As I lay down on the table, the two began lathering me in scented oil. All around me, I could smell and almost feel the aromas; I could pick cloves, ginger and sandalwood, though I was sure there were more I missed. The rich, earthy aroma seemed to penetrate instantly, and I quickly began to feel the tension leave my body before the massage had barely begun.
As they stroked down my back, pressing into each muscle tenderly, easing any aches and pains I had, one of the girls - the one with the voice like silky honey - began to speak. "As we massage you, feel the tension draining from your body. Focus on your breathing. Let each breath in fill you with light, and each breath out take away any weight you have been carrying. You are safe here, to be weightless and free. Let yourself relax deeper into that feeling."
I could feel my eyelids drooping before they closed completely. It was just me, floating in comfortable darkness. I could hear musical tones, from wind chimes and a singing bowl, and the breathy whispers of pan pipes. All the while, warm oil soothed my skin. They worked out every knot in my back and worked down my arms and hands. It was amazing how much strain they were under - you never notice it until it's gone. My calves and thighs were next, each muscle kneaded with complete care. They wouldn't move on until every single drop of tension had disappeared. My feet were worked until they felt soft and smooth, just like new. Fingers prickled at my scalp, easing the strain behind my eyes and sending me deeper into that heavenly, trance-like state. Even my ass got its own treatment. Perhaps before this, I might have complained at being touched so intimately, but at that moment, I was too relaxed to care. There was nothing sexual about it, just pleasure as I fell into complete, deep relaxation.
The feelings of my body simply melted away, all that was left was my breath steadily rising and falling, and the feeling of utter tranquillity. Faintly, I recognised their hands leaving me, and putting warm stones and herbs over my body to keep that feeling, but otherwise, I was entirely severed from my physical self. I floated free in my mind.
"Envision a lake," the woman continued. I did as she asked. In this state, I just couldn't help myself from obeying, though it didn't feel forced or wrong in any way. It was only natural that I should do as others told me. I wanted to. "It's a small lake, and the waters shine in the moonlight. Your lake might have reeds, or lilies in it. You might be able to hear frogs or crickets chirping or see fireflies dancing about. Each person's lake is different. Can you see it?"
"Yes," I tried to murmur back, but my mouth seemed to barely be working, muscles too relaxed for me to speak. The word came out a garbled slur of sound. I could hear the woman smile.
"That's good. Now, on the other side of the lake, there's a forest. Do you see it? See the trees reaching up into the sky, almost touching the moon. It's a thick, dense forest, isn't it?" I could see it. Mine was made of silvery pine trees, with frosted, dark needles. A wave of their fresh scent washed over me.
"Now imagine a bridge running across the lake. It connects you to the other side. On the shore of the lake stands a figure. You can't see it clearly, only a shadowy figure, and its glowing eyes. But you don't fear it. You know that those eyes are the same ones that watch over you and keep you safe. This is your protector. You feel safe and warm in their presence. They're familiar, though you've never met them, and it feels like coming home, or greeting an old friend."
I felt excitement bubbling in my chest. Of course! I couldn't wait to see them again. Everything felt good and right within me.
"Take a step onto the bridge. You can feel the texture of it beneath your feet, and you run your hands over the railings." Bare feet connected with solid, worn wood. A little rough, but not unpleasant. "You're going to start to walk towards your protector, and with each step, you'll see them clearer and clearer. Once you reach the other side of the lake, you'll finally be able to meet your inner beast. Doesn't that sound good? Now, cross that bridge, but make sure to take every step slowly, one at a time, steadily growing closer and closer to your inner beast."
I could barely register the hands returning to my body, massaging and shaping it like warm putty. All I could focus on was the feeling of the bridge beneath my feet, and the figure at the other side. I could feel the pressure rising within me - not of fear, there's no tension, just excitement to finally meet the thing that's watched over me for so long. With each step, their figure grew clearer and clearer, and I could finally make out what I was looking at as my feet connected with the cool earth on the other side of the lake.
I looked up at my inner beast...