The Reward

by Lidija Jay

One

 

It was going to be a big night for me, which was why I had allowed myself the uncommon luxury of leaving work early for a change. I hadn't been out for ages and tonight my best friend and I were going out for a drink and a meal and then possibly on to a club. As soon as I let myself into the house I began to get things ready, I didn't want anything at all to go wrong with my preparations for the evening. After switching on the hot water and central heating boiler, I greeted then fed the three always-hungry cats and then went straight upstairs hanging my coat on the banister post as I passed by.

I started the bath filling and then poured some of my favourite scented bubble bath into the water, I had allowed myself a full hour to soak in the hot water and I wanted to relax and enjoy it. In the bedroom I stripped naked and smiled to myself, pleased with my trim, toned figure and shrugged into my silky robe tying it loosely at the waist. I then pinned up my long hair, which I'd only recently had coloured and styled properly by the hairdresser and carefully covered it up with a bath-cap to prevent the steam from ruining it.

Testing the water first and making sure my book was within easy reach, I slowly lowered myself into the thick foamy bubbles. It was lovely and luxurious soaking in the hot water but as my hour all too quickly began to disappear, I carefully and thoroughly washed myself all over before rinsing completely. Then, wrapping myself in a big fluffy white towel so I could dry off, I rinsed the bath out and then cleaned my already sparkling white teeth.

Making sure I was completely dry, I dusted myself with a little scented talcum powder, and then slipped once more into my silky robe. I felt really good, happy and relaxed and eager for the night to come. The bedroom was nice and warm by now and I slipped out of the robe, carefully hanging it up on the back of the door and moved over to stand in front of the wall mirror before putting on my new lace edged black panties and matching black lace bra. Sliding the panties up my smooth legs and settling them comfortably over my hips and bum, I was pleased with the fit and the delicious feel of the soft lace on my sensitive skin. Fastening the bra at the back, I made sure my breasts were resting comfortably in the lace cups and adjusted the shoulder straps until I was satisfied. I was very pleased with the underwear, it had looked really nice and very sexy in the lingerie shop and it looked and felt even nicer and sexier now that I was wearing it.

I felt a lovely warm glow deep inside and I was forced to remind myself that I had a schedule to keep to and that there was no time for distractions. I left the bath cap on so I could do my make-up, the cap was less likely to squash my hair than an Alice band and it was already in place anyway. Not surprisingly, I had learned over the years not to use as much make-up as I had when I was younger, going now by the saying that less was more, it certainly seemed to work for me. Even now it never ceased to amaze me just how much a little properly applied make-up can dramatically alter your appearance.

It had taken me a long, long time to work out which colours suited me, and now that I had I was able to use them to my best advantage. Blotting my moist pink lips for the second time, I checked the overall effect of my handiwork and was really pleased with the resulting effect. Some days, no matter how careful I was, I still looked a mess with my cosmetics on, I took it as a good omen for the night ahead that I felt really nice, having done a quick but effective job of making up.

Now just a long squirt of deodorant body spray and a couple of dabs of my favourite perfume and I was ready to slip into my new lace topped, black hold up stockings. I usually liked to put my stockings on well before I finished dressing because I absolutely adore the soft silkiness of them on my freshly shaved legs, but tonight there wasn't time to dally. I thrilled as I gently and carefully slid each stocking in turn over my shiny dark pink toenails and drew them slowly up my legs before settling them comfortably around my pale smooth thighs. I began to feel really sexy now and I had to force myself not to start caressing my body all over as I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

I pulled off the shower cap and removed all the hairpins, allowing my silky shiny hair to tumble down around my shoulders; the soft gentle waves caught the light and flashes of coppery red highlights showed my hair off to its very best advantage. Finally it was time for me to put on my new dress, carefully I removed the protective covering and held it up against myself, it was really lovely, a typically simple silk lined black dress of the style made famous by Dior. It had cost me a small fortune but I had convinced myself at the time that it would be well worth it. Deliberately turning my back on the mirror I slipped it on and zipped it up, it felt lovely and held me snugly in all the right places. Stepping into my black leather stiletto heels I then closed my eyes and turned to face the mirror once more.

Opening my eyes I was thrilled with my appearance, the dress was beautiful, my hair and make-up perfect and the shoes showed my legs off just wonderfully in the black nylon stockings. I felt a flutter in my tummy and began to feel really randy thinking about the exciting night that lay ahead as I gently stroked my breasts through the soft material of the dress.

Suddenly the doorbell rang and glancing at the clock I realised that it was already time for Hannah to get here, it was probably just as well she had arrived; I would probably have let myself get carried away if left alone for very much longer. I quickly checked my overall appearance in the mirror and more than satisfied; I went to open the front door. I knew I was a little flushed with excitement but that could easily be explained away as having been too long in a hot bath.

The doorbell rang again as I checked my hair once more in the hall mirror and I smiled at my own vanity. I called out that I was nearly there and glanced through the peephole to make sure it was Hannah. We had heard all the horror stories about the unwary opening the door to complete strangers by mistake and then spending the rest of their lives regretting that they hadn't been a little more careful. It was Hannah though, right on time as usual and I soon had the door unlocked and open wide. She stepped inside and we hugged closely as we always did, after I closed the door I turned to see her watching me. " You cow," she laughed, "that dress is gorgeous, where on earth did you get it?" I told her I'd bought it on my last visit to London and until now hadn't had either the opportunity or the figure to wear it. As we entered the living room, Hannah asked me to give her a twirl so she could see me properly.

I did as she asked and this time she told me that not only was the dress gorgeous but that I too was gorgeous and very, very sexy. I was about to compliment her too when she suddenly exclaimed that there was something not quite right with my lovely new dress, I looked down but I couldn't see anything unusual or out of place, "Where, what's wrong with it?" I asked, " It's sitting funny at the front there," she said, "relax and I'll fix it for you."

She knelt down on the thick carpet in front of me and pressed the flat of her hand against the front of my dress. " There's something wrong here", she said, stroking the material of the dress against my fluttering tummy softly. "I'd better sort it out for you, we can't go out with your lovely new outfit looking like that can we?" Saying that, Hannah slid the hem up and over my hips, gently caressed my smooth sheer stocking clad legs for a second then pulled the front of my black lace panties down revealing my perfectly trimmed bikini line. "Here's the problem," she smiled and then licked her lips as my aching hard, thick throbbing cock sprang into view from behind the confines of the soft lace. My tight balls hung heavily and grasping them gently in one hand she steadied my pulsing cock with the other before parting her beautiful lips and taking the engorged, quivering bulbous head and half the rigid length of my straining cock deep into her moist, welcoming mouth.

I was in heaven; this was a dream come true. To be watching as Hannah, kneeling in front of me, skilfully and lovingly sucked and nibbled my throbbing cock while I was dressed as Kate had been one of my favourite fantasies for years and now it was a reality I could hardly control myself. It wasn't long before I knew I would soon be in trouble just as soon as she began softly humming while holding my bloated cock deep inside her mouth, the gentle vibrations sending waves of pleasure right through me. When she began sensuously stroking my stocking clad legs and squeezing my lace encased bum I began to lose control and quietly warned her that I was almost there.

She glanced up at me and winked, then almost impossibly took even more of my throbbing length into her hot throat, then growled deeply, the feeling was incredible. I held her head gently to prevent myself from thrusting involuntarily and then came with a soft moan. I could feel the hot spurts of salty spunk squirting into her throat from my bloated cock and I had to support myself on the sideboard as my legs threatened to give way beneath me. Hannah continued sucking forcefully as though she was trying to drain me completely of my creamy juices and I cried out as my orgasm continued to overwhelm my senses.

The flashing bright colours in my head slowly stilled and I opened my eyes to watch as Hannah, still licking her lips and smiling mischievously gently tucked my rapidly softening cock back into my lacy black panties. Kissing me softly through the silky material she then tugged the hem of my dress back down over my bum and smoothed it out. Helping her to her feet we embraced and kissed deeply, I could taste my own creamy juices on her lipstick covered lips and in her sweet mouth as we hugged and I once more fell in love with this beautiful woman who was also my wonderful loving wife. She smiled wickedly, " I couldn't resist that, " she said softly, " You look so gorgeously sexy I could eat you." " You just did," I exclaimed, and we laughed, the music of her laughter made my heart jump and I yearned to give her in return some of the pleasure she had given selflessly to me.

She looked and smelled gorgeous, I began to squeeze and caress her gently but firmly in all the right places. For a few minutes she appeared to relax in my arms and just as I thought I was going to be able to return some of the pleasure she had given to me she squirmed away from my embrace and stood breathing heavily and slightly flushed just out of my reach.

She smiled her wonderful smile and told me that as much as she would love to play around and make love, it would only mean that our plans would go awry and we'd only end up not going anywhere but the bedroom. Hannah regained her composure as did I, and suggested we had a drink, this she explained, would give us time to sort out our make-up if necessary and for me to make sure that I wasn't leaking into my sexy black panties. Five minutes later I was sitting, legs crossed demurely as Hannah had taught me, and we were chatting away about the sort of day we had each had, and about the evening yet to come. Hannah would be driving tonight and had also decided at which restaurant we would be eating.

Indicating that it was now time to leave she stood up, picked up her bag and from it took a small gift-wrapped package. As I stood up she came to me and before I could say anything she said. "Kate, although Sam and I have been married for some years now and we wear each others wedding rings. We have never really got round to buying something for you which would show that you are truly mine. So I have bought you this gift in the hope that whenever you come to visit you will wear it just for me, so that everyone knows that you are already taken. Only you and I will know who gave it to you but it will serve two purposes. The first is that it shows that I do truly love you, and the second is that it will keep the fella's away if they can see that by your wearing it you are already taken."

Hannah handed me the beautifully wrapped gift and leaning forward kissed me gently on my lips. I didn't know what to say, then she smiled again and said," Go on then Kate, open it, I want to watch your face when you see it." Inside the wrapping was a small velvet jewellers box and I hesitated for only a second before opening it. My jaw dropped and the surprise must have been written all over my face, Hannah clapped her hands and laughed excitedly. " Oh Kate, I knew you'd love it, I've been looking for the right one for ages and it was worth the wait to see your face."

I couldn't say a word, I was completely stunned, inside the box was the most exquisite engagement ring I had ever seen, it had a platinum and gold band with a large centre diamond and two perfect slightly smaller emeralds one on either side of it. It's beauty was in its simplicity, and as the light burned and sparkled within the perfect stones, so too did my eyes begin to burn and sparkle and I knew I was on the verge of tears of happiness. Hannah gently lifted the ring out of the box and took hold of my left hand. Carefully sliding my wedding band from my finger and looking me straight in the eye she told me that from the moment she placed the ring on my finger I would be hers alone. That she would always love me, try never to hurt me and always be there for me no matter what might happen.

Having said those lovely words, she took gentle hold of my finger and slid the engagement ring on to it, kissed it and then replaced my wedding band. She looked up at me in time to see a fat wet tear roll down my cheek, "There's no need for tears my darling, I knew that this would make you happy and it makes me happy too. You see now I have a husband and a wife." I still couldn't think of a single thing to say that would express my feelings for the wonderfully kind, beautiful woman standing before me, I just pulled her to me and hugging her tightly told her how very much I loved her and thanked her for my special gift.

Somehow the words did not seem adequate but there was nothing else I could say. We parted and taking a tissue she gently dabbed my tears away then with a smile told me that now the night would be even more special as we now had our engagement to celebrate. I couldn't get over how lucky I was, not only did I have a beautiful, caring wife that loved me, but also a friend and confidante. Who not only didn't mind the fact that I loved to wear women's clothing, actually helped me to wear it properly, tastefully and with style. Hannah often bought me presents of sexy lingerie, perfume or jewellery and sometimes when we were out shopping together as husband and wife she would point out a dress or blouse or some other item of pretty feminine clothing and tell me how much she thought it might suit me. It always thrilled me when she talked like that and I always hoped that one day we might be able to go shopping together as two girls. It must be wonderful to be able to go into all those boutiques and try on lots of different styles of dresses and things; it was something I'd often fantasise about when we were out together.

Now that my tears had dried up, Hannah helped me to repair my make-up, once we were both satisfied that I looked okay she declared that it was time to make a move and head out for our night on the town. Now that it was actually time to leave the house I began to feel a little nervous. I hadn't been out as Kate for a very long time and then only for a drive around in the car at night. That was before Hannah had decided that if I felt I must dress up and go out and about as a girl, then I would have to become the best possible girl that I could. She began to help me and guide me even more, not only choosing what sort of clothing I should wear but also the right type and style of underwear and hosiery, shoes and accessories.

She even took me to her hairdressers one night. After first explaining the situation to her, they both helped to choose the best possible hairstyle for me, one that would enhance my femininity rather than try to hide my masculinity, a mistake, she told us, that quite a few men made when dressing. It was the same hairdresser that had so recently styled and coloured my hair. She was well known and well liked for her ability as a stylist and home visits were another reason she was popular, especially with Hannah and I.

A beautician friend of Hannah's, who had showed me how to use cosmetics to my best advantage, had treated me to a professional makeover some years ago and I'd never forgotten her advice even though we didn't see her anymore. My legs were now waxed on a regular basis and my facial hair had been removed permanently by electrolysis some time ago. Although I was quite tall I was still girlishly slim thanks to a strict diet and exercise regime designed by Hannah and I had been taught all the finer points of femininity which, when all put together meant I could now pass quite convincingly as an attractive young woman.

Although Hannah often complimented me on my appearance when I became Kate, my confidence was still not very high and the thought of being out in public still, while being very exciting, made me feel a bit scared and very nervous. Now that we were actually going through with our night out as two girls, I was extremely worried that everyone who saw me would know exactly who and what I was in a second. Hannah saw my nerves and once again reassured me that everything would be all right and that no one would even suspect that there would be anything different about me. I hoped that she was right.

 

TWO

 

Finally we left the house and made our way down the path to the road. Hannah had parked the car about a hundred yards away from the gate and I nearly chickened out as a young couple approached and then passed us by, happily without so much as a second glance. "There you are," she said, "I told you no one would even think you are anything other than what you appear to be, come on lets get in the car before it starts to rain."

We both had our coats on but it was still fairly cold, the nights were drawing in now and despite the full-length wrap over coat, I could still feel the breeze on my stocking clad legs. Even though it was slightly cold it still felt wonderful; we linked arms and made our way towards the car, our heels tapping in the early evening air. Even that innocent sound thrilled me and I could have walked arm in arm with Hannah like that for hours no matter how cold it might get.

Once settled in the car I couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. I'd had visions of being confronted by an irate neighbour who had somehow seen through my appearance and was demanding to know what the hell I was playing at wandering around outside dressed as a woman. Hannah started the car and we set off for Manchester, we were going there first of all rather than into Preston where we lived as no one there was likely to know Hannah. Therefore she wouldn't have to stop and chat, which would inevitably involve me as I was accompanying her.

So for our first outing we had decided on Manchester, and we spent a very pleasant forty minutes chatting away during the journey. We were going for a meal together then probably on to a club that Hannah had been to before on a night out with girls from her fitness club. I didn't actually know where we were going having left all the details up to Hannah and I was looking forward to the evening though not without a certain amount of trepidation.

Arriving in Manchester we drove to a multi-story car park, which, despite the hour was still quite busy. After finding a parking space Hannah told me to leave the car and to go and get a parking ticket. " You have to get out of the car sooner or later," She said, noticing me hesitate, " So it might as well be now, go on, I'll watch you and if there are any problems I'll come and get you in the car and we'll go elsewhere." I hesitated a little longer, so she told me that if I wasn't going to get out then we might just as well go back home. A little reluctantly, I got out of the car, Hannah cautioned me to remember who I was and to behave accordingly, just take it slowly was her advice. Taking a big breath and trying to slow my fast beating heart, I set off for the ticket machine, my high heels seemingly far too loud in the low ceilinged concrete garage.

I reached the ticket machine without incident and opened my handbag to get my purse, just as I did so a mature gentleman stepped up behind me, this made me feel a bit edgy and I motioned for him to go first. "Thank you very much young lady, much appreciated I'm sure." I was still fumbling in my purse when he stepped back with his ticket, raised his hat to me, thanked me again and then walked away. This gave my confidence a little boost, if he couldn't tell who I was in the bright lights by the machine then I thought that perhaps I was going to be okay. Finally I found the coins I was looking for and carefully slid them into the ticket vending machine, after all I thought, I didn't want to break a nail. It had taken me a long time to get used to having long fingernails, in the early days I was always chipping or breaking them but I was quite used to them now and rarely damaged them as long as I was careful. Collecting the ticket I returned to the car to a hearty well done from Hannah, " See, I told you no one would notice, come on now we have lots to do."

I wondered what she meant then nearly stepped out from between the parked cars into the path of another driving through. " Oi, be careful darlin' you don't want to ladder your tights do you!" Came the shouted taunt from one of the three lads in the car. I very nearly forgot who I was, ready to give him an earful of abuse but realised just in time that not only would it not be lady like, but I would also give myself away, leaving myself open to all manner of taunts and abuse. Instead I just smiled sweetly and turned to Hannah who naturally told me off for not being careful. "After all," she said," It would certainly give the nurses at the hospital a dilemma if you were to get yourself run over, they wouldn't know which ward to put you in, male or female!" We laughed together even as I realised the importance of what she said and I resolved to be much more careful in future.

We made our way to the exit where the reason that the car park was so busy soon became quite evident. It was a late night shopping day as it was the run up toward Christmas and most of the shops were staying open late to make the most of the Christmas trade. We entered the shopping mall and as the doors opened automatically I was horrified to discover that that it was still packed with late night shoppers. It was actually as busy as it might have been on any normal Saturday morning.

Hannah linked arms with me giving me a little moral support and we stepped out together into the masses. Checking her watch she told me that we had at least an hour to spare before we were due at the restaurant and asked me if I would like to do a little shopping while we were here. I just shrugged; I was terrified of being caught out and just wanted to get away from the crowds. Hannah knew immediately that something was wrong and steered me to a reasonably quiet corner. She took my hands in hers and quietly told me I would have to relax and enjoy myself, she pointed out that peoples attention was being drawn to me because, as she put it, I looked like a frightened rabbit caught in the glare of headlights. I knew I was behaving badly but I couldn't seem to help it, my nerve had gone and I was scared of being found out and ridiculed.

"What you need is a confidence boost," She said matter of factly, she began to lead me away towards the shops," I know just what could be the very thing." I wondered what she had planned and I didn't have very long to wait to find out. Hannah led me into one of the larger department stores and through to the cosmetics and perfume counter of a popular brand. Attracting the attention of a pretty woman behind the counter she explained to her that I was thinking of trying out some new colours in my make-up and did she have any suggestions for me.

"I'm sure we can work something out, do you have time for a makeover or would you just prefer some advice?" Hannah looked at me and told her that just her advice would be fine, as we were a little short of time. The assistant led me to a raised chair and asked me to sit down, I was petrified, what if she saw through me and began to shout abuse at me in front of everyone in the store? Nervously I sat down, Hannah suggested that I pass her my handbag and I opened my coat allowing the front to fall open revealing my lovely new dress. I sat down carefully trying to remember everything that Hannah had taught me and then the beautician was standing over me.

"What, if any, are your favourite colours?" she asked, in my best voice I told her I didn't really have any favourites I just used what I thought might suit me and did the best job. "Well, " she went on, " the new Oil of Ulay range is exceptional in both quality and colour and I really think their colours would suit you. "Well if you are sure," was all I could think of to say. She went on to explain how certain colours would suit me and how others would be a mistake, and then persuaded me to try on a different lipstick than the one I was already wearing. Hannah looked at me and nodded, so I agreed to try a new one.

Carefully the girl wiped my lips clean and then moving so close that I could smell her subtle perfume and the soapy freshness of her hair she began to redo my lipstick using one of the new Oil of Ulay colours. As she finished off she told me the colour enhanced rather than hid the natural contours of my lips and made me look even prettier. Showing me the effect in a swivel mirror on the counter, I had to admit that she had got it exactly right. Where before I'd always chosen a lipstick that would tone down my lips, thinking that perhaps they were too full on the bottom and too thin on top, she had used one that showed them off to perfection; making them appear extremely kissable.

The lipstick she had applied to my lips matched perfectly with the rest of the make-up I was wearing and I was really pleased with the overall effect. The thing that I was most pleased with was the fact that the young lady, who had done my lips for me, despite being so close, appeared not to have noticed that I wasn't a real girl at all. Considering how close she had been to me during her ministrations, I finally realised that if she couldn't tell then there was no reason why anyone else should be able to either.

As Hannah had planned, the boost that this gave to my confidence was enormous and at last I was able to completely relax and enjoy myself properly. I could never understand how Hannah always managed to say, do or advise me to do the right thing in any given situation and not only when I was dressed as Kate. She had a wonderful knack of always being able to do the right thing and I loved her all the more for it.

I bought the lipstick I was now wearing and as we walked away from the counter I turned back to see the young lady looking at us and smiling beautifully. I smiled back and waved, then with Hannah beside me I stepped much more confidently now out into the crowds. Happy and by now much more relaxed, I suggested to Hannah that we have a look in a couple of dress shops. She smiled and said "That's better, now you are getting the hang of it." We laughed together and headed towards an expensive looking boutique. After our hour was almost up we headed towards the restaurant where Hannah had booked our meal; she told me that it was only a few minutes walk from where we were. So, arm in arm, we set off together with me in a much happier mood than I had been when we first got out of the car.

It was wonderful being waited on as Kate, having my seat set for me as I sat down and being called 'Miss' each time the waiters and waitresses spoke to me. I was really enjoying the food, though I couldn't overindulge because I didn't want to ruin my figure or my diet. Now I knew just what it was like to be a girl when you had to be careful of everything you ate whether you wanted to or not. A couple of glasses of a smooth wine put me in a relaxed, talkative mood and I let Hannah in on my secret fantasy about going into lots of different dress shops and trying on all sorts of lovely outfits and sexy clothes. To my surprise and joy she said we could go on a shopping trip this Saturday and together we could shop until we dropped trying on as many beautiful clothes as we wanted to and buying some sexy new outfits to go out in.

I was ecstatic; I never thought she would agree, after all, it meant that I would have to use the shop changing rooms to try the clothes on, even stripping down to my underwear. She naughtily suggested that we might even get the opportunity to get up to some mischief while we were doing so, as she said this I could feel my erection growing inside my black lace panties. Hannah must have read my mind, as I am convinced she is capable of doing, because I suddenly felt her stockinged foot pressing between my knees in an effort to get me to move them apart. This I did and I was rewarded with the thrillingly erotic touch of her toes slowly sliding up beneath the hem of my dress and pressing against the bulge of my cock trapped as it was in the black panties. Guiltily I looked around to see if anyone was watching, pleased to see that what we were doing appeared to be passing unnoticed by the other diners largely due to the dim, intimate lighting and the long table cloth. Hannah continued to massage my increasingly hard cock and amazingly keeping up her end of the conversation and enjoying her meal at the same time as though nothing else was happening. She didn't even stop when she called the waitress over and asked for another carafe of wine.

Eventually though, after a good few minutes of really exciting foot massage, I had to warn her that things were not only getting out of hand but out of my panties as well. Reluctantly, she had to remove her foot in the interest of common decency; I didn't think that the management would have taken too kindly to a Meg Ryan imitation in their restaurant. Unfortunately! By the time we had finished our meal my cock had softened sufficiently not to prove to be a problem when I stood up but was still swollen enough to remind me constantly that I needed to get Hannah somewhere quiet. Private enough to be able to give her some of what I thought she needed and we both wanted, that is, my hard throbbing cock inside her soft, warm, wet and welcoming pussy.

By the time we left the restaurant it was quite late and Hannah suggested we get a cab to the club, it was really cold by now and I for one was extremely glad that we both were wearing our coats. I couldn't believe how many young women were walking around in just thin dresses; they must have been absolutely freezing cold. The exposed skin of one girl that walked past us actually appeared to be turning blue. Although she showed no outward signs of any discomfort she must surely have been suffering, and all in the name of fashion. Whoever said that women were the weaker sex must have been out of their minds, in my experience women tended to show a lot more fortitude than most, if not all the men I'd ever known.

I knew that if I were ever given the choice, I wouldn't want to go back to being a man, being a girl was so much more fun. Okay, so I knew that it wasn't all roses to actually be a real woman but I was loving every moment of being Kate and I wished the night would go on forever. I stopped Hannah and gave her a great big hug and a tender kiss on her cheek, after I had let her go, she asked me what she had done to deserve it, "Look at me," I said, "do you really need to ask?" She smiled and held onto my arm even tighter as we walked quickly along, heels tapping in the cold night air towards the nearby taxi rank.

We arrived there just as the last taxi pulled away but at least we would be the first in the queue when the next one turned up. Standing there, arm in arm Hannah pointed at the shop window in front of us; "Look over there," she said. "Where?" I asked. "Over there silly, look in the window and tell me what you see." Not sure what she was getting at I told her I could see some clothes on display in the shop window, trousers, shirts, jackets and the like. "No you numpty, look at the mirror beyond the display, now what can you see?" "You and me of course, why? What do you mean?" I replied being rather dim. "Well I can see two rather attractive ladies out for a night on the town one of whom is rather tall and leggy and very sexy with it."

Suddenly it clicked; Hannah was trying to tell me that at last I was behaving like a real girl and not being self-conscious in any way. I wasn't trying to hide myself by stooping or being nervous. I was standing tall and proud and happy to be who I was. I was glowing, Hannah had finally got me to realise that I was totally convincing as Kate, if anyone were to find out I was really a man, then it would have to be purely accidental and certainly wouldn't be because I didn't look the part.

I squeezed her to me and told her how much I loved her and how happy I was right at that very moment, regardless of the fact that it was a freezing cold night and we were standing at a taxi rank in the middle of Manchester. She smiled and told me she was glad and that it wasn't difficult to see that I hadn't been this happy in a long, long time. She then asked me what I thought of the window display, did I like the jacket or anything else in particular. I couldn't help myself; I just blurted out that I hated it, the jacket and everything else, all men's clothes in fact. Something in the surprise on her face told me she was shocked by my reaction to her innocent question but she didn't have a chance to say anything else just then because the taxi chose that precise moment to draw to a halt in front of us.

After telling the taxi driver where we wanted to go, Hannah lapsed into silence for a few minutes, all the while she was holding my hand gently and squeezing occasionally. Knowing that her silence meant that she was thinking very hard about something important, I said nothing but waited until she was ready to talk first. Meanwhile the taxi driver was trying to make small talk and as I listened to him I realised how small-minded we men really are. Everything he said carried undertones of sexual innuendo and I finally asked him to please be quiet as Hannah had a severe migraine; an outright lie I know but at least he got the message. From then on he spent the rest of the journey in silence, as of course did Hannah and I. Luckily we weren't too far from the club by now and it didn't take too much longer to get there.

Having checked our coats in at the clubs cloakroom, we made our way to the ladies powder room, where we both went to the loo, me with a whispered caution to remember to sit down. Then we spent a few minutes tidying our hair, Hannah's beautifully long and straight, mine full and wavy. After checking our make-up we both re-did our lipstick using my new Oil of Ulay colour, then we left the loo and went to the bar for a drink.

Hannah offered to get the first drinks in, returning with two, long tall glasses of Southern Comfort, with ice and lemonade. We stood near the bar for a few moments to get our bearings and to see what the club was like and then taking charge once more. Hannah led me by the hand to a quiet corner where we would be able to both speak and hear without difficulty. Sitting together on two stools behind a low drinks table, I realised that I was showing an awful lot of stocking encased leg to anyone who cared to look in our direction. There was quite a large carpeted space in front of our table and I thought that this must be where people attending the club would be gathered round drinking and chatting as the club filled up. I began to feel quite aroused at the thought of so many complete strangers around me, seeing me as the newly reborn Kate for the first time.

I made a mental note not to flash my stocking tops once the place began to fill up and placing my handbag on the floor between our stools I took a sip of my drink then turned to see that Hannah was watching me intently, smiling softly to herself. I asked her what she was thinking about. "You," she said. "And what about me?" I asked her. "I was watching how you seem to have taken on board all the little nuances and attributes of Kate, even your voice has changed and become much softer. If I didn't know better I would believe that you are exactly what you appear to be." "And what, pray tell, do I appear to be?" "A very attractive, tall and very sexy woman with a drop dead gorgeous body!" It was then that I blushed for the first time in many years, I wasn't used to being complimented in this way, especially as I was dressed as Kate and on my very first proper outing. I smiled coyly and thanked her. She told me I didn't need to, as it was all me sitting here, all she had done was to help bring me out of my shell and allow Kate to blossom.

There was an awkward silence for a moment and then we both tried to speak at the same time. "You first," said Hannah. "No please, you go first." I insisted. She did and what she had to say nearly had me off my stool I was so surprised! Hannah began by leaning forward and taking hold of my hand with my new engagement ring flashing brightly and gently holding it and squeezing occasionally as she spoke.

"I've been watching you tonight," she began, "And I've come to realise that it is only when you are my Kate that you are truly happy, once you had got over your initial and quite understandable nervousness, you didn't just look like Kate, you actually appeared to become her. As I said earlier, if I hadn't already known you are really a fella' I would never have doubted for a second that you are a real girl and had always been one."

I tried to say something at this point but she quietly hushed me and carried on speaking. "Over the years Kate has been to visit on many occasions in all sorts of guises, usually just for a few stolen hours and it was never easy for me to see just how much all this truly meant to you. I know that you love dressing up. I've come to understand that it is a part of you that if taken away or given up would leave you the poorer for its absence. It's all of you that make you the person you are and to remove or destroy any part would make you a lesser person. Now that I've come to love Kate as much as I love Sam, I can't see any reason why we should keep her hidden away. I enjoy having a girlfriend around that I can talk to and go out shopping with, Sam hates shopping, but you Kate love it as much as I do."

I took a long drink of my Southern Comfort, I didn't know where this conversation was heading and I wasn't sure that I wanted to. Hannah went on quietly, "I've been giving this a lot of thought and it depended on how well you did tonight that would decide on my, or rather our, next step. Well you've been wonderful; after you got over your nerves there has been no holding you back. To all intents and purposes you are Kate, and I like her so much that I don't really want her to leave."

"Don't get me wrong, I still love Sam more than ever, but it's a joint love now, I love you each as much as the other but for different reasons, do you understand?" I told her I did, I understood more than anyone how difficult it could be to reconcile being or loving two people at the same time but only being allowed to become one at a time. All the years I'd been forced to keep Kate subjugated were proof of that.

Hannah continued," What I would like to have happen, at least initially is from now on to have some sort of balance between the two of you, both Sam and Kate. We can work out the details later but I want to know what you think of the idea as soon as possible which is why I'm telling you now." I asked her what she meant but she said that she would tell me all about it after I had been to the bar for fresh drinks. Picking up my handbag and making sure I had access to my purse I left Hannah and moved confidently towards the bar. I hadn't realised until now but the club had been filling up quite steadily since Hannah and I had arrived and now it was well over two thirds full. The bar itself though was quite crowded and I stood behind a younger couple who I could see were already being served by the bar staff. As I stood patiently waiting my turn I looked across at Hannah who was watching me and smiling, she gave a little wave and I smiled back blowing her a kiss that made her chuckle. Suddenly I felt a soft warm hand on my arm and the young lady at the bar asked me if I'd like to slide into her place against the counter before someone else did as her date was now just waiting for his change having already been served.

I thanked her and did so as she moved away. She stood a few feet away from me and gave me a really bright smile and a wink, then held a finger up to her lips in the classic 'shush' gesture. It was only then that I realised to my abject horror that I had used my own voice instead of Kate's because I had been so preoccupied with watching Hannah when I had spoken to the girl.

I glanced guiltily at her and began to blush when I saw that she was still watching me and smiling. Her escort collected his change and left the bar to stand next to her as I tried to attract the attention of the bar staff. It didn't take long to buy fresh drinks and I moved away after collecting my change and began to head back to where Hannah was sitting. I was embarrassed about having been caught out so soon thanks to my own stupidity and I just hoped that the girl I'd spoken to wouldn't tell her companion who I didn't doubt for a moment would tell everyone he knew about me and then God only knew what might happen.

I decided to tell Hannah about it straight away and see what she thought would be the best thing to do under the circumstances. As it happened I needn't have worried, just before I reached our table I felt the same soft fingers touch my arm again as had before at the bar and I turned to see the young lady standing next to me. " I hope you don't mind," she said, "but I had to come over and tell you how very brave I think you are, it must be very difficult for you and I admire you very much." She added that she thought I was very pretty and wished me good luck for a very happy night out.

I thanked her and she offered her name, "Call me Rebecca." "Thank you Rebecca, " I said, " I hope you didn't tell…." "What! Tell him, no chance, he's really just an ignorant oaf, he wouldn't understand at all, anyway, you have fun tonight, perhaps we'll get the chance to have a chat later." I smiled as she turned to go back to her bloke. Still never quite understanding why extremely pretty girls like Rebecca almost always seemed to be in the company of plonkers like the guy she was with. Sitting down next to Hannah, I quickly explained to her what had happened and what Rebecca had said to me. Hannah was immediately concerned and thought that perhaps it would be prudent if we left the club as we wouldn't want to cause a scene if Rebecca decided to tell someone about me who perhaps might be a little less understanding.

I told her that I thought she was being a little bit hasty, telling her that Rebecca had seemed genuine and friendly enough. "Well all right, we'll stay," said Hannah, "But at the first sign of any trouble we are leaving, okay?" I agreed and then tried to steer the conversation back round to what she had been talking about earlier. As she picked up the thread of what she had been saying and went on to explain what she was thinking about and planning in the broad sense of the word. Listening to her I was becoming more and more excited and my heart was beating like a drum by the time Hannah had finished speaking.

The upshot of her thinking was this, that from now on, I would spend every weekend from Friday to Monday as Kate and the rest of the week as Sam, though I could dress however I liked after work each evening. Either, shirt and pants or blouse and skirt, it was entirely up to me. This would be until I had absolutely perfected my female persona and had, to all intents and purposes, actually become Kate. Meanwhile we would shop together for a completely new wardrobe for me. From bras and panties right up to evening dresses and everything in between, I was to have a comprehensive wardrobe that any woman would be proud of.

Once we had everything I needed, we would consider our next step, we wouldn't rush anything at all, but Hannah's suggestion that we move house, something that we'd been thinking of doing anyway, and then start a new life, perhaps as two sisters was fantastic. She had even mentioned getting hold of official documents such as a birth certificate and driving license in Kate's name just in case I ever came up against the Police or some other official body. I just looked at her completely dumbfounded, absolutely thrilled that she thought so much of Kate that she was willing to start a new life away from everyone who knew me as Sam.

I told Hannah how much I loved her, how much what she had suggested meant to me and promised her that as always I would do anything at all to please her. I promised I would never hurt her in any way and I would never leave her no matter what might happen in the future. If for any reason bringing Kate more openly into our lives didn't work, then we would re-adjust and revert back to the way things were or improvise and start over. I told her how very happy she had made me and said that if she was to change her mind for whatever reason she must tell me straight away. I made her promise that she would, then quickly gave her a peck on the cheek, and impudently sent her to the bar for a new round of drinks. "After all," I said "Now that we are two girls together, we have to take turns at the bar don't we?" She laughed her wonderful musical laugh and then got up to go to the bar almost forgetting her bag in the process.

I watched her as she made her way through the ever thickening crowd on her way to the bar and my heart went out to this wonderful woman who had given me more love than I could ever have hoped for. I suddenly felt the prickle of tears in my eyes; I just couldn't seem to help myself, I was so very happy and so much in love. I managed to bring myself under control just in time as I caught a glimpse of Hannah returning from the bar, I was quite surprised to see Rebecca with her. They seemed to be carrying on with a running conversation as they headed towards me. I remembered to remain sitting down as the girls arrived, as befitting my new role; and they both sat down at the table with me. Rebecca had managed to pull a third stool away from a nearby table without causing any fuss and sat down opposite Hannah and myself.

Hannah quickly told me that Rebecca had introduced herself while she had been at the bar, and though immediately on her guard, had believed Rebecca when she promised that she meant no harm. She only wanted to join us for our company, as she knew that she would be safe with us, not knowing anyone else in the club. She had ditched the bloke she had been with after he had become even more obnoxious and had decided to see if she could join us for a while rather than go home early.

Rebecca was full of praise for both Hannah and I then went on to explain that she had once had a brother who liked to cross-dress. He had been so confused and felt so isolated that he had become depressed at being unable to come to terms with who and what he was and had tragically committed suicide some years earlier. The most tragic thing of all was that Rebecca knew about her brother and was about to share her secret knowledge with him and help him in anyway she could. She had even been out and bought him a brand new lingerie set of a bra, panties and suspender belt especially for his seventeenth birthday, which would have been just three days after he had died. She had never forgiven herself for leaving it too late and allowing her brother to take his own life without ever knowing that he had an ally in his own sister. His death had affected Rebecca in many ways and she had decided to become a nurse soon afterwards. Since then she had qualified in nursing and was now specialising in psychology and psychiatric nursing and had dedicated her life to helping those who were unable to help themselves.

She had vowed then that if she should ever meet another man in the same circumstances, she would always show support and encouragement. To prove that not everyone was a small minded bigot intent on ruining the lives of people in that position, even when they had no understanding whatsoever of what it was all about. True to her word she was very complimentary to Hannah and myself, praising the way that Hannah not only understood my need to dress but also the way in which she encouraged me to do my very best when I made the transition to Kate. Rebecca knew that it was dangerous to try to inhibit or hide what really were only natural desires and to do so would only lead to all sorts of problems as it had with her brother with such tragic consequences.

Amazingly, it turned out that Rebecca only lived a few miles away from our own home in Preston and was only staying in Manchester with a friend for a few days. Hannah immediately invited her to come and see us whenever she wanted to, adding that she could even stay overnight if she liked. I of course had no objections, Rebecca was a lovely girl and I could tell that Hannah liked her too. I was glad because we had few enough friends as it was and her immediate acceptance of Kate made her even more special, I could tell that she would soon be a very good friend to both of us.

We spent the rest of the evening chatting, drinking and dancing together and getting to know each other better. At least Hannah and Rebecca danced, I was never any good at dancing and even though I found it easier to relax on a dance floor as a girl rather than a man, I wasn't proficient enough or comfortable enough with my new status to have a go just yet. Both the girls said I was being silly as they thought I was doing great and improving all the time, but I insisted that I needed to practice a bit first so I wouldn't be so self conscious.

Our night out was an unqualified success and I marvelled at all the things that I'd been able to achieve in such a small space of time. Hannah thought I was great and Rebecca said I made a lovely girl repeating that she thought I was very brave and that Hannah was wonderful for helping and encouraging me so much to achieve my dream. At the end of the night we exchanged addresses and Rebecca promised to come and see us soon. We said our goodbyes, hugged each other and then she was gone.

Hannah suggested that it might be a good idea if we left the club before it closed too, that way at least we had a chance of getting a taxi to the hotel we had booked for the night. After all neither of us would be able to drive home considering all the drinks we had consumed. The cab ride was uneventful and I even enjoyed the way the cab driver was continually trying to look up our short dresses in his mirror most of the way to the hotel. One thing I knew for sure was that he would get a rather large shock if he tried to get inside my panties. Not that I would let him of course, even though I was dressed as Kate, I was strictly a ladies' only man, I had no interest in other men whatsoever. I wasn't even interested in finding out what kissing one might be like, I definitely only wanted my Hannah and I always would.

We had no problem getting into the hotel despite the late hour and we were soon shown to our room. We didn't have any luggage or overnight kit with us as our bags were still in the car. Hannah had promised that she would fetch the car first thing in the morning so we could at least shower and change and then set off home.

Almost as soon as the door closed behind us we were in each other's arms, kissing deeply and hugging and stroking one another. Within seconds our handbags and coats dropped to the floor around us as we stood together embracing and kissing. It felt wonderful to be kissing Hannah, feeling her lipstick-coated lips pressing against my own, and her tongue snaking past mine teasing my warm mouth. I hugged her to me, her breasts crushed against mine and I felt for the first time the sensual thrill of having my dress unzipped by my lover as we kissed then feeling her warm fingers exploring the gap it created.

I eased the hem of her dress up to her waist as she slid mine from my shoulders, pushing me away slightly to give room for the dress to fall past my breasts and hips to the plushly carpeted floor. My thick cock was throbbing and erect in my lace panties as I pressed against Hannah, I unzipped her dress and pulled it off over her head, casting it aside almost carelessly. We were both breathing heavily, the pure eroticism of the moment not lost on either of us. My hands were all over her, stroking and caressing gently, I soon found the clasp of her bra and as I pulled it from her releasing her wonderful breasts from their confinement her nipples swelled and hardened visibly.

I leaned forward, hungrily taking the nearest nipple between my lips, nibbling gently with my teeth and sucking hard. Hannah moaned aloud and sliding her hand between us slid her fingers into the waistband of my panties to grasp my, by now, rigid prick, smearing the wet pre come juices over the bulging head with her thumb. It was now my turn to gasp and moan as she stroked me hard, almost roughly, we were both panting by now and slowly we began to descend towards the thick carpet.

Releasing her thick erect nipple I kissed her hard, squeezing her breast with one hand while pulling the gusset of her panties to one side with the other and finding her hot wet pussy with my probing fingers. On our knees now she pulled my panties to one side releasing my aching hardness as she gently pushed me back onto the plush carpet. As I lay down on my back she quickly slipped her panties off before kneeling astride me facing towards my stocking clad legs and immediately lowered her swollen pink juicy sex towards my eagerly awaiting lips. I could feel the heat emanating from within as I buried my face between her legs, plunging my flickering tongue deep inside, tasting her delicious honey and breathing deeply of her heady perfume.

I felt her take firm hold of my pulsing cock then gasped with pleasure as she took me into her mouth sucking me deep inside. We were frantic; the whole thing was so extraordinarily erotic that we were devouring each other. My whole body was tingling from my scalp to my pink nailed toes. In one fluid graceful movement Hannah released me and spun around, raising herself over me before lowering herself down until her pussy was mere millimetres from the moist tip of my hard cock

Almost without realising I was doing so I raised my hips until the bulbous head of my thick pole was nudging against her slippery pussy lips, our eyes locked together and then we became one. I slid into her easily in one thrust as she simultaneously lowered herself to meet me. We were still for just a few seconds before we began to fuck each other. I grasped her lovely firm breasts almost roughly, squeezing and kneading and pinching her hard nipples. Her head rolled back and she growled her pleasure, reaching behind herself to take my heavy balls in her hand and squeeze them almost painfully.

We became frantic, we needed to fuck and we did, pounding together, rubbing and thrusting hard and fast. She grabbed at my life like breasts and I could only imagine how it would feel had they been real. For the first time ever I felt a pang of regret that they weren't my own real breasts but the feeling didn't last long as I felt Hannah's gripping sliding pussy begin to contract around me in quick spasms. I realised she was only seconds away from orgasm and I thrust even harder into her, my own climax starting to build rapidly, sending incredible sensations from my balls to my tummy and through the length of my bloated rigid cock.

Without warning Hannah's orgasm erupted, her whole body went momentarily still and rigid as it overcame her senses. My cock, almost unbelievably, swelled even more and before I could steady myself a white mist came over my eyes as I felt myself burst inside her filling her pulsating pussy with streams of hot, sticky, creamy spunk. I lay breathless with Hannah on top of me, both of us unwilling or unable to move as the aftershocks washed over us. With great care and tenderness I held her to me until we'd come to our senses, no words were said, none were necessary. Our love had been expressed more than adequately already.

Slowly and with a strange sense of loss, we parted and gathering ourselves up, moved toward the big double bed. With a last lingering hug Hannah went through to the bathroom while I picked up our clothes and bags. I hung our coats and dresses up hoping that the creases would drop out by the morning. I took off my panties and stockings but I left my bra on, I couldn't bear to lose my breasts just yet, then slipping into one of the complimentary white towelling robes I followed Hannah into the bathroom.

She was busy cleaning her teeth using the brush and paste provided by the hotel, there wasn't much we could do about our make-up other than wash with soapy water but that would just have to do. By the time I'd been to the loo, washed and brushed my teeth Hannah was in bed and very nearly asleep. I dropped the robe on the floor, switched off the lamps and slid between the crisp warm sheets beside my beautiful wife. I finally made as if to take off my bra but she murmured sleepily that I should leave it on, as she wanted to be able to hold me as she fell asleep. Nestled together, my breasts gently pressing the smooth alabaster skin of her back and my arm draped over her, hand cradling her breast, we fell asleep in hardly anytime at all. My last thought as I drifted off was that I'd never been happier in my life than I was right then, right at that exact moment.

I awoke some hours later, nagged to wakefulness by an insistent urge to use the loo. Hannah was still fast asleep, our legs were entwined and she held my hand even as she slept. Carefully and slowly I extricated myself, slid silently from the bed and padded barefoot to the toilet. I had to wait a few moments for my erection to subside sufficiently for me to be able to urinate though the relief was bliss when I finally managed it. Having washed my hands I returned to the bedroom, Hannah was exactly as I had left her and looked beautiful in repose. I sat quietly in the bedside armchair and watched over her as she slept on peacefully.

Suddenly there was a loud crashing sound in the corridor outside our room and regretfully the noise disturbed Hannah enough for her to wake up. She opened her eyes and looked at me with a smile asking what I was doing and I told her that I was just watching over her as she slept. She invited me back into bed and I went willingly, my prick already beginning to stir, to thicken and lengthen. We made love again, softly and gently this time, each taking time to excite and please the other. Without the urgency of the night before our lovemaking was, if it were possible, even more fulfilling and wonderful, and as we came together we each cried out the name of the other in our love for each other.

All too soon it was time to get up, we both showered and I tried to tidy up a little as Hannah took a cab back to the car park to collect the car which still had our overnight bags inside. While she was gone I rang room service and ordered a light breakfast for us both and then stood by the large picture window looking out at the city sprawled below. It was fascinating to watch all those people moving around on the city streets below me and I kept a hopeful eye out to see if I could spot our car coming back towards the hotel. As it happened, Hannah and room service arrived at the room at the same time and after I had taken the bags through to the bedroom we enjoyed a light breakfast together while enjoying the view of the city and engaged in happy conversation about the evening before. Hannah remarked how pleasant she had found Rebecca to be and hoped she was having as pleasant a start to her day as we were.

 

THREE

 

Once we'd finished eating I wheeled the breakfast trolley over to the door and out into the corridor, then returned to the bedroom where Hannah was just emptying the overnight bags onto the bed. There was a full set of clothing there for Sam to wear; trousers, shirt and shoes etc. and I looked at them with distaste. Hannah saw me and told me not to worry, as I wouldn't be requiring those particular things for a while yet. Heartened, I moved them to one side while I checked out what was left in the bag. There were pairs of fresh clean panties, hold up stockings and tights as well as washing kit and a fully equipped make-up bag. I opened this first of all and took out the cleansing cream so I could finish removing the remainder of my make-up from the previous evening. Afterwards I was pleased to find that Hannah wanted me to do my own make-up again but this time just for day wear as she wanted to take Kate shopping for a few new things before heading for home later on. "After all," she said," it would be a wasted opportunity if we didn't do at least a little shopping while we were in Manchester."

Now that I knew Kate was finally going to get her wish to go out on a proper shopping trip I was a lot happier, at least I would be able to remain dressed for the rest of the day. I soon did a pretty good job of my make-up, just a little foundation, blusher, eye shadow and a hint of lipstick, all very sublime and understated and perfect for the day out. With clean panties and stockings on I slipped once again into my gorgeous black dress. I was pleased to see that the previous evenings wear had not made it look unattractive and after Hannah had zipped me into it, I brushed my silky hair through then checked I had everything I needed in my handbag. Once the bags had been repacked and we were ready to go we picked up our coats and left the room.

After checking out of the hotel and getting back to the car we set off for the town centre and once again found a parking space close to where we would be going shopping. I was really excited and looking forward once more to wandering around the shops, I had found that as Kate I really enjoyed shopping. Perhaps it was because the choice of women's clothes was far more extensive and exciting than men's would ever be and it was so much fun looking around and trying on lots of different styles. The first thing Hannah told me that we needed was something a little more suitable and appropriate to wear for day time so we could change out of the dresses that we had worn last night. She suggested a skirt and blouse and more sensible shoes but I quite liked the idea of a nice dress to wear, something quite loose and flouncy.

I had an idea of the sort of thing I would like, I'd seen them in shop windows on lots of occasions and I was sure that particular style would suit me. It seemed to be strange thinking and talking this way, discussing with Hannah what kind of dress I would like to buy for myself but it was something I thought I could quite easily get used to. We allowed ourselves a couple of hours to shop before we would find somewhere to have some lunch and set off eagerly to find the shopping mall.

We had visited three shops before I found what I was looking for. I'd been having a truly wonderful time trying lots of different outfits on, from skirts and blouses and dresses to evening dresses. At Hannah's insistence I'd even used one of the communal changing rooms and I was pleased to find that I was accepted as one of the girls with no problem at all. The third of the previous shops had been a hugely expensive boutique with some absolutely beautiful clothes in stock.

One evening gown in particular was simply gorgeous, and looked stunning on. Made from cream lace and silk it was beautiful in it's simplicity and I knew I had to have it as soon as I saw it, or at the very least one like it. Once I had tried it on I was loath to take it off again. The feel of the silk was magical against my skin as it slipped over my head and into place over my body. The way it caressed bare skin was extremely sensual and I was not the least bit surprised to discover that my cock was almost painfully erect in my panties as I admired myself wearing it in the huge mirror. Hannah thought it was beautiful too if a little on the expensive side, just the matching shoes were almost a hundred pounds! However it was just so wonderful I told Hannah I would save up for it if necessary. I felt like a million dollars when I was wearing it and I could almost imagine myself dancing around a ballroom in it.

The next shop we went to was where I found the dress I was looking for that I wanted to buy for today. It was lovely. Just a simple tie back calf length dress, in a light burgundy colour with half sleeves and a shirt type collar. With only a light pattern it was lovely, warm and comfortable to wear and Hannah suggested that I keep it on and put my other dress in a bag to take home. All I needed now were some new lower heeled shoes, Hannah told me to go off and find a nearby shoe store and have a look for some shoes on my own. I knew I would eventually have to go off on my own without Hannah to support me so I took a deep breath and left her to try things on with a promise that I wouldn't stray too far or take too long. I added that if I missed her we should meet in the nearby café in an hour.

I felt a little nervous stepping out alone for the first time but thinking about how successful the previous evening and the morning so far had been I realised that I had nothing to worry about. I set off with renewed confidence to find the nearest shoe shops. I couldn't help but notice that I seemed to be getting a few admiring glances from both men and women as I moved along. After all I was rather tall and Hannah had taught me to walk gracefully without slouching, my long hair hung in thick waves and bobbed up and down as I walked and I really began to feel great. I loved everything about being Kate, the way my breasts bounced slightly as I walked and the slither of my stocking tops with each step I took.

I found a shoe shop after only a few minutes and I looked in the window to see if they had anything that might go well with my pretty new dress. I couldn't see anything in the window and decided to go inside and ask one of the assistants if they could possibly help me. The middle-aged woman I spoke to was extremely helpful and after only a few minutes of waiting fetched me a selection of shoes in my size. Then, sitting me down she sat on a fitting stool in front of me and began to fit me with the different styled shoes. The third pair we tried were by far the most comfortable and went with my dress beautifully, after walking around in them for a couple of minutes I decided to buy them. I told the assistant I would wear them now and she packed my own shoes in the box before we went to the till area to pay for them. It was while we were at the till that I realised that Hannah and I had made a dreadful error. I had made the mistake of giving my credit card to the woman in order to pay for the shoes when she suddenly looked at me strangely. I felt panic begin to rise when she turned to her associate beside her and showing her the card then indicated me to her.

The other lady was obviously the shop supervisor and taking the card from the woman who had served me she asked me to join her at the end of the counter. "I'm afraid there is a problem with the card you have presented," she began, "it has the cardholder down as a Mr S Andrews, and I can only assume you are Mrs Andrews." I began to colour and couldn't get any words of explanation out; I was so embarrassed at having been caught out in this silly way. "I imagine you must have picked up the wrong card when you left home this morning Mrs Andrews?" She offered me a way out. "Yes, I'm so sorry that must be what happened, I was in a bit of a rush this morning when I left the house, my husband will be so annoyed when he finds out I have his card.

Just then I heard Hannah's voice cut in. "Hello Kate, are you having a problem?" I'd never been happier to see her than I was right then, "Yes, hello Hannah, I seem to have picked up Sam's credit card this morning instead of my own and now I can't pay for my new shoes." "Don't worry," she said, "I'll pay for them now and we can sort it out later on over coffee." The shop supervisor was happy that the cost of the shoes would now be met and after paying Hannah and I left the shop and headed straight to the nearby café. I was desperately in need of a cup of tea now.

That had been a close shave, Hannah told me that as she had paid for her new skirt and blouse in the boutique she had suddenly realised that all my credit cards were in my real name and not Kate's. She had quickly looked for me and luckily had found me just in time before things got out of hand. "Well it's obvious that we have got to get you some new documentation and a bank account as a matter of urgency. We don't want you to have to go through anything like that again and it wouldn't be wise to have to carry cash around with you all the time. I couldn't have agreed more, I was still only just beginning to get over the experience in the shoe shop. I dreaded to think what might have happened if Hannah hadn't shown up when she did. What if the woman hadn't believed me and had called the police, after all I had no identification with me that was in Kate's name.

After a second cup of tea and a visit to the loo Hannah suggested that it might be a good idea if we called it a day as far as the shopping went and set off home. It would be a shame to cut short the trip but it would be for the best after all. With Hannah driving once more just in case we were stopped for any reason we began the journey home. We chatted happily on the way and as we approached the outskirts of Preston I saw a familiar sign at the side of the road. I suggested to Hannah that while we were out and about that we might visit Chorley a short distance away and take a look around 'Bygone Times' a huge warehouse type facility that sold all manner of things from yesteryear. She thought it was a great idea and following the signs we arrived there just twenty minutes later.

If anything the place had grown even bigger since the last time we had been here, and we were soon engrossed in all the fabulous things that they had for sale. It really was an incredible place where you could buy anything from a pin -cushion to a Wild West saloon bar. Old clothes were a favourite of Hannah's, classy Victorian gowns and footwear especially and inside there were quite a few large stalls that sold that sort of thing. While Hannah browsed happily through the clothes rails I wandered over to an unusual looking stall that held all sorts of bizarre looking objects. The old lady behind the makeshift counter looked to be a hundred years old at least, but she had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as I looked up at her from the assortment of funny looking objects spread out on the display. There were all manner of strange things to be seen, some really weird and some that even looked as if their origin was out of this world.

As I glanced up at her again, the old woman smiled suddenly and the years seemed to fall away from her and she looked at least thirty years younger than when I had first seen her. "After something special my dear?" she said quietly, so quietly I hardly heard her. "Not really," I said, "I'm just having a look, you have some really nice and unusual things here." I commented. "No two pieces from the same country and all very, very old, each and every one with it's own unique story to tell, to the right person that is!" Her voice was more like a whisper and I found myself leaning forward toward her just so I could hear what she was saying.

As I leaned over the display I began to feel strangely light headed and I had to put my hand down on the counter to steady myself. As I did so she reached forward and placed her hand on top of my own, her hand was warm and dry and surprisingly soft. Without warning I felt an incredible surge of heat pass from her fingers into the back of my hand, I tried to pull it out from under hers but she was shockingly strong and I couldn't move my hand away by so much as an inch. After a few seconds the weird and uncomfortable sensation of heat finished and disappeared as quickly as it had begun. She lifted her hand and I pulled mine to me gently rubbing it, I was too non-plussed to say anything at all. My hand was slightly red but even as I watched the redness dissipated and was gone.

I looked at her and she was smiling softly, her teeth were perfect despite her age and they appeared incongruous in such an old face, somehow though I just knew that they were hers and not dentures. Curiosity took over and I asked her what had happened, how had she done what she had to my hand. She told me not to be concerned and not to worry about anything, as everything would be all right now, just as long as I wanted it to be. I didn't have a clue what she meant but felt somehow that she was telling the truth. A feeling of calm and serenity descended over me and still smiling she turned from me and from a dark recess on the shelving behind her she withdrew a statue about twenty or so inches tall. I couldn't see it at first because her body was shielding it from view but as she turned to face me with the statue before her I let out a gasp of surprise.

In her hands was the most wonderful statue of a woman I had ever seen, far more beautiful than seemed possible. I'd never seen the like of it before; it was perfect in every way, a nude statue that radiated the essence of pure femininity of the most wonderful graceful kind. I couldn't tell what she was made of but as I touched her tentatively she felt smoother than glass and strangely warm. Her appearance was flawless, had she been a real woman I would have fallen in love with her I was so captivated by her serene beauty.

She had long wavy hair all the way to her waist, superbly detailed features, perfectly sculpted, giving her a magnetism few men would be able to resist. Her breasts were magnificent, scaled to perfection and full and ripe. Her slim waist and flat tummy topped slightly broader hips and wondrous buttocks and her legs were long and shapely. The detail was so fine you could even see her pubic hair and the twin bulge of her genitals. She stood proud and tall on her plinth, her legs slightly apart, her left foot slightly forward of her right and perfectly balanced. Her arms reached out, palms up as though she was beckoning to a lover. With her chin slightly raised it was as though she was calling to me to take her.

I was completely smitten and I knew I had to have her, I didn't care how much she cost, she was the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen and I wanted her for my own to cherish always. I dragged my eyes away from her and looked up at the old woman. She was smiling broadly now, I didn't even need to say anything, she knew I wanted the statue and before I could speak, she pushed it towards me carefully. "Take her to show your wife before you say anything, but be sure to bring her back to me if she is not acceptable!"

I glanced around looking for Hannah and after what seemed like an age finally spotted her about fifty yards away still looking through rails of old fashioned dresses. Gingerly I picked up the statue of the Goddess, for that is what I thought she was and as I turned away with her in my arms the old lady spoke again. "Her name is Kate, if you are unhappy with her you must bring her back to me straight away, do not harm her in any way and always be true to her." I promised I would look after her carefully and turned away again to find Hannah. I'd only gone a few yards when, to my horror, I realised that the old woman had called Hannah 'my wife'. She couldn't have known surely, I glanced back at her and she waved me on still smiling.

It took me a couple of minutes to locate Hannah as she had turned a corner in amongst the stalls, when I did find her she was just receiving a shopping bag from the stall holder and having some change placed in her hand. "Hannah look, isn't she beautiful," I exclaimed, "Do you think I could buy her? I promise not to ask for anything else for ages, honestly I won't." She laughed and told me to slow down. I held the statue that the old woman had called Kate, up in front of me as she approached, I could tell that she was having the same effect on her as she was on me. I would have been surprised if she hadn't reacted that way; there was something about the figure that was uniquely beautiful, captivating even.

"Oh Kate, where on earth did you find her, she's incredible, absolutely exquisite." I told her about the old lady and her small stall around the corner. "We must go and see how much she wants for her, you really must have her Kate, she's so wonderful." I was really pleased that Hannah liked the statue as much as I did and as we walked back to the stall where I'd found her I told her how the old lady had said to take the figurine to show my 'wife'. Hannah thought I must have misheard her but she was intrigued that the old woman had said that the statue's name was Kate also. I had to admit it was a strange coincidence. As we walked back to where I had found Kate, Hannah kept touching her and remarked on how incredible she was and how lifelike. She suggested that it must have taken the artist years to get her so perfect.

I stopped walking, I was a little confused now, I was standing where I thought the old ladies stall had been, but there was neither any trace of her or her stall. "That's strange!" I said. "What is?" asked Hannah. "The old ladies stall, I'm sure it was right here." "It can't have been, you must have made a mistake." She offered. "No I don't think so, I'm positive it was just here where this furniture is stacked," I insisted. Hannah chided me saying there was no way anyone could dismantle and remove a stall and then fill in the gap with a stack of old furniture in just a couple of minutes, let alone an old lady. We had a quick look around to confirm that I hadn't made a mistake but I kept ending up at the old furniture, I was absolutely convinced that this was the right place.

"Well ask someone then, someone must know where she is or where she went," Hannah told me, almost exasperated by my insistence that we were in the right place. "Well I didn't imagine it did I, or I wouldn't have the statue." "Ask that gentleman at that stall there then," she said, pointing to the one directly opposite the stack of furniture, "he would know if there had been a stall there wouldn't he?" We went over and waited patiently until the silver haired stallholder had finished serving a customer. He turned to Hannah and I with a happy smile and a gleam in his eye as his customer walked away seemingly happy with their purchase.

"And what may I do for you lovely young ladies," he began brightly, "have you seen something that takes your fancy?" I explained that we didn't exactly want to buy anything but that we were looking for the old ladies stall, the one that sold all sorts of strange objects. I told him that I thought it had been opposite his but I must have been mistaken because it wasn't there. "Oh you must mean Old Mary's stall," he said brightly, "I'm terribly sorry Miss but Old Mary's stall hasn't been there for nigh on twenty years now and I should know, I've been here myself over thirty years, ever since I left the Navy." I quickly explained that we must be talking about different people and I described the old lady with whom I had spoken, to him, I remembered her perfect white teeth and I was taken aback by his reaction to what I said. He seemed to pale visibly and told me that I couldn't possibly have seen her, though he admitted my description of her had been accurate. He started to tremble slightly, as he told us that the reason I could not possibly have spoken to her was that Old Mary had been dead for the last fifteen years. No one had taken over her stall since; it had only ever been used to store furniture, some of which had been there for years.

He backed away, saying rather gruffly that we would have to excuse him as he had far too much to do rather than stand around partaking in idle chitchat all day. With that he quickly locked his cash box and scuttled off down the aisle with only one very worried looking backward glance at Hannah and I. I couldn't understand what was happening, either someone was playing an elaborate joke or I had just been having a conversation with a ghost. As soon as that thought entered my head the hairs on the nape of my neck stood on end and I could hear Old Mary's voice telling me that I should 'never harm her and always be true to her'.

I shivered and turning to Hannah told her that I thought it would be better if we were to leave, straight away! She immediately agreed and taking firm hold of my free hand we walked as quickly as our heels would allow, straight to the exit. It was only when we were sitting back in the car that I became aware that I was still holding the statue. I told Hannah that I should go back but she just asked me whom I intended to return it to, considering I had been handed the statue by someone who had been dead for fifteen years. "I think we'd better go then," I said. I looked at Hannah, she looked at me, and we both looked at the statue called Kate. Then, starting the car, Hannah left rubber tyre marks on the surface of the car parking bay as we shot out of the car park and headed towards home as quickly as we could.

After a couple of minutes I warned Hannah to slow down a bit, we didn't need to be stopped by the police after all that had happened. She slowed the car to just under the speed limit and a couple of miles further on we pulled into a pub car park and Hannah stopped the engine. Both of us were breathing heavily, myself from fright but Hannah from excitement. "My God," she said, "you've actually seen a ghost." "I didn't just see her, she spoke to me and touched me too." I shivered as I remembered the strange heat that had passed between our hands when she touched me.

We sat in the car for the next ten minutes as I recounted to Hannah exactly what had happened, from the time I discovered Old Mary's stall to when I found her by the dresses. We couldn't think why the old lady should suddenly choose to show herself to me and then give me the beautiful statue but we both agreed that there must have been a reason for me to be given something so wonderfully special. Hannah and I turned to look at the statue of Kate, which I had placed carefully on the back seat of the car. She had lost none the impact her beauty had on us since the first time we saw her and we were each lost in our own thoughts for a few moments. "Perhaps she is magical in some way," said Hannah, "Maybe she has strange powers that we don't know about yet." I didn't know whether she had or not, but despite Hannah's fanciful reasoning, there was definitely something very special about her and I knew that I would never give her up. Now that we'd both had a little while to get over the shock of being visited by a ghost, we were calm enough to resume our journey and in just a few minutes we were back on the main road and on our way home.

 

FOUR

 

We talked about Kate all the way home but neither of us could fathom out what was so special about her aside from her magnificent beauty. All we did know was that she was absolutely enchanting and I'd already decided to build a special pedestal upon which to put her in our home. Finally we arrived at the house and after opening up and carrying the statue inside, safely placing her in the living room, I went back to help Hannah with all the bags. Doing this I noticed two new shopping bags and I realised that I hadn't as yet seen what she had been buying. As I reached over to have a look Hannah slapped my hand and told me not to be so nosy, I sulked playfully as she disappeared inside with these two bags, leaving me to carry the rest inside the house.

After we had made the tea and were relaxing on the sofa with our shoes off Hannah looked across and gazed at Kate. She was lost in thought for a while and I left her to it, reliving in my mind the wonderful time we'd had over the last couple of days as two girls about town. I didn't think I'd ever been so happy but suddenly a mist of despair threatened to engulf me as I realised our weekend was almost over and that I would soon have to revert back to being Sam. Hannah must have noticed the change in my mood because she stood up, carefully lifted the statue and placed it gently on the coffee table in front of me. "Right, you see if you can find out anything about Kate from any markings while I clean up and put things away and then I'll come and join you."

I knelt on the floor in front of Kate and carefully arranged my dress around me so it wouldn't crease up. I was soon engrossed in what I was doing and didn't even notice what Hannah was up to after she had removed the tea tray and gone through to the kitchen. I went over the statue and its base in minute detail, as I ran my fingertips over Kate's satiny smooth features, I could feel a strange warmth that seemed to be radiating from her and felt a calm glow deep inside myself. No matter how long I looked at her or touched her, I never tired of her beauty, She was striking and I couldn't help but wonder whom the real life model may have been.

It was when I lay the statue down and inspected the base that I found some markings. They were, I found on looking closer, words inscribed around the lower edge of the plinth, etched so small that they appeared to be just a random pattern and were extremely difficult to see. I could only make out one or two words and I and I thought I'd better get the magnifying glass from our office if I wanted to be able to see them more clearly. I made sure the statue was secure then got up to go upstairs. As I passed our bedroom I realised Hannah was in there and called out to her.

"Don't you come in yet, I'm not ready for you," she snapped. "What are you up to in there?" I asked. "Never mind what I'm doing you just get on with whatever it is you are doing okay? I'll see you in a little while." Completely non-plussed as to what she might be up to, I never the less left her to it and carried on to the office to fetch the magnifying glass. Back in the living room armed with the glass and a pad and pencil, I began to try and decipher what was written on the base of the statue.

Even with the aid of the magnifying glass I could only make out a few of the words inscribed on the strange material of the base. I realised that so far I'd given no thought as to what Kate might be made from. The statue didn't appear to be sculpted from any metal that I recognised and yet seemed to be too heavy to be some kind of wood, even one of the exotic hardwoods that were so difficult to find these days. Try as I might I couldn't find a single other mark anywhere, either on the base or on the statue itself. Apart from the inscription around the edge of the base it was totally unmarked, not a scratch or a dent anywhere. It seemed impossible that something that appeared to be so old should have escaped the ravages of time completely unscathed.

Softly I caressed the wonderful statue, tracing my fingers over her surface, I could almost believe that the pulse of blood in my fingertips actually emanated from within the beautiful creature. I began to feel light-headed again, and thought that it must be from all the excitement of the weekend, especially seeing Mary's ghost. My heart began to thud loudly in my chest as I placed Kate upright before me on the low table. Still kneeling in front of it, the dizziness seemed to worsen and I had to steady myself by holding on to the table to prevent myself from falling over to one side. My vision began to blur, the colours faded and darkened before starting to swim and dance, everything turned to grey and as it turned to blackness I felt myself slipping sideways, then there was nothing but the dark heavy cloying darkness all around me.

There was a light, and I struggled towards it, the inky blackness all around me slowing my movement like treacle. I couldn't see myself but somehow I knew that I was all right, even though everything around me was wrapped in darkness except for the light ahead. Slowly the light grew and the darkness turned to grey, suddenly all about me was a radiant light, I knew I must have been dreaming because when I looked down at myself I was naked. I remembered with clarity the weekend I had shared with Hannah and I was sure I could hear her voice far away, calling to me. I wanted to go to her but I couldn't seem to turn around, I could only move forward to where the light was at its brightest. Although brighter than anything I'd seen before, it didn't seem to hurt my eyes at all and had a curiously calming effect that was not unpleasant.

The centre most part of the light began to shimmer and move, appearing to form a tall column. As I watched entranced, the column resolved itself slowly into a more recognisable form and within minutes became the living twin of the statue of Kate that Hannah and I had brought home. She too was naked and as she approached me she smiled radiantly and I was again totally enchanted by her flawless beauty. She began to speak to me in a soft musical whisper that was perfect in clarity and I smiled….

My name was being called over and over again, the voice was tinged with worry and concern and anxiety. I knew the voice it was Hannah. I could feel something laying over me, not heavy but soft and warm. As I began to awaken I realised I was in bed, opening my eyes I saw Hannah and she was beautiful even though she appeared to have been weeping. She was holding my hand in both of hers and squeezing gently as she repeated my name over and over again. When she saw my eyes open she sobbed once with relief then smiled her wonderful smile and I knew instantly I was all right even though I felt strange, as though something wasn't quite as it should be.

"Sam my love, are you okay?" She asked me. "I think so, I remember feeling dizzy and then I suppose I must have blacked out." "When I found you I was so worried, I thought you were dead, you were breathing so lightly I couldn't see it, but then you smiled and I knew you were going to be okay, I just knew it." She asked me what had happened and after collecting my thoughts for a few seconds I told her everything I could remember, and for the first time ever I found I could recall everything that had happened to me both before and after I lost consciousness.

I began by telling her how, after speaking to her through the bedroom door, I had collected the magnifying glass from the office then returned to the living room to examine the statue of Kate and the plinth upon which she stood. I explained how I had read only the words I could actually see, and strangely, I could recall exactly what they were.

'Be thou not what ye seem, come unto me and release us from this torment….' There was a gap then, words I could not see to read and then, '…. Thou must speak my own true name but thrice holding me toward the brightness and enlightenment will follow….' More unreadable writing and then the single strange word, '…. Lorani…'

I told Hannah how I had read the whole thing through a couple of times, in an attempt to decipher more of the script but I hadn't been able to. I described how I had begun to feel light-headed and how I'd had to hold onto the table to prevent myself from falling over, then the dizziness and the darkness as I either fainted or passed out.

Hannah asked if I was okay to go on and I said I was, in fact I'd never felt better, the forty winks I'd enjoyed had really given me a much needed rest. I didn't even need a drink of water or anything; Hannah looked surprised at that! I continued by telling her what had happened in my dream after I lost consciousness. About the kaleidoscope of colours and how everything had turned dark but for one bright light that had become the living Kate. She had spoken to me in my dream and she had told me that she was not all that she seemed to us to be.

She had taken me on a journey through time, at least it seemed like that but I suppose it could have all happened in my mind, put there by Kate. I had found myself in a strange New World where everyone was beautiful, both the men and the women. Most appeared to be quite young and vibrant, perhaps in their twenties, but there were a few, very few old people there, to whom the young showed a great deal of reverence and respect. We floated Kate and I, over the heads of these people, they didn't seem to be able to see us or hear us and we were in a huge bright chamber much like the Baronial Hall in a castle. A young man and woman stood in chains before a semi-circular table; behind which twelve of the Elders stood dressed in hooded cloaks. The mood was sombre as they stood watching the young couple in their chains.

The girl's shoulders trembled as though she was weeping quietly her head bowed down and the young man made as if to comfort her, though unable to touch her, his quiet words of consolation went unheeded. I could see that she was completely distraught but the young man stood proud and tall, the only outward sign of his nervousness was a muscle twitching in his strong neck. As the scene unfolded below me I realised that I was watching something from ancient history or from another world, the whole thing was reminiscent of Cleopatra or the ancient Greeks.

My thoughts were interrupted by the central figure behind the carved table, the tallest of them all, he pulled back his hood to reveal a strong Regal face beneath snow white hair and a pure white beard. His voice boomed as he spoke and I could tell he was seething with rage and anger.

"We have made a decision, stand forward Lorani and Katelina, and hear my judgement. Lorani, you stand before us accused of requiting the forbidden love of my daughter Katalina, who is not only of my Royal blood but also the High Priestess in waiting to the house of the Gods. You knew that the Gods and myself forbade your love, yet you chose to wantonly and openly defy us and for that you must and will be punished. My daughter has been touched by your hand, you have used her body to pleasure yourself and because of that she is now no longer suitable or worthy of her position, you have destroyed the gift that the Gods saw fit to bestow upon her making them angry beyond reason."

He was like a man lost as he spoke the anger had left his voice and he appeared to shrivel as he spoke of his only daughter. She was sobbing openly now, her head hung down and the tears fell freely from her cheeks to splash upon the polished stone floor.

"You Katelina are no longer my daughter, you will be cast out of my Royal house and out of the priesthood. You will be escorted to a land far away by a regiment of my soldiers who will not see you or speak to you. You will have only the company of an old crone who will be your equal, no longer a priestess or princess, you will be clad in rags and exiled forever from this kingdom and it's people. Should you dare to return you will be put to the sword and your body fed to the laughing dogs on the Great Plains, they in turn will be slaughtered and the carcasses fed to the wild animals in the forests that surround the land of the people."

His voice cracked as he pronounced her sentence, where after she was immediately dragged away calling out pitifully for her father and Lorani by two hatchet faced priestesses who were smiling gleefully, enjoying every moment of Katelinas fall from grace. Once she was gone, he shook himself and pulled back his shoulders to stand tall once more. His anger flooded back, reddening his handsome features and strengthening his already powerful voice.

"As for you Lorani, you have deprived our people of a beloved princess and myself of my innocent sweet daughter. Your punishment shall be decided within the hour, and punished you shall be, for despite being favoured within this Court, you have betrayed my trust and delivered me to the hands of my enemies. Those who would say that I have no control over my people."

Lorani spoke then; "If you truly love your daughter, have mercy upon her and allow her to remain at your side, do what you will with me for I am guilty in your eyes, though guilty only of loving Katelina with all my heart. I beg of you, spare her my Lord."

The white bearded King exploded with anger and stormed around the huge carved table until he stood face to face with Lorani, for he was equal in height to the great King despite his young age. Through clenched teeth and loud enough only for Lorani to hear, the King cursed him, swearing that had there been any other way open to him he would have taken it, but his enemies had forced him to act as he had, punishing his beautiful Katelina at their insistence. The Gods they said, demanded the severest of penalties, anything less would be considered an insult. Despite everything, he still felt for the boy but there was nothing he could do. His death was assured; it was only the manner in which his life would be taken that was as yet undecided.

The King turned on his heel and returned to his place at the table, his heart lurched as he saw the beautiful statue of his daughter Katelina set on the table top before him. Carved from moonstone, it was the exact likeness of Katelina herself and seeing it struck the King like a dagger to his heart. It had taken all his strength to pass the sentence of the court upon his daughter, but he'd had to do it, the alternative was unthinkable. He could not condemn his own flesh and blood to the pit of fire, the customary punishment for any priestess that had fallen by the wayside. At least alive she would have a chance to make a decent life for herself far away. His voice boomed out across the great hall, as he demanded to know who had placed the statue on the table, mocking him cruelly. He almost swept the statue to the stone floor where it would have shattered into thousands of pieces but managed to control himself just in time. The ancient and wizened High Priest who was his greatest enemy snorted with derision at the cracked voice of emotion.

"I sent for it Great King, therein lies the punishment of Lorani," whined the decrepit old man. "Explain yourself Priest," demanded the King. "The moonstone from which it is carved is said to have many mystical properties," cackled the priest, "It is believed that it will capture the soul of those killed by it, holding them forever a prisoner inside and denying them passage to the Gods. Trapped within the moonstone the soul survives, seeing and hearing all about them, unable though to respond in movement, touch or speech for all time."

The King staggered under the enormity of what the Priest was saying, this punishment was inhuman; to be trapped forever inside the statue of the woman you loved is a terrible thing to do to anyone. "I will not allow this." "You have no choice my King, it has already been decided by the Great Council, Lorani is to be put to death by the image of the woman he despoiled and his soul will then be forever trapped inside to ponder his crime for all eternity. Should you choose to disallow this then your enemies will judge your action as a sign of weakness and strike at you, your Kingdom will then be forever lost." The King realised finally that he had been manipulated into a position where he could not refuse the punishment demanded by the Priest and the great Council, most of who were his enemies.

"So be it, the punishment stands." The King capitulated slumping to his chair he looked across the stone floor to where Lorani stood, still proud and tall and his heart went out to the young warrior who had served him so well that he had been promoted to command of his own personal bodyguard. His strength and courage were unquestioned but he doubted that even he had the courage to face such a death with fortitude.

"When shall the punishment be served," He demanded to know. "At the rising of the Great Moon this very day, it is a sign in our favour that the moon is at it's fullest this night and we shall be well rewarded by the Gods for such an important offering." The Priest could barely disguise his glee, Lorani's fate was sealed and as he was led away in chains he caught the Kings eye and he stopped in his tracks. "Honour me my Lord, allow me to see Katelina but once more before I die and I will go to my death willingly."

The Priest stepped in before the King could say anything. "She will be brought to see your execution at the Ceremony of the Moon and not before, then and only then will you last lay eyes on the woman you stole from the Gods." He was actually grinning as he spoke those terrible words. Was there no end to this vile man's cruelty, thought the King, who was now unable to alter what was to happen? The High Priest was untouchable by virtue of his position and had been a thorn in the side of the King for many years.

The Court was cleared leaving the King alone in his seat, the statue of his daughter before him. He didn't know if he could face his daughter again this day, she would believe that he was responsible for the terrible punishment that had been planned for Lorani and would hate him for it. He knew though that he must be strong, it would only be his presence that would prevent her death also at the ceremony of the Moon and he had to be strong for her.

The light became darker and the courtroom faded slowly to blackness before becoming a chill cliff top where the Ceremony of the Moon was about to witness the execution of Lorani and the casting out of Katelina.

All of the people of the great City were in attendance to witness the cruel punishment of the Princess Katelina and the soldier Lorani. They were there not by choice but because the Kings enemies had let it be known that anyone who failed to witness the execution would in turn suffer greatly. The High Priest was dressed in his ceremonial robes at the moonstone altar, within the clear circle before it sat the King with two of his strongest bravest bodyguard who loved the king and knew that he was not responsible for their commander's fate. Lorani himself stood in front of the altar chained in gold as befitted the order of the ceremony. Opposite the King and as far away as the clearing would allow knelt Katelina, who even in this her final hour was still the most beautiful of all womankind, a golden collar whose steel chain bound her to the two evil priestesses embraced her neck.

An ancient hag, the oldest and most worthless of the priestesses lay on the ground behind her, wailing her misfortune at having been chosen to accompany Katelina in her exile. She had been dragged unceremoniously from her cell where her beloved flagons of deep red wine now lay smashed and spilled on the uneven stone floor. The wailing of the old hag was the only sound in the twilight, apart from the low keening of the wind, despite the many thousands of forced spectators from the City.

The wailing broke down into sobbing as the Priest waited for the silver moon to reach its zenith, the highest point in its arc, which would signal Lorani's doom. The moonstone statue stood alone on the altar bathed in the glow of the moonlight, its beauty unsurpassed by any but Katalina herself. The Priest began the incantation of sacrifice to the Moon Gods and even the crying hag fell silent as his strangely powerful voice rang out over the cliff top and the silent multitudes.

The King was watching his daughter and saw the precise moment at which she realised what was happening, she started forward a cry forming on her lips but was yanked back cruelly by the chain and golden collar wielded by the evil harridans. The executioner appeared from behind the altar, a huge ebony skinned black, with finely oiled skin covering his massive almost grotesquely muscled frame. He knelt before the Priest and yet was still as tall, then the Priest reached forward anointing him with the authority to carry out the execution in the name of the Gods. When he stood up the Priest moved to the rear of the altar and signalled for Lorani to be brought forward. As he walked to his death his eyes never left the wondrous beauty of Katelina, he smiled at her then before she could respond he turned to face the huge black who was to take his life.

(continued)

  

  

  

*********************************************
© 2004 by Lidija Jay. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, and compilation design) may be printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without the express written consent of StorySite and the copyright holder.