Cyrus' New Zealand Adventure Ch. 08

He finally put it down, realizing his efforts to read were in vain, and jumped in for a shower to wash off the oils. Feeling revitalized from the massage and fresh after the shower, he dressed in casual linen attire, sprayed his cologne, put on his leather sandals and made his way to the main lodge. He could see the sun dipping to the west, beginning to cast a light pink hue in the late evening sky when his thoughts drifted to Priya. He made a mental note to call her at some point in the next couple of days.

The deep wood of the lodge glowed beautifully with the spotlights that had been turned on. As he entered, the main area had been dimly lit, a small fire was ablaze in the stone fireplace and a piano concerto flowed from speakers in the ceiling. A couple of guests were already there, scanning the bookshelves and the room, chatting with each other.

Mitchell entered a few minutes later, "Oh, good evening Cyrus. How was your massage?"

"Fantastic. I feel amazing. Thanks."

"Great. Well, make yourself at home. We're expecting about 5 more people." He said and turned to greet an elderly couple. Cyrus scanned the library and the interesting array of books before greeting the elderly couple.

"Hi there." He extended his hand out to the elderly gentleman. "I'm Cyrus."

"Hello Cyrus, Rob Fleming. This is my wife, Roz." He pointed to a sweet, grandmotherly type old lady, with a beaming smile.

"Hi Cyrus, nice to meet you. So where are you from? Roz asked, shaking his hand.

"From Mumbai, India. How about you?"

"Oh, Mumbai. Wow. We were in India for 4 months last year, it was lovely. We had such a fabulous time." Roz was a very peppy and chirpy old lady. "We're actually from just a little outside of London, near a town called Bray."

"Ah, ya, I've heard of Bray." Just then, another group of guests entered and made their way towards Cyrus.

"Hello there." A middle-aged man, almost aristocratic and very sophisticated in nature, greeted them with a warm smile. "James Worthington."

"Hello, I'm Cyrus."

"Nice to meet you Cyrus, I'm Melanie Worthington." He assumed the elegant and pretty lady was James' wife. "This is our friend Scott." She pointed to another middle-aged man walking towards them.

All six of them chatted for a while, making small talk about where they came from, what they did and so on. Cyrus was particularly fascinated with James' story of his friends in England who were into photography and documentary films.

They stood around and chatted for some time, sipping their wine and nibbling on some delicious cheese and crackers, when Cyrus noticed the two women who had just walked in. They looked young, probably close to his age, and very pretty, one of them catching is eye in particular. They spoke to Mitchell for a few minutes before making their way to the bar and greeting Roz, who had gone to refill her drink. He decided it would be a good time to refill his glass and have the opportunity to speak to someone of his age, especially two beautiful ladies.

As he walked, he noticed both of them more carefully. The one on the left was beautiful, slender and petite. She wore a tight blouse that accentuated what seemed like medium sized breasts, her tight denims hugged her slim waist and hips, and her medium length black hair was tied up neatly in a ponytail to clearly display her sharp facial features.

The one to the right really caught Cyrus' attention. She was a little taller, and though she seemed fairly lean and slender, she had some exotic looking curves that were evident from her form fitting clothes. Her body hugging half-sleeve shirt filled out nicely at her chest, and her tight denims accentuated her hips and slender legs. Her long and wavy brown hair was beautifully styled with a few strands covering the right side of her face, as the rest flowed down her side. As Cyrus moved closer, she flicked her hair back to reveal her piercing green eyes that stood out on her divine face. She had sharp features with a small but pointy nose, full lips that spread from side to side as she smiled, and slightly high cheekbones. As he got even closer, he noticed her flawless olive toned skin, glowing without the presence of little makeup, if any at all. She was stunning to say the least.

"Oh, hi Cyrus." Roz said as he approached the three women. "Finally someone your age in a hotel full of oldies like us." She said to the two girls.

The one on the right was staring deeply into Cyrus' eyes as he greeted her, "Hi, I'm Cyrus," returning her gaze.

"I'm Brianna and this is Jessica." She turned to her friend on her right. "Nice to meet you." She extended her hand. Cyrus shook her soft palms and then Jessica's.

"Can I get anyone a drink?" He asked as she stepped to the bar.

"How's the red wine?" Brianna turned to ask him.

"It's really good actually."

"Um, ok, I'll try a glass. Jessica?"

"Ya, same for me. Thanks."

"Roz?" He asked

"No thanks. I'm all set, thanks. You kids carry on, I'll go see what my husband's up to."

Cyrus offered them their glasses and has his refilled. "She reminds me of a grandmother, she's so sweet. But she's right, it's nice to meet someone closer to my age in this place."

"You know," Brianna took a sip of her wine and turned to face Cyrus. "I had heard this place attracts mostly the elderly elite."

"Well, we're neither elderly, and I don't know about you, but I'm certainly not elite."

"Oh, we're totally elite." Brianna said sarcastically and laughed. "Actually, Jess and I had initially planned to only bag pack around for a month. But my uncle told me about his reservation here he couldn't make it for, which he gave to us for free. So we re-planned our trip a little so we could definitely make use of. Lucky lottery."

"Wow. Most certainly. Of what I've seen, this place is heaven."

"It's so amazing here, but to be honest, a little boring and too proper." Jessica said.

"I'd still take it." Brianna laughed. "But I agree, it can be a little boring. But maybe things have changed." She looked at Cyrus with a cheeky grin.

"Oh really now. Maybe I have to agree with you." Cyrus smiled back. "So where have you been to so far?"

"We were mostly around Queenstown and the Fiords, doing all the walks and what not. We spent a few days on Stewart Island and then flew up here."

"Oh, How was Stewart Island?"

"Unreal. It's really underrated actually. More people should go. What about you?"

"Actually I am planning on going."

"No, I mean, where have you been to?"

"Oh, I started up in the far north, then Bay of Islands, Corromandel, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and now here. It's been a month and a half already and another 2 or so to go."

"Ok, so I suppose you don't work, and you are amongst the elite." She laughed

Cyrus laughed. "I'm sort of taking a break and figuring some things out."

"Nice way to do that. Travel for 4 months, stay in ultra luxury like this. Not bad I must say."

"Ya, I am sort of pampering myself."

"So what did you do back home? Where are you from by the way?"

"Mumbai, India. We have a family business. Exports. A typical Indian trading business. But I got real sick of that. Completely not my thing. I'm actually here doing a lot of photography. And after the north, I'm going down to the South Island and spending 2 months with a group of professional photographers on a project."

"Oh wow. So is that what you're planning on doing?"

"Ya, it's a hobby right now. But I think I want to become a professional photographer and documentary filmmaker."

"That's awesome. Sounds so fascinating."

"It's definitely a passion. Very fulfilling. Stimulating." He replied, sipping his wine, and noticing Jessica wasn't really involved in the conversation, staring out into space.

"When're you here until?"

"I just got here today, so 5 more nights?"

"It would be lovely to see some of your pictures. I love photography as well, but I'm a real novice."

"Oh, ya, sure. I'd love to show them to you." He was hoping he didn't sound too eager as his mind was excited at spending time with this gorgeous siren. "And what do you do back home?"

"I'm a graphic designer back in London."

"Oh, lovely. And you Jessica?"

"Same. We're work buddies actually." She smiled

"Cool. So when do you two leave?"

"5 nights, same as you. We drive to Auckland and then sadly back to the U.K." She looked disappointed. She turned to Cyrus with her lips bent downwards, looking so adorable.

"I know, this country is so amazing. Do you have anything planned the next few days?" He asked them, hoping he could spend more time with her, other than just showing her photos.

"Actually, we have a couple of things booked already for tomorrow and the day after. But the 17th and 18th we're free, right?" She turned to Jessica to confirm, who gave her a silent nod.

"Ok. So would you two join me? We could go for some walks, go kayaking, dinner and drinks maybe? It'll be fun. Seeing that we're all around the same age I suppose." He shrugged his shoulders.

"Um, ya I guess that would be cool?"

"Great. So anything in particular? I was just planning to ask Mitchell to suggest something."

"Ya, that's a good idea actually. Ask him, see what he says, then let us know. We're cool with anything." She said, with a broad smile on her face. She seemed as excited as Cyrus was. "So where in the South are you going to visit?"

"I'm not sure as yet. The group hasn't sent me the detailed itinerary but they warned me it's going to be hectic and very extensive. I'm hoping it's everything."

"Oh it's such a phenomenal country. Small but packed to the brim with natural diversity and beauty."

"I've only just scraped the surface, but whatever I have seen has been so impressive. Every turn you take there seems to be a surprise waiting."

"India must be pretty as well?"

"It is. But it's also got a lot of shit associated with it. Population, garbage, pollution. Especially the cities. But ya certain parts of the country are stunning. And fairly raw still, which is kind of nice."

"Some day I'll visit. We're quite the adventurous lot, so I'm sure we'd enjoy it."

Cyrus laughed. "It would be an adventure all right. In many many ways."

Just then Mitchell walked in to inform everyone that dinner was ready.

"Hey, I'm going to the loo. I'll see you at the table." Jessica said

"Ok, no worries."

"She doesn't say much, does she?" Cyrus asked, as they walked to the dining room.

"She's usually very different. She's in a bad frame of mind today. She just heard that her boyfriend was cheating on her the past whole month that we've been here. So she's obviously really pissed off and upset. And no offence, but a little off mood with the guys."

"Aah. Totally understandable." They entered the dimly lit room, with one large and long common table, made from gorgeous mahogany wood, and set with simple and elegant cream-colored dinnerware.

Cyrus and Brianna sat next to each other and as Jessica came, she picked a seat opposite them. Soon, the wine flowed, as the guests enjoyed the sumptuous dinner and dessert, narrating stories of their time in New Zealand and other travel experiences. Cyrus and Brianna continued to chat, getting to know each other and really hitting it off, while Jessica remained quiet for the most part, engaging in brief conversation only when required.

They finished dessert and moved to the living room for some coffee. "Hey, Brianna, do you two smoke?"

"Ya, once in a while. Wouldn't mind one now though. Jessica?"

"Ya, would love one actually."

"Let's go out in the balcony." As they stepped out, a cool breeze hit them. The sky was absolutely clear, and even with the dim glow from the lodge, they could see millions of stars.

"Just look at that. Amazing huh?" Cyrus said as he stared up. "I really find it fascinating."

"I know. The concept of the universe boggles my mind." The three of them quietly stared upwards as they finished their smokes.

"Hey, Cyrus." Brianna said, turning to him. "It was great meeting you tonight. Unfortunately, we have to call it a night, we have to be up pretty early tomorrow. We're going for a long trek. But I'm really looking forward to seeing you again."

"Same here. I had a lovely time tonight." He said and as he leaned in to give her a hug, he felt her ample bust pushing against his chest, and a delicate fragrance wafting from her gorgeous hair. He couldn't wait to see her again, and for now had to do with this quick hug.

"Good night Cyrus." She said with a wink, before Jessica and she skipped off to their cottage.

"Good night." Cyrus stood, staring at her cute ass as she scampered off. He slowly made his way back to his cottage, washed up and in a state of reverie, got into bed and passed out.

He woke up early the next morning, excited for the day the lodge had planned for him. After a long and hot shower, and a hearty and delicious gourmet breakfast, he boarded the lodges' helicopter for a private trip around the area. For 3 hours, Matthew the pilot flew Cyrus around the Taupo region and the three volcanoes, sweeping the chopper close to the mountains and through several gorges, before they finally skimmed along the surface of the river back to the lodge.

This was followed by an equally exhilarating speedboat ride with Tanya, the captain, who expertly maneuvered the state of the art speedboat upstream, swerving past rocks and gorges, with occasional 360 degree spins. Cyrus even had a chance to let the boat loose in a part of the river which was fairly open and wide.

The day of adventure finally came to an end with a short walk to a stunning and completely secluded waterfall just a little upstream from the lodge. Throughout the day, Cyrus had a chance to click some very interesting photographs, and was sure Scott and the team in the South would appreciate some of this work.

Cyrus finally returned to the lodge at seven p.m., after an intense day full of activities and stunning visuals of the area embedded in his memory for life. He returned to his suite and had a nice hot shower, letting the steamy water run over this fatigued body while he wondered what Brianna was up to.

He got dressed, took his laptop and his book and decided to spend the evening in the comfort of the lodge's library, catching up on his journal and some reading. He took his camera memory cards so he could upload all his images from the past few days, and organize and categorize them.

He entered the cozy library bar, with the deep wood of the walls and roof adding to the warmth that exuded from the fireplace. Cyrus sat on a chair at one end of the large mahogany table and set up his laptop. First, he uploaded his photos, and spent a little time sorting them out, making sure he selected the best to show Scott's team.

He ordered a bottle of a crisp sauvignon blanc, and slowly sipped on it as he began writing a little in his journal. Though not much had happened since the last time he wrote, his thoughts focused more on Priya, his feelings for her lately, and the fact that he was a little irritated at her not having kept in touch lately.

After dinner, he stepped out on the balcony and decided to call his parents to catch up on events at home. He was glad to know all was well and the business was thriving, perhaps even a little more since the time he had left. He then dialed Priya's number, and she answered immediately.

"Cy! Ok, wait, before you get mad. I'm sorry. I know I was supposed to email."

"Well, I was hoping to get a little pissed off first, act a little upset. But it's ok. So what's up?"

"Oh, the same old ya? This new work is amazing. I'm really loving it. It's way more stimulating." She sounded really happy.

"Pri, that's awesome ya. And how are things with Nikhil?" Cyrus was dying to know.

"Well, we're taking things slow you know. Pretty much the same as last time. We hang out from time to time, but nothing too serious as yet."

"Ok, cool." For some reason, Cyrus was happier knowing things were pretty much status quo with her and Nikhil, and had not gone too much further.

"And you?"

"Oh Priya. It's just one amazing adventure after the other." He said, implying it in more ways than one. "I'm at this stunning lodge in Taupo now. Went for the most amazing helicopter ride and jetboat trip. Tomorrow I'm going fishing. Living life." He laughed.

"Certainly sounds like you're living life." There was a pause for several seconds. "You know, Cy, I'm really missing you." She said. It sounded more than just a friend missing a friend.

"Same here sweetie. I don't know why, but I'm starting to miss you two." He laughed.

They both were silent for a few moments again.

"So, anyways, you're looking forward to the project ya?"

"Oh ya. Not too long now. It's going to be hectic. Getting my partying out of the way here." He laughed.

"I'm sure you are. I don't even want to know."

"So what's happening back home?"

"Same old really. Work's the only new good thing. Everyone's doing well, busy with life I suppose."

"Ok cool. Anyways, I just wanted to call and say a quick hi. I'll email you soon ok?"

"Ya, let me know how it all went before the project starts ok?"

"Will do. Take care Pri. Miss you." He said again.

"You too sweetie. Take care ok? Talk to you soon."

He hung up and slowly walked back to the suite, a bit tired, and a bit distracted with thoughts of Priya. He really felt good after speaking to her, and he sensed that she felt it as well. Till now, they always enjoyed catching up and teasing, and he always enjoyed telling her about his adventures. But today's conversation was different. It was more quiet, but more comforting in nature, and with that thought, he eventually lied on his bed and fell asleep.

He woke up early the next morning, and by 8 am, he was on his way to a fly-fishing trip with Mitchell, riding on a small boat upstream. It was his first time fly-fishing, and it took him a while to learn the fluid technique required. Mitchell showed him the tricks and eventually, after several attempts, Cyrus managed to catch a couple of large trout.

His next adventure was a private kayak trip in the nearby lake, with a chance to explore some rarely visited coves. But before he set off, he remembered his massage on the first day, and eager to be pampered by Vanessa's exquisite touch, he checked to see if she had a time available.

"Hey, Mitchell. I was wondering. I really liked the massage the other day. I just wanted to check if Vanessa was free again later this afternoon."

"Ya, sure. Let's go inside and check." He followed Mitchell to the reception, hoping he could get a slot.

"Hi, this is Mitchell at reception. Is Vanessa free this afternoon?" Mitchell gestured to Cyrus that he was waiting for a response.

"Ok, great. 5 pm? Cyrus?"

"Uh, ya perfect. I should be back in time ya?"

"Oh ya. Ok, go ahead and book it for Mr. Mistry." He hung up. "You're all set. You really liked her hands I suppose." Cyrus just nodded his head, controlling himself.

He was then driven to the starting point for his kayak trip, shown a map of the area and the route that he should take, and he was off. Equipment ready, Cyrus kayaked downstream, into the lake and off to the left and towards the more secluded part, all along thinking about his massage later.

He kayaked along beautiful and densely coated rock cliffs, along secluded beaches and coves, till he finally made his way back towards the starting point. The car was already waiting, and after they loaded the equipment back on, they drove back to the lodge in time for his massage.

He had a quick rinse and reached the spa, anxious and eager to see what would transpire with Vanessa. As soon as he entered, he was greeted by the same lady, taken through the same chambers and the ritual of changing into a bathrobe, and before long he was back on the table, lying bare-butt on his stomach. He heard the door slide open and shut, and the familiar rustling of her form-fitting silk robe, as she swayed towards him.