The dolls came as a surprise. It wasn't something Nicora was expecting to uncover as she searched and explored the Temple of Gorphat. It almost made her think the Yodh there still harbored maternal instincts, or playfulness.. until a closer look showed marks where the stuffed figures had been stabbed, cut or injected with something: they were curse fetishes, in the end.
Nicora is still mostly covered in bandages and quite ... green. The only part of her completely exposed is her stomach area; which looks a bit ... lumpy since Gorphat decided to punish her. It's a sort of punishment that's hard to ignore as any movement or contact gets the contents of those lumps ... squirming. And it always makes her twitch when it happens. Nothing like knowing you're hosting creatures that will eat you from the inside out. But right now she's just looking over the odd dolls ... and playing a game of 'guess' who it might be? Or at least of any of them look like they tried to curse each other, or Phlagaea.
Several of the dolls do look like Yodhgorphat - or at least are green and decorated with bandages. It really isn't that hard of a stretch then, to imagine them casually cursing one another over petty things. Some of the dolls even resemble other Yodh, none more clearly than the one covered in mystic looking designs that could only be a Yodhzakaro.
"Ah, nothing like a little feuding amongst 'friends'," Nicora remarks. She, after all, routinely tormented her best friend back in Sylvania. Still does on occasion! My how things have changed since then. She absently rubs her stomach with her left hand as she places the dolls into a small box she found and arranges them neatly. At least she shows some respect; wise after what happened when she wavered. "It couldn't have been all bad here all the time," she remarks to herself, "Gorphat does care, it's just in ... unusual ways."
Among the discoveries is also a scroll about summoning fire balls, used in the regular 'cleansing' of the undercity to prevent the spread of disease among the unsanitary conditions (and people).
And Nicora, being Nicora, decides to see if she can use the spell to summon a fireball! Because, well, why not?
The prayer reads as: Gorphat, Sister of the Low Places, let nothing unclean escape your reach. Purify that which is not Yours, and be it Your will to operate through me your Daughter.
Nicora goes and kneels down before the altar. Her head bows as she speaks, "Gorphat, Sister of the Low Places, let nothing unclean escape your reach. Purify that which is not Yours, and be it Your will to operate through me your Acolyte; a child soon to become your Daughter." She modified it a bit, because, welll, she's still on the path. Will it work? In this place, it actually might.
Further instructions reveal "Repeat as needed" and "It's all in the wrist" and "Be aware of your feet."
Nicora has to smile to herself at that. Maybe they did have a sense of humor after all. She sets the prayer aside and rubs lightly at her stomach; feeling the multitude of squirms that follow soon after. Deciding to do a better prayer, she bows her head again before the altar. "Gorphat, thank you for punishing me for my transgressions. I wish to serve you, and yet unless you correct me, I waver from the path. The squirming within me makes me tremble; I fear what I saw happen, could come to pass to me. But I know if it does, then it is because I have failed you and wavered. I performed acts unworthy of a Daughter. If I am true to the path, I know that you will protect me from that fate and instead take me unto your bosom. I will be an honored host of your blessed creatures, and yet I will survive because you will allow me to. Thank you for your blessings and your punishments; for they make me a better Daughter," she says softly to the empty room. Of course maybe she's crazy; maybe she's scar
scared. Of a mix. But saying that, even to the empty room, makes the nervousness that plagues her tonight ease a little.
"Well, I don't know if I can save you myself," a gurgling voice whispers in Nicora's head. "You might need to seek out the Yodhrinala. Only time will tell, but the larva are stronger now and may not all perish in the trial ahead. Don't worry about it though, Acolyte."
"I have faith that you will protect me," Nicora murmurs, her head still bowed. "Even though I fear what is within me; I also fear honored, for it was you who helped place them and you who have helped make them grow. I will survive this and be stronger for it."
"That's the spirit!" Gorphat cheers on. "My daughters must be strong to face the responsibilities of their Mother."
"And your blessings, I am honored to carry them. They remind me of you; they bring me closer to you," Nicora continues, sucking up. "The burn from pleasure; and the pain that comes with the gift of fertility. At first I feared them and dreaded them; but now I embrace them."
"You do not have to embrace them," Gorphat claims. "They are meant to be hardships to overcome, not pleasures."
"I embrace what they are. It is not pleasurable, but I embrace what they are to teach me," Nicora clarifies. "I want you to challenge me, to make me face hardships and trials. It is in those that I can best honor you by overcoming them."
"Good, there will be many challenges ahead," the goddess replies.
"And I will do all that I can to honor you in them," Nicora claims. Again she instinctively rubs her gut, and the squirming response does make her shiver a bit, then bite her lip for a moment. "Is there anything you would ask of me during the next day or so of sequestering while the clutch of your sacred creature grows within me?"
"You may want to check on the slime eels," Gorphat notes. "Cesteria never liked to clean the mucous out of the tank drains, and it tended to back up."
"I will do so," Nicora says. "Thank you again, Mistress. For your punishments and your blessings."
There's no reply this time, and the Eeee is left wondering just what a slime eels are, where they might be kept, and what possible uses they might have.
Nicora rises and places the fireball scroll away for the moment. She'll get back to that because right now dealing with eels and gross will be more distracting to her current predicament. So, she heads back into the Temple to search for these ... eels. While she walks, she remarks to her gut, "Must you squirm so much?"
The response to the question is.. continued squirming. It takes some time to decipher the markings on the various corridors, but Nicora eventually finds herself in one of the 'newer' sections of the Temple, since it's actually a part that was built. There's a lot of gurgling and sluicing sounds, indicating that water (or some other fluid) is flowing around behind the walls. The 'slime eels' are likely in the pool of.. well, snot.. that also boasts some highly polished bones floating atop the mire. Poles and what might be cleaning tools lean against one wall of the chamber, covered in dust.
"Well, that's ... nasty," Nicora remarks, looking oddly bemused as she surveys the pool of snot. She would almost go into the tank so she could forget her own internal squirming, but the bones convince her that is a terrible idea. So .. she goes to get one of the tools and spend a bit of time inspecting and probing the pool to figure out what to do. "Why do you get yourself into these situations?" she asks herself.
The pool isn't that deep, maybe three feet. Except for a few spots where the pole sinks a bit deeper, although with resistance. Maybe those are the snot-drains? Occasionally something disturbs the goo, giving the impression of serpentine forms swimming through the mucous somehow. It makes Nicora's tail twitchy.
Nicora tries to fish up one of the serpentine forms, just to get a quick look at it before getting down to the business of using a long pole to prod and poke at the tube to open it up. She even whistles a bit while she works.
The hook at the end of one of the pools briefly pulls up a long, pale, worm-like creature. It looks a bit like a cemetery wyrm, complete with tentacled face, but is covered in (and somehow producing) sheets of slime.
"You don't look that dangerous," Nicora remarks to the odd eel she manages to see briefly. She returns to the job at hand and starts probing and prodding around that deeper spot. She even starts singing to herself in Sylvanian; a modified ditty about digging in the swamp to find treasure. Though a song that now goes something like 'digging in the snot, but not for pleasure' ... is a stretch of that tune.
A huge bubble grows on the surface of the pool, and then bursts as one of the drain lines is cleared a bit. More bones are disturbed as well, bobbing to the surface where the slime is thickest. The skulls at least don't look like Eeee ones, so these could be the remains of sacrificial animals or just whatever the Yodh felt like throwing into the pool.
Nicora, being brave, pokes a finger in the slime for a second ... just to see if anything comes to that spot.
All she gets for her effort is a coating of slime on the finger that.. doesn't easily come off. The slime eels don't seem to be conditioned to investigate pokes, or otherwise use the slime the way a Grabbit might use its web.
Nicora shakes her hand, trying to get the slime off. "Quit tempting fate. Don't you have enough squirming?" she asks herself. Her gut squirms, perhaps in agreement. She resumes probing the pool, looking for the other drains.
The pool begins to look a little clearer, as fresh(ish) water flows in to replace the draining slime. Which means that somewhere, out in the bowels of the undercity, there is a drain pouring out slime. Or worse, possibly an old fountain. Nicora can see the slime eels more clearly now, along with a very old corpse that they are still in the slow process of stripping. The victim is mercifully unrecognizable as to species.
"Good thing I didn't climb in there," Nicora remarks, feeling a little ill. "Maybe I'll be lucky and all that slime will pour out in a Diphath temple." She looks for other drains still, but also can't help and eye the feast going on.
It may be odd, but it does remind Nicora that Hosheb won't be around to 'feed' her during the rest of her stay in the Temple.
"They do almost look like you," Nicora does add in tease to her tail and even squeezes its base. "And that's right, what am I going to do for food? Bite these eels? Drink the slime?" she asks, looking ill at either prospect.
The tail bites Nicora of course, since it doesn't seem to like being squeezed - or at least, isn't in the mood for it. The undercity is full of protein in the form of bugs of course, which would be fine for a typical Eeee but doesn't do Nicora much good. The only ones that might now about vampiric needs and such are.. the Yodhdiphath.
Nicora just rubs her temples. It's not like she can just ask one of those. So ... she grabs a pole and decides to see if she can fish out an eel to bite. It may not be appealing, but it's only a day or so of food need before she'll face the fourth trial and be freed of her gut. Failing this, she can ... always pray for Gorphat to send her a horrib to feed her.
She has to actually wind the eel around the hook before she can get it out without it just slipping off, but once it's in reach.. well, it's gushing slime.
Nicora grabs for it away, as discussing as this is. And worse ... she's going to put her mouth on it and bite if she can!
disgusting
Biting on it earns her a mouth full of slime.. too much slime! It's nearly choking, and renders her mouth useless - if it got up her nose, she'd suffocate!
Nicora spits it out and drops it back in the pool! She then spends the next minute or two trying to clear her mouth! "Bad idea," she burbles slimily.
It doesn't help that her tail pokes at her. At least it can't laugh! Maybe a day of fasting isn't such a horrible notion.
"Gorphat, would you be willing to give me a small gift and send a horrib to feed me when I need food?" she asks the room. She also pokes back at her tail!
"Hunger is a small challenge to face," the goddess replies. "Many go for days without food, and it is beneficial to understand how that affects them. An uncontrolled blight can result in famine for the city, and is one of the many things we much be on guard against."
"Understood," Nicora murmurs. No food for a day it is. It's something she has had to deal with before, after all. She checks the snot pool for any more plugged drains, if none found, she'll head back to the main room.
The pool seems mostly clear now, with streamers of goo visibly vanishing down the drain grates. Back at the altar, Nicora hears.. voices? "There is one here, I saw," whispers a high-pitched voice.
Nicora pauses in the shadows. "Who is this?" she has to think, trying to peer out at the altar and who is out there speaking. Was someone brave enough to come here?
"Nobody's here, let me go," sniffs another voice. Both sound like children so far.
"Who is out there?" Nicora calls out, her voice still ... slightly bubbly from the slime.
"You see, it's Her!" another voice squeaks, and there's a scrabbling in the shadows of the main hall. Nicora spots four children trying to run, but one of them is bundled up and being carried - mostly. The other three keep dropping that one in their panic.
"Wait. You do not have to run," Nicora says as she heads after the children ... but does not run. They must have come for a reason, and one looks like it may be sick.
"It's Gorphat," one of the children wails, and the others stop. With what must be every bit of courage they have, the haul their bundled comrade towards Nicora and the altar while still trying to remain on their knees.
"Why have you come?" Nicora asks, crouching down to be more on their level. she makes no sudden movements, either. "This place can be very dangerous; it is no place for children."
Wordlessly, the bundled up child is set at Nicora's feet. Although the bundling appears to be for restraint, including a gag. "Oh mighty Gorphat please accept this sacrifice so we won't all get sick from Ganger's horrible plague!"
"Sacrifice? Which plague do you speak of? Symptoms, not names, identify," Nicora asks, arching one brow. She also reaches down and undoes the gag on the poor child and gently eases it from its mouth. "Do you wish to serve Gorphat?" she asks the restrained child.
"No! I don't have a plague!" the bundled up girl protests, but the other three all talk at once. "Her clothes were all bloody but she's got no wounds," one claims. "It's been over a day and she's still doing it!" "She makes horrible moaning sounds and holds her stomach!"
Nicora arches her brow again and undoes the restraints on the child; mainly to inspect her. What she suspects it is, is the girl is just having her first period. "She doesn't have a plague; she is ... becoming fertile. Sister Inala blesses a woman with fertility; and Gorphat tempers it with the way her body purges tissues once they are no longer useful," she explains while trying to confirm that it is, indeed, just that.
It certainly appears to be the case, given the scent of the blood (which is very different than arterial blood) and the location of the stains. The children just stare blankly, as if Nicora were talking gibberish. They seem afraid to ask for clarifications as well.
"She is not sick. This is normal for a girl when she starts becoming a woman," Nicora simplifies. She then places her hand on the girl's lower stomach, feeling for tensing or swelling.
Everything seems to be as expected, including the look of discomfort on the girl's face. "So.. I'm not going to die?" she asks, still scared.
spoof "No, this is normal. Do you wish it to be .. less painful?" Nicora asks. "Pain builds strength, but if it is too much, I will consider making it less."
"Is it going to go on forever?" Gangers asks in horror, especially at the mention of 'making it hurt less'. "The smell attracts biting flies.."
"Every six weeks for an entire week for most of your adult life. It is necessary in order to have children," Nicora says simply. "You can wear thicker cotton to absorb it, and bathe regularly during it." It's then she also closes her eyes, "Gorphat, allow me to ease the pain the child will face. She is young, and has much time for challenges to come. If it is required, I will accept her pain in her place; I am ... stronger now to deal with it."
There's no reply, but the girl's panic seems to.. lessen. "My belly stopped hurting," she whispers. The other children (all younger males) aren't sure what to make of this. "Does this make Ganger a grown-up?" one of them finally asks.
"Yes," Nicora says, "And I expect you to treat her as a lady and a friend, or I may bless you with similar pains in the future."
"Are we all gonna go through that then?" the oldest of the boys asks, while Gangers seems to gain a few inches of height. "You all have to do what I say now," she says.
"Males do not suffer the same things; you will have more appropriate challenges. Do you have any parents?" Nicora now asks as she removes her hands from the child.
"Used to," the youngest male says. Gangers turns to Nicora and says, "The monsters got them."
"Monsters? Tell me of these Monsters. Where do you live now?" Nicora asks of them. She even rises up and sits on the edge of the Altar; perhaps so she appears more of an authority.
"They have glowing eyes and scream to make you feel sick," one bay says. "And long talons, and big fangs," the second notes. "They wear dark clothes, and use nets," the third says.
"They call to Diphath when they attack, and take away the grown ups," Gangers finishes. "We live a few towers to the north, near the outskirts. Less garbage there, but safer from the monsters. They don't like light."
"Where did you last see these monsters? They are an affront to Babel and must be dealt with," Nicora says, "And I will see to it."
"Our old nest, deeper under the city," Gangers says. "We waited, but nobody came back for us, so we ran. They say the monsters don't always kill grown ups, but they'll eat children."
"Where under the city? I require a landmark," Nicora says.
"Near the angel fountain," Gangers says. "That's.. all I know. The angel fountain. But the monsters don't come from there."
"And your parents' names?" Nicora asks next.
"Mom and dad," Gangers says, and the other three nod in unison.
Nicora actually smiles slightly at that. "Your names, then? One of you is Ganger, but the rest?" she inquires, pointing specifically at the males.
As the newly appointed Grown Up of the family, Gangers points to the others, starting from oldest to youngest. "Fleet, Gob and Jon," she says. "I'm sure at least one of them is my brother."
Nicora nods. "If your parents are alive, then they may be returned to you. Those that took them will be dealt with," she says. "As for the rest of you; this place is dangerous. Never come here alone, and never explore beyond this room."
"Where do we go?" Fleet asks Nicora, who seems to outrank Gangers at the moment. "We always stick together though. Except for.. you know.. the sacrificing Gangers thing.."
"Is the place you live now not safe?" Nicora asks. "If not, there are the Yodhsunala that run the hospital at the base of Mt. Sunala. They may know of places you can go for protection. Surely you are not asking to stay here?"
"But the Yodhsunala will kill us, won't they?" Gob asks. "They're the Death Sisters. They only deal with the dead, so if you go to them for help, they kill you so they can help you, because then you'll be dead and that's who they help."
"Not all of them," Nicora says. "You might also try the Coalition Tower; they may be able to find you shelter as I understand they claim to help the people."
"But the Yodhsunala that run the hospice should help you. Some have even worked with the Yodhrinala; whom will help you," Nicora adds.
"Things are changing in this city," Nicora clarifies, "And old enmities are being ... forgotten."
"They're way in towards the center though," Ganger notes. "That's.. a long way to go. But Mount Sunala is outside the city," she reasons. "Do people hunt you on the edges or on the mountains? We were told the Yodh don't let people on the mountains unless they're pilgrims."
"You will be safe, the mountain paths are protected," Nicora says.
"You mean.. by the shining woman and the dragon?" Jon asks. "We saw her. She made me feel funny. It's Inala, really, isn't it?"
"Perhaps," Nicora answers vaguely. "Such is not things I child should concern themselves with. Now you should be going, unless there is something more you wish to ask of me? A blessing, perhaps?"
"What's a blessing?" Ganger asks.
"A gift of a challenge from Gorphat to overcome," Nicora answers, poking her stomach slightly so the children can see the slight squirm. "To make you stronger."
"I don't.. understand?" Ganger asks, trying to be polite. "Like my bleeding?"
"Similar, yes," Nicora says.
"I think we get enough of that," Ganger claims, and looks to the others, who all nod vigorously. "We don't wanna get sick! We'll starve if we do!" Jon claims.
"Perhaps I will check on you later," Nicora promises, "Now, you should go and find shelter before night comes."
"We'll go home and then go to Mount Sunala in the morning," Ganger promises. Then, a bit shyly, asks, "Can we tell them Gorphat sent us?"
Nicora considers. "Probably not. Tell them the white human sent you," she suggests. "Things are changing, but you should still be careful."
"Alright," Ganger says, and then bows. "Thank you, Gorphat."
"Remember that challenges make you stronger. If you have need of help, you may return and ask for it," Nicora says as she slips off the altar, then actually leans down and gives Ganger a slimy kiss on her forehead. "/I hope Gorphat will not be offended they called me by Her name."
As the group hurries out of the temple, Jon whispers to Gob, "Did you see the snake coming out of her butt?" Gob replies with, "I wasn't about to mention it.."
Nicora just shakes her head. She climbs back up onto the altar and stretches out, both hands resting on her stomach, feeling the larvae within squirm about now and then. She feels ... oddly proud. Maybe she really is getting closer to Gorphat. Maybe she's going crazy. The only thing she knows for sure is ... it's going to be hard to sleep with squirming eggs throughout her abdomen. At least they'll be gone after the next station. It would be horrifying if they were not.