Initiation in Amgros Ch. 01

The following account that I provide has been commissioned by the Amgros Council; what I describe has never been documented before, but the Council has determined that we should lodge a copy in our Archive, accessible only by Council members and those who are preparing for elevation to the Council. It may also serve as a document for posterity, if the Amgros Sect should ever fracture and dissolve.

Wider dissemination is strictly forbidden; the rituals I describe would be compromised if knowledge of them were to be widely shared among our young menfolk who are yet to pass through them. It is our love for them that guides our decision making on this matter.

---

My name is Sarah, I am a High Priestess of the Amgros Sect. I am writing this in the Year 2025 (Gregorian Calendar). Council members will already intimately know the history of our group - they would not have been elevated to such a position if they did not! - but should an extinction event come to pass, they have asked me to include a brief precis, that we should not be forgotten.

The Amgros Sect is 161 years old. Since our formation in a remote corner of Wyoming, our community has grown at a slow but steady rate; it is not forbidden for members to live away from our main site, but only a handful have chosen to do so. We believe in self-reliance, but contact with the outside world is not necessarily frowned upon, our community contains televisions, smartphones, contemporary fashions and other technologies. The word 'Sect' conjures many images, but we are not - to pick one example - a group like the Amish, who reject all modern trappings; our belief system is flexible enough to accommodate progress in all its forms.

The values that guide us are something I will struggle to summarise in a few paragraphs. Despite the free availability of our founding texts - there are 69 of them, each an epic in itself - we have a (unfair in my opinion) reputation of being somewhat secretive. Perhaps the advent of AI will soon condense our teachings into a digestible form for outsiders, but until that day is upon us, we will likely remain an enigma.

A few years ago a pair of visiting academics came to observe us with a view to researching and writing about our practices. One of them was so enamoured with what she found that she has now become a loved member who has been welcomed into our group. The other wrote a series of articles in which they attempted to describe our world view, characterising it as "a remarkable melange of ideas from major religions, minor religions and atheistic philosophies". That's a statement I would find it difficult to argue with, but its publication in a collection of obscure academic journals ensured that our Sect remains a mystery to much of the outside world. While we move within it easily each day, we are unobtrusive, and so they mostly leave us alone.

The Amgros Council is the group of ten individuals that leads and guides our community. There is no one individual leader, but each member has responsibility for a different area, almost like a political cabinet. I am one of five High Priestesses on the Council - since our founding, women have had equal representation and an equal say! - but in my role, I am almost first upon equals. I don't mean that I am able to steer the Council in its decisions any more than any other member, but certainly my position is recognised and venerated more than any other by the mature members of our population. It is my privilege to prepare the young menfolk for adulthood.

I am 37 years old now. I am the 8th High Priestess in the line to have been entrusted with this solemn duty, and have held the role since I was 25, when it was passed to me by my predecessor, who now lives in honoured retirement. In eight years or so, when my natural fertility is waning, I will step down and hand over to a younger woman who has shown aptitude in studying the tenets of Amgros.

I will attempt to describe our philosophy on sex in simple terms that strangers may understand:

- No sexual intercourse before commitment (we don't use the term 'marriage', although commitment to a partner is not dissimilar)

- Contraception is not explicitly prohibited, we prohibit very little, preferring to let individuals make their own decision, but it is frowned upon; this is not a moral judgement, but because...

- ... Sex is not a source of shame, but should be celebrated in all its forms on equal terms between partners, and enjoyed to the full; many forms of contraception can interrupt that sense of enjoyment

- Education about these matters is the last step to adulthood, when the individual is emotionally ready to accept them

It's that last part where I come in. My job is to prepare the young men of Amgros for commitment, by educating them about sex. That statement needs some further explanation, as all should know about 'the birds and the bees' long before they are sent to me on their 20th birthday. What I mean is that I teach my students how to do sex well, so that they understand how to pleasure and satisfy their partner, and learn how to maximise their enjoyment of their own bodies. A similar process occurs for our young women, I myself have undergone it, but that is managed separately and is beyond my remit here.

There is a lot more I could say at this point, and some of it will appear to contradict the principles that I have just outlined, but it deserves the context of how I apply our teachings in practice. The size of our community is such that each year I initiate between four and six young men into adulthood, the rest of this document is a report of the most recent instance.

---

Coming of age celebrations are among the happiest occasions in Amgros. The temple is usually packed full, although anyone expecting an event with an overly religious bent would be disappointed. Our 'temple' is closer to a well-appointed function room, and there is little to indicate deities of any kind on the walls. Also, there are no specific outfits or costumes for most attendees to wear, though guests are encouraged to dress smartly. There is however plenty of music, singing and speeches from family members and senior community figures. At the centre of it all is the young man who is turning 20; they sit in the centre of the stage as a stream of well wishers deliver them advice or gifts.

The final part of the celebration takes place in the early evening, and is where I make my appearance, wearing a smart black dress to indicate my function. A hush descends as I make my way onto the stage next to the 'candidate'; he will not be considered an adult until my time with him is complete. Today's candidate is called Michael, and like all young men in his position I know his parents well. I don't know much about him though; one of the sacrifices of my role is that I consciously avoid spending time with those who will be initiated by me, to prevent our time together being affected by preconceptions. We believe that too much familiarity may impact on the purity of the ritual.

Again, those anticipating a long, elaborate and public ceremony might be surprised by what happens next. When the temple is silent, I have only one line, which I deliver in a loud, clear voice so that it can be heard by everyone:

"Michael, the end of the event has arrived. Will you agree to spend some time with me?"

Michael looks more nervous than most, but he states that "Yes, I will go with you." This is my signal to take his hand, the crowd stands back to form a path, and then they watch us silently as I lead him through the Temple and out of the front door.

---

Outside the Temple the evening air is cool, and the square we pass through is deserted. We're going on a short walk to my quarters, where the initiation is to take place, and Michael will know this. He seems a little dumbstruck by what's just happened and what is about to happen, so as we walk, still hand-in-hand, I strike up a casual conversation.

"Well done! That's Part One out the way, how do you feel? Excited? Nervous?"

"Both of those I guess. I can't believe the day is finally here."

His voice is hesitant, uncertain.

"Oh it's here alright. I'll explain a lot more when we're safely locked away in my chambers. Until then, enjoy these moments. Your last hours of innocence!"

The final sentence is delivered with a wink. I can see he's surprised at my easy-going, almost jokey tone. Knowing what I do about his family, I suspect he's a very serious young man, who appreciates the import of the occasion in Amgros culture. Still, it's my job to show him that while the significance of the event is not in doubt, it doesn't follow that we should conduct ourselves with an air of formality. If he's still regarding me this way a week from now, then I will have failed.

My quarters are set a little way away from the rest of the settlement, and a well-kept hedge that goes all the way round preserves an air of secrecy. This is my living space, but also comes with the post of High Priestess; when my time is over, I will have to move out so my successor can take over occupation of the space. Other than my committed partner, no other residents may enter this sacred area without invitation unless it is their turn to achieve adulthood. Seven generations of Amgros candidates have been initiated here.

The building itself is a spacious bungalow, with an imposing, thick wooden front door. I gesture for Michael to go in, then follow him over the threshold and lock the door behind us. He won't be passing through that again until the rituals are over.

I gesture for Michael to approach me, then draw him into an embrace and kiss him lightly on the cheek.

"I'm going to prepare us a light dinner. While I do you can make yourself at home. Have a look around - though it won't take you long! - then when you're comfortable come and join me in the dining room. Then I can explain more about what we'll be doing together, and answer any questions you may have."

It only takes me a few minutes to prepare some salads and a couple of glasses of wine. When they're ready I sit down at the small table to wait, but Michael appears and occupies the chair opposite me almost immediately. He's still clearly a little overwhelmed.

"What do you think of my chambers, Michael?"

"It's not so different from a normal house. I expected something... well, I dunno, something different."

I laugh: "Well I do have to live here! I always ask that question, it's fun for me to see what young men imagine this place is like. Actually it changes with each new High Priestess. Our instructions are to create an environment that makes us feel sensuous, so we can best fulfil our duties. My predecessor went in for murky, elaborate decor, as that was her preference. That's what your father will have experienced during his initiation. I prefer virgin white everywhere, I think surroundings are less important than the emotions we create within ourselves. I sometimes wonder if the different approaches successive Priestesses take has an impact on the preferences of the young men we send away from here.

But I'm getting way ahead of myself! We both know why you're here but tell me truthfully Michael, how much do you know about what's about to happen? Have you heard rumours from other Amgrosians? It's important that I know so I can confirm which parts are true, and also address any misconceptions."

"I know only that I'm to be initiated."

"That's it? Nothing else at all? Most candidates come with some ideas, or have heard whispers from slightly older peers or brothers. I won't be angry, the initiation is supposed to be sacred - it *is* sacred - but it's normal for people to gossip. Our Sect is not entirely immune to human nature."

"I know only that I'm to be initiated."

I study his earnest face closely, and I believe him. It's a surprise to me - my line of questioning was entirely sincere - but while he's ill at ease, I see no evidence of a lie in his expression. And considering it some more, his line is entirely plausible. Michael's parents who are a few years older than myself are members of the Bastina group, a branch within our Sect. It would take a scholar of Amgros theology to better explain their world view, but essentially they are the members of our Sect whose beliefs adhere most closely to our founding principles, or if you like our fundamentalists. Like other systems, Amgros has evolved to adapt to changing times; the Bastina group has resisted that. So it's entirely possible that Michael's parents have told him nothing of what awaits, and have worked to ensure that he receives no information from other sources either.

"OK, well I can't pretend that I'm not surprised, but you've done nothing wrong in telling me that, and now I know where we stand. Thank you for your honesty. Have something to eat, drink some wine to relax yourself, and let me begin to answer some of the questions you must have been asking yourself."

And so I lay out details of the Amgros initiation. Even if Michael is unaware of the specifics, he will know that sex is involved, and that I am to be his guide. You will likely have already noticed that I'm prone to tangents, but essentially the information I impart is as follows:

- The purpose of the initiation is to educate Michael in experiencing sexual pleasure; he'll already know the facts of procreation, but little to nothing about the feelings that surround it

- I will guide him through a series of exercises to teach him about how his own body receives pleasure, and how he can gift the same feelings to a partner

- There is no set programme for us to follow, this is not like taking a course; I have a variety of techniques at my disposal, and will use my expertise and experience to sense which will work best for him, or even devise new ones

- There is no set length for the initiation, it will take as long as is necessary, though typically candidates achieve adulthood in 5-7 days

- I reiterate my earlier thought that while the event holds great significance in our culture, we should not be overly reverent towards each other, which will hinder our ability to achieve intimacy

- Michael will be allowed to leave when he demonstrates that he can provide a partner with the sexual pleasure that all adults deserve

There is one final point which goes against what he has been taught until now. He's been told from an early age that intercourse before commitment is not allowed, and coming from a Bastina family I have no doubt that he's observed that. But I inform him that this rule is suspended for the duration of the initiation, and will reapply when he leaves. I will also be taking birth control pills while we are together; these are the least obtrusive form of contraception, and I cannot be allowed to fall pregnant given the role that I hold. It's another of the sacrifices that my status requires.

When I've finished, Michael nods. He's clearly a little awed by me and all I've said, and will take some time to relax in my company in the way that is demanded of him, but I've a feeling that he will be a diligent student. There's also an unmistakable excitement in his eyes because leaving aside all other trappings for a moment, which young man doesn't want to be promised an adventurous diet of sex?

"So Michael, I trust everything is clear. Is there anything you want to ask me before we begin?"

"I guess we're starting tomorrow? It's getting late already."

"Oh no, we start right now, you'll be sharing my bed tonight. We begin by disrobing. Lesson one of many! There should be no shame between partners about their bodies, we are as we were made. We will both be naked from now until it's time for you to leave. I will take the lead and go first, I need you to undress me."

I stand up from the table, turn my back and wait. The elegant black dress I've worn for the earlier celebration has an elaborate set of fastenings at the back, and having been helped into it that afternoon, I'm not sure I could remove it on my own if I tried. Michael's not going to find it easy either, but after some tugging and finger movements, I feel it loosen around my chest, then he's able to slide the straps off my shoulders. I use that as my cue to face him, and encourage him gently while he slides the garment down my body until I can step out of it.

Underneath I'm wearing a matching black set of underwear and stockings. They're designed to be functional rather than titillate, not the sort of fantasy outfit that Michael may secretly have been hoping for. But following my signals, he takes off each stocking, and I allow him to reach behind and remove my bra with his slightly shaking hands. Finally, with nothing more than a nod and a smile from me, he slides my knickers down my legs so that I stand naked before him.

"Tell me what you can see."

"Oh wow, wow. Even more beautiful than I expected."

"Thank you Michael, that's very flattering. Well done. All human bodies are beautiful, we try to teach that. But tell me honestly exactly what you see when you look at me. Don't leave out any details, I want to know how I appear to you."

"OK, um... You're about 1 metre 75 tall, so probably only an inch or so shorter than me. You've got slim shoulders and are pretty thin, though I wouldn't call you skinny. Your legs are a little more muscular, I've seen you out running, that shouldn't surprise me... Your dark brown hair is straight and comes to just past your shoulders. There's a mischievous grin on your lips and in your brown eyes. Your nose is delicate with soft edges. Your complexion is pale. Your fingernails and toenails are both painted purple..."

"I'm going to be mischievous right now. That's very good but your shyness meant you left some things out. Remember why we're here."

"Um, your chest... Your breasts look heavy, though they're in proportion with the rest of you. Your nipples are dark brown and perfectly round. And your, um, the pubic hair over your vagina is dark and trimmed neatly."

"Thank you. You'll see that with my trimmed thatch and painted nails, the body may be beautiful but I still make concessions to vanity. I'm a priestess, but I'm also human. Your turn."

It's no problem to take the smart jacket he's wearing off his shoulders, then I matter of factly start to unbutton his shirt. Again, if he's hoping for some sort of overt stimulation he's going to be disappointed, that isn't yet the object of this exercise; I simply want him to be as naked as I am so there's no awkwardness between us. When the shirt is off I kneel to remove his socks and trousers; he's clearly reluctant to remove the final item, and I know the reason why, but I give him a reassuring smile and help him out of his boxer shorts, then stand back to critique him.

"My turn, Michael. As you said, you're about an inch taller than me. You're also thin, I would call you 'lean', but you're less athletic than me. No offence! Neat brown haircut, probably trimmed for your big day. A few hairs on your chest, thin legs. We're doing this exercise to overcome any embarrassment about our appearances. You can't please your partner until you're familiar with every part of them."

"OK..."

"But what's really drawing my eyes is your cock. You've got an erection."

"I'm sorry..."

"You don't need to be. It often happens at this point. You're naked in front of a woman for the first time, and she's naked too. Why wouldn't you have an erection? Would you like me to assist you?"

"What?"

"Do you masturbate, Michael? Has anyone else ever stroked you?"

"Yes. No."

"Well then let me treat you. Just relax and enjoy."

I squat in front of him and wrap my hand lightly around his erection; it's warm and super hard. My other hand cups his balls, which are tight and heavy to the touch. Looking straight into his pleading eyes, I gently start to stroke his penis. As I anticipate, the moment and novelty are too much for him, and it's only a few seconds before he exhales sharply and ejaculates; the semen lands around my collarbone and slowly drips towards my breasts. I allow him to look while he regains his composure, then I release his still hard cock and rub the liquid into my skin.

"Excellent start Michael, I hope that felt as good for you as I think it did. There's no need for me to wash right now, we'll clean ourselves up in the morning. It's getting late, come and lie down with me."

We go to my bed, and pull the covers over ourselves. There will be no more tuition today, but after he turns away from me, I push myself into his back and wrap an arm around him so that my naked body is pressed against him, and he feels comfortable with the sensation. Tomorrow the teaching can commence in earnest; tomorrow I will begin to help Michael understand what it means to be an adult man in Amgros.