Solomon’s test part 5 - the conclusion

Chapter 9: Solomon’s Trial

Long afterward, when Lorraine tried to describe what had happened next, she found herself struggling to find words.

The place she found herself in at first seemed like a green grassy grove, with a range of mountains to the east. A bright and clear river flowed through, and flowers grew everywhere.

Even though she could not see the sun over the mountains, and sky had that just-turning orange shade you see just before sunrise, she could see everything clearly in the grove.

The dark-skinned man who had declared himself to be Melody’s Advocate said “Come”.

And so Melody took Lorraine’s hand, and they followed him.

The man lead them for a while, and then they saw ahead a wooden arch covered in flowers.

Then as they got closer, and Lorraine saw a root coming out of the bottom of the arch, and realized it hadn’t been built, but grown, somehow.

Beyond the arch, Lorraine saw two long tables at right angles to each other, one with three chairs the other with only one.

In front of these there was a podium with a large chair behind it, and Lorraine was sure that all of these were grown and living plants.

And she was also sure that this was courtroom.

Their guide directed the girls to sit down at the table with two chairs, and as soon as they were seated another man came into the grove.

The newcomer wouldn’t have looked out of place at any law firm on any TV show Lorraine had seen, in his expensive-looking suit and red tie - except he was wearing snakeskin boots.

He nodded to them, and sat down at the opposite table.

A moment later, a trumpet sounded out of nowhere, and the girls were urged to stand for the entrance of the Judge.

The judge was wearing a hood as well as the traditional black robe, so Lorraine could not make out his features, but she felt somehow he would be serious and firm, but fair.

He said, “Melody passed the test put before her. She used the gift she was given freely, without demanding anything in return. So what charge do you bring against her?”

The man in the snakeskin boots responded, “She passed the test of Charity, but she has not faced the test of Sacrifice. I say that she will not be able to pass that test!”

The judged responded, “She must face the test of sacrifice.”

Melody looked at the man who had claimed to be her Advocate, and asked, “What does that mean?”

He replied, “It means that the gifts you gave out tonight will be returned, every person you helped with be back where they were - unless you make the sacrifice.”

“What sacrifice?” Melody asked.

“Your own transformation. You go back to how you appeared before you were given the gift.”

“Lorraine?” Asked Melody plaintively.

“I dont think I can help you, Melody.” Lorraine responded. “It’s not me who would have to give up being seen as a woman at birth.” She hung her head, and added “I wish I could help, or even take the test for you, but it’s your test, not mine”

Melody said nothing for a long time, then she said softly, “I’ll do it.”

“Speak up.” The judge said.

Melody stood, and with tears streaming down her face, she said, “I’ll ... make the sacrifice. I’d never be able to live with myself if I kept the gift and all those people lost theirs.”

The judge replied, “So let it be,” and banged his gavel.

Then both the judge and the prosecutor in snakeskin boots vanished, and the advocate said to Lorraine, Take her home, and look after her.”

“I will” replied Lorraine, and then they vanished from the valley.

***

Chapter 10: The End, and after.

Lorraine found herself once more outside of Melody’s house, and then turned and realized that Melody had indeed lost the gift of a female body.

She was Michael, once more.

“Get me inside” He rasped, and so Lorraine helped Michael retreat to within the safety of his home.

Once inside, she held him as he mourned the loss of his gift, until her cell phone rang and she stepped away to answer it.

When the call was completed, she came back into Michael’s bedroom and said, “I have to go, apparently there has been a breakthrough in investigation into what happened at the accelerator. But I will be back as soon as I can. Will you promise me you wont do something foolish?”

“Why would I do anything foolish just because I’ve lost everything” Melody replied with some bitterness.

“Not everything” Lorraine replied, and kissed him, or rather her.

The kiss was tentative, at first, but it grew in passion and intensity. When they finally broke the kiss, Lorraine said, “I love you, Melody.”

“I’m not ...” Michael started to reply, but Melody cut her off, saying “You are. You will always be Melody to me. Now can I count on you to keep from hurting yourself while I’m gone?”

With tears in her eyes, Michael, or rather Melody responded, “You really love me, like this? I thought you said you like girls.”

“I do. Its just in this case the girl I like has stubble on her face.” Lorraine answered, and then said, “I really do have to go. Please keep yourself safe until I can come back.”

“All right. I promise.” Melody replied, and they kissed again, and then Lorraine left.

Once Lorraine was gone, Melody fidgeted for a while, and then carefully removed the dress, shoes, and lingerie that were the only things left of her transformation. She hung up the dress, put the shoes in the bottom of her closet, and out the lingerie in a hamper. Then she went to her dresser and found a pair of boxers, a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, and quickly put them on.

Then she crawled onto her bed, and slept.

Some time later, she was awoken by a knock at the door.

She opened it to see Lorraine smiling at her, and she said, “Hi. Sorry I’m not in better shape.”

“It’s understandable. But I have some good news. They found Colby Duke.” Lorraine replied.

“Oh?” Melody inquired.

“Actually they got all the members of Gia speaks. And not that you were ever considered involved, its official that you are cleared. Which means my bosses wont be able to object if you and I become involved.”

“Speaking of which ...” Melody said, and then blushed, and continued, “I’ve been thinking of how to say this. During our ‘gift run’, I got a glimpse of the lives of those I was helping, but somehow, I also got a glimpse of you, of your heart and soul. And I can say that if you love me despite the male body I’m stuck with ... I will do my best to be worthy of it, and give you my love in return.”

They then kissed, and kissing led to other things ....

****

Elsewhere:

“All right, I concede. She passed the test of self indulgence, she passed the test of generosity, she passed the test of sacrifice, and now it’s clear she will pass the test of despondency.”

“Indeed. And I now declare her off limits to you - and her companion as well.”

“Fine. There will be other battles, and others to be tested.”

“Indeed. But for these two, there will be blessings.”

***

The end.

Postscript: A big “thank you” to those who have read this, to those who left a comment or a kudo, and especially to those who graciously lent their name to characters in this story. I hope you all have enjoyed the ride as much as I have - Dorothy Colleen.