PENA'S STORY: Part 17: The Rite of Blood

It was time for my ordination as an Elder of the Society. I had traveled to the house in Ayala Heights at the onset of my menstruation three days before and was taken down to a small chamber in the basement. My mind flashed back to the occasion of my very first menstrual flow when I was fourteen.

I had gone straight to Mother and she hugged me and produced a small rubber cup like a thimble. I had examined it carefully and my mind went back to the anatomy lesson Mother had given me when I had told her about the pleasure I felt when I touched my genitals. I realized the device was designed to stop the blood making a mess. Mother had told me to remove my underwear and showed me how to insert the cup. I tried for myself and it promptly fell out! I persevered and finally succeeded. Mother told me to remove it every 12 hours and flush the contents down the toilet. It felt quite comfortable and I soon got used to its presence every month. Mother had cautioned me not to talk about this with my friends; it was private! I soon discovered that my classmates called their periods a curse! It was dirty! God sent it as a punishment to Eve! And so it went on! So that was why Mother had bid me keep silent. To me it felt perfectly normal but was sometimes inconvenient. Even to this day I still use such a device. In fact, all female members of the Society are issued with a 'Diva Cup' and are expected to make use of it each month up to their menopause.

I felt the early warning signs that my period was about to begin and made my way to the house in Ayala Heights. I was immediately driven to the local hospital where I submitted to a thorough medical examination. The examining doctor was a Society member and well known to me so I just relaxed. Lillian told me that the checkup was not part of the ritual but I was expected to fast for those three days before the ceremony. Lillian handed me a paper cup containing a thick slightly yellowish liquid. I took a sniff. It was caster oil! My mind went back to childhood and I could clearly recall the chain of events that I had experienced. I decided I was going to look at the positive side of the experience and tipped the content of the cup into my mouth. Actually it did not taste as bad as I had remembered and paused before swallowing. Lillian pointed to a small table behind me. There was a Thermos flask containing a ginger infusion, a small jar of natural yogurt and a teaspoon. I was to slowly sip the infusion until it was all gone. It would help me with the cramps that I knew would soon begin. Once I could see a yellow oil in my feces I was to eat the yogurt and it would be over. Lillian left the room and I made myself comfortable as I waited for the inevitable. At last it was over and I ate the yogurt slowly and with great appreciation; it would be my last meal until after my initiation as an Elder. Lillian returned and gave me a thorough genital exam. I had never liked the feeling as the speculum slowly dilated my vagina but this time it actually felt pleasant. Lillian informed me that everything was perfect and my flow was about to begin. She handed me my Diva cup and I expertly slipped it into place as she watched. This time it would be different. I had to pour the contents of the soft silicone cup into a small bottle which was taken away each morning and afternoon. I pushed aside any attempt to guess what the blood would be used for; I would know in good time!

Lillian drove me back to the house for the start of my three day fast during which I could only drink water. I was shown into a small room deep in the earth. Lilian took my robe and sash and departed, leaving me totally alone in the eerie silence. The room was bare apart from a thin foam 'yoga' mat and a small wooden table. A covered pail and a large water dispenser complete with paper cups stood against one wall. I was to spent my time in quiet contemplation in the almost total darkness. A small flashlight lay beside my sleeping mat to assist me locate items I needed. A pad of tissues had been placed on the table. I had not cut my hair since I was 18 and I was so glad Mother had thought to bring my hairbrush. I settled into a simple routine of sleeping, stretching, brushing my hair and meditating. I had no way of telling what time it was but someone came to the door twice a day and waited as I emptied my menstrual cup into the bottle as she held the flashlight. I started a slow exploration of my naked body on what I guessed to be the second day. My skin had become so sensitive and an intense electric feeling darted through my body as my fingertips brushed over my nipples. A flood of wetness instantly formed between my legs and I lay back on my mat as my other hand moved down to explore it. I traced out the pair of fine lines that marked the place where my inner labia once resided and an intense throbbing began. I breathed deeply and the feeling faded. I stroked my clitoris briefly, thankful that I was a member of the Society. My soul wanted to rest. I sighed and gently wiped the wetness with a tissue.

At last it was time! Lillian entered, deftly removed my Diva Cup, emptying the contents into the bottle and departed again, taking my cup with her. Mother entered the room, this time wearing the black robe of an Elder. We hugged and set off along the maze of corridors. The stone floor felt pleasant under my bare feet. I could hear the sound of dripping water that became louder as we walked. We turned a corner and I found myself in a huge dimly lit cavern. At one side was a pool. Water was falling into it from above like rain and I found the sound relaxing. Mother led me to the edge of the pool and motioned me to kneel. She removed her robe and picked up a jug, filling it with water from the pool. Mother moved behind me and briefly placed her hands on my shoulders. I gasped as the cold water cascaded over my head. I heard a sound behind me but remained perfectly still. I heard Mother move away. I waited in silence. I heard Alicia's voice summoning me. I stood and turned. Before me were the eight Elders of my Chapter standing in a circle around a large block of stone with a flattened top. Each Elder was completely naked. I walked forwards slowly, droplets of water falling from my body as I made each step.

Hands reached out and gently placed me on the stone table. I felt my knees being pushed up against my chest My mother approached, a small obsidian blade in her hand. I remained perfectly calm but kept my eyes on the blade, preparing myself for its keen edge to mark my body. Mother knelt between my spread thighs, placed the tip of her tongue on my dimple and swept it slowly downwards. She was accepting my blood and the knife was just a test! Each Elder in turn approached, starting with Alicia, and performed the same gesture. I found myself being lifted from the stone and placed upright. I stood and the Elders reformed in a ring around me.

I heard my Mother's voice saying "María Peñafrancia Rivera, do you accept the privileges, duties and responsibilities as the ninety-eighth Elder of our Society?" I replied "I, María Peñafrancia Rivera, hereby accept the privileges, duties and responsibilities as the ninety-eighth Elder of our Society from the very depths of my heart!" Mother asked me to hold out my hands. I did so and she placed the obsidian blade in my upturned palms. I finally realized the significance of the knife - it was a Talisman crafted from a huge stone deep below for each new elder. It would go with me to my grave. Then Alicia stepped forward. In her hands was a black robe which she placed around my shoulders, tying it with my green sash. I was now an Elder! Mother then took her place in the center of the circle and I stepped onto the spot she had been occupying. We all bowed. Mother's term of office was over but she would act as advisor for the remainder of her life. The blood that had been collected would be dried and stored for eternity. Mother finally handed me my Diva cup which I slipped into place. A small quantity of my blood landed on my finger as it often did. My eyes met those of Mother. She nodded and I thought to myself "why not!" as I transferred the droplet onto my own tongue. The other Elders bowed and we filed out of the chamber. Mother drove me home. I was ravenous but knew I must go easy for a few days. I discovered that Mother had prepared some delicious soup for me which I sipped slowly. I showered and slept in a bed for the first time in three days.

part 18 to follow...
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