Black Tulip
Not so delicate flower
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2003
- Posts
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As promised, a story that's not yet available to the public. LOL
It's chapter 1 of a series I'm writing against the backdrop an Egyptian Tarot Deck I have and I use the images as a kind of incentive. The whole was inspired by my trip to Egypt last summer.
The story is about a young priestess who needs to gain insight by studying the cards.
In each chapter she learns about the gods and goddesses and some of the myths surrounding them. This alters her perceptions, including that of the god Bes. The god Bes is playing tricks however so all her visions get a sexual connotation. In the end the god himself is tricked as he falls in love with this mortal woman while she is tranformed into one of the images of the cards.
My main concern: is it interesting enough to read on?
Do I need to give more hints about what is to come?
Is the main focus of the story clear?
Anything else you see or miss is appreciated too.
Enjoy, I hope.
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Egyptian dreams - Chapter 1
It was still early in the morning but the sun was already hot, bleaching the stones of the temple and the walkways in the glare, making them uncomfortable to the touch. At the same time, the clear light seemed to magnify all life, etching everything with clear, sharp lines.
Jahi stood for a moment, looking out over the valley below the temple, seeing the blue ribbon of the Nile winding its way to the north. As always, he was amazed at the contrast between the stark emptiness of the mountains and the valley of the river, teeming with life.
Small fishing boats crowded each other in the shallow waters near the banks while bigger, slower moving barges and the occasional yacht speeding along on the Pharaoh's business used the middle of the river. Near the riverbanks, he could see the fields with crops, further away the oxcarts rumbled towards the market and he could detect a group of little boys approaching a lesser temple.
Jahi shook his head as he noticed a slim figure climbing the steps to the top tier of the temple where he stood. Sanura, 'kitten' in English. He allowed himself a small smile because she was so aptly named. With her black hair and green eyes she looked like the human embodiment of the elegant temple cats. And she was just as wayward.
How many times had he chided her for not wearing a cape or shawl? And today was no exception. The simple linen kalisiris left her arms bare to the sun, hugging her slender form with the pleated material, cinched around the waist with a simple belt of leather. For a moment he was glad she had forgotten to cover herself properly again as he watched her climb up, enjoying the movement of her limbs beneath the thin white dress.
"Sanura, you disobeyed again."
His stern voice made her stop short of the top step and she bowed her head. Her arms folded around her waist, as if she needed to hold herself against his anger. He knew he had been harsh with her on a number of occasions, but he had his reasons. In his mind he recited the justification, he had his reasons.
"Come." Jahi turned without waiting to see if the young priestess would obey him. She would.
The top level of the temple consisted of a colonnade running the breadth of the temple, giving shade to those who managed to climb all the way to the top. On either side the arcade swept back into a walkway carved out into the rock, embracing an open space behind the shaded entrance. The sun beat down directly into the potted garden, doing his best to burn the swaying fronds off of the date palms, dry up the poppies planted around the small basin in the middle.
Jahi entered the walkway to the right, glanced for a moment at the beautiful small garden and continued on. Following the marble steps that led down into the mountain he brought Sanura to a little cubicle at the foot of the steps.
"This will be your sleeping place for the next cycles. Since you have been chosen as initiate I expect you to behave properly."
"I will, dignified one." Sanura's voice was soft and full of remorse, but her eyes sparkled with the excitement of being the chosen one.
Jahi allowed her a few moments to take in her new home for the next turning of the moon or more. The rock kept out the heat but in winter it could be cold and unforgiving, as the walls were bare. Since the girl was supposed to be devoting herself to learning and honing her awareness nothing inside should detract from it. The sole furnishing was a pallet with a straw mattress, covered with plain unbleached cloth.
"I'll show you the way."
Jahi knew he was being harsh again, but he couldn't help it. Apart from wanting the girl to succeed as the new high priestess, he was desperate to keep himself apart from her. She was highly intuitive, an obvious choice to be initiated into the secrets of the cards. It wouldn't do to confuse her training with intimate knowledge of his mature body. He sighed. How he wished things were different. Her smooth, golden skin would be beautiful against his darker, tougher hide. His tall, lean frame embracing her softer, rounder form.
Abruptly Jahi cleared his throat, dispelling the enticing images from his mind. He stepped aside and gestured Sanura inside the proper temple quarters, showing her the place for eating, for cleaning her body and for praying. Finally he led her out again, continuing along the curve around the inner garden till they came to the back of it. There, hacked out from the sheer face of the mountain stood a sturdy wooden door, which was adorned with the Eye of Horus.
"Sanura, observe the symbol. Can you explain why this hall - and no other - is guarded with such a door?" Jahi's voice was a bit less cold as he looked at the young woman.
* * *
Sanura looked at the large painting in gold and blue and nodded her head. She glanced at Jahi for a moment, biting her lip as she saw his dark eyes resting squarely on her face. Waiting for her words. She knew the right explanation would gain her entrance, give her the right to study what was behind the door, striving to become the new high priestess, to turn into Sameref.
"The Eye is not only the symbol of Horus, son of Isis and Osiris, it's also the reminder of the way the heqat is made up of fractions. It helps us remember the fractions. The six elements of the symbol are also the representation of the six senses. It shows us touch, taste, hearing, thought, sight and smell. And lastly the Eye guards us against evil, watching our spiritual growth."
"Yes, it does all that." Jahi's answer was a soft breath as he pushed the door open. "Enter Sanura."
Behind the door was a large rectangular hall, the floor a smooth marble. White with faint purple and pink veins, but all attention was drawn toward the paintings that decorated the walls. Each wall was divided into seven panels, beautiful images that depicted the Major Arcana, the sacred cards of the Tarot. The long wall to the left carried the first seven paintings, the ones devoted to life on earth. Opposite, on the wall to the right of the door were the next seven panels, the ones dealing with the judgement after death, and on the short wall, face-to-face with the door were the last seven panels, the images that showed life after death.
With a small frown between the elegant line of her dark eyebrows, Sanura counted the panels. She turned to ask Jahi why there were only twenty-one panels when she noticed the backside of the door. There, painted on the polished wood, was the twenty-second card, Hotep. The fool of the deck who insured peace and happiness. The beginning and the end. How befitting that he adorned the door. Beneath his feet were painted the four suits.
Sanura walked back and reached out. With reverent fingers she traced the golden Ankh, sign of life, symbolizing confirmation. Next to it was a vibrant blue and black beetle, the Scarab, the sustaining force of the spirit. Almost in trance, Sanura's fingers traced the symbols below these two; the purple club, Ded; the spine of Osiris for physical strength; and, finally, the ocher and red cup of Heset, symbol for transformation.
A small sigh escaped her lips as she turned back to look at the high priest. She knew he wanted her to succeed, but she wished he would be a little less aloof, a bit more human. Inwardly she smiled as she thought of the possibility he had molded himself to resemble his name. Jahi, the dignified one.
Answering his gesture she reached his side as he led her around the hall. Showing her the paintings, explaining their significance, telling her she would need to absorb all, learn to use all her senses in dealing with the cards, getting in touch with all aspects of their meaning in order to become a true high priestess. Casting the cards and guarding the people from mistaken actions, guiding them in their troubles, she would shoulder a heavy burden once she was installed.
Sanura nodded her understanding. Of course she knew all that. Just as she was familiar with the broad outline of the Tarot. But this was the first time she was permitted to see it all, to take in the beautiful colors, the precise and clear lines of the images.
She was aware how Jahi told her she would have at least one moon cycle to prepare herself. If necessary she could apply for more time, but one cycle would be best. She also heard Jahi leave her, the door closing behind him with a soft thud. But all the while her attention was focussed on the images of gods and goddesses, some there to guide and help, others to test and devour.
Although the door shut out the sun the hall was lighted from small holes above it, providing fresh air as well as illumination. Looking around, Sanura decided to light the oil lamps to give her a clearer sight. Then she made another tour. Jahi had left it to her how to proceed in her studying, clearly expecting her to get guidance from the gods if she really were worthy. Slowly Sanura walked from one panel to the next. Starting at the left side of the door she came face to face with the first of the seven cards, the ones portraying life on earth.
With her head to the side she looked at Bes, god of the home and travelers. Bes loved music and jokes. He was the embodiment of the prankster. At first sight Sanura saw an ugly dwarf. A small, sturdy man with a broad mouth and slightly bowed legs. His dark hair was streaked with white and sported a colorful feather. Around his shoulders was a leopard skin. It was the only clothing on his body, leaving his impressive male attributes uncovered.
Sanura studied Bes for a long time. Trying to take in all that he symbolized, striving to use all the senses. Somehow she came back to touch, every time she tried to think of smell or hearing or any other sense. No matter his grotesque appearance, the god was still able to kindle a small spark in her belly. Shaking her head, Sanura finally walked away, chiding herself for getting aroused by the thought of Bes using his big, fat cock on her.
The second image represented Sameref, the high priestess. Sanura absorbed the image of the slim woman, her dark hair unbound, clad in a thin dress that did nothing to disguise her body. It only enhanced her small perky breasts and soft smooth mound. The thought that she herself could become that woman was faintly disturbing but it did nothing to dispel the effect Bes had on her.
With a sigh, Sanura stepped to the next panel. The high priestess would have to wait for a while. She knew it was supposed to symbolize the connection between humans and gods. It reflected her own task after all. Aiding in communicating with the gods. She merely wished it could be done in a less revealing dress.
The third image evoked an immediate awe. Sanura had no trouble recognizing Isis, a beautiful woman who faced to the right as befitted a queen. She was kneeling, her hands held up as if warding off evil or supplicating to another.
Next was Osiris, the ultimate pharaoh. Just like his sister facing to the right, the god was seated on a carved throne, carrying the symbols of his rulership. On his head the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.
Number five was Joemtef, the high priest. With a slight frown Sanura gazed at the panel. Joemtef was represented by a tall man, lean with a dark skin. He wore a simple white kalisiris, the white cloth draped around his hips, with a leopard skin across his shoulders. The skin reminded her of Bes. Odd that a priest should wear the same adornments as a god. Joemtef held a knocker in the form of an ibis in his hand. His means to attract the attention of the gods. He was supposed to provide entrance to their realm.
The next panel was a little less clear. She remembered Jahi telling her it was called Hathor. But a first glance showed her two persons with a pole between them. The only thing to indicate Hathor was the head of a cow on top of the pole. Hathor, the nurturing mother, the symbol of love. How these two lovers symbolized the goddess eluded her and she moved to the last of the panels for life on earth.
Nesjmet. The boat was a beautiful image of a barge, ready to carry the soul of the dead across the gulf of nothingness between life and afterlife. Leaning a bit forward she could see tiny figures of shabti, the servants for afterlife, depicted inside the boat, ready to execute tasks for the mummy who rested at the bottom. Nesjmet, change in every meaning of the word.
Sanura took a step back and rubbed a hand across her forehead. A look at the light from the holes above the door told her she had been studying the panels for a long time. Reluctantly she left the rest of them for the next day.
After dousing the lamps she closed the door behind her. There was no need for a lock, who would transgress beneath the Eye of Horus? With a shy gesture Sanura touched the symbol, following the lines with her fingers, telling herself it was all right to touch. After all, that was one of the senses she was supposed to use, wasn't it?
Suddenly very tired, Sanura slipped into her little cubicle after washing and eating. A very quick prayer to Bes, asking for a restorative sleep, was all before she curled up on her austere bed. Soon the only sound was her breathing and the occasional rustling of the straw beneath the sheets when she turned.
Near dawn, another sound added itself. Soft footsteps halted beside the simple resting-place. Although there was no other sound, it was obvious someone was watching the sleeping priestess. To Jahi she had seemed like a girl, she was after all almost twenty years younger, but the one watching her now merely saw a woman, young and alluring.
Dark eyes studied the slender limbs with the golden skin, the eyebrows that looked as if painted on her triangular face with the lightly slanted eyes. He knew they were green, he had seen her looking at him today. A grin split the broad face as he touched himself. She had been looking all right. Oh, yes, she had.
He was not sure why, but her scrutiny or maybe her involuntary reaction to his image had evoked him. And when she prayed for sleep to restore her for another day of studying and scrutinizing, he could not resist his urge to play a trick on her. Well, on his fellow deities as well. They could be so stuffy at times, so full of themselves. It was not as if he would disrupt anything important. He knew as well as the rest of them, this young woman were destined to be the new Sameref, he wouldn't dream of interfering with that. Just a small prank, no more.
A quick gesture of his large hands as they traced the form of her, no more than inches above her body. The air sparkled for a moment, faint white pinpoints settling in the lush black hair, sinking below the smooth skin of her brow. Anticipating a lot of entertainment over the next few days, Bes skipped out of the room again. His sturdy legs carrying him silently back to the hall behind the Eye of Horus.
Refreshed Sanura got up with the dawn, rising with the sun, mighty Ra himself. With a small smile she reminded herself that Ra was number nineteen, part of the last seven, the cards devoted to the afterlife. Donning a simple dress in pale green, she looked like reeds of papyrus as she drifted through the arcade, on her way to the kitchens to take away some bread. Together with a few chunks of cheese and a pitcher of barley beer it would serve as an ample breakfast, enough to sustain her for most of the day.
Eager to continue her perusal in the Hall of Cards, Sanura hurried down the arcade, the pitcher of beer balancing on her shoulder, the bread and cheese in a cloth bundle dangling from her hand. She was already near the door when the whip of a voice halted her.
"Sanura! Are you a servant now? Trying to feel like a slave, perhaps?" Jahi was furious.
With something like despair he raked his hands through his hair. How was she ever to become a dignified, respected high priestess if she kept behaving like a commoner or, worse, like a slave? His lips tightened into an angry scowl.
"You know perfectly well there are enough servants to do your bidding. I've told you before, it's not seemly for a priestess of your stature to carry things." After a short pause he continued. "If I see you doing this one more time, I swear I'll make you regret it."
Obviously still fuming Jahi turned on his heels and stamped back down the arcade. Never even saying why he was there in the first place. His task probably forgotten in the anger over Sanura's behavior.
Heaving a massive sigh, Sanura opened the door and slipped inside the hall. For a moment she hesitated and then she decided to close the door behind her. She would have liked to let the sunshine in, but she didn't think it wise to anger Jahi any further. The pitcher of beer was still cool and she closed her eyes as she took a long draught, enjoying the flow of the liquid down her throat. Next she nibbled from the bread and cheese while her eyes took in the first seven panels.
Quickly she skimmed over the image of Bes; a sudden blush coloring her cheeks a warm pink. A vague memory stirred in the back of her mind. Had she been dreaming of Bes? She wasn't sure, but the picture made her uncomfortable for some reason.
After she finished her breakfast Sanura climbed to her feet and started to walk along the wall to the right of the door. Looking at the seven panels depicting the judgement after life on earth was done. Like the ones on the left wall, all were done in vibrant colors and with obvious skill.
Number eight, across from Bes, was Toth. The god who supervised the measuring of the dead, carried his pen and ink for writing down the judgements. Sanura shivered as she gazed upon the stern image, even though his face was the head of an ibis.
Ma'at was next, number nine. The goddess symbolized the order of the world, representing the measure stick of eternal values. She was painted as an introvert woman, wrapped in a blue cloak, sitting in one of the scales used in the final judgement. As Toth faced to the left and Ma'at faced to the right, both deities faced each other.
With a frown Sanura turned around; of the first seven panels only Sameref, the high priestess looked to the left. It made her look at Bes, who faced straight ahead. Quickly Sanura turned back to the panels at her back. The grotesque image was very unsettling for some reason.
The panel for number ten depicted Sjai, the wheel of fortune. The god who represented the forces of change and growth, was shown as a big yellow circle, filled with all life had to offer. Animals, plants, humans, it was all there. For good or for evil, everything had to change on a regular basis.
The heat of midday was kept out of the hall, but the dry scent of sunbaked dust drifted in through the ventilation holes and Sanura decided to take a short break, sip some beer and watch the garden for a few moments, contemplating the images she had studied. A small smile crept around her full lips as she carried the remains of her breakfast with her.
The narrow path in front of the door was perfect for sitting down and letting her legs dangle. The drop into the garden was small, but she thought it would be unwise right now. Jahi had been so very angry. Jumping down like a playful girl would make it worse, she was sure. And only the gods knew what kind of punishment he would come up with.
Her white teeth bit into the remaining bread as her eyes swept over the secluded garden. The heat of midday made the air motionless, the light glaring back from the tiles and bouncing off the small pond in the middle. It would need filling again by the end of the day, like always. The chore was perfect for doing penance and so there was never a shortage of men carrying water up the mountain, providing the temple and its occupants with the life preserving liquid.
Slowly the heat and the stillness got to her and after a while Sanura sat nodding, her thoughts drifting in lazy circles and arabesques, forming absurd patterns in her mind. She was not really asleep, her eyes were just heavy and she could still hear the footsteps that came her way. The sandals slapping on the marble walkway of the arcade sounded forceful, but she was too languid to really care.
"Sanura!" The angry voice hissed in exasperation. "You really have gone too far this time. Leaving the Hall of Cards open to anyone coming this way."
With a sigh Sanura forced herself to look up at a livid Jahi. Unable to sit up, she waved a hand at the open door behind her.
"Nobody ever comes this way, Jahi. Besides, the gods will take care of themselves. They don't mind." With a smile she added: "In fact, I think they like getting a bit of sunlight in there."
"That's not the point, and you know it. You behave irresponsibly. How will you ever become focused enough?"
"Oh, come on, Jahi. It's not that bad. I mean, irresponsible." Sanura laughed softly. "It's not as if I'm seducing you, for example."
Sanura couldn't believe her own audacity. Now, where had that thought come from? For a moment she wondered why she had said that. The bright flush that crept over Jahi's face caught her attention however, and she forgot the odd occurrence.
"Jahi? You look as if you wouldn't mind that at all ... Oh, my."
Her voice was no more than a soft breath as one of her hands crept to her neck and softly stroked down the smooth column.
Jahi watched her through narrowed eyes, his jaws clenched and his hands balled into fists. She lifted one leg and planted the small sandalled foot on the ground, leaving the other dangling so the plaids in the green dress fell down between her legs, baring her thigh to his gaze.
"Do you want to be treated like a slave? Stop it, Sanura." His voice had dropped to a soft, low growl.
Licking his lips Jahi looked as if he had to force himself to turn around. He breathed deeply, in and out, obviously trying to keep himself under control, but it seemed very hard. Real hard, judging by the bulge starting between his legs.
"I don't know, Jahi. How would you treat a slave?"
Jahi blinked, for a moment looking as if he were dreaming. He stood rigid, his spine stiff as if he had swallowed a barging pole, his fists so tight he could feel his nails digging into his palms. Then something seemed to shift inside him. Maybe because all of his blood appeared to pool between his legs.
Turning around he took a few steps and leaned down to Sanura. He grabbed her arms and hauled her to her feet. Not a difficult task, as she was a slender woman, barely reaching to his breastbone.
"How I treat a slave? I'll show you." His voice was almost savage.
He looked into her face, no doubt seeing the gleam in her eyes, noting the faint blush on her cheeks. Never before had she looked like this at him, but she couldn't stop herself. Very deliberately he hooked his fingers between her breasts under the dress and yanked the top half down to her waist.
"Slaves do not cover themselves."
Sanura stood transfixed. She didn't even try to hide from those burning eyes, feeling strangely excited by the obvious admiration. Never before had she bared her breasts in public, not since she had turned into a woman. But she was feeling no shame, more something like pride in her body, wanting to show herself.
"Take it off. All of it."
Jahi's hands left her arms to give her freedom enough to unwind the soft green fabric from around her hips. They slid up to her shoulders however, caressing the soft skin over her collarbones, stroking her neck and getting hold of her long black hair.
He pulled her head back and forced her to take a few steps away from him. Giving him an unobstructed view of her supple body. She knew her skin was smooth and golden, but she had not been prepared for the effect of his eyes on her small breasts topped with dark nipples that were starting to harden under his scrutiny. Where her legs met his eyes lingered on the small trimmed patch of black that left the beginning of her slit bare.
He licked his lips and heaved a massive sigh. "Gods, you are so beautiful. There's no doubt about it now. I will treat you like a slave." One of his hands folded around her neck to pull her closer again. "But a treasured one."
His lips met hers with a force that left her breathless. The heat from his body so close to hers was seeping into her and she lifted her hands to ward him off. His kiss was taking her down another road however. Her hands slid from his chest to his shoulders. And when his tongue traced her mouth and gained entrance, her body moved closer to his of its own accord.
"No." Jahi pushed her back. "I told you. I'll treat you like a slave. This will not be about you, but about me first. And, I want to look at your body."
Even though Sanura could tell he was aroused, his eyes were still angry too. With both hands around her upper arms he pushed her back till she felt the wood of the door against her bare back. For a fleeting moment she imagined her buttocks touching the drawings of Ded and Heset, physical strength and transformation, and it seemed strangely appropriate.
The minute she was backed up against the open door though, Jahi let his hands trail down her body. His fingers lightly stroking the soft skin between her breasts, circling her bellybutton and tracing her hipbones till he grasped her thighs. He was almost savage as he forced her legs apart but Sanura was not in the least interested in opposing him.
Standing in the small corridor in front of the Hall of Cards, naked in the reflected light from the heat shimmering garden, she felt desirable, aroused like never before. The warmth between her legs turned into a steady throb, almost shouting for attention. But Jahi had said it wasn't about her, but all about him. It was his way of punishing her, forcing her into the role of a slave, if only for a few moments.
Sanura bit her lip as Jahi finally decided to touch her properly. Both his hands cupped her breasts, his thumbs rubbing her nipples, teasing the dark tips to hard peaks, causing jolts of fire to speed to her clit, making it throb even more as he pinched them.
The first moans coming from Sanura seemed to jolt Jahi back from his cloud of anger and lust. He blinked a few times but obviously the sight of her, standing naked before him, defenseless, open to his touch, her head back and her eyes closed, waiting for him to please himself with her body, was too much to resist.
Not only her voice, but her flushed face and body language all told him she was getting very aroused and with a small smile he bent his head. Sanura never saw the little triumphant lights jump into his eyes when she moaned even louder when he started sucking her nipples.
Jahi even had to still her hips with his hand as she started to move in search of him. He made it clear he was not yet ready to end the game. One hand on her hip, the other glided between her legs, discovering the heat and wetness there as his lips kept teasing the sensitive peaks of her breasts.
Slowly she felt one of his fingers slide over her slick folds. He let his finger travel back to stop at the small hard pearl near the top, softly rubbing the sensitive spot, spreading her juices around. Her scent wafted up and he inhaled deeply, emitting a deep sigh. He knew she was no virgin any more, so maybe that was why he drove his fingers inside, up as far as they would go.
Sanura almost snapped upright, throwing back her head and twisting her hips, making it clear she liked the feeling. Jahi needed no further incentive and his fingers pumped furiously inside her, causing her to whimper and plead with him to please continue. He did till he felt her clench her pussy, her legs quivering from tautly stretched muscles and her voice a low moan.
She guessed his anger was long gone as Jahi threw his arms around her and led her inside the Hall of Cards where he eased her body onto the floor, sinking down beside her. His kiss was soothing at first as his hands stroked her body. It only took him a moment however to decide he wanted to get rid of his robes as well.
Apparently he was no longer concerned with the sentiments of the gods because Jahi kissed her with all the skill and ardor of his mature body. Her smooth golden skin was gorgeous against his much darker brown, lean limbs. She could tell he watched with growing excitement how his long fingered hands caressed her perky breasts, trailed over her stomach, down the softly rounded belly and dipped between her slender legs. She was still wet and hot, and when he spread her legs she lifted her hips, whimpering softly.
"Please Jahi, fill me. Now. Please."
Jahi did. Bending her legs he slid between her softly rounded thighs and stroked his cock through her juices. When he stopped at her entrance he took a moment to position himself before he entered her in one swift movement. The sudden sensation caused her to snap open her eyes as she arched her back.
She clenched her hands around his arms as he started pumping in and out of her slick body, but her eyes were staring past his shoulder. No doubt he thought she was returning to her private world of pleasure as he built up the tempo, maybe feeling his own release near at hand.
Little did he know she was mesmerized by a pair of dark eyes, gleaming wickedly in the half-light where the god stood in the entrance of the hall. The broad face split by a grin, Bes winked at Sanura and blatantly took his swollen manhood in hand. He licked his lips and somehow conveyed the certainty that he was pleased with her, her body and her responsiveness.
The dark eyes boring into hers, the thick cock raising its purple head because of her and the knowledge Bes found her body exciting, it all added to the tension and with a shudder and a harsh cry Sanura climaxed. The spasms of her body caused Jahi to come as well and Bes had a roguish expression on his face as his seed spurted with a bow into the garden, his laughter a soft rumble as if the mountains reasserted themselves.
After a while their breathing came down to a normal level again and Sanura watched with interest how Jahi tried to get back to being a dignified priest. It was quite a fascinating exercise and she couldn't suppress a small chuckle as he had to go hunting for his robes.
Once dressed Jahi resumed his rigid posture, looking down at her where she still lay naked on the floor. She felt utterly sated and had no desire to get back to every day life yet. He opened his mouth, no doubt to lecture her some more, but something made him shut up. To her amazement he turned on his heels and marched out, not even closing the door.
Frowning Sanura propped herself up on her elbows. Was he sorry he had made love to her? Sitting up she bit her fingers as she realized just what had transpired. It had been weird, now that she thought about it. She never behaved that brash, never. So, why now?
Still deep in thought Sanura looked for her dress and, when she found the green cloth, her hands started to fold it into pleats again as best as she could. Sitting cross-legged she tried to think her way through the afternoon's events. She knew very well she had provoked Jahi, but why had she?
Jahi had always been attractive to her but unobtainable. The high priest was much too aloof, too dignified to even consider approaching him as she would other men. And Bes. The thought alone made her blush and a new spark of heat speared through her body.
Her head flew up and she looked at the entrance, but it was empty, only letting in the thinning rays of the setting sun. Next she looked over to the first panel, but nothing indicated something numinous had happened. Had she imagined the whole thing?
With an odd mixture of shame and arousal Sanura wrapped herself in the less than pristine dress and hurried out of the hall. She closed the door with care, as if she wanted to make sure nothing could escape the suddenly not so sacred room.
Cleaning her body, eating, spending some time with the young girls who were still in training for temple duties, Sanura kept herself busy till it was time to retreat to her little cubicle. No longer able to keep her mind busy with other things, her thoughts went back to the events of the afternoon. More specific, the minute she closed her eyes she saw Bes.
The ugly little bastard was leering at her, stroking his immense phallus and urging her to assume an upside down position. Resting on her shoulders with her legs in the air she looked like the female image of the Inverted One, the panel with number 12 which she had not yet studied in full.
Shocked at her own irreverent thoughts on the deity worshiped in most households in the entire kingdom, Sanura shot upright. Her eyes wide open in the darkness, her breath coming in gasps, she felt almost suffocated and threw back the thin linen sheet. After a while she calmed down again and her eyes drifted close.
The rest of her sleep was uninterrupted with unwelcome images but the compact shadow in one of the corners chuckled when one of her hands crept between her thighs to hold herself, even while sleeping. Bes was having a lot of fun, even more than he had anticipated. And he couldn't wait for her to move on with her studies.
It's chapter 1 of a series I'm writing against the backdrop an Egyptian Tarot Deck I have and I use the images as a kind of incentive. The whole was inspired by my trip to Egypt last summer.
The story is about a young priestess who needs to gain insight by studying the cards.
In each chapter she learns about the gods and goddesses and some of the myths surrounding them. This alters her perceptions, including that of the god Bes. The god Bes is playing tricks however so all her visions get a sexual connotation. In the end the god himself is tricked as he falls in love with this mortal woman while she is tranformed into one of the images of the cards.
My main concern: is it interesting enough to read on?
Do I need to give more hints about what is to come?
Is the main focus of the story clear?
Anything else you see or miss is appreciated too.
Enjoy, I hope.
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Egyptian dreams - Chapter 1
It was still early in the morning but the sun was already hot, bleaching the stones of the temple and the walkways in the glare, making them uncomfortable to the touch. At the same time, the clear light seemed to magnify all life, etching everything with clear, sharp lines.
Jahi stood for a moment, looking out over the valley below the temple, seeing the blue ribbon of the Nile winding its way to the north. As always, he was amazed at the contrast between the stark emptiness of the mountains and the valley of the river, teeming with life.
Small fishing boats crowded each other in the shallow waters near the banks while bigger, slower moving barges and the occasional yacht speeding along on the Pharaoh's business used the middle of the river. Near the riverbanks, he could see the fields with crops, further away the oxcarts rumbled towards the market and he could detect a group of little boys approaching a lesser temple.
Jahi shook his head as he noticed a slim figure climbing the steps to the top tier of the temple where he stood. Sanura, 'kitten' in English. He allowed himself a small smile because she was so aptly named. With her black hair and green eyes she looked like the human embodiment of the elegant temple cats. And she was just as wayward.
How many times had he chided her for not wearing a cape or shawl? And today was no exception. The simple linen kalisiris left her arms bare to the sun, hugging her slender form with the pleated material, cinched around the waist with a simple belt of leather. For a moment he was glad she had forgotten to cover herself properly again as he watched her climb up, enjoying the movement of her limbs beneath the thin white dress.
"Sanura, you disobeyed again."
His stern voice made her stop short of the top step and she bowed her head. Her arms folded around her waist, as if she needed to hold herself against his anger. He knew he had been harsh with her on a number of occasions, but he had his reasons. In his mind he recited the justification, he had his reasons.
"Come." Jahi turned without waiting to see if the young priestess would obey him. She would.
The top level of the temple consisted of a colonnade running the breadth of the temple, giving shade to those who managed to climb all the way to the top. On either side the arcade swept back into a walkway carved out into the rock, embracing an open space behind the shaded entrance. The sun beat down directly into the potted garden, doing his best to burn the swaying fronds off of the date palms, dry up the poppies planted around the small basin in the middle.
Jahi entered the walkway to the right, glanced for a moment at the beautiful small garden and continued on. Following the marble steps that led down into the mountain he brought Sanura to a little cubicle at the foot of the steps.
"This will be your sleeping place for the next cycles. Since you have been chosen as initiate I expect you to behave properly."
"I will, dignified one." Sanura's voice was soft and full of remorse, but her eyes sparkled with the excitement of being the chosen one.
Jahi allowed her a few moments to take in her new home for the next turning of the moon or more. The rock kept out the heat but in winter it could be cold and unforgiving, as the walls were bare. Since the girl was supposed to be devoting herself to learning and honing her awareness nothing inside should detract from it. The sole furnishing was a pallet with a straw mattress, covered with plain unbleached cloth.
"I'll show you the way."
Jahi knew he was being harsh again, but he couldn't help it. Apart from wanting the girl to succeed as the new high priestess, he was desperate to keep himself apart from her. She was highly intuitive, an obvious choice to be initiated into the secrets of the cards. It wouldn't do to confuse her training with intimate knowledge of his mature body. He sighed. How he wished things were different. Her smooth, golden skin would be beautiful against his darker, tougher hide. His tall, lean frame embracing her softer, rounder form.
Abruptly Jahi cleared his throat, dispelling the enticing images from his mind. He stepped aside and gestured Sanura inside the proper temple quarters, showing her the place for eating, for cleaning her body and for praying. Finally he led her out again, continuing along the curve around the inner garden till they came to the back of it. There, hacked out from the sheer face of the mountain stood a sturdy wooden door, which was adorned with the Eye of Horus.
"Sanura, observe the symbol. Can you explain why this hall - and no other - is guarded with such a door?" Jahi's voice was a bit less cold as he looked at the young woman.
* * *
Sanura looked at the large painting in gold and blue and nodded her head. She glanced at Jahi for a moment, biting her lip as she saw his dark eyes resting squarely on her face. Waiting for her words. She knew the right explanation would gain her entrance, give her the right to study what was behind the door, striving to become the new high priestess, to turn into Sameref.
"The Eye is not only the symbol of Horus, son of Isis and Osiris, it's also the reminder of the way the heqat is made up of fractions. It helps us remember the fractions. The six elements of the symbol are also the representation of the six senses. It shows us touch, taste, hearing, thought, sight and smell. And lastly the Eye guards us against evil, watching our spiritual growth."
"Yes, it does all that." Jahi's answer was a soft breath as he pushed the door open. "Enter Sanura."
Behind the door was a large rectangular hall, the floor a smooth marble. White with faint purple and pink veins, but all attention was drawn toward the paintings that decorated the walls. Each wall was divided into seven panels, beautiful images that depicted the Major Arcana, the sacred cards of the Tarot. The long wall to the left carried the first seven paintings, the ones devoted to life on earth. Opposite, on the wall to the right of the door were the next seven panels, the ones dealing with the judgement after death, and on the short wall, face-to-face with the door were the last seven panels, the images that showed life after death.
With a small frown between the elegant line of her dark eyebrows, Sanura counted the panels. She turned to ask Jahi why there were only twenty-one panels when she noticed the backside of the door. There, painted on the polished wood, was the twenty-second card, Hotep. The fool of the deck who insured peace and happiness. The beginning and the end. How befitting that he adorned the door. Beneath his feet were painted the four suits.
Sanura walked back and reached out. With reverent fingers she traced the golden Ankh, sign of life, symbolizing confirmation. Next to it was a vibrant blue and black beetle, the Scarab, the sustaining force of the spirit. Almost in trance, Sanura's fingers traced the symbols below these two; the purple club, Ded; the spine of Osiris for physical strength; and, finally, the ocher and red cup of Heset, symbol for transformation.
A small sigh escaped her lips as she turned back to look at the high priest. She knew he wanted her to succeed, but she wished he would be a little less aloof, a bit more human. Inwardly she smiled as she thought of the possibility he had molded himself to resemble his name. Jahi, the dignified one.
Answering his gesture she reached his side as he led her around the hall. Showing her the paintings, explaining their significance, telling her she would need to absorb all, learn to use all her senses in dealing with the cards, getting in touch with all aspects of their meaning in order to become a true high priestess. Casting the cards and guarding the people from mistaken actions, guiding them in their troubles, she would shoulder a heavy burden once she was installed.
Sanura nodded her understanding. Of course she knew all that. Just as she was familiar with the broad outline of the Tarot. But this was the first time she was permitted to see it all, to take in the beautiful colors, the precise and clear lines of the images.
She was aware how Jahi told her she would have at least one moon cycle to prepare herself. If necessary she could apply for more time, but one cycle would be best. She also heard Jahi leave her, the door closing behind him with a soft thud. But all the while her attention was focussed on the images of gods and goddesses, some there to guide and help, others to test and devour.
Although the door shut out the sun the hall was lighted from small holes above it, providing fresh air as well as illumination. Looking around, Sanura decided to light the oil lamps to give her a clearer sight. Then she made another tour. Jahi had left it to her how to proceed in her studying, clearly expecting her to get guidance from the gods if she really were worthy. Slowly Sanura walked from one panel to the next. Starting at the left side of the door she came face to face with the first of the seven cards, the ones portraying life on earth.
With her head to the side she looked at Bes, god of the home and travelers. Bes loved music and jokes. He was the embodiment of the prankster. At first sight Sanura saw an ugly dwarf. A small, sturdy man with a broad mouth and slightly bowed legs. His dark hair was streaked with white and sported a colorful feather. Around his shoulders was a leopard skin. It was the only clothing on his body, leaving his impressive male attributes uncovered.
Sanura studied Bes for a long time. Trying to take in all that he symbolized, striving to use all the senses. Somehow she came back to touch, every time she tried to think of smell or hearing or any other sense. No matter his grotesque appearance, the god was still able to kindle a small spark in her belly. Shaking her head, Sanura finally walked away, chiding herself for getting aroused by the thought of Bes using his big, fat cock on her.
The second image represented Sameref, the high priestess. Sanura absorbed the image of the slim woman, her dark hair unbound, clad in a thin dress that did nothing to disguise her body. It only enhanced her small perky breasts and soft smooth mound. The thought that she herself could become that woman was faintly disturbing but it did nothing to dispel the effect Bes had on her.
With a sigh, Sanura stepped to the next panel. The high priestess would have to wait for a while. She knew it was supposed to symbolize the connection between humans and gods. It reflected her own task after all. Aiding in communicating with the gods. She merely wished it could be done in a less revealing dress.
The third image evoked an immediate awe. Sanura had no trouble recognizing Isis, a beautiful woman who faced to the right as befitted a queen. She was kneeling, her hands held up as if warding off evil or supplicating to another.
Next was Osiris, the ultimate pharaoh. Just like his sister facing to the right, the god was seated on a carved throne, carrying the symbols of his rulership. On his head the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.
Number five was Joemtef, the high priest. With a slight frown Sanura gazed at the panel. Joemtef was represented by a tall man, lean with a dark skin. He wore a simple white kalisiris, the white cloth draped around his hips, with a leopard skin across his shoulders. The skin reminded her of Bes. Odd that a priest should wear the same adornments as a god. Joemtef held a knocker in the form of an ibis in his hand. His means to attract the attention of the gods. He was supposed to provide entrance to their realm.
The next panel was a little less clear. She remembered Jahi telling her it was called Hathor. But a first glance showed her two persons with a pole between them. The only thing to indicate Hathor was the head of a cow on top of the pole. Hathor, the nurturing mother, the symbol of love. How these two lovers symbolized the goddess eluded her and she moved to the last of the panels for life on earth.
Nesjmet. The boat was a beautiful image of a barge, ready to carry the soul of the dead across the gulf of nothingness between life and afterlife. Leaning a bit forward she could see tiny figures of shabti, the servants for afterlife, depicted inside the boat, ready to execute tasks for the mummy who rested at the bottom. Nesjmet, change in every meaning of the word.
Sanura took a step back and rubbed a hand across her forehead. A look at the light from the holes above the door told her she had been studying the panels for a long time. Reluctantly she left the rest of them for the next day.
After dousing the lamps she closed the door behind her. There was no need for a lock, who would transgress beneath the Eye of Horus? With a shy gesture Sanura touched the symbol, following the lines with her fingers, telling herself it was all right to touch. After all, that was one of the senses she was supposed to use, wasn't it?
Suddenly very tired, Sanura slipped into her little cubicle after washing and eating. A very quick prayer to Bes, asking for a restorative sleep, was all before she curled up on her austere bed. Soon the only sound was her breathing and the occasional rustling of the straw beneath the sheets when she turned.
Near dawn, another sound added itself. Soft footsteps halted beside the simple resting-place. Although there was no other sound, it was obvious someone was watching the sleeping priestess. To Jahi she had seemed like a girl, she was after all almost twenty years younger, but the one watching her now merely saw a woman, young and alluring.
Dark eyes studied the slender limbs with the golden skin, the eyebrows that looked as if painted on her triangular face with the lightly slanted eyes. He knew they were green, he had seen her looking at him today. A grin split the broad face as he touched himself. She had been looking all right. Oh, yes, she had.
He was not sure why, but her scrutiny or maybe her involuntary reaction to his image had evoked him. And when she prayed for sleep to restore her for another day of studying and scrutinizing, he could not resist his urge to play a trick on her. Well, on his fellow deities as well. They could be so stuffy at times, so full of themselves. It was not as if he would disrupt anything important. He knew as well as the rest of them, this young woman were destined to be the new Sameref, he wouldn't dream of interfering with that. Just a small prank, no more.
A quick gesture of his large hands as they traced the form of her, no more than inches above her body. The air sparkled for a moment, faint white pinpoints settling in the lush black hair, sinking below the smooth skin of her brow. Anticipating a lot of entertainment over the next few days, Bes skipped out of the room again. His sturdy legs carrying him silently back to the hall behind the Eye of Horus.
Refreshed Sanura got up with the dawn, rising with the sun, mighty Ra himself. With a small smile she reminded herself that Ra was number nineteen, part of the last seven, the cards devoted to the afterlife. Donning a simple dress in pale green, she looked like reeds of papyrus as she drifted through the arcade, on her way to the kitchens to take away some bread. Together with a few chunks of cheese and a pitcher of barley beer it would serve as an ample breakfast, enough to sustain her for most of the day.
Eager to continue her perusal in the Hall of Cards, Sanura hurried down the arcade, the pitcher of beer balancing on her shoulder, the bread and cheese in a cloth bundle dangling from her hand. She was already near the door when the whip of a voice halted her.
"Sanura! Are you a servant now? Trying to feel like a slave, perhaps?" Jahi was furious.
With something like despair he raked his hands through his hair. How was she ever to become a dignified, respected high priestess if she kept behaving like a commoner or, worse, like a slave? His lips tightened into an angry scowl.
"You know perfectly well there are enough servants to do your bidding. I've told you before, it's not seemly for a priestess of your stature to carry things." After a short pause he continued. "If I see you doing this one more time, I swear I'll make you regret it."
Obviously still fuming Jahi turned on his heels and stamped back down the arcade. Never even saying why he was there in the first place. His task probably forgotten in the anger over Sanura's behavior.
Heaving a massive sigh, Sanura opened the door and slipped inside the hall. For a moment she hesitated and then she decided to close the door behind her. She would have liked to let the sunshine in, but she didn't think it wise to anger Jahi any further. The pitcher of beer was still cool and she closed her eyes as she took a long draught, enjoying the flow of the liquid down her throat. Next she nibbled from the bread and cheese while her eyes took in the first seven panels.
Quickly she skimmed over the image of Bes; a sudden blush coloring her cheeks a warm pink. A vague memory stirred in the back of her mind. Had she been dreaming of Bes? She wasn't sure, but the picture made her uncomfortable for some reason.
After she finished her breakfast Sanura climbed to her feet and started to walk along the wall to the right of the door. Looking at the seven panels depicting the judgement after life on earth was done. Like the ones on the left wall, all were done in vibrant colors and with obvious skill.
Number eight, across from Bes, was Toth. The god who supervised the measuring of the dead, carried his pen and ink for writing down the judgements. Sanura shivered as she gazed upon the stern image, even though his face was the head of an ibis.
Ma'at was next, number nine. The goddess symbolized the order of the world, representing the measure stick of eternal values. She was painted as an introvert woman, wrapped in a blue cloak, sitting in one of the scales used in the final judgement. As Toth faced to the left and Ma'at faced to the right, both deities faced each other.
With a frown Sanura turned around; of the first seven panels only Sameref, the high priestess looked to the left. It made her look at Bes, who faced straight ahead. Quickly Sanura turned back to the panels at her back. The grotesque image was very unsettling for some reason.
The panel for number ten depicted Sjai, the wheel of fortune. The god who represented the forces of change and growth, was shown as a big yellow circle, filled with all life had to offer. Animals, plants, humans, it was all there. For good or for evil, everything had to change on a regular basis.
The heat of midday was kept out of the hall, but the dry scent of sunbaked dust drifted in through the ventilation holes and Sanura decided to take a short break, sip some beer and watch the garden for a few moments, contemplating the images she had studied. A small smile crept around her full lips as she carried the remains of her breakfast with her.
The narrow path in front of the door was perfect for sitting down and letting her legs dangle. The drop into the garden was small, but she thought it would be unwise right now. Jahi had been so very angry. Jumping down like a playful girl would make it worse, she was sure. And only the gods knew what kind of punishment he would come up with.
Her white teeth bit into the remaining bread as her eyes swept over the secluded garden. The heat of midday made the air motionless, the light glaring back from the tiles and bouncing off the small pond in the middle. It would need filling again by the end of the day, like always. The chore was perfect for doing penance and so there was never a shortage of men carrying water up the mountain, providing the temple and its occupants with the life preserving liquid.
Slowly the heat and the stillness got to her and after a while Sanura sat nodding, her thoughts drifting in lazy circles and arabesques, forming absurd patterns in her mind. She was not really asleep, her eyes were just heavy and she could still hear the footsteps that came her way. The sandals slapping on the marble walkway of the arcade sounded forceful, but she was too languid to really care.
"Sanura!" The angry voice hissed in exasperation. "You really have gone too far this time. Leaving the Hall of Cards open to anyone coming this way."
With a sigh Sanura forced herself to look up at a livid Jahi. Unable to sit up, she waved a hand at the open door behind her.
"Nobody ever comes this way, Jahi. Besides, the gods will take care of themselves. They don't mind." With a smile she added: "In fact, I think they like getting a bit of sunlight in there."
"That's not the point, and you know it. You behave irresponsibly. How will you ever become focused enough?"
"Oh, come on, Jahi. It's not that bad. I mean, irresponsible." Sanura laughed softly. "It's not as if I'm seducing you, for example."
Sanura couldn't believe her own audacity. Now, where had that thought come from? For a moment she wondered why she had said that. The bright flush that crept over Jahi's face caught her attention however, and she forgot the odd occurrence.
"Jahi? You look as if you wouldn't mind that at all ... Oh, my."
Her voice was no more than a soft breath as one of her hands crept to her neck and softly stroked down the smooth column.
Jahi watched her through narrowed eyes, his jaws clenched and his hands balled into fists. She lifted one leg and planted the small sandalled foot on the ground, leaving the other dangling so the plaids in the green dress fell down between her legs, baring her thigh to his gaze.
"Do you want to be treated like a slave? Stop it, Sanura." His voice had dropped to a soft, low growl.
Licking his lips Jahi looked as if he had to force himself to turn around. He breathed deeply, in and out, obviously trying to keep himself under control, but it seemed very hard. Real hard, judging by the bulge starting between his legs.
"I don't know, Jahi. How would you treat a slave?"
Jahi blinked, for a moment looking as if he were dreaming. He stood rigid, his spine stiff as if he had swallowed a barging pole, his fists so tight he could feel his nails digging into his palms. Then something seemed to shift inside him. Maybe because all of his blood appeared to pool between his legs.
Turning around he took a few steps and leaned down to Sanura. He grabbed her arms and hauled her to her feet. Not a difficult task, as she was a slender woman, barely reaching to his breastbone.
"How I treat a slave? I'll show you." His voice was almost savage.
He looked into her face, no doubt seeing the gleam in her eyes, noting the faint blush on her cheeks. Never before had she looked like this at him, but she couldn't stop herself. Very deliberately he hooked his fingers between her breasts under the dress and yanked the top half down to her waist.
"Slaves do not cover themselves."
Sanura stood transfixed. She didn't even try to hide from those burning eyes, feeling strangely excited by the obvious admiration. Never before had she bared her breasts in public, not since she had turned into a woman. But she was feeling no shame, more something like pride in her body, wanting to show herself.
"Take it off. All of it."
Jahi's hands left her arms to give her freedom enough to unwind the soft green fabric from around her hips. They slid up to her shoulders however, caressing the soft skin over her collarbones, stroking her neck and getting hold of her long black hair.
He pulled her head back and forced her to take a few steps away from him. Giving him an unobstructed view of her supple body. She knew her skin was smooth and golden, but she had not been prepared for the effect of his eyes on her small breasts topped with dark nipples that were starting to harden under his scrutiny. Where her legs met his eyes lingered on the small trimmed patch of black that left the beginning of her slit bare.
He licked his lips and heaved a massive sigh. "Gods, you are so beautiful. There's no doubt about it now. I will treat you like a slave." One of his hands folded around her neck to pull her closer again. "But a treasured one."
His lips met hers with a force that left her breathless. The heat from his body so close to hers was seeping into her and she lifted her hands to ward him off. His kiss was taking her down another road however. Her hands slid from his chest to his shoulders. And when his tongue traced her mouth and gained entrance, her body moved closer to his of its own accord.
"No." Jahi pushed her back. "I told you. I'll treat you like a slave. This will not be about you, but about me first. And, I want to look at your body."
Even though Sanura could tell he was aroused, his eyes were still angry too. With both hands around her upper arms he pushed her back till she felt the wood of the door against her bare back. For a fleeting moment she imagined her buttocks touching the drawings of Ded and Heset, physical strength and transformation, and it seemed strangely appropriate.
The minute she was backed up against the open door though, Jahi let his hands trail down her body. His fingers lightly stroking the soft skin between her breasts, circling her bellybutton and tracing her hipbones till he grasped her thighs. He was almost savage as he forced her legs apart but Sanura was not in the least interested in opposing him.
Standing in the small corridor in front of the Hall of Cards, naked in the reflected light from the heat shimmering garden, she felt desirable, aroused like never before. The warmth between her legs turned into a steady throb, almost shouting for attention. But Jahi had said it wasn't about her, but all about him. It was his way of punishing her, forcing her into the role of a slave, if only for a few moments.
Sanura bit her lip as Jahi finally decided to touch her properly. Both his hands cupped her breasts, his thumbs rubbing her nipples, teasing the dark tips to hard peaks, causing jolts of fire to speed to her clit, making it throb even more as he pinched them.
The first moans coming from Sanura seemed to jolt Jahi back from his cloud of anger and lust. He blinked a few times but obviously the sight of her, standing naked before him, defenseless, open to his touch, her head back and her eyes closed, waiting for him to please himself with her body, was too much to resist.
Not only her voice, but her flushed face and body language all told him she was getting very aroused and with a small smile he bent his head. Sanura never saw the little triumphant lights jump into his eyes when she moaned even louder when he started sucking her nipples.
Jahi even had to still her hips with his hand as she started to move in search of him. He made it clear he was not yet ready to end the game. One hand on her hip, the other glided between her legs, discovering the heat and wetness there as his lips kept teasing the sensitive peaks of her breasts.
Slowly she felt one of his fingers slide over her slick folds. He let his finger travel back to stop at the small hard pearl near the top, softly rubbing the sensitive spot, spreading her juices around. Her scent wafted up and he inhaled deeply, emitting a deep sigh. He knew she was no virgin any more, so maybe that was why he drove his fingers inside, up as far as they would go.
Sanura almost snapped upright, throwing back her head and twisting her hips, making it clear she liked the feeling. Jahi needed no further incentive and his fingers pumped furiously inside her, causing her to whimper and plead with him to please continue. He did till he felt her clench her pussy, her legs quivering from tautly stretched muscles and her voice a low moan.
She guessed his anger was long gone as Jahi threw his arms around her and led her inside the Hall of Cards where he eased her body onto the floor, sinking down beside her. His kiss was soothing at first as his hands stroked her body. It only took him a moment however to decide he wanted to get rid of his robes as well.
Apparently he was no longer concerned with the sentiments of the gods because Jahi kissed her with all the skill and ardor of his mature body. Her smooth golden skin was gorgeous against his much darker brown, lean limbs. She could tell he watched with growing excitement how his long fingered hands caressed her perky breasts, trailed over her stomach, down the softly rounded belly and dipped between her slender legs. She was still wet and hot, and when he spread her legs she lifted her hips, whimpering softly.
"Please Jahi, fill me. Now. Please."
Jahi did. Bending her legs he slid between her softly rounded thighs and stroked his cock through her juices. When he stopped at her entrance he took a moment to position himself before he entered her in one swift movement. The sudden sensation caused her to snap open her eyes as she arched her back.
She clenched her hands around his arms as he started pumping in and out of her slick body, but her eyes were staring past his shoulder. No doubt he thought she was returning to her private world of pleasure as he built up the tempo, maybe feeling his own release near at hand.
Little did he know she was mesmerized by a pair of dark eyes, gleaming wickedly in the half-light where the god stood in the entrance of the hall. The broad face split by a grin, Bes winked at Sanura and blatantly took his swollen manhood in hand. He licked his lips and somehow conveyed the certainty that he was pleased with her, her body and her responsiveness.
The dark eyes boring into hers, the thick cock raising its purple head because of her and the knowledge Bes found her body exciting, it all added to the tension and with a shudder and a harsh cry Sanura climaxed. The spasms of her body caused Jahi to come as well and Bes had a roguish expression on his face as his seed spurted with a bow into the garden, his laughter a soft rumble as if the mountains reasserted themselves.
After a while their breathing came down to a normal level again and Sanura watched with interest how Jahi tried to get back to being a dignified priest. It was quite a fascinating exercise and she couldn't suppress a small chuckle as he had to go hunting for his robes.
Once dressed Jahi resumed his rigid posture, looking down at her where she still lay naked on the floor. She felt utterly sated and had no desire to get back to every day life yet. He opened his mouth, no doubt to lecture her some more, but something made him shut up. To her amazement he turned on his heels and marched out, not even closing the door.
Frowning Sanura propped herself up on her elbows. Was he sorry he had made love to her? Sitting up she bit her fingers as she realized just what had transpired. It had been weird, now that she thought about it. She never behaved that brash, never. So, why now?
Still deep in thought Sanura looked for her dress and, when she found the green cloth, her hands started to fold it into pleats again as best as she could. Sitting cross-legged she tried to think her way through the afternoon's events. She knew very well she had provoked Jahi, but why had she?
Jahi had always been attractive to her but unobtainable. The high priest was much too aloof, too dignified to even consider approaching him as she would other men. And Bes. The thought alone made her blush and a new spark of heat speared through her body.
Her head flew up and she looked at the entrance, but it was empty, only letting in the thinning rays of the setting sun. Next she looked over to the first panel, but nothing indicated something numinous had happened. Had she imagined the whole thing?
With an odd mixture of shame and arousal Sanura wrapped herself in the less than pristine dress and hurried out of the hall. She closed the door with care, as if she wanted to make sure nothing could escape the suddenly not so sacred room.
Cleaning her body, eating, spending some time with the young girls who were still in training for temple duties, Sanura kept herself busy till it was time to retreat to her little cubicle. No longer able to keep her mind busy with other things, her thoughts went back to the events of the afternoon. More specific, the minute she closed her eyes she saw Bes.
The ugly little bastard was leering at her, stroking his immense phallus and urging her to assume an upside down position. Resting on her shoulders with her legs in the air she looked like the female image of the Inverted One, the panel with number 12 which she had not yet studied in full.
Shocked at her own irreverent thoughts on the deity worshiped in most households in the entire kingdom, Sanura shot upright. Her eyes wide open in the darkness, her breath coming in gasps, she felt almost suffocated and threw back the thin linen sheet. After a while she calmed down again and her eyes drifted close.
The rest of her sleep was uninterrupted with unwelcome images but the compact shadow in one of the corners chuckled when one of her hands crept between her thighs to hold herself, even while sleeping. Bes was having a lot of fun, even more than he had anticipated. And he couldn't wait for her to move on with her studies.
