colors. Kim looked around and saw Cassandra, clad in blue, at Balthus' side. She tugged Eresto's hand and led him over to greet them.

Cassandra noticed Kim coming and her face lit up. "Oh my god, woman!" Cassandra cried out, arms extended for embrace. "You look incredible, but what am I saying you always look incredible." They hugged, and Cassandra turned to Eresto. "And Eresto, very handsome as always. You're glowing. Perhaps with happiness, perhaps with something else." She winked at Kim and blew her a kiss. Kim felt a little uneasy.

"Both," Eresto replied warmly, "and thank you for noticing, Cassandra."

"Psyche," Balthus bowed slightly. "I hope your stay here has gone well so far. I understand Cassandra has been helping you get used to being here."

"Thank you, Balthus. It's a big change from Earth." Kim smiled up at the big brute. She had forgotten how much Balthus towered over her. "But she's been a great help and a great friend. And I've found great love here."

Balthus turned to Eresto. "Eresto, how was the trip today?" Eresto was much closer to his size.

"It was more draining than I realized it would be, but Psyche gives me strength." Eresto said.

"Thanks for taking that on, old friend," Balthus replied. "I think it's possible I might have to deploy sometime soon. I'm worried about that."

Kim and Cassandra weren't listening to Eresto and Balthus. Cassandra had noticed Kim's necklace and was examining the pendant.

"You look beautiful in that blue, babe," Kim said as Cassandra grasped the pendant delicately. "Do you like it?"

"Wow, Eresto," Cassandra said as she let the pendant rest on its chain. "You have great taste. Both in jewelry and in women."

Eresto didn't seem to hear Cassandra as he was speaking with Balthus quietly. Kim wondered what they were speaking about, and was starting to grow tired of feeling like things were being kept from her.

"Hey boys," Cassandra poked Balthus' arm. "Let's sit before this thing starts. Maybe we can talk a while, too, right Eresto?"

Kim and Cassandra sat their angels at a table for four. Kim prefered an intimate table setting where she could hear what Eresto and Balthus were saying. She and Cassandra talked about some of the intricacies of life here.

"After today you'll start seeing some of the other women more. After today, you're really with the 'in' crowd. It's just a formality, really. It means you're part of the goings on and not just holed up in your suite."

"You mean the honeymoon's over?" Kim laughed.

"That's right, Psyche." Cassandra chuckled. "Also there is stuff that needs to be done during the day that you'll be able to help with. So no more free ride."

"Ah, but then it's not really free is it?" Kim countered. She had to change the subject. "I love those earrings."

"I wear them to the tenday. They don't really come out often other than that." Cassandra took a sip from a wine glass and tipped it to her. "You should try the wine, they make it here from the fruit of the orchard. It always makes me feel so relaxed."

"That sounds good. I'll be right back." Kim squeezed Eresto's arm as he spoke with Balthus, and got up to go to the bar.

After asking for a glass of wine at the bar, Kim looked at the banquet table. Many foods were laid out, with an apparent Italian theme: breads with meats, various vegetables and meats in marinades, fish and beef main courses. She was amazed and began to realize how hungry she was, though it wasn't time to dig in to the meal yet.

The bartender gave Kim a glass of wine and she took a sip. It was fruity, sweet and didn't taste too strongly of alcohol. "So fresh," she thought.

"I can tell you're hungry, we'll sit to eat soon." Kim was startled by a feminine voice behind her. She turned and it was Abeldine. Abeldine had the same angel uniform on as the other angels, but with a golden sash around her waist.

"Oh, hello Mistress." Kim bowed her head in respect. "Do you usually bring these foods from Earth?"

"Yes, we went to the nineteenth century for many of these items. Usually, we get the ingredients and tools from earth. We cook and prepare food here. Do you like it?"

"It's very impressive," Kim replied. "It all looks so good."

"And you look beautiful, Psyche." Abeldine smiled. "Eresto chose his lover well. We've needed him for some tasks that he rarely does, and the help you give him helps us and our cause. I appreciate that you're here."

"Oh, thank you," Kim cast her gaze downward.

"Mistress Abeldine," Kim heard Eresto's voice behind her and perked up, looking at him.

"Ah, Eresto!" Abeldine turned to him as Kim did. "I was just telling Psyche that I appreciate her being here. When I instructed you to find a Lover, I didn't realize you would choose such a strong spirit so full of life and vibrance. And great beauty."

"Thank you, Mistress Abeldine," Eresto responded tentatively.

"Yes, thank you," Psyche blushed and felt her stomach doing somersaults.

On her way back to the table, Kim felt a shadow creeping over her spirit. She didn't acknowledge Eresto, and she sat down silently next to Cassandra. Cassandra was laughing with Balthus.

"I told Veronica she would hurt herself trying to lift that thing, but the girl never listens to me!" Cassandra waved to a blonde woman sitting at the next table.

Cassandra turned to Kim, and her mood suddenly became serious. "So, how's it going? I saw that Mistress Abeldine said hi to you."

"Yes," Kim said. She paused and cleared her throat. She was determined to speak her mind without breaking down. "She told Eresto she was glad she told him to find a Lover."

"Oh, dear," Cassandra responded gravely. "Yeah, she's a real charmer."

Kim scowled. Eresto was next to her, a nervous look on his face.

"Men," Cassandra groaned. "They can be a real pain in the ass, right? Psyche, take my advice: have some wine."

Many thoughts went through Kim's mind at once, and she paid no attention to what Cassandra was saying. She thought of home, her parents, her friends. She thought of Beth, and what she would say if Kim told her about the situation. She could hear Beth scolding her. She could hear her Mother sighing in frustration. "What have you gotten yourself into, Kim?" She thought to herself. It had felt so good, and Eresto had been so wonderful, and Cassandra such a good friend. But a doubt had gnawed at her, a doubt that she had pushed to the back of her mind to enjoy Paradise. She couldn't keep it buried there any longer.

Abeldine was addressing the throng, Angels and women alike listening intently. Though she was angry, she listened to some of the news. As Eresto had said, Abeldine mentioned war brewing. Apparently the angels of the Stairway had been involved in some sort of eternal war with the demons of Hell. There was some type of trouble on the Second Step, which was where Eresto had gone that day. Kim felt a dread as this all seemed too close. What had she gotten herself into? She didn't listen to the details, but as Abeldine spoke she looked at Eresto. He had a distraught look on his face, and glanced at her.

Kim heard Cassandra's voice in her ear. "I guess you guys didn't talk everything over yet?"

Kim heard Cassandra but didn't look. She had been a friend and a good mentor and listener, but Kim realized that she didn't trust her. She didn't know if Cassandra was part of the charade put on for her, or if Cassandra was trying to get close to get closer to Eresto. She didn't really care to find out which it was.

When the time came for dinner Kim felt a knot in her stomach. She knew that she didn't want the food there. Deep in her stomach, she felt she wanted to go home.

As the throng got up from their tables and went for the food, Kim grabbed Eresto's hand and led him out of the hall. She led him toward the stairs to go back to their bedroom.

"Now then, Eresto," she said furiously. "We'll finish our conversation." She looked at the beautiful staircase, and craned her neck to see the chandelier, "maybe the last time," she thought.

As she went up the stairs, the din of the crowd died down and she felt herself coming to her senses. She was still angry, but at the edge of her mind she knew it wasn't Eresto she was angry at. The place had always been strange and different, but now that she understood the nature of it everything seemed warped. A chandelier with no lights, a banquet with food that the angels didn't really need, a gym and running trails that no angel used, a fake sun to make mortals feel more at home, and its beautiful, romantic sunset. It was all a ruse to convince women like her to stay and provide what the angels need. And Abeldine was at the center manipulating.

They walked back up the stairs to their suite. Her arms were folded across her chest and she felt cold. Eresto's arms were behind his back, as though he didn't know what to do with them. She led him into their suite, beside herself. After Eresto had closed the door behind them, she turned to him.

"Why am I here, and why did you seek me out? I need to know the truth, Eresto." She demanded.

"Kim, remember that you wanted to come. You wanted me in your bed on Earth. And you've stayed when you could walk out any time." Eresto reminded her. "You've wanted to be here."

Kim walked hurriedly toward the door back to her apartment. "Fuck this place," she said. "I can't take this shit. Like you say, I can walk out if I want to."

She opened the door to her apartment and stepped through. As she entered her apartment again, It was still a sunny Sunday afternoon, the same day she left. She put her hand on her futon, feeling its rough surface, and looked around her studio apartment.

Kim had noticed before that Angelhome was bright compared to her apartment on Earth. But now that there was a finality to it, and she didn't intend to go back through the door there, things looked different. The furniture of her apartment was dull and drab in comparison, but it was hers. Her apartment was darker, but it smelled like home. Light streamed in through the still-open door to Angelhome, a reminder of how beautiful that place was.

"Kim... wait." She heard Eresto's voice behind her.

She turned around. Eresto had come through the door after her. The sad look on his face would've broken her heart previously, but she was furious.

"What are you doing? You don't belong here."

"Please don't leave," he pleaded. "Kim, I love you and it breaks my heart that you feel how you do. But this is the nature of things in my home."

"Tell me, Eresto," she demanded. "And I want all the truth. Your last Lover, the one that left, did she leave because she didn't like how your kind use women?"

"No," Eresto's sadness only deepened. "Ariel wouldn't leave. That was her undoing."

"Explain."

"I'll never forget." He stared at the floor as if he was replaying an old movie in his mind. "It was so long ago but I will never forget. The war was on and there was danger, and I begged Ariel to leave and go back to her home on Earth. But she refused. She said that she would rather die than leave me. She wound up getting caught in the fighting and perished. I couldn't save her." Eresto closed his eyes, a tear falling down his cheek.

The cloud of anger in Kim's mind was pierced by sympathy like a ray of sunshine. And then a moment later came the rain. Tears poured out of her eyes and her emotions streamed out of her mind. She sat on the futon and cried into her hands, sobbing.

"Why did you choose me?" She asked through the tears.

"I was tasked with watching you as your guardian angel, to help you through difficult times." Eresto explained. "And as I watched you, I understood why: your spirit is strong and loving. You have not just great beauty in body, but in your soul as well. When a mortal has such a beautiful soul, we watch to take care of it. That was why I was assigned to watch you.

"Abeldine had asked me to take a Lover previously, but twice I refused. It was difficult, but I did my tasks without the love and affection. I couldn't bear to have another Ariel. Another love who would refuse to leave when danger was close, and pay the ultimate price.

"After watching over you for a time, your great beauty penetrated my heart and I realized that I had feelings for you." He continued. "When Abeldine told me that the approaching war would mean I should seek the help of a Lover, she suggested a third time that I take one. This time, I knew immediately who I wanted. That was the moment I realized that I loved you."

"Oh my sweet angel," Kim's voice trembled through her tears. She thought frantically what to do and what she wanted.

She felt frustrated. "Shit like this always happens to me. I'm such a dunce." She sobbed into her palm. "Not thinking things through, and then heartache. I knew this was all too good to be true, that there had to be a catch. And Cassandra tried to tell me. I just shoved my doubts away."

"It's not your fault," Eresto insisted. "It's my responsibility to tell you how things work here."

"Yeah, you should've done that." Kim sniffed, her voice muffled by her hand. "Look at us, what a pair we make. Both clueless. But I love you so much. And holy shit the sex is phenomenal. Can this really last?"

"I love you too, Kim," Eresto pleaded through his own tears. "And I believe it can." He stepped backwards, back through the doorway. From the other side, in Angelhome, he spoke to her. "But you have free will. If you wish to leave then I won't stop you. Just know that if you say good bye and close this door, it will be forever. I will still be watching over you, but neither of us will ever again feel our love."

Kim looked up at Eresto and stepped toward the door to look at him. Behind him, the light of Angelhome was almost blinding now compared to the light of her apartment. That great light was their home now, for her to be with him, or at least that was how she had grown to think of it until learning of the illusion that had been put up.

But where did the illusion end, she wondered? Where did practical function end and love begin? Looking into his face, she saw what she had seen at the coffee shop when he bumped into her: a genuine face, like an old friend. Except that now she knew it was the face of a lover that cared for her, with power and beauty but also a sadness and uncertainty. While all around her were things that she didn't understand and didn't trust, Eresto's love was the one thing that never changed. He had brought her here, had her, lived with her, loved her, shown her the beauty in both of them, and there he was: still the same Lover. Remembering that beautiful first day full of sunlight and inspiration, she knew what she wanted. She had wanted it the whole time.

Kim knew that what she wanted had a cost. Her young, twenty-four year life was filled with memories, uncountable stories of love, friendship, heartache. Loved ones, cherished possessions, even her fledgeling career in accounting. Anxieties, relationship hangups, distrust, all the things that would get in the way of her love. She had to leave everything behind, as best she could. They were for Kim, and were of no use to Psyche in Second Life. For her great love, she would pay the price of leaving her First Life behind forever.

"I love you, and I will stay with you, and I will give you my heart for all time," she finally said in a clear voice. "I will be yours, my Love. I'll give you what you want and need, both for our love and for your duties to your kind." She paused, gazing into his deep blue eyes to understand him. "But these things will only be, as long as you love me and are mine." She held out her hand for him to take.

"I will always love you, Psyche," Eresto responded. He took her hand and she could feel his eyes probing her soul.

"But there's something else, Eresto," Kim wiped the last tear from her cheek and continued. "There is something else that I want, as a mortal and as a woman. I want to give it to you as much as I want to give you my love. I don't know if we can have it together, but someday the desire for it may overtake my heart and I may come calling. I'll want it with you or no one, but if that desire does master my soul then I may not be able to stay."

"I understand, Kim." Eresto said slowly, with understanding. "Since I brought you here, I have known that the power of your love and life cannot remain childless for all time. But I have no answer to such a call now."

Accepting her fate, Kim stepped through the doorway to him, pulling her apartment door closed behind her. The only audible sound was the clicking of the door catch. There was nothing for her behind that door, now. Not clothes nor books, not nick-nacks nor "First Life Checks." Even her First Life name felt meaningless.

As she threw her arms around Eresto's waist, Psyche knew that everything she wanted was standing before her. She squeezed him and felt his arms enveloping her in his strong embrace. For a few minutes they stood there, silently, in their home.

Psyche pushed away from him and looked up into his eyes. She lowered her hands to his chest. Just as he had done when she first arrived, she began to push him backwards toward their bed. She locked his eyes with her own.

"And now, my Love, there's something I want to give you. A token of my Love and desire." Psyche said.

She pushed Eresto down to sit on the edge of their bed, and knelt before him. She pulled him in close, kissing his lips and letting her tongue press against his. She reached down and pulled his pants down his hips to his ankles.

She kissed his neck and slid her hand over his chest and stomach, then lowered her head between his legs and grasped his cock.

Kissing the head of his cock, her only thought was of pleasing him. As her tongue slid down the stiffening shaft, she relished in hearing the moans that escaped his lips. When she then licked and sucked on his hairless balls, and his cock hardened, she could tell that he could hardly stand it. She reveled in the power and let him want it for a few minutes while her hand stroked the shaft slowly.

Psyche took the head into her mouth, moving her tongue over it and flicking against the sensitive spot. Eresto grasped her shoulder and rubbed it, and she could feel his passion and pleasure growing. She moved her head up and down, stroking him with her tongue as her hand rubbed and squeezed his balls.

Finally Eresto let out a stifled groan, and she could feel him cumming into her mouth. She took his cum and let it slide down her throat until he had given her what he had to give. She kissed the head of his cock lightly and moved up his body.

Psyche pushed him onto his back on the bed, and climbed up to lie on top of him. She felt his arms around her once again and rested her head on his chest. He sighed contentedly as she closed her eyes.

"Thank you, Psyche," Eresto said. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Eresto."