A Master's Ring (V.2)

[DominationSoul]

“. . . We'll meet for coffee tomorrow morning to begin the process at the coffee shop in the University center at eight, okay?"

“Yes, Elizabeth, that sounds good.” He was happy to get the process started and anxious as well. Jason had always been prepared for classes and tests, but it was hard to prepare when he had no clue what lay ahead, and that thought was quite scary.

“. . . The process that concludes with you wearing that ring as a full master is meant to be hard . . . don't give up, for me and all the others that will be your Siblings next week. . . .”

Elizabeth's voice changed to a very serious one, and Jason gave her his full attention. Jason understood hard; although he did well in school, he'd struggled with his weight when he was younger. It had taken all of his inner fortitude to lose 70 pounds and then keep it off. He still tried to get to the gym several times a week, and he paid attention to his diet.

Sunday morning Jason met with Elizabeth at the coffee house again. Their conversation was so at ease as if he'd known her forever. Finally, it was time and she directed him to an empty building where he met Master Alexei Grigorin and Master Akiko Yashida

The Russian master was built like a bear while the Japanese master was petite. The questions started. Jason was surprised that anyone could know so much about his life. Some questions reminded him of things he'd forgotten all about. Some questions asked for the same information in different ways. He taken a number of tests that used questions in the same manner.

As hours passed, the questions became tiring. Jason used a mental exercise he'd learned long ago. He breathed deep and relaxed and visualized a quiet peaceful place. In this manner he was able to refresh his mind.

Some questions made him angry, and he remembered his mother's words, “If you have nothing good to say, keep quiet.” Keeping silent and not answering quickly wasn't easy, but it helped him to keep the control in his own hands.

When Jason left the interview Sunday night, he was exhausted. He was surprised to see Elizabeth waiting for him. He gave her a strong embrace and asked, “You been here the whole time?”

At her answer of yes, he said, “Thank you.” She kissed his cheek and they agreed to meet for lunch the next day before the next interview.

Jason fell into bed and went to sleep right away. His Monday classes went well. His thoughts turned to Elizabeth quite often, and he found himself smiling, feeling at peace.

He held Elizabeth's hand during lunch and she continued to encourage him. She waited for him after Eng Lit class, and they embrace and talked for awhile, then he walked hand in hand with her to the empty building.

About half way into Monday's interview, the question changed from probing to more accusing. “Why did you do this? Was this a good choice?” Finally, he became tired of it and yelled, “You were not there. I made the best choice, knowing what I did. I'm only human.”

Monday was another night of peaceful sleep. He was grateful for only two classes on Tuesday. He was able to talk with Elizabeth for a long while. Her encouragement made him determined to remain strong.

Tuesday's interview started off okay, but then the Russian master became more aggressive and pushing all of Jason's buttons. When he said something about Jason's mother, Jason let anger get the best of him and punched the Russian in the mouth.

Alexei and Akiko left the building. Jason just sat there. He was disappointed in himself for letting his temper take control of his actions.

He left the building and embraced Elizabeth. “I messed up.” He told her what happened.

* * *

Wednesday Jason was up early to go to the university gym. He didn't sleep as well and was not in the best mood. He walked over to a weight machine. He would take his frustrations out on it. As he sat down, a beautiful girl, in yoga pants and a sports bra that was trying to contain her breasts, strutted in his direction.

He remembered seeing here a few times; she was really hot. He returned his attention to the machine and put his hand on the handle. Her warm hand came down on top if his, showing him the white infinity ring. He looked up into her eyes. "Hi, my name's Madison, need a spotter?"

Her voice was like liquid sex, pouring out covering him head to toe. This was Madison, Elizabeth's roommate, which reminded him of Elizabeth's words: “Don't fuck this up.”

Jason smiled. “Sure a spotter is fine; I believe Elizabeth will be dropping by soon.”

 

[Veroe]

IC: Elizabeth Sommerset

Tuesday night Elizabeth waited outside the room where Masters Alexei and Akiko were 'interviewing' Jason. She could hear through the door, not the words but the tone of the voices, that things were getting heated and harsh. But still she sat for hours listening until.

Alexei and Akiko rushed out of the room leaving Jason inside. Alexei was holding a hand over a busted lip.

"He punched you," Akiko exclaimed, "He actually punched you in the face."

"No, is good," Alexei responded taking a handkerchief to dab the blood from his split lip, "Any man that lets another insinuate such things about his mother unchallenged does not deserve to wear black ring."

"That sounds like you like him," She replied.

"I would not say that," Alexei answered, "But Joseph chose well, yes. Still we have three or four more days to hammer at him and see how he breaks, and if he throws another punch next time I get to punch back, yes."

"This one will be our champion over returning to the spirit of our Order's ancient ideals," Akiko nodded, "I am not so certain about him as you yet. We have to make sure he's the example we desire him to be."

Alexei turned to her, "You are Elizabeth Sommerset, yes?"

"Yes, master, I am," She said rising to her feet.

"My new First Sibling, wishes me to give you message," He said, "It's been too long since you've called her. She misses her sister."

Her older sister, Laura, was master Alexei's First. "Yes, master, I will."

"Tell, young Jason nothing of this conversation," Akiko put in, "Tomorrow we will see how he handles the fear of failure."

They left and then Jason stepped out of the room. "I messed up."

She went to him embracing him, "What happened?"

He began to explain to her and she nodded, "You have to believe in yourself, Jason. Even if you stumble you can still win the race after all. Don't give up. It's not over. Tomorrow is another chance to do better."

-----------------------------X

IC: Madison Kerry

As he sat down at one of the weight machines she strode over to him. Her hand settled over his when he reached for the weights' handles. He could clearly see the white ring with a golden infinity symbol on her finger. "Hi, my name's Madison, need a spotter?"

“Sure a spotter is fine;" He said.

Madison smiled and nodded bending over to set the resistance on the plates after asking how much he wanted to work with. She looked over her shoulder when she felt his eyes rake over her, "Feel free to look all you like Jason. I work hard to keep my body in this state...its gratifying that you appreciate all that hard work."

He sat to start the workout on the machine. and she knelt in front of him so he could get a good look at the eye-popping cleavage the too small sportsbra made of her bust. "Just think in a week you'll be able to order me to strip my clothes off and I'll already have them thrown on the floor before you even finish the sentence."

She winked at him playfully, "Then you'll be able to appreciate this body up close and personal...not just with your eyes, but with your hands, your tongue or lips, and any other body parts you may want to throw into the mix."

"Elizabeth will be dropping by soon.” He told her as he began doing his reps on the machine.

She smiled to him, "That's good. I wouldn't want Elle to get the wrong idea. She's my best friend you know."

"It's not like anything is going to happen after all," She laughed, "You're a gentleman, and I'm sure that you have the willpower not to take advantage of a young woman...even if she wants you to." The last was given with a certain suggestive tone.

 

[DominationSoul]

“. . . Even if you stumble you can still win the race after all. . . .”

Elizabeth's words were like a mantra echoing in Jason's mind as Madison continued to flaunt her body. He couldn't help but wonder if this was yet another test of his willpower, but despite Madison's physical beauty, something was missing. He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Jason smiled as he remembered Elizabeth's account of their first night; now, that memory made him hotter than hell. She'd painted a visual so real that it was if he were there.

Now, he knew what Madison was missing. She knew how to flaunt and tease, but it was like she were playing a game – not making it real. An idea popped into Jason's head.

Jason looked at Madison and smiled. “Without question your body is flawless – yummylicious even, but you are mistaken if you think I won't take advantage. How about you return to your room and strip; I'll be along in a little while.”

 

[Veroe]

IC: Madison Kerry

"It's not like anything is going to happen after all," She laughed, "You're a gentleman, and I'm sure that you have the willpower not to take advantage of a young woman...even if she wants you to." The last was given with a certain suggestive tone.

“Without question your body is flawless – yummylicious even," He replied with a smile for her, "But you are mistaken if you think I won't take advantage."

"You promise," She perked up hearing exactly what she wanted from him.

"How about you return to your room and strip;" He suggested, "I'll be along in a little while.”

At that Madison's smile was like a young child that ran down the stairs on Christmas morning to find a new puppy underneath the tree waiting for her. It was one hundred percent full of hope and joy and simple love. Her voice radiated her happiness, "You really mean it?"

 

[DominationSoul]

Jason smiled back at Madison and replied, “Yeah, if you get going now, you'll even have time for a shower.”

Jason watched as Madison sauntered away. She did have such a fine ass. It wasn't easy resisting her sexual charms, and he was happy to see her hurrying away.

If this was a test of his self-discipline, then he was pleased, but if not – she was going to be madder than hell when he didn't show up. But, he also thought it was a lesson Madison needed to learn that she wa not always going to get what she wanted by using her sexual allure.

His thoughts returned to Elizabeth again. He was missing her right now. He wanted to cut his gym time short and go find her, but he reminded himself again the importance of self discipline.

He sighed and continued with his workout.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Madison Kerry

At that Madison's smile was like a young child that ran down the stairs on Christmas morning to find a new puppy underneath the tree waiting for her. It was one hundred percent full of hope and joy and simple love. Her voice radiated her happiness, "You really mean it?"

"Yeah, if you get going now, John nodded, "You'll even have time for a shower.”

Floating on air she began walking away. It wasn't until she reached the gym's door that she crashed back down to earth. She came rushing back to him.

"No, coming to the sorority house won't work," She shook her head, "Elle hasn't told you yet, but most of the girls there are Siblings. If you show up there for me I'd wind up having to share you."

She took hold of his hand, "But there's a secret room for the master inside."

Madison turned and began leading him towards the door, "I'll show you how to get in through the secret entrance to it. Come on, Jason."

 

[DominationSoul]

As they reached the gym door, Jason said in a voice just above a whisper, “Act natural Madison, we are being watched.” As they walked hand in hand across campus, he told her about the two leaders of the society. “I am being tested, and I kind of suspect that you are as well. We are acting in a normal fashion right now, but can you imagine what could happen if we do something out of the ordinary?

“I know it is disappointing, but we need to wait until those two masters are no longer on campus, then we will be safe to do as we want.”

When they reached her dorm, he gave her a kiss and said, “Night, Madison, and remember, we are being watched, so keep up your very best behavior.”

 

[Veroe]

IC: Madison Kerry and Elizabeth Sommerset and Professor Joseph Bryant

“Act natural Madison, we are being watched." He said ushering her out of the door, “I am being tested, and I kind of suspect that you are as well. We are acting in a normal fashion right now, but can you imagine what could happen if we do something out of the ordinary?"

"But I want you now," Madison pouted, "I had to wait for time with Professor Bryant, but now you're my age, and you're pretty hot and can keep up with me on your own...Can't we just do it really quick in a closet somewhere?"

“I know it is disappointing," He told her leading her down the walkway towards the sorority house, "But we need to wait until those two masters are no longer on campus, then we will be safe to do as we want.”

She gasped, "You promise?"

They reached the sorority house and he gave her a kiss on the cheek and Madison closed her eyes basking in the attention.

“Night, Madison," Jason told her, "And remember, we are being watched, so keep up your very best behavior.”

"Awww...." She pouted again before, "...But waiting's no fun. Wait...good night? It's not even lunch time."

He had already turned back towards the University gym again. Madison pouted but returned inside. Since she wasn't fucking Jason she may as well get ready for volleyball practice. Sigh. Madison hated waiting for anything.

On the way back to the gym Elizabeth intercepted Jason, "How was your workout? We need to head for Professor Bryant's class or we'll be late."

She took his hand leading him towards the English Lit building. "I was texted by one of my sorority sisters. She saw you and Madison outside just now..." She looked over to him, "Tell me...what did you think of her?"

When they reached Professor Bryant's class the dived into a discussion over the themes of Charles Dickens works in an industrializing England as opposed to how things are today.

After the class Professor Bryant got Jason's attention, "See me in my office."

Once there Professor Bryant sat down in his chair and steepled his fingers regarding Jason. "You have it right, son. Put it on for me."

When Jason slipped on the Master's Ring Professor Bryant had given him he asked, "How does it feel? Like it belongs on your finger, yet?"

He nodded at his answer before moving on, "You were being watched from the moment you and Elizabeth walked out of this office. I won't go into how...suffice it to say after a couple millenia living in the shadows we have gotten very very good at keeping an eye on potential problems...as well as making those potential problems disappear from the face of the Earth if they become actual problems."

"But I don't want to talk to you about that," He shrugged, "What I want to talk to you about is how you dealt with Madison."

"She should not have approached you so prematurely and behind your Firist's back like that," He told him, "Don't worry Elizabeth and the other Siblings will deal with disciplining her for that little faux pas."

"Would you like to know the mistake you made with her," He asked Jason, "You attempted to deceive her when you should've just told her to go back and wait her turn when your First Sibling decides its her turn with you."

 

[DominationSoul]

Jason wasn't paying attention to the time as he made his way back to the gym. He was intercepted by Elizabeth. He was happy to see her.

"How was your workout? We need to head for Professor Bryant's class or we'll be late."

Jason pondered for a moment if he should tell her about Madison. “The workout was ok for awhile. Then Madison showed up.”

"I was texted by one of my sorority sisters. She saw you and Madison outside just now … what did you think of her?"

“Well, she is beautiful but quite spoiled. Determined to get her way. To be honest, while talking with her I reminded myself a few times of the importance of self-discipline.”

They continued on the way to professor's Bryant's class. The class went quicker than Jason expected, and when it was over, he went to the professor's office.

“. . . Put it on for me."

Jason slipped on the ring.

"How does it feel? Like it belongs on your finger, yet?"

“It feels good – much better than when I first received it.”

Jason listened as the professor continued: "You were being watched from the moment you and Elizabeth walked out of this office. . . . What I want to talk to you about is how you dealt with Madison."

Jason frowned to himself, so he'd been right about being watched, which meant his actions at the park had been observed as well.

"Would you like to know the mistake you made with her," He asked Jason, "You attempted to deceive her when you should've just told her to go back and wait her turn when your First Sibling decides its her turn with you."


Jason nodded in agreement. “I was trying to avoid a head on confrontation and kept getting buried deeper and deeper. I'll be direct next time.”

Jason left the office feeling a bit foolish but also relieved that the professor had not brought up the park. He wondered if Elizabeth knew they had been watched, but he suspected not.

He saw her waiting for him in the hallway. He gave her a hug and said, “Thank you for waiting for me. Your support and encouragement is greatly appreciated.” He told her about the meeting.

 

[Veroe]

IC: Professor Joseph Bryant and Elizabeth Sommerset

"Would you like to know the mistake you made with her," He asked Jason, "You attempted to deceive her when you should've just told her to go back and wait her turn when your First Sibling decides its her turn with you."

“I was trying to avoid a head on confrontation and kept getting buried deeper and deeper." Jason explained, "I'll be direct next time.”

Professor Bryant nodded, "Just remember when you wear that ring they exist for your pleasure period. Look at it this way. Madison was trying to manipulate you. She was not making herself available to serve you. Directness is good, but a policy of assertive honesty towards your siblings is better."

"That said it's generally not acceptable for one Master to criticize openly how another deals with the Siblings in their household," He continued, "One thing is for certain. If I called you out on this expect your 'interviewers' to call you out on it much more aggressively tonight. I am your sponsor. I am in your corner, Jason. However you are the first master to be recruited from outside the society in a hundred years. None of us know how this will go."

Elizabeth waited for Jason in the hallway outside of Professor Bryant's office. When he left he saw her and said, “Thank you for waiting for me."

"I'm here for you, Jason," She nodded, "I will always be here for you."

"Your support and encouragement is greatly appreciated.” He told her.

He then told her about the meeting with Professor Bryant on the way out of the English Lit building.

Later that night Alexei and Akiko did indeed question him on how he handled Madison The 'Interview' lasted until four Thursday morning. When Jason dropped her off Elizabeth planned to have a few words with her best friend about her meeting Jason behind her back. Then have a few hours of sleep. She didn't have any classes until the afternoon on Thursdays. She'd meet with Jason for lunch before that though.

 

[DominationSoul]

Jason was glad professor Bryant was on his side. He needed his correction and support. I need to learn quickly from my mistakes, Jason reminded himself.

He hung out with Elizabeth until it was time for the next interview with Alexei and Akiko. The session lasted so long that his mind was having difficulty focusing, but then he was reminded of what Elizabeth told him: “. . . Even if you stumble you can still win the race after all. . . .”

Her words and her belief in him gave him strength he didn't even know he had. When he left the interview, he saw Elizabeth waiting for him. He gave her a quick hug and said, “You are amazing; your support means the world to me.”

They walked together to the sorority house where they made their goodbyes.

Jason was able to get some sleep, and was mostly awake when he met Elizabeth for lunch. “I'm starting to feel like a zombie,” he said. “I think I need some more sleep before the next interview.”

 

[Veroe]

IC: Elizabeth Sommerset

"You look tired today," Elizabeth commented as she and Jason ate their lunch. They had found a quiet corner in the veranda above the university's cafeteria. His burger was barely touched. She watched him droop down exhaustedly.

“I'm starting to feel like a zombie,” Jason told her, “I think I need some more sleep before the next interview.”

"You should skip the next class too," She patted her thigh, "Lay your head here on my lap. I will look after you as you sleep."

As he did She ran her fingers through his hair. She remembered his words to her. “You are amazing; your support means the world to me.” It was words she would cherish hearing from him whatever may come.

She whispered as he was drifting off. "I know its draining, so very hard on you, but I think you can do this, Jason. I think you are worthy to be my master. I would be proud to be your Sibling for the rest of my days."

She sat there as he slept on her lap for the rest of the afternoon.

Evening came and they left for the interview. This time as she sat outside the room. It was a lot more quiet and not as long. It was not even ten yet When Masters Alexei and Akiko left the room.

"What was that? Are you getting soft on the boy now, Alexei," Akiko asked, "You're the one who said we had to be hard on him to know he's the one who is worthy."

Alexei looked back at her. "Soft," He scoffed, "Little punk thinks he can just put on the ring and be one of us easily....still he is showing very well so far...." He turned to Elizabeth, "We will require more interviews tomorrow and Saturday to make certain, but begin preparations for an acceptance ceremony Sunday night."

Elizabeth beamed, exuberantly. Jason was going to become her Master if he can just go through two more nights of interviews.

They walked out of the door and Elizabeth schooled her expression as Jason left the room.

Friday came and Elizabeth and Jason spent an enjoyable afternoon on the basketball court at the park. She was of course terrible at it, but she did really enjoy when he wrapped his arms around her to show her how to make a proper free-throw before going to another interview session.

Saturday night they were heading to Jason's car for the final interview when they saw Jason's frat brother bent over the old camry.