Chapter 34
Lauren stuck the key in the lock and the light shined brightly through the opening of the gate. They walked all the way in and the gate closed and relocked. "Is that to keep people in or out?"
"Good question. Remember, I told you, I separated each realm and gave the gods and goddesses a chance to choose which realm they wanted to be attached to. Well, the separation goes throughout all the heavens as well. The gods and goddesses from each realm would often fight and cause havoc in each realm. When the separation happened most of the violence stopped. If a god or goddess wants to move to another realm, they have to go through a tribunal before they can come to petition just me. As the trinity, we make all decisions."
"Okay, so, not only do I watch over the realms, but I also watch over the heavens."
"No. I watch over the heavens. If a heavenly being needs to go somewhere, I will make sure they get there. I will tell you so that you can be aware of them, but their policing will be on me." God said clearly. "Now, let's go meet your ancestors."
He waved his hand and they were suddenly transported to a banquet room. God escorted them to the head of the table. "I would like to introduce you all to the new Keeper of the Keys, Lauren Williams, and her consort Cartrell. And yes, she knows you can't ask her to open gates or doors for you." They all laughed.
Gaia, who headed the second table, walked over to Lauren, "Hello, I am Gaia. The Almighty has probably told you that I was the first Keeper. It is nice to meet you."
"Yes, he did. I am glad to meet you. I hope we can spend some time together before I have to leave. You are never too big to learn from wisdom and experience."
"So true I like you already," Gaia said with a giggle. "Let's make sure we talk before you leave then." She went back to her seat.
"This is a wonderful greeting. I am happy to meet all of you." Lauren said in a louder voice.
"And this is Cartrell. He is the present King of the beast. We owe this meeting to him." The Almighty announced. Cartrell was welcome to sit at the table.
Conversations began and music played while everyone ate the meal provided. "So this is the offspring of Themis and Zeus's line. I thought that line died out with Eunomia." Hera said.
"No, there are six generations after Eunomia, including Lauren." The Almighty replied.
"Well, she is lovely," Aphrodite said. "I am glad to meet you. "Do you know what your goddess power is?"
"Well, I assume it is discernment since it was the first to be awakened and the strongest I have."
"That is correct." The Almighty confirmed.
"You certainly know a lot about the Keeper, but I guess that could be said about all of the goddesses that have been keepers," Hera observed.
"Ever since The position was created I felt it necessary to monitor it from afar. That way if there was a problem, I could come help the keeper." The Almighty explained.
"I still haven't figured out why the keeper always seems to be a female and why so many of us didn't qualify to be the keeper. Why don't you hold a competition or something for the position? The goddess is always a nobody and is chosen by the keeper before them. I mean, I think I would make an excellent keeper. So why was I not chosen?" Artemis questioned.
"My methods are not to be questioned!" God said with such force the room shook and everyone fell silent. "I created everything the way I wanted it to be. Changes made by me are also my choice. Don't question me." He looked at Artemis sternly then got up and left the banquet.
"Let's go have our talk, my dear," Gaia said. Lauren and Cartrell got up and joined Gaia. She swept them away to a private garden where God was sitting. "I knew you would be here." She said as they walked closer to him. "Thank you for honoring our agreement." He gave Gaia a friendly hug.
"I'm sorry I blew up back there. I just don't like it when they get so arrogant they think they can question me. They are my creations and just because they are called gods and goddesses by the rest of my creations and because I couldn't think of anything else to call them when I made them, they think they are on my level. I could have just destroyed that whole time of creation and started again but I chose to see them as a learning experience and to try again without destroying them. They take things too far just like Lilith and Lucifer used to. I mean how can something created truly think it can overthrow its creator? With just a thought I could…"
"Yes. I know. You are a generous and benevolent creator. I am glad and grateful you did not start over. Just give Artemis a spanking by not letting one of her plans come to fruition and she will remember that she is just a creation." Gaia interrupted.
"You always know the right thing to say. Gaia, born in a time when my mind was in chaos, with no mother or father, you were crafted from me and from you the Earth was born. Your play and artistic joy designed the planet I chose to place my ultimate creation on. Mother Earth."
"Stop flattering me. I am just a creation just like the rest."
"No. You are different from all creation. That is why you came up with separating the realms so I didn't have to, as you so eloquently put it, start again."
"I didn't know the whole story, Gaia. You seem to be very important to God." Lauren said.
"Yes, but not as important as your mother. I am more like a sister to him or a confidant. Lilith used to advise him as well until she pushed him into making decisions that hurt humankind. They have never been the same since. Have you seen her lately?' Gaia asked.
"Not in forty years. She is not allowed to leave the hell realm. It will soon be time to finish that business. My son did not give his life in vain. Thanks to him, so many human lives have been saved."
"Hey, how can you tell your creation to forgive themselves if you can't forgive yourself? It will be alright. This trial will give you the humans that are worthy to be called your children."
"See. Always the right things to say." God smiled. He hooked Cartrell around the neck and pulled him away to sit separately from Gaia and Lauren so they could talk.
"Just so you know, I asked God to keep it private. If the rest of the gods and goddesses knew that I was different, that my whole line through Themis was different, They would throw a fit and he would have to destroy them." Lauren was about to speak but Gaia continued. "Chaos and Darkness or God's uncertainty after his failure with the angels, born three boys and a girl. We were not really siblings but the first beings God created after the angels. We are the parentage of all the gods and goddesses, just us four. God put his light within me, so the ability to reproduce came from within me. I decided to bless the female beings born from me with the ability to procreate. The male gods do not lead in that matter as they do in humankind. I think God felt like women had too much sway after they sinned in the garden since they were tricked by that serpent, Lucifer, first. Adam would have never lived without Eve. But if he had never sinned, God would have never lost to Lucifer. There's so much to that story. Anyway, we are different from humankind, but since God loves them so much, I felt that the keeper should sympathize with them. I came up with the plan that the keeper is raised as a human and comes from my line through Themis. Themis was the closest goddess to humankind. Even though Zeus tried to spoil her, she didn't let him change her. She lives separately from them to this day. All of the keepers stay away from the gods and goddesses from every religious group, except Oliver, Beatrice, and Evandalyn right now because Evandalyn is healing. Oliver and Beatrice will probably go back to their home in the Keeper's heaven when Evandalyn is healed."
Gaia stopped talking and looked at Lauren. Lauren took that as her cue, "I thank you for giving me our family history or at least explaining why we are the keepers. And I now know why I didn't meet any of the keepers. Can we go to Keeper's Heaven so I can meet the others? They are truly my ancestors."
Gaia smiled, "You just met your dad's side of the family, I guess."
"Not really, I met my distant cousins. Dad, Jesus, and I guess the Holy Spirit would be on his side."
"True. Well, at any rate, let's see if he will allow you to go to the Keeper's heaven or even meet Jesus and the Holy Spirit, shall we."
"I have accepted Jesus as my savior and commune with the holy spirit in prayer. I know them through faith."
"Okay, I love that you said that. Let's got the Keepers then."
Gaia asked God if they could go meet the other keepers. He agreed and moved them to the gate. "They like to keep themselves separate from the others so you have a key to this gate as well. Your key will alert them to your presence."
Lauren looked down at the keys and saw one with an aquamarine light. She picked it up and used it to open the gate. The cloudy feel lifted and a sunny flowery view materialized. They entered the gate and it closed behind them. Lauren felt like she recognized the scene. Then, it dawned on her. It was the keep and town around the keep.
"Yeah," Gaia said, "I know. It looks just like the keep. I love that place so much. I set this up so that it looked just like it. It adapts and changes as the new keeper adds to it. This is my room. Each Keeper has their own spire and their entourage can choose to be here with them if they want. I can even visit you through this door. She went to a door in the keeper's spire, but she didn't open it. I haven't desired to visit the real keep until now. I can't wait to see how you will improve it. You are in the age of technology and the art of your age is so unique. I can't wait to see what you do. You are even mated to a dragon, a lion, and an ancient demigod. You are going to be a wonder. Did you see a god that you fancied?"
Lauren was a little shocked by the question but she shouldn't have been. "I didn't take much notice of the gods in the short time we were there. I really didn't like the attitudes that were shown on the faces of most of the gods there."
Well. Maybe someone here will. I know you have been told that you should have a bond or mate from every realm. Your heavenly mate is different. It is for the continuation of the family line and the next keeper."
"I understand but I will still be choosy of the men in my life. Good looks are not everything. Intelligence, honesty, trustworthiness, and love will have to be part of any joining that is to produce a child. I couldn't let anyone into my child's life if they were not worthy, so I hope I can meet someone that is worthy."
"Yes, well, let's get you to meeting a few good men."
"None of your bonded or mated will ever be angry because you take another mate." Lauren heard Gerald say in her head. "We trust your judgment when it comes to the men you bring into your inner circle. I am here if you need help with first impressions or checking their intentions. I am always with you. We are one."
"Gerald, it is so good to hear your voice. I am sorry I haven't been contacting you daily. I am not used to speaking through my head."
"I know. Don't worry. You will get used to it in time."
"I will be happy to have your help in picking the addition to our circle. Between you and Cartrell, I should have enough help."
"What? I don't get a say?" Tom was in her head as well.
"Wow. This is so weird. I can have all of you near me in my head while I go through this. Okay. I can do this with you all here."
"Give me a minute." Lauren closed her eyes. Her mind went to memories of a movie in which translucent people walked around and interacted with people. She used that memory to create a virtual Gerald and Tom. She opened her eyes. "Yes!" She shouted. "Magic is so cool!"
Gerald, Tom, and Cartrell looked at each other and then laughed. "Well, I guess this is one way to do it. You really do want us with you." Gerald said.
"I'm glad we're not doing anything distracting." Tom teased.
"I'm able to play with our brood and be made virtual." Gerald bragged.
"Anyway," Gaia interrupted, "Gentlemen, it is nice to meet you. I'm Gaia, Mother Earth and the first keeper."
"It's wonderful to meet you." Gerald continued to act as the lead.
"Lauren I guess that means you will choose a candidate to get to know?"
"We will. They are just as much a part of this as I am. We're in this together."
"Very wise." Gaia smiled. "Let's go down for breakfast and I will bring people to meet you. You can talk with them and discern their stories. Your men can listen and wander around so they can get a better picture of how they behave when not trying to impress you. That should allow you all to get enough information."
"I will make it so we all can see the discernment. Then we'll come back here to decide together."
"As you wish, because you are our heart," Cartrell said and the others agreed. Lauren blushed and followed Gaia to the cafeteria.
When they entered the room, everyone bowed. "Welcome, our lady Gaia." Then they stood straight. Once Gaia and Lauren sat down, everyone else sat down as well.
"I would like to introduce you to our newest keeper, Lauren and her bonded. They have come to find a candidate for her consort. The selection today doesn't guarantee acceptance. She will verbally express her decision clearly when her choice is made. Everyone will have an opportunity to visit with her and her bonded. She will be with us until she decides."
"Can we stay here that long? What about your kingdom?" Lauren asked Cartrell.
"We will return back to the time we left."
Lauren calmed down and decided to enjoy the process. One by one, the gods were introduced to Lauren and her bonded. Cartrell asked questions and Lauren discerned their character. Gerald and Tom invisibly moved through the room, catching conversations and comments.
"Lauren, let me introduce Antonus. He is the son of the fifth keeper, Chilayan. He is great with horses and animals." Then, Gaia left them alone."
"Hello. I hope you don't mind that I have Cartrell ask you questions." Lauren stated.
"No. It will be fine." He replied.
"It's nice to meet you. How did you get to be so good with horses and animals?"
"Well, I was raised with them as a child. My parents lived on Earth as zoologists.
"Where did you live?"
"In India. My father was also a veterinarian and worked with the elephant rescue efforts. I would hang out with the native children and we played in the jungle near the village we lived in. As we grew up, we studied the animals and the jungle in school and one of our teachers would bring in an animal and we got to train with the animals. I decided to follow in my parents' footsteps and Study zoology and anthropology."
While Antonus continued answering Cartrell's questions, Lauren used her power of discernment. She saw him as a child with the animals but not with the other children. When the other children came around, they would pick at him and throw stuff at him. In school, he sat at the front of the class away from everyone else and he chose to stay after school to help work with the animals. It wasn't a terrible lie but she hated that he felt he had to lie to her.
Gaverin was next. His mother introduced him and didn't want to leave his side. Lauren's discernment showed a very spoiled child that had servants to do everything for him. His mother planned out his entire life and marriage to her was her ultimate goal. "Through you and her, I could have a second chance at being the keeper."
"Poor guy is a momma's boy. He will not be an asset." Tom thought.
Next, Gaia introduced Carlton. "Carlton is an adventurer from Gildiland."
"You are the second person I have met from Gildiland. Can you tell me about your kingdom and yourself?"
"Sure. Gildiland is a small settlement outside of Alfheim. It was established when it was recognized that there were more mixed-race elves than there were Light and Dark Elves. To discourage interracial matings, there became three cities, each holding different races. If you are of both light and dark, You are from Gildiland. I am an accountant and banker there. I like to organize and calculate. Some would say I am a bit obsessive about it, but I just like to know that everything is in its place."
"Are you only that way with the books?" Cartrell asked.
"Yes. Well, my home is neat and organized as well. I don't try to push my way of keeping things straight on others if that is what you are asking. I won't live in a mess either. I think everyone should live as they want to without having to be unhappy because someone else is forcing their way of life on you."
"Good answer." Tom thought.
"You know we can hear your thoughts," Gerald told Tom.
"Oh. I forgot. I'm just getting used to this voice-in-the-head thing." Everyone had a little laugh.
"But you are right. I like him so far." Gerald said.
Lauren began her discernment. She saw him as a little child running around with several other children laughing and playing. He was smiling and having fun. His school years were also filled with smiles. He really enjoyed doing his schoolwork and getting good grades. As an adult, he lived independently and had a great job. On weekends, he would hang out with his friends. He seemed to have a well-adjusted life. "Okay, we will keep him on the list. I liked Antonus as well. I just want to know why he felt like he needed to hide his truth."
"Okay, so, we will get to know him also." Gerald said, "Is there anyone else to meet?"
Gaia moved towards them with another god. "This is the last candidate. His name is Solomon. I know he is young but I believe everyone should get the chance to meet you. I know you have noticed that most of the children we bear are girls. Only one girl gets to become the Keeper and I get the final choice. Of course, if you only have one girl then it is obvious who that will be. If you don't have any children, the keeper position will go to another branch of my line. That has never happened so I am not worried. Now, I will leave you to speak with Solomon."
Solomon looked like he was nine or ten years old. "Hi, Solomon."
"Hello. Don't worry. I am not here to be chosen as your consort. I am here to answer any questions you may have about the older gods you just met. I am a seer and as the youngest, I get a chance to learn from observing. So, what do you want to know?"
"Well, I am glad I don't have to worry about not choosing you. I guess you can tell me anything you think will help me in making my decision. I need a god that is honest, trustworthy, and loving. I don't want to be taken advantage of and I don't think a few days will give me a true picture."
"If we can be alone, I can give you a lifetime of their history deeper than your discernment would. Your bonded can still listen through the bond, but I get a little nervous when others are in the room."
"Okay." Cartrell left the room and joined the others observing the candidates and listening to conversations.
"Now. As a seer, everything that has happened while I have been alive is stored in my mind. All of history, not just what happened to me. Because I am connected to Gaia, who was the first, and you, I can show you life from the beginning of her time until now. You will experience it as if you were watching a television show. I can pause when needed. By doing this you will know everything you need to know to make any decisions you need to make about anything. You will be able to stop the repetition of negative history." He stopped talking so she could ask any questions she wanted to. "Are you all ready?"
"Yes." He sat down beside her and took her hands. "Take a deep cleansing breath into your nose and let it out of your mouth slowly." She did as he instructed. She breathed in slowly, filling her lungs to capacity. She then slowly breathed out. In that breath, she saw the history of Earth. The force from the vision drained her and when Cartrell came back to her side she was resting.
Gerald and Tom came into the room as well. "I hope she will be okay and that she saw what she needed to see."
"We all saw what she saw. It was very helpful." Gerald stated. Cartrell, I am going to give Lauren a power boost. Maintaining our virtual forms and going through that history walk has almost depleted her. You need to stay strong because you are physically with her and are her only guard. Tom, can you give her some power?"
"Yes. I mean, that is the reason we are bonded."
Tom and Gerald both sent power to Lauren. It felt so exhilarating to Lauren that she moaned and sighed in pleasure. "Oh, dear. I hope that didn't make her…"
"I think she will be okay," Tom said.
"Make her what?" Cartrell asked.
"The double dose of power might make her act a little tipsy. You know, free-minded."
"Oh, OOH. I will be sure to watch her and keep her by my side. No side dalliances for our Lady."
"Yeah, unless it is with you," Tom said.
"I will not push her for her affection, but I would love to hold her and caress her. I wish she was more open to me, but I don't want it to be because she is tipsy. I will just hold her tonight and if she wants more, I will wrap her up in a blanket until she can soberly consent."
"I respect you for that," Tom said.
"Yes. Thank you for honoring her." Gerald said.
"I will do my best." At that, Cartrell gathered Lauren in his arms and took her to Gaia's spire.
They stayed in a guest room and he placed Lauren on the bed. As he tried to pull away, she grabbed his arm. So, he climbed into the bed behind her and gathered her to his chest, and fell asleep. During the night, Lauren had turned to face Cartrell. Their faces almost touched. She could feel the heat of his breath and hear his calm breathing. She opened her eyes and studied his face. She could see the lion in his features and was grateful that he didn't take advantage of her condition during the evening. She would have probably given in.
His eyes opened and he looked directly into her eyes. She could see the flakes of sunlight in his beautiful hazel eyes. She moved closer and gave him a kiss on his lips. He kissed her back and ended the kiss when she moved away. Their eyes met again and they lay there just staring at each other, not saying a word. Lauren put her hand on his chest and rubbed down and over his abs. He sighed and closed his eyes, soaking in her touch. She outlined his thigh and squeezed the strong muscle. The act sent heat through his body, but he still didn't make a move to touch her. She sat up and pushed him, coaxing him to lay on his back. He obeyed the request, then she laid her head on his chest and fell back to sleep. He wrapped his arms around her and enjoyed holding her as he went back to sleep.
Early the next morning, Gerald walked into Lauren's dreams and woke her up. "How long are you going to torture this faithful lion?"
"I didn't know I was torturing him." She looked at Cartrell and saw that his desire was stiff and the sheet they were sleeping under made a little teepee. "Oh. I just don't want to lose your love or damage us in any way. Plus, I have never initiated anything like this before."
"We are perfectly fine. I am going to help you. Will that make you more comfortable in our relationship?"
"Um. I guess."
"Okay. lay on your side beside him." She did as she was told. "Last night you touched his chest and abs. You even touched his thigh." She looked shocked that he knew. "We are connected. We can feel everything each other feels and see what each other is doing. Soon Cartrell will be included in the bond. Tom is not connected in the same way and won't be unless you desire it." She nodded her understanding. "Now, touch him the same way you did last night." She reached out her hand and began to rub Cartrell's chest and abs. Cartrell took in a deep and a smile played on his lips. He tightened the arm he had behind her back. "See he likes your touch. Now, explore more of his body. No. it will not bother me." He cut her off before she could ask. So she did as she was told. When she touched his groin, he opened his eyes.
"Is everything okay, Lauren?" Cartrell asked without moving. He looked at her hand as she stroked his manhood then back into her eyes.
As an answer, she kissed him.
"She is sober, Cartrell. I'm helping her seduce you. She wants to be with you." Gerald said to only Cartrell in his head. "Just go with it. You are the first person she started things with. You need to accept her moves and take over so she won't go back to being shy."
"Okay. Thanks." Cartrell relaxed and deepened the kiss. He moved her over his body and caressed her back. He didn't want to take control from her but he wanted her to know he wanted her too.
They lay there kissing, with Lauren on top of him for a few more minutes. "I am still new at this. Gerald usually leads."
"I know. He sat up and leaned against the headboard. He helped her out of her clothes and he took off his pants. They were now both naked and she was enjoying the view. He maneuvered her so that she straddled his lap. Heat came from her and he reached between her legs and began manipulating her folds. Moisture pooled in his hand and her hips began to move. She stroked his manhood and it tightened more. She raised up on her knees and hovered over the head of his shaft. She let him go and put both hands on his shoulders. He guided her hot moist sex to where she could sit down with him deep inside her and she began to lower herself down. He let her take in the bulb of his shaft and stopped her so she could get used to the feel of him. Then, he slowly let her slide the rest of the way down.
Once he was in her to the hilt, she breathed heavily and moaned in pleasure. "You will learn that there is more than one way to make love. You are so beautiful. I love being able to look at you while you are full of me. Do you want to move?" She nodded her head. "It's okay for you to talk." She shook her head no. "Okay, I understand. Move up on your knees and then sit back down." She did as instructed and was filled with a rush of pleasure. She did it again and again building the pressure within her until she couldn't take it anymore.
"You are beautiful," Gerald said, letting her know he was okay with her. "I love you so much." His words sent a flood of pleasure through her that she didn't expect. "Dragons do not like to share but I find this lion worthy. You will always be mine. Give him all of you. Lose yourself in the pleasure he wants to give you." Gerald sent a spark of power through her making her let go of her grip on the belief that she could only be with one man. She lost all of her inhibitions.
Cartrell held her loosely, his manhood tingled unbearably, but he held onto his form. She rode him, slicking his shaft with every stroke. Like a volcano, the pressure built and was so sweetly bringing dizziness. Then, she released the pressure. The power and desire that came from the release forced Cartrell to also explode. It was an orgasmic sensation of ecstasy and power. He was enraptured in her joy. She stayed on his lap with her head on his chest until it was time for them to get up. They showered together and then went to breakfast.
Gerald and Tom rejoined Lauren virtually in Gaia's dining room while they ate breakfast. Lauren blushed heavily and couldn't look Gerald in the eyes. Gerald wasn't going to have that. He walked over to her and raised her face to his forcing her to look at him. "You were beautiful with him, Lauren. Don't spoil it by feeling guilty. I love you." He kissed her and Cartrell walked up to them as well.
"I'm sorry. I didn't notice that she was feeling guilty. Thanks for keeping a check on her." Cartrell joined Gerald in hugging Lauren. "We work together to make you happy. Like you said, we are a team. We men that you allow to become close to you are not going to try to pull you away from one of the others. We want to have you happy."
They hugged her tighter and she breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay. I promise I will get over this feeling and I thank you for your support and strength."
"I know that Gaverin is out of the running because he can't bring his maids or his mother and we don't do spoiled, agreed?" Tom asked. He had not even noticed the conversation the others were having.
"Agreed." They all said at once and moved to the dining table.
"I liked both Antonus and Carlton for different reasons," Lauren stated.
"Well then, have them both," Gaia said. "You can have as many bonds as you want. Antonus brings in an aspect of knowledge that is not really focused on by anyone but Gavin the Vampire of Evandalyn and he studies species and how they work with humans. Carlton is an Elf and I don't think you have an Elf as a consort so you will cover that realm. It will also give you three avenues to bringing in a child that can become the next keeper."
"Three?" Lauren asked.
"Well, yes. The dragon is also a heavenly being from my line."
"What? How?" Gerald asked.
"Pakhangba is my son and Leimarel is my daughter. The mother and father of dragons came out of me. They are born from the stars and came out of the Earth. Isn't that what you were told? I am the Earth Mother." When Gaia finished, she smiled. So, you have three avenues. If you have more than one daughter, they will all be trained and the best one will be chosen."
"It was so different for me," Lauren said.
"With God being your father and Evandalyn's accident, it couldn't be helped. So, what will it be? Will you take both young men with you?"
"What are Antonus and Carton the gods of?"
"Antonus is a god of healing. He is all about nature. You would pick up his talent if you don't already have it since you are the daughter of The Almighty. Carlton is more of a demigod because Thai mated with a mixed Elf. He has Elfen powers that are enhanced because of his god blood. He could take over the day-to-day running of the keep and the town. He could probably take over the running of the entire realm but that would be up to you. You could revamp the counsel with him in charge. Very useful, those two boys."
They spent the rest of the morning talking things through and decided to take Gaia's advice and accept both Antonus and Carlton.