Playthings of the Gods. Chapter 1: Alabaster

Story by bland2 on SoFurry

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A man seeking the power of gods undergoes trials. But gods are capricious things. The trials challenge the man in perverse ways.


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Prologue: Meeting Divinity

Humans are the playthings of the gods. We exist for their amusement. They are capricious and bestow their gifts grudgingly, their curses liberally.

Fragments of stories, indecipherable tomes from forbidden archives had eventually led Marcus to a hidden valley in a distant, forgotten land. Through a narrow cleft in ancient stone cliffs an open cavern widened. Fluted stone columns threaded with gold towered skyward holding aloft the marbled arches which shouldered the imposing stone edifice of the temple.

For a moment Marcus rested against the chiselled stone, drinking the last of his canteen. The tepid water couldn’t slake his thirst for the power he sought. And here he was on the cusp of attaining the singular gift of godhood. Just a moment to rest and gather his strength before confronting destiny.

The road-weary explorer shouldered his dishevelled pack. He was healthy and fit at thirty years old, but this journey had proved arduous. A few more steps, past these stone walls he would find his gods and they would bestow him with their powers. Of course there would be a cost, but Marcus was determined he would earn the favour of the gods. He would depart with the power for which he so desperately hungered. The traveller strode toward the ached entranceway with determination.

An unremarkable man in a simple white robe hobbled from the gilded doorway. He leaned heavily on a rough wooden staff and the hem of his robe dragged through the dust at the threshold. He seemed a few years older than Marcus. The man hailed the explorer, “Welcome, traveller. My name is Keron. I’m here to guide you to the trials that await you. You are expected, and known. Those who dwell inside await your pleasure. They will test you.” He gestured toward the ornate doorway.

Marcus extended his hand in greeting, “It’s an honour to meet a servant of the gods. Have you taken the trials?”

Keron regarded the outstretched hand impassively, “It is not my place to be tested. I do not covet any more power than I have serving those who dwell here.” He turned toward the halls, motioning for the traveller to follow. The wooden staff clocked against the pavers as Keron limped through the doorway.

It took a moment for Marcus’ eyes to adjust to the dimmer interior of the temple. Bright sunlight gave way to indirect diffuse illumination when he stepped across the threshold. As his eyes became accustomed to the muted lights details became apparent by degrees. While the temple itself was imposing – a marvel of stone engineering – the interior décor was more sparse. Inlaid marble columns stretched to the distant ceiling, but there were few decorations. Slotted windows diffused the sunlight to provide illumination, the light fell on bare walls of white stone, rather than the paintings or frescos Marcus would have expected in the domain of gods. Smaller doorways led off the main hallway to unknown chambers.

Toward the rear of the atrium was a dais of marble. Intricate filigree of gold wove patterns through the stone. By far the most awe-inspiring features of the temple were the two statues on the marble dais.

To the left in alabaster white and to the right in obsidian black were carved the two perfect representations of giant dogs. The beasts were unfamiliar to Marcus. The sculptor had exaggerated the canine features so they were nothing like the mutts scavenging the hamlets. Seated, both dogs were almost as tall as a man. They had a deep chest and a long, thick neck supporting a wide head with square jowls. The alabaster white statue was of a bitch, finely chiselled to represent the feminine dog. The detail was exquisite, down to cleverly etched features that could have been mistaken for whiskers. To the right the black obsidian had been formed into a phenomenal representation of canine masculinity. Strong musculature defined by deep curves over the flanks of the statue flowed up to a square, solid head.

Both figures were seated, looking toward the door where Marcus had entered. The stonework was polished to a shine, yet still etched with fine detail of their fur, making the statues shimmer in the light. Their deep chest was framed by two solid forelegs like the columns of the temple. Marcus was captivated by the artistry. Never had he beheld such flawless beasts. They were a symphony of flowing curves over strong musculature. At once they seemed square, angular in face and jowls yet framed by natural uncropped ears forming gentle curves down the sides of their head. White alabaster and black obsidian, male and female, perfect mirrors reflecting the majesty of the temple.

“They’re magnificent, aren’t they,” said Keron, “Perfect representations of the Great Dane dog breed. The pinnacle of canine perfection.”

Marcus approached the dais to better appreciate the beauty of the artworks of the gods.

Both statues opened their eyes and turned their heads to scrutinize the approaching human.

The man cried out in surprise and stepped back – the statues were actually living dogs!

No, more than that. Such absolute perfection could only be the gods taken physical form! History was replete with legends of gods taking on animal bodies. Marcus threw himself to the floor, bowing low before the immaculate beings, “I’m unworthy to be in the presence of such divinity!”

The dogs regarded the prostrate human impassively.

“Do not abase yourself before them. They will not be impressed by your displays of pretended humility. The gods know why you’re here.” Keron’s voice from behind Marcus echoed quietly around the temple, “Gather yourself and your belongings and retire to your room down the corridor to your left. Your trials will begin tomorrow. There is food and wine, a bath to ease your travel-worn muscles. You will need your stamina for the new day.” The caretaker motioned toward a doorway.

As Marcus clambered to his feet the two Great Dane dogs in perfect unison stood, turned, and trotted gracefully away. They left through a richly filigreed archway to the rear of the main chamber, followed by Keron. Presumably that was where gods retire for the night.

His own lodgings were comfortable, but not pretentious. Marcus familiarized himself with the accommodation. A large and comfortable-looking bed dominated the room. Meats and bread had been laid out on a small table with a pitcher of wine. A steaming bath and toiletries were in a small chamber off the main room. He stripped out of his dusty clothing, throwing them with his pack over the back of a chair. Grabbing a plate of meat and the pitcher of wine, he sank wearily into the hot bath. He sighed as warm liquid eased the aches of his travels.

With his immediate needs sated Marcus ruminated on the pending trials. What would the gods demand? There had been no hints in his studies, although he supposed the trials were fashioned around the individuals seeking power. Apprehension of the unknown blended with the thrill of being on the cusp of having the power of the gods. Marcus retired to the soft bed. Sleep quickly overtook him even while his thoughts were spiralling through nervousness and excitement.

Chapter 1: First Trial - Alabaster

In the morning Marcus woke early, eager and cautious. A breakfast of fruits and pastries lay on the table. Had they been magicked there or had Keron quietly slipped in while Marcus slept and set the repast? Apparently his travel clothing had also been replaced with a simple grey robe. He donned the garment tied with a sash and strode to the main chamber of the temple.

As before the two divine beasts sat on either sides the dais. White bitch on the left, black male on the right; perfectly carved statues. Marcus approached, head bowed, “My gods, I am here to succeed in your trials, that you might…”

“They won’t talk to you,” Keron interrupted. “I will tell you what they desire.” The caretaker tapped his staff on the flagstones, a crack loud in the silence of the temple to gain Marcus’ attention. The two dogs also turned their heads toward Keron. “You will need to complete a number of trials to please the dogs. Each completed trial will grant you some magicks. You must complete all the trials to gain the full powers you truly desire. However you are welcome to leave at any time with the powers you have gained. Surpassing each trial grants greater powers.” Keron emphasized each point by tapping his staff on the stones. He stared intensely at Marcus, “Understand, you must do exactly as I say or no power will be granted. You are under the scrutiny of gods, and the gods must be obeyed flawlessly to gain their favour. Do you understand?” Keron slammed his staff onto the flagstones, a detonation of sound amplified by the stone walls punctuated his words.

Marcus jumped at the sound and stuttered his reply, “I understand, and I am willing to do whatever the gods demand of me.”

“Excellent! Kneel before the dais.”

Marcus dropped to his knees in front of the stone altar, bowing his head as the two dogs turned their attention to him. Their stares were intimidating, seeming to unfurl his soul before them.

The white dog abruptly stood and trotted toward the kneeling man. She sniffed at him, examining him, circling him. Marcus dared not move, cowed by the intense examination. Could she see into him? Did she know of his past transgressions, his dubious actions to get the knowledge of this place? How would she judge him? The white dog completed her circle around the man. She faced him for a moment, then turned away.

Was that it? Had he been judged and found unworthy? Marcus’ gasped in despair – the god had examined him, then turned her back on him. Perhaps he had already failed, and the trials were ended in disgrace.

Keron tapped his staff lightly on the floor. “She desires that you please her with your tongue.”

“I… what? What does she want me to say?” Marcus jolted out of his spiralling thoughts.

“No, you idiot. Lick her cunt. Pleasure her! Make her orgasm with your tongue and be granted divine power.” The caretaker explained as though addressing a child.

Lick… her cunt? Marcus balked, realizing the bitch hadn’t turned away in derision. Instead she had presented her rear to him with her tail raised. She stood expectantly waiting for the man to lick at her genitals.

Never before had Marcus bothered to spare a glance at the genitalia of any female beast. He’d certainly licked a few girls down there. But the white landscape before him was as strange as a foreign country. He wasn’t even certain where her cunt was! The dog was tall enough that the kneeling man’s face was level with her rear. Marcus studied the anatomy in front of him, bewildered. Her tail was raised, exposing a light-pink pucker of flesh. Okay, that’s her butthole. Stay away from there. Lower down, between her sturdy thighs was another light-pink feature. The white fur gave way to naked flesh. But it looked nothing like a human vulva. Instead of a slit framed by crinkled labia there was a puffy triangle, like three tiny pillows pushed together. Was this her vulva? Marcus spared a quick glance toward Keron, who nodded encouragement.

Cautiously Marcus placed a hand on each curved thigh before him.

Drawing a breath to steel his resolve, he was surprised by the pleasant aroma of the bitch. He’d been expecting beastly farmyard smells but instead was greeted by warm animal smells like forest earth suffusing the air. Nervously he moved his face closer to the foreign puffy flesh. Marcus tentatively stretched his tongue forward. Just the tip of his tongue touched the pillow of flesh at the top of the alien orifice. The flesh twitched, drawing the three pillows upward briefly. Marcus flinched and drew back.

“Quickly, man, before she loses interest!” Keron demanded, “Do you want the power of gods? Is this simple trial even too much? Show some gusto!”

Marcus cringed, but steadied his resolve. Just get through this. He moved forward, licking at the Y-shaped intersection of the pillows. The flesh jiggled under his tongue. He tried to imagine he was licking out a human woman, how he would pleasure her. But the alien geography confounded his senses. He drew his thumbs closer to peel apart the light pink flesh. Between the pillows the pink darkened toward a colour Marcus was more familiar with. This didn’t look so different to the women he had pleasured. And there, lower, was that nub of flesh her clitoris? Experimentally Marcus flicked his tongue over the protrusion at the lower part of the opening. Abruptly the bitched hunched her rear downward, smashing Marcus’ nose into her hips.

“Oooh, she liked that,” Keron encouraged, “Keep that up and the god will be pleased!”

“Ow.” Marcus rubbed the bridge of his nose, sore from the impact of the bitch’s hips. But now he had a map of the landscape. He knew where the sensitive flesh was and how to pleasure the bitch. And the taste was familiar – like a human woman with an overtone of forest. Wild, but natural. He crouched lower so if the bitch hunched again it would drive her vulva against his tongue. With more confidence he resumed his licking. Alternately he flicked his tongue over the bitch’s clitoris, letting her mash her vulva against his tongue. Periodically Marcus sucked on her clitoris, earning a flurry of twitching flesh and humping hips. Driving his tongue to full depth flooded his mouth with her wild essence. At the last Marcus felt reflexive squeezing of her vagina walls around his tongue.

Something like an electrical tingle or a thrumming vibration hummed through Marcus. Almost sexual with its intensity, power flowed into the man. Marcus jolted and drew back.

“Oh very good! Very good indeed! You have well-pleased her.” The guardian praised Marcus. “Did you feel it – did you feel your reward? Congratulations - you’ve passed the first trial and have earned a divine boon.”

He did feel different. Something eldritch tingled in Marcus’ veins. Experimentally he raised a hand, fingers upwards. A dancing light ignited in his palm. With a thought Marcus could grow or dim the light, toss it to his other hand. The yellow flame didn’t radiate any heat – it was cool in his hand. But with each exertion of power a sexual thrill tingled in his veins. This was a taste of pure power, syrupy sweet, liquid joy, sexually thrilling. Marcus’ cock twitched under his robe. Oh yes, he liked this. He wanted more, so much more of this feeling.

“Take a moment to test out your newly acquired skills. More trials await and with each success you will earn a larger boon.” Keron guided Marcus back toward his room. The alabaster dog had left – presumably sated for the moment – but Marcus hadn’t noticed her leaving. Unconsciously he licked at the fluids on his lips, savouring the nectar of the gods.

Alone in his room Marcus toyed with the flame. Instinctive knowledge had come with the power. He could grow the flame to the size of his head, or shrink it to a tiny spark. He could toss the flame a distance of his body-length away before it would flicker out. The light of the flame was enough to brightly illuminate his room. A useful tool for navigating the darkness without need of torches. Whenever he exerted his will to change the fire a sexual jolt twanged in his groin. The flame was a taste of power. What would the banquet feel like?