Hecates Incarnation

The summer air was thick with the scent of flowers, various meats roasting on spits. The buzz of cicadas, and the hum of the tuning instruments for the upcoming festivities were pulsing through the air. Perfumes from the various oils in the little pots that littered the priestesses chiffonier, the quivering young woman before her trying, and failing to stay still as she anointed her with the oils as per the rituals rules. They had agreed, the tribunal had conferred, and agreed that these two were who the signs had pointed to for the ceremony.  She could hardly contain her shaking, Yvette was born to a prodigious, yet broke, royal bloodline. The only heir to the only son of her familial line. It fell to her to produce heirs, and take her place as the matriarch, her sister wasn't up for the task. A bastard at that, yet the eldest, Jaqueline wasnt fit to lead the family. She squandered the familial trust within months of recieving it after mother passed. They shared a mother, but it seemed the powers that be, had the foresight to not give Jaqueline the endowment saved for the Matrem Divinus. The head of each family. She knew what was expected, what came next was the holiest of honors, they all had waited thousands of years for the signs to present themselves. And now they were here, blatant and unequivocally here. We were duty, and oath bound to obey the pact we made, all those years ago. Feeling the priestesses, and handmaidens hands all over her body, bathing, anointing, painting, and finally dressing her. It all seemed like an eternity, the gauzy fabric stuck to her skin, the makeup carefully applied, her hair in the most elaborate up-do she had seen, with jewels and a moon diadem that looked older than the order itself, with her curls to her waist. A quick wedding, thats all this is Yvette, your families fortunes will be restored tenfold, and you will get a supremely precious and gifted child from it. One child was all that was required as far as she was told, she was young, 21, she could do this. Then live her life in comfort. Breathe in, breathe out, Balthazar Sanguinus is a handsome enough guy. Sure he's 3 years my senior, can deadlift a semi, with a military hair cut. But he might be a cuddle bear, here's hoping.  You know your duty to the Sanguinus line, your bride comes from a long royal line. Do NOT f**k this up boy, Gregorus Sanguinus shouted at his son. A tall, overbearing man of 6 foot 11 inches, every inch a biker, marine, viking. We are of old blood to be sure, but HER line is far older, older than the druids, older than even the ancient ones. Her forebears were handmaidens to goddesses, and blessed for it. Have you seen the gold starbursts in the centers of her eyes? That son, THAT is the sign of power. We get an heir from her, the council can no longer ignore our might! Vater, why do you insist on me marrying this woman? She's not even my type. Give her a chace by Gaia! Goddess CHOSE you for each other, she is your celestial perfect mate! I only found mine recently, and I'm nearing 50!  What about Mother?  What about her son? She gave me children, she gave me you, she is forever revered in our families altar. But, she passed, and as much as I loved her, she was not my celestial mate. You will understand after the full moon ceremony tonight. Does the council have to be present for THAT part? *Gregorus laughs, performance jitters? I thought the military would have stripped you of any hinderances in being naked in front a group of people? They were my squadron, that is different. They were family through the blood of war.  These are like family son, they are why you haven't nary a scar on that skin of yours. You are peak physical perfection as long as you follow the rules. They keep us younger longer, we all live to be very active centurions as long as we follow the rules.  Is that why mom... Yes, she knew the consequences of breaking council rule. She still did what she did, knowing full well the ramifications would vertainly lead to an early death. *sigh, alright, for the family. Son, you treat that woman gently, with compassion, and with the reverence her bloodline demands. Or so help me, the Goddess would have to leave her realm to save you. No need for the threats dad, I'm not a scumbag. Better not be, I raised you better. This includes infidelity, just to let you know. especially on her most favored, the Goddess does not look well on infidelity once the vows are taken, they are written on your soul. Anyone, or anything from before has to be left behind, or you can doom us all. I know that dad. I will be good.  He sat there giving his most "good boy" face he did when he was a child about to misbehave, his father knew that look, and knew it didn't bode well. He sighed, and headed to the hogh priests apartments. This mansion was huge, the size of the palace of Versailles, and twice as decadent.  Has your son been educated in what is expected Gregorus?  Yes, high priest. Good. As we will soon be loosely bound by familial ties, you may address me by my name. Very well Xavier, I have educated him, and told him to not stray. He knows his duty as much as I can prepare him for. How about the woman he is to marry? Has she been briefed? She is the eldest living in her bloodline that is Goddess blessed. Who is preparing her for what today means? My sister, the High Priestess, Natalya. We are related to Yvettes Paternal line though marriage, and therefore see her as one of our own. Woe betide anyone who so much as harms a hair on her head Gregorus. Your family included, you saw what we did to the Beltanous family? Gregorus' face went involuntarily pale as he recollected their downfall. First their finances went from being in the millions, to them being on food stamps. They lost all their familial lands that they had owned since before Charlemagne. Their bloodline was reduced to 4 within a year, a series of "accidents" befell the most powerful of them, leaving the least powerful alive, yet ultimately infertile.  Yes Xavier, I am well aware of the possibilities we face should he f**k this up.  Good. Has the home been prepared for her as expected? Fully furnished, with servants, and handmaidens hand picked by the High priestess herself? Yes Xavier, everything has been prepared to the letter. Even the gardens and pools for elemental balance for the holy infant. Good Gregorus, I trust no expense has been spared for her arrival.The holy ones arrival is nigh, everything must be exceptional. Did you bring the sacrifice? Only the best our oldest drove has produced. He is a fine specimen, fed only honey, and the finest fruits and foods befitting. And the Athame? Was it retrieved from her familial relic vault near Vesuvius? Through no short of expense there either Xavier, of course.  Then we are ready to proceed. Signal your families women to take their places as her maids to carry her trailing vestments. She must Not touch the ground, nor must her clothing. Only send your strongest males to carry her litter, do not jostle her either, she must be carried as if a feather gently floating on the wind. She is the Divine Mother, and she is to be treated as such.  Yvette didn't care for all the fuss being made for her. She knew she had to follow protocols, but still found them all silly. Waking at dawn to be told to swim in a moon pool, and bathe seemed excessive. Plus, there wasnt a bar of soap in sight, how was she expected to bathe without soap? So she just swam around, bobbing and weaving underwater. The pool was deeper than it looked from the outside, so warm, and it smelled like jasmine, and wysteria. She dove deeper, feeling her hair tickle her calves as she darted, careful not to tangle herself in her own hair. She wondered how long she had been underwater, and decided to go up for air. Once she surfaced, a gaggle of frantic handmaidens were basically hurrying her out of the water.  Mistress! How could you be down for so long? we thought you had drowned! I giggled, I could never drown in water, it was one of our families Goddess given gifts. But assured the Maid that I would be more careful. I was hurredly dried and shooed to the next area, where a burly set of femininesque beings asked me to lie down on a cushioned table. I felt silly not knowing anyones names, yet they were all preparing my body for what was to come. I tried asking, they all said they weren't worthy of me knowing their names. I am nobody, a month ago I lived in a tent. The council heard what Jaqueline had done, excommunicated her and saved the rest of us. She even burned our home down when she found out she wouldnt be Matrem. I tried talking to her, she blamed me. As if I wanted it, we dont get to choose. None of us do, she knows this. Deep rose smell hits my nose as they begin working lotions into my skin, another starts gingerly rubbing oils into my curls, a mess of honeyed gold, bleached by the sun, she starts working out gnarls and knots. Finally ending with a scalp massage that almost made me cross my eyes from relaxation. I had to try really hard not to fall asleep, between her, and the others working every ache out of every inch of me. Next was a breakfast, I hadn't even realized I was so hungry until I caught a waft of eggs, cherrywood smoked bacon, pretzel rolls, teewurst, thin sliced kohlrabi, honeysuckle honey, and my favorite earl grey jasmine black tea. I dug in, as the one handmaid I started to call her Cupcake in my head, she smelled like frosting and was super sweet. She had been kind enough to warn me I wouldnt eat until after dark when the moon rises. Next was my meeting with the High Priestess, I was terrified. She was an imposing figure, waif thin, piercing violet blue eyes, almost periwinkle, she had 7 set of fangs. The most out of anyone I had seen. Hello child, Do not be alarmed, I am aware of my reputation, and do not wish to scare you. *A bit late for that.  Hello High Priestess, *I lowered my head as is customary. DO NOT LOWER YOUR HEAD TO ANYONE EVER AGAIN! You are the Divine Vessel! Not even to your husband do you bow your head! By Hecate! I knew you were ill prepared, but it seems I have my work cut out for me. Yes High Priestess. That is another thing, you're no longer a lower rank. Everyone else must refer to you by your title of Divine Mother, or by your name with ONLY your permission. As such, please call me Natalya, I will be your spiritual advisor as was my charge given by the Goddess. *Oh goodie, she seems more like a drill sergeant, and smells like patchouli. But I was taught to give everyone a fair shake, so lets do this thing. Ok Natalya, what is the first thing I have to learn? We went on for hours, practicing how to allow myself to be lifted to the litter, it was important that once the runes had been painted onto my skin, I was not to touch the ground until after the vows had been said. even my ridiculously long wedding robe, that looked as sheer as a window screen, yet overly ornate, wasnt to touch the ground. I practiced the movements of the vows, and the words until my voice was almost hoarse. The maidens brought me a honeyed liquor called mead to drink, it tasted of elderberries, so good and so dizzying at the same time. After my second horn the priestess said to bring me no more of it, lest I be inebriated and ruin the rituals. Then came time to be brought to the bridal suite for preparation. I was to stand on a dais, it was dark ebony, with golden runes etched into it, with a red ochre around each one. I wanted to study it further, but was instructed to stick my arms straight out of my sides, and face forward for the next parts. they proceeded to pluck, squeeze, and buff my skin until it shone. I was freezing, I think the priestess thought I was scared, just cold. When I asked for a covering or to warm it up a bit, I was told to be patient it was almost over.  Three hours later, they rubbed me head to toe in a gold fleck infused oil, my makeup, hair, and clothing was on, they drew on my feet too. The gauze of the "dress" sticking to the oil on my thighs, I prayed it was warmer outside. A group of men came to me, heads lowered, with a silk sheet, they werent allowed to touch me, but had to magically get me into this chair thing with poles on the side. the six of them placed the silk sheet directly behind me, and told me to fall into it.  Are you out of your mind??? Gauzy fabric plus silk? AND my skin is oiled enough to keep an engine going until the next millenia? Im going to slide right out of that thing! My Name is Darius from your future husbands family, we will not drop you Divine Matem. We wouldn't dare, look at us, we are very big and strong, no offense to yourself Matem, but however buxom you may be, we will not drop you. Please trust we will protect you with our lives. I sat there and took them in for a minute, they all looked like absolute specimens out of a machismo magazine. Ok. I dropped, I felt a panicked flutter in my stomach that trailed up my spine. But, true to their word, they caught me, and delivered me to the chair without incident. I was so wrong to hope outside was warmer, oh so sooooo wrong. It felt like satans buttcrack in the Maleboge, the eighth circle of hell. There were maids holding a giant shade we walked under, then they followed us. It gave a bit of respite to the heat, but not much. I started to taste the mead again, and swallowed it back. Was it nerves? No, I have nerves of steel, this is this blasted heat. I was warned this would be an hour long procession, from the main house to the crystal clear waters of the holy pools. A gaggle of similar looking women was carrying my ridiculously long train, longer than any princess in history, theres no less than 20 of them carrying it, with their hair up with flower crowns. I'm so envious, WHY DID MY HAIR HAVE TO BE DOWN? I cannot wait to be back in air conditioned quarters again. This heat was brutally murderous. The procession started to pick up a bit, and afforded a blissful breeze, with it came the smell of offerings, foods offered by the outlying families, gifts lined the thoroughfare in tribute to the ceremony. I didn't know what I expected, cheering maybe? Not a peep was to be heard, only reverent murmurs, and bowed heads when I approached. This is all ludicrous, I am nobody, why go though all of this? I better enjoy it while it lasts. They said all that is expected of me is that I produce a child. Ok, I was deemed fertile enough to mother an army. So making one child should not be a problem. I was aware the child would not be ordinary. I let my hand trail absentmindedly to my stomach, Motherhood? It was the final requirement to take over the family, whoever produced an heir first. My sister squandered our fortunes gambling before she found out she had to produce an heir for them to replenish, she had polluted her body with so many substances during her gambling bouts, her body did not want to cooperate. I felt sorry for her once upon a time. Until she tried to kill me once she found out she was not next in line. "BUT I AM THE ELDEST!" she cried like a petulant child, the elders ensured she would be cared for, but not at the same income level as I would be. That seemed to set her off in a way nobody could have anticipated, She tried to burn the house down, with all of our remaining family in it. The authorities came and locked her away. I hope she is getting the help she needs, one does not need that kind of toxicity around a new life. And if this future baby I am supposed to have is anywhere near as special as these people are claiming, she wont need her around.  The sun had finally made its way over the horizon, we passed a beach at the point it made the sky all the shades of blues, purples, golds and pinks. it was comforting, and the vibrant hues were said to be a good omen. Once the sky turned a blackish blue, a bright dark red moon rose. Glorious, shining light on us as if it were still daylight. It may have been the mead, but it looked closer. So close I could see the details of the craters. I am bored at this point, it feels like hours had passed, not minutes. So I start quietly singing, "oh I've got a love-ly bunch of coconuts, dee dle dee dee dee, there they are a standing in a row, bum bum bum." Then out of nowhere, some of the guys start giggling and singing along, "Big ones, small ones some as big as your head!" At which point the whole procession started giggling. I felt encouraged to make these people feel more at ease, the solemnity of the whole promenade made me feel off. Making people laugh made it feel better. Made the time pass quicker too.  All of a sudden we stopped. A family dressed in rags were bowing, blocking the road. None had looked like they had eaten or bathed in some time, and something compelled me to touch them.  Ok, whats protocol for getting out of this thing? Darius chimed in: One of us has to carry you... Ok, hop to it then. Bring me over to that group really fast. But what if theyre dangerous? I have you guys to protect me duh, lets go. Alright, GUYS PUT IT DOWN.  He grabbed me in one fell swoop, making sure no part of myself or my dress touched the ground, no small feat. The maids scrambled to keep the dress train off the ground. One going so far as to dive under it to prevent it touching, I have to remind myself to thank her later. We started towards the group of people, their eyes darted in confusion. A small woman flinched as I reached out, unaccustomed to a kind hand. It made my heart hurt. Who are you people? We were the Hellin clan, Our Matem broke the Goddesses doctrine, our lives were spared because we were innocent. But we cannot concieve, nor can we feed ourselves, please blessed mother. We are innocents in all of this. Please beseech the Goddess for mercy on us, allow us to regain our family honor.  I sat there, cradled in this mans arms, remembering eating cheese sandwiches out of a cooler lunch box that tasted like boat fuel. Our one meal a day, and how we had to scrimp together our resources just to buy bread and cheese. We drank spring water, and huddled together for warmth. And I felt a deep sense of pity for these people. Go to the main house, instruct the maids there to clean and feed you, that youre considered part of my household for the festivities. Afterwards. I will see what I can do to help you as much as I am allowed. Darius' whole body clenched, as if to flinch all at once and hard. The one woman came up to me with tears in her eyes and begged me to bless her.  I do not know if I am qualified, but here goes. I call upon the  Mother Goddess to bless this woman, let her be a good future Matem to her family, and let them be bountiful in fortunes, and children. She scampered after the rest of the group, a pep in her step and tears in her eyes. Pure joy, if I cant give them much else, they are going to be clean, fed, and happy, even if it is for a day. Darius cleared his throat. Can we get back to it now? We risk running behind. He smelled good, too good.  YES! I chirped, perhaps too loudly as his eyes widened and he lifted an eyebrow. He lifted me into the chair again, the maids flawlessly rearranging my train, and assembling it off the ground. We were off. from that point it was easy to let the following minutes pass, I felt lighter like I did something good. I was banking on what the High Priestess said earlier, nobody outranked me now. So maybe that would mean I could help that family. I was hoping hard. On the breeze, jasmine, hyacinth, wisteria, and burning sage with cherrywood floated its way to me. So pretty, I thought. All of my favorite flowers, and one I could not readily identify. A rose, not just any rose. A rare breed. Sweet with a tang of spice to the scent. Drums, a slow, low, steady beat of the drums started. Lutes next, everyone, even the groom was in a mask, i had paint and a veil over my own face, I felt even more naked. The chair stopped, I was prepared for waht happened next. I would have to kneel on the next part, it was a carried dais, it looked like the one in the chamber where they dressed me. At least they covered my n*****s in gold leaf, and the fabric bunched over my private parts, I was sorely grateful for those bits. A hush came over the attendees as I approached the altar, I was to remain on my knees, thankfully a cushion had been produced for me to kneel upon. And then I saw it, the source of the Rose smell, Ivory roses with oxblood tips. My Great grandmother used to have these in the garden before Jaqueline burnt it down. These were my families roses! How did they get these?  Balthazars Point of view** I was skeptical at first, then I heard the drums, signaling the brides approach. I can not countenance it, but I felt my palms get sweaty, my heart started beating out of my chest. When my step-Matem, Brunhilda handed her her bouquet I saw her eyes go wider than anything. It was no small feat to get those blasted roses in time for the wedding, we had to trace every land they owned in the past to find them amongst ruins near Mt Olympus, we dug up, and brought the bushes to her new house. I transported those things myself, along with a decent amount of soil. Roses are notoriously a pain about what kind of conditions they will grow in. My Matem taught me that when I was young. But to see the joy it brought to this womans face, made my heart leap in my chest. Body, could you stop that? We do not even know this woman! Up until yesterday we had Suzette! We were happy! We were.......She is getting closer. Why does my body respond this way? My ears are burning, my throat feels dry, what if I mess up the vows? What if I knock her over? What if I stepped on her foot?! She has such tiny teensy feet, here I have size 15s, hers look smaller than my hand. I would end up breaking it! That would hurt her! Or..... A sanguine voice spoke softly in his ear,  "You will be fine dear one, you will help usher in a new age of my rebirth. You and your family will evermore be blessed, Your first child will be my vessel to walk the earth. I am mother of all, She will bear my body, when you make a child with her tonight, it will be me. Do not fear, you will be exemplary. I chose you, not the council, they only serve my whims. Breathe, and kneel." I did as I was told. You do not ignore a Goddess when she tells you to do anything, parenting one would be even scarier. Would she be already all knowing? Or would we have to teach her everything? These things, and more crept through my mind, and then it came time for the vows. Flawlessly executed, I had practiced them all morning. Then the offering was brought to the altar, our finest Ox, Brutus. We had been instructed on a very strict diet for the offering since its birth, and it was my job to make it swift and painless for him. One swift motion it was done. no suffering, that was sacrosanct. The offering could NOT suffer in any way. The High Priest, and Priestess anointed us with the blood, and bade us to rise as one under the blood moon. A sense of calm rushed over me, and any misgivings I had had before were out of the window. Now, not to bust my ass on the steps down. I was barefooted, so easier said than done, the entire altar was made of a cool obsidian stone, solid. where they found such a sizable piece in nature baffled me. Now it was time for the fertility rites, then the feasting to make sure the mother has enough nutrition for a healthy infant. Oh goodie goodie gum drop. Yvettes point of view** Well, that was special....ish? I felt this weird sensation after the offering, calming. We were brought then down a mossy promenade where we were being cheered by the masked figures. I clasped the roses, careful not to harm the stems, so I could grow more bushes from them. We were ushered into a large chamber, mostly dark, with a huge circle open to the moon in the ceiling, with candles dimly lighting what looked like a small arena. Chairs were set up against a wall, our ceremonial robes were stripped off of us, a very small see through grecian tunic was thrown over my head in a hasty fashion. And a short bit of cloth was wrapped around his waist. As the maids retreated, I heard footsteps, the realization of what was about to happen hit me like a freight train. No no no no no no. I can NOT have an audience for THAT!!! Oh sweet hell, WHY? Then I remembered the High Priestesses words, "the consummation must be witnessed by the leaders of the council." I wanted to bolt, but remembered my contract with the council, I do all this, make the special child, comfort and luxury for the rest of my life, plus my partner could be worse looking. I choke back vomit from nerves. Where are those nerves of steel now? f*****g hell. All but one member sits, this one, indecipherable who they were, stood right in front of us, a hand on one of each of our shoulders.   You two hold eons of work in the balance tonight. *oh, yay, no pressure This mating was foretold by the Goddess Hecate Herself. Tonight, you will create, nurture, and bring forth her worldly vessel. This will not be a normal pregnancy, It will happen very swiftly, it will be painful. But the fruits borne will be extraordinary. I assure you, your child will not be wrested from you in any way. The Goddess was implicit with her instructions, she is to have as normal a childhood as possible. Go forth, you carry the future within you. Nervous was not the word, to say I was terrified was an understatement. Then a soft sweet voice whispered in my ear. "Worry not earthly mother mine, You will not feel a single ounce of pain. I left this part out when instructing the priests, your body will not permanently change, except for your breasts swelling with milk, afterwards. you will revert to the form you have now, I promise. This is part of my gift for your sacrifices." My nerves melted away, and the only person I could percieve in the room was my new husband. He grabbed my hand and brought me to the bed, maids closed a very sheer curtain behind us. And without prompting, we began. Soft music was played close by, but I could only focus on the euphoria. The sweet smell of his sweat, the feeling of his body against mine was sublime. When all was said and done, the very moment of it. All the candles went out with a soft "whoosh", and the self same council member solemly declared it to be done. They signaled the maids to come tend to myself and my new husband, it was time for the feast.