When my parents were chaste 18-year-olds, and strangers to each other, they received the high honor of being summoned by the church for a one-time procreation ceremony to breed me into existence. Once they obeyed without reservation, and I was born healthy and dedicated in Gozal's name, their impurity was annulled and the church restored them to a virginal status, free to continue with their lives without the shame of familiarity.
Immediately following my birth, and according to The Elder's policy, I was raised in my father's home, and mostly by his parents until he was old enough to parent me and ready to marry the wife of his choosing, Gale, and move us into a home of their own.
Growing up, I received a lot of special attention. I was trained by The Head Priestess and The Elders in the ways of our church and knew the history behind my creation. This training was strongly supported by all my parents, grandparents, and peers. I learned how my body worked, but I was never permitted to see or touch my own female parts. I was never permitted to be alone, even while I slept or used the bathroom. My grandmother, and later my step-mother Gale, bathed me, even up to this day. I appreciated all that had been done was part of The Great Plan for Gozal's Coming to our world. I knew that my purpose was to be The Vessel for that highly anticipated event.
...but it wasn't until I stood before the doors of the sanctuary, dressed in virtuous white, that I felt any real apprehension. I shook and my father put his arm around me. "Gale and Francine and I are so proud of you honey." He said, referring to his wife and to my mother.
I nodded, acknowledging him.
"If you have any trouble, simply relax your body by slowing down your breathing as we practiced." The High Priestess reminded me. "Pray to Gozal and show him your devoted heart, and seek out the pleasure. That will open you up to receive The Blessing."
It was a cool spring morning, a Tuesday, and my first "High Fertility" day that followed my 18th birthday. My hair was beautifully swept up and makeup had been professionally applied. Tradition required me to present myself barefoot and without undergarments. I wore an uncomplicated knee-length sundress of pure white silk with spaghetti straps and tiny pearls around the hem and neckline. Covering my face and shoulders, I wore a delicate veil with pearls where the comb attached in my hair. My exposed skin was shielded, as the front of the veil fell to elbow length. The back draped across the floor in a short train. Long white silk gloves, to above my elbow, symbolized continued unfamiliarity with my own body.
I gathered my dress and raised it so The High Priestess could witness my father unlock my chastity belt for the first time. Being liberated from it gave me mixed feelings. Releasing my dress, I received a cascading bouquet of beautiful white flowers from Gale. She then took the belt from my father and the two women slipped through a side door to the sanctuary, as my father and I listened for the cue in the music.
Very soon, it was time.
My veil danced in a gush of air as the doors were dramatically flung open before me. Hundreds of eyes were upon me and everyone promptly got to their feet and strained for a look. I heard an audible gasp, perhaps the parishioners taking in my innocence, beauty and sacrifice, or perhaps their astonishment that anyone would subject themselves to such an exploit. ...or maybe the sound was my own startled gasp as I got a brief look, for the first time, of the monster that I was about to be publicly mated with. The rising congregation now obstructed my view of him. This both relieved me and stirred my curiosity. The ceremonial collar that I wore had an added benefit of passing electrical current through my vocal cords to temporarily paralyze them. This was for my own safety so I didn't unintentionally frighten the beast, and I was thankful for it. However, I heard the rate of my breath increase, as my reality was now before my eyes.
My father stepped forward on cue and gave the leash a quick tug, as we had rehearsed. I replied with my rendition of the dutiful yet timid virgin before taking my first step, but in truth, my portrayal felt very genuine. I had no intention of fleeing. The leash represented my vow to submit to the will of Gozal. I made my way down the long white runner, two paces behind my father, obediently with eyes downcast. The scent of the fresh spring flowers circled about me. We stopped our procession midway while the photographer stepped into the aisle to snap a few photographs. Many of the congregation did the same.
When we reached the front of the room, I remained behind my father. I lifted my eyes to see The High Priestess greet him. On the stage behind her, a semi-circle of chairs that made up the 13 male Elders of the church. On a raised ornate platform to the left side of the stage sat the beast. His eyes locked on mine and he huffed and shifted impatiently. His bulging muscles quivered and he stretched his wings before returning to a relaxed crouching position. His short thick horns, disproportionately large nostrils, and deadly sharp claws were of no interest to me as soon as my eyes went between his spread knees and I saw his hideous veiny penis on display. I swallowed hard and quickly turned away.
The High Priestess proudly spoke. "Welcome everybody! This is a very exciting time for our people. Thank you for joining us on this monumental day which is sure to be celebrated for all of eternity." She paused and then said, "Please be seated." She turned to me and smiled warmly. With boldness, she asked, "Who presents this offering to Gozal as an instrument for His Great Plan?"
My mother and stepmother stood silently from their seats in the front rows while my stepfather, Dan, stood from his seat among the Elders. All of my grandparents also stood. With the exception of The High Priestess, women are not ever permitted to speak in the sanctuary. Dan and my father replied in unison "Her mother and I do."