She accepts nervously

(This thread adapted from a thread originally written by Zingiber)

"Th-this isn't a test, your Holiness?" Winlay blurted out. Beldan could see her resolve crumbling, but his resolve was as well. As a younger more cautious cleric he had enjoyed the slow process of seduction, but now he just wanted to plunge into Winlay’s sweet innocence without delay.

"Of course it's a test, my dear," Beldan said. "As is every moment of our days. Xelta's example challenges us to make the most of ourselves. The best. To keep our eyes open for the opportunity to serve good in the world, following His example of personal excellence, following His will." The words were not his, he borrowed them from a hymn that Sister Nightingale would sometimes sing, but they seemed to sooth … A sudden idea sprang into his head!

Beldan inspected Winlay's face. She was young, but had the inner confidence that would be needed, she spoke well too and with a natural zeal that could not be faked. But could she sing? He was sure she could – she had to, and if she could… the High Priest smiled in eager anticipation.

"Sing Xelta's Charge for me,"

Winlay swallowed and cleared her throat nervously, she was clearly not a trained vocalist. That however was not a bad thing – as Xelta’s Voice she had to appeal to the sensibilities of the common people, the highly stylized vocal training would not be as effective as her own natural talent. With her first clear notes Beldan relaxed, her voice gained strength and confidence perhaps in part from the message of the familiar words.

"Trust your hand,
What you understand,
Be ever ready for the time
That you are called
To pledge your all,
Nor will another stand for you."

Beldan removed his hand from his aching member and gave the sign of Xelta in salute. "Excellent. Most excellent." He inclined his head thoughtfully. "Your dream of traveling to teach...I hear the spirit in your voice. And I have a charge for you. A personal charge." He raised a hand summoning a chamberlain in gold-trimmed robes. "Bring Sister Nightingale." He would release his current Voice, and replace her with someone even better at serving his needs.

The chamberlain bowed and hurried out.

"Now, dear, we shall eat. Sit and lead the blessing." Beldan tingled in anticipation eager to see the effect of the psi-net on Winlay’s delightfully trusting mind.

"Let us honor the efforts of our cooks," Beldan said, as he picked up a warm white roll and bit into its softness imagining that it was one of Winlay’s soft plump tits.

Winlay barely ate, but Beldan urged her to try some of the light spring wine that accompanied the meal. As she tasted the wine, he sucked the rich sauce that had accompanied the roast duck from his fingers with relish. By tonight, with the help of the golden net he’d feel her sucking on his fingers with senseless abandon.

Eager for the meal to end, Beldan ordered the clearing of the table far sooner than usual, but he had other appetites to satisfy and was impatient to proceed. Beldan had seen Sister Nightingale arrive, she stood waiting in the shadows for permission to approach. At Beldan's subtle nod a servant brought a second chair and Nightingale slipped into the seat.

"Sister Nightingale, this is Winlay Grace." Did she know this was her replacement? Probably, the Sister had become very perceptive in the three years of her service to Beldan. Beldan turned to her and spoke, confident now in his decision.

"Sister, your petition is granted," Beldan said. "The Isle of Songs awaits you." She was surprised. Beldan could see it clearly, and he could understand why. Just yesterday he had intended to have her service him over and over as he toyed with her and her request. Today he let her go with no further humiliation.

"Winlay Grace will take your place as my Voice," Beldan said, Nightingale’s eyes shifted back to Winlay and he could see a brief look of sadness as she understood the High Priest’s sudden willingness to grant her release.

"Your Holiness," Sister Nightingale said.

Sister Nightingale removed her silken cap and undid the fastenings of her hair. Unbound, it fell down across her shoulders. She reached into her hair and gently dislodged a spider web-fine glimmering net, loosening it and pulling it from her head.

Winlay could read an edge of tension slipping out of Sister Nightingale's posture. The woman moved more loosely and slowly now.

"As my Voice, Winlay, you will now bear the net," Beldan said.

Sister Nightingale worked the glimmering net into Winlay's rich brown hair, the gold of the hair net picked up on the lighter highlights in Winlay’s darker hair and she seemed to glow and sparkle with a light of her own.

"Sister Nightingale, you have been faithful and true," Beldan said, watching her carefully for signs that she regretted giving up the net. "Let your reward be all that you wish." Beldan knew that after three years of wearing the net to be without it would be like giving up a sixth sense. The last Voice had gone through what could only be described as withdrawal symptoms when he had replaced her with Nightingale, best to send her away from Winlay and the psi-net as soon as possible.

Sister Nightingale made the sign of Xelta and bowed her head.

"See to her safe journey," Beldan told the chamberlain. "Winlay, accompany me."