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Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 01

By: Snowkemper



This is all set-up; no sex. Some of the characters are children, but they do not engage in any sexual activity.

*****

"IN THE TIME of our grandfather's grandfather's grandfather," the High Priest began, "came the time of the Great Drought."

He gazed down at the twelve young women hanging on his every word, and behind his white mask he smiled.

"Famine held our fair city in its cruel grip. Disease and pestilence ravaged the people. Our enemies gathered round like vultures, eager to pounce on the corpse of our beloved Mulvadora."

Orchid was spellbound, her blue eyes wide and staring, her hands clasped tightly at her waist. She knew this story by heart-it was the basis of her society and her culture-but to hear it from the High Priest, on this, the eve of her Sacrifice, was a transcendent experience.

"It seemed our city and our people were doomed. Fear and hopelessness ruled the land. The future could hold only suffering, conquest, enslavement, and cold death."

The girls barely breathed, held spellbound by the melodic, dramatic voice of the Priest.

"And then we were saved."

Orchid could feel herself smiling, her eyes misty with rapture.

"Out of the darkness and despair came the First God, Ardell."

"Chulda," she responded automatically upon hearing the Great God's name, as did the other eleven girls. So did their two Teachers and the lesser Priests gathered round them, creating a soft, beautiful chorus.

"The Great God promised Mulvadora prosperity and peace if we would only love him, worship him, pay tribute to him, and have faith in him."

The Priest's masked gaze raked over his listeners.

"Do you?" he asked simply.

"YES!" came the eager, unhesitant reply.

The Priest nodded, satisfied.

"The God kept his word. He brought us his Companions-first, gentle Puldell and bright Startra, the gods of Rain and Sun, to end the drought and nurture our crops. Hard-working Rozelia and wise Newlan, the gods of Farming and Knowledge, came to show us the best ways to ensure bountiful harvests. And vigorous Harstell, the god of Health, gave our doctors and healers the tools they needed to end the plagues."

The High Priest paused for drama, and when he began to speak again his voice was low and ominous.

"When our enemies saw we were no longer on the verge of catastrophe, they howled their rage and frustration at being denied easy spoils-and their armies converged on our city from three sides."

"And we were saved again!" he cried. "Ardell (Chulda came the reply) called on fierce Blazell. With his mighty sword, the god of War threw our enemies back whence they came."

Orchid felt on the verge of sobs. Had any people ever been so blessed?

"It seems that once every generation, some Princedom sees our city, living in peace and prosperity with no standing army, and thinks to conquer and subdue us. Each time, might Blazell answers the challenge!"

"Secure inside our city, we welcomed the rest of the Great God's companions. Tender Darella and caring Tottle, the gods of Love and Children, helped our families thrive and our city to grow. Playful Spira brought joy and laughter to our land, and golden Forbell the gifts of wealth and prosperity."

The Priest paused and bowed his head. It seemed even he was nearly overcome with emotion.

"And finally, when we had proven our devotion, Ardell (Chulda) gave us the greatest gift of all. Welcoming, forgiving Sayennit, the god of Heaven, blessed each of us with an afterlife in paradise."

He looked at the twelve Tributes. Beneath his mask, his eyes were kind, and his voice was tender and paternal.

"You brave, darling girls. You are the key to our city's happiness. You have been chosen by the gods to take as their own. Tomorrow," he half-turned and waved a hand at the massive stone door behind him, "you will go through the Gateway and be welcomed into the bosom of Heaven."

Now salty tears did slide from Orchid's eyes, and her heart swelled with pride at her role, and love for her people and her gods.

"You go with our love, our blessings, and our gratitude. Your names will never be forgotten."

The High Priest dropped to one knee, and after a moment so did everyone else, ending the ceremony with the traditional, silent prayer.

Orchid prayed for bravery. More than anything in the world, she wanted to go through the Gate with her head held high and a smile on her face.

XXXXXXXXXX

That night, after ten years of living at the Tribute's School, the girls stayed in a communal room that was part of the Great Temple.

It was a bittersweet night, filled with hugs and tears. The day before, they had said goodbye to eight of their Sisters. This night, they said their last goodbyes to their beloved Teachers, Lord Sullivan and Lady Clara, who had cared for them, supervised them, nurtured them, and occasionally chastised them since they were first Chosen.

Once a year, after the weather turned cool and the harvest feasts were finished, all the girls of the city that had passed ten harvests were gathered in the temple of Darella. Twenty were chosen to be taken to the School, where they would be loved and protected for ten years.

Then twelve of the twenty would be offered to the gods. The other eight would join the Council of Love, advising the Priests and the city government alike, aided by revelations from the gods themselves.

Girls who had been Chosen but not sacrificed held very high status in Mulvadora, and were prized as wives. 

Finally, far later than they were usually allowed to stay up, a very young junior Priest poked his head into the room.

"Five minutes to lights out," he said quietly and respectfully.

Orchid went around the room one last time, hugging each of her beloved Sisters-fiery Magenta, her sharp tongue stilled by the magnitude of the upcoming day; gentle Wisteria, who never got in trouble; beautiful Gem; shy, petite Ornament; dark-haired Midnight, who could make anyone laugh, even Priests and Teachers; Flower, who's smile lit up any room; Lily, by far the smartest of the group; adorable Thistle, who could tease you without hurting your feelings; Heather, always so cool and controlled; Heart, who could always think of something fun to do; and finally her first and best friend Breath.

There were no words big enough on such a night. The girls squeezed each other with warmth and affection, their tears wetting each other's hair and shoulders. They had grown up together, laughed and learned and even fought sometimes.

And tomorrow it would be all over.

Surprisingly, it was little Ornament, usually the quietest of the group, that had the last word as they slipped into their beds.

"I prayed today that we would all be together in Heaven," she said in her soft voice.

Orchid was sure she wasn't the only one who went to sleep with tears drying on her face.

XXXXXXXXXX

She dreamed of her first days at the School.

She hadn't expected to be Chosen. There were dozens of girls prettier, smarter, anything-er than she was. But the gods didn't just pick the smartest or the prettiest. They picked the Right girls.

She could barely remember the rest of that day. She went back home with her family, back to the small farm that had been her home her entire life, and amidst tears of both joy and sorrow, they had packed a few of her things to take with her.

It was after dark, about the time she would normally have been saying her prayers and going to bed, that the carriage came for her. The driver gave her just enough time to hug her parents and older brothers one last time, then helped her aboard.

She stuck her little head out the window and watched her old life vanish in the distance, each thud of the horse's hooves taking her into the unknown, and her tears flowed freely.

There was no one there to comfort her. Alone in the small coach, she wrapped her arms around her knees and silently prayed.

And the next thing she knew, the driver was gently shaking her awake.

"We're here, sweetheart," he said, and his voice was soft with awe. They were at the gates of the School.

She had only seen the School from the outside. No one ever went in except the Chosen girls, their Teachers, and Priests of Tottle.

She grabbed her little bag, and the driver helped her down. Squeezing his hand, she walked towards the waiting Priest.

"Be welcome, dear one," he said as he took her hand from the driver and led her inside.

They walked up a crushed stone path to an enormous door, and she felt very young and very small. Shivering, she clung to the Priest's hand with both of hers.

He smiled down at her reassuringly, and they went inside. It was just a small foyer-all the main chambers were deeper within the structure.

They stopped briefly at a desk, where another Priest also welcomed her and wrote down her name.

The first Priest led her towards a normal sized door.

"You'll get to see the entire facility over the next few weeks," he told her, "but for tonight let's just get you settled in your room."

They went down a narrow but well-lit hallway, and her boots sunk into the luxurious carpet. There was a series of numbered doors, and the Priest opened #8.

"Your new home," he said softly, stepping aside to let her enter.

She was immediately impressed. The room wasn't very big, but it was nicer than any room in her old farmhouse-and it was all for her.

There was a bed, a desk with a chair, three lamps giving off soft light, a dresser, and again the unfamiliar feeling of carpet beneath her feet.

There was one other door inside the room. It proved to contain a small bathroom.

"If there's anything you need, there's always a Priest on duty at the front desk. Don't be afraid to ask ok?"

"Thank you," she muttered, feeling more than a little overwhelmed.

"Would you care for a snack?"

She thought for a moment, and nodded.

"Make yourself at home. I'll be back in a minute."

She put her bundle on the desk and sat down on the bed.

"Whoa!" she exclaimed. The bed was so soft she felt like she was sinking!

She smiled for the first time since the carriage had stopped in front of her old home. The bed was much bigger than her old one, incredibly soft, with not one but two pillows and a thick, warm blanket stretched over a soft sheet.

She rolled onto her stomach, then back onto her back, comparing her amazing new bed to the lumpy, hard bunk with the scratchy linen blanket and ancient pillow she was used to.

There were several raps on her door, making her squeak in surprise, and the young Priest returned. He set a covered plate on her desk and gave her a gentle smile.

"Enjoy your snack, then try to get some rest. I know you're nervous, maybe even scared. It's ok-everyone is at first."

He studied her innocent face. "Tomorrow you'll start to learn what is expected of Tributes. Try not to worry though. I promise you-you're safe here."

"Ok," she said quietly, and with a nod he left her alone.

She went to see what he had brought her for a snack, and her eyes went wide with astonishment.

There was a slice of meat, a big piece of buttered bread, several slices of fruit, and a glass of milk. 

His 'snack' was more than she usually got for a meal.

She wasn't even sure what the fruit was. The only kind of fruit she'd ever had before were apples. 

For a poor girl from a tiny farm, having more than enough to eat was indescribable luxury. Her little tummy stuffed full, she stretched out on that amazing bed.

"This may not be such a bad deal," she thought, and dozed off easily.

XXXXXXXXXX

She was already awake the next morning when someone tapped on her door.

It was a different lesser Priest, but his smile was just as friendly.

"Good morning sweetheart."

"Good morning your Grace."

"Did you sleep ok?" he asked, and she nodded.

"Good. This morning is the Naming Ceremony. It's sacred and very important."

She nodded again, a little nervously.

"Don't worry. You don't really have to do anything but listen."

He pointed to her dresser. "There's a blue robe in the top drawer. Brush your hair and put that on. Nothing else please-no shoes or undergarments. Then come out into the hall. Understand?"

Her head bobbed up and down.

"Once you come out of your room, no talking. Only the Teachers are allowed to talk until the Ceremony is over. OK?"

"OK," she answered quietly.

"Again, don't worry. There will be plenty of time for talking and questions later."

The Priest slipped out, and she hastily ran a brush through her shoulder-length auburn hair, then slid open the dresser drawer.

Her breath caught as she pulled out the robe. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. A deep, royal blue, it had full, flaring sleeves, and was so soft she couldn't help stroking it for a minute, savoring the feeling of the fabric beneath her fingers.

Eagerly, she undressed and pulled the robe over her head. It fit loosely, the hem swirling around her ankles, the sleeves covering her hands to the second knuckle. She had never dreamed of wearing such an exquisite garment.

She whispered a silent prayer of thanks to Ardell and his Companions, and walked barefoot to the door, again noticing how amazingly soft the carpet was under her feet.

Several of the other girls were already standing outside their doors, clad in the same kind of robe she wore in either matching blue or scarlet. As each door opened and another girl emerged, the young Priest caught the girl's attention and held his finger to his lips, reminding them not to talk.

The girls looked at each other, exchanging shy smiles and nods, until they were all present.

The Priest clapped his hands softly, and waved them to follow.

XXXXXXXXXX

The girls were led down the hall, through the foyer, into and through a chamber so vast and so beautiful it tore gasps of amazement from them, and into a small, white room.

There was no furniture, but two adults stood by the far wall. One man and one woman, dressed almost identically in black from head to toe. They watched, expressionless, as the Priest lined the girls up in tow rows of ten.

"Welcome, girls," the man said as the Priest stepped back. His voice was low and authoritative.

"My name is Lord Sullivan. This is Lady Clara. We will be your Teachers."

The Lady gave the girls a brief nod.

"The Naming Ceremony is symbolic of your new lives and new roles as Tributes. Forget your old name-it is not to be used here."

He gave the girls a dark look.

"Ever," he emphasized.

He reached into his jacket pocket and produced a small notebook and pen, then turned and nodded to Lady Clara.

The Lady allowed herself a small smile and motioned to the girl on the far left side of the front row.

"Come forward, dear," she said softly.

Trembling, the girl took a couple steps forward. Lady Clara was very tall, and she bent over, pressing her palms against the girl's cheeks and looking into her eyes.

"Wisteria," she said to the trembling girl, and Lord Sullivan wrote in his notebook.

One by one, the girls came forward and received their new names. Our heroine liked her name-Orchid-but thought some of the others were kind of odd. Breath? Heart? Were those even names?

When Lady Clara named the last girl Ornament, the man put his notebook away and adressed the group again.

"Be proud of your new names, girls," he told them. "They are a gift from the gods."

There were shy smiles and nods.

"There will be no lessons today. Today, get to know your Sisters a little bit. Be kind to one another. You will be together a long time."

With that, he nodded to the Priest, who ushered the girls out the door.

"Who's hungry?" he asked with a smile.

XXXXXXXXXX

IT WAS at that first group meal that Orchid discovered how different her life had been from the girls that grew up in the city.

Her family was among the poorest in Mulvadora. Her parents and two older brothers eked out a living growing corn and radishes on a little farm on the very edge of city territory, a full day's ride from the walls of the city proper.

They had food, clothes, and a roof-but not much else. Her father had built their house himself, and they all shared a single room.

Having her own room-indoor plumbing-hot water at the turn of a faucet-were things she'd never even dreamed about.

So when they set her breakfast plate in front of her, her brow furrowed and she poked with her fork at the unfamiliar foods.

She recognized the eggs. Every spring she'd go to the lake with her older brother and search among the duck's nest for eggs.

"Only one time a year," her dad would say, "and only two each. We don't want to be greedy."

But the slim, stiffs strips of meat? The brown, fibrous mass that kind of looked like a basket? She had no clue what they were.

The young Priest noticed her expression.

"Something wrong, Orchid?" he asked.

She pointed with her fork. "What's this?" she asked, and some of the other girls giggled.

"Really?" Thistle asked her. "You never had bacon before?"

Orchid shook her head, and pointed to the other strange food.

"Hash browns," Thistle answered with a grin. "Hash browned potatoes."

Orchid's expression brightened. "Oh! I've heard of potatoes!"

Now all the girls laughed. "Wow, what a hick!" Magenta muttered.

"HEY!"

The Priest's voice was quiet, but sharp, and it silenced the laughter.

"Never insult your Sisters," he said firmly. "Support them, love them, help them, even correct them if you must...but always with kindness."

Magenta looked chastised. She looked at Orchid sheepishly.

"I'm sorry Sister," she said quietly.

Orchid gave her a friendly smile. "It's ok," she replied. "You're right-I am a hick. Sorry but I've only had like..." she paused and thought for a moment..."maybe eight different foods in my whole life."

Finding herself the focus of a lot of wide-eyes stares, she scooped a fork full of the hash browns into her mouth.

"Wow, these are good!" she exclaimed, and this time the laughter was totally friendly.

When they were finished, the Priest took them back to the hallway that led to all their rooms. This time, they went to the very end of the hall, and he showed them what he called the common room.

There were a few books, a few puzzles, paper and chalk to draw, and almost enough couchs and chairs for everyone.

Orchid didn't mind sitting on the floor. 

"All right girls. What I'd like to do now is go around the room and have each of you tell us your name, and which of the gods you have a special feeling for. Maybe there's a big reason, or maybe you just like that one best."

He pointed to one of the girls, who gulped and began to speak.

"I'm Car-I mean Midnight," she said, and the Priest interrupted her.

"Careful," he said softly. "You may not always understand why your Teachers ask you to do or say something, but there's always a reason. Remember, Teachers are called by the gods. We talk a lot about how special Tributes are? Think about this. There are two hundred of you girls here. There's only twenty Teachers."

"Sorry your Grace," Midnight said, blushing.

He smiled gently. "It's ok sweetheart. We don't ask you to be perfect, but we do ask you to strive for perfection."

When she hesitated, he waved her to continue.

"Oh, anyway, I'm Midnight, and I've always felt closest to Spira. What's a better feeling than joy?"

Orchid found herself mulling over the Priest's comment about perfection as they went around the circle. Gem chose Startra "because I love a sunny day," and Flower chose Tottle "because he's the god of children, and I'm a children."

Magenta picked Blazell "because he's the toughest," and for the first time the Priest commented.

"Certainly Blazell is an important god," he said, "and we owe him a great deal, but I'm not sure he's the toughest. The best fighter, obviously, but that's not quite the same thing."


Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 01



"Then who is the toughest?" Magenta challenged, and he smiled widely.

"I don't know," he admitted, and she smiled back.

Then it was Orchid's turn. "My family always prays to Rozella," she said.

"Not your family, sweetheart," the Priest admonished gently. "You."

"Oh, me too," Orchid answered. "Farming is hard work. We need all the help we can get."

Lily chose Newlan. "I love to read and learn things," she explained.

When all the girls had answered, the young Priest rose.

"You have the rest of the day to yourselves. You can talk, read, color, even go back to your rooms if you wish. I'll be at the front desk if you need me."

It was awkward at first, being in a room filled with near-strangers who were also your Sisters, but Magenta, Thistle and Midnight were outgoing and talkative enough to get things started. Soon, there were several lively conversations going on.

Before lunch, Orchid spoke with Breath for the first time. They couldn't have been more different. Her father was a wealthy merchant, and her mother had been Chosen but not sacrificed. Her bedroom in her parent's house had been bigger than Orchid's whole farm house.

It didn't matter. They became friends immediately, and remained best friends for the next ten years.

XXXXXXXXXX

The girls began classes the next day, and another difference became evident. Orchid had never gone to school, and while her parents had taught her how to read and write a little, as well as add and subtract, she was way behind the other girls.

Lord Sullivan quickly put an end to any harassment. "Everyone has different abilities and different talents," he said. "It's what makes a group strong."

He assigned Breath and Lily to help tutor her, and Orchid discovered she liked school, and was a fast learner. By the end of their first year, she could read as well as just about anyone in the group.

They had classes six days a week. The two Teachers alternated days, and every session was different.

They had reading&writing, math and science, history and religion, but also sang, played games, ran races, drew and painted pictures, and spent a lot of time learning how to dance.

They also spent many days talking about and practicing proper behavior. It was important to always be 'ladylike,' and the Teachers stressed that the girls always act a certain way.

They were to always be demure, modest, kind, soft-spoken, helpful, and honest. Never vulgar, never angry, never cruel or petty. Cursing, shouting, or grumbling were frowned upon and sometimes punished.

They were never beaten or hit-"That would be vulgar, after all," Lady Clara explained-but they might have to stand in the corner for a while. Or run sprints until they collapsed, panting with exhaustion. Or hang from a chin-up bar until their arms and shoulders burned like fire from exertion.

But those things didn't happen very often. The girls adored their Teachers, and tried very hard to please them. Both Lord Sullivan and Lady Clara also spent a lot of time alone with each girl, bonding with them as they discussed the child's fears and concerns.

Every month, the girls would go to the compounds huge auditorium for a special event. It was one of the rare times they saw the older girls, aged eleven to nineteen, that had been Chosen before them.

Most days, they wore a simple uniform consisting of loose, lightweight black or white slacks, and long-sleeved tops of royal blue or scarlet, their little feet covered in black flats. But for events and assemblies, they wore their robes.

Sometimes there would be a play. Sometimes it was musicians, jugglers, acrobats, animal acts-always something wonderful and exciting.

Often, the Teachers would take them out into the city, pointing out landmarks and historic sites. The girls who had grown up their were pretty blase' about the field trips, but Orchid was constantly amazed.

She'd only been to the City twice before the day she was Chosen. When she was nine, her parents had allowed her to go with her father and oldest brother to sell their surplus in the market. And even then, she'd only been to the big Market just inside the city's western gate, never into the heart of Mulvadora.

"It makes me feel so small," she said one day in class. "Like I don't even matter."

Lady Clara was teaching that day, and she gathered the girls close.

"Watch," she said, and dipped her finger into a cup of water. She held it out, and a single drop hung, quivering, from her fingertip.

"It's just one drop," she said. "Not much alone. But when you add it with the others, you get something wonderful. Add enough, and you get a mighty river."

The water drop fell, splashing gently on the floor. "Just like us. By ourselves, we're nothing much. But together!" She spread her arms wide and turned in a circle, smiling widely. "Together, we make a great city. Together, we can accomplish great things. Together, we can please the gods themselves."

XXXXXXXXXX

They had chores to do, too-light stuff, suitable for little girls; and one of the first days Orchid got a little back.

She had been assigned along with Magenta and Breath to sweep one of the gym floors, and discovered neither one of them had a clue how to do it right.

Breath had grown up with maids; Magenta with one of those workaholic moms that did all the cleaning herself. Breath tried to just drag the broom along the floor while Magenta sort of slapped the ground with hers.

Orchid showed them how to wisk wisk wisk the dirt and dust bunnies into the pan, and was rewarded with grins.

"That works great!" Breath told her. "Thanks!"

Of course, they were also responsible for keeping their own quarters neat and tidy, but there the girls had help. To take care of 200 girls, plus Teachers, Priests and other personnel, the School needed a good sized staff. Once or twice a week, the cleaning ladies would go to each girl's room, give them some help, some advice on how to keep the room cleaner, and (usually) do most of the work themselves. Still, the girls learned, and got better, and by the end of the year the maids rarely had to do more than look around the room and bathroom and say 'good job.'

XXXXXXXXXX

The two Teachers were excellent. They were experienced, both having trained two classes of girls already, and had the wisdom of generations to draw upon.

They understood how to keep things fun and interesting. Yes, some of the lessons were difficult, but they always followed a demanding day with two or three fun ones.

They made sure whenever the girls were paired up or broken into small groups, it was with different partners. As a result, they all got to spend time getting to know one another. After only a few months, Orchid and the other girls thought of each other as friends and Sisters.

They didn't cut the girls hair, just trimmed bangs and snipped off unruly, frizzy ends. By the end of the first year, most of them had hair that reached the middle of their backs, or even lower.

As the year drew to a close, big events began to happen. First came a visit from the girl's parents.

Orchid, and most of the other girls, began crying as soon as they saw their mothers and fathers for the first time since they'd come to the School.

The reunited families spent a couple happy hours together. The parents had been briefed, and called their daughters by their new names.

Orchid was thrilled to see her mom and dad, but as their time ended and she said goodbye, she realized something. Her parents were part of her old life. She still loved and cared for them, but her real family was at the school.

It was the last time any of them saw their parents.

A few days later came the final banquet for the oldest girls. All the students and Teachers came to the feast, to hear the 20 year old girls and their Teachers each give a short speech, and to see which twelve were selected to be Sacrificed, and which eight would be sent back into the city.

Watching from her chair as they split the girls into two groups, Orchid honestly didn't know which fate she most hoped for-and she could tell from the older girl's reactions that they weren't sure either.

Lady Clara talked about it in class the next day.

"While you're here, your feelings are sure to change many times. Some days, you'll be excited and honored to be a Sacrifice, and other days you'll hope and pray to be left behind."

The Teacher's eyes were filled with affection as she gazed around the room. "But I know, those of you who are chosen to go through that gate, will do so with grace and courage."

The girls attended the Sacrifice. The youngest class always attended, to get a glimpse of their distant future.

In a way, it was anti-climactic. The Head Priest gave his speech, and as the sun set a gong sounded behind the Gate-once, twice, three times.

The twenty-year old girls, clad in the beautiful gold robes that were only worn on this day, lined up in front of the Gate-and if their legs trembled and their stomachs were filled with butterflies, they nonetheless held their heads high and proud.

Once more the gong crashed, and the Gate slid open with a whisper.

The girls walked into the darkness, slowly and regally. When the last one vanished into the blackness, the Gate closed behind them.

Everyone present said a prayer, and it was over. Mulvadora would prosper for another year.

XXXXXXXXXX

The last thing that happened that first year was the girls were moved upstairs.

The School building had four stories. Three classes of girls lived on each level, and the youngest on the ground floor. Now that Orchid and her Sisters were eleven, they moved to make room for the newest group of Chosen girls.

Things on the second floor weren't very different. The rooms were slightly larger, they saw the girls from the two classes just ahead of them a little more often-and they were one year closer to their own day of Sacrifice.

XXXXXXXXXX

EVERY year had a different emphasis. The eleven year olds spent a lot of time on proper behavior. Their Teachers kept putting them into situations where they wanted to get angry, or annoyed, or frustrated, teaching them to control those emotions and react instead with patience, calm, and a gentle smile.

They also spent a lot of time learning what things young ladies simply DID NOT talk about-with one exception.

About halfway through the year, the girls had a rare guest speaker in the classroom.

Lady Ann talked to them about puberty-about the changes in their shapes, about body hair and monthly bleeding, about breasts and pimples, hormones and mood swings, new urges and desires, and all those other things that any other time were off-limits topics.

She stayed at the School for two weeks after that initial lecture, meeting with each girl privately, answering questions and calming anxieties. A year later, when Orchid had her first period, she remembered Lady Ann and her lessons with gratitude, and dealt with the things that happened to her calmly.

And one night, close to the end of the year, Orchid learned she wasn't just Chosen-she was chosen by one of the gods as well.

Lady Clara had talked one day about why she became a Teacher. She told them how Newlan himself had come to her, filling her soul with his warmth and love and telling her 'you are mine.'

Every Teacher she knew had had a similar experience. They knew this was their path because the god himself had told them so.

Still, nothing could have prepared Orchid for the night Darella came to her. The god of Love filled her mind and heart with his presence. She felt so warm, so safe, so loved and protected as he held her in his arms and whispered those words.

'Child, you are mine.'

The happiness she felt the next few days was noticeable. Her Sisters asked why she was in such a good mood, but she didn't say anything. Her visit from the god seemed like something she should keep private.

She prayed to him every night, but got no revelation as to whether or not she should tell people. In the end, she decided to go with her instincts and keep it to herself.

Still, Lady Clara knew. She took Orchid aside one day. Smiling, she put her hands on the girl's shoulders and looked into her eyes.

"Darella?" she asked simply, and Orchid nodded, smiling with pure pleasure.

"That's wonderful, sweetheart," her Teacher told her. "You are marked for great things!"

XXXXXXXXXX

When they moved into the twelve year old's wing, they found there were only ten rooms instead of twenty. To teach them to get along with people, cooperate, and promote closeness, they changed roommates every two weeks.

Switching rooms wasn't hard. The girls had very few possessions-really just their clothes, toiletries, and school books. Everything else was communal.

It was kind of fun, Orchid discovered. She liked spending time with different Sisters, listening to their thoughts on the day's events.

The emphasis for the twelve year old girls was religion and history. Teachers had found that for the first two years at the School, most girls accepted everything they were taught. It was at age twelve that they started asking questions, and (occasionally) rebelling.

It was the absolute bedrock of Mulvadoran society that to be Chosen for Sacrifice was the highest honor any girl could be given. There was no concern that any of the girls would try to run away, or balk, or try to get out of it.

The real problem was that at age twelve, it was common for girls to start questioning their classes and training. "Why do I have to learn all this stuff and do all this hard work when I'm just going to be sacrificed anyway?"

So the girls learned history-how difficult life in Mulvadora was before the coming of Ardell and the other gods, and how idyllic it had been sense.

The Teachers spoke at length about their personal relationships with Newlan and the other gods, and the lesser Priest spoke of how their bond with Tottle had brought them to the School. 

One day, even the School's cooks, janitors, maintenance people, and cleaning ladies came into the classroom, telling the girls that they too had been called by Tottle to help with the training of the Chosen.

And after all that, they went to Ardell's temple to view one of the holiest items in the entire city.

The High Priest himself led the girls deep into the great temple, to a small chamber hidden behind several locked doors.

There, in a glass case, was a manuscript.

"In the first year after the coming of Ardell (Chulda), a young man named Mong went into a trance. He sat down at his desk and put pen to paper. For an entire day and night, he wrote and wrote."

The Priest gestured to the pages, which seemed to glow inside their case.

"This was the result. Mong could not read what he had written. No one could. But the lad knew the words he had written had been sent to him by Ardell himself (Chulda).

"So he took the pages to this very temple, and gave them to the first High Priest, the great Axton. And the Priest could read the words."

He paused and looked at the girls, staring in awe at the manuscript.

"To this day, only the High Priest can read what is written here. It is the instructions for the Sacrifice. How to choose, what to do on that holy day-and what qualities the girls-you girls-should embody when they are given to the gods."

"Everything we teach you-everything we ask you to learn and to be-comes directly from the divine words of the great god himself."

He let the girls look at the ancient document for a long time, allowing them to soak in the significance of his words.

XXXXXXXXXX

All of the girls, at one point or another, found themselves in a little bit of trouble-standing in the corner of the classroom, or for more serious transgressions, fidgeting nervously in Lord Sullivan's office as he explained, coldly and patiently, what the girl had done, why it wasn't allowed, and worst of all, why they were so disappointed with her.

In her time at the School, Orchid only got in serious trouble twice.

When she was fourteen, she had to endure a very difficult class in poise. Lady Clara had her stand in front of the room and give a speech, while two of the other girls took turns dripping icy cold water down her back.

The whole point was to focus on what she was doing and not react to distractions, but Orchid kept shivering, squeaking with discomfort, or losing her train of thought.

By itself, that wasn't enough to make her feel anything but determined to do better. If she had been sharing a room with anyone but Midnight, the whole thing would have been forgotten.

Except Midnight wouldn't let her forget. She loved her Sister, like she loved all her Sisters, but the girl was a chatterbox, and just would not shut up about it.

And when Orchid finally complained, Midnight got offended and accused her of having no sense of humor.

And then they were both angry, and yelling, and the next thing you knew pushing and shoving and slapping at each other-until the door flew open and a very angry Priest grabbed them both by the scruff of the neck and hauled them before Lord Sullivan.

Their Teacher subdued both angry girls with his dark stare, then patiently drew the story from them. By the time they were finished, both girls were crying and apologizing and swearing to each other that they would always be friends.

Still, such an event could not go unpunished. If you were to list behaviors that were absolutely unacceptable for young ladies, fighting would be at the top of the list.

And so they were stretched.

Lord Sullivan led the two trembling girls down into the basement, and into a very small room-barely larger than a closet.

He put his arms around Orchid's waist and flipped her upside-down, lifting her effortlessly. Holding her with one arm, he locked her ankles into padded cuffs hanging from the ceiling, leaving her suspended and swaying, blood rushing to her head and pounding in her temples.

Next, he hung Midnight up in the same manner. The girls faced each other, their scared faces barely a foot apart as they swayed gently.

The cuffs that went around the girl's forearms were huge, reaching almost to their elbows, and also thickly padded. A long chain hung from each pair of handcuffs.

Finally, the Teacher threaded each chain through a small hoop embedded in the floor, pulling the girl's bodies taut-and then pulled a little more-and a little more-stretching the girls an inch at a time, until their eyes began to water and the groaned in pain.

With that, he secured the chain in place and crouched to address the whimpering girls.

"The important thing here," he said earnestly, "is not to focus on the pain, but rather why you're feeling the pain. Their is an important lesson here. Learn it."

He left them for half an hour, barely able to see each other in the dimly lit room, their tears flowing down their foreheads and into their hair.

"I'm sorry Sister," Midnight whispered, her voice breaking.

"So am I," Orchid answered. "I lost my temper and got you in trouble."

"No, it was my fault. I pushed you when I should have hushed."

When Lord Sullivan returned, both hanging girls gasped with relief, glad their punishment was finally over-but they were mistaken.

Instead, he stretched them both a little further, ignoring their cries and pleas for mercy. 

"Learn," he said simply, and left them again.

"Gods it hurtssss!" Midnight whined. 

Orchid tried to fight off her sobs and remember what their Teacher had told them. Crying quietly, their joints stretched to their limits, the girls endured another half hour before Lord Sullivan returned again, this time accompanied by two Priests.

He loosened the chains, and the Priests got the girls down. They let the girls lay on the floor, shuddering, for quiet a long time.




Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 01



"Is fighting acceptable behavior for Ladies?" Lord Sullivan asked quietly.

Orchid shook her head, wincing as the movement made fresh pain flow through her aching body, as Midnight whimpered 'no, no, no.'

The Priests carried the girls back to their room. Neither of them ever got into a fight again.

XXXXXXXXXX

Two years later, she completely botched a dance routine.

The sixteenth year focused on physical training.

"We're very happy with your minds, your hearts, and your souls," Lord Sullivan had told them when they gathered outside the first day. "Now, we're going to work on your bodies."

For the first half of the year, almost every day was outside or in one of the gyms. They ran, they jumped, they swam, they did obstacle courses, they stretched, they lifted, carried and threw heavy objects-anything to get more fit.

It was hard, demanding work but also a lot of fun. Orchid wasn't a great athlete, but she was strong and worked hard, and when they competed she usually was among the top five in the group.

Strong, flexible, and lean, they spent the second half of the year dancing, and that was when Orchid got in trouble again.

She was supposed to create and demonstrate a solo dance for the class, and didn't put in the effort needed. Tired, cranky, and suffering from some brutal growing pains, she didn't do much more than idly think about what she wanted to do, and it showed in her awkward, tentative performance.

She knew she'd done badly, and Lady Clara's scowl confirmed it. At the end of the day, the Teacher sent her to Lord Sullivan, where she confessed everything, including the reasons.

"You need to tell us these things, Orchid," he had said. "Hiding it when you're feeling poorly isn't being brave-it's akin to lying."

As punishment, she had been stretched again. This time, the Teacher bound her hands behind her back and connected her wrists to a rope hanging from the ceiling. Her arms were lifted behind her until her heels came off the floor and her shoulders howled in agony.

She was left in that painful pose, in total darkness, for an hour.

Orchid wasn't the only girl to visit the stretching room. They were all punished that way at one time or another. The Teachers knew exactly how far they could tighten the ropes and chains without injuring the girls.

Magenta especially spent so many nights in the punishment room that she sometimes joked they had special cuffs with her name on them.

XXXXXXXXXX

Eighteenth year focused on domestic duties. Cooking, sewing, cleaning, and best of all for Orchid, using tools and making small repairs.

It reminded her a little of her dimly remembered life on her old farm, figuring out how to make something broken work again.

In the last week of year eighteen, all of the girls were called to Lord Sullivan's office, one by one, for an individual conference. Orchid's turn came late in the afternoon.

The Teacher gave her a small smile. "Sit down please, little one," he said, indicating the chair in front of his desk.

Orchid had no idea what was to come. The girls that had already had their meeting answered queries by all saying the same thing..."We were told not to talk about it."

Lord Sullivan cupped his hands at his neck and rested his chin on his extended thumbs, looking at Orchid appraisingly. She met his gaze, her expression totally with out guile.

"Orchid, I need to ask you a very important question."

"Ok."

"This may seem odd...even embarrassing...but it's important you answer honestly."

"Of course sir," the girl replied. Lying was something young ladies simply did not do. It probably never would have even occurred to her as a possibility if the Teacher hadn't mentioned it.

He nodded with a smile. "In the time since you've been sharing rooms with the other girls, have you ever noticed, or suspected, that any of them were...shall we say...pleasuring herself?"

"Sir?" Orchid asked, genuinely puzzled. That he was talking about masturbation didn't cross her mind. The Teachers spent almost no time talking about sex beyond the effects of puberty. As a result, Orchid and the other girls were very naive. She wasn't even 100% sure what lovers actually did together.

"Arousing herself. Pleasuring herself sexually," the Teacher expanded.

"Ohhhh," Orchid breathed, blushing a little. She paused for a moment, considering the question.

"No sir," she finally answered, and it was true. She couldn't say for certain it had never happened, but she could honestly say she'd never noticed.

She wondered if he would ask her if she ever had. In truth, she really hadn't. The closest she'd ever come was giving herself a squeeze between the legs, and while it sometimes felt very good, she didn't think of it as a sexual thing. The sensation was more akin to rubbing her toes when they were a little sore-delightful, but not sexual.

Lord Sullivan looked at her face a moment longer, then nodded again.

"Thank you Orchid," he said with genuine affection. "If anyone asks you about this little meeting, just tell them 'we were told not to talk about it.'

"Yes sir," Orchid said, recognizing the dismissal and rising to leave.

She was fairly certain at least a few girls had answered the Teacher's question in the affirmative. The first week of year nineteen, six or seven of the girls were taken to the punishment room, and afterwards wouldn't or couldn't talk about what happened or why.

XXXXXXXXXX

And then the class was in it's final year, and the routine changed.

They went from cooking to serving. How to pour drinks, how to fix a plate and a table for maximum attractiveness, and most important of all, how to do these mundane tasks smoothly and gracefully.

To make things more interesting and more real, the School brought in outside groups once a week. 

The girls had spent so many years seeing almost nothing but the same familiar faces that merely entering a room full of strangers was disconcerting at first.

It was an ancient tradition. Mulvadoran men loved to hold business and social meetings at the School. It allowed the girls to learn how to serve without interrupting a conversation, and to be comfortable around older males.

Some of the men teased and flirted, and the girls were encouraged to smile, to laugh at their attempts at humor, to act flattered.

"You always want to be pleasing," the Teachers emphasized. "In your words, in your expression, in your movements. Your main goal is to be someone they want to see, to look at, to talk to and be around."

Orchid laughed easy, blushed easy, flirted shyly, and got a lot of praise from the Teachers.

The girls spent a lot of their down time together. The nineteen year olds had a huge common room, and they gathered almost every night, well aware that their time at the School was nearing an end.

A lot of evenings, they speculated on what would happen when they went through the Gate.

"I just hope it's not painful," Lily said one night. "I'm not afraid of dying, but I hate pain."

"I don't think it will be," Flower responded. "The gods love us-can't you feel it?"

The girls all smiled and nodded, secure in that belief if nothing else.

"They won't hurt us," Breath said with conviction. "Whatever happens, it will be quick."

"Who knows?" Magenta tossed out, probably just to be ornery. "Who can say what the gods want?"

Some of the girls frowned worriedly, but Midnight giggled.

"If the last ten years are any indication, what the gods want are dancing maids."

XXXXXXXXXX

Orchid and her friend Breath had spent a lot of hours talking and worrying that the morning of the Sacrifice would be terrifying, but the experience of the School came through again. They kept the girls busy, not giving them any time to get scared and nervous.

At breakfast, Lily and Flower both rose and gave speeches. It was a surprise-the two girls had been asked a couple weeks before to say a few words, and also to keep it a secret.

Lily spoke glowingly of the School and their Teachers, and about how grateful she was for all she had learned and experienced.

Flower waited until the girls were done eating, and talked of the friendship and camaraderie between the girls. Her speech brought tears to many eyes, including her own.

Their were prayers in the School's Temple, then they all went to the gym 'to work out some of the nervous energy'-mostly with stretching and yoga, but a few of the girls, including Orchid, grabbed a ball, set up a couple nets, and spent some time running around playing a made-up game where they passed the ball around and tried to throw it into the goals.

Quick showers were followed by long, luxurious baths, lunch, massages, and the took turns fixing each other's hair. 

They'd all had trims in the last month, but the barbers had left their hair long enough that the ends brushed against their buttocks, and having help to brush and comb hair that long was always appreciated.

When they were done, each girl had three thin braids in the back, a tradition so old no one was really sure when it had started.

Lady Clara gathered the group together. She asked Heather if she would take the front spot when they entered the Gate, and asked Heart to be at the end. Of course the girls agreed.

"The rest of you, fit in wherever you wish. Stay with friends if you like."

Orchid smiled at Breath, knowing they would go through the Gate almost side-by-side.

Finally, it was time to don the gold robes. They were brand new; the girls hadn't seen them, but they fit perfectly, the hem just touching the tops of their feet and the sleeves extending the the very ends of their fingertips.

They wore no shoes, no jewelry, no undergarments-only the beautiful, shining robes.

They filed out to Gates, one by one, and as they left the School for the final time, each Teacher gave them a hug and a whisper.

"I'm very proud of you, Orchid," Lady Clara told her, and Lord Sullivan reminded her "never forget what you've learned here." Both Teacher's eyes sparkled with tenderness as they said their goodbyes.

They lined up in the bright sunshine, in front of the lesser Priests, the ten year olds, and listened to the High Priest's speech. Orchid wondered if she was the only one who felt like her legs were made of rubber.

The gong sounded, three times, and they lined up behind Heather. Once more the crash of the gong rang in the near-silence, and the Gate opened.

Orchid gulped, but when the girl in front of her started to move, she followed. As they entered the darkness, she felt Breath behind her take her hand, and she squeezed her friends fingers tightly.

In moments, they all stood trembling in the blackness behind the Gate, and it slid closed.



Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 02



Thanks for the intelligent comments about Ch. 1! This is turning out to be a longer story than I originally expected. All characters are over the age of 18. As always, comments and feedback are cherished!

".........."

".........."

"Heather?"

".........."

"Heather?"

The awed whisper came from somewhere behind Orchid as she stood in the darkness, her body taut with tension.

"I'm here."

Orchid blinked and blinked, willing her eyes to adjust, but all she could see were tiny, faint glimmers of gold from her Sister's robes.

"Do we...keep going?" another voice whispered. It sounded like Midnight.

"Are we all still here?" Heather asked quietly from the front of the line.

"I think so," Heart answered from the other end.

Orchid released a ragged breath. She had been expecting something to happen quickly-a blast of light, a heartbeat of pain, and then...well she didn't know.

"Maybe we should..." someone began, when a distant boom made them all gasp and jump. Breath gripped Orchid's hand so hard it felt like she would crush the delicate bones.

"W-what was that?" someone whimpered, her voice quaking with fear.

Without warning, powerful hands grabbed Orchid, one planted firmly over her mouth, the other wrapped around her slim waist.

She heard squeaks of surprise all around her as she instinctively kicked her feet and bucked her body, shocked into struggling.

The big hands weren't hurting her, just pulling her firmly backwards, and after a moment Orchid calmed down.

"This is why I'm here," she thought, 'to be taken by the gods."

Her legs worked frantically as she tried to get her feet under her. She was being dragged effortlessly, her toes barely touching the stone floor, deeper into the darkness...

And then she was spun around, and the darkness was replaced by light...and white.

She flung her arm across her eyes, the light blazing so brightly it was like a physical blow.

That was all there was-white and light. The light didn't seem to have a source; it was everywhere, filling her universe.

At last, her eyes grew used to seeing again, and she was able to look around. Not that there was anything to see.

She seemed to be in a small, round chamber. The white was absolute.

She reached out with a shaky hand to touch. Somehow, it wasn't a wall-it was more like whiteness made solid.

She couldn't see any kind of doorway, any seam, any imperfection. In the bright silence, her breathing and pounding heart seemed impossibly loud.

"Hello?" she whispered, and the word was swallowed up by the white. The space she was in was small enough that it only took a single step to cross from one-barrier-to the other side.

She didn't feel claustrophobic, didn't feel scared, just confused. She didn't know what to do.

Time seemed to stand still as she stood, bathed in white light, her robes gleaming.

She had no idea how long she stood there, warm and waiting, as her breathing slowed to normal. She felt brave and calm, ready for whatever was going to happen next.

Orchid felt it approach, at some primal level far more basic than her senses. Like a soft breeze, it seemed to be everywhere around her, an awesome, amazing, gentle Presence.

"Child," a deep, soft voice crooned, and she couldn't tell if it was aloud, or in her head.

Even after all the years that had passed, she recognized the presence of the god Darella, and her heart soared with joy.

'He's come for me!' she thought, and with ecstatic tears in her eyes, slipped gracefully to her knees.

"I'm yours," she whispered, her mind and soul filled with the overwhelming sensation of the god-her god.

"Child," the voice purred again, and she quivered on her knees, her head swimming.

"Yes, you are mine," the god said, enveloping her entire being in it's love, "and I am very pleased with you."

Orchid could barely breathe. The god was everywhere-in her mind, her heart, her soul, and now her body. Every inch of her skin tingled with indescribable pleasure.

"Do you wish to serve me?" the voice asked. 

"Yes, yes, oh please yes," the kneeling young lady moaned, awash with both the joy of the god's presence and love and the unfamiliar flames of arousal.

"You have much more work to do, child," the god told her. Her body trembled and shuddered. Her breasts felt swollen, the nipples hard as diamond chips. Her mouth fell open as she panted, her slim hips beginning to weave and buck.

"One day, I will truly claim you for my own," the voice continued as her pleasure built to incredible heights. "Until that glorious day, you will learn. You will obey. You will please those that serve the gods."

Orchid's eyes were glazed. A fire burned in her core, centered between her legs. 

"Do you understand?" the god queried softly. "Will you obey? Will you please me?"

"Yessssssssss," she moaned, the simple reply becoming a scream of delight as the first climax of her young life roared through her body. 

In that one syllable, she told the god everything. She was his. 

Orchid's hips gave one final twitch, and her eyes rolled back in her head. The god held her gently, letting her fall slowly onto her side, her beautiful body still shuddering as she lost consciousness.

The god of Love looked at the lovely, peaceful face of his sleeping servant, and was well pleased.

XXXXXXXXXX

Orchid stretched, squirmed, then woke with a jerk, startled and disoriented. She kicked her blanket violently before she even fully realized she was in a bed.

"It's ok Sister, it's ok," she heard, and through bleary eyes saw Breath sitting on the edge of the narrow bed. Her friend put her hands on Orchid's shoulders, easing her back down to the pillow.

"What...what...where...?" Orchid babbled, the sudden burst of adrenaline making her muscles quiver.

"You're ok Sister," Breath said again. "We're all here."

Orchid rubbed her eyes and looked around. The room was just like the room she had encountered Darella, only larger and not as painfully bright. It was just big enough to squeeze in twelve cots. Two still held sleeping girls; the rest of her Sisters were awake.

Breath stroked her hair tenderly. "I saw...I met...I mean, Spira came to me," she whispered, a small, awe-struck smile on her face.

Orchid grabbed the other girl's hand and squeezed it affectionately. "Darella visited me," she replied just as softly. Remembering the events, she blushed lightly.

Breath leaned closer. "Was it...amazing?" she asked, and Orchid knew exactly what her friend was asking. She bit her lower lip and nodded slowly.

"Orchid!" a voice cried moments before Midnight dropped on her bed with a bounce and wrapped her arms around her neck, giving her a quick, fierce squeeze.

"Bout time you woke up, lazy butt," the dark haired girl giggled. "You musta got it even better than we did."

Orchid blushed darker, but the twinkle in Midnight's eyes had her smiling too.

"I never dreamed anything could be that...intense," Midnight continued, shaking her head in amazement.

"Me either."

"Or me," Breath added.

Orchid glanced around again. Ornament was just waking up, and Lily had her arms around the tiny girl, calming her much as Breath had calmed Orchid.

All of her Sisters had exchanged their gold robes for flowing white nightgowns. Looking down at herself, Orchid saw she was wearing an identical garment.

"Ok, I know we can't be dead, cuz dead people don't wake up needing to pee," Orchid said, making the other two girls laugh, "but does anyone know what's really going on?"

Heather spoke up from the next cot. "All I know for sure is, there's a lot more to being a Sacrifice then just walking through the Gate and going to Heaven."

Thistle looked over. "Well thank you Princess Obvious," she deadpanned, making them all giggle.

"All I meant was..." Heather began, smiling, when a gap appeared in the white. A figure stood in the opening, much taller than any of the girls, completely covered in a voluminous, hooded black robe.

Orchid heard Gem squeak with fear as the stranger lifted a sleeve.

"Come, girls," it said, and even the voice, soft but husky, gave no clue to it's identity or gender.

They followed the black clad figure into a narrow hallway, just as white and featureless as the room. After less than a minute, their mysterious guide stopped and looked to their right.

"Oh thank Sayennit!" Midnight groaned as the girls recognized what the twelve narrow orange half-doors meant. Hurriedly, they each entered to relieve themselves.

"That was a close call," Wisteria joked as they lined back up behind the person in black.

They walked for another minute or so, seeming to reach a dead end. Without a word, the robed figure placed a hand, hidden in it's full sleeve, against the wall.

It walked back, as if pulling open a door, and even though Orchid couldn't see anything in it's grip, a rectangular space appeared in the white.

The robed figure stood unmoving, obviously waiting, and after a pause Magenta stepped to the front of the group.

"May as well," she said as she entered.

The others followed her into another white chamber, this one significantly larger than the others they'd seen. There were three couchs, also pure white, arranged in a semi-circle, facing the door. Two plain, white chairs sat side-by-side, facing the couchs.

It was apparent the couchs were for the girls, and soon they were sitting four abreast, many of them squeezing the hands of the girls next to them.

They didn't have to wait long. An odd, scraping sound came from just outside the chamber, then two women entered.

One was tall, with short brown hair. About the age of their former Teachers, she wore a canary-yellow robe, and her left index finger sported a ring with an enormous red stone.

It was the other woman that drew every gaze.

She wasn't just elderly, she was ancient-by far the oldest person Orchid had ever seen. Her eyes seemed to have no pupils-they were a uniform milky white. She leaned on a cane as she shuffled in, and the younger woman held her left arm gently.

The old ladies hair was grey, the grey of a winter storm, her face deeply wrinkled, her tiny body stooped and bent with age. Still, Orchid and the other girls knew immediately and instinctively this was not just some old crone. Seeing her gave them all a sense of awe and wonder. It was impossible not to focus on her.

"The girls are here, old mother," the younger woman said kindly, and the ancient lady scowled.

"Yes, yes, yes Mist I know," she grumbled, her voice a sandpapery rasp. "I'm old, not stupid."

The woman in yellow smiled patiently. Orchid didn't think it was possible the old lady could see with those white eyes, but she walked, slowly but without hesitation, to stand next to the chairs.

"Well shit," she said, making the girl's eyes go wide with surprise, "let's see what we have to work with this year."

Her white eyes found a target unnerringly. "You, girl. Magenta. Come here."

Magenta gulped and turned her head to the sides, glancing at her Sisters.

"Come, come," the old woman croaked impatiently. "Get off your cute ass and let us see you."

Startled into motion, Magenta popped up from the couch and stood in front of the pair.

The old lady squeezed her forearm, touched the ends of her long, red hair, and patted her on the hip.

"A little smart-ass, aren't you?" she said in that soft, gravelly voice, her white eyes locked on Magenta's face.

"Well, ummm, well..." Magenta stammered.

"Heh," the old lady cackled, and turned her head towards the couchs again. Mist motioned the standing girl back to her spot with a tiny nod.

Ornament was called up next. "Heh, the shy ones are such fun," the lady said, making the tiny girl blush. Wrinkled, spotted hands gripped the girl's shoulders with surprising strength before she was dismissed.

Orchid saw those white eyes lock on her, and was rising to her feet even as the old woman said her name.

For a long, breathless moment, the woman just stared at her face, and Orchid wondered again if-and how-she could see.

Finally, she reached up and brushed one boney finger on Orchid's cheek. The girl shuddered, and incredibly felt a tingle of excitement between her legs.

The old lady cackled with delight. "Oh, little one, they're gonna love you!"

Then she was back on the couch, pondering the cryptic remark as tiny tongues of flame danced in her belly.

One by one, the girls were brought up to be touched and appraised, and often subjected to a cutting remark. 

"You're not as smart as you think you are," Lily was told.

"We'll find the fire beneath that ice," she said to Heather.

"You need to find some bravery," she told Wisteria.

Gem was last. The old woman pressed a hand against her stomach, then gave her full breasts a squeeze, wringing a shocked gasp from the girl.

"Hold still, brat!" the whispery voice commanded as Gem tried to squirm away. "Think your tits are that special?"

Her face red with discomfort, Gem endured another squeeze without moving. The old lady nodded with some approval.

"Better," she said, dismissing the girl, who fled to her spot on the couchs.

"Well, they're not as totally fucking hopeless as some groups," the woman mused, her milky gaze roaming over the seated girls. Orchid bit her lip. She had heard more cursing in the last fifteen minutes than she had-maybe in her entire life, and felt on the verge of hysterical giggles.

"It's a good group," Mist answered kindly. "They all are."

"Bah," the old lady snorted. "Half the time they can't find their own twats with a map and a flashlight."

"Old mother," the younger woman began, trying to sound exasperated, but she was smiling with amusement. On the couchs, a few of the girls squeaked with surprised, shocked laughter. Orchid laughed too, even though she wasn't entirely certain what the word twat meant.

"Oh don't you 'old mother' me. I was breaking in these brats before your grandfather was old enough to shave. I'll say what I want."

Mist closed her eyes and chuckled.

Orchid's head was spinning. She had never felt so off-balance.

"They'll bring your breakfast here, girls. Then I'll be back to tell you what's going on. I'm sure you'd like to know."

She looked down at the old lady. "Come, old mother, you need to eat too."

"Bossy bratling," the old woman grumbled, but allowed Mist to steer her out through the doorway. The last thing the girls heard was her sandpaper voice saying "It better not be that awful fucking oatmeal crap again."

Orchid looked at Breath, sitting beside her. Her friend's wide eyed, stunned expression perfectly matched her own feelings.

Suddenly, Flower burst into helpless giggles. In seconds, they were all roaring with laughter at the absurdity of it all, laughing until tears flowed down their cheeks.

What in the world had they gotten themselves into?

XXXXXXXXXX

They were still chuckling and wiping their eyes when a figure in one of those black, concealing robes entered, carrying a large, covered wooden tray. Orchid thought it was a different person than before-it looked taller-and wondered how he or she could see from beneath the cowl hiding it's face.

The person set the tray down across the arms of the two chairs, and retreated soundlessly. The girls looked at each other for a moment, then Magenta went over and lifted the cover.

"Breakfast," she announced.

The girls gathered round to look. Their was one big serving bowl in the middle, stacks of smaller bowls, a pile of spoons including one oversized serving spoon, and a pile of biscuits.

Orchid peered at the greyish stuff in the big bowl and pursed her lips.

Breath noted her expression and smiled affectionately. "It's oatmeal," she whispered, "or maybe gruel."

"Oh," Orchid replied without much enthusiasm, remembering how the old woman had grouched. Still, she was hungry, so she filled a bowl in turn, took a biscuit and sat down to eat.

Compared to what they were used to back at the School, it was bland and boring, but it filled their bellies. Orchid wasn't the only one who used her spoon to scrape her bowl clean.

Thistle held her empty bowl up, turning it in her hands. "Brown, white, black, grey-did someone steal all the crayons here?"

"It's a training technique," Lily said wisely. "Take away as much stimuli as possible, and it forces people to focus only on what you want them to learn."

Feather nodded. "No distractions."

"Maybe," Wisteria mused. "The question is...training for what?"

"To be friends, lovers, and play toys," came a reedy cackle. The girls jumped and squeaked as the old mother and Mist returned.

The old ladies cane tap tapped on the floor as she made her way slowly to one of the chairs. Mist quickly picked up the tray so she could sit.

"Amusements, decorations, distractions, and eventually wives," she continued as Mist motioned Gem over. She handed the girl the tray and whispered for her to collect the empty dishes from the others.

"Vens never has enough women," she grey-haired lady continued, her voice seeming to grow stronger as she warmed to her subject, "so we're stuck bringing in some of you brats every year."

"Old mother," Mist began again, but the other woman waved her off impatiently.

"Ahhh shit girl, these pampered pets have been told how special they are their whole damn lives. They need to know what they really are."

Her milky gaze pinned Lily. "You have a question, girl?"

Lily swallowed, looking uncomfortable. "Wh-what are we?"

"Rewards," Mist answered. She glanced over at Gem, standing with a full tray of dishes and looking uncertain.

"Just set it on the floor," Mist said quietly, pointing. It made the old woman cackle and shake her head.

"That's why you're here," she said. "You do what you're told to do, but not much else. Perfect prizes."

"May I, old mother?" Mist asked softly.

"Fine, fine," the elderly woman grumbled. "You tell 'em. I'll just sit here and rot."

Mist smiled indulgently, and Orchid could tell she adored the crabby old lady.

She turned to face the girls, her expression kind. "This is Vens. In this city dwell those who carry out the plans of the gods."

"The brainless drones of the gods," the old lady muttered.

"Old mother," Mist chastised gently. The other woman sneered, but hushed.

"For whatever reason, Vens has always had far more men than women. Mostly, this is a good thing. Only men can harness the power of the gods and use it to do their work in places like Mulvadora."

The older woman lifted her cane and pointed at Magenta. "That one has a question," she said. Mist looked at the sitting girl and nodded.

"Yes, thank you...old mother?" she inquired.

The old lady smirked. "Yes, you can call me that."

"Ok, so does, umm, are you saying it's not the gods that...help us?"

"Those lazy old bastards?" the woman sneered, drawing gasps from the girls with her blasphemy. "They only work when they have to. They'd rather sit on their thrones and bask in their glory. It's the drones here that do most of the daily work."

Her sightless eyes found Magenta, and her expression softened for a moment. "You're wondering about your hero Blazell?" she asked, and Magenta nodded tentatively.

"Don't. For something as big as an army attacking, it is the god himself that comes. It's a chance to show off."

Magenta looked a bit relieved, but the old lady continued. "But when it comes to the little shit...well think about it. Do you really think a god has nothing better to do than come to the rescue every time you have the fucking sniffles?"

Somehow, that made Orchid feel good. She was glad the gods had more important things to worry about than her silly little problems.

"Those routine things," Mist continued, "are taken care of by the men who live here. The best of them are rewarded for their faithful service and hard work. That's where you girls come in."




Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 02



She smiled warmly at the girls. "You were all Chosen because the gods knew you would grow up to be beautiful, obedient, loving, and sensual."

"Just what them lonely, horny buggers need," old mother added with a soft cackle.

"For the last ten years," Mist said, chuckling, "you've all been taught how to behave in public. Like demure little ladies..."

"And now you're gonna learn how to be good little sluts," the elderly woman interjected.

"Old mother!" Mist grumbled over the sounds of the girls gasping and whimpering.

"Oh pish, you know how it works. Once they get a taste they'll yearn for it."

Those white eyes focused on Orchid, shivering on the couch. "Isn't that right, girl?" she demanded.

Orchid bit her lip, but ten years of being told to never lie overcame her shyness. Blushing, biting her bottom lip, she slowly nodded.

"Heh," the old mother chuckled. "Just you wait!"

XXXXXXXXXX

The girls were practically bursting with questions, but Mist changed the subject completely. She started lecturing about the gods.

"You don't know this, but before Ardell (Chulda) came to rescue Mulvadora, he was considered a pretty inconsequential god."

There were open mouths and expressions of indignation, which she mostly ignored.

"He's a rather young god, and up to that point hadn't done anything of note. He didn't even have any true followers among the lesser gods."

The old lady's head drooped. She seemed to be napping.

"Gods are only as powerful as their worshippers. Your devotion is their food and drink. There are many gods, hundreds, thousands-who knows? All immortal, all competing for a limited number of worshippers."

She paused for a moment, as if collecting her thoughts. "When Ardell (Chulda) went to Mulvadora, he was taking an enormous risk. If he had failed-if the people of your city hadn't embraced him...he never would have recovered."

"Lady Mist?" Lily asked softly.

The woman in yellow smiled, and the old mother snorted with amusement.

"Just Mist is fine dear."

"Oh, ok," Lily said, regrouping. "Mist? Would he have died?"

Orchid felt her eyes widen. That thought was so terrifying she could barely process it.

But Mist shook her head. "No, Ardell is (Chulda) immortal. But he might never have gotten the opportunity to leave any kind of mark on the Universe. He would have been forgotten, and meaningless."

She smiled sadly. "A fate far worse than death, for a god."

"Luckily, Mulvadora was a massive success. The great god was able to use the the power he received from his worshippers to first, recruit followers from the lesser gods, and second, build this city and fill it with his servants."

"There will be around three hundred men interested in your service. Eventually, one will take you for a wife. Sometimes it happens very quickly, sometimes it takes a while, but all of you will be happily married by the end of the year."

Orchid's stomach was churning. She'd never even thought about these things, always assuming she would be sacrificed and in Heaven by now.

"Mist?" came a soft query.

"Yes, Gem?"

"Will...will the men just choose whoever they want? And take us away like...like...buying furniture?"

Mist smiled patiently at the shivering girl. "No, dear one. When the man who is meant to be your husband finds you, you will both know."

Orchid was speaking before she even realized she had a question.

"How will they find us? Will they come here?"

"No Orchid," the woman answered.

"They will come to see you dance."

XXXXXXXXXX

Once again, the questions the girls didn't get a chance to ask questions, for the old mother coughed and stirred and started to struggle to her feet.

Mist reached for her arm, but the woman shook her off. "Leave me be, girl," she grumbled, leaning heavily on her cane to leverage herself upright.

Thump-thump-thump her cane went on the floor as she moved ponderously to the far left of the room, where Ornament was sitting on the end of a couch. Orchid thought for the first time the woman truly seemed old.

"Stand up, girl," she muttered, frowning. Ornament rose, blushing, her tiny body shivering noticeably under her gown.

The old mother seemed satisfied. "So cute, so shy, so adorable," she told the girl. "There are men you will drive crazy."

She motioned the girl to lean down, and whispered something in her ear. Ornament blushed even deeper as she sat down.

A couple more thumps and she was standing in front of Heather, who stood obediently without being asked.

"So calm, so unruffled. Some will be eager to break through your ice to find the fire beneath."

Again, she had the girl bend down so she could whisper something, and Heather blinked in surprise as she returned to the couch.

Down the line the old mother went, slowly, with a comment for each girl, then a whisper that made most of them blush, squeak, or even clap a hand over their mouth to stifle a laugh.

She told Lily, "some men find intelligence to be as erotic as anything."

She told Thistle "when they start to tease, stand your ground and give it right back."

She told Flower "a happy girl makes a wonderful partner."

She told Magenta "don't let anyone tame you. Stay sassy."

To Breath, she said "so caring, so tender, so thoughtful. It may take a while, but the man who gets you will be very fortunate."

Then it was Orchid's turn. By now, the old woman's eyes were sparkling, and a small smile played on her lips.

"So much passion, just waiting to be unleashed."

Her fingers wiggled, and Orchid leaned her ear close to the woman's mouth.

"Fuck like an animal, dear. Hold nothing back."

Orchid's face was hot as she sat, the whispered words bouncing around in her brain.

Midnight stood, and the old mother made a sound that might have been an attempt to whistle.

"Best tits in the bunch. They'll line up to watch you."

The girl was already blushing when the woman continued with her whisper.

To Gem, she said "so beautiful. An absolute pearl.

She made Wisteria turn sideways, and gave her a pat on the bottom. "The gods blessed you with this big ass. Use it."

Heart was last. The old mother touched her cheek gently. 

"A creative lover is an excellent lover," she told the girl, and whatever she whispered made Heart grin.

Finished with her pronouncements, the old lady seemed to sag. She shuffled around and looked at Mist.

"Enough," she said quietly. "I'm tired."

The younger woman hurried to gently grab her free arm and began helping her from the room.

"You have the rest of the day to yourselves," she told the girls without looking back. "We'll see you in the morning."

XXXXXXXXXX

For a while, the girls barely speak. They're all trying to process the things old mother said, but they don't have any reference.

They have very little information about sex. They have no real experience with sex. Most have a vague idea of what lovers do together, but that's all.

None of them have seen a naked man.

"She," Magenta begins, her voice oddly tentative. "She told me I'd end up with a man that punishes me-and that I'd like it."

She makes a face, clearly thinking this is nonsense.

Thistle giggles. "Even as a wife, you'll have to stand in the corner."

That makes them all laugh, and breaks the tension. They start to talk-sharing hopes and fears like they always have.

Some of the girls share what old mother whispered. None of it makes much sense to them, so it helps to speculate as a group.

Orchid doesn't tell them what she heard in that whisper.

She's kind of glad she's not the only one uncertain about the mechanics of sex. There's a few theories, and Orchid thinks Gem is probably closest to correct.

"We have...like a hole, right? So men must have something that goes in the hole."

Wisteria pouts. "I can't believe she said I'm fat," she complains.

"She didn't say you were fat," Magenta reminds her. "She said you have a big ass. Not quite the same."

Some of the girls giggle, Orchid among them. She can't remember hearing any of the girls say 'ass' before. Back at the School, using a word like that would have meant being forced to stand in the corner for being naughty.

Flower leans over and gives Midnight a pat on the shoulder, but looks at Wisteria.

"Old mother said guys like big breasts, right? So maybe they like big bottoms too."

Wisteria's head jerks a little in surprise, then her expression grows thoughtful.

"Mayyy-be," she finally says, like she's trying to convince herself.

The girls chattered, comfortable with each other, coming to grips with new hopes and dreams they never thought about before because there was never any reason.

One of the black robed, silent servants brought lunch-hunks of coarse bread and a big pot of honey. It's a special treat for Orchid-honey is one of her very favorite things.

XXXXXXXXXX

The old mother mutters, propped up on her bed, not quite lying down.

She's lived far, far longer than her natural life span, and this is part of the cost. She can only be awake and alert for a few hours each day. The rest of the time is spent sleeping, or something close to sleeping, and being recharged.

It is a punishment she brought on herself, a long time ago.

So now she lies, mostly still and quiet, while one of Newlan's youngest servants tries to channel the god's power to keep her frail heart and ancient organs working for a few more hours.

Once, long ago, she was a Chosen called Jewel. Pride brought her down, pride caused her to punished with far too long a life, but it isn't pride that lets her recall she was probably the prettiest girl ever to go through the Gate.

It's honesty.

Before that, she was a lively, cute, sweet if somewhat spoiled little girl named Ishtalia.

It doesn't matter. There's no one alive who remembers her as anything but old mother. Some days, she doubts even the gods remember.

In her hazy, almost sleeping state, she thinks of the new girls. There are some beauties in the group. Gem is breathtaking to look at...little Ornament is adorable...Midnight blessed with an incredible body...but she knows she outshined them all.

The problem is, she knew it then too. She let it go to her head. She was a brat and a tease, leading men on when she had no interest in them, causing heartache for sport. It took her almost the full year's time between coming to Vens and the arrival of the next group of girls to finally choose a husband.

And then she compounded things by picking someone weak, soft, too tender hearted to give her the guidance she needed. She treated him like dirt for half a century.

After he died, it was Ardell himself who came to her. The god was so disappointed.

Even now, so many years later, a tear trickles from beneath a leathery eyelid as she remembers the great god's sadness.

She would live, he told her. She would live, and she would teach the new girls, and she would live some more.

Penance for her failure.

She wouldn't let any of them repeat her mistakes. She humbled them, kept them off balance, used every trick she knew to help them avoid the traps of pride and ego.

The god gave her one gift. She could look at a girl and see everything-all her gifts, all her strengths, all her fears, and all her faults. They could keep no secrets from her.

This was a good group, she knew. Some of them were truly wonderful girls. Breath was so caring and thoughtful it astonished her. That Lily was as smart as any girl that had ever come through the Gate. And Orchid...

Her lips moved in a tiny smile. She had to make sure that one didn't find her husband too quickly.

A gift like that needed to be shared with as many as possible.

XXXXXXXXXX

Mist returned just as the girls were finishing supper-a kind of stew, made mostly with brown rice, and a lot of different kinds of fruit.

The girls gathered on the couchs, and Mist took one of the chairs.

"I know you have questions," she began, "so ask."

They all looked at each other, then Heart spoke up.

"Who are you?"

It made Mist chuckle. "You," she answered simply.

There were a lot of puzzled looks.

"You came through the Gate? You're Chosen?"

Mist touched the end of her nose with the tip of her index finger and nodded at Lily.

"Twenty four years ago, I was sitting right where you are, feeling all the things you're feeling-nervous, excited, scared, anxious, confused-sometimes all at once."

"So you're married?" Wisteria asked.

"Yes. It took me about three months to find a husband. He's a servant of Tottle, and a wonderfully strong, smart, loving man."

"I also have a son," she continued without being asked. "In just a few years, with any luck, he'll be meeting the Chosen and looking for a wife of his own. Of course, I won't be doing this any more."

"Why not?" Gem inquired.

"Conflict of interest. It's very important that couples find each other on their own. It would be too easy for me to try and steer him towards the girl I think is right for him, instead of letting him find the one who is."

There were thoughtful nods, and they heard Feather.

"What about old mother?"

Mist smiled. "She was Chose also-a few years before me."

The girl's giggles reminded Mist of something important. They might be twenty years old by the calendar, but in many ways they were still children. They had been sheltered, pampered, and protected. As a result, they were absurdly naive. It was part of their charm, but could also be a huge shortcoming.

They would be skittish as colts. The key was to turn everything into an adventure. In the days to come, she would use that word often.

"She was amazingly beautiful. They wrote songs and poems about her. But she wasn't very humble, and she wasn't very nice."

"Is she married too?"

"She was. Her husband is long dead."

The questions stopped after that, and Mist eventually lifted a big bag onto her lap.

"Girls, I have something for each of you."

She reached into the bag and pulled out a colorful little bundle.

"Lily," she said, and the girl stood to take it from her, her eyes glittering with excitement.

Soon, each girl had a bundle.

"Go ahead," Mist said, and the girls unwrapped their prizes eagerly.

"One of the things you have to get used to is different clothes. Less clothes, to be precise. This is step one."

Orchid held up the contents of her package. There was a pair of pants, bright green, and a tiny scrap of black cloth.

She looked at the other girls. All of them had been given pants in a blindingly bright color-orange, purple, sky blue-and that other-headband? she guessed.

"Who wants to be first?"

The girls all looked at Mist, fidgeting. After a moment, Orchid's curiosity helped her be brave.

"I will," she announced, standing up.

Mist gave her a warm smile. "Excellent!"

She led Orchid a few steps away from the couch, turning her so she faced away from the rest of the group, and stood behind her, partially blocking the view of the other girls.

"Take off your gown and put the slacks on first."

Orchid gulped, suddenly feeling very nervous. Yes, she'd been naked in front of her Sisters more times than she could count-they used to shower together almost every day-but this felt very different.

She took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and slipped out of the white gown, glad that the older woman's body was giving her a tiny bit of concealment.

She had to wiggle into the pants. Unlike the outfits she had worn at the School, these fit very snugly, clinging to her thighs and squeezing around her waist and bottom.

"Ok, here's how the top works."

Orchid's eyes grew even wider as Mist took the little black cloth and started to wrap it around her torso. That tiny thing was a top?

Mist unfolded it so the widest part was in the front, set it on top of Orchid's full breasts, and brought the thinner end around under her arms. She tied a quick knot between the girl's shoulder blades.

Then she put her hands on the girl's bare shoulders, turning her to face the others.

Orchid blushed deeply. The tiny top hung free, barely covering her nipples, and flapped a little every time she moved. She wanted to grab it with both hands and hold it in place.

Mist took a step back and smiled. "Beautiful!" 

The rest of the girls snuck furtive glances at their Sister, amazed, stunned and scandalized. The shyer girls were trembling at the thought of wearing something so revealing.

Mist clapped her hands sharply. "Come, come, who's next?"

One by one, the girls stood up and changed into the new clothes. Soon, she had them all standing in a row, a huge grin on her face.

"Each of you is a sexy vision!" she proclaimed.

She stood in front of Ornament, who looked like she was on the verge of tears.

"How do you feel, dressed like this?"

The girl could barely talk. "Em-embarrassed," she squeaked.

Mist touched her hair gently. "Don't be, sweet one. You are a beautiful, desirable young lady. Never be embarrassed about it."

Ornament gamely tried to smile. The older woman leaned close.

"New things are always scary," she whispered. "Be brave and adventurous."

Orchid looked around the room, at her Sisters, and was struck by two thoughts. First, they were all so pretty! She thought of all the women and girls she had seen during their excursions into the City, back in Mulvadora. She couldn't recall ever seeing anyone as lovely as the girls in this room.

And second, she realized she was too. Ok, maybe Gem and a couple of the other girls had prettier faces-maybe Heather and Flower had longer legs-maybe Midnight had bigger breasts-but not by much. Overall, she felt like she matched up with any of them.

It made her smile. 'A gift I can give to the gods,' she thought. 

"One minute," Mist said, and left the chamber. Several of the girls tried to adjust their tiny tops and cover themselves more, but it was futile. Except for the girls like Thistle and Ornament who had small breasts, they were forced to accept showing a lot.

Orchid started to tug hers down a little lower, and to her surprise saw her nipples were erect, denting out the soft fabric. Wearing such a skimpy top was actually thrilling to her!

She bit her lower lip and blushed, hoping none of the other girls noticed. Her eyes went to the floor, not looking at her Sister's faces, or chests, not wanting to know if any of them felt the same way.

It took a lot longer than a minute, but Mint returned with yet another bag, and handed out more articles of clothing.

"Wear your gowns to sleep," she told them as they held up short pants in the same bright color as the slacks they were already wearing. "Tomorrow, after breakfast and a shower, change back into what you're wearing now, and bring your new shorts."

She smiled warmly at the girls. "And we'll begin to teach you how to go from pretty-to devastating."

*****

This seems like a good place to pause for now. If you made it this far, thank you and don't worry-the good stuff starts soon!



Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 03



"Ok girls, we just want you to walk to the end of the hallway and back," Mist told them. "You're in no hurry. Just a casual stroll."

A woman a little older than Orchid and her Sister, who hadn't been introduced or said a word, began playing a slow, soft tune on a pianoforte. The girls followed each other down the hall, dressed in their new, very tight slacks and embarrassingly tiny tops.

Orchid was acutely aware of the way the little top flapped as she walked, her nipples peeking out from underneath with each step. The floor was cool under her bare feet, and without even realizing it, her steps began to match the rhythm of the song.

They had spent years learning how to make even something as mundane as strolling down a hall a graceful act, and moved smoothly through their lap, returning to wear Mist stood and the old mother sat in a chair, watching and judging.

The younger woman nodded and frowned thoughtfully. "Not bad," she said in approval. "We can work with this."

"Bah!" the old mother spat. "It's like watching buffalo, the way they stomp!"

The girl's faces burned, insulted but unwilling to say anything and risk the elderly woman's sharp tongue. They didn't need to defend themselves-Mist did it for them.

"Oh poo," she said. "It's fine."

She turned to the girls. "You're all graceful and smooth. The problem is, you're also reserved. Controlled. Far too demure."

She smiled. "What you want to be is sensual. Seductive. Feline, even. You want to draw the attention of every eye."

She loosened her robe and let it slide down her body. "Watch, now," she said, and took her own walk.

The girls gaped, their mouths open. They'd never seen a woman wear such a revealing outfit. Mist's top was even smaller than their own, and her bottoms were scandalous-little more than a tiny triangle in front, with thin strings that wrapped around her narrow hips and between her otherwise bare buttocks.

They'd never seen shoes like hers before either. On Mulvadora, woman wore flat sandals or slippers, or warm boots when the weather was cold. In their brief time on Vens, the girls had gone barefoot. 

Mist was wearing open toed shoes that had a narrow spike at the back, making it look like she was walking on her tiptoes. To Orchid, it looked very uncomfortable.

"Watch my feet," Mist called out softly as she turned. The girls how she took short steps, and placed her feet almost directly in front of each other, as if she was walking on an invisible straight line.

She stopped to show them exactly how her feet landed, the heel of the front foot directly in front of the toes of the back.

"This time, watch my hips," she said, and started another circuit. With each step, her hips twitched from side to side, making her bottom jiggle alluringly.

"Don't swing your hips," she told them. "Don't overdo it. Just let your body flow naturally."

"Your shoulders will move too," she said as she walked back towards them. "That's good. It makes your breasts bounce and sway."

She stopped and put her hand on Gem's shoulders, smiling as she addressed the whole group. 

"Your walk should be a dance," she instructed. "rhythmic and lovely. You have beautiful bodies. Be proud of them. Display them proudly. They are a gift from the gods."

Her hand moved onto Gem's back, and she guided the girl around her. "Give it a try, sweetheart," she encouraged.

With a gulp, Gem began walking. She was awkward at first, thinking about where to put her feet, but after a few steps got the hang of it.

"Remember," Mist continued telling them, "you want to draw attention to yourself. You want to be noticed, to be looked at, to be admired and desired."

She smiled at Gem as she re-joined the group, and sent Flower on her way. The old mother sat in her chair, silent and scowling.

"Not bad at all," Mist said, smiling at Gem. To Flower, she called softly "don't rush, sweetheart. You're not trying to get it over with."

They could see the girl slow down, and Orchid thought it helped. Flower swayed prettily, and Orchid found herself silently thinking "step...step...step..." as she tried to follow the rhythm of the music.

One by one, the girls were sent down the hall to walk a lap or sometimes two, and given instruction, criticism, and praise. 

"Relax," Mist told Heather, turning her to walk again. "You're way too tense. Flex your knees, remember to breathe, and use the music."

Old mother let the first few girls attempts pass without comment, but when Ornament took her turn, she could hold her tongue no longer.

"Girl, you look like you're walking to your own execution," she grumbled, shaking her head.

"Smile," she told the girl. "Stand up straight and enjoy what you're doing. This is supposed to be fun! You're learning how to be beautiful when you walk, not being punished!"

Mist put an arm around the tiny girl's shoulders and whispered in her ear. Orchid could see her take a couple deep, slow breaths, and she walked the hallway again.

"A little better," old mother said grudgingly when she was done.

Wisteria went next, and when she got back to the group old mother called her over to her chair.

"You, girl, need to do it different. Forget about not swinging your hips. You need to shake that big butt."

She stretched out her thin arms, holding her hands about six inches from Wisteria's hips.

"When you walk, pretend there's a target on each side of you-right here," she said as the girl looked down. "You want to hit those targets with every step."

Wisteria walked again, this time tossing her hips from side to side. 

"A little less, dear," Mist called. Orchid thought she looked kind of silly, but the woman were pleased. Mist gave the girl a warm smile as she returned, and even old mother nodded her approval.

When it was Breath's turn, Orchid felt her fists clench, hoping her friend would do well. She thought Breath looked graceful and feminine, but the old mother was not pleased.

Girl, you walk like you're trying to stamp out a fire. Walk soft! You're not a marching soldiers, you're a pretty girl. Gliiiide," she growled.

"Step more on your toes and the balls of your feet," Mist added as the girl tried again.

Midnight was also encouraged to lift her heels, adding a little bounce to her steps-and to her ample bosom. The girl flushed, partly in pride and partly in embarassment, as her breasts shook and wobbled.

Then Orchid was up. She took a deep breath, trying to relax and let her movements flow.

"Ugh!" the old mother grumbled. "Girl, you're about as graceful as a carp in a corn field."

"You're stiff," Mist told her. "Stiff and thinking way too much about what you're doing. Free your mind, sweetheart. Let your body move the way it wants to move."

Chastised and humbled, she tried again. Old mother of course scowled at her, but Mist gave her a nod.

"That's a little better. Try this," she said. She arranged Orchid's arms so her left hand was on her hip, the fingers pointing at the floor, and her right arm was bent at the elbow, her hand waist high.

Orchid moved down the hall again, and the new position of her arms seemed to help. Her walk flowed, seeming smoother.

"You've got a long way to go, girl," old mother grumbled, "but at least you don't look like you're gonna fall on your face that way."

Orchid gave the old woman a small smile, recognizing that (from her) that was praise.

One by one, the rest of the girls took their turn. Heart also heard some harsh words, the old mother telling her 'you look you're struggling in a hurricane.' 

Mist smiled at the girls as she helped the old mother to her feet. "For now, try to walk that way all the time. Don't think of it as practice. Practice is the same as work. Think of it as a new trick, and have some fun with it."

Naturally, Flower took the woman's words to heart. As soon as the girls were alone in the hall, she grabbed Wisteria by the hand and they walked together, both swinging their hips in an exaggerated motion, bumping hips with every step as the other girls laughed.

XXXXXXXXXX

The girls sat on their couchs, giggling like little kids as Mist talked about...well, talking.

"How many of you ever got in trouble for saying a bad word?" she asked, and several hands went up.

She pointed at Magenta. "What did you say, dear?"

Magenta looked at her feet. "I...I called the girl I was sharing a room with a bitch," she confessed in a small voice.

Mist smiled at the girl, obviously amused. "Tell me dear-what do you call a bitch when she's ready to mate?"

Magenta thought for a moment. "In heat?" she asked uncertainly.

The woman nodded. "Now say the whole thing."

Magenta hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. Finally, very quietly, she almost whispered "B-bitch in heat."

Mist gave the girl a encouraging smile. "Excellent!"

She looked at the others. "That's a good phrase to remember," she told them, her eyes twinkling.

There were more giggles, and old mother pointed her cane at Heart.

"You, the creative one. Say a dirty word."

Heart gulped and thought for a second. "Ummm...boobs?"

Mist chuckled, and the old mother barked laughter. "Boobs? Are you kidding me?"

Heart blushed, and the old lady waggled her cane tip again.

"Try 'tits'," she suggested.

"T-tits," Heart replied, blushing even deeper.

The cane moved, pointing at Midnight. "Say 'my big titties.'"

The girls continued to giggle and blush, caught up in the playful, naughty game. Soon, the cane was pointing at Orchid.

Obediently, she repeated the phrase 'big hot tits', by far the dirtiest words she'd ever said.

There was more. Mist taught them jugs, melons and hooters, and grinning girls dutifully repeated the funny, sexy words.

Orchid was chosen again, to say 'throbbing nipples,' and the words made her aware of her own nipples, visible under her tiny top. Unfamiliar sparks of heat danced in her lower belly as the game continued.

She was acutely aware of her tight slacks, and the way they pressed firmly between her legs. She wanted to squirm and wriggle, and had to fight to keep her breathing slow and regular.

She glanced around. Some of the girls were fidgeting, but none of them seemed to be squirming the way she wanted to. She blushed softly, trying to keep her arousal a secret.

Mist smiled warmly at the happy girls. "All right, that's almost enough for today. Just one more thing..."

She pointed at each girl in turn and had them say 'fuck'. Orchid could barely hold back a groan of desire as she said that forbidden word out loud.

As Mist helped the old mother to her feet, the cane waved again.

"How many of you girls feel aroused right now?"

Most of the girls hesitantly lifted a hand, Orchid among them.

"Do not," the elderly lady warned emphatically, "do not try to pleasure yourself. The gods strongly disapprove. Your bodies and your passion belong to them, and to their servants. Savor your heat-it is a gift from the gods."

"And keep up the sexy walking," Mist added as they left the room, old mother leaning on her arm.

The blushing, giggling girls looked at each other.

"It's gonna be a lonngg night," Flower said laughing.

XXXXXXXXXX

They showed off their walks the next couple mornings, and blushed and giggled their way through learning dirty words in the afternoon (Orchid finally learned what 'twat' meant), than Mist added to their outfits again.

First, she had the girls change from their bright colored slacks into the shorts she had given them-right there in the hall, in front of each other, Mist, old mother, and the silent pianoforte player. The girls laughed, blushed and squeaked as they struggled into the skin tight garments, dancing and even jumping to pull them into place.

The shorts weren't really that short-they covered a good four inches of thigh, but simply exposing that much leg was a new experience. And the stretchy material clung to their hips and rumps, showing off every curve and jiggle.

Oddly, it was at the top that the shorts seemed most scandalous. The distance from the crotch to the waistband was so small it barely covered the top of the girl's bottoms.

Orchid also found that if she tried to tug them up higher, they dug uncomfortably between her legs.

And then they got shoes! Not flats either-the soles sloped up from the toes to heels, adding a full two inches to each girls height.

Even those little heels made most of the girls wobble. They had spent most of their lives either barefoot or wearing simple flat shoes. Still, as she adjusted and got used to the change in her balance, Orchid could see the appeal of the shoes.

Looking at her Sisters, she could see how the heels lift seemed to lengthen their legs, accentuate their bottoms, and force them to stand up straighter to stay balanced, let alone look graceful.

Old mother alternated between cackling laughter and insults as she watched the girls stumble in the unfamiliar heels, but they got the rhythm fairly quickly. Up on her toes, walking with her feet aligned, Orchid couldn't help the way her hips swayed, and her full breasts wobbled under her skimpy top.

Her calves and toes got a little sore after a while, but Mist assured the girls their muscles would adjust and strengthen.

"Anyway, men love them," she said, "so we wear them. Me, I'm so used to heels that it actually is more uncomfortable to wear flats. My feet and legs are used to being in this position."

To celebrate, the girls also got their ears pierced. Mist did it herself, putting small, bright red stones in each girl's lobe.

"The color tells everyone you're still a virgin," she explained. "After your first night, you'll be allowed to switch wear other colors, or even hoops."

She flicked her hair back, showing the small gold hoops that dangled from her own delicate ears.

She warned each girl that they'd feel a little poke. Orchid barely noticed, but a few of the girls yelped, and little Ornament actually started to cry.

That made old mother cackle with glee. "Adorable," she said, wheezing with amusement. "Their hasn't been a prize like you come through the Gate in many a year."

XXXXXXXXXX

One night, an hour or so after the girls finished a typical uninspiring supper of black beans and rice, pear slices, and milk, Mist surprised them by appearing in the doorway.

"Something special tonight, girls," she said, and took them to a new chamber. Their was a big oval table with thirteen chairs. On the table were several bottles of amber liquid, jugs of water, and a glass for each of them.

Mist opened one of the bottles and poured a small amount into each glass, then filled them the rest of the way with water. She swirled the drinks around to mix them, then gave one to each girl.

Smiling, she stood up and raised her glass. "This is called a toast," she told them.

"To happy days and sexy nights!"

Some of the girls giggled.

"Now, touch your glass gently with the girl next to you, and take a drink."

Orchid naturally was sitting next to Breath, her best friend, but she turned the other way, so Orchid tapped glasses with Gem.

She made a little face when she tasted the drink. She wasn't the only one. Ornament actually went 'blech' and set her glass down, frowning.

Mist laughed softly. "It's a bit of an acquired taste."

She raised her glass again. "This time, toast with the person on the other side."

"To good friends and good times," she said, and there were more soft clicks as the girls touched glasses.

The second taste wasn't as bad, and Orchid felt a nice warmth in her stomach. Lily was looking at her drink thoughtfully, and from across the table Magenta caught Orchid's eye and raised an eyebrow, as if to ask 'what do you think?'

Mist offered one more toast, then let the girls try. 

"To people who laugh at my dumb jokes," Thistle offered.

"To happy dreams," Heart said.

Mist refilled everyone's glasses, and to their surprise started talking about her life before she came through the Gates.

"I had an older brother, a younger brother, and a baby sister," she told them. "My dad was a very quiet man, but he took good care of us."

She got a far away look in her eyes. "And I still remember my mother was beautiful."

She looked around the table. "Even though I've been blessed here, with a wonderful husband, a happy life, and the chance to meet so many sweet girls just like you...sometimes I can't help but wonder how it would have been if I hadn't been Chosen."

She sipped her drink, and most of the girls imitated her. 

"And I wonder if they ever think about me. I hope their happy back in Mulvadora."

Orchid felt her eyes shine with emotion, when suddenly Magenta, of all the girls, started to cry. 

"I miss my big brother," she said. "He was so cool!"

Heather and Flower hugged her, and for the first time, the girls began to talk about the families they'd left behind.

The words flowed freely. There were a few tears, but more loud laughs, and soon Mist was gathering empty glasses and filling them again.

The girls hadn't noticed, but she was still nursing her first drink.

The discussion kept getting louder, and sillier, and the girls started throwing out the curse words they'd learned-with a few hesitant glances at Mist.

She laughed and nodded the first time Magenta said 'fuck', then cringed.

"It's all right. Tonight it's ok to use those words."

Soon, all the girls, even the quiet ones like Ornament and Heather, were laughing and swearing, trying to out-do one another with their bad language.

Orchid felt fantastic-warm and relaxed, loose and happy. She couldn't remember the last time she'd laughed as much.

As Mist poured a fourth round of drinks, Lily touched her fingers to her tongue.

"My mouth is dry," she said. "How can I be thirsty when I'm drinking so much?"

Mist laughed and shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, sweetheart," she said. "It just happens."

After a couple more swallows, Mist clapped her hands.

"Let's dance," she said.

Orchid grinned. What a wonderful idea! But when she started to stand up, the room seemed to sway alarmingly.

"Whoa!" she cried, but her voice was drowned out in the general uproar.

Their attempts at dancing were hilarious. None of the girls could seem to get their feet to obey. 

"Fuck, I forgot how to dance!" Breath cried out, and Orchid thought it was the funniest thing she'd ever heard.

Mist was tapping a fast beat on the table with her hands, and singing a silly song about a duck hunting fish underwater, as the girls stumbled and staggered around.

"If old mother saw how we were dancing, she'd go nuts!" Midnight laughed.

"You mean she'd go fucking nuts," Thistle added, and the girls howled.

Wisteria lost her balance completely, and went stumbling through the group. She managed to grab Heart and Heather by the arms, and the three of them fell heavily, laughing and hugging.

Flower tried to do a simple spin and plopped down on her bottom instead.

"Oww!" she squealed.

"If you had a big ass like me, that wouldn't hurt!" Wisteria teased.

Finally, Mist called them back to the table. "That's enough, girls. Let's sit down before someone gets hurt."

As they finished their fourth drink and started their fifth, the conversation grew emotional and maudlin. There were many declarations of undying friendship, reminders of small kindnesses done in the past, teary apologies for long-forgotten slights and insults, and many, many hugs.

Orchid's head was swimming. She could barely focus her eyes.

Mist set another full glass in front of her, and she squinted and grinned.

"Fuck yea!" she hollered. "That's what I need!"

Her lips were numb, and she was having trouble talking right. She tried to say something to Thistle, but called her Titsell instead, and by the time they were done laughing she couldn't remember what she was going to say.




Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 03



The end of the night was a fuzzy blur. She remembered Ornament moaning 'I don't feel good', then sliding gently off her chair to curl up on the floor.

She remembered Gem suddenly lurching up from her chair and staggering to the back of the room to throw up. It seemed like the funniest thing ever.

The last thing she remembered was Magenta muttering 'can someone please stop making the fucking room spin?'

XXXXXXXXXX

She was awoken the next morning by the sound of someone moaning 'dear Harstell, please help me!'

Her whole body ached. Her eyes seemed crusted shut, and when she tried to move, she added her own moan to the room. Her head was pounding, and her stomach churned.

She heard Mist whisper 'there's a bucket next to your bed if you need it, and juice if you want some'.

Someone near her was being loudly sick, and the sounds and smell overwhelmed her. With a whimper of agony, Orchid rolled on her side and groped blindly for her bucket.

XXXXXXXXXX

The girls were left alone all morning. The only disturbances were the black-robed servants, slipping in to remove the disgusting used buckets and replace them with clean ones.

All the girls were miserable. Red eyes, pale faces, blank stares. There was very little talking, and more than a few of them just went back to sleep.

Orchid tried to drink some juice, because she was so thirsty, but just threw it back up. Finally she gave up, pulled her blanket over her head, and softly moaned herself to sleep.

It wasn't until long after a nearly untouched lunch of (ironically) toast that Mist brought them to the other room. Orchid felt a little better, but her hands shook and her legs wobbled as she followed the woman down the hall.

None of the girls were doing their graceful, sexy walks. They stumbled and staggered, often reaching out to touch the wall and keep their balance.

This time, there were mugs of warm herbal tea on the table.

"Drink," Mist told them. "It will help-I promise."

It wasn't in the girl's nature to disobey, but they all sipped warily.

"Last night was an important lesson," Mist told the hurting girls.

"None of you had ever drank alcohol before. When you dance, many of the men will offer you drinks like the ones you had last night."

Orchid shuddered. 

'I'll never touch that stuff again,' she thought.

"You needed to know-first hand-what happens when you drink to much," Mist continued. "You saw that you can't dance when you're drunk."

She smiled gently. "And now you know what the next day is like."

There were groans and rueful chuckles.

"The people that work at the club know to give you girls drinks that don't have any alcohol in them. You just need to be careful of the ones the men give you."

The tea was helping, Orchid noted. Her head felt clearer, and her stomach was settling down.

"Does anyone want to get drunk again tonight?" 

"Oh fuck no, please," Magenta whimpered.

"Not tonight or any night," Flower added.

Mist nodded. "Good. Then this lesson has been well learned.

XXXXXXXXXX

Two weeks flew past. The girls had moved up to four inch heels, and weren't just walking in them-they were dancing too.

Mist worked hard teaching the girls new moves. She brought them to a room that had black circles and squares drawn on the floor, and guided each girl to the center of one.

"You'll be dancing on platforms about this size," she explained, "so it's important to learn to how much room you have to maneuver in. Otherwise, you'll fall off-and that's never sexy."

She showed the girls how to take the dances they already knew and incorporate sexy new steps. They learned how to gyrate, how to show off their luscious bodies, how to dance on their knees and even squirming on their backs.

They practiced bending over and wiggling, flaunting their backsides; laying on the 'platform' with their feet in the air, opening and closing their legs; and the bustier girls like Midnight and Orchid spent time learning how to shake their shoulders to make their breasts the focus.

The lessons came every day. How to make eye contact with a smokey, seductive expression; how to flutter their lashes cutely; how to move their hands on their bodies, teasing any watchers with the promises of delights to come.

Dancing was a lot of fun, and a chance to be creative. There were basic moves of course, but each girl was given the freedom to use her dance to express herself.

"Honesty," Mist would say. "Let your personality and your mood shine through. Some nights you might feel playful, others joyous, still others subdued. Let the men see that."

For Orchid, it was also very arousing. She loved to use a move where she bent at the waist, scrunched her shoulders together, and showed off her ample cleavage-so much so that Mist warned her not to over do it.

The last major trick they learned was to go to elbows and knees, squirming and crawling like a cat. Ornament confessed she liked that move best, because she could let her long hair hide her face, blocking her view of the room and allowing her to forget about any audience and just enjoy dancing.

"If it works for you," Mist said, smiling. "Another thing you can do is just dance for one man at a time. Even if it's only for a few seconds, forget everyone and everything else in the room and focus on that one person."

Ornament giggled. She knew her shyness was an asset, and while she was nowhere near as inhibited as she'd been at first, she still blushed easily, and stammered and whispered the words they were taught to use in private.

By now, the rest of the girls could say words and phrases they'd never even thought of before without blushing or giggling. Orchid still got a thrill when she said something like 'wet little cunt' or 'fuck me deeper', and looked forward with nervous excitement to the night she could say them to one of Darella's servants.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Who are those people in black?" Magenta asked one day. "The ones that bring our meals and clean the rooms?"

The corners of Mist's mouth turned down.

"They are criminals that offended the gods."

"Dumb asses," old mother added with disgust.

"They are blasphemers?" Lily asked.

"Far worse that that, child," Mist told her. "They deliberately committed evil deeds to go with their evil thoughts."

Heart looked worried. "Are we safe with them here?"

The old woman cackled. "Oh yes. It's part of their punishment. Any pain they inflict on another rebounds back on them a hundred times over."

"How long do they have to...be punished?" Breath asked.

Mist shook her head sadly. "Until the gods release them. And gods have many things to deal with that are far more important than those sinners. Most will wear the black for decades."

The girls fidgeted, disquieted by the thought.

"Relax, brats," old mother barked. "Trust me, they deserve every day of their punishment. And none of you have to worry. To end up in the black robes, you have to do something truly vile. The gods don't punish the kind of little screw ups you're capable of."

She thumped her cane on the floor. "But I might smack somebody if you keep trying to waste time with questions instead of working on your dances!"

XXXXXXXXXX

"Girls, I have good news," Mist told them one morning. "We're almost done here. In four days, we'll move you to your new quarters at the club. That night, half of you will make your debuts."

Orchid gulped and looked around the room, and saw a lot of pale faces and wide eyes.

Mist smiled gently. "Don't worry, my darlings. You're ready. There's just a few more things to touch on first."

She went to the doorway and waved an arm, and a woman joined her.

She was tall and thin, dressed in grey slacks and a white blouse. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun, and her expression was stoney.

The word that popped into Orchid's head when she looked at the woman was 'severe'.

"She's the kind of person that schedules one smile a year, whether she's happy or not," Midnight joked that evening.

"Girls, meet Alma. She's the manager of the club, and will be in charge of you as long as you're there."

The woman nodded once, slowly, as she scanned the girls, her gaze appraising and critical.

"You know what's expected of you," she said in a monotone. "I know you'll do well."

She gave Mist another slow nod, and left the room.

The old mother cackled at the girl's concerned expressions.

"Don't let Alma intimidate you," Mist told them. "Yes, she's cold as ice, but she's also very good at what she does. Listen to her. She knows what she's talking about."

"She's your boss, not your friend," old mother added.

"Will..." Heart began to say, then waited for a 'go ahead' nod from Mist.

"Will we see you there?"

"Oh yes. I'll come check on you a couple times a week."

There were sighs of relief at that welcome news.

XXXXXXXXXX

The first thing they did was split the girls into two groups. Orchid, along with Breath, Wisteria, Gem, Thistle, and Heart, would be the second group. The other six would make their debuts the first night. That way, they could alternate and not have to dance and entertain every night.

They had two more lessons, and for most of the girls they were the hardest ones of all.

Mist came in that afternoon with a very large bag. When she set it down, it clattered like it was full of firewood.

"How many of you girls have ever seen a naked man?"

The girls looked at each other, but no hands went up.

"That's the usual answer," she said, smiling. "Your innocence is a big part of your appeal. However, we do want you to have some knowledge-some idea of what you're getting into."

She opened her bag and gave each girl a nearly identical object. Smooth, featureless, the tapered wooden cylinders were about twice the thickness of Orchid's thumb, and maybe seven inches long.

"These are not meant to be life-like," Mist said as the girls held and stared at their prizes. "Real penises have bumps, veins, and bulges-but these will give you an approximate idea."

She pulled one more out of the bag, and held it herself.

"Remember, always be gentle with it," she said as her hand started to stroke up and down. "Just like what's between your legs, a man's private parts can be tender, and easily injured."

Some of the girls began imitating her movements, Orchid among them. She felt a tingle in her belly as her small hand caressed the smooth wood.

"Now," Mist continued, "if you're in a situation where you've got one in your hand, always call it a cock. Can you all say that for me?"

"Cock," the girls chorused, some hesitantly and timidly.

Mist nodded, satisfied. "Your man's cock will be the focus of your attention in a sexual situation. When in doubt, when you're not sure what to do, you can never go wrong touching it."

The girls smiled and giggled, playing with the wooden toys.

"However, when you're talking to man, especially a naked man, never say *just* cock. It's always better to say big cock."

She made a motion with her hand, and the girls dutifully repeated the phrase.

"Men have a few universal traits you can use, and even exploit. One is they all want to have that part complimented."

"Is this...is this really how big a man is?" Heart asked.

"Pretty close. Oh, there's some variation, but for the most part, most men are right around this size."

Orchid looked at the piece of wood in her hands, assessing how something that size would feel inside her.

Mist grinned. "But it doesn't matter. Even if it's quite a bit smaller than average, you still call it a big cock."

"You may like the man you're with," she crooned as the girls stroked their toys, "you may think he's handsome...sexy...desirable...or not. But no matter what your opinion of the man is, always love and crave the cock."

Orchid could barely sit still. Her breath came in ragged, panting little gasps, and she wet her lips again and again, her pink tongue flickering out of her mouth.

"Please the cock, and you please the man. Please the man, and you please the gods," Mist continued.

"I can't!"

Orchid's head popped up. Breath had leapt to her feet, holding the phallus at arm's length, her eyes wide and panicky.

"I cant, I can't, I can't!" she cried, shaking her head, her eyes filled with terrified tears.

"Oh, dear," Mist said with sympathy, hurrying to the girl. Orchid looked with dismay at her nearly hysterical friend.

Mist folded the crying girl into her arms. "Shhh...shhhh..." she said softly.

"Please...I can't do this...it's too much..." Breath whimpered.

"Shhh...it's ok sweetheart. Breathe. Deep, slow breaths. Relax. You're ok."

Breath leaned against the older woman, shuddering. "I'm sorry," she whimpered. "I just can't."

Mist tenderly stroked her hair. "Come, little one. You need to calm down." 

She took the girl's hand and started to lead her from the chamber. Breath balked and tried to pull away, her eyes again widening with fear.

Mist put her other arm around the girl's shaking shoulders. "It's ok, little one. You're not in trouble. No one's mad at you. You just need to relax."

She gave Breath a motherly kiss on the cheek. "No one's going to hurt you. I promise."

Breath looked up into the woman's eyes, her face wet with tears. After a long moment, she swallowed audibly and nodded.

Mist led the shivering girl away, still murmuring soft words of reassurance. 

"Fucking children," old mother smirked when they were gone. "There's always one."

Mist was back in a few minutes, alone.

"Is...is she ok?" Orchid asked nervously.

The woman smiled softly. "She'll be fine. She just needs a little time alone to calm down."

She looked at Orchid, aware of the deep friendship between the two girls. "She's fine," she said again.

Mist looked over the group. "I know this can all be scary. If you find yourself starting to panic, think of your god. Always remember he's watching over you, and always remember he will protect you."

She let the girls think on that for a minute, then clapped her hands quietly. 

"Now then...where were we?"

XXXXXXXXXX

Orchid was in the hallway, wearing her highest heels and trying to gracefully wiggle her butt as she walked, when Breath reappeared.

The girl was barefoot, and seemed unsteady, swaying as she meandered closer.

"Breath!" Orchid squeaked in concern, rushing to wrap her arms around her friend before she could fall.

Breath's eyes were glazed and unfocused. 

"Are you ok? Are you ok?" Orchid asked anxiously.

Breath looked at her for a long time, then finally a dazed smile flickered across her face.

"Sister!" she said, softly and happily. "Oh Sister...oh wow."

"Talk to me, sis," Orchid said gently, laying her palm on Breath's cheek.

"I'm ok," she said slowly. "Better than ok. I'm...wow," she repeated.

They were near the now-empty chamber with the couchs, so Orchid steered her dazed Sister inside and helped her sit down.

"What happened?"

Breath looked up, and Orchid realized her eyes were glazed with joy...with rapture.

"You won't believe it sis. I barely believe it."

"What? What?"

A single tear trickled down Breath's cheek as she spoke.

"He came to me sis. Ardell himself came and spoke to me."

Orchid could feel her mouth fall open. She was so amazed she forgot to show devotion by saying 'Chulda'.

"The great god came to you?"

Breath nodded, slowly and emphatically. Her expression was beatific.

"What did he say?" Orchid demanded.

"He told me he loved us. He told me..." Breath paused, blinking rapidly, and took a deep breath.

"He told me as long as I had faith...as long as I served him with a pure heart...with love and devotion...that he would watch over and protect me."

Orchid bent down and kissed her friend's cheek tenderly. "You have the purest, most beautiful heart of anyone I've ever known, my Sister."

Breath smiled warmly, then her eyes lost focus again. Her voice seemed to come from far away.

"He has so much power Sister...and so much love for us...all of us. To feel it, even just a little of it, was...there are no words."

Breath looked at her Sister and chuckled. "Remember that first night? When Darella visited you?"

Orchid laughed. "How could I forget?"

"Multiply it by a million. By infinity. Not the pleasure-he didn't touch me like that. Just the...just the *presence*."

Breath squeezed her friend's hand tightly. "All my fears and doubts are gone. I know this isn't just what I'm supposed to do-it's what I want to do."

She looked deep into Orchid's eyes. "I will be the best servant I can be. I will give Ardell (Chulda, Orchid remembered to answer) everything I am. My heart, my mind, my body and my soul."

Her smile was ecstatic. "I will make him proud. I will deserve his love," she finished.

Beaming, Orchid hugged her Sister warmly.

"We all will."

XXXXXXXXXX

The girls dressed in their shorts and tiny tops, slipped on their high heels, and headed to the dance chamber. They chattered and giggled, but there was a little 'whistling in the dark' quality to it, this close to what Lily called 'another leap into the unknown.'

They all felt a little nervous and wound up, easy to startle or laugh. Orchid had agreed whole heartedly with Mist when she reminded them the anticipation is often worse than the event.

"Wow," Heather exclaimed softly as she entered the room first.

"Oh my."

"This is new."

All the girls had a surprised comment as they clumped together just inside the doorway.

There were musicians in the room-not just a fortepiano, but also a drummer, a harpsichordist, a piper, a cellobassist, and a horn player.

And they were all male.

"Come, come, brats," old mother hissed impatiently. "Did you think you were gonna hum happy tunes while you danced?"

That made a few of the girls giggle, and they spread out as they moved into the room. Orchid was very aware of being mostly naked in front of men for the first time, but the musicians paid the girls little attention, instead fiddling with their instruments, obviously preparing to play.

There were a few dischordant bleats and squeals as they checked their tuning, and then the piper raised a hand, indicating they were ready.

Old mother clapped her hands. "Let's go, let's go," she grumbled. "First group, get your cute asses in a circle. Second group, sit your butts down and pay attention."

Orchid sat on the floor, in a line with her Sisters, and watched as the first six girls slowly moved to stand in one of the dance circles drawn on the floor. Their faces were pale and nervous, and a couple were trembling noticeably.

Poor Ornament looked like she might faint.

Mist stood between the two groups and addressed the standing girls.

"Free dance," she told them. "Keep it simple, and let the music guide your bodies. I know you're nervous. That's ok-you're going to be even more nervous your first night at the club. So don't try anything difficult."

She gave them a reassuring smile. "You'll be fine. Trust yourselves."

She stepped away, and the musicians began to play.

The song was slow and light, and with deep breaths and nervous gulps, the girls began to move, tentatively at first, their feet barely moving.

"That's very nice, Flower," Mist called out, and flapped her hand at the sitting girls, as if to tell them 'say something.'

"You look great! So beautiful!" Breath sang out, and Orchid smiled at her friend. The girl was always so sweet!

"I love it!" she added.

It was true, too. Orchid watched her Sisters dance and was once again amazed by how pretty they were. She gazed in wonder at Midnight's gorgeous, raven hair...Heather's long, slim legs...Magenta's full, firm bosom...Flower's graceful movements...Lily's huge, sparkling eyes...and cute little Ornament, who had no idea how lovely she was.




Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 03



"Ornament, you're cuter than a kitten and twice as sexy," Thistle called out, making the dancing girl giggle and blush lightly.

The music picked up speed, and the dancers grew more confident. They mostly stuck with basic, well-rehearsed moves-easy spins, gently crouching to open and close their knees, leaning back so their long hair brushed the floor as they shook their shoulders-and Orchid thought seeing them improvise was a beautiful thing to see.

Mist began walking among the dancing girls, careful not to get in their way as she whispered encouragement and suggestions.

Magenta began teasing her large breasts as she danced, tickling her fingertips just above and below the full mounds.

Heather was the first girl to go to the floor, gently kicking and flexing, showing off her gorgeous legs.

Mist had taught Ornament a special move just for her, where she bent over and wiggled her tiny bottom, then looked over her shoulder and pressed her fingers to her lips in an adorable 'ooops I'm a naughty girl' gesture that always made Orchid grin.

Mist made a gesture, and the music slowed and softened. The dancers slowed their movements as well, following the music.

She grinned. "All right, girls. Tops off."

The dancer's steps faltered, and Ornament actually stopped dead, staring wide-eyed in shock.

"Make it part of your dance," Mist coaxed. "Quickly now, girls. Let's see how gracefully you can take them off."

Slowly, the girls began dancing again. Lily was first to comply. She ran her left hand through her hair and reached behind with her right, untying the knot that held her top on. With a wiggle of her torso, she made the tiny garment fall.

Old mother clapped her hands once and cackled with glee. "That's my brave girl!"

One by one, trembling hands removed tops. Ornament was last, a tear trickling down her cheek as she bared her small breasts.

Orchid and the rest of the second group watched in silence, butterflies in their stomachs, realizing their turn was coming.

"Fantastic, girls!" Mist cheered. "I'm so proud of you!"

The girls cast fearful glances at the musicians as they danced topless, but the men really weren't watching. Most of them had been playing for the Chosen for years, and seeing girls dance-even nude-held little interest for them any more.

After her brief moment of rare praise, old mother seemed to remember to be cantankerous. She began barking at the blushing girls.

"Stop dancing like a little kid, Heather! Be sexy!"

"Magenta, bounce those big tits! Make 'em shake!"

"Ornament, do the kitten crawl-and shake that cute ass!"

"Spread your legs wider, Lily! Tease, don't hide!"

Magenta seemed very self-conscious about dancing with her large breasts exposed, and Ornament looked terrified, but Flower and Midnight seemed to gain confidence with every note and step, dancing with joy and exuberance.

Orchid thought Lily seemed a bit mechanical, and as for Heather...well you could never tell what Heather was thinking.

The music rose to a crescendo, and stopped. So did the dancers, panting with exertion, but only Ornament tried to cover herself with her hands.

"Very well done, girls. Very well done!" Mist praised. "Take a well earned break. Second group, you're up!"

Orchid's legs trembled as she walked to the circle closest to the musicians.

"Mist?" came the soft inquiry. It was Ornament, her top already back on.

"Will...will we have to dance like that at the club?"

Mist smiled at her gently. "If the men want you to, yes. But you only have to dance fully naked in private."

Ornament bit her quivering bottom lip, and Flower put an arm around her, comforting the shy girl.

The music started back up. Orchid closed her eyes for a moment, trying to lose herself in the sounds. The beat was there-soft, but steady, and with a tiny smile she let her body follow it, not thinking, not planning her moves, just dancing.

It was something she loved to do, and she let that joy carry her mind away.

The music sped up slowly, and so did her dance. She kicked up her feet behind her in a silly, playful way before falling back onto one of her special moves-bending way over at the waist, her hands high above and behind her, her shoulders moving in a way that made her breasts wobble freely.

The resting dancers were calling out praise and encouragement. She heard her name, but it barely registered. Still, she grinned and blew a kiss out into the room.

It was amazing. The music filled her, lifted her, brought her to heights of bliss she'd never imagined. She'd never felt so alive, so feminine, so filled with delight.

She fell into a splits and rocked her torso, first touching her forehead to her front leg, then leaning back and lifting the foot behind her until her head touched the sole. With a graceful twist, she got her feet under her bottom so she could lean back and bounce, her knees spread wide.

The music quieted, and she bounced to her feet, amazed at how eager she was.

When Mist gave the 'tops off' command, Orchid didn't hesitate. Turning her back on the first group, she wiggled her butt, running her hands from the backs of her thighs up to the knot. Deftly, she pulled the string and bent at the waist, letting it flutter to the floor.

She was so turned on she could hardly stand it. Her nipples throbbed in the open air, stiff and swollen. Her tongue kept peeking out to wet her lips.

She had her hands on her inner thighs, her hips weaving lustfully, when the music crashed to a stop. She had to bite back a moan of frustration.

The musicians packed up their instruments as Mist gathered the girls round her.

"Very nice, girls. Very brave and very sexy. You did wonderfully!"

The girls smiled and squeezed each other's hands as she continued.

"Just remember. Your breasts are another tool. Showing them is one more way you can please the gods. Don't be ashamed of the gifts they've given you-be proud of them."

She wrapped her arm around Ornament's shoulders and steered her to the far side of the chamber, whispering softly as the rest of the girls went to take a shower.

"It's funny," Lily observed as the stood under the warm water. "Being naked here, with all of you? No big deal. I barely notice it. But taking off just my top like that? I thought I was gonna faint!"

Thistle giggled. "I know! Even though I knew we were gonna have to, when she said it my legs like wobbled!"

Flower blushed. "I thought it was...freeing," she admitted. "Like...if I can do this, I can do anything."

Ornament joined them after a few minutes.

"You ok, Sister?" Heather asked, and the girl nodded. 

"What did Mist have to say?" Midnight wanted to know.

Ornament smiled shyly. "She wanted to know if I was gonna panic and run or something."

"Are you?"

She shook her head. "No. I told her I'd blush, and maybe cry, but I won't fail her."

"Orchid?" Thistle asked, and Orchid could tell by her tone that she was about to get teased.

"Whaaat?" she answered warily.

"Are you even gonna bother wearing a top? Or you just gonna start bare chested?"

The girls giggled, and Orchid stuck out her tongue.

"Brat."

XXXXXXXXXX

On the second to last day before their debuts, Mist had another gift of clothing for them

"This is the traditional first night outfit," she explained, using Thistle as a model to show the girls how it worked.

The top was familiar, but with gold strings to tie it in place, but instead of shorts, she wrapped a gold skirt around Thistle's slim hips.

There was a band at the top with a single button to hold the skirt up. Buttoned at the hip, it created a slit that left one leg bare from ankle to hip.

"Spectacular!" Mist declared, stepping back to admire the girl. Thistle flushed, part in pleasure and part in embarrassment.

Mist put one hand on the girl's shoulders, turning her around. "Touch your toes, sweetheart," she said. "I need to make sure it's not too short."

Thistle bent over, her knees straight, and Mist nodded. Orchid saw that even bent over fully, the skirt covered her Sister's buttocks and sex-but just barely.

"Do we wear anything underneath?" Flower asked, and Mist shook her head. Girls gulped audibly at the thought.

"We can't dance in these without...ummm...showing everything," Magenta pointed out.

Mist just grinned.

Each girl tried on her skirt, and bent over to be inspected. Heather's was too short, and Wisteria's was too tight, so Mist reached into her bag and found them skirts that fit better.

She had each girl fold her new skirt carefully, then passed out identical skirts, these in soft red or blue.

"The gold is only to wear that first night," Mist told them. 

"These are to practice. You want to be able to undo that button smoothly and deftly, so it doesn't interrupt your dance."

Ornament shuddered, and Mist gave her a warm smile. "Brave and adventurous," she reminded the girl.

"The club will have lots of different outfits for you, and you'll get to help pick them out. The gold is very special. Wear it proudly."

Orchid was taking short walks back and forth, enjoying the way the skirt fluttered around her upper thighs, and even the way the little breeze caressed her bare flesh.

"Wear the other skirt and your black tops when we move to the club tomorrow," Mist told them.

After she left, Gem voiced a fear they were all sharing. "We're not gonna have to walk through the streets to get their, are we?"

XXXXXXXXXX

It didn't take long to get the hang of the skirt. A little flip of the fingertips, and the button popped free, and then it was loose enough that all it took was a wiggle of the hips to get it to slide down and off.

Orchid tingled all over as she danced, taking her skirt off again and again. She hoped she'd get a chance to dance that way her first night.

XXXXXXXXXX

And then it was time to go.

Their little bags packed, the girls filed past old mother one by one, getting a final piece of whispered advice. When Orchid leaned close, the woman smiled.

"You are the hottest dancer to come through the Gate in years," she said. "As long as you let yourself go, you'll be wonderful."

Orchid beamed, and surprised them both by kissing the old woman's cheek.

"Thank you for everything," she murmured.

They followed Mist single file to a new doorway. She paused to address the group.

"Your debut is tomorrow, but this will be the first chance the men have to get a glimpse. So give them your best walk." 

She opened the wall, and the girls gasped.

A huge hallway, the ceiling some thirty feet above their heads, loomed before them. Each side of the hall was lined with massive windows, or maybe mirrors, shiny and blank.

The end of the hall was too distant to see.

Mist gave a playful little bow, and a sweep of her arm. 

"Magenta, you lead the way. Heather, you bring up the rear. Make me proud, my beautiful girls."

They began to walk, slowly and gracefully, making each step a dance. Orchid glanced up at those silvery walls and trembled. She could feel dozens of eyes on her and her Sisters, assessing, appraising, and desiring.

Behind the blank walls, selected servants of the gods watched with hungry eyes. They were powerful, faithful, deserving men, and these girls were their reward.

Alma watched too, her somber expression not revealing how pleased she was with this year's crop of girls.

A very tall, dark-haired man came to her side. The small patch on his robes indicated he was Blazell's.

"That one," he said quietly, indicating Ornament. "Make sure I'm informed."

"Yes sir," she replied just as quietly.

Orchid was amazed at how thrilling the walk was. She had to fight the impulse to stop and dance, to twirl and squeal with excitement, to make herself available right then and there. She savored every moment.

At last, they were through. The huge hall branched into two more normal-sized walkways.

Mist stopped the girls, her expression tender. "This is where you split up. You won't see the other group again until you've all had your debuts-so give out your hugs now."

They did, whispering encouragement and soft words of friendship. Orchid felt so close to her Sisters at that moment, it made her heart pound with love.

"First group, follow me. Second group, I'll see you tomorrow."

Orchid followed Wisteria down their hall, which soon opened into a sleeping chamber. Their were six beds, a couple bureaus with mirrors and drawers, and two big bathrooms attached.

There was also a note. 

"Don't go wandering. Alma."

As they got settled, four of the black robed servants wheeled in carts with a huge meal-not the bland, nearly tasteless stuff they'd been eating, but a gourmet meal fit for royalty.

Chicken, fish, sweet potatoes, broccoli, baked apples, pasta salad, warm bread, spicy berry tarts, and plenty of chilled fruit juice. Orchid and the girls ate until they could barely move.

"Thank Sayennit," Heart said around a mouthful of fish. "If I never see brown rice again, I'll survive just fine!"

Full, happy, and excited, the girls changed into their nightgowns, brushed their teeth and hair, and chattered deep into the night.

Orchid dreamed of dancing, and slept with a smile on her face.

*****

OK, this seems like a good spot to pause. Thanks so much for the comment and likes! Chapter four is started and I'm hoping to have it submitted in two weeks or less.



Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 04



All characters are over the age of 18.

*****

MORE than two hundred years ago, the great god Ardell saved the city-state of Mulvadora from near certain destruction.

The god gathered eleven lesser gods to be his Companions to watch over and nurture the people of Mulvadora.

Puldell, the god of Rain.

Startra, the god of Sun.

Rozella, the god of Farming.

Newlan, the god of Knowledge.

Harstell-the god of Health.

Blazell-the god of War.

Darella-the god of Love.

Tottle-the god of Children.

Spira-the god of Joy.

Forbell-the god of Prosperity.

Sayennit-the god of Heaven.

Gods grow in power when they are worshipped. As Mulvadora thrived, the faith and devotion of the people grew stronger, and Ardell gained more and more power.

In the ultimate test of faith, the great god asked the citizens of Mulvadora to offer him twelve of their daughters each year in sacrifice.

Every year, a new group of twenty ten-year old girls are Chosen and taken to a special school, where they are carefully taught to be gentle, pleasing, graceful and obedient.

And every year, twelve of the twenty Chosen girls that have reached the age of 20 pass through the Gate.

The people of Mulvadora assume the girls go straight to Heaven. 

They don't-they are taken to Vens.

In Vens dwell the mortal men who channel the power of the lesser gods, using it to do all the day to day tasks necessary to keep the people of Mulvadora happy, healthy, safe and prosperous.

The Chosen girls are the servant's reward. Three-quarters of children born in Vens are male. The girls that come through the Gate serve as dancers, entertainers, and pleasure toys, and eventually become wives and mothers.

Some of the lesser gods, like Harstell, Spira, and Tottle, recquire many servants to carry out their plans. Some, like Blazell and Puldell, have only a few.

Sayennit has no mortal servants. His focus is solely on the afterlife.

All of them, in Mulvadora and Vens, mortal or god, serve gentle, benevolent Ardell, who rewards his faithful generously.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Has that bandit group been chased away yet?"

"Yes, Mr. Corbett. They've been pushed back about twenty kilometers."

"Harstell's people have been informed?"

"Yes sir. They're working to heal the injured villagers even now."

The tall man nodded approval.

"Sir?"

Corbett gave the young servant of Blazell his attention.

"Sir, why did we just scare them off? They attacked one of our villages. Seems to me they got off easy."

Corbett pursed his lips. "You think we should have acted more aggressively?"

"Well, yeah. We can't..."

"And I bet you wonder," Corbett interrupted, "why Blazell is content to merely defend our current territory, and never seeks to expand through conquest."

"Frankly sir, yes. Mulvadora could be so much more than just a medium sized city/state. With the power of the god behind it, they could dominate the entire continent."

Corbett smirked, but not unkindly.

"How long have you worked for the god, son?"

To his credit, the youngster looked a little abashed. "Just eight months," he admitted.

"You still have all the aggressiveness of youth. Don't worry, that's a good thing. Blazell's servants need to be aggressive and ruthless-when necessary."

The young man nodded. "But?"

"I used to feel the same way. Still do, sometimes. In fact, when I first became Chief of this office, I petitioned the god to do exactly that."

"What happened?"

Corbett sighed. "I thought I made a persuasive case. I wasn't asking for conquest for the sake of conquest. I was thinking more along the lines of securing Mulvadora's borders, and eliminating her worst historical enemies."

"That seems logical."

"Maybe, but it doesn't matter. When we think that way, we're forgetting something very important."

"Sir?"

"Blazell does not act independently. He serves Ardell-and the great god is interested in peace, not war."

"Still..."

Corbett shook his head firmly. "Don't. You don't want..."

He trailed off, looking troubled.

"Don't want what?"

"I pushed it. I actually, in my arrogance, tried to argue with the god."

Corbett chuckled, but there was no humor in it.

"Blazell taught me a lesson."

His hands clenched and unclenched, and he swallowed hard.

The god gave me a taste-just a taste-of his power. It was agony. Pain like I'd never imagined. It only lasted a few seconds, but it seemed like months."

Corbett closed his eyes, and shuddered.

"Then he told me-what his power is to a mortal like me, Ardell's power is to a lesser god like him. Blazell's power is awesome. Ardell's is...unimagineable. All the Companions, combined, only possess a tiny fraction of that power."

The young servant paled.

"Blazell serves. Faithfully. Not because he has to, but because he wants to."

Corbett chuckled. "He is the warrior for a god of peace. And we serve the warrior to keep the peace."

"Yes sir."

He clapped the young man on the shoulder. "Keep your aggression, son. Just learn how to channel it."

"I will."

"Good enough. All right, I'm heading out. The newest Chosen make their debuts tonight."

The youngster sighed. "I wish I could go."

Corbett cuffed the lad's shoulder again. "Keep up the good work. You'll get your chance soon enough."

He thought again of the tiny girl he'd seen from the catwalk, and grinned.

Tonight, she would learn what it truly meant to serve one of Blazell's men!

XXXXXXXXXX

The girls were nearly ready. Dressed in their gold first night outfits, their long hair brushed, they fidgeted with nervous excitement as Mio gave them a final inspection and put the finishing touches on their makeup.

"If you see someone and feel that spark, make sure you let me or one of the other workers know. We'll make sure you get a chance to spend some time together."

"How will we know?" Lily asked.

Mio grinned widely. "Trust me. You'll know. It's like no other feeling in the world."

Ornament was pale as milk, twisting her fingers in her lap. Mio smiled gently and gave the girl a small glass.

"Drink this, sweetheart."

She had taken the girls through the club earlier, showing them the dance platforms, the couches, the corners where men-and sometimes dancers-could play games of Ring Ring or Pockets, and where the bathrooms and private rooms were.

And they met some of the workers. Most were servants of Darella or Spira, called to work at the club to watch over the Chosen girls.

Mio was a follower of Spira, and it showed in her bubbly enthusiasm. She had an infectious smile and a loud voice, quick to praise and compliment. 

Ornament sipped her drink and felt herself calm down a little. It was an herbal tea mixture, and she was hardly the first girl to need it before her debut.

"Eventually," Mio told them, "there will be about seventy guests, but right now the first few are just showing up. Do what you feel like at first. If you want to dance, great. Otherwise, sit on a couch, play a game, or just walk around and talk."

She clapped her hands together again. "And smile!"

A few of the girls giggled, and Mio laughed. "That's the way!"

"Ready?"

With a few gulps and a lot of butterflies, the girls followed her through the short hallway and into the club to make their debut.

XXXXXXXXXX

There were about twenty men in the main area of the club, drinking, talking, playing games, when Heather pushed through the scarlet curtains, her gold outfit sparkling in the light of hundreds of candles and lamps.

There were a few whistles and a little playful applause as the girls entered one by one. Alma was waiting for them just inside, and gently guided each girl in a different direction. New girls tended to bunch together, she knew, and it was better for them-and the men-if they spread out.

The club was mostly reds and pinks, the dancing areas and gaming areas bright islands. Smiling, blushing, giggling nervously, the girls walked around aimlessly at first, saying hello and telling their names to men who introduced themselves with grins and compliments.

Two hulking, stone faced servants of Forbell stood at the door. Each man who entered was scrutinized. The doormen didn't need to check ID's-they knew instinctively who should be there. Every year, a few men, driven by boredom, loneliness, or curiosity, tried to sneak in when it wasn't there turn.

They were gently but firmly turned away.

Other men, servants of Darella and Spira, circulated through the club, keeping an eye on the proceedings, sensitive for that tingle that meant one of the Chosen and one of the guests should be brought together-probably just for the evening, but maybe for a lifetime.

Predictably, the biggest crowds gathered around Midnight and Magenta. Men are men everywhere-large breasts draw attention.

A band played in one corner. The noise of conversation overwhelmed the softer instruments. It was the timpanium that dominated-pounding out a steady beat that kept even the most reserved guests feet tapping.

Before long, Magenta and Midnight had mounted small, rectangular platforms, and started to dance. In a way, it was a relief. The girls felt awkward in the social situation, but they knew they could dance, and dance well.

Heather and Lily had been taken to couchs, sitting among small groups of men who tried to impress them with their charm and wit.

Flower had joined a game of Ring Ring, giggling as she tossed her little hoop. There were ten poles, each worth a different number of points, and after a little practice she was holding her own.

Ornament continued to wander, looking like a little lost waif. She smiled bravely at the men who talked to her, drank a glass of juice given to her by one of the bartenders, and drank in the scene. It was a little overwhelming, but she kept reminding herself to breathe, to relax, and enjoy the night.

She was listening to one of Newlan's men tell her about some discovery he'd made in astronomy when one of the club's workers took her by the elbow.

"Those girls are getting tired," he said, nodding over to Midnight and Magenta. "Let's get you up there so they can take a break."

She gulped, but nodded. Another of the club's men was escorting Lily to the platforms. Heather had hopped up on a table, moving her body gracefully for a small but appreciative audience.

Panting, smiling gratefully, Magenta and Midnight went to get some water. Lily whispered encouragement to her quivering Sister, and the climbed up.

Blushing cutely, Ornament had just started to dance when Corbett entered.

XXXXXXXXXX

It was a wondrous, scary adventure.

When it got too overwhelming, the girls fell back on the familiar. They danced. They walked. They remembered what they had been taught, and why they were here.

And they felt the presence and approval of the gods, watching over them as surely as the men were watching them.

Magic had been matching Chosen for years. She had a gift, and she put it to use.

It was the girl's debut night. They needed to be paired with men that would be gentle, thoughtful, calm-if they were paired with any.

She found matches for Heather, Flower, and Midnight, and got them together. Just small sparks, to be sure, but sometimes small sparks could grown into a fire.

She smiled each time she saw one of the couples slip into a private room. The three girls, she was sure, would look back on their first time fondly.

As for the other three...she didn't feel any of the little tingles that indicated the right man was there for them.

That was all right. The girls could dance and play and have fun, and two nights from now a new group of men would come to see them. 

Alma waved her over. The boss was talking to a very tall man with an impatient scowl on his face.

"Her," Alma said, pointing at Ornament, who was giggling shyly with a small group of men.

"Find someone for her."

Magic shook her head. "There isn't anyone. That girl needs someone very..."

The man growled, soft and menacing. She looked at him again, her protests dying when she saw the symbol of Blazell on his jacket.

"Find one," he said, quiet and firm.

"Yes sir," she answered. 

No one but a fool disagreed with a servant of Blazell.

XXXXXXXXXX

"It's not right," Magic thought, frowning "It's not fair. The girl's not ready."

She took a small amount of consolation from the waves of pleasure emanating from the private rooms. Not just the men, but the girls were experiencing joy. 

She knew she had chosen wisely for those three-men that would be patient, gentle, and tender-men that would initiate the girls into the secrets and pleasures of sex and make it wonderful.

She hoped she could do half as well for Ornament.

At last, she focused on the only servant of Puldell in the club. He wasn't ideal-there was no real spark there between him and the girl-but he would at least be gentle.

She brought the two together, helping them find a quiet corner where he could talk to her and put her at ease before they moved private.

The crowd began to thin, the men sensing that all the girls who would be paired up that night, already had been. Lily and Magenta were both relieved and disappointed that all they'd done was dance.

"It's fine," Mio told them. "You'll be here three nights a week, but you won't go to one of the rooms every time."

"Only when it's right," Lily said, half a question, and Mio nodded.

Ornament and her partner slipped from the club. Magic watched, standing next to Alma and shaking her head unhappily. She shuddered at the predatory look in the servant of Blazell's eyes as he took a chair and vanished into the small hallway as well.

"I hate this," Magic told the club owner.

Expressionless as always, Alma nodded slowly. 

"I don't like it either, but there was really no choice."

XXXXXXXXXX

The night wound down. The debut had been a success. Many of the men went out of their way before they left to find Alma, thanking and congratulating her for an enjoyable evening and assuring her they'd be back for another look at-and with any luck, much more-with the Chosen.

Of course, the three men who had been selected for the ultimate reward were all smiles. What the girls lacked in 'skills' they more than made up for in sweetness and curiosity-and innocence can be as enthralling as technique.

When Flower, Heather, and Midnight emerged from their private rooms, smiling and blushing, they were immediately taken under the wing of a servant of the god of Health, Harstell.

The girls had a good, long soak in a bathtub sprinkled with healing herbs, and the men examined them-not intrusively, but instead by channeling a little of the god's power to make sure they had suffered no ill-effect from the night's festivities.

The girls were a bit sore, and very tired, but otherwise uninjured.

With requests not to talk too much about their experiences before their Sisters got their own opportunity, the girls were returned to their rooms.

Lily and Magenta had tried to stay up, to greet and congratulate their Sisters and probably ask a thousand questions, but the excitement of the night, and the physical exertion of dancing, caught up with them. The two were sound asleep by the time Midnight, Heather and Flower fell into their beds.

A fourth servant of Harstell saw Ornament's partner leave, and went to wait outside her private room. She was chased away by a scowl and emphatic head shake from Corbett.

Sighing, the healer retreated to the main part of the club to wait.

XXXXXXXXXX

With a soft groan, Ornament swung her legs over the edge of the bed and put her feet on the floor.

Her partner had been very gentle, but she was still sore. In the room's dim light, she could see a little bit of blood on the sheets-an expected consequence of losing her virginity.

'You're truly a Chosen now,' she thought, and smiled wearily.

She had liked the man well enough. His name was Artest, and he had been very careful and very considerate-talking softly, putting her at ease as best he could, assuring her he would try very hard not to hurt her.

When they came to the room, he respected her shy request to only light one candle. He had moved slowly, but with confidence, using his hands and lips to rouse her passions skillfully.

She had been squirming and panting when he finally entered her, and at first had moaned with pleasure. Then there was a brief flash of terrible pain that left her frozen and tense, while he held her, not moving, whispering soft words of comfort as her tiny body shuddered.

The actual pain had only lasted a heartbeat, but her fear lingered. At last, he felt her body relax, and began to move inside her, slowly and carefully, showing her that from then on there was only pleasure.

She felt the presence and approval of the gods as she gave herself to this near stranger. The climax that rolled through her was very different from the only other one she had experienced in her life, that first night on Vens.

It was softer, gentler, an almost lazy peak-a gentle flow of water, compared to a lightning strike. Still, she clung to Artest and gasped her joy, her slim legs quivering as he thrust forward and filled her.

The feelings when he spent inside her were exquisite-at that moment, as he groaned and spurted, she knew the gods had done her a favor when they chose her.

But now she was tired, and there was an ache between her legs. She wanted nothing more than to go to her own, new bed and sleep as long as they'd let her.

There was a white robe, hanging on a peg on the back of the door. She picked up her shoes, carrying them loosely in one hand as she slipped the robe over her nude body, then opened the door. She expected to see Mio, or maybe one of her Sisters.

Instead, a very tall, stern faced man rose from his chair before she could even fully leave the room, blocking her path.

"You're not done tonight, little one," he said with a twisted smile.

Her eyes went wide. "But...but..." was all she could manage.

With a twirl of his finger, he indicated she should return to the small private room.

"Please," she pleaded softly. "I'm sore, and tired. This was my first night."

His smile was unreadable, but it was not kind.

"Don't worry, little Chosen," he told her. "I won't make your virgin pain any worse."

Ornament wanted to beg, to flee, to cry-but the man drew himself to his full, intimidating height, towering over her.

For ten years, she had been taught to obey, to be a good girl, to follow the rules. Saying no to this man would have been as impossible as stopping breathing.

Her lower lip quivered as he shut the door.

Trembling, she watched him look around the room and scowl.

"This will never do."

He took matches and lit candle after candle, until the room blazed with bright light, leaving her no way to hide even a little bit.

"What's your name, little Chosen?"

"O-ornament," she stammered, and he smiled widely.

"I'm Corbett. I serve Blazell."

The mention of the warrior gods name added to her intimidation, just as he wanted it to. He felt himself stiffen as he watched this adorable, innocent little girl shiver.

"Take off the robe."

The corners of her mouth twitched down. "Please..." she began, but his glare stopped her. There was no mercy in those eyes.

Reluctantly, with shaking hands, she removed her only covering, and was left naked and exposed in the harsh lights.

"Beautiful," he breathed, his voice growing husky, his eyes drinking in her loveliness.

He pulled his shirt over his head. "On the bed," and even though his voice was soft, she recognized it as a command.

"Please be gentle," she murmured as she lay down, her legs together, her body stiff.

His only answer was a chuckle.

He stripped down to just his undershorts, and came to the bed. She hadn't gotten that good a look at Artest, but from the size of the tent in his last piece of clothing, she guessed this man was much larger.




Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 04



She whimpered.

Corbett sat on the bed next to her, his hands gliding from her ankles to her hips. She shivered and closed her eyes, feeling the strength in his hands.

"Look at me, little Ornament. Keep your eyes open."

He caressed her gently, savoring the softness of her skin, the delicacy of her body. His hand wandered over her stomach and small breasts. In spite of her trepidation, she felt new fires start to simmer as he toyed with her.

"I know they teach you many things," he smirked, "but not everything."

"N-no," she whispered, aroused in spite of herself.

"I know they teach you how to talk," he chuckled, and looked deep into her eyes.

"You're going to be a good little slut for me, aren't you?" he demanded, and stroked her swelling nipples with his palms.

Ornament bit her lower lip and nodded, and he tilted his head impatiently.

"You know better than that. Say it, little playtoy."

Trembling and blushing, she repeated the vulgar phrase, and was surprised to feel more tingles of excitement.

One big hand slid up to cup her cheek. "You are delectable," he murmured.

He felt the tension leaving her body, and knew it was time. His grip on her hips was gentle, but firm and inexorable, as he rolled her onto her stomach.

Ornament buried her heated face in the pillow and shivered. In her naivete, she had no idea what the man had in mind.

Corbett's breath caught as he gazed with lust at her tiny, slim backside.

'Holy fuck,' was all he could think.

Wasting no time, he tugged off the last of his clothing and swung a leg over her prone body. She squeaked in surprise when she felt his hardness resting on her bare buttocks.

He ran his hands lustfully over the white cheeks of her ass, pinning her in place with his knees and butt. The soft touches felt good to her, and she quivered helplessly under him.

"Now, little Chosen," he taunted, his thumbs prying the little half-moons open, "you learn what it is to truly serve."

She gasped and tried to get up when she felt the impossibly thick, hard knob press against her most secret spot, but she couldn't move. He had her pinned to the bed, his knees keeping her legs tightly together.

'He couldn't...he can't...' Ornament thought in disbelief as he pressed...and pressed...and finally popped inside her.

"OwwwOOOWWWWWW!" she howled at the cruel penetration.

The tiny girl's squeals and wriggles fueled his desire. Cruelly, mercilessly, he forced himself into the tight, hot hole, inch by swollen inch.

Ornament sobbed in agony and shame, thrashing desperately, trying to dislodge him, not realizing every wiggle just added to his pleasure.

"Please! Aaaahhhh gods it HURRTTSS!" she shrieked.

He dug his fingers into her little cupcake buttocks, and shoved, savoring every sound she made.

Ornament felt like she was being ripped in half. There was nothing but pain, centered around the impalement and radiating out through her entire body.

"Atta girl! Take it all!" he growled, and with one last powerful push sheathed himself completely inside her.

Corbett stared down at the cruelly impaled girl, and grinned. The tiny hole seemed to throb around his shaft, exquisitely hot and tight.

He arched forward and started to move his hips in slow circles, grinding inside her, stretching her even more, savoring her agonized sobs.

He gave the tiny, white ass a smack, just hard enough to get her attention.

"Tell me you love it," he snarled.

Ornament couldn't speak. She could only sob.

He gave her another swat, groaning as she tightened involuntarily around his hardon.

"Say it!" he demanded, mocking the crying girl. "Tell me you love it up the ass!"

"Ahhh-ahhh-Iiiii..." she whimpered, struggling to form words.

And then...

Just when she thought she could take no more...when she thought she might black out from the pain...

A wild, beautiful, tender Presence filled her.

It was Harstell, she somehow knew immediately. The Presence soothed her, relaxed her, made it all bearable.

"He will not harm you," a voice seemed to whisper. "You are Chosen, and protected."

The pain was nothing compared to the love flowing through her. The god's mere presence reminded her she was special, she was Chosen, she mattered to the gods themselves.

And when the pain faded away, she could feel the sensations...all the nerve bundles touched and triggered...the incredible feeling of being so FILLED...and then the indescribable friction as he began to thrust in and out, and this time when he growled at her to say it she sang the words with joy.

She wiggled and squirmed beneath him, but now instead of struggling to get away, she was struggling to push back against him, to meet each brutal thrust, to take even more of his hardness into her virgin ass.

Her movements ground her pussy against the soft sheets, adding more wild sensations.

Corbett grinned as he felt her respond. *This* was a Chosen worthy of the honor.

Climax roared through her, and she screamed out shamelessly, cradled in the safety of the god's love, and Corbett drove into her eagerly, flooding her with his lust.

He fell forward, onto his elbows, panting and gasping. Her head swam, and without any effort her body squeezed every drop out of him.

Corbett looked down, surprised at the wave of tenderness he felt for the sweet girl he'd just ravished. He touched his lips to her hair.

"You're a very brave girl," he mumbled.

Usually, at this point he would yank out, slap the girl on the butt, and leave her. Again surprising himself, he gently eased out of her sore back passage, and patted her buttocks gently.

Even more surprising, he looked for a servant of Harstell as soon as he returned to the club.

"Take good care of her," he told the healer, and if his words were harsh, his eyes gave away his true, tender feelings.

"She's had a long night. She's earned her pampering."



Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 05



At last! As always, all characters are over the age of 18.

*****

Orchid twirled and swayed on the small elevated round stage, letting the thump thump thump of the timpanium guide her movements.

She grinned joyfully at the watching men, reveling in the attention, the spectacle, the entire experience.

'This is why I was Chosen,' she thought as she danced. 'This is what I was born for.'

She fluttered her lashes at her audience, making eye contact with each one. It almost seemed like every man on the planet was watching her.

For a heartbeat, she found herself wondering if Mulvadora and Vens were on the same planet. She'd never actually asked.

Of course, she wasn't alone. Wisteria was on the platform next to her, mostly facing the bright red wall so she could show off her big butt. Orchid giggled, wishing she was a little closer so she could flip her Sister's skirt up in the back and give the guys a peek.

And Breath was on her other side, her dance much more controlled and demure, but the girl's eyes shone with the same excitement. She beamed at Orchid as another spin brought them face to face, and for a moment the two best friends danced just for each other.

"WOOO!" Orchid howled, flinging her fists into the air, not caring that the movement caused her tiny gold top to ride up, briefly exposing her stiff nipples. She squatted on her high heels, her knees together, and put her hands behind her neck, swaying her legs and hips back and forth, her long auburn hair brushing the platform behind her.

She had never felt so alive! She could barely remember being nervous all day.

She caught Breath's eye again. Her Sister made a motion with her hands, and somehow Orchid knew exactly what she had in mind. Facing each other, the two lovely dancers dropped into perfectly synced side splits, garnering applause and cheers from the men watching.

The two girls did a playful little bounce, then Breath twisted her body until she was on hands and knees, her feet kicking cutely behind her. Orchid spun onto her bottom so she was facing the room and let her slim legs fly open, teasing the watchers with a peek at her secrets.

Not all of the moisture glistening on her supple inner thighs was from perspiration.

Wisteria caught her eye and pointed. Across the room, a small group of men were playing a game with Gem. They'd put their hands on her slim hips and lift her straight up, until her head was higher than theirs, then straighten their elbows and push her lower body up in the air.

Each time they did, her little gold skirt would ride up, giving the room a breathtaking view of her luscious, bare buttocks.

Then the man would set her down gently and get a kiss on the cheek, before another man would lift her.

Gem's happy squeals were audible even over the rumble and thunder of the band.

Orchid laughed and did some high kicks, showing off her legs. Deep in the crowd, she spotted Alma watching her. The somber faced woman gave her a nod of approval, then tapped her sternum with her middle finger.

Orchid got the hint. She slowed her dance and leaned towards the men gathered around her platform.

"The boss wants me to take off my top," she called out, feeling amazingly wanton. "What do you think?"

There were cheers and whistles and a few cries of 'hell yes!' and she laughed, delighted at the response.

There wasn't as much art or style in it as she would have wished. Instead, without much ceremony, she untied her gold top and let it fall.

She pushed her long hair back from her shoulders, and let her hands keep going, up and out, her hips barely moving, posing in a way that said 'behold!'

Orchid closed her eyes and licked her lips, unconsciously sensual, feeling something way beyond aroused and sexy as she bared her full, firm breasts publicly for the first time.

More men gathered, ogling her beautiful young body. She began to dance again, her hips weaving lustfully. Her large breasts bounced and jiggled freely, the pink nipples swollen and throbbing.

She saw Breath, grinning in amazement, and shimmied to the very edge of her stage.

"Come on sis," she laughed. "Take it off!"

Breath blushed and giggled, but the men watching heard Orchid's suggestion, and began shouting encouragement. Soon, their voices melded into a single 'take it off' chant, and with trembling hands, Breath untied her top.

The cheers were wild and joyous.

Alma went to get a glass of water. The bartender smiled and leaned close as he set it in front of her.

"She's incredible," he half-whispered, half-shouted in her ear, indicating Orchid, and the boss nodded.

"Yes she is."

XXXXXXXXXX

"Orchid."

"Orchid!"

She looked down. A man had pushed through the crowd, and was standing next to her platform, holding his hand up and out, offering it to her.

She recognized him-he worked for the club. His name was Kessel, or Castle, or something like that. He was tall and light-skinned, with blue eyes so pale they were almost clear. Those eyes glittered with amusement as he beckoned to her.

"Hop down honey. You need to take a break and get some water."

"Oh poo. I'm fine," she said. She kept dancing, spinning on her small stage. She noted that Heart had taken Breath's spot on one side of her, and the platform on the other side was empty.

The man chuckled indulgently. He'd seen this before-girls so caught up in the joy of dancing that nothing else mattered.

"How long do you think you've been up there?" he called.

Orchid worked a shrug into her dance. "An hour?'

He grinned widely, showing white, even teeth. "Over three!"

Surprised, Orchid stumbled a bit. "Really?" 

He nodded. "Yes, really. Now get your cute butt down from there before you collapse."

Chagrined, Orchid bent down and took his hand, letting him help her down. 

"Come on," he said gently. "You need to drink some water and rest your feet."

The knowledge that she'd been dancing wildly for three hours seemed to push away her excess adrenaline and energy. Suddenly, her legs felt fatigued and heavy, her throat was dry, and her feet ached.

She clung to his arm and stumbled with little grace towards the bar.

"Eek!" she called out suddenly. "I need to pee like right now!"

He gave her a little nudge in the small of her back. "Then go pee," he chuckled. "And take your shoes off. Give your feet a break."

Still topless, Orchid weaved through the crowd, hurrying to the bathroom.

The club worker got her a big glass of water and stood at the end of the bar where she could see him easily, and waited.

XXXXXXXXXX

As he moved through the club, the servant of Spira felt a tickle. It wasn't the spark that meant a patron and a Chosen should be introduced to go private, and it definitely wasn't the jolt that meant they might be a love match.

A small tingle, that meant people should sit down and talk.

He looked around, and felt it again when his gaze fell on two men watching Thistle dance. One was a servant of Rozella, and the other of Forbell. He headed towards them, his eyes seeking out the Chosen, until he spotted Orchid, gulping down her second glass of water.

He nodded to himself, and steered the two customers to a couch tucked in a little alcove, where the loudest of the music would be blocked and people could converse without shouting.

XXXXXXXXXX

With a slight limp, Orchid obediently made her way through the crowd to join the two men. They moved apart, making room on the couch, and she flopped down between them.

"Hi!" she sang out brightly, kicking her shoes off her feet.

"Oh wow that feels good!" she purred, wiggling her toes.

"Feet sore?" the servant of Rozella asked, and she laughed quietly.

"Yeah, I kinda overdid it tonight."

"Here, let me help," he said, and reached down to cup her slim ankles. He spun her easily on the couch, until her back was pressed against the other man and her feet were in his lap.

Orchid giggled, then let out a low moan of near-orgasmic ecstasy as the man began to massage her aching feet.

The man behind her rested his hand on her shoulders, smiling, as the beautiful, half-naked girl leaned against her.

"S-so who do you Serve?" she asked between pants of pleasure.

"Rozella," the man rubbing her feet answered, enjoying the view up Orchid's legs, and even getting a few peeks at the treasures under her tiny gold skirt.

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "He was a very important god to my family. My parents were farmers."

"Really?" he smiled, wiggling her toes. "What part of Mulvadora?"

She named the region, and the man behind her made a small noise.

"What?" Orchid asked, turning her head to look at him.

"That's just about the poorest part of Mulvadora," he said, and when she tilted her head questioningly, he explained he was a servant of Forbell.

Orchid pursed her lips and nodded. "I never realized my family was poor until I met the other Chosen. Some of them spent more money on their going-away parties then my family made in a year."

Suddenly, she sat upright, and gripped the two men's hands fiercely.

"Do you think maybe you could help them?" she asked. "I mean, I'm not asking for charity, but they're good, hard working people and..." she trailed off.

The two men looked at each other, and smiled.

"We'll see what we can do," the servant of Forbell said.

"If nothing else," the other added, "we can make sure they get favorable weather and a good harvest. We work closely with the servants of Puldell and Startra. They can help."

Orchid's smile was angelic. "That would be wonderful. Thank you," she said sincerely, and impulsively kissed each man's cheek, her eyes misty with gratitude.

One of them ruffled her hair, chuckling, and just then Heart walked up, trailed by three men who followed her like eager puppy dogs.

She leaned close and whispered in her Sister's ear. "I'm going to go to one of the small rooms and dance naked for them. Wish me luck!"

Orchid's eyes went wide with surprise, and she hugged her friend tightly. "Give 'em a great show, sister!" she encouraged.

Heart giggled, then turned and beckoned to the men, and the small group vanished. Orchid grinned. Way back when she was a little girl, selected as Chosen of the gods, she never imagined it would be like this!

XXXXXXXXXX

After a while, feeling rested and refreshed, Orchid slipped her high heels back on and began roaming around the club, talking and flirting.

It wasn't surprising that Gem was the first girl to slip away with a patron. She was so pretty! Orchid smiled adoringly at her Sister as she walked to the private rooms on the arm of a tall servant of Newlan.

Wisteria and Breath found matches as well. Orchid was so happy and so excited for her best friend she could hardly stand it.

And Heart emerged from the private dance room, all wrapped up with one of the men, and strolled shamelessly naked through the club to one of the play rooms, eliciting more than a few whistles and lewd comments.

Orchid was beginning to wonder if she'd have to wait until next time for her first experience when Kessel or Castle suddenly loomed in front of her. He had his arm on the bicep of a stocky man with short red hair.

"Orchid, say hello to Wilth," he said simply.

The man took one of her small hands in his massive one and brought it to his lips. Instantly, Orchid felt a blaze of heat rush through her. She smiled, knowing this man was right for her.

He felt it too. His gaze was intense as he drank in her beauty.

Impulsively, she leaned against him, and even though her bare skin was touching cloth, it was enough to make her moan, soft and low and filled with passion.

He wasn't a tall man, but was still tall enough that she could tuck her head under his chin, her burning face against his chest.

One of his strong hands trailed down her back, and she gasped. She could feel his breath quicken as well.

She looked up at him, and the hunger in his eyes matched the hunger inside her.

"Shall we?" he asked simply, but his voice was husky with desire. Orchid couldn't even talk-she just nodded, and she looked so serious and earnest it made him smile.

Wilth wrapped his arm around her and she clung to him as they walked to the private rooms.

XXXXXXXXXX

A single, large white candle burned on a tiny table just inside the door.

"Light a couple more," Wilth commanded softly.

Orchid lit a taper. She was very aware of his gaze and kept her movements slow and sensual, turning the simple act into a dance of seduction.

She shook the little flame out and stood where she was, suddenly feeling a bit shy. It was a huge moment for her, and a bit overwhelming.

He crossed to her in two large steps. His strong hands feathered up and down her arms, and he felt her tremble lightly.

Tilting her chin up, he gave her a gentle smile.

"You are so beautiful," he breathed.

Orchid's blush was adorable.

Wilth tilted his head, pulling her closer, his lips caressing her neck, his hand diving under her waist long hair to stroke her bare back.

She'd never been kissed like that. It sent tingles through her body, and her arms slipped around his waist.

His hand wandered to her hip as his lips nibbled. With a single deft flick of his fingers, he popped the only button on her skirt, and the tiny garment dropped to the floor.

Orchid shuddered, naked in a man's arms for the first time. She felt small and vulnerable, helpless but oh-so aroused.

He cupped and kneaded her firm backside, pulling her firmly against his body. She gasped and ground her hips, pressing against the hard thickness in his breeches.

He took hold of her wrists, guiding her small hands under the hem of his tunic. Taking her cue, she slipped it over his head and off as he toed off his sandals.

Orchid ran her hands hungrily over the man's torso. He was hard, firm and flat in all the places where she was soft and curvy, his body ridged with muscle. Impulsively, she leaned in and kissed his chest, her hands gliding across his small male nipples.

He ran his hands through her hair, nudging her backwards with his body. When the backs of her knees made contact with the bed, she sat down gracefully.

The flickering candle lights made her look like an angel.

Her trembling hands slid down his stomach, to the laces of his black breeches.

"Please," she purred.

Instead, he put his hands on her shoulders, guiding her gently down onto her back. His lips moved again on her neck and collar bones, and his hands slid up her body.

His powerful hands were so large they covered all of her ample breasts. Orchid moaned and squirmed as he squeezed gently.

"Please what?" he teased, massaging her swelling nipples with his palms.

"Please," she whimpered, her voice husky with desire, "I want to see it...touch it...please..."

His smile was predatory, but playful. "See what, little one?"

"Ooohhh," Orchid gasped as his strong fingertips closed around her nipples.

"Your c..." she started, then remembered what Mist had taught them.

"Your big cock," she managed to moan, her hips wiggling on the bed, her body blazing with arousal.

He grinned. Still standing next to the bed, he brought her right hand to his groin as his own right hand stroked down her body, down to the junction of her slim thighs.

Orchid eagerly flung her legs open, her fingers rubbing his bulge. He unlaced his breeches as she tugged, until his thick cock popped free.

"Ohhhhh gods," Orchid groaned, touching a penis for the first time. Her caresses were light, tentative, and she lifted her head to see as Wilth wiggled a finger into her aching pussy.

'So beautiful,' she thought as her little hand closed round his shaft. Her hips bucked and pumped, riding his finger as she started to stroke him.

He was about the same size as the wooden models she'd practiced on, but felt so wonderfully different, pulsing and throbbing in her soft grip. She stared, transfixed, as her hand glided up and down his full length, unaware she was licking her lips, barely aware of anything but her desire.

His finger slid in and out of her heat and she matched his rhythm, thrilling at the feel of his cock in her hand, at the thought of her first climax with another person, not a god. His cock made her think of a barely tamed wild animal, the way it seemed to strain and fight her soft grip.

Orchid could feel the explosion building inside her, and she squeezed a little tighter and stroked him even faster. Her velvety soft hand felt exquisite, and Wilth let out a groan as his hips began to gyrate, thrusting into her hand.

In her innocence, Orchid pulled her hand away, alarmed.

"Are you ok?" she asked, almost at the same moment he gasped "Oh fuck don't stop!"

He yanked her hand back to his erection, and held her wrist, guiding her movements. She could feel him swelling, growing even bigger and harder...

Orchid let out a squeak of surprise as something warm and sticky splashed onto her tummy. Wilth was making low, almost animal growling sounds, and his cock pulsed wildly.

At last, he let go of her wrist, leaning to rest his head on her breasts, breathing fast and hard.

"Starla and all the gods," he exclaimed, and Orchid lay still and quiet, uncertain what to do. His finger was still inside her, no longer moving, and she longed for more stimulation.

Wilth lifted his head and chuckled. "Sorry angel," he said softly. "Couldn't help myself with someone as lovely as you."

Orchid giggled, still not quite sure what had happened. She found herself admiring his muscular form as he fetched a soft towel and gently wiped her belly clean.

'Is that it?' she was wondering when he nudged her over so he could lie next to her, propped up on his elbow.

"Don't worry," he said, smiling reassuringly. "I won't have to rest long."

The light in the room was too dim for him to see how her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Then all her concerns and worries were driven from her mind when he lowered his head to her breasts and took a still-erect nipple into his mouth.

"Oooooh," she breathed, her eyes rolling back in pure pleasure.

His hands wandered over her tummy and thighs, finally coming to rest on her soft, warm mound. He licked and nibbled her nipple until it throbbed and she felt all the fires rekindled deep inside her.

"I promise I won't leave you hanging this time," he said softly as his fingers delved into her wetness.

He touched, stroked, caressed, and when she was gasping and lifting her hips in obvious invitation, slid two fingers into her.

Wilth wiggled his fingers into her slowly, gently, not wanting to hurt or scare her. When his palm lay flat against her pussy lips, he gave her tit a fluttering lick and looked into her eyes.

"Am I hurting you, angel?"

"N-nooo," she moaned. "Feels soooo good!"

"Pleasure, sweet Orchid," he whispered as his hand started to move, pumping his fingers smoothly in and out. "All pleasure-all for you."

He watched the beautiful girl thrash, her long hair spread out under her, listened to her sweet gasps and moans, and felt his cock start to perk back to life. He drove his fingers into her faster and faster.

"Don't hold it back angel," he told her, and the words echoed what the old mother had told her weeks earlier. She threw her hips up at his hand, flinging her head from side to side as waves of pleasure buffeted her young body.

Wilth felt her tunnel squeeze his fingers. The thought of how soft, warm and snug she would feel sheathed on his cock brought him back to full erection. He tilted his hand so his fingers rubbed firmly against her clit as they thrust, and she howled with passion. 

Orchid's cream soaked his hand as her climax hit, and he thrust his fingers in deep and held them, squeezing against the roof of her pussy, feeling her clit throb beneath his fingers.




Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 05



He pressed his big palm against her tender flesh and let her grind, then slowly massaged as she fell back panting.

"Wow...oh wow," Orchid purred.

Wilth smiled and brushed her hair away from her face as he eased his fingers out of her.

Her eyes snapped open, wide and nervous, as he knelt between her thighs and leaned over her, resting his weight on his elbows, his chest brushing her breasts.

Orchid felt his hardness bump against her belly, and couldn't hold back a whimper.

"It's ok, girl," he said softly. "I'll be gentle."

Her arms went around his neck as he reached down, guiding himself into her.

"Sayennit's mercy!" he groaned as his thick cockhead slipped inside her. She was scorching hot, tight as a vise, and the slick tunnel thrummed around him.

He moved slow, fighting the urge to ram into her, wanting her to remember her first time as a pleasant one.

Her moans were continuous, her inexperienced body reacting with instinct to the penetration.

He slid in a little deeper and encountered resistance.

"Deep breaths, angel," he warned. "This may hurt a bit."

It was cute, the way she obediently panted, and he put a little strength behind the next thrust, breaking through her virgin barrier and sinking deep into her heated softness.

Her voice rose in a near-scream, her body tense and shaking with pain, tears filling her eyes.

"Noooo," she started to protest, but almost as fast as it had come, the pain faded, leaving behind only an intense memory-and the delicious feeling of being filled.

Wilth didn't move, barely breathed, waiting for her to regain her composure.

"Ok?" he breathed.

Orchid bit her bottom lip and tentatively moved her hips, his cock throbbing inside her.

He held still, letting her body adjust, waiting for the tension in her limbs and face to ease.

"Ok?" he softly asked again.

"Y-yes," she answered uncertainly, her lower body barely moving, judging the sensation, unconsciously searching for the pain.

He felt her inner muscles flutter and began to move, very slowly, only withdrawing an inch or two then sliding back into her.

"Ooohhhh," she gasped as he moved, staying deep within her, gently stretching her. Her natural juices and little bit of virgin blood lubed the narrow, tight passage, making it possible to glide back and forth.

"Ohhh it's so good...soooo good," she moaned, and her legs went around him, her ankles locking behind his muscular calves. She started to buck her hips, and he mostly held still, letting her pump up and down his cock.

He slid his hands under the lovely girl's shoulders, supporting his weight, still careful not to go to deep. Her pussy clenched and unclenched, massaging his cock back into full iron hardness.

"You're so hard," she moaned, "so thick and hard in my pussy," and all those days of learning the words of lust and passion with Mist and the old mother came flooding back.

Feeling wanton, she looked up at him, arching up and twisting to take more of his cock inside her. 

"Fuck me! Fuck meeeee! Fuck my wet little cunt!" she babbled, each word sending a thrill tingling through her gyrating body.

Wilth moved his knees a little further apart and began to thrust, matching her sweet rhythm, their bodies moving in perfect synchronization.

He felt her honey flow, bathing his thick rod, and she squealed and thrashed as another climax roared through her. He plunged in balls deep, groaning with pleasure as her cumming pussy pulsed wildly around his erection.

"Ohhh...oh my Lord Wilth...oohhhh," Orchid gasped, her luscious body shaking. He took deep breaths, fighting for control, not wanting their encounter to end just yet.

Orchid moaned and smiled weakly as she floated down from her peak. He gazed down at the lovely, quivering girl with affection and leaned back, moving his legs further apart so he could balance on his knees.

His strong hands slid up her torso to gently squeeze her full breasts.

"One more for me, darling Orchid," he said quietly as he began to move inside her again.

In a dimension that can barely be imagined by mere mortals, the gods looked down from their ethereal thrones. They gazed upon their Chosen, and were well pleased.

XXXXXXXXXX

Hey that was almost a legit Literotica story-lots of sex!

Working on Ch. 6, which will take us back to more of that annoying plot stuff. Til then, hope you enjoyed!



Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 06



ORCHID heard her own name yelled in the midst of the shrieks of joy and peals of happy laughter.

She was hugged so hard she could barely breathe, and gave back hugs that were just as hard.

"Together again! Look out Vens!" Midnight shouted above the cacophony, and everyone laughed.

"Gods, I've missed you," Heart said, happy tears shining on her cheeks.

Magenta rolled her eyes. "Forbell's shiny gold!" she grumbled. "It's been five days. Settle down a little."

Thistle looked at her sideways, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Just because no one missed you doesn't mean we didn't miss our nice Sisters."

Magenta raised her eyebrows.

"Brat."

Thistle stuck her tongue out.

"That's it. Let's go!" Magenta growled, and the two girls squared off, waving their little fists at each other in the classic fighter's pose.

"Sisters!" 

Wisteria, ever the peacemaker, started to step between them, but stopped when she saw they were both struggling not to laugh.

"Little smart ass," Magenta shouted.

"Big dumb ass," Thistle retorted.

Magenta bobbed and weaved. "I'm gonna slap your tits off!"

"Oh yea? I'll smack you so hard you'll be flat as Ornament!"

Watching the show with the rest of her giggling Sisters, Ornament's mouth fell open.

"Hey!" she squeaked. Laughing, Flower ruffled her hair affectionately.

Thistle's control broke. Grinning from ear to ear, she spread her arms wide.

"Come here, stupid," she laughed.

Magenta rolled her eyes again, but stepped forward and embraced her Sister as the other girls cheered and whooped.

Thistle leaned back, her arms still around Magenta's slim waist. their noses almost touching.

"You missed me. Admit it."

"I guess," Magenta teased, and the two were engulfed by the rest of their Sisters in a giant, twelve girl group hug.

"I'm not flat, I'm perky!" Ornament complained from somewhere in the middle.

XXXXXXXXXX

The girls sat down for a sumptuous brunch, and of course the talk soon turned to their experiences dancing and going to the private rooms.

All of them had exchanged their ruby 'virgin' earrings for something new. Orchid had a pair of lovely pearls.

As the girls chattered, she noticed with surprise that Ornament also had a tiny diamond nose-stud.

Orchid knew what that meant. Thistle had gotten one after their second night entertaining, and told her wide eyed Sisters what she had done to earn it.

Before she could say a word, Heart chirped. She was sitting right next to Ornament, and couldn't help notice the little decoration adorning her nose.

"Sayennit's mercy!" she said in amazement. "You got your nose pierced!"

Ornament bit her bottom lip, blushing.

"You?" Thistle exclaimed. "I never woulda guessed you'd be the only other one!"

"What?" Midnight and Magenta chorused, and Heather added, "What does it mean?"

After her difficult night with the servant of Blazell, Ornament had been quiet and subdued, even for her. She didn't-couldn't-tell even her beloved Sisters what had been done to her.

Gem giggled. "It means she took it up the butt," she explained.

There were gasps, just as the girls in Thistle and Orchid's group had gasped.

"No way!" Flower finally said, as Ornament sat and blushed crimson.

There was a pause in the chatter, as the girls contemplated an act that none of them had even thought of-until they learned one of their Sisters had done it.

Breath broke the ice. Rising, she went to Ornament's chair and hugged the small girl warmly.

"We're all very proud of you, Sister," she said with genuine tenderness in her voice.

"Hell ya!" Magenta shouted. "Who woulda dreamed you'd be the sluttiest one in our group?"

Ornament leaned her head against Breath's chest and put her hands over her face, but it didn't hide her smile.

"Will...will we all have to do...that?" Flower asked.

Wisteria made a small sound, like 'eeek', and Heather spoke up.

"I guess if it pleases our partner, we probably should."

Thistle looked at her Sisters and laughed.

"Wait til you find out how to get your nipples pierced!"

XXXXXXXXXX

As the girls chatted, Orchid and the rest found out their personal experiences were similar to the others.

She wasn't the only one that had been 'splashed', as Lily put it. Several of the girls had had that happen to them.

"My second guy made me do that," Midnight told them. "He said it took the edge off so he could last longer when we...you know."

"Fucked?" Magenta supplied, and they all laughed.

"Yes, fucked," Midnight giggled, and added "I'm trying to be delicate here."

"No need," Thistle told her. "We've all been fucked."

"Some of us three times," Flower chipped in, and grinned.

The general consensus was that there were two basic types of patrons, and Orchid had experienced both. One kind of guy took his time, enjoyed pleasuring the girl as much as himself, and waited ("sometimes too long," Gem said to giggles) until she had climaxed before taking his own pleasure.

Others were simpler, but less fun. Wisteria shyly described how her first partner had simply pushed her face down on the bed, her feet still on the floor, then shoved her legs open, thrust into her a few times, finished, said 'thank you' and left.

"Aww sis I'm sorry," Heather told her. "You kinda got cheated."

"The second night was better," Wisteria said, blushing, "but he still turned me upside-down at the end."

"He wanted to look at your big butt while he...did it," Midnight teased.

Wisteria stuck her tongue out.

"Gee, you think?" Thistle said sarcastically, and even Midnight laughed.

"Yea, that was a pretty obvious thing to say," she giggled.

After a few hours, the girls from Orchid's group were called away to start getting ready for the night's dancing. There were showers to take, legs to shave, outfits to select, a thousand and one details to attend to.

There were hugs but no tears-the two groups were no long being kept apart, and would see each other almost every day.

The last thing Orchid heard before she left the room was Ornament softly telling someone "what if I don't want my nipples to get pierced?"

XXXXXXXXXX

"Darella's balls!" Orchid swore. "This place isn't that big! How the hell did I get lost?"

She looked ahead, then looked behind her. Stretching in both directions was a long, featureless, straight white hallway, extending as far as she could see.

"Crap," she sighed. Picking a direction at random, she started trudging ahead, noticing the white carpet under her bare feet was thin and worn.

She grumbled and muttered under her breath as she walked...and walked...and walked. There was still nothing to see but the white walls. She couldn't even see a ceiling when she looked up.

She was wearing a royal blue robe almost identical to the one she'd worn at her Naming Ceremony. 

'I don't remember bringing this to Vens," she thought idly as she walked. 

Finally, she paused and leaned one arm against the wall so she could massage an impending cramp from her left foot. She was tired and thirsty and grumpy and just wanted to get back to the club and take a nap.

"Bout fucking time you showed up, girl!"

Squeaking with surprise, Orchid stumbled back, nearly falling before she managed to lean her back against the wall.

"Where...what..." was all she could manage as she stared at the woman walking towards her.

She was about her own age, maybe a little older, with long sandy-brown hair. She was dressed in the the gold top and skirt a Chosen wore her first night dancing, and as Orchid calmed down from being startled, she realized the woman was breathtakingly beautiful.

A flawless face. Deep blue eyes. A lovely, impeccable body, dazzling in its perfection. 

"What...who..." she stammered again, her overwhelmed brain barely working.

"Finish a damn sentence, girl!" the woman snapped.

Orchid stood up straight and gave her head a little shake.

"Who are you? Do I know you?"

The woman tilted her head impatiently.

"Look and think, brat."

Orchid examined the woman's beautiful face, her eyes widening by the second.

'It can't be,' she thought, but the resemblance was there.

"Old mother?" she managed to whisper.

"Always knew you weren't as dumb as you look," the woman laughed. "Although I'm not old, or a mother, just yet."

"You're so beautiful," Orchid breathed. "And so...so...young!"

"I told you I was, bratling."

Orchid's head spun. She couldn't think of anything to say.

"Let's walk, girl," the woman said, and without waiting for an answer turned and began strolling away. With another squeak, Orchid hurried to catch up.

"Well?"

"Well what?" Orchid asked, confused.

The young old mother stopped and sighed.

"Aren't you going to ask why I'm here," she said, and fluttered her hands down her body in a 'look at me' gesture, "looking like this?"

"Ummm...why are you..."

"I'm so glad you asked," the woman said, rolling her eyes.

"You are the finest student I ever had," she continued. "You absorbed every lesson, worked your little butt off, and met every new challenge with enthusiasm and passion."

Orchid whispered a thank you.

"You're thriving here, girl. There's a joy in your eyes. This is where-and what-you were born to be."

"Every night has been amazing," Orchid admitted.

"And they will only get better. The gods have smiled on you, child. Honor them-and remember everything I told you."

Orchid's smile was angelic. "I will," she promised.

Old mother lightly pressed her palms to Orchid's cheeks and brushed her lips on the girl's trembling mouth.

"I'm so very proud of you. And all your Sisters," she added. "I just wanted to tell you that."

Orchid smiled widely, happy tears misting her eyes.

"I'm going to make you prouder," she whispered.

"I know you will, child."

XXXXXXXXXX

"Orchid! Orchid!"

"Hmmffrrrggmmbbll..."

"Spira's smile, Orchid, wake up!" Breath said excitedly, shaking her shoulders. "Mist is here!"

"Orrmm...Mist?"

Orchid tried to blink away the fog of sleep as her best friend tugged on her arm.

"Come on!"

She stumbled to her feet as the girls crowded around Mist. The tall woman touched the girl's hair and faces affectionately as she moved deeper into the room.

All it took was one look at Mist's expression and Orchid knew. She started to tremble.

"Girls!" their former teacher called out over the chatter, and the girls quieted. She had an arm around Magenta and Lily, and she pursed her lips, her expression somber.

"Girls," she began again, softly. "Sayennit...and Ardell (Chulda) have finally taken mercy on Old Mother."

A few of the girls looked puzzled. Others pressed hands to their mouths as the awful realization sank in.

A tear trickled down Mist's cheek.

"She's gone."

Some people claim to this day that the sobs and wails could be heard by the gods themselves.

XXXXXXXXXX

There was some discussion of closing the club, but Mist demurred.

"If you want to honor her memory," she told the girls, "do it by being the best Chosen you can be."

Still, the mood at the club that night was subdued.

They hung a large painting, bordered in black, of a Chosen called Jewel-a breathtakingly beautiful girl who, many years later and for many years, would be called Old Mother.

The girls were somber, the music was slower and quieter than normal, and conversations were mostly conducted in near-whispers.

Even the love making was low-key. "The guy acted like I'd break if you moved too fast," Thistle joked the next morning, and Orchid could only nod.

XXXXXXXXXX

ORCHID thought she had learned a lot from her Teachers on Mulvadora, and from Mist and Old Mother after she came through the Gate, but her real education came from the men she met in the club.

On her fifth night of dancing, a servant of Spira taught her something new and wonderful.

He wasn't very handsome, but he had kind, brown eyes and soft, clever hands. He held her for a long time, standing behind her, rubbing his bulge against her naked rear end as his talented hands fondled and toyed with her large breasts.

Orchid was gasping and whimpering with need when he fluttered his tongue up her neck to her ear and whispered "come ride me, sweet girl."

She stood there, uncertain as he slipped off his breeches and stretched out on the narrow bed.

The man looked at her puzzled expression and grinned.

"Have you ever gotten on top before?"

Orchid shook her head, staring with hungry eyes at the thick erection sticking straight up from his loins. He held out his hand and she took it, letting him guide her into position.

He moved her until she was straddling his hips, and when she felt his thick, swollen cockhead bumping against her wetness, she understood what he wanted. They both moaned as her delicate hand wrapped around his shaft and helped it slip inside her.

It was a bit awkward at first, but Orchid had a Chosen's natural gift for sex, and was soon sliding up and down his hardon easily.

She loved it! Being on top, she could control the depth and the speed. She could sit straight up, and he squeezed her luscious tits as she bounced lightly on his cock; or she could lie on top of him, her nipples rubbing against his chest as her hips lifted and fell.

He held her close and ran his hands down her back to cup her firm buttocks and she groaned with pleasure.

"Like that?" he grinned, flicking his hips up to drive his cock even deeper into her soaked, aching pussy.

"Ohhh yes, yessss, play with my ass!" she babbled, bathing his cock with her cream as she climaxed.

He held the trembling girl close, letting her grind and wiggle her hips through her pleasure, then started to playfully glide a fingertip up and down the sweet cleft between her cheeks.

"OOOOhhhhh!" she gasped as he tickled the tiny virgin hole hidden there, and fresh passion made her start to move again.

His lips moved on her neck and shoulder and he gently wiggled his finger into her little hole. Orchid shuddered with forbidden lust as her ass was penetrated for the very first time.

"Is that a virgin hole, little one?" he asked, panting, his finger moving gently in and out.

"Yessssss," she moaned, her little cunt pulsing wildly from the double penetration, and he could hold back no longer. His hips bucked, slamming up into her as he shot his load, and Orchid pushed back eagerly onto his finger and spurting cock as his cum splashed deep inside her, triggering her own orgasm.

She clung to him, her body a light, quivering weight, and he stroked her warm skin tenderly.

"Oh, how I envy the first man to take your ass," he murmured, grinning at the way she trembled in his arms.

XXXXXXXXXX

The servant of Blazell stood before his bosses desk, giving his daily report.

"The border skirmishes continue between the two countries north of Mulvadora," he read, "but so far none of the fighting has come within forty kilometers of Mulvadoran territory."

"Uh-huh," came the reply, the listeners eyes unfocused and disinterested.

"Purple wolverines wearing tutus continue to attack minor officials, but we've trained dancing giraffes to stomp on their tails, ameliorating that difficulty."

"Uh-huh."

The younger man set the report on the desk and sighed. This was getting ridiculous.

"Lord Corbett?"

"Lord Corbett!"

Corbett's head jerked, finally giving his underling his attention.

"You haven't heard a word I said...sir."

Corbett rubbed his left eye. "Sorry," he muttered. "I'm just...I'm..."

The younger man put his palms on the desk and leaned closer.

"Go back to the club," he said slowly, "and see her again."

Corbett's brow furrowed. "Who?"

The other man's mouth twisted with impatience. "You know who, sir. The Chosen girl you can't stop thinking about."

"This is none of your business, Oldren," Corbett replied, his eyes narrowed in anger.

"With all due respect, sir, it is. You've been useless since that night. You came in, talking non-stop about this lovely girl for an hour...then stopped. Ever since, you just sit behind this desk and stare at the walls."

Corbett glared, but didn't reply.

Oldren pushed the papers he'd been reading across the desk.

"There's my report, sir," he said, and turned to leave.

"You know I'm right, sir," he said without looking back.

Corbett scowled at the door, then scrubbed his face with his hands. In moments, his eyes got that glazed look again, focused on nothing, his thoughts filled with by the sweet little dancer.

His heavy sigh sounded a lot like the name Ornament.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Sis!"

Breath waved her Sister and best friend over, and the two of them slipped away from the group.

The girls were wearing their usual offstage outfits-loose, wrap around skirts that hung low on their hips, and baggy, lightweight tunics with long sleeves, cut short enough to leave their midriffs bare. Orchid's outfit was grey, and Breath's black.

Breath looked around furtively, then smiled. 

"Check this out," she said, and lifted her top.

Orchid's mouth fell open when she saw the tiny, glittering gold hoops dangling from her friends nipples.

"Sayennit's heart!" she exclaimed, her face breaking into a huge grin. "How did you get those?"

Breath covered herself back up and giggled. 

"You get them with your mouth."

"With your..." Orchid mused.

"Ew!"

Breath laughed. "Nah, sis really it's not that bad. It was kinda fun!"

"So you...you really...?"

Breath nodded. "It's not as fun as...the other...but it still feels good-and it really made me feel like a servant. Like...like it was all about his pleasure, you know?"

Orchid pondered that for a moment.

"But what about when...when the stuff comes out?"

"You swallow it, silly."

"Ew!" Orchid said again, and Breath laughed.

"Aww, it's not so bad. There's not that much of it."

"Yea, but how does it taste?"

"It doesn't really have much taste," Breath answered, "and anyways there's not that much of it."

Orchid's expression was still doubtful.

"Remember when they used to serve us those pureed turnips that you hated so much?"

"Yea-they were yucky!"

"But you still ate them. You took small mouthfuls and gulped them down fast, and it was no big deal-right?"

"I guess," Orchid said.

"Well, this is kinda the same. Just swallow fast and you're done."

"What about the hoops?" Orchid had to ask. "Did it hurt?"

Breath shrugged. "A little, and they're a little tender still, but they also feel kinda sexy. Like my...my nipples are being gently tugged all the time."

"That does sound nice," Orchid smiled.

"It is-and I bet you get yours soon."

XXXXXXXXXX

It didn't surprise anyone that Gem was the first girl to find her life long partner. She was so pretty and so sweet, smart, and a wonderful dancer too.

What was surprising was how it happened.

She had been up on a platform next to Orchid, and moments after they both hopped down for a break, the girl's eyes went wide. She clutched Orchid's bicep in a death grip.

"Sis...oh sis it's him! It's him!"

Orchid followed her gaze. Gem was staring in awe at one of the younger men in the club, a tall, handsome servant of Hartsell with curly brown hair.

"Oh wow, oh wow," Gem kept repeating. "This is incredible!"

One of the club's workers joined them, smiling happily at the signs of love on Gem's face.

"Him him him!" she whispered loudly, eagerly pointing out the man.

He escorted her across the club to meet him, and Orchid saw at happen. As soon as the guy caught sight of Gem, he froze, his mouth falling open in amazement.

The new couple were so overcome with the force of their infatuation they could barely speak. Quickly, arrangements were made for Gem to spend the traditional two nights at his home, just to make sure the gods truly had matched them.




Through the Gate of the Gods Ch. 06



Orchid was very happy for her Sister, a little bit envious, a little sad she wouldn't be seeing Gem every day, but also glad it wasn't her time yet. She was having too much fun at the club!

XXXXXXXXXX

HER next night at the club, Orchid had two new experiences.

She was drinking a glass of juice at the bar when Markan, a quiet, massive servant of Spira who always made all the girls feel very safe, tapped her on the shoulder.

A group of four friends-servants of Forbell-wanted a private dance.

Orchid bit her bottom lip and quivered, knowing that meant dancing totally nude.

She had found an incredible outfit to wear-a full length, long sleeve, stretchy red bodysuit that fit her like a second skin.

The outfit left almost nothing to the imagination anyway, as sheer as it was, but there was still a big, exciting difference between dancing almost naked and dancing fully naked.

The men, all handsome and in their forties, pulled chairs into a square. The music from the main club was just audible enough for Orchid to get the beat to dance.

It was hard to be graceful and get out of the snug bodysuit at the same time, but the men were more than willing to help. With compliments and encouragement, they soon had her stark naked except for her scarlet heels.

Orchid moved slow, turning and smiling at each of the guys. She knew they hadn't brought her to the small room to watch her dance-they wanted to see her body, and she obliged eagerly.

The guys continued to holler ideas, mostly involving her playing with her breasts or laying on her back and spreading her legs to flaunt her pussy.

The whole scene was so exciting to her! She rolled on her back again and raised her hips. balanced on her shoulders and toes as she pumped her hips, and all four men could see the wetness gleaming in the soft hairs between her legs.

Chuckling, one of the men stood. He took hold of her wrist and gently guided her hand down her body, placing it on her soaked pussy.

"Go ahead sweetheart," he urged. "Give us your best show."

Orchid couldn't have stopped herself if she'd wanted to. Overcome with desire, helpless to fight the lust blazing inside her, she rubbed and fondled herself, then slid two fingers deep into her aching, heated softness, shamelessly masturbating as the men watched with eager excitement, quietly clapping and cheering, egging her on.

The thought of performing so wantonly in front of these strangers just spurred her to greater heights of passion. Her fingers pumped frantically in and out as her body stiffened and bucked, masturbating herself to a climax for the first time in her life-in front of a group of lustful men.

Finally, the waves of pleasure slowed to gentle tingles, and she collapsed, her lovely chest rising and falling as she panted to catch her breath.

The men couldn't praise her enough. Each one bent down to kiss her cheek with genuine affection, whispering something about how sexy and wonderful the show was. 

The knowledge that she had pleased them was almost as fulfilling as the orgasm she'd had.

XXXXXXXXXX

AT the end of the night, Orchid was matched up with a servant of Harstell.

Thin and quiet, the man barely said a word to her. Instead, he made his desires known by constantly stroking and caressing her lips, smiling and fondling her when she obediently took one of his slender fingers into her mouth.

His hand toying with her breasts and pussy, and the growing realization of what he wanted, had her panting and gasping by the time he sat on the edge of the bed and motioned for her to get down between her legs.

Excited and nervous, Orchid drew his breeches down, and couldn't stop the little moan that escaped her lips when his impressive erection sprang free.

She'd had sex with several men, but this was the first time she'd seen a cock truly close up. Her trembling fingers slid up and down the long, thick member and she looked up at him, her eyes smokey with desire.

"I...I'm not sure what to do," she admitted quietly. "It's my first time."

He brushed his hand down her hair, petting her gently.

"Kiss it first. Kiss all of it."

"Ok," she murmured, her tongue wetting her lips as she leaned closer. His cock filled her field of vision, and the sight made little tingles of excitement flow through her.

She touched her lips to the shaft, almost in the exact middle, thrilling as the warm flesh shivered and throbbed under her soft kisses.

Her lips softly nibbled up and down, her tiny pink tongue flickering out to lick the stiff pole, and his groan of pleasure sounded beautiful to her ears.

Instinctively, she started to use her tongue more, licking wetly up the underside of the fat cock, and when she got to the swollen mushroom at the top she circled her tongue around and around, lifting her gaze so the man could see the excitement in her eyes.

She was amazed at how exciting, how thrilling the act was to her, and without thinking slipped a hand down between her legs, stroking herself wantonly as she licked and kissed.

His hand tightened in her long hair, just enough to guide her head farther up.

"Take it in your mouth," he groaned, his voice thick with lust.

Eagerly, she parted her lips and her warm mouth engulfed his thick cockhead.

"Just like if it was in your pussy," he muttered. "Just match that kind of motion."

It made sense, and she slid her mouth up and down, moaning with shameless passion. His cock was hot and hard, filling her mouth wonderfully.

He guided her head gently, panting as she took him deeper and deeper. Her lips felt so soft, squeezing around his aching shaft, and her moans massaged him erotically.

"Forbell's golden balls! You're so good at this!" he groaned, and the praise spurred her to even greater efforts.

With an animal growl, he struggled to his feet. His fingers tangled in her long hair, holding her head steady as he started to rock his hips, fucking her beautiful face.

Orchid felt the heavy knob of his cock push into her throat and fought not to gag. Her tongue licked wildly as the swollen member pumped in and out of her mouth.

Being taken this way ignited all of her natural, well trained submissive passions, and she put her free hand on his hip, urging him to thrust in even harder.

"Aahh fuck what a mouth!" he exclaimed, driving in until his churning balls rubbed against her chin. He weaved his hips as his cock swelled hugely in her mouth, groaning through clenched teeth as he shot his load.

"MMmmppffff!" Orchid squealed as the thick, creamy liquid splashed down her throat, and swallowed eagerly, her lower body twitching as her own orgasm blazed through her.

Finally, he released her head and fell back heavily on the bed. Orchid licked her lips clean of his sperm, then leaned to take his spent cock back into her mouth, nursing tenderly on the soft prick until he made her stop.

"I hope you liked that, little one," he muttered as he pulled her into his arms.

"Ohhh," she purred, "it was wonderful, my Lord. Thank you for teaching me!"

Cooing happily, she kissed his neck and chest, and hoped getting her nipples pierced the next morning wouldn't hurt too much.

XXXXXXXXXX

Twirling and wiggling adorably on her little dance platform, her lovely, slim body wrapped in cute pink ribbons, Ornament didn't even see the servant of Blazell move through the club, seeking out Alma.

She didn't see the finger that he pointed in her direction.

"I want to see her again," Corbett said, trying to sound stern to hide his nervousness.