Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 The Priestess, Part 5 of 6
   by Nysidra
   Occult Fantasy (MF, prosexual, group, magic, drugs)
   <->
   -_ Shadow _-
   Orbona was an Elder Sidra of Oktodo and Icelle.  Soraya knew she was
often called to settle people in addition to her skills with reading. 
Whatever that stuff was in the pot, it worked like a charm.  Soraya felt
sedated and calm on the ride back to Zarina's house.  It was like a drink
at a party, but in a far more intense dosage.
   First she was washed, and then given something to eat that worked it way
from the inside of her body out.  By the time it was done, even walking
seemed like more than she could handle.
   The elder drove her home.  They were silent along the way, only music
played through the speakers of her car.  It seemed like another type of
infiltration.  Her mind calmed, when she tried to think about something,
some person, the thought seemed to float away.
   The car stopped in front of Zarina's house.  The music stopped.  Her
heart beat pulse in her ear, slow and steady, slower than it seemed it
should.
   Orbona got out and walked to the other side.  She talked, but her words
were muffled.  The door opened and she took a male hand.
   Standing was easy once someone helped her.  The man beside her took a
step and she followed suit.  It seemed easy.
   "She leaves the house in the evening and I don't see her again until in
the morning.  Anyone know where she's been getting off too?"
   "Is that where you think the infection took place?"
   "You want to hope so, don't you?  I don't serve that type of thing
around my house."
   "Her system was full of it.  I had to make a second pot just to flush
her.  Keep an eye on her.  If she comes around without anything getting
back into her, then the first step will be good.  She'll be clean enough
for the second phase of purification."
   Soraya's eyes were closed.  She was either sitting or laying down or
spinning.  She couldn't tell.  The voices, she could make out though,
talking about her.
   "I'll keep her here.  Don't worry about that."
   'Worry about that.'
   Soraya lay still until the voices left.  She waited for the sound of the
door closing.  She peeked through her eyelids when the sound never came. 
The door wasn't closed, but partially opened.
   Worry about that.  Why would she think that?
   It wasn't her voice.  It was soft, muted, like something said in
passing.
   And yet the message had been important.
   Soraya went to the bathroom, but she felt like she was working her way
through a cloud of syrup.  One action at a time, almost like an automatic
process.  Clothes, hair, purse ...  where was he purse?
   Skip that.
   Socks.  Shoes.  Door.
   She couldn't walk out the door.
   Window.
   Soraya went out to her small balcony.  Most of the house would be at the
ceremony, eating in fellowship, celebrating.
   'Don't think about that.  Go.'
   She focused on the movements that would take her down to the ground. 
She went to the back of the house and took the street she'd come to know
very well.  It was the only block without a Sidra or elder living on it.
   A storm.  Is that what Morathi said she was?  Destroying her family. 
Being used.  Manipulated.  An emotion, something like sadness or despair
flickered then died.  Great stuff, whatever Orbona used.
   'You must fight.'
   Walking helped, kept her energy alive.  All she wanted to do was curl in
a ball and sleep, but she couldn't trust that impulse.  The tiny voice in
her ear had said as much.
   The sun had set, the birds stopped singing, the temperature dropped, and
the stars were bright by the time she made it to Omari's apartment.
   Stairs, each of them, disappeared under her feet a little slower, but
she made the climb to his floor.
   If she smelled anything bitter she'd turn and leave.  No.  She wouldn't
be able to do that.  She wouldn't be in any trouble, there was no fuel in
her to burn.
   All fumes here.
   His room mates, Egan and Damon, sat in side by side chairs, a split
screen showed two luxury race cars careening down a cartoonish replica of
Marjan.  A woman lay asleep on the couch behind them.
   She closed the door and headed for his closed one.  Damon gave her a
glance, but didn't say anything otherwise.
   Soraya stepped into the bedroom and quickly shut the door behind her.
   A heavyset woman lay naked on the floor with a vibrant purple blanket
with ornate rust brown and red designs.  Her wavy blonde hair fanned out
behind her and Soraya had a clear shot of her trimmed pussy because of her
spread thighs.
   Omari looked at her and pointed to the bed.
   Soraya tipped over to the bed and crawled on it.  She kicked off her
shoes and set them down.  Omari wasn't family, but she knew how to conduct
herself at a ritual.  Even if she just wanted to go to sleep, she could
keep awake just a little while longer for him.
   It seemed this one had just begun.
   She watched as he drew symbols in oil on the woman's shoulders, belly,
and thighs.  He spoke the whole time, just under his breath.  Soraya caught
a few of the words but not enough to make coherent sense of what was being
said.
   "Bring that bucket here and hold it."
   Could she manage it?  Soraya eased down from the bed and took hold of
the shallow pail.  It wasn't too heavy.  Moving carefully, she positioned
herself between the woman's legs and held the bucket between her knees.
   Now that she was closer, Soraya could hear the invocation.  He beseeched
the energies to work their way into her, pushing out the unbalancing the
ones causing her trouble.
   Soraya had never heard of anything like that.  No, she wouldn't have
gone through something similar, but Morathi didn't say anything about
pushing out unbalancing energies.  They talked about sealing her, closing
her off, pushing out everything and leaving nothing.  It felt terrible,
nothing, hollow, horrid.
   And then the emotion that tried to show itself died.
   Omari reached behind him and lifted the blanket from a cage.  A sedate
rabbit hopped around.  He pulled it up by the scruff and Soraya looked down
into the bucket.  Was it for her?  Because she was going to hurl unless
that rabbit was for petting.
   And then the nausea passed.
   He placed a low table over the woman's belly, donned gloves and produced
a knife.  Not just any knife, she'd seen the blade before.  It had been
covered in blood, but Omari had not been the one holding it.
   Omari cut the head of the rabbit and tossed it into the bucket.  Feet
and legs went in next.  Blood spread over the table and trickled onto her
body.
   After an incision along the middle, he peeled the skin back from both
ends with a fluid motion.
   That too joined the head and feet into the bucket.  Soraya stared down
into the dead rabbit parts, but didn't feel anything.  She smelled the
blood and tanginess, but it didn't affect her.
   Sealed away.  From emotion?  Sensation?  Life?
   Why was she here?  She didn't need his help.  He didn't need hers
either.
   How did she get here?  Her legs ached, answering the question, but then
the pain seemed to drown in the ink black pool.
   Time passed without her notice.
   Omari moved around the room.  He put the carcass on a hook.  Blood
dripped down from the rabbit onto the woman's chest.  He removed the table
and the woman shot up, leaning forward and puking into the bucket Soraya
held.
   Such a strange color and strange smell.  When Soraya had puked earlier
it consisted of breakfast and bile, but this stuff didn't belong in a
stomach, much less coming out of it.  It smelled salty, like brackish old
water, something skimmed from a marsh just as it mixed with the sea.
   That didn't belong in a body, good thing she was getting it out.
   The woman's colorful retching lasted about a minute, she shuddered and
dark water dripped from her mouth into the bucket.  Omari slipped the pail
out from between the two of them and poured a clear solution into it,
nearly topping it off.  The smell tickled Soraya's noise, but it wasn't too
strong.
   As he cleaned, Soraya eased back from the bucket.  She could help.
   He put his hand on her shoulder and shook his head.
   So she sat facing the other woman.  That worked for her.  The lethargy
seemed a little stronger now.
   He wiped the other woman down with his hands, squeezing out the liquid
into the bucket as he worked.  While she dressed, Omari took down the
carcass and eased it into a bag.  He shook rock salt over into it and then
sealed it and handed to the other woman.  "Cook it down into a thick,
concentrated broth, eat all of it within the next two days."
   "Thank you." She turned to Soraya and smiled.  "Thank you."
   "Welcome." She mumbled the words and she couldn't be sure she spoke loud
enough to be heard.
   Soraya retreated back to her place on the bed while Omari cleaned up,
disposed of the waste and wiped down the empty end of the bedroom.  This
was why a Sidra did not work alone, according to her classes.  After a
ritual, a Sidra needed to decompress, relax.  Omari didn't seem to do
either of those things.
   "I help?"
   "You have, and I thank you for it.  What happened to you?"
   Omari had barely looked at her since she entered the room, or so she
thought.  Was her mood that evident?  Soraya figured she just seemed tired.
   "I think I made a mistake," Soraya sat up and forced the words to
happen. "I always wanted a family, but maybe I should have just birthed
one. I'm not meant to belong anywhere.  They don't want me.  My elder
called me a storm that needs to be silenced.  He's not wrong.  I seem to
destroy everything, upset everyone.  Pitar said I was being used.  Morathi
said the spirit is destroying me."
   "What happened?"
   "I had a fit during the Sidra initiation.  I wasn't even saying words
that belonged to me.  They washed me down with something, made me drink
stuff, and listen to stuff, and told me I couldn't attend any more rituals
until ...  I heard them talking about me needing to ...  seal ...  purify."
   Omari jumped up and went to the bathroom.
   Had she said something wrong?  Was he angry that she'd been banned from
rituals but he asked her to help?  Elder Morathi said that she shouldn't
involve herself with any rituals, inside the family or not.  Oops.
   What made her walk all the way to his apartment?
   She buried her face into the comforter.  She was truly a fuck up of the
highest degree.  Maybe what she needed was a nap.
   Omari entered the room and rolled her onto her side.  "Undress and meet
me in the bathroom."
   Soraya shrugged out of her clothes.  It didn't seem like a sexual offer.
His words were cold and didn't leave room for argument.  In a way, Soraya
liked that about him - he said exactly what he wanted without any
ambiguity.
   The bathtub was filling with water.  Omari sat on the edge.  He held a
vial to the light.  Then put a few drops into the water.  He repeated the
process for the next three items in a small chest.
   Bubbles formed in the water creating a pastel colored foam.
   Soraya stepped in and sucked in her breath.  The water was hot.
   "Settle in.  You'll adjust."
   Easing down to her knees, then her thighs, Soraya braced herself for the
super hot water hitting her belly.
   "To your shoulders."
   Soraya eased into the water up to her neck.  Her face flushed with the
heat, but the water smelled decadent, almost edible.
   Omari turned off the water on the tap, then reached up to close her
eyes. "You belong in your family," he said softly.  "There is nothing wrong
with you that needs to be fixed.  They have problems that they are blaming
on you."
   Soraya felt his finger on her lips.  She decided against protesting.  He
didn't know how much trouble she caused, not all of it.
   "Don't take anything you're given by them." He took a deep breath and
caressed her cheek.  "You focus on bonding with your spirit."
   "Okay.  Did I say something wrong?"
   "No.  You told me as much as you could remember.  I know how to fix it."
He leaned over the side of the tub and kissed her.  "Your bond with your
spirit is most important."
   Soraya grinned as she felt his lips against hers.  It was like warm
honey, his tongue a special kind of treat.  "Get in here with me."
   "Soon you'll be out with me.  I need you to soak for a while."
   "Too hot."
   "This is exactly what you need.  I'll be right here.  Keep your eyes
closed and relax."
   The hot water did its job, seeping into her skin, warming her, get her
heart beat quickly once again.  Sensation followed, she caressed her oil
slick skin, grazed the bubbles.
   "All right, let's get you dried off."
   "Do you want me to keep my eyes closed?"
   "No.  You can open them." He reached down and pulled the plug on the
bath water.  As the water drained he held a pitcher of warm water up and
rinsed the bubbles from her body until they were gone.
   Soraya stood still as he dried her.  He moisturized her skin, every part
of her, massaging her muscles.  Her skin was so sensitive that it seemed
like a sensual act, but Omari's hands never lingered.
   He stood in front of her and his hand rubbed between her legs, then
higher, on either side of her labia.  He inserted two of his fingers,
spreading the amble lubrication.  Soraya purred, finally getting what she
wanted, that closeness she needed.  Tears welled in her eyes and spilled
over.  Just being near him made her wet, but she had been in a room with
him for hours and didn't feel that arousal until just now.  The hot water
much have relaxed her until she was as soft and pliable as jelly.
   "I'm going to take you home now."
   "No, please, I want to stay."
   "You want to hide, and that's not the solution, Soraya.  I need to rest,
and you do as well.  It was right that you came to me.  I did what needed
to be done."
   "I'm sorry if I messed something up.  My elder told me to stay away from
rituals."
   "Because involvement with them puts you closer to the Oani and your
Paseb." He leaned in and kissed her.  "There is nothing wrong with that. 
They want to seal you off from your spirit because they fear your power."
He kissed her, long and deep.  "When I take you back, go to bed, rest up.
We need to hurry though."
   "Okay."
   Soraya got back home and crawled into her bed.  She felt clean,
weightless, almost soft.  She could feel once again, and that was the best
part.  Adoration, lust, happiness, sadness.  All the emotions, even
confusion and worry, she cherished them and held onto them as she drifted
down into sleep, finally a sleep that felt natural rather than forced or
drugged.
   The door to her room creaked open.  She had entered the house the same
way she left, crawled up the side to the balcony and in her open window. 
It had been late, but no one saw her.
   Omari and Soraya had done it together, pulled on the power of Shilza to
cover knowledge of her escape.  It was the first time Soraya had used the
energy on purpose, knowing what she wanted to happen.
   Zarina's voice in the hallway.  "I went and looked like you asked, but I
already told you, she's in bed.  No one.  Yes.  Yes, I understand.  Will
do."
   Her skin broke into goose bumps.  What were they saying about her now?
What if she hadn't been home?
   Well, if she hadn't been home then she would be with Omari, lying at his
side, filled with his warmth and scent.  Comfortable in his presence.  More
than just his fingers inside her, his voice in her mind, wrapped around her
heart.
   She loved him something fierce, even if he was complicated,
rambunctious, and had a peculiar connection with the spirits.  He was
something special, more than just a Sidra.  He had true power and
influence. She held in the whimper as she felt the need for him rising
anew.
   How could she go through life without feeling this keen desire?
   ***
   Soraya went to work despite Zarina's efforts to convince her to stay in
bed.  She needed to get work done, and there was a lot of it left to do -
and all alone.  Besides, something seemed wrong with her vath, with many of
the Sidra.  She wasn't seeing things like she had been just before the
ceremony, but she could feel it, easing around in the background, almost as
if they were watching her as well.
   Work was empty of that pull and push and whisper of energies.  There was
only the stress and compression of the weight of her responsibilities. 
Exigur, the crucible and forging fires.  Soraya liked this one and delved
into it whole heartedly.
   However, during her breaks, Soraya looked for another job.  She had been
so honored to win the contract with Global Circuitry, but this was a job
for the company, not a single woman.  She was never going to get the
support and recognition she needed from Hugo as long as he kept his
cock-cozy around.  Soraya couldn't understand why Pamela was still working
there in the first place.  Or maybe she could.  Soraya's behavior had been
more than enough reason to be fired, and here she was, taking on the work
of three people.
   Soraya scheduled her job interviews during her lunch hours, but thus
far, she hadn't been getting anywhere.  One after another, jobs for which
she could have walked into, she was told that she wasn't a good fit at this
time.  Making the sting worse, the positions went unfilled.
   Fortunately, Soraya was able to reach out to someone in the HR
department.  She'd met the guy at one of Omari's gatherings.
   "I'd understand if I wasn't a good fit for the position, but I thought I
had great credentials.  I was turned down, but I'm still seeing the opening
listed."
   "Yeah, I recognized your name too, but my manager said you were already
in a job that you needed to keep."
   "A job I needed to keep?  Is that normal?"
   "No, um.  You can't share this with anyone okay?  It's just for you."
   "I understand.  I just want to understand what's going on."
   "You are Araceli, so your elders determine whether you can switch jobs
or work some place else.  They've said no.  Your best bet would be to look
for something outside the city, or with a company that doesn't have any
dealings with your family.  That's going to be hard, and with such strong
Atraya ties, it won't be in your field."
   "Wow," she mouthed the word and bid him goodbye.  So that's what it was
like to have power over another person's life.  Tell them where to sleep,
what they could do, who they could associate with.
   Soraya soldiered on through the week, stuck with a job that was drowning
her, a family that held her at arms length, and a religion that confused
her.
   She stopped looking for another job and used her lunch hour to keep
working.  She even took longer hours.  Without the ability to volunteer
doing things that helped the family, and her time in the warehouse over,
she didn't need to go home, didn't want to.
   The family checked in on her.  From her vantage point, she recognized
the cars driving through the parking lot, checking for her car.  Confirming
whether she was truly at work?  Hugo sent her the most pointless emails at
odd hours, all of them requiring a response.  Or, when he was in the
office, he would walk by and just 'look in on her.'
   Even though Omari was only a few hundred feet away in another building,
she didn't go see him.  Too many eyes were watching and he was the only
thing she had left to protect.
   ***
   Orbona dropped off more pills to take and lotions to rub on her skin,
oils to add to her bath.  Soraya stuffed them into a drawer, never to look
at them or touch them.  She'd been feeling fine, in control, sane.  She
stayed away from group functions and many of her family.  Her dinner was
brought up to her room rather than her going down to be with the others.
   It a way, it was very much like being in shadow.  Thinking of it like
that, Soraya went through all of things required - staying away from
others, spending much of her day in meditation, withdrawing, willingly,
from rituals and celebrations.  When she wasn't at work, it was easy to
just fall asleep from the exhaustion.
   But that also meant isolation from Omari, and that put a knife through
her chest just to think about.
   Soraya got up from her meditative posture and answered the knock on her
door.  She took a step back and welcomed Deven inside.
   "How are you feeling?"
   "Fine.  Why?"
   "I wanted to check in and see if you've been cleared of your negative
influence."
   Not being around her corrupt and psychologically abusive family has
helped.
   Soraya grinned to herself as she took a seat across from Deven.  No, she
was a muddy vat of spiritual influence.  The longer she focused on it, the
more sensation entered her.  Soraya sought fullness, not emptiness.  "I
don't know what you're talking about."
   "Orbona told me she put you on a regimen.  Have you finished with it? 
It's designed to help you."
   "I don't have a problem." She never even bothered to pretend to take
that stuff.  She didn't want to open it, smell it, or risk touching any
part of their poisons.
   Deven shook his head.  "If it's the side effects, I can have Zarina cook
you something that will go down easier.  Until it takes effect, you should
stay here.  I'll speak with your boss and let him know that you need a week
off."
   They can't do that!  Soraya held her tongue.  They could, and did quite
often.  Soraya had seen the way they could get a person out of their money,
home, or relationship.  It was the reason she'd been so secretive about her
own comings and goings.  She knew, just known it would come to this.  "This
would be a terrible time for me to lose work.  I don't have any help and
the company I'm working with a complicated project at the moment."
   "Your spiritual health is just as important, if not more than your
physical well being.  You're sick, and if you need to take the time.  You
should.  If the medication is too strong, you should have said something."
   She had kept her mouth shut.
   Deven looked her over.  "What are you wearing?"
   "Would you like to see?" Soraya stood and offered him the belt of her
black robe.  Soraya hadn't worn any colors in weeks but no one knew that
because no one paid her attention.  She had remained locked in her dungeon
for her 'safety' her so called spiritual well being.
   Deven looked at the belt and then back up to her.  He was suspicious,
but there was also interest.  He was only gauging to see that she was
serious.  A vath and vand she never be involved romantically, but Soraya
was quickly learning that Araceli created rules they had no intention of
following.  Nigel had taken her in every hole, and Colin after him.
   "Soraya, I know what you're doing.  Understand that this is the problem
we're trying to help you with."
   She grinned more than just feeling good, she was beginning to feel
great. "There's the door."
   He put his hands on her knees and slid them up, under the robe until met
her pussy.  First one finger then a second and third.
   Her breath caught as his thumb strummed her clitoris.
   Deven pulled his fingers free and moved to her ass.  She accepted his
fingers.  "If this doesn't prove how sick you are, then I don't know what
else this family can do for you."
   "Oh, so it's a sickness for me to spread my legs, but not for you to be
between them?  That's what you want, isn't it?  To feel what's it like to
be inside me?"
   Deven freed his cock and snatched Soraya down onto him.  He pumped
inside her pussy a couple times before standing and throwing her across the
bed.  He made an insistent press into her ass, but given Omari's girth and
Nigel's frequency, he didn't hurt her.
   "Araceli Sidra just love to abuse their devotees, don't they?"
   Deven stopped and pulled out.  He stumbled back several steps.  "What
did you say?"
   Soraya curled on her bed.  Her face wore a deceptive leer.  "She will
not be so easily silenced.  I have a stronger hold, a firmer grasp, and my
power is older and stronger than your petty schemes." Soraya looked from
the door back to him.  "Go on now.  Run.  You know how to fix this.  You
better start.  My patience with you grows short, Sidra."
   Soraya woke a few hours later, fresh from a shower and a nap.  Deven had
visited her.  Did he give her something to make her sleep?  She didn't
remember much.  He told her about staying in her room, and about the
ceremony.  Was that it?
   Soraya couldn't be sure what happened.
   With a heavy sigh she went back into her meditation.  And that's why she
just needed to leave them alone.  No one should have been coming to visit
her anyway.
   ***
   Deven was back at his house doing some meditation and prayer of his own.
For a moment, all he wanted was fuck himself into an oblivion, right up
until he heard the words from her mouth.
   Elder Talus, Amira.  Deven knew the rumors.  He'd only been a devotee at
the time, but he remembered the way Amira acted and what that got her. 
Amira had been in shadow before she ran away.  No one had seen her, spoke
with her.  One day she was just gone, never to return.  He hadn't known she
was pregnant, but everyone who had been around in those days could see that
Soraya had come from Talus' blood line, a powerful lineage of Sidra.  Nigel
had been the popular choice for whispers, he was old enough, the only son
of Talus' that had been single at the time.
   Talus died a three years ago, but when Soraya had shown up, it was like
seeing the shadow of a an old friend.  Then getting the reading.  Talus was
a powerful Sidra - of the Oani Ustufu.  Most of his vand had been as well.
After his death, Morathi decreed that no other Ustufu Sidra should take the
elements.  Especially those with Ustufu as the leading Paseb.  Soraya
represented the worse of that situation.  A strong leading Ustufu, a single
voice in her ear, one influence, and so powerful that she had begun to
manifest essence without so much as taking a deep breath.
   Her power was indeed older and stronger, the primal energy from which
all else is born and formed.  Deven held his selbram close.  What is it
that he needed to do to placate the fury growing inside her?  How was he
going to save her from the forces creating such a harmful vacuum?
   ***
Omari: "I miss you."
Soraya's heart thundered in her chest as she read the message on her
phone.
   "Are you in shadow?"
   Then she smiled as she pulled the phone toward her.  "Self-inflicted.  I
can't do anything, not even work.  Forced me to take leave."
   "How are you spending the time?"
   "In meditation, thinking.  Not that it will mean anything.  I can't be a
Sidra."
   "You don't need anyone's permission to become a Sidra."
   "Except an elder Sidra and the ceremony of taking elements."
Omari: "Which came first?  Sidra or devotee?"
Soraya: "Devotee."
   "Who initiated the devotee?"
   She tapped the side of the display as she pondered the question.  "That
was before."
   "Before the rules, organization, politics?" The next message followed
soon after.  "They add all that because of Ustufu, to contain it.  Ustufu
can be contained, but it can never be silenced." His next message followed
about a minute after.  "Do you want me to help?"
   Soraya stared at that message, but nothing followed.  She didn't know
how to respond.  Omari wasn't from her family.  Whatever help he offered
she should reject.  But look at what he'd already done for her, how much
he'd taught her.  Omari had been more of a mentor and teacher than her own
family.
   This time was more serious, permanent.  Communicating with him would be
against the rules of her 'self-inflicted' process.  No one told her to stay
in her room wearing non-colors.  No, they wanted her to do the opposite,
separate herself from the spirit who wanted to work with her, who called to
her.  This was supposed to be an honor and privilege, yet she was being
treated as if she was infected.
   Orbona had called it that, an infection.
   Ukoogla, the double energy of Ustufu.  Infection was a good thing, it
pointed out when there was something wrong.  A problem that needed to be
fixed.  It could not be silenced because it was the alarm signaling others
to find safety, to fix the problem.
   What if she were the problem?
   "Thank you, but no."
   Soraya was going to stick with her family.  Everyone went through hard
times, trials.  Forbirk made a person stronger, better able to face the
world.  That's all this was.  She'd show her family that she'd learned her
lesson.  They didn't want her to take the elements, they were on old
family, knowledgeable, experienced.  Maybe what she needed to do was listen
and learn from them.
   Her phone buzzed, Soraya picked it up to turn it off.  Communication in
any form needed to stop.
Omari: "You are the alarm."
   Soraya powered the phone down and curled up under her covers.
   ***
   Soraya left her room and the house.  She went down to the temple.  No
one but visitors would be there this time of day.  She was going to make
her offerings to the Pasebs of her vath.  She'd spent the past couple days
thinking about it.  Trying to show in some tangible way that she only cared
about being a devotee - lending her power to that of the Pasebs above her.
   There weren't any visitors when she arrived.  The temple was empty.  She
walked through the open room and paused at the altars of her vath.  She
cleaned up, left fresh offerings.  While wiping down one of the altars she
knocked over a cylindrical object.  It looked solid, but was actually
hollow.  Under it a heart shaped silver ring with a row of blue stones sat
under it.  Inside the band it read 'To my flower from your sun.' Soraya had
seen the ring before on one of the other Devotees in class.  It seemed very
special to her.  Soraya was touched she'd offer up something so treasured
to the Pasebs.
   With a warm smile, Soraya righted the object and thought nothing more of
it.  She apologized to the unknown Paseb and even replaced its bowl of
water.
   Eventually someone else showed up.  They didn't speak and Soraya kept
her distance.  Reluctant to go home, she swept up and took out the refuse.
It felt good to be out of that room, to be among the altars.  It made her
wonder what the altar to her own spirit would look like.  Having only one,
it would be elaborate, made from raw materials.
   On her way out the building she stood in front of Irma.  She was one of
the elder Sidra.  She wore a gorgeous blue dress that seemed to flutter
with the slightest breeze.
   Irma stepped past her and a horrible cracking sound echoed off the entry
way walls.
   Two beads clattered to the floor.  Soraya hadn't touched the woman,
didn't even go near her, but Irma looked right at her.
   The elder scooped up the broken pieces and set them down on the altar.
   Well, Soraya knew who that altar belonged to now.  She had taken to her
knees and thanked the altar profusely for protecting her.
   Soraya went back to Zarina's house.
   "Where you been?"
   "Making offerings, cleaning."
   Zarina nodded.  "Wish I'd known.  Need some people to help Channa."
   "What's the matter?" Soraya would be only too happy to help.  Maybe her
punishment was over?
   "Needs to find her ring.  I think she dropped it at the harvest
gathering, but girl has it in her head someone stole it.  While there's
still light out, will you go search the grounds?"
   "Sure.  What does it look like?"
   "Silver with a bunch of sapphires and diamonds.  Got an Icelle symbol on
it.  She's been crying over the lost for days.  Won't tell anyone why."
   "Well, if someone else found it, where would they take it?"
   "To Channa.  She says it was a gift and her name is written in it."
   "Who's the sun?"
   Zarina chuckled.  "Hear that at the house?  They called Trej the sun. 
That's the nickname for Irma's husband.  Lights up the room whenever he
comes in."
   Great.  Just what she needed.  That would put the rumors about Channa
having a boyfriend to bed.  She had more than that, an elder's husband.
   "It's under the pillar on Irma's altar." Soraya stomped her way up the
stairs.
   "No.  Woman.  Stop!"
   Soraya paused but didn't turn around.
   "How would you know?  What were you doing touching another altar?"
   "I don't know anything.  I didn't say anything to you." Soraya looked
back and scowled at Zarina.  She wasn't taking the blame for someone else's
bullshit.  Not again.  "I looked in the field and didn't find anything."
Soraya made a mock shrug.  "Maybe the poor fool lost it.  Like you said. 
The sun has no business with a flower anyway, right?"
   Zarina's eyes went wide.
   Soraya didn't care.  She marched back up stairs.
   Just leaving her room was nothing but trouble now.
   Channa, she'd heard the girl's name.  People said she had a boyfriend.
Soraya didn't know she was the same girl she'd had classes with, always
touching that ring of hers.  If it was Irma's altar, how did she get the
ring?  Why did Soraya have to be the one to find it when someone was
looking for it?
   An hour later someone knocked on the door, but she lay in bed staring at
it.  She didn't have to answer.
   "Soraya, open the door." Nigel's voice.
   She eased out the bed.  "Just you?"
   "Yes."
   She turned the lock and hurried back to her bed.
   Nigel closed the door and locked it behind him.  He sat on the bed
beside her.  "We found the ring."
   "I didn't steal it."
   "No one thinks you did.  No one even knows you knew about it except for
me and Zarina."
   Soraya pulled the covers back from her head.
   "Irma turned it over.  She seemed very upset, crying, like she'd seen a
Paseb out of ritual.  Anyway, she confessed to taking it from her.  Zarina
told me you knew."
   "I need to be left alone now."
   "She also said you looked to be wearing true gray."
   "I'm not wearing anything right now."
   He grinned.  "Is that an invitation?"
   "No, sir."
   "Ouch.  Very well.  I'll leave you be." He stood and went back to the
door.  "If you didn't fight us so hard, you wouldn't be having such a
difficult time."
   Soraya didn't answer.  She pulled the covers back over her head.
   ***
   After a couple days alone, Soraya found new ways to entertain herself.
After a dream or two, there was one idea that wouldn't fade away.  She set
up a small area at the corner of her room with things she thought her
spirit might like.  She didn't have the right herbs and containers, but it
was cute.  It was a small building, a doll house for her personal doll. 
She collected soil from outside and wet it with her blood.  She made a
little bowl out of it.  She found tiny seeds to place around the outside of
the bowl, dry flowers.  If she could get into Deven's shop, there was a
list of items she could get to set up the other parts.
   During her meditation, Soraya took to speaking to her creation.  She
didn't call it an altar or spirit house.  Only Sidra were supposed to
create those for their Paseb.  That's not what this was, it was just
something she dreamed about, a bit of play.
   "I've been thinking.  There's a lot of time to do this here, and I try
to spend most of it thinking about nothing, or just you, but a lot of the
time I think about Omari.  What if Omari and I share the same Paseb?  It
could work that way, right?  I mean, it would explain..." No it wouldn't
explain anything.  What if Omari was her Paseb?
   Soraya's cheeks reddened and she giggled.  Looking at her makeshift
altar, she could see how many of the things were items that Omari favored -
real food, trinkets, his favorite color, primal energies.
   No.  She was just obsessed with him.  This wasn't healthy.  Making a
normal person into a spirit was wrong and disrespectful.
   "I don't deserve to be anyone's devotee.  I don't know who to believe.
Is there something wrong with me?  If there is, what's the solution - get
closer or pull further away?"
   Soraya couldn't pull away, not now.  Even though she tried to avoid
calling it what it was, speaking or thinking the name.  Once you fashioned
an altar for the spirit, it could not be dismantled, not even in jest.  If
her spirit meant her harm, it was still a spirit under the Oani.
   "All I have to offer is myself and my own devotion.  Thank you for
listening.  Soraya pricked her finger and squeezed a drop of blood into her
dirt bowl.
   And yes, of course the door would open at that time, because Soraya was
a storm, sucking in hapless victims to find fault with her.
   "What is that?" said Zarina.
   "I was experimenting." Soraya balled her hand to hide her finger.
   "Trying to find a way to let that destructive energy seep into my house?
I have children here."
   "What so destructive about calling out liars and thieves and cheats?  I
mean, unless you are a liar, a thief, or a cheat?"
   "What's so destructive about a perfect nice young lady turning into a
vicious, vindictive woman?" Zarina put both hands on her hips to emphasize
her point.
   "Perception clouded." Soraya mumbled.
   "You need to find your own place."
   "I thought your vand were welcome to stay here."
   "You are, but I would also welcome you finding your own place.  You are
right.  I cannot force you to leave."
   "Even if I'm not supposed to create one, I certainly can't just destroy
it.  I wanted to know what it might look like."
   Zarina rolled her eyes, her breasts rose as she took in a deep breath.
"I forget you weren't born into this family.  The children do this, but
learn better with time.  One piece at a time, return it to its function,
purify it of its spirit.  Don't throw anything away, send it to different
uses.  It's called dispersing the energies.  I would appreciate it if you
dispersed every single part to some place other than my house or my
property." Zarina looked her over.  "And I won't tell you again, you need
to put some color on.  A ribbon in your hair, on your face.  I've let you
go on like this because I know you are a victim of this spirit, but you are
no Sidra, girl.  Keep it up and you will never take the elements.  We are
trying to preserve your spirit for that day.  If you have any respect for
us at all, you'll heed our advice."
   Zarina left Soraya alone sitting on the floor in front of her childish
altar.
   Color.  She'd find a color to wear all right.  She smirked a second
before wiping it from her face.  She was trying to make trouble again.  As
if they couldn't get any lesson to stick to her.  If she'd only just go
through the purification then everything would be all right.
   No.  Everything would be wrong.
   She knew it, felt it in the pit of her soul.
   They were trying to protect themselves, not her.
   Color.  Soraya stood and went to her closet.
   Her spirit was more important than them.
   ***
   "My baby," Elizabeth crooned as she enveloped Omari in her arms.
   Omari smiled as he was smothered by his mother's love, warmth, and
embrace for several seconds.  He didn't struggle or complain as her arms
tightened the longer she held him.  Elizabeth ended her embrace with a firm
kiss to each of his cheeks then took a step back and looked him over. 
"Been working too hard." She said as she led him to the kitchen.
   "Not that much."
   "But too hard." She presented him with a tin of fresh ginger cookies. 
"Eat three.  I'll pour you some cider."
   Dutifully, Omari sat to the counter and began to eat the cookies.  Two
bites later, "Mom, what's in these?"
   "Nothing but goodness.  Where is she?"
   Omari arched a brow.
   "The one you're mooning over." She set the mug down, grabbed some
cookies and sat beside him.  "You never moon over anyone.  What's her name?
How'd you meet her?"
   Omari chuckled and picked up his second cookie.  "She's taking some time
for herself.  I manifested in her presence and I'm not sure she's going to
make it.  Her family is trying to seal her off.  I stopped the first and
second attempts."
   "It's a longer story than that."
   "Is Dennis or Gordon here yet?  I don't want to take up your time."
About ten years ago, his brother, Denise, decided to change his name to
Dennis and have the breasts removed.
   Elizabeth leveled a look at him.  "Evasive, side stepping, summarizing."
She beamed and then straightened her face.  "I never thought I'd see the
day."
   "What day?"
   "The day you fell in love."
   Omari shook his head.  "I can't.  It can't be that.  My avatar is the
one working through her.  She's Araceli."
   Elizabeth wrinkled her nose.  "You are ruining a very good story.  Now
start from the beginning.  Josh took them to show off his new building."
   He made it through the story and the cookies and cider.  His mother put
her arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.  "Do you want me to read
for you?"
   "No.  I just want to get through this.  Knowing what lies ahead is a
curse sometimes."
   "Your avatar has always been kind to you, far more than the its energies
indicate.  I know you are hurting, but once you get through this, I know
you're going to be all right."
   His father Joshua along with his siblings Gordon and Dennis arrived to
the house and they shared hugs and finished getting ready for dinner that
night.
   At the table, Joshua brought up the subject.  "I have a favor to ask of
you."
   Omari looked up from his plate, by the looks on everyone's faces, they
already knew what this one was about.
   "I have a friend I work with.  Her name is Alice.  You might remember
her from the lake we used to go to.  She's been having a bad time with an
upcoming divorce.  Her husband has manipulating her and abusing her, but
she can't get any evidence of it - not from the police or neighbors.  He's
been very good about hiding it, and worse, making it appear as if she's the
problem and not him.  They are going to court for a divorce.  It's taken
some years to get her that far, but he is trying to get full custody of the
children.  I don't think any direct involvement is required, but if you
could do something to expose him."
   Omari nodded.  He pulled a notebook from his back pocket and made some
notes.  "How long has this been going on?"
   Joshua looked to Elizabeth.
   "About a year after her first child, so maybe five years."
   "And what exactly has he been doing.  Specifics."
   "Verbal and mental abuse.  Putting her down in front of the children. 
Taking things away from her.  Withholding monetary freedom.  When she
doesn't do something he likes he'll send the children away.  The few times
he's physically lay hands on her they were on vacation or it was a way that
didn't show leave a scar.  He makes her do things that are demeaning."
   Omari nodded as he wrote all this down.  "When is the court date?"
   "A month from now.  You have time, but I wanted to ask you.  I know this
isn't something you usually do unless called to."
   "I take requests these days." Omari said with a grin.  "A lot."
   Elizabeth leaned forward.  "Oh baby, that's why you were so low."
   Even Dennis and Gordon looked interested.
   "Yeah.  I ended up doing two workings in a night.  That's all.  I'm not
used to expending that kind of energy, but I'm liking the practice.  It's
been a great way to flex my skills.  Usually I have a client stop by the
house or I go there.  I need a better place to work.  My room mates are
great about giving me space, but they just love the benefits of being
around me." He answered Gordon's grin with one of his own.  "All of them."
   "I bet." Dennis shared their smile.
   "Stop running yourself ragged." His mother said.  "That's no way to
live."
   ***
   Soraya sat down on the park bench with her cup of white tea.  She had
been taking walks during lunch to get away from her coworkers.  They all
seemed to eye her waiting for the next outburst of emotion or craziness. 
There weren't anymore for them.  She didn't need chaos in all areas of her
life.
   Hugo decided to throw her a life raft.  He assigned Reuben to work with
her, take over some tasks.  Soraya wasn't allowed to supervise or direct
him, but he helped take some of the crushing weight off.  Finally, it
seemed like she made more progress at the end of every day.
   "I don't think I can afford it."
   "You've been offered the chance to join Araceli.  You need to do
something."
   "Would you?"
   "Araceli?  Absolutely, I mean, nothing against my family, but I'd rather
be in a place with some real power."
   "I can't believe they want me, but I just don't have the money.  I've
done the math so many times."
   "You could always get a loan.  Did they tell you about that?"
   Soraya's ears perked up as she took a sip from her tea.  Looking around
at the people in the park she picked out the two women sitting under a
tree. One of them wore a covered bracelet and the other, younger, dressed
in nice clothes, didn't.
   "Yes, but I don't know where to ask for one.  The banks aren't going to
do loans just for a ceremony."
   "The Araceli offers loans."
   "For relations, not just some girl off the street."
   "What about your employer?"
   "What about them?"
   "They could pay for you.  I mean, it's not exactly like paying for it. I
know a guy who did it.  What your boss does is agree to give any bonuses,
overtime, or raises to the house until you've paid back the amount.  I
mean, it's guaranteed job security for a while, and the house will list
your business on their promotional releases."
   Soraya knew exactly what that list was.  She'd seen the list of
businesses that were supposedly 'friendly' to the family.  Is that all it
took to be a friend?  Pay a person's way toward becoming a member?
   Come to think of it, Soraya hadn't earned any overtime, no bonuses.  And
while she didn't think it prudent to discuss a raise - is that the real
reason why she hadn't been fired?  Is that why she was handling all of
Global Circuitry?  She had plenty of responsibility, but at her starting
pay.  It would make sense now.  That's why they didn't ask her about any
money.  It had nothing to do with being a relative or born into the family.
   Also why she couldn't make Sidra yet, she hadn't worked off her loan. 
Not ready yet, her ass.
   "I don't know about that.  I was looking forward to moving up."
   "Well, you could, you just couldn't get paid for it, but people who use
their employer have great job security, plus you bring more business to
them." "What if they're already paying someone else's bills?"
   The other woman huffed.
   Soraya wanted to shout for her not to do it, to stay away from the
house. Even if she bought her way in there wasn't much power to see.  Oh,
the family put on a spectacular event.  They knew how to get people's eyes
glazed over.  Their festivals had even enchanted her into thinking that
anything was possible through her family.
   Soraya bit down on the inside of her lip.  She needed to keep her mouth
shut.  It wasn't her place to say what was in this girl's future.  She
might have a great Sidra, she'd have a great connection with her Paseb.
   And someone would turn on her, try to make her do what they wanted, not
what she was destined.
   With a heavy sigh, Soraya kept sipping from her tea and listening.
   "He had plenty of money and got through with no problem.  He says the
advantages are worth it.  I mean, any blocks in your life - they will clear
them."
   Financial blocks, material blocks, career blocks.  The spiritual seemed
to be taking a back seat to each of these.
   "What's so bad about your family?  Couldn't you switch?"
   She shrugged.  "That isn't the spirit of devotion."
   They shared a laugh and moved on to another discussion.
   Soraya finished her tea and headed back home.
   What about the people who couldn't afford an initiation at all?  People
who didn't have fat wallets or enviable businesses.  Money didn't make a
good member.  What gave people the impression that Araceli was so damned
powerful anyway?
   Connection with so many business.  Instead of actually using the spirits
and Pasebs, they could just reach out to their connections.  Politicians,
influential people, bankers, shop keepers.
   Like Javier, who recently revealed that he wasn't going to run for city
council again because he's looking into being the mayor of Kohia.  The
obstinate push to get him marked as a Sidra made sense now.  Colin, using
the single women as favors to other Niralen, a way to learn about them,
have them indebted to the house even without membership.
   ***
   Soraya sat on her bed and stared at the bracelet on her wrist.  Why
didn't she just take it off?  She had flawed information from a flawed
system with flawed vaths and elders.
   Why did her mother run away?  Why didn't she tell her what happened? 
All those times Amira became teary while listening to Soraya blame her for
their isolation and loneliness.  There was nothing more lonely than being
in a family that has ostracized you.
   Soraya felt a chill come over her.  She grabbed her stomach and lay down
on the bed.  Beads of sweat formed on her body as her body flushed warm
then cold.
   The shivers came next and her heart raced.  Waves of nausea and
dizziness kept her too off balance to call for help.  Not that it would
have done any good.  Most people were out, helping to prepare for another
festival she wouldn't be able to attend, bonding with people she was kept
apart from.
   Soraya rolled off the bed and crawled to the bathroom.  Saliva pooled in
her mouth.  She leaned over the open toilet, but nothing came up.  The wave
of sickness receded, leaving her on the cold tile, exhausted and confused.
   What was she doing wrong now?  How could she make anything right?
   Tears rolled down her cheeks and landed in her lap.
   Soraya crawled to her phone and typed out a message, "I miss you and
need to see you."
   -_ Infection _The researchers studying the family had been working their
way through many of the members and people associated with the house from
Niralen to Elder Sidra.  They interviewed each member about how they came
to the family and what it meant to be a devotee, and how it had changed
their lives.  Mason and Karen had been content to speak to anyone that
wanted to be interviewed, but most of those had been elders or Sidra.
   Mason wanted to speak to one person in particular.  The shapely young
woman with a small cascade of braids.  She had been at the taking of the
elements, but none of the rituals after that.  Had she been removed from
the family?
   First they heard that she was busy with work, then that she wasn't
feeling well.
   Karen promised to search for him.
   Mason finally caught up with her outside the house.  "Soraya?"
   She looked up and Mason knew why Karen had been to insistent that she
was the person he was looking for.  He remembered when she'd been in the
classroom, speaking to the Sidra.  She was every bit as gorgeous as her
mother had been, if not more.
   "I don't know if you remember, but I'm one of the researchers.  If you
have the time, I would appreciate an interview.  I know you've been busy."
   "Busy." She gave a slight smile.  "When?"
   "We're staying at the Cameron inn.  Room 107.  It won't take long."
   "Meet you there at noon."
   ***
   "How have you been?" Mason asked as he set the equipment up.
   "Not that great lately, but today is a better day."
   "I'm sorry to hear that.  Is it something your vath can fix?"
   "I've been working with them both." Soraya kept a straight face through
the sudden stab of pain in her abdomen.  It was too high to be her uterus
and the wrong place for her kidneys.
   "How did you end up becoming a member of Araceli?"
   "My mother told me that I had a family before she died.  I didn't know I
had relatives in this city or a family.  I moved here to get in touch with
them."
   "How was coming back here been?"
   "Challenging.  I didn't grow up in the family, so there are a lot of
behaviors and things that other people learn early.  I'm still trying to
come to terms with it."
   "We've been told that the spectrum of black to white are reserved for
those preparing to take the elements.  Is that why you're not wearing any
color?"
   "No, this is just an un-charged type of dress.  I've been having issues
with balance and my clothes are a type of blank slate." She smirked
slightly.  When she put on color, she made sure they were burgundy and
brown and purple, all the colors of her spirit and bold, bright prints and
fabric, almost slamming their faces in the energies they wanted to separate
her from.  When she went back to non-colors, no one complained.
   "How have you changed from the day you arrived here, after your first
and second initiation?"
   Less naive, more distrustful, far more sexually experienced.  The
thought passed.  She didn't vocalize her thoughts, but she needed to answer
the question.  "I've come to learn a lot about the Oani and its spirits,
how they can interact with us."
   "How satisfied are you being a member of Araceli?"
   "Very."
   Mason nodded.  "You know, Soraya, I knew your mother."
   "Sorry about that."
   He grinned.  "Sorry?"
   "Yeah.  I know she liked to cause trouble."
   "Do you think you're anything like her?"
   Soraya nodded.  Probably very much.  Was she going to end up walking
away like her mother had?  It seemed like she was only living to repeat
Amira's mistakes.
   Then something else occurred to Soraya.  If Mason had known her mother,
maybe he knew what she had been going through.  Mason wasn't family.  He'd
have an objective view of the situation.
   Soraya looked up.  "How long did you know her?"
   "We were childhood friends.  Your mother was a vibrant woman, fiery. 
She didn't like to--"
   Mason and Karen looked up as someone else joined them.
   Zarina smiled at Soraya.  "I'm glad to to see you all finally made some
time to speak with each other.  How is it going?"
   "Great." Soraya stood and shouldered her purse.  "I let them know how
happy and welcoming the family has been.  I don't know about any other
people, but this is the best place I could be."
   Soraya left the room.  She was already in her car when she realized she
hadn't said good bye.  Soraya practically ran from them when Zarina showed
up.
   Great, now she was tucking her tail and running like some kind of scared
child.
   Soraya got back to her room and began to tidy up.  Why didn't she
mention all of the others things she'd seen?
   Well, what good would bad mouthing her family be?  She had her
difficulties, but that was her problem.  She shouldn't bring the entire
family down because of that.  The award was too special to mess up because
of that.
   ***
   Zarina showed up a few minutes later.  She just stared at Soraya.
   "I really didn't say anything.  I've learned my lesson."
   "Have you now?  What lesson is that?"
   "That nothing good will come from me being honest."
   "You have become a vicious little thing.  How old are you woman?  Do I
look like I have time to soothe the petulant issues of another child?"
   Soraya sighed.  "Sorry about it.  I'm serious though.  I didn't say
anything."
   "I know you didn't.  You've got no cause to be so damned flippant
either. You are welcome to attend dinner at any table you wish.  If you're
feeling the way you are now, just grab a plate and go back to your room."
   "Thank you."
   Zarina huffed and left the room.
   There must have been some kind of reading or investigation, because
Soraya's closed mouth got her the reward she sought.  Dinner was only the
first stage, later she was expected to show up at other gatherings, not
ones attached to rituals, just family events.  Soraya preferred to stick to
those.  It was as close as she'd been to other family in weeks.
   Even though someone must have asked Mason and Karen for details, it
seemed every Sidra and elder wanted to chat with her about the interview,
how it went, what she thought.  And no, it wasn't the casual kind of
questions everyone else wanted the answers to.  Soraya didn't hear other
people being grilled about what they did.
   She didn't get upset.  She answered the questions the same way she gave
the interview - keeping her true opinions to herself.
   "Okay," Jessica pulled Soraya aside with two other woman.  "I have a
real question for you.  I heard that you were poisoned from having too many
snacks.  Is that really what happens?" "What?  I didn't have any problems
with that.  Who said that?"
   Jessica shrugged.  "Just people.  I mean, what about your behavior?  How
did you end up getting sick?"
   Soraya opened her mouth, but words didn't follow.  At least she knew how
they managed to get everyone to leave her alone.  Chemical problem.  Just
great.  Soraya had never taken food and drink outside of a party.  "I had
some problems.  I'm not sure what the cause was, but I'm okay now."
   "That's great to hear, but you should think more about the people you
live with.  You were rooming with Zarina's children.  Hopefully Hazel
doesn't pick up any of those bad habits."
   "I know, right.  Hazel was so enamored with you."
   "Hazel had a great mother.  I'm sure she'll be fine."
   "Well, I'm sure everything will be fine.  I wouldn't say she's anything
like Amira.  Would you?"
   "Oh, no, you've done your family proud.  I know it must have been hard
coming up with such an irresponsible parent."
   Soraya shook her head but the women kept talking over her.  Amira had
been a lot of things, but irresponsible was the least of those.
   "How many boyfriends did you have to kick out the house?" Annabelle
giggled and shouldered Soraya.
   The women surrounding her shared a laugh, then patted Soraya on the back
as if they had shared a well known joke.  "Good to see you back girl.  Go
on and take a seat.  Make sure you eat well.  Looks like you've got some
weight to put back on."
   "Don't listen to her.  I think you look so much better now that you've
lost some weight.  That ass of yours was getting out of hand."
   "At least it balanced those huge breasts."
   Yeah, and that, Soraya had been feeling so bad lately that food was the
last thing on her mind.  She'd lost a little weight, maybe a lot, but she
hardly thought any part of her body was out of hand.
   Soraya walked away, but not to the food table.  The recent conversation
didn't do anything for her appetite.  What did they mean about her mother?
Loose?  Boyfriends?  Amira didn't even like to make friends, much less the
personal type.  Even Nigel refused to pretend that he'd slept with her
mother.  If she'd been so wild, then why would someone have to admit it at
all?
   She took her seat at the table.  She was here now and she could make the
best of it.  The interview was over, and now that she'd shown control,
maybe they could get to the point of seeing to her spiritual development.
Something was affecting her, and now it was hurting her.  Even though the
spikes hadn't happened today, there was a low note of pain that never left.
   No matter what, Soraya was not going to submit to a purification.  Those
were for people who didn't have control of their lives, had severe mental
or physical ailments that would prevent them from serving.
   Soraya could serve.  She could.  She'd prove it to them.
   She pushed the food around on her plate with the tip of her fork. 
According to the surrounding conversation a new round of initiates had been
welcomed into the family, but that must have been the part that Soraya
missed.  No wonder the interview was so easy to schedule at that time.  Why
would Mason and Karen miss out on an initiation ceremony just to talk to
her?  What was the princess in the tower supposed to be able to add to the
conversation?
   Nothing.  That's what.
   Soraya brought the fork to her mouth but it hovered there.  It was as if
there were a barrier between her mouth and the food.  She set her utensil
down and excused herself from the table.
   "Sit.  You need to eat something.  Try at least half of it."
   "No thank you." Soraya caught the exchanged glances that wondered what
to do next.
   Nothing.  They didn't need to do anything next.  She was getting away
from them.  Poison her food?  Is that why she was being invited to all
these dinners and gatherings?  Thinking back, Soraya recalled how much they
encouraged her to try something, to get something in her.
   "Hey," Sidra Colin fell into step behind her.  "Where's the fire?"
   "I need to get away."
   "If it matters at all, I know what they are trying to do and I don't
agree with it."
   "You aren't trying to stop them either."
   "Some things have to happen, have to go through their order.  Tell me
what I can do to get on your good side?"
   Soraya smirked and looked at him, but he didn't seem to be lying to her.
"You still whoring out family?"
   "If that's what you take offense to, I'll scale it back, change.  I
maybe have gotten worse about that, or used my match-making as more a
service to me than the girls."
   Soraya squinted.  "You're serious?"
   "You can't make elder without each of the Oani finding balance.  We tend
to overlook Ustufu and Ymnyzy because they don't show up often, especially
not as a primary or and never as a singular driving force, but I am willing
to learn and take on new information.  I will make amends and alter my
ways, but there will be rich lonely men looking for friendly available
women."
   "It's not about that," Soraya and Colin settled into a steady pace. 
"You know where you went wrong."
   Colin smiled.  "I do.  Want to come over to my place?  I'll fix you
something."
   Soraya shook her head.  The nice act may have just been a way to get her
to eat something, and from a Sidra?  She didn't want to take that chance.
"No, I'm going to keep walking.  Thank you though."
   Wasn't it Colin that told her to ask for what she wanted?  Soraya took
out her phone.  She knew exactly where she would feel safe, if she only
asked.
   ***
   Omari stumbled into his room and tossed off his clothing.  He set to
working on the favor for his parents the moment he got back home.  The
working had been successful, surprisingly so, but it left him feeling like
he'd spent all weekend hiking - competitive hiking in the Peyton mountains.
   He knew what it would take to help him feel better, exactly the respite
that would replenish his energy.  Sex.  He knew here he could get it and
from whom, but there was only one woman he wanted.
   She had messaged him while he was with his parents, days ago, but Omari
didn't answer the text.  She needed to be around her family.  He kept
telling himself that she needed to carry out the will of his avatar, not be
around to take his cock.
   Oh, but how he wish she were around for that.
   He groaned as he turned on his side.  His whole body hurt, but the
energy he'd lost was worth the results.  With the support of his avatar, he
to take down a man deserving of his justice.  He had his hands in so much
corruption and subterfuge, that when his time came to fall, he went down
painfully.  Omari made sure his unmasking was permanent, public, and too
heinous to call on favors to ignore.  The man was currently sitting in a
jail cell, and all his friends were scrambling to crawl in the opposite
direction.
   All for his own misdeeds come to light.
   Omari went to sleep for ten whole hours, and woke feeling only
marginally better.  Sleep wasn't what he needed.  He checked the display on
his phone, early evening still.  Like an answer to an unspoken question,
Omari's phone vibrated.
Soraya: "Mind my company?"
Omari smiled.  He almost wanted to kiss the phone itself.  He tucked the
phone under the covers with him and stared at the message.  He didn't just
mind.  He craved her touch, her smell, the sound of her voice.  The message
had not been as direct as the last one, not as needy.  Whatever problems
she had earlier, they must have been handled.
   She was still interested in speaking to him.  Beside, he needed to touch
base with her.  Hopefully the Araceli would go the same way of that woman's
husband, leaving Soraya well off and cared for.  Did he want her company?
It went much deeper than that.  He craved to be near her as much as she
craved to be near him.
   He typed his response.  "More than mind.  I need you here."
   "Be there very soon."
   Omari wondered if he'd be awake by the time she arrived.  She must have
sent her text from the parking lot because she was upstairs in a manner of
minutes.  He grinned at the knock on the door.  She shared pleasantries
with Egan and Damon before entering his bedroom.
   She slipped off her jacket and dress and instead of jumping into the bed
with him.  She went over to his cabinet.  "Which oil is best to rub on
you?"
   "Rub on me?"
   "Your body." Soraya winked at him.
   "Go over to that top shelf.  It's in a dark blue bottle, black pump
top."
   "I have it."
   "If you're going to rub that on me, then you'll have to get naked.  You
can't give a good massage with clothes on."
   "I'll be naked all right.  I don't want a stitch on your either."
   "Nothing to worry about there."
   Soraya crawled onto the bed and began to massage his back, working the
shoulder muscles and down his spine to his lower back.  Her hands were
heaven, working the oil into his muscles, following the example he'd set
when he did the same for her.
   Omari turned his head to the side and his eyes closed while she worked
his legs.  "I went to see my parents, spent time with them.  I didn't see
your first message until a few days after.  I tend to leave my phone locked
away when I'm with them."
   "How are they?  Your family?"
   "Everyone is great.  Dennis is looking more handsome each year.  He
finally reflects what I saw in him when he was a little girl.  My mother
enjoys smothering me and pampering me, so she had plenty of time to do just
that.  Stay right there," he groaned as she kneaded into his calf.
   Soraya worked the muscle on one leg then the next.  She didn't say
anything, didn't respond.  "Turn over."
   He did and she started at his feet.  Her eyes were clear, if troubled.
Had they been successful with a third attempt?  Why did she seem smaller?
"What about you?"
   "I hid in my room.  I can't believe some of the things they do.  The
rumors have only gotten worse.  They think that I'd been on drugs or have
some kind of addiction."
   "Ironic." Omari swallowed heavily.  She massaged his shoulders, but sat
down on his cock while she moved toward his pectorals.
   "Yes it is.  I feel so hurt, really.  It's like I just make things up to
hurt them.  Sometimes I feel like I'm the destruction they accuse me of
being."
   "It's not like that at all."
   "If I weren't around, they wouldn't be having all of these problems."
   "If you weren't around, their behavior would continue unchecked."
   "Who am I to police them?"
   "You are family, and the problem is one of balance.  You just need to
put them back into balance."
   Soraya sat back and held up her wrist.  She uncovered her wrist and
pointed to the clasp.  "This isn't what I should be doing.  It's just not
meant for me."
   "Stop.  Don't even think like that."
   "I need to take it off."
   "Keep it on." He kissed her fingers and then the palm of her hand. 
"Uncovered."
   "The last time someone did that I was told it was a disgrace."
   "No.  You're thinking about someone else.  What about you?  When was the
last time you kept it on?"
   "Oh, with um ...  with you, but you were manifesting."
   "Have they purified you?"
   She shook her head.  "They tried to trick me into eating something.  I
don't know what it would have done.  I haven't had much of an appetite
lately, and my stomach hurt so much that I was afraid to try anything."
   "Sounds like we both need some of the same attention."
   "Thank goodness for that." She leaned forward and kissed him as she
worked over his cock.
   "This isn't going to take me long."
   "And I don't have the energy to ride you for too long."
   He grinned as their tongues dueled.  Goodness he adored this woman.  Her
body slid against his while she rode him.  Like the purest nutrition, his
energy returned.  He rolled over until he was on top and then he took her
over the edge with him.
   ***
   Soraya moaned over the last bit of the appetizer.
   "This is divine," she rested her head on his shoulder and waited for the
next course to appear.  "I'm glad you brought me here."
   "We're over due for a proper first date."
   She rolled her head back and grinned at him.  "Yeah, but I've enjoyed
all the others as well."
   He leaned down and kissed her, tasting the last bit food on her lips. 
Getting her out of the house had been a tactical decision as well.  Much
more time in the bed with her and he wasn't going to want to do anything
else but lose himself inside her.  What he felt for her was strange and
frightening, but his mother had been right.  He loved her, and that love
had come too soon.
   The server set the entree down in front of them.
   Soraya sat up and dove in.  "I can't believe how hungry I am."
   "Save room for dessert.  There's a slice of cake with your name on it."
Soraya put her hand in his lap, high on his thigh.
   "Look at you."
   "Can't help it when I'm around you.  You're the one who told me not to
fight it." Soraya pulled her hand back and looked at the display of her
phone.  She silenced the call and went back to eating.
   "You've become pretty popular in my circles."
   "For that show we put on?"
   "Yeah."
   Soraya blushed and giggled between bites.  "Between you and me we
probably looked like a skin flick."
   "No probably about it." Omari put his hand around her waist.  "You look
great on me."
   "Imagine if we did something like that on purpose."
   "I already have.  Often."
   "Mmm, I don't care if we have an audience or not."
   At the next table over there were a couple guys talking.  They seemed
frustrated that someone named Egan had been avoiding them.
   "Are they talking about your Egan?" Soraya whispered.  She reached over
and silenced her phone again.
   "That might be important.  Go on and take it."
   "I don't want to be bothered by them right now."
   "It'll give me time to find out whether they are talking about him."
   She sighed and grabbed her phone and her jacket.
   Omari leaned back and focused on the conversation.  From the little he
heard, they wanted to force Egan to help them.  He provided them with
information before, but won't take their calls.
   "Does he have any children?  A girlfriend?  Apply pressure to him, damn
it."
   "Empty well there.  We push him with the family again and it might
backfire.  He's got a couple room mates though.  Might be able to press him
there."
   Omari didn't hear a response.
   "We can try."
   "He's going to be at Michael's."
   "Work fast.  I need those numbers by tomorrow evening.  Don't wait until
the last minute on this."
   Omari took out his phone and texted Egan.  "Are you going to Michael's?"
   "Yes, but no festivities for me.  Business I need to handle."
   "Something you need to tell me?"
   Egan didn't respond to the question.  Omari felt the tightness in his
chest.  Would Egan lie or tell him the truth?  Omari had known something
was bothering him for weeks, but thus far, he hadn't come to him for help.
If he lied to him now, then he wouldn't be able to help him.  Worse, Omari
wasn't sure he could stand to live with him.
   That worry for his friend twisted back to worry for Soraya.  She needed
to set Araceli back into balance before she'd be free to be with him. 
Until that time, they might succeed in sealing her off, and there's no way
Omari could have a future with a Niralen.
   He wanted a future with her, couldn't fathom the thought of going
through a life without her in it.
   Soraya came back to the table and pushed her plate away from her.
   "That good."
   "That was my second vath.  Guess he went to see me and noticed I was
gone.  Just when I think I'm not being jailed."
   "Have you figured out how to reveal what's been going on?"
   "I'm not interested in being punished again.  I can't just bring down my
family.  I love them."
   "If you love them so much, then you should want to see them do better.
You really want to be a part of a family that has that award and doesn't
deserve it?"
   "Why do you assume they don't deserve it?  They have done a lot for the
community, they have worked toward the betterment of several lives."
   "You have seen what they are truly like."
   "They have problems yes, but it's not as bad as that."
   "It's worse than that." Omari paid the bill and folded his arms over his
chest.  How was she going to fix the problem when she wouldn't acknowledge
it?
   "Why are you so angry about this?  They have nothing to do with you."
   It wasn't anger, not in the least.  Bald fear had him so insistent.  If
he couldn't convince her to do what's right, then she would be out of his
life and injured in the process.
   They walked out to the parking lot.
   "Everything would be all right if you would just listen."
   "I am listening!  I've done nothing but listen.  My family is important
to me, and I'm trying to be loyal to them."
   "Fuck them.  Fuck what any Araceli says about loyalty.  Who did you take
the oath to obey?  Who is there for you when all is lost?  Who has never
forsaken you or turned you away?" He grabbed her by the shoulders and
turned her to face him.  "Who damn it?"
   Soraya's eyes filled with tears and when she blinked they ran down her
cheeks.  "You."
   Omari grabbed her by the back of her neck and snatched her so close that
her breasts squished to his chest.  "I am not your Paseb.  I don't want
impudence from you."
   She wrapped her hands around him.  "I am serious.  What if you were?  My
selbram point to everything about you and I can't stop thinking of you."
   "Hush.  It's not the same.  You have a spirit, and it is not of this
world.  It is not me, and it will not be merciful if you hide from your
calling."
   "I don't want to fight with you." She lay her head on his shoulder. 
"I'm confused."
   "I don't like seeing you hurt." He thumbed the tears from her eyes and
kissed her.  "I," He didn't finished the sentence, just held her and kissed
her.  "Do I need to take you home?"
   "No.  I'll work on them, but please no.  I want to be with you tonight."
   Omari looked back at the restaurant.  The people who had been talking
about Egan filed out.  Over half of them were already feeling the effects
of their drinks.  It was going to be a hectic night.  "All right then,
let's head over."
   ***
   Egan was sitting over in a corner when Omari and Soraya showed up. 
Soraya ended up surrounded by a bunch of people who either heard or saw her
earlier.  He left her to the gossip and went over to talk to Egan.
   "The answer is yes." Egan buried his head in his hands.  "At first I did
it because I knew they could help me with family stuff.  I made it clear I
was only going to help them once.  They promised me no one would get hurt.
I meant what I said, only once, but this guy, Troy, he has been breathing
down my neck.  I didn't deal with him the first time, but I've heard about
other people that dealt with him.  If I'd known he was involved, I would
have stayed clear of the whole thing.  I'll handle this.  I caused it, and
I can handle it.  I don't want to bring you into it.  You've already done
so much, and I know you've been worn down lately."
   "I'm into it already.  They are talking about putting pressure on me or
Damon.  I over heard them at the restaurant." Omari patted him on the back
and pulled him into a hug.  "Thank you for telling me.  I'll step back and
let you work through it, but you know I'm not going to leave you on your
own."
   "Appreciate it."
   "You'll need to make amends for what you've done though.  I know why you
did it, but it won't just go away."
   Egan nodded.  "I know man, I promise.  I'll make it right."
   ***
   "How does it feel to be with someone that big?  Does it hurt?"
   Soraya blushed and huddled with the other young woman.  She was maybe
just shy of twenty, and plenty cute.  "As long as you're into it, no.  Once
your body adjusts, it's not a problem.  Remember, larger things are
designed to come out than go in."
   She giggled.  "He's so handsome.  You're so lucky.  I'd be scared to
death of being with him."
   Two of the other women agreed.
   "Why?"
   "He can be so intense.  I mean, I miss him, but if he thinks you're
hiding something."
   The others shared a nod.
   "I guess I haven't seen that side of him yet."
   "Hope you never do," someone whispered.
   Soraya followed the place where everyone looked.  Omari, Egan, and those
guys from the restaurant were standing over in a corner arguing.
   "He must be insane, threatening Egan like that?"
   "Remember when someone was trying to mess with Damon?"
   "Yeah, Omari put that guy on his ass.  I was there."
   "Oh my goodness, were you?  I only heard about it."
   Soraya wasn't paying that much attention.  Her attention was squarely on
the tension rising in the corner of the room.  Intense was certainly a good
way of describing Omari.  Even though they were three against two at the
moment, Soraya feared more for the three of them.
   Omari lifted his finger and pointed at the one leading the charge.  As
if something pushed him, the guy stumbled backwards and hit the floor. 
Omari looked at the other two and they took a step backwards from him.  He
angled his head toward the door.  The other two helped the guy off the
floor and they hurried out.
   The party carried on and the house got pretty packed with dancing,
drinking, and eating.  Soraya danced with one person after another until a
familiar face was in her arms.
   "Eric?" Soraya giggled and turned to shake her ass in his lap.  Eric was
a member of Araceli, but it didn't matter.  If he was at this party, he
could't be too bad.
   He kissed her on the side of her neck.  "I had no idea you were going to
be here."
   "Having fun?"
   "Keep doing that, and I'll let you know."
   "Sure you just want me to do this?"
   They worked their way out of the crowd and he pressed her against the
wall.  "You got panties on under there?"
   "What's under there isn't for you." Soraya giggled and nibbled the side
of his neck.
   "You have an odd way of showing it."
   When she tried to ease away, he pushed her back against the wall.  "You
don't want to mess with me today, Eric.  You won't like what happens."
   "I think I'm going to like what happens just fine.  You're so fucking
wasted.  I heard about how you like to get trashed and fuck.  Couldn't
believe it, but I do now."
   Soraya smirked at Omari.  Of course, being harassed by her own family
member.  She'd lived in the same house with him for weeks.  And yes, Soraya
had known he liked to force himself onto woman who had a little too much in
their system.  She'd known, but what was she supposed to do about it?  Even
now, with him rubbing her clitoris.
   "Sopping wet.  You need it, don't you?"
   "Not from you, Eric."
   He pulled the hand from between her legs and smeared her arousal and her
cheeks.  "I'm here."
   Eric grunted as he was squished between Omari and Soraya's body.  Omari
put his hand around Eric's throat and put his face right against hers. 
Eric pushed against the wall but Omari didn't budge.  "The corruption
begins at the top filters down, and once it does that, there won't be
anything that will save them.  If you love them so fucking much," He shoved
Eric's face into her breast.  "Then fucking act."
   Omari walked away leaving Soraya picking Eric up from the floor.
   Eric had been right about her being wasted, but she had enough presence
of mind to find her way home, and take Eric along with her.
   "Who the fuck was that?  Did you see him?"
   "Eric," Soraya snatched him around and pushed him against the side of
his car.  "What the fuck is your problem?  Did you really think you could
get away with that?"
   "Why not?"
   "Why not?  Who told you it was okay to mistreat your family?"
   "It's not mistreatment when you act like a drugged slut."
   "Be very fucking careful."
   "I'm sorry." He rolled his head back and took deep lungfuls of air.  "I
saw you and went crazy.  I'm going crazy right now, like every voice in my
head is telling me to fuck you.  Having you so close." He took her hand and
placed it on his dick.  "Please forgive me, I can't." He whimpered as she
stroked him.
   "You know why?  Because something inside you is broken and it needs to
be fixed.  Let's go home, okay?  Can you drive?"
   "Are you coming with me?"
   "Yes." She opened his door and went around to her side.
   Eric drove, but he looked like he was in pain.
   "It was Jennifer, wasn't it?  You hurt her."
   "I," He tightened his jaw and his hands tightened around the steering
wheel.  "I," He looked at her and narrowed his eyes.  "No one is going to
believe you."
   "That's not what this is about Eric.  Talk to me, just me.  I don't care
what anyone else believes or knows.  I want to know what's going on with
you and what happened."
   "She's a fucking prude, that's what.  She teased me for the last damn
time."
   "Where is all this anger coming from?  No one owes you anything."
   "I'm owed respect."
   "Respect doesn't equal pussy, Eric." Soraya leaned back in the chair. 
Moving in the car it felt like she was on the water, rolling over cresting
waves, and those waves were made and hands and tongues, touching her
everywhere but the one place she craved.  Were they really heading home?
   "Hey?"
   Soraya's eyes fluttered open.
   "Zarina will have both our asses, okay?  You know my father?"
   She nodded.
   "Let's say we were at his house.  He'll cover for me."
   "Does that for you a lot." Soraya's arm went around his neck and he
walked her to the door.
   "Everyone's so afraid of my father.  He barely has to lift a finger."
   Eric's father?  Soraya leaned on his shoulder while she tried to figure
out who he was.
   The door opened and she recognized the muscled man with the long nose,
heavy brow, and shrewd eyes.  Valin had his name on two different vehicle
dealerships and many of the mechanic shops.  He earned his popularity and
influence through his enterprising nature.
   Valin wasn't family, but he was certainly a friend of the family.
   He stepped back as Eric escorted her inside.  In the cooler air, Soraya
felt underdressed and over exposed.
   "What's your name young lady?"
   "Soraya, sir."
   "Zarina's?"
   "Yes, sir.  We had to leave early.  She, ah, got me out of trouble."
   "She did?  Doesn't look it."
   "She kept it together long enough to help me out."
   "Smells like she did more than that." He smirked at her.
   "I'm the trouble he's trying to get into, sir." Soraya collapsed onto
the couch.  "He's rude and disrespectful and he is going to be a rapist
unless someone puts him in check.  Rejection is no reason to force yourself
on a woman."
   Valin turned to his son and then looked back at Soraya.  "Tell me she's
lying."
   Eric bit down on his lip and glowered at her.  No, she wasn't going to
tell the family, but this was the person he respected.  His vath didn't
have any power over him.  They would bow to whatever his father said, and
he didn't even live here.  "No, sir, but I didn't rape anyone."
   "I've told you about consent.  You said you found a place to help you
with that."
   "I..."
   "We're helping him.  You don't fuck a woman by making her feel ashamed
or afraid." Soraya wiped the sweat from her brow.  She was in the wrong
place and the wrong time.  Talking about sex and thinking about it and her
skin ached to be touched.
   Her eyes opened.  Valin was sitting beside her on the couch, running his
hand up and down her arm.  "I have a room you can go to if you need it."
   It was refreshing that even with him touching her, Soraya didn't feel
obsessed to jump his bones.  Valin wasn't family, and that didn't mean he
was honest, but at least he wasn't pretending to be something he wasn't.
   "Eric," she said.
   "Yes?"
   "I need you to take your frustrations out on me."
   "Um, my father is still in the room."
   "Take her to your room."
   "But, she just, I thought..."
   "Mister Valin, I don't get the sense that you're attracted to me."
Soraya couldn't say more because there was a hand over her mouth.
   "You waste any more time, boy, and it'll be my room she's sleeping in.
She's not as far gone as you think.  Go."
   Eric pulled Soraya on her feet.  He didn't removed her clothes, just
opened her thighs and pumped away inside her.
   It was almost painful.  As much as he pushed himself on other women,
you'd think he'd have a better grasp on his tool.  At least he got it out
of system, he fucked until he collapsed beside her and went to sleep.
   Soraya rolled out the bed and cleaned herself up.  She could leave Eric
with his father and get home.  Soraya closed his bedroom door and started.
Mister Valin was still in the living room.
   "In my experience, if I can't tell there's a woman in the room, she is
not having a good time."
   "I'll be okay.  Eric had some bad energy he needed to work out.  It's
not ...  please don't think Araceli is like that.  I'm different."
   "If Araceli had been like that my son wouldn't have had a problem.  I've
seen him sliding down, but I thought putting him in the house would help. I
don't mind the favors I've given to your people, but I expected a return."
   Soraya nodded.
   Valin patted the couch beside him and she walked over and sat down.  He
opened his arms and she eased back into his lap, her back resting against
his arm.  "Want some more to drink?"
   "You don't have to get me wasted."
   "I get that about you." He leaned forward and brought his glass up to
her lips.
   The drink was cool and sweet.  Given Soraya's new found familiarity with
the ingredients, it would make her more sensitive.
   "Never cradled a beautiful woman in my arms like this." He grinned down
at her.  "Take your clothes off and let me look at you."
   Soraya rolled out of his arms and undressed, every thing went into a
pile.  Instead of lying back across his lap she leaned over him.
   Valin ran his hands up the backs of her thighs, circled and squeezed her
ass.  He leaned down and sucked one of her nipples into his mouth.
   Soraya whimpered as he tugged and pinched her sensitive buds.
   He tugged on her hips, bringing her down into his lap.  "Take me out."
   Soraya reached down and unzipped him.
   "Ride me." Soraya braced herself on his shoulders and rode him.  "Go on,
touch yourself."
   She found her clitoris and closed her eyes.  It didn't take her long
with that drink putting her back on a cloud.  She squeezed him tight as she
came, grounding her pelvis into his.
   Why was she here in his lap?  Fucking her family member's own father? 
This had nothing to do with the spirit, just her own lust.  Omari had
turned his back and walked away and she was ...  there wasn't any excuse.
   "Do it again."
   "I should go."
   "You don't seem the type to be ashamed of your body's needs."
   "I get in enough trouble."
   "You're not getting into any more right here.  If you're legs hurt I can
take over." He sucked the lobe of her ear into his mouth.  "I bet you taste
delicious as you smell." He put her on her back on the couch and went
between her legs.  Once she felt his tongue on her folds all her protests
went away.  Two of his fingers entered her and put the icing on the cake.
   ***
   Soraya walked along the path until she reached the empty area.  She
spread her blanket out on the ground and set her back pack on the floor.
   Last night had left her in a whirlwind.  A fight with Omari, a man she
professed to love, her spirit and her confusion on how best to serve, her
family and their actions toward her.  Then she met Valin, minutes after
leaving his son's bed, she had an orgasm while fucking him.  Several.  She
actually pushed on his hips, begging for his cock after he ate her to two
more orgasms.  He pulled out and she sucked on him, taking him deep in her
throat.
   It was the kind of sex she had with Omari and his room mates.  It had
nothing to do with her spirit, her family, just her.
   She wiped the tears from her eyes.  What was happening to her?
   There was only one place she could turn for help.  Soraya visited
Deven's shop while he was out and got the materials she'd need.  If anyone
knew what she was attempting, they would have tried to discourage her, and
probably for good reason.
   Desperate times.
   Soraya went through the invocation of the Oani Ustufu.  She didn't have
a specific spirit to call upon.  Whoever her Paseb was, he hadn't given his
name, but she knew he was under Ustufu.  Perhaps one of his ilk could give
her some advice.
   As she set up the calling, she went through the invocation over and over
until the symbols were aligned.  She sat down and picked up her guitar and
began to pick out the music that reminded her of the Oani Ustufu -
complicated, ornate, slightly discordant, layers on lays, haunting, moody,
and twisting.  Twigs just beyond the tree line snapped, but she didn't let
the sounds disrupt her music.  Her ears were keen as the creature
approached.  It had a bitter smell, like vetiver and swamp mud.  Each step
was heavy, crunching and crushing the ground underfoot.
   She smelled the fragrant clay and soils, a bit of something chemical and
tangy.
   "Where is your guardian?"
   The words were spoken plainly, but gruff, like there were slimy shards
in his throat.  The kind of voice suited to a singer from a metal band -
veteran, gravel, and gruff.  "I don't know what you mean by guardian."
   "He's always been with you before.  Have you run him off?  Has he left
you to my rule?"
   Soraya shook her head.  Who was her guardian?  Who had been with her
each time she'd been in a ritual?
   Omari or the spirit that surrounds him.
   More importantly, there was a Paseb standing in front of her, a real
one. Not just within someone's body, but taking on a whole appearance.
   She swallowed thickly.
   This ritual was not just a meet and greet.  She had questions that she
needed answered.  "I want to know who put this curse on me?"
   "Tell me of this curse and I will uncover the root of it."
   Soraya set her guitar down, but she didn't lift her eyes.  The dark
misshapen feet were enough evidence.  "I have been seeing the worse of
people and my family.  Every wrong thing, every transgression.  I haven't
been able to go anywhere or talk to any of them without something revealing
itself to me.  I did what anyone would have done.  At first I tried to
ignore it, then I tried to tell someone about it.  All that's earned me is
derision and isolation.  They have taken to banning me from rituals and
other events.  Every day since I've rejoined my family I've become a
terrible thing that only gets in their way.  Now they are trying to seal me
away from the spirits and the Oani.  I'm not sure they are wrong, my
energies are disturbing.  I've been doing things I can't be sure are right
anymore.  Why is this happening and how do I make it stop?  Does this have
to do with the confusion about my bracelet?"
   He nodded.  "Typical of you, viewing a gift as a curse."
   "A gift?"
   "Yes, to be so revered by a single Paseb, to be gifted with the lifting
of the veil, but how could you know the difference?  What do you have to
compare your experience to?  I can help you."
   "Yes, please."
   "Good.  You want to know about curses?  I will show you the affliction
you seek."
   Soraya collapsed onto her side, crying out and screaming in pain.  It
felt like something was crawling through her muscles, seeping into her
nerve endings and setting them on fire.  Drool and mucous flowed her from
her, her brain felt like it was being trampled on.  Despite the agony, she
could hear he voice of the spirit that answered her summons.
   "This is affliction.  This is a curse.  This is pain.  If you were being
harmed, you would know it.  To see is a gift.  To know the true nature is a
talent.  To wade in the pool of decadence and enjoy its bounty is a favor.
That you squander it by keeping this information to yourself is only
slightly less than those who use the information for personal gain.  You
have been set to a task.  Your guardian has been lenient, but I will not
be."
   "Please, please," Soraya thrashed on the ground.  The pain didn't ebb,
didn't go away.  It only got worse.  "Why are you doing this to me?"
   "Why?  Ah, yes, you did ask why.  I will tell you.  Your mother was a
devotee of my Oani.  She was free with her affection, but single in her
adoration.  The relationship with her second vath took place in secret. 
You were conceived shortly before she went into shadow.  You have always
belonged to us, little one.  They wanted her to kill you in the womb, snuff
you out because they saw, what they still see - a force that will act
against the unbalance, a force that seeks to cut the Oani from the circle
and throw all of its members into ruin.  You cannot make this stop; you
must make it right."
   ***
   Soraya peeled her eyes open and squinted at the light.  She expected to
see the ground beneath her and the trees above, but she was in a bed.  Her
muscles ached and her organs were sore with pain.
   "Drink this." Omari brought a shallow glass to her lips.
   The liquid was warm, smelled herbal.  The moment it hit her lips, Soraya
realized her thirst and drank deeply.  All too soon the glass was empty,
but her throat felt better.  "How did I get here?"
   "I was send to retrieve you." He stood and set the glass down.  He came
back with something else, other food which he gave to her.  "I found the
items and symbols suited for a summoning.  Looks like you were successful."
   She grunted.  "How do I fix this?"
   "It ends when you do as you have been called by your Paseb." His voice
sounded cold, as if he were instructing someone to right a wrong, take out
garbage.  He didn't have any of the warmth and tenderness she was used to
feeling from him.  It had left that night and seemed to be gone
permanently.
   Soraya tried to sit up, but her arms felt too weak to support her body.
She only made it a few inches off the mattress before she gave up, panting
and heart racing.
   "I'll take you home when you've regained your strength."
   "I had sex with another man."
   Omari pulled a chair beside the bed.
   "Not my family.  I didn't feel the pull to.  I was ...  I enjoyed it."
Soraya sputtered and shuddered as tears fell from her face.
   "Why shouldn't you enjoy sex?"
   Soraya peered at him.  Didn't he understand what she was saying?
   "You walked out of here hopped up on enough food and drink to take on a
whole battalion of men.  Yes, maybe you could have resisted, denied what
you wanted.  That's not something I ever expect of you, Soraya."
   "Have you slept with another woman?"
   "I haven't wanted to."
   "I don't know why you want anything to do with me.  We share a spirit,
that's it, isn't it?"
   "No, Soraya.  A piece of advice - if you are being punished by the Oani,
you will know it."
   "I know that now."
   ***
   "Hey girl how have you been?" Meara's voice sounded warm and inviting.
   "I've been better.  I can't lie about that, but how are you?"
   "Great.  I sent you a couple pictures from the labor.  Renata has been
healthy.  She's got a hell of a set of lungs though.  Still keeping me up
at night."
   "Aw.  I'm looking at the pictures now.  She looks so tiny."
   "She was.  About as small as the early born, but she's healthy.  Just my
precious little tinkle bell.  Why don't you stop by and see us?  Are you
still busy with your new family?"
   "No." Soraya hadn't been busy with much of anything lately.  She was
isolated from other events, and Omari seemed to be exhausted by her
presence rather than pleased by it lately.  "I think that'd be nice, if you
wouldn't mind.  Is there some place that I can stay for the evening?"
   "If you don't mind a crying infant, I'd love to have you here."
   "Really?" Someone wanted Soraya around them?  Well, she didn't know what
kind of trouble that would cause.  As long as her husband wasn't cheating
on her or stealing from them, if she didn't have any dishonest people in
her life, maybe she could make it a whole 48 hours without destroying
someone's life.  "Give me some time to think about it.  I won't be able to
make it tonight, but I'll give you a call when I'm headed that way."
   "Excellent.  I'm looking forward to it." In the background an infant
began to cry.  "That's my cue.  Talk with you later."
   "All right.  Take care and see you soon."
   ***
   Omari walked into the part house, part lounge that belonged to a trio of
sisters.  He'd been close with them for a while and the eldest called him
to help with a problem the middle sister was having.  He had a full back
pack on his shoulder.
   "Hey, Mari, where's your side dish?"
   Omari didn't answer.  His look said that she needed to get out of his
way.  He kept walking until he got upstairs and to the back room.
   "She can barely breathe.  Another one like this and she may not make
it."
   "You haven't taken her to a medical facility?"
   She shook her head.  "They'll shove another colored pill down her throat
and it'll be back in a different form in a few weeks.  This needs real
attention."
   "Give me some room."
   Omari felt nothing but pain, but he didn't show it while he set up his
space.  Unfortunately, that meant not engaging in the usual conversation.
He couldn't think without it being of her, speak without someone bringing
her up.
   He wished she were around to help.  If he had taken the time to train
her, she would have made a great assistant.  Soraya had more than just a
touch of power.  She was a true Sidra.  She'd been near out of it the first
time and she performed beautifully.  If he could get to that part of her -
instinctual and open, then they could work wonders.
   Omari's mood soured further.  Even if Soraya listened, in a day or a
week she'd have everything confused again.
   "You picked a hell of a devotee," he muttered.
   "What was that?"
   Omari shook his head and hurried around, setting solutions to boil,
mashing herbs, laying out the skin paper.  He set out the paper and the the
paste he created, wrote symbols then smoothed the paste out on the paper
and seal it.  He wrapped the long strip around her arm and marked the
sections.
   "Drink this."
   She did.
   "There's an irritation.  You need to find it before we fight it.  Stay
aware.  All of you," he looked at her sisters.  "The mixture will change
color.  Write down the results.  That solution will reset you.  I'll come
back in a couple days.  We can figure out what's triggering you when I get
back.  People, things, weather, emotions - don't leave anything out.  Keep
a full diary if you think you might miss something."
   The youngest clasped her hands together.  "See?  I told you he could
help."
   The eldest had a dour look but nodded.  "Better than any damn Sidra in
Marjan.  They wanted five thousand just to take a look at her."
   "And they would have said they couldn't help.  You can't get this solved
with any Oani."
   "Sewers," the middle sister coughed and leaned over and rivulets of
phlegm left her body.  "Got to see the pipes."
   "Something like that." Omari was methodical and quick in packing his
materials away.
   Soraya had been so curious about his set up, the process.  He never
would have told her so much if he knew she was going to call up a Paseb,
and worse, be successful with Ustufu on the first attempt.
   The Oani truly looked upon her with favor - so why didn't she follow
through with their request?
   He finished and the eldest walked over to him and pulled him into a hug.
She lacked the grip of his mother, but the hug was effective.
   "You're low.  Stay for dinner.  My sister would love to cook you a
meal."
   Omari nodded and looked over to her.  "All I could do was eat it."
   "That's okay."
   The last thing he wanted was to be alone with his sorrows.  As long as
the girl knew he didn't want to bed her, maybe he could kill an evening
with them.
   ***
   News of Soraya's departure must have spread.  People stopped asking
about her, but some of the female visitors had a glimmer of hope in their
eyes.  The vacation was coming up, and he couldn't think of anything better
than a decadent roll in sweat and lust with her.
   In a moment of weakness, Omari reached out to her.  Even if he wasn't
good for her, she had been so good for him.  Not just as a physical
comfort, but an emotional one.  Leaving her alone with that so called
family of hers wasn't going to help any more now that it had before.
   His erection lengthened.  How was he going to separate himself from her
when this was over?
   Omari sent the text: "Are you free tonight?"
   "No.  In Peyton visiting a friend."
   He'd drive to Peyton if she asked.  He paced the room hoping, but why
would she do that?  Thinking of the last few times they'd been together, he
wouldn't blame her if she didn't want to be around him.  At least she
wasn't isolated up in a room all alone.
   He needed her, and he couldn't afford for her to think otherwise.
   ***
   Soraya stared at her phone.  Meara was putting away the plates and
pulling out the desserts she'd made.  Renata lay in her opposite arm,
asleep for the moment.  She was a precious bundle.  It reminded Soraya of
her own fantasies of giving birth to a brood.
Omari: "I miss you.  When can I see you?"
She nearly cried seeing those words.  He missed her?  She craved him. 
"It would take me an hour to get back." She typed in reply.
   "Take your time, just come to me.  I need to be inside you.  I want to
taste you, hear your voice.  I'll wait.  Come to me."
   All it took was his request.  Soraya didn't care to stay.  Each of his
messages hammered that point home.
   "I've got a room set up for you if you want to stay the night," Meara
said.
   "No.  I need to head back."
   "Something has been bothering you.  I don't know what it is, but if you
ever need to get away.  You're always welcome here.  You're like a sister
to me."
   "You're got plenty of those all by yourself."
   "Well, if I were going to choose one, you'd be that sister." Meara went
over and hugged here.  "I'll pack some dessert for you.  I know you're in a
rush."
   "That obvious?"
   "That obvious.  You must be crushing hard.  Your face is still radish
red."
   Soraya grinned.
   Meara took Renata in her arm.  "Yeah, he must be something special.  The
only light that's come into your eyes has been when you talked about the
'friend' you made when you nearly quit college.  You know where I live,
sis."
   ***
   Soraya had been in some kind of constant state of agony since her ritual
where she called up the spirit.  After than night, it would wane and wax,
but never go away.  She walked into Omari's apartment and the pain ended,
just seemed to fade into the background while she kissed him.
   They stood in the living room, holding each other, gasping for each
breath.  Her back hit the wall, his hand hoisted her up, and he lowered his
sweat pants and worked his way into her.
   Too long since, Soraya moaned into his shoulder.
   "Yeah?"
   "Yes, goodness yes." She dug her nails into his shoulder.
   The sound of him slamming into her filled the room.
   "I don't care who fucks you, Soraya.  I don't care where they fuck you,
or how." He fisted his hand in her hair.  "I don't care whether you get off
or not, if they are your family or a stranger.  You hear me?"
   "Yes, yes, I hear you." The legs around his waist trembled.  If it was
up to her she would have already fallen.  She was so close.
   "Because when I'm inside you they don't matter, do they?"
   "They don't."
   "When I make you scream you're not thinking of anyone else, are you?"
   "No.  No, I..." Soraya panted.
   "When I call you, you fucking come to me, don't you?"
   "Yes.  Yes, I do."
   "Come then."
   Soraya cried out as she orgasmed.
   He slammed into her, taking her right over that edge.  "No one will take
you away from me.  Fucking, no one." He pulled out and pulled her over to
the couch, and bent her over it.  Soraya moaned so loud that it almost
sounded like screaming.  Intense, he hadn't been this rough with her in
weeks and she needed it so much.
   Omari came inside her and it was like an injection of peace, feeling his
desire, evidence of his need.  She deflated over the arm of the couch.  He
walked around, tossed off his shirt, and undressed her.  They curled up on
the couch and he pulled the throw blanket over their bodies.
   Omari leaned down and sucked on the skin just over her shoulder, bit
down on it.  He moved over her, sucking and licking, and nibbling.
   "Are you okay?" She scratched the nape of his neck, and he only held her
tighter.  He bit down on her and gripped her tight.
   "No." He looked up at the door and stood, hoisting her onto his hip.  As
if she weighed no more than a toddler, he picked up their clothes and
carted her off to his bedroom.  He tossed the clothes into one pile and her
onto the bed.  He followed soon after, crawling on top of her.  He pulled
her toward him by her thighs and set to fucking her immediately, hard and
swift.
   It was almost too much to take, but only just.  She relaxed and let him
have her, let him have his peace within her.
   Sweat dripped from his chest and face as he leaned over her.  All that
existed in this moment was him and his pleasure and Soraya remembered when
she'd felt such surrender, such abandon.  The thing inside him, he'd
treated her like this.
   His finger dug into her ass, hard enough to leave bruises, exactly like
this.
   She came for the second, or maybe third time, and felt him swell inside
her, he was so close.  She scratched down his back and helped him over that
cliff.  Erratic thrusts and growls and then he was quiet, his breath slow
and deep.
   She turned and pulled him into a kiss.  That kiss was sloppy and salty
from their own sweat.
   Either Damon or Egan were out there, and another woman.  Muted laughter
and conversation.
   "Do you want me to get you anything?" Soraya traced the shell of his
ear.
   "Get out of this bed, and I'm going to hurt you."
   "Yes, sir."
   He made a low sound in his throat almost like a purr and curled around
her.  They lay there, calming and cooling down and Omari was the first to
stir.  He grabbed the pillows and stacked them on top of each other then
grabbed the lube from the bedside table.
   She positioned herself over the pillows and got into a comfortable
position.  Something really must have set him off.  Or perhaps he really
did miss her, or needed the physical closeness as much as she missed it.
   His hands ran up and down the backs of her thighs, he made slight
adjustments until he had her ass exactly where he wanted it.  Two slick
fingers entered her rear, but another two from his other hand moved in
tandem.  As he entered her ass, the fingers pulled out of her pussy, and
then they switched.  He slowly pistoned in and out of her passages.
   Soraya fisted her hands in the sheets.  The pace was much slower than
she expected and frustrating enough that it just kept her on edge.
   "You want more, Soraya?"
   "Yes, please."
   "I can feel you sucking on me.  Your pussy is dripping wet, you're so
swollen.  No matter how many times you come, you're always ready for more."
He kissed her ass and withdrew his fingers.
   Soraya purred as she felt the head of his cock pressing into her ass. 
She melted and pushed back, accepting him.
   "Do you want another cock in your pussy?"
   "Yes, please."
   "What about your mouth?  Do you want to suck on another cock at the same
time?"
   Soraya whimpered and felt her whole body warm at the thought.  "Yes,
please yes."
   "Guess what?" He eased all the way in, then pulled out.  "That's what I
want too.  I want to fuck you and see you get thoroughly fucked.  Do you
care who it is?"
   "No."
   "Why not?"
   "Because only you matter to me."
   "Tell me again."
   "Only you matter to me, Omari."
   He pulled the blindfold over her eyes.  "Then I'm the only one you need
to know about.  If I give you something to eat or something to drink, you
take it."
   "Yes, sir."
   He chuckled.
   At some point they left his bedroom.  It was a different room in the
house with floor furniture.  She sat on a blanket on the floor.  There were
warm bodies around her.  Sometimes the hand that touched her was a little
damp, or cold, or rough.  One of them smelled like golden hay, and the
other like green ocean.  Omari, his herbal scent was always there.  She ate
and drank and laughed with them.  She recognized Damon's voice, and two
other guys she'd probably met at a party, but she couldn't be sure.
   The food and drink were laced, that was for sure.  A mouth each on her
nipples and one between her legs and Soraya felt an overload of sensation,
like being caught in a spinning wheel of lust.  One orgasm seemed to go on
for several minutes.  Omari sat behind her, his erection poking her back,
his voice in her ear.
   "Soak in each sensation.  Let it reach to the deepest part of you. 
You'll need to use the bathroom soon, when you do.  I'm going to have
someone go with you.  By the time you come out, we'll be ready for you. 
There are three other people in this room with us.  You're the only woman,
and you're going to get fucked.  You're going to suck.  You're going to
orgasm."
   Soraya cried out as her continuous orgasm peaked.
   "Because you owe your spirit service, and because I love fucking you,
and I wouldn't want anyone to be in your place." He kissed her ear, and
just as he predicted, she needed to go.
   The moment in the bathroom would become the weirdest in Soraya's life.
She couldn't see him, but that didn't make her embarrassment any less.  She
must have been given something to clear out her bowels, because everything
inside her cut loose.  That didn't keep the horniness at bay though, so
when she felt the tip of a man's dick at her lips, she sucked him in and
savored him.
   When she was finished, he got in the shower with her, cleaned her up. 
She recognized the smell of the soap, an herbal mix used for ritual
preparation.  He propped her leg up on the side of the tub and tongued her
to another orgasm.
   She reentered the room and was lifted off her feet.  When she came back
down, it was on top of another man.  Omari moaned as he pressed into her
pussy.  Another man took her from the back.  When she opened her mouth to
moan a cock kept it from closing.
   They all moved slowly, a decadent tangle of bodies, and sensation that
went on and on without end.  Omari was as good as his word.  She was well
and truly used before her eyes were uncovered.  Morning had come and gone,
leaving her exhausted in early afternoon.
   She ate the food given and slept until nightfall.
   Omari sat on the couch with Egan and another woman.  They were talking
while watching something on television.
   "Natalie, this is Soraya.  Soraya, this is Egan's girlfriend."
   "I didn't know you had a girlfriend."
   "She's new."
   "You weren't kidding," said Natalie.  "She's so beautiful."
   "Thanks." Soraya sat down beside Omari and whispered.  "He's not trying
to marry her or anything, is he?"
   "No.  Just for his entertainment." He grinned.  "That feeling?  That's
what it's like to be in sync your spirit."
   Soraya smiled and winked at Egan.
   Natalie chilled with them for half and hour then left.  Egan came back
and sat down.  He reached over and peaked under her skirt.  She wasn't
wearing any underwear and she opened her legs.
   "Is that an invitation?"
   "You were the one knocking."
   "I'd think you'd be tired."
   "I was.  I rested."
   Omari chuckled.
   "I just want a taste, that's all."
   "Sure." Soraya lay her head back and grinned.  She pulled Omari down
into a kiss.
   "You really want to do this again?"
   "Yes, but can I keep my eyes open this time?"
   "Of course."
   "Do you ...  do you want to?"
   "Fuck you?  Anytime."
   "With them?"
   "Anytime."
   She chuckled.  "You're the one who matters most," she whispered.
   "Damn right."
   Egan buried his hands between her legs and thus began another night of
decadence.  Egan, Omari, and later Damon spent an evening with her.  They
all lay out on the living room, with a mountain of breakfast foods in the
middle of them.  She ate a piece of bacon from Damon's hand while Omari
licked syrup from her breasts.
   She giggled and her head rolled back.  She looked over at the clock. 
"Fuck," she giggled some more.
   Omari looked up.
   "I'm three hours late for work."
   "Need a ride?"
   She shook her head.  "What are you doing home?"
   "I have the week off.  Sorry.  Forgot.  I can get you there by lunch."
   Soraya shook her head.  "No.  Not going anywhere today.  I have the week
off."
   He chuckled.  "If that's so, then there's a lot more I can think of to
do with you."
   "Good, because I want to keep your imagination well and truly occupied."
   "Isn't there some kind of festival going on in the park this afternoon?"
Damon said.
   Soraya shrugged again.  "If there is, then I don't care.  I'm probably
not allowed to go anyway.  I'm fine here." She looked over at them.  "You
two got to work?"
   Egan shook his head as he typed on his phone.  "Taking it off as we
speak."
   "Damon, you too." Omari said.
   "Sir, yes, sir."
   They all shared a round of silly laughter.
   ***
   Two days later, Soraya's eyes fluttered open.  Omari sat up over her,
caressing her braids.  "There's an initiation taking place in the Araceli
temple."
   Soraya yawned.  "So?"
   "Shouldn't you be there?"
   She shrugged and wrapped her arm around his waist.
   Omari kissed his way down her body, his hands caressed her shoulder and
then framed her face.  "I love you, but you're not strong enough to deal
with what lives inside me.  I've been so selfish, and that was wrong of
me."
   "Selfish?  I want to be here with you.  Why would you say something like
that?"
   "I'm taking advantage of your weakness."
   "What do you mean?  I'm strong enough."
   "No." Omari sighed.  "You aren't."
   "Are you trying to kick me out?  You can just tell me to go home, you
know?"
   "I don't that.  I want you here with me.  I just can't stand to see you
like this."
   "Like what?" Soraya pushed him away from her.
   "Sulking.  Weak.  Hiding from the world.  That's not who you are.  You
deserve better than that."
   Soraya rolled out the bed and began snatching on her clothes.  "Weak? 
Sulking?  Fuck you.  I can find my own way home then.  I love you, but this
is the way you want to tell me to leave?" She sobbed and snatched up her
purse.  "You told me to follow my urges, go with what I felt, then you call
me weak?  Punish me for listening to you?  Fuck you."
   "Soraya."
   "Fuck.  You!" She shrieked.
   Soraya had done this walk before and she could do it again, but why
would her family accept her into their arms?  Her heart tore itself in two,
disintegrating in her chest leaving a gaping hole.
   There should only ever be one love in her heart, one glue that held her
together.  The one to whom she made her oath, who revealed itself in her
selbram, who had given her a job to do.
   It must have been a gift, a gift from Ustufu.  Breaking away from him,
teaching her the lesson she should have learned from her birth.
   <->
Written: November 2013
   Contact: nysidra at hot mail dot com
  
Priestess_05