The Awakening

by Amileigh D'Lecoire

  Penelope smiled, but her looked was tense and uncertain. Elvanya reached down and pulled her up to sit on her lap, and the smaller woman giggled as her Mistress kissed her neck and tickled at her waist.

  “It is far too promising a day to be frowning so,” she cooed as she nuzzled the delicate curve of Penelope’s neck. She reached up to caress her breast, squeezing and massaging as her fingers teased at the delicate pink tip. “Surely there is something I can do to put a smile back on your face.”

  Penelope laughed again and Elvanya silenced her with a kiss, enjoying the cinnamon and spice taste of her as their tongues danced and caressed against one another. Penelope sighed and spread her legs, and Elvanya quickly moved her hand from her nipple to probe between moist, swollen lips, loving the honey smooth heat of her as she slid her finger inside.

  “Oh,” Penelope breathed closing her eyes. Elvanya bent to reclaim one pink nipple with her lips and was just beginning to tease that most sensitive part of Penelope when she felt the approach of her messenger just outside. She bid the winged warrior enter – a silent command as their minds joined together - then had her wait as she continued to toy with Penelope. She stroked and caressed for several moments, until the young girl at last cried out in Elvanya’s arms and clung to her, her body rippling with pleasure as the walls of her channel sucked and squeezed at Elvanya’s fingers. She held Penelope close to her for several moments while she recovered, then kissed her softly on the lips and pushed her gently away.

  “Go and bathe, Penelope, then dress and join me in the Gardens. I see that Chante needs to have a word with me.”

  From the doorway the tall, lanky woman with slanted eyes and exotic good looks smiled and nodded, not the least bit bothered by what she had just watched. It was something as natural as breathing here, and all that she felt was a bit of regret that she had not been invited to join them.

  “As you wish,” Penelope said, her face flushed and hair now slightly tussled. She gave her mistress one last, lazy smile, bent to kiss her hand and then disappeared through a massive door that led to the bathing hall beyond.

  “You have good news,” Elvanya said with a smile as she stood and went to pour tea for them both. A large silver service set waited always just to one side, the water always perfectly hot, the tea leaves always fresh and sweet. Chante came to stand beside her and accepted the porcelain cup with a nod, enjoying the long-standing familiarity the two of them shared. Chante had served as the head of her guard for many centuries now. Not that Elvanya needing much guarding. But there were those times when – for reasons of His own – the Creator would cut Himself off from her, and at those times the dark Gods always lurked close, hungry always for a taste of their Creator’s mistress, even at the forfeit of their worthless souls.

  And so there were those like Chante – winged warriors who fought off the darkness with a fierce protectiveness that transcended the deepest of devotion.

  “I do, Mistress,” she said with a teasing smile as she sipped her tea.

  “Don’t tease me, Chante, or I’ll make you take Penelope with you for a week.”

  The warrior grimaced affectionately.

  “That young pup would not last a day. The first time she broke a nail there would be no end of the complaining.

  “Oh stop!” Elvayna said with a laugh. “You always did enjoy poking at me.”

  “My greatest joy in life.” Behind her, Chante’s wings ruffled slightly, a sign of great affection.

  “Your son plans to take a mate.”

  Elvayna felt her heart begin to race, and the fluttering within her stomach became erratic and agitated. She felt a momentary wave of nausea pass through her and she sank down into a nearby chair.

  “You are ill,” Chante said, rushing to her and going down on one knee to cover Elvanya’s hands with her own. “You carry life this time,” she observed, her look guarded. “Let me go for Nanya, she can help with the –“

  “No,” Elvanya said with a wave of her hand and a weak smile. “I am fine. This one is progressing quickly, that is all.” She never knew how long life would grow and develop inside of her. Some took days, others took decades.

  She was only a vessel, and little more.

  “Get a message to Aramis. Tell him that I will come when I can to give my blessing.”

  Chante nodded and started to rise, but Elvanya gripped her suddenly by the shoulders and held Chante’s eyes with her own.

  “Tell him that he must not allow Melisande to get near until I have blessed his bride.”

  Chante sneered.

  “As if he would allow such evil near her in the first place.”

  “Melisande is clever. Do not underestimate her. And warn him against the same.” She gripped harder at Chante’s shoulders. “Tell me you understand how important this is!”

  “Yes, yes, of course,” Chante said, all serious again as she studied Elvanya. Clearly she was agitated and this had Chante more than a little concerned. When the beloved of the Creator of all things was worried, it was never good.

  “Go now with all haste. And tell him I love him. Always.”

  Chante stood and then gave a dignified bow.

  “By your leave, Mistress. I will take your message to your son. Now, you go and care for that sweet young consort of yours, and let her ease your cares for a while.” Elvanya smiled.

  “Thank you, Chante. May the Creator’s light keep you safe, and may my love keep you warm on your journey.” Chante smiled, bowed her head once more in acknowledgment of the blessing, then quickly disappeared.

  In the emptiness left behind, Elvanya began to cry.

  ~ VI ~

  The next two days were a whirlwind of activity for Thais. The island had barely recovered from the annual festival of Azurete’, and now their Lord was taking a bride! The very air pulsed with excitement and wonder as the priests and priestesses began preparations. Amid meditations and fasting, all began their journey to connect to Aramis on a spiritual level, that they might begin the process of bonding to Thais. It was an arousing symphony of emotion and devotion that perfumed the air, for all were more than eager to accept her into their hearts. Everywhere Thais had gone on the island since her arrival; her songs had left a trail of hope and love that bloomed as radiant and bright as the most splendid of the Creator’s gardens. Already she had touched the hearts of so many – bonding to her was a gift beyond words for them.

  And, while she was caught up herself in the wonder and excitement of it all, still it was an almost physical pain to be kept apart from Aramis. Having finally found the courage to embrace her need of him, something which both frightened and exhilarated her, it was a bittersweet torment not to be allowed to see him. She knew the anticipation would make their first night together all the more beautiful, but it made her soul ache not to be able to feel the strength of him next to her.

  Did he feel the same, she wondered?

  She sighed contentedly, her mind and body beyond weary after her exhausting sessions with Dominic. She’d spent the entire day with the high priest, where he’d diligently tutored her on what to expect as Aramis’ new bride. No topic had been taboo, from the subtle transformations she could expect within herself, to the great responsibilities that would come from helping their Lord care for his people, both physically and spiritually. Her muscles were tight and she was beyond tired, but it was a satisfying exhaustion, and she welcomed the weariness for all that it represented.

  After a long soak in a sinfully warm and aromatic bath that had been scented with rose petals, she had come out of her bathing chamber to find Vardra waiting at her vanity, brush in hand. The two exchanged warm smiles, and without a word Thais went to sit on the plush settee before the mirror so that Vardra could brush out her hair. As Vardra began the slow, gentle process of enticing Thais’ hair into an intricate array of braids with delicate flowers woven carefully in between, Thais allowed her eyes to close and quickly became lost in the gentle tugging motions that were both hypnot
ic and sensual.

  “I envy you the look on your face,” Vardra said after a while, and Thais could hear the knowing smile in her friend’s voice as she carefully combed out Thais’ hair.

  “Me?” Thais’ said with a teasing laugh as her eyes flew open, brilliant blue gems flashing as she met Vardra’s in the mirror. When she spoke again, her words with laced with great affection.

  “I am not blind, Vardra. When you are not required to be with me, Dominic has insisted you remain by his side. Or perhaps it is that my eyes have deceived me?”

  Vardra smiled broadly as her cheeks stained with color.

  “Oh Thais, it has been an amazing two weeks for me!” she said, unable to keep it in any longer. “Dominic will scarce let me rest when we are alone. He is an insatiable lover, quite skilled, and for some reason refuses the attentions of any save me! The priestesses assigned to his temple have welcomed me with no end of love and kindness, and, well…” she paused for a moment from brushing Thais’ hair before speaking again. “I do believe he is going to ask Aramis that I be allowed to move into his private quarters!”

  “Oh Vardra, I think that is wonderful!” she said warmly.

  Thais had learned so much in her short time here – only 2 weeks, and she knew that she had barely scratched the surface of all that Aramis and his people had to share with her. Love, knowledge, hope – she had felt all these things and more. But, one thing she had learned very quickly, was that the priests and priestesses here seemed to change lovers as frequently as the wind changed its direction, and without those usual quarrels that always seemed to plague mortals – jealously, bitterness, anger and resentment. They came together for a time, occasionally even having a child together if Aramis chose to favor a priest’s seed with the gift of life. Sensuality, sexuality, and love were all one in the same here, and while she still felt awkward at times at so much open display of affection, she could not deny that it had also stirred something deep within, an awakening that both empowered and terrified her at the same time.

  Vardra leaned forward to press her face against the smoothness of Thais’ skin, hugging her close, and Thais was almost overcome by the wave of emotion that seemed to flow between them.

  “I’m so glad you’ve come, Thais,” she said warmly, her voice smooth and rich, her words sincere.

  “As am I,” Thais said gently as she leaned back into the taller woman’s hug. “I don’t know what I would have done without you these last two weeks. You’ve become the sister I’ve always longed for.”

  Thais paused, her voice suddenly thick with emotion. She turned to look up at Vardra, and as it always did her heart leapt at the brilliant light of her beauty, made all the more splendid because Vardra herself did not see it.

  “Vardra,” Thais said quietly, her eyes wide with both hope and a small amount of fear – what if Vardra said no?? “I would consider it a great honor if you would agree to be my - my. . .”she hesitated and chewed nervously at the fullness of her lower lip as she struggled to remember the word. Dominic had tried to teach her so much, so fast, and even though she was a woman of great intelligence, still she was certain she’d forgotten more than she’d spent a lifetime learning, just in the time they’d spent together that day.

  Vardra smiled, her eyes brimming with tears as if she were about to burst. It took all her resolve to remain still and quiet as she waited for Thais to find the word, otherwise it would not be considered binding. Thais had to ask her without any help or prompting.

  “Pra’atah!” Thais exclaimed at last when the word finally danced upon her lips. “Vardra, please, will you be my Pra’atah?”

  “Oh yes, of course!” Vardra exclaimed at last in a great gasp of ill-restrained anticipation, and the two hugged once more, holding each other close and feeling the delicate threads already beginning to be woven between them.

  “Oh Thais, I had so hoped that you would agree to stay with our Lord, but this – this was beyond any hope I could have imagined!” She brought Thais’ small hand to her lips and placed a gentle kiss within the small center of her palm, then smiled and knelt down before Thais.

  “It will be a privilege to serve,” Vardra replied, her words suddenly very quiet and regal, her movements graceful and fluid as she bowed her head. “I pledge my life, my heart and my love to you, dear sister. May you never again know loneliness or fear, even when our Lord is away, for I will always be near and ready to keep you safe.”

  Thais studied the top of Vardra’s bowed head, admiring the honey-toned curls that escaped her braid to tease along the delicate arch of her neck. She was more beautiful than any creature Thais had ever seen, and her heart begin to become overfilled with love. She laid her hands on top of Vardra’s head and closed her eyes, a newly found instinct guiding her as she allowed herself to feel the caress of Vardra’s soul against hers.

  “I will cherish you always, Vardra, as my sister, my lover, my heart and my hope. May the intimate bonds of sisterhood serve only to bring us closer to being united in body and spirit. I accept your offer as you have accepted mine, and will spend all of my days seeing that you are happy and well-loved.” She bent and placed a gentle kiss on Vardra’s brow, then moved lower to place a soft kiss against her lips. “It brings my heart such comfort to know that you will stand beside me to help guide me along my journey in becoming a wife to Aramis. Be at peace, sister -it is as it should be, you and I.”

  Vardra smiled as tears began to spill onto her cheeks, laying her face against the softness of Thais’ hand.

  “I’m so happy!” Vardra cried with a jubilant squeal, and Thais began to giggle then, easing the tension of the moment of having spoken their vows to one another. She was once again more child than woman as her eyes sparkled and her laughter danced along the wind.

  “It is as it should be,” Thais echoed once more, and then she and Vardra dissolved into a fit of giggles on the floor, laughing as they tickled and teased like young girls in the fast fading light of the setting sun.

  Soon Dominic’s priestesses would come for Thais, their faces hidden behind veils as they sang their songs and wrapped her within their embrace. They would take her to the temple of the high priest to fast, with only Dominic and her Pra’atah, Vardra, beside her, offering her comfort and support as she was tattooed and bathed, oiled and prepared to meet her Lord and take her vows.

  But for just awhile longer, Thais thought wistfully as she lay against Vardra, she would simply stay here and be with her friend. Perhaps they would even go and sit beneath the stars that she might enjoy the last, hushed moments of innocence before she embraced the wonders of womanhood that awaited her within the arms of a God.

  ~ VII ~

  Thais was ready when Dominic’s priestesses came for her, if not just a bit frightened. She could see the light of their torches as they approached, dancing like gems in the night, but It was the sound of their voices that told her it was them, a beautiful sound of hope, followed quickly by an infusion of love as their souls each mingled with hers. Their song was soft and oddly sensual, blending together to soothe her fears and warm her blood in a way that seemed hypnotic, if not narcotic. There were 6 of them in all, each tall and lean long Vardra, each beautiful and exquisite in their own way as they moved around her.

  The women all knelt in turn before her and bowed their heads, taking Thais’ small hand in both of theirs and pressing it to their foreheads in a symbol of acceptance, before standing and beginning to move her along with them into the night. They surrounded her on all sides but did not touch her, and Thais felt as if she were wrapped within a warm cocoon, protected and cherished as they carried her along the small path that wound through the fragrant gardens towards the temple of the high priest, where Dominic waited. Vardra followed closely behind the small group, her lips moving in silent recitation that worked in harmony with the voices of her sisters to ease Thais deeper into a trance.

  In the distance an unfamiliar, almost unnatural thunder echoed as a brilliant displ
ay of multi-colored lights began to dance within the clouds. Thais felt only a moment of fear that blended quickly into wonder as the priestesses’ song began to rise up towards the heavens, and she knew in that moment that the Creator himself had come to them. A joy such as she’d never known before washed over her, and she could feel the power of him as he moved through her. There was a moment when the world seemed to stand still before she felt the essence of him curl around her completely, and she cried out to the night at the fleeting pain of searing heat she experienced when he placed a kiss upon her brow. She gasped as the breath was momentarily pushed from her lungs and her entire being began to feel as if it had been set to flame, and then a cool breath of air rushed through her and she sighed softly as it faded into a pleasant warmth that licked along her skin like heated cream.

  And then the rumbling faded back into the night, and once again she could catch only the fresh scent of the ocean as it was carried along on the breeze from below.

  As if on cue their songs came to her again and she was aware once more of movement, but now all seemed ethereal and otherworldly. She could no longer see the priestesses so much as feel the closeness of them within her, and had to give over completely to her trust in them to see her safely to the temple. She could smell the sweetness of the flowers, but saw only swirling mists of color rather than the structure of form. She could feel the coolness of the breeze against her skin and taste the ocean as it kissed against her lips, and she smiled with wonder at this new found awareness, feeling as if she were becoming one with the very center of life and all that it was.

  It seemed forever and no time at all before they came at last to the temple, and as they approached the marbled steps the fresh scent of lemon and lilac began to tease her senses. She trembled as gentle hands quickly removed her skirt and blouse, and she was only vaguely aware that she was standing naked now in the moonlight as Vardra came forward and they began to move together alone up the steps. The priestesses’ voices began to reach out to her again, and they moved to spread out, spanning the breadth of the bottom step protectively as they continued to sing.