Hoplites Thralls And Prizes 03

Weeks in Heaven, Weeks in Hell

Erin didn't know how long she stood there crying, but Michael and Clare embraced her in support and empathy, allowing her grief to run its course. When she looked up, very few people remained within the auditorium. She wiped her eyes with her hands and apologized for her behavior. Claire admonished her saying, "You have no reason to apologize. Baby girl, if need to cry, you get that out."

Erin had to smile at that remark. It was likely that Claire didn't realize that Erin was twice her age. She nodded her head in agreement and sniffling, thanked them again. "I'm okay," she said, "I feel a little better now."

After taking a deep breath to compose herself, she smiled and said, "Let's find out where we need to go."

By now most of the information panels were free and the trio walked up to an empty one. Amazingly, except for depicting different pictures, each of their destinations read the same, "House Athurius Hoplites - First Cohort -- Prize." Claire was excited that they would be sticking together as a team.

They walked outside and found Lana waiting with a group of six other arrivals, a mix of young men and women, all with bluish-silver hair like theirs and in various styles. Lana with concerned look on her face, said in her thick Russian, "I was beginning to wonder if something bad had happened."

Claire spoke up, "Erin was upset by the ending of the welcome ceremony. She probably doesn't want to talk about it right now."

Nodding, Lana formally introduced herself and asked everyone to follow her. The group walked in silence and followed behind Lana. It seemed to Erin they were walking back the way they had come, but near the end they turned a different direction and arrived at a set of buildings across the park from where she had started her journey that morning. After they entered the common room, Lana took Erin off to the side. "Are you okay? Please wait here for a moment, while I get the others settled-in."

Erin silently nodded. Having a little break in the flurry of new experiences would give her a chance to settle her emotions. Everything was still so difficult to process -- the loss of her mother, Brad, her transformation, this new world, and these new people. She said to herself, "I just need a chance to breathe."

Lana gave her shoulder a tender squeeze of encouragement and then moved off to give the others some directions. When she returned, she tenderly took Erin's hand in her and they walked across the room to another door. They stepped out into an inner courtyard and across to yet another door. Before she opened it, Lana turned to her and gave her a hug. Eventually Erin returned it as well.

When the embrace was broken, Lana said instructively, "Erin, You are going to be taught by the person who taught me everything I know."

Looking her in the eyes, the Russian said, "You have tremendous ability and I feel that only a master can properly teach you how to use it." She continued with, "I will check in with you from time to time and then you will be ready to assume your responsibilities."

Erin looked in her eyes and then silently nodded her head. Lana pushed up on her toes and after kissing her on the forehead, opened the door.

As it slid silently open, Erin saw it was completely different and seemed out of place, compared to everywhere else she had recently been. While all the other buildings had been in were spartanly bare, this one was well appointed with old world style furnishings. Erin placed it as Tuscan and there was a hint of cinnamon in the air. They were in a sitting room and across from the entrance another door stood. A chair stood in one corner, with silk pillows before it. Along another wall was a divan. Erin in awe, marveled, "This is amazing."

As if on que, the door on the other side of the room opened and an older looking man entered the room. He smiled warmly at them and said, "Why, thank you my dear. Welcome to my humble abode."

He was quite a bit shorter than both of them. Erin notice his skin was a lighter shade of blue and as he walked up to them, Lana beamed and bent to give him a warm hug. He reciprocated and she then gave him a kiss on the cheeks and then one on the lips that lingered for a moment. Breaking the embrace, she then stepped back and with a wave of her hand said, "Erin this is Marcus. He will teach everything you will need to know, to become a Prize."

Marcus turned to Erin and smiled warmly to her, "Erin, my dear. Welcome to my home. My star pupil here over inflates my ego to win points once again," and after a brief pause continued with, "She says, you may have abilities that outstrip hers and I count it as a privilege to tutor you."

Lana kissed Erin on the cheeks and finally on the lips, which made Erin feel a little uncomfortable and then left them alone. As she stepped through the door, she glanced over her shoulder at her and with a smile and said, "Pacca," and then left them alone.

After the door slid silently shut, Erin noticed that Marcus had the same type of gem in his forehead. The older man wore his drape in the form of a toga and unlike the others with hair, Marcus possessed a receding hairline. After crossing the room, he then sat in the chair and invited her to take a seat on the pillows. Erin complied and sat down crossing her legs in front of her.

Marcus smiled and said, "My goodness. Lana's description doesn't do you justice. Why, I would imagine Venus herself would be green with envy upon seeing you."

Erin didn't know if the cheeks of her face reddened with embarrassment, but it sure felt like they did. No one had ever said that to her before.

The older man continued, "My child, don't be embarrassed. You're truly ravishing! Eden rarely receives Prizes and none as beautiful as you." Inhaling deeply, he continued by saying, "Why sitting here, I feel the potential coursing through you."

"There's that name or title, again," Erin pointed out, "What is a Prize?"

Marcus gave a fatherly smile and said, "A very good first question." He then launched into the subject with gusto. "Being a Prize is like being both confidant and healer. Eden can be an utterly amazing place, but we all came here by violent means. This new world can give us wonderfully new and beautiful bodies, allowing us to enjoy pleasures beyond description; however, one thing it can't do is heal the broken spirits we all have from being born into it."

"I am not a scientist, but from what I understand the Caretakers at certain times are able to bring people from Earth through a dimensional portal, into this new reality. As part of the process for making us able to enjoy this world, our bodies change color as the enhancements are made. Much like the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Sadly, the one thing the transformation can't do is heal our broken hearts, concerning the losses each of us suffer."

At that Erin's eyes began welling with tears and she began crying.

Marcus seeing her pain got up from where he was sitting, to kneel by her side. He then led her to the divan and helped her sit down. He invited her to place her head in his lap. She did so and then curled into a half fetal position. She continued to weep for several minutes, while he tenderly rubbed her upper arm and softly shushed her and said in a soothing tone, "I see that you understand what I mean, child."

"Being a Prize," Marcus continued, "Is a special responsibility. We heal the thoughts and spirits of those the Caretakers bring here. In doing so, arrivals are given the ability to flourish and grow, living many years longer than what we would on Earth. If you would like, I could help you."

From where she lay, she nodded her head.

The elder prize instructed Erin to lay on her back and relax, with her head laying in his lap, she closed her eyes. He asked her to breathe deeply, in through her nose and slowly out through her mouth. Her chest rose and fell as she slowly began to calm. His fingertips began to slowly massage her temples. In his soothing voice, he told her she was doing very well. He asked her if she would fold her hands across her stomach. When she complied, Marcus lay his left hand over hers. As he did so, he slid his right hand under Erin's head and with his fingertips, he pressed them against the base of her skull. Her eyes immediately snapped opened, and she gasped. At the same time, the gem set in Marcus's forehead glowed brightly.

- - - -

Marcus stood in a well-appointed study. Bookshelves filled with a variety of hardbound volumes lined the dark wood, paneled walls. A man in a naval officer's khaki uniform sat in a chair behind a large desk, smoking a pipe, and reading a book. A laughing little girl burst into the room. She must have been between three and five years old. She was wearing a white cotton tee shirt with flowers on it and shorts. The officer grinned broadly, set his book down and happily lifted the girl off the floor with strong arms and set her on his lap.

'This must have been Erin and her father', he thought. It was obvious this memory held a special place in her heart.

The images shifted ... a loving father teaching her to ride a bike; the little girl and her mother kissing and hugging the father as he boarded his ship, to leave on a prolonged deployment and then months later, when he returned; the father teaching the girl to dance and as she got older to drive a car; an older father and mother celebrating with their daughter upon graduation from high school and college. The few boys and young men involved in Erin's life paled in comparison to her father, as none of them could fill his impressive shoes. Then, he was suddenly gone as his life was cut short by a drunk driver.

He saw flashes of Erin pouring her life into that of her aging mother, who tried to encourage her to find someone to spend her time with. Years passed of her leaving work at the end of the day and then driving home to care for her mother, who begged her to go out and live her life, before it was too late. Sadly, the few men Erin dated never measured up to the standards her loving father set.

Erin was promoted through the ranks of management to become a store manager, responsible for opening and closing the department store she worked for. She was meticulous in her work, and she interacted well with her employees and customers. As she worked, Marcus began noticing a man observing her from a distance. He would stroll the store and casually observe her. Once she left work, this man would then tail her in his car. Erin never seemed to notice he was there.

After several weeks, the man orchestrated a meeting. He seemed to be walking through the store and bumped into Erin who was carrying some clothing to be put on a display. The accident led to a conversation that resulted in them having a cup of coffee together in the mall. A chill ran down Marcus's spine as he observed the man. From his study of Erin's history, he knew this man was Bradley Goldsmith.

As a relationship blossomed, Marcus saw that Erin's mother had suspicions despite the desire she had for her daughter's happiness. She felt her daughter's relationship was proceeding a little too quickly and easily. On communicating her concerns to Erin, this led to an argument. As a result, her mother became silent, but Marcus could clearly see the concern she had for her daughter, as soon after that he had proposed. This led them to the fateful Allied Airlines flight.

It was at this juncture, Marcus began altering Erin's memories at critical points. In this new reality, Brad was captured during the murder investigation of his first wife. Erin's recollection of him came from watching a weekend news show that featured murder investigations. She remembered watching his investigation and was saddened and disgusted by the whole affair.

Like a master painter, the elderly Prize then subtly altered the memories concerning the death of Erin's mother. Mrs. O'Keefe's health began to fail, and she was forced to spend her final days in an assisted living facility. Erin would spend her days after work and her evenings by her mother's bedside, many times sleeping in a chair by her bed. One evening, Mrs. O'Keefe shared with Erin that her desire was for Erin to be happy. Erin's mother made her promise she would use her inheritance to chase her dreams and live life to the fullest.

Her father was an outstanding man, but he was one of a kind and that she shouldn't let perfection prevent her from finding a true love and having fun. Once again Erin fell asleep beside her mom, but was awakened by a nurse during night and informed that her mother had died peacefully in her sleep.

After the funeral, Erin decided she would honor her mother's final wish. She retired and decided to travel and see the world. She had looked forward to travelling to Maui, a place she had always dreamed of going to. Marcus finally implanted the suggestion, that in this new reality Erin still had the opportunity to chase her dreams, as well as helping others in deep and meaningful ways. Eden was a place that she could truly be happy in and call her new home.

- - - -

When Erin opened her eyes, she saw Marcus smiling down at her. She didn't know how long she had been laying there, but she felt well-rested. The gemstone in Marcus's forehead was still glowing. "What is that" she asked as she reached up and touched it. As her fingertips brushed it, it felt warm to the touch, and she felt a tingling in her fingertips.

"Oh, that old thing," Marcus said, "it's just my badge of office for being an Emeritus Prize." He chuckled and said, "Hang around long enough and the Caretakers will give one to you as well."

Looking around the room, Erin observed, "Why is it so different in here? I mean, except for the auditorium all of the rooms I have been in here have been completely bare."

Marcus nodded in agreement, "The technology of the Caretakers is a wonderful thing. Open that door over there," he said pointing across the room.

Erin sat up and swung her legs off the divan and stood. She walked across the room and opened the door as she was instructed and the sight she saw, took her breath away. It appeared as if they were in a small cottage situated on a hill in the Italian countryside. In the far distance, she saw a mountain that dominated the horizon. "What an AMAZING view!"

The older man had to agree it was. Erin's tall, statuesque form framed by the door, was a vision to behold. "Yes. It is indeed," Marcus said.

Erin peered back over her shoulder and then she realized what Marcus was referring to. "I'm still getting used to all of this," she said, "No one has ever called me beautiful before."

Marcus rose from the couch and walked over to her. His smile was warm and loving. 'Fatherly,' Erin thought.

He put an arm around her waist and looked up into her eyes and said, "Embrace it. In my 2,000 years here, I don't think I have ever seen someone as stunning as you."

"2,000 years," Erin said amazed at such a length of time.

"Yes, indeed," said Marcus and pointed off into the distance. "You see that mountain over there," he asked, "That's Vesuvius. Several others and I were brought here when it erupted and buried Pompeii. I am one of the few that are left."

It was at that moment, Erin felt an overwhelming urge and impulsively leaned down and kissed him. She slid her warm tongue between his lips and draped her arms over her shoulders. With one hand, she caressed his balding crown. Marcus was very receptive. He returned her embrace and then slide a hand down her back and cupped one of her firm gluts. His tongue fenced with hers, as they lingered in romantic bliss.

Erin lost track of how long they were engaged in the kiss. Marcus smiled up at her and said, "Thank you for indulging an old man."

Erin smiled coyly and said, "I kind of have a thing for older men. Are you REALLY 2,000 years-old?"

"Actually," Marcus said, "it's closer to 1,900 years-old, but what's a hundred years among friends. Let's gather a few things and go for a walk. I want to take you someplace a little more romantic, for lovemaking. Would you like that?"

Erin said shyly, "I've never been with a man before ... you know, like that. Will you be gentle with me," she said in a conspiratorial tone and bit her lower lip, looking down into his eyes.

"Erin," Marcus said, "I count it an honor that you would make an old man incredibly happy and allow me to be your first."

He patted her butt and she leaned down and kissed him deeply.

On parting the embrace, Marcus picked up a basket and explained that it may be holographic, but he had some bread, cheese, and wine. They could pick some grapes from the vineyard he tended along the way. He asked Erin to carry a blanket and follow him outside. They walked along a path and the old man, asked her to select a couple of bunches, as they passed several small rows of ripening grapes. She picked a plump green grape and popped it into her mouth. She was amazed at how juicy and delicious it was. Marcus laughed and said, "The wonders of Caretaker technology."

They walked down a path and Erin began to hear cascading water. They rounded a turn and entered a secluded glen with a pond that was fed by a small waterfall. It was a very romantic location. Marcus instructed her she should go enjoy the cool water, while set-up their picnic.

Erin walked down to the shore of the pond and dipped in a toe. The water was cool, but not cold. Amazingly, she noticed that when she removed her foot from the water, it was completely dry. She surmised this was the result of the Caretaker's holographic technology. She walked out into the water and headed toward the falls. As she moved the water splashed on her vagina, sending tingles of excitement through her body.

She dove in and swam across the pond and when she reached the falls, she pulled herself onto the ledge and let the water cascade over her body. She stood there for several minutes letting the water beat against her and then stepped out from under the torrent. She noticed that Marcus had arranged the blanket and was just sitting there, admiring her.

After giving a wave, she dove back in and swam back across. All the while, the thought of making love to the older man exhilarated her. Stepping from the water, she brushed her hair from her eyes and smiled seductively at him, when she returned to their picnic. As she approached, she noted the sweet smell of cinnamon in the air, again. Marcus stood and offered her a cup of wine. Erin saw he was now completely naked and had a very prominent erection.

"Would you like some refreshment," Marcus asked.

Erin accepted the cup and drank deeply. "That tastes wonderful," she said. She came to his side and put her hand on his abdomen and then let it slide down to his stiff manhood. As she stroked it, she felt a warmth spread over her. She then looked him in his eyes and said, "I want you to make love to me. Right now."

Marcus played with her right breast and teased a nipple. "That would please me, greatly; however, let's not rush to the destination. The joy is in the journey."

He then directed her to lay down on the blanket. Marcus then took a seat and placed her feet on his lap and then began to rub them. He deeply massaged the instep and then more tenderly focused on each toe. He then began to explore up each leg. Massaging the calf and gently tickling behind each knee. Erin cooed with pleasure and complimented him on his skill. He then asked her to roll over on her stomach. She readily complied and laid her head on her forearms in anticipation of what was to come.

Starting at her neck and he expertly massaged each muscle. He then worked each shoulder and moved down to her back. Erin exulted, "Oh my God! This is the BEST massage. EVER!"