It's hard to put off a request from a goddess, especially when the goddess in question is Inala. And so Nicora takes a break from being a Yohdgorphat, so that Alptraum could go see Mave about playing the role of Yodhinala for awhile. There's a reminder of Gorphat's influence however: a slight soreness in the abdomen, as if something were pressing on one side of his bladder. The queen is still with him, just taking up space between organs at the moment, but likely still 'plugged in' to an intestine. At least it isn't moving.
Alptraum is so glad to not be oozing, stinky, toothless, and all the other joys of being a Yodhgorphat. The pain ... he can deal with it; he's been sick before, after all and it isn't that bad. Or moving. Moving would be disturbing. As he bounds down the nest steps he calls out, "Hello there! I'm hooooOOOme."
There's no sign of Tulani - save for a whiff of her favorite perfume. So she might be out doing spy stuff.. or visiting Inala's Paradise in Graytown. There's movement further in, however, and Mave's voice calling, "I was expecting you, come to the back please."
"Ah, Inala has been talking to you, hmm?" Alptraum quips as he saunters his way towards Mave's voice. It is so good to be able to walk like a guy again. IT's amazing what you can miss; swagger.
Mave is waiting back in her 'territory' and as usual is naked. She never seems to wear clothes inside the Nest anymore. She also has blue symbols painted on her white fur. She turns and smiles to Alptraum, asking, "Ready to help me with something tonight?"
"Do you have to wander around naked all the time?" Alptraum has to ask of Mave. "And help you with what?"
"You'd rather I wore a sexy dress?" Mave asks coyly. In response to the second query, however, the Yodhinala produces.. a belt. It's very thin, and very ornate - there must be a dozen or so blue gems embedded in its weave. "I need to charge this belt. The gems are not unlike your 'orb' and will hold an animus charge."
Alptraum ahs. "And you need to make love with someone to do this? Myself I assume? And what do you need this belt for?" he inquires, curious.
"Oh no, I can't charge the belt myself," Mave insists. "You must become a Yodhinala, channel the Shrine Maiden's Call of Inala to bring in men, and then charge the belt by draining them of there animus. I'm sure Snow did that to you once or twice, so you should be familiar with it."
Alptraum rubs his forehead. "I have to become female and have an orgy to charge the belt," he clarifies. "And you need this for ...?"
"I'm not as young as I used to be," Mave points out. "Once you have collected the animus, you will bring me the belt. I'll put it on, and you will make love to me several times until I've absorbed the energies."
Alptraum grins. "You still haven't explained what this is for," he points out, "And if I shift, I'll just look like the old you..."
"It's for rejuvenating my uterus," Mave explains. "And I think Inala has altered that form for you."
Alptraum blinks. "You're going to have more children?" he inquires, brow arching just a little bit. "And Inala suggested something like that ... and that she wanted me to serve as Yodhinala in some households at times. I did not think she was serious."
Mave raises an eyebrow. "Why would any Kindly One - besides Blakat - not be serious about such a thing?" she asks.
"Because Inala likes to tease me," Alptraum explains. He rubs his neck, adding, "I don't know the first thing about being Yodhinala officially."
"It's just like being the rat, with less drinking and cackling," Mave explains. "And you do it up in the altar room. And the men will be a bit clouded by your aura of lust. And there may be a pile of them at your feet by the time you're finished."
"But the drinking and cackling is most of the fun," Alptraum claims as he crosses his arms. "I suppose I have no choice in doing this."
"You could refuse, and hurt Inala's feelings.." Mave says, and makes big blue eyes at Alptraum. "I will get over the rejection in time, perhaps. But I am old, and time is not something I have in abundance.."
Alptraum rolls his eyes. "You are not that old," he counters as he sits down on the floor. "And I was enjoying being male for a bit. I've spent too much time as a pregnant Eeee," he mutters.
"I will make sure you really enjoy it after you have charged the belt for me," Mave coos, holding the fancy belt out and dangling it.
Alptraum holds up a finger, then closes his eye to focus on shifting. "Back to being a spread-legged vessel for male pleasure," he thinks, though oddly he doesn't feel bad about it.
The change does feel a little different. The Mave form is familiar by now, and it clicks in before the other changes. Mostly.. it starts to feel tighter. The result isn't off by much, but there's a look of youth - and perhaps innocence, or the illusion of it, instead of Mave's usual (sometimes intimidating) presence of experience.
The new Yodhinala also makes a cursory check on her 'child' cargo. She actually does not wish to harm it in these shifts, or aggravate it.
Things feel normal in that area - or at least, more normal than Nicora is used to. There's no squirming, or oozing or the like.. just a sense of presence that would be the queen larva.
The Yodhinala's eyes now slowly open and she licks over rather full lips. "Well, this is different," she admits as she reaches out for the belt this time.
The belt hangs a bit low, but then New Improved Mave has the hips to keep it in place. It doesn't feel magical or anything. It just feels like leather. "Ah, memories," Mave says, and actually pinches Mavetraum's cheek. "You could be my daughter."
Mavetraum rolls her eyes. "Would you want me as your daughter?" she actually asks. she moves around a bit, then adds, "And I have to admit at least this body isn't ... ruined."
"And my body is?" Mave asks. "If you were my daughter.. well, I might have words about the nose ring. Yodhinala are not led around, after all. We do the leading."
Mavetraum reaches up and takes out the nose ring. "No, but Nicora is," she says flatly, "Stretched like a rhain mare and drippy."
Mave twitches at the description. "I prefer you like this, or as the rat if I don't need competition," the Yodhinala says. "Now, can you manifest the Shrine Maiden's aura? In this form, you should be able to tap into her Inala-based abilities."
Mavetraum tilts her head. "Likely, but I should to that up on the altar, not in your hidden place," she points out, "Or it may be discovered."
"The walls here are warded against magical detection," Mave notes. "Your transformations are hidden here, as is the Light of Nala. But the attempt would certainly be wasted in here. So yes, take what you wish for comfort and head to the altar."
Mavetraum takes a firm hold on Mave and draws her close. "Anything, mmm?" she coos at her older self.
"Do you need a warm up?" Mave asks.
Mavetraum makes a face. "No, I was expecting a denial," she admits. "Though if you really want to warm me up..."
Mave leans in and kisses her younger double. Then she reaches over. Of course she knows all the best spots on that body, and what to do to get the desired response. It's less like being a puppet though and more like being a complex musical instrument from Mavetraum's experience. Now, if she can just remember all of this so she can use it later against Mave..
Mavetraum is a mix of all sorts of pleased noises and scents; extremely strong feminine scents. By the time Mave lets her go she's quivering. "Right ... I'll just go up to the altar now," she says as she turns ... and wobbles her way. She grabs a pillow and a blanket in passing.
"Have fun," Mave calls, smiling.
The night isn't too chilly at least, when the erstwhile Yodhinala arrives. She's still a bit buzzed, which should help with the aura projection at least - it always seemed to be that Snow's powers were strongest after sex.
Mavetraum throws the blanket over the altar and then sets the pillow on it as well. "You finally got a new daughter," she thinks as she works. A deep breath, then she climbs up onto it to make herself comfortable.
The last time she did something like this was back at the Temple of Inala in the Free City of Zannara - and that led to her being carried off to the dorm of the Barinala. And she wasn't even technically in her body during that.
Mavetraum sits cross-legged for the moment on the altar. Her eyes close and her breathing slows. For the moment it is just that, slow breathing and focus on her body, re-learning every aspect. It is after that when she begins to focus on the belly-jewel that Inala gave Snowcora ... and the sensations it creates when rubbed. She tries to draw that forth.
As before, it's a bit like an invisible gas - a cloud that flows out from her body, but is also an extension of it that lets her sense things. There are people nearby. Ever since Mave's appearance at the dinner party, there have been those staking out the Temple, waiting for a sign or appearance. They are Eeee, usually in pairs, and spread out across the grounds and the Pilgrim's Path. There are other things there too that aren't people. Mavetraum's best guess is that they are magical tripwires, set by Mages for whatever purpose. She could set them off if she wanted to. But there are at least eight flesh-and-blood bodies on the mountain itself that she could also 'set off' if she wants.
Mavetraum focuses on the traps first; she does not want any pilgrim harmed after all. She tries to sense if they are dangerous or not.
This seems to confirm the tripwire notion. They aren't connected to spells, but to people. Setting one off will send a signal to the casting Mage. The first one encountered is like a fragile bubble of air, so possibly belongs to an Air Mage. The next is much sharper, and slicker.. a thread of ice, if ice were mental. It could be that Mage Cyprian is watching the mountain - he's shown up before, after all.
Mavetraum considers this, then decides to leave them be for the time being. She focuses back to the pilgrims ... and test-prods one of them. A summons, if it can be called that. More like a need, a desire, that they must come to her.
There's some confusion in the feedback, but it isn't coming from the target. They've been camped out in pairs, and the second one is reacting to the first's strange behavior apparently.
Mavetraum solves this ... by pinging the other in the pair as well. The same feeling, need, and want.
It takes less than a minute for the two Eeee to find their way to the altar room, both panting. They might be brothers, but not twins.. one is clearly older than the other. "See, Demius.. they still exist," the older one wheezes.
Mavetraum rolls to her side and smiles to the men. She even curls her finger in 'a come hither' gesture. The way she positions her legs tends to, well, expose her bounty, so to speak as well. "Hello boys," she coos at them. "Come to worship Inala?"
"I promised Demius a visit to the Temple when became a man," the older Eeee says, yanked forward as if on a string (although somehow managing to shed his pants along the way). "He was heartbroken when the Temple fell," the man notes, before burying his face into Mavetraum's chest.
Mavetraum pets the man's neck. "There there. A building falls but the gates are always open," she says in her very best sultry voice. "Always warm and welcoming of generous donations."
"I have spices," the man says. He does have a pleasant smell to back up the claim. "From Saskanar, before the embargoes and pirates stopped trade. They make the finest incense and flavorings."
"And they will be most welcome as offerings," Mavetraum coos just before she nips his ear playfully.
"Thank you, Yodhinala," the man says, and those are last words for a while, as his mouth becomes occupied. In this form, especially, Inala's blessings are quite active, so Mavetraum is producing milk immediately, and certainly ready in other ways (although Mave's warm up probably helped). Eventually the man has her back on the altar and is giving his 'all-to-her' as well.
Mavetraum's back arches as she coos, "Such a good boy. Give everything to Inala's altar, fill her with your love." Were she in her right might she might realize how silly all of that sounds. But right now, no, she's enjoying normal lovemaking. Something Nicora has all but forgotten; for the Yodhgorphat sex is just more pain. She's instead pawing and caressing the eager pilgrim.
Snow's aura has certain side effects. The man gives everything he has.. and keeps trying to give more. And that extra bit seems to be the key, as Mavetraum senses one of the gemstones filling up from the attempt at mind-over-matter. This leaves the man very drained though. It isn't clear if he's going to pass out or not, but at least he is forced to stop for the moment. The look on the younger man's face is a mix of awe and lust. He's already got his clothes off, save for the wrapped bundle of spices he was carrying.
Mavetraum arches her back and sighs. She's satisfied ... for the moment. Her gaze falls on the next man now and she licks her lips. "Oooh, another offering," she coos, "And how may this Yodhinala please you? How do you wish to give to Inala?" She licks her lips, rolls her hips, and even flexes her backside, giving the man ... options.
Demius staggers forward.. and to Mavetraum there's a certain glow or halo about him. She realizes he's a virgin! And something tells her there is a special way to deal with that. Namely, that he should be the altar in this case.
Mavetraum rolls herself off the altar. "She takes the man's hand and guides him up onto the altar. "Just think," she murmurs to him, "Your first time is with Inala. Just lie back and let her love take you." Granted she'll take him by Mavetraum straddling him, but those are details.
The boy is very obedient, and actually looks hypnotized. He's certainly overwhelmed! And Mavetraum mounts him, his eyes look like they are going to pop out of his head. He keeps his hands away, even, as if uncertain to try and touch the Yodhinala without permission or instruction.
Mavetraum takes his hands and places them on her chest. And oh, how her hips roll. She sinks down, clenches, and then draws upward. It is like her entire body is suckling on him. "Just relax and go with it. Accept Inala," she murmurs. "Enjoy me. Touch me. Feel Inala through me."
"Yess.." the boy whispers, then swallows and begins to knead and squeeze and look like he's discovered an amazing new world. He also doesn't last long before giving in to the Yodhinala's educated hips.. but he still manages to hang on for a second burst. He easily fills a gem before even reaching the Ultimate Stage. And that fills another gem by itself. This must be why virgin sacrifices are so much more potent (at least, it makes sense for Inala).
"Good boy," Mavetraum coos over and over. Her muscle control is amazing; she's literally drawing it out as long as she can; milking the poor boy for everything he can give. Even when he seems spent she then lifts his head up so that he can nurse upon her.
So far the lad hasn't said much, but is clearly thirsty after his workout. It's enough of a break that he's ready again in just a few minutes! And this time he's a bit bolder, sitting up and then pushing Mavetraum onto her back.
"Ooo, you like being inside Inala's gates, don't you?" Mavetraum coos at the young Eeee, encouraging him. She's even running her claws through his chest fur. What's scary is Mavetraum is enjoying this. A lot. It feels so incredibly good. She even starts finding part of herself wishing she had been born a Yodhinala!
Of course, that would have been a potentially scary childhood. Demius eventually winds down, but has managed to fill three of the crystals by himself. He mutters happily as he collapses atop Mavetraum.
Mavetraum smiles to herself and eases the boy off of her body and gently down beside the altar. She draws a line in the air and says, "Two down, more to go," This time she lays back on the altar, hands on her stomach where she kneads softly, ensuring her 'child' is still okay before she focuses on locating the next vici .... pilgrims.
If anything, the larva seems 'happy'.. but it is feeding off Mavetraum, so likely getting the same hormones and other feel-good chemicals from her blood. The cloud is still in place, and makes it easy for the Yodhinala to locate the next nearest group, which has three people in it this time.
Mavetraum's eyes narrow, predatory. Her aura sings out to all three of them, becoming them to come to her. To give their gifts.
Now that she's further charged up, the impact of her aura is also greater. The next three men arrive in a rush, and there's no talk of offerings (although they do drop boxes and bags) before practically tearing their clothes and heading for the altar.
Mavetraum smirks, thinking, three passages, three pilgrims. Appropriate. One she guides to lie upon the altar. One to climb on the alter and lie on her back after she takes the one prone ... and the third? To stand before her to be 'devoured'. It is a scene of epic debauchery; something not seen for much time in this place.
The men are like playthings under Mavetraum's spell, and together manage to fill up one gem by syncing up to release all at the same time! The follow-up overdrive release provides more 'animus' though, if little fluid, but it was certainly fun taking them all on at once. Nikky could go on stage if she could do such a performance!
And the worst part is Mavetraum enjoys it. Really enjoys it. Something about controlling three men at once, and feeling utterly full. It's a disturbing feeling and likely Inala's influence! It's to the point she doesn't want to let the men rest!
With the aura, she can force them to continue, until desire overrides every other thought they have. It might leave them slightly damaged, but they'll probably recover. They may not remember it however.
Mavetraum has enough self control to not harm them. She does, however allow them to collapse around the alter. There were more on the mountain after all...
At least two more, according to the cloud-o-lust. They're moving though, possibly exploring the ruins, since they feel closer.
Mavetraum wiggles her fingers. "Come, come to me my little playthings," she murmurs to herself as her aura extends, seeking them out. Was Mave ever this bad?
Mave only had her own physical charms to depend on.. and a thriving temple where men knew to come and throw themselves at her feet (and probably a good number of women too). The two that follow the lure are of a different cut than the previous pilgrims. They're well dressed, and healthy looking.. certain handsome. Nobles, or from wealthy families, certainly. They actually notice the passed out pile of paramours.. and smile all the wider. "Hello," the first says, giving a little bow.
Mavetraum is reclining on the altar, head propped up on her right hand. "Hello there," she says to them. "Are you here to worship Inala? The rewards are great."
"Of course," the first man says, and begins to disrobe. He doesn't throw his clothes off, but actually.. well.. strips for Mavetraum. His companion remains quiet, but does collect and fold the clothes. Could he be the first one's butler?
Mavetraum openly admires the show, even licks her lips. "And you are...?" she prompts the man, even gesturing with her fingers. "And what rewards do you seek?"
"Marcus," the man claims, and approaches. He's wearing a ring on each finger, all quite fancy ones, and some made of actual metal. Despite the power of the aura, this one seems determined to stay in control. "And your name, emissary of paradise?" he asks in return.
"I am a servant of Inala, you may call me whatever you wish," Mavetraum answers as she tests his resolve with her aura, trying to see if she can make him lose control. It also allows her a moment to see if he can figure out from what family he comes.
Dialing up the power certainly makes the man wince, and the one part he doesn't have control over seems to strain as if it wants to leap free of his body. His own aura is.. mixed. There is a distinct lack of arrogance, but not of pride. The Eeee is not a Babel native, of that Mavetraum is sure. Still, he gently begins to caress the Yodhinala, rather than just jump on her.
Mavetraum dials it back to ease the man's discomfort. "I am Yodhinala Inira, if you must call me anything," she says, "You are not of Babel. Why have you come to this place?" Her hands extend as they caress over his chest.
"You can tell?" Marcus asks, as he begins to kiss and nibble on "Inira's" neck. "I am here to see if it is safe to begin doing business again. I represent farmers in Zaharinee.."
"You lack the feel of one from Babel," 'Inira' notes as her head arches back. "Why come to this temple? There are other places you could have gone. What are you seeking? It cannot just be safety," she inquires.
"Curiosity," Marcus claims, exploring with his fingers. "I wanted to see if the famed Temple of Inala was coming back to life, and if was a good portent to the city's fortunes as a whole."
"And not because of your love for Inala? Pity," Inira says right before nipping his ear. "But perhaps I could change that. What do you offer Her?"
"Which do you find prettiest?" Marcus replies, holding up the back of his hand to show off the rings.
Inira looks to the rings; looking for meaning as much as which is pretty.
The rings appear to have been carved from different types of stone, including jade and turquoise, as well as ivory and what could be coral. They each have a different 'weave' to them, with the coral being solid and having shell or wave-like spirals carved into it. The other have more open weaves, suggesting vines.
Inala is the color of white, so of course Inira selects the coral ring. It is appropriate. "This one; it fits Inala," she says.
"Flower of the ocean for the Flower of the mountain?" Marcus asks, smiling. "If I make love to you, will I end up like these other men?"
Inira looks to them. "Do you wish to?" she asks, the question actually sounds honest.
"They all have smiles," Marcus notes. "I suppose I cannot say to have been with a Yodhinala if I can walk away under my own power.. or without a limp."
Inira covers her mouth and laughs into her palm. "Well, we shall see," she claims as she draws the Eeee down onto her. She's actually gentler with her power with this one. He seemed honest, and in some ways, kind.
He also knows his away around a female, making sure Inira is properly catered to before seeing to himself. If anything, the respect makes it more intense for the Yodhinala.
Inira cannot help but think if he has ulterior motives. She has been in this city for a while; few give opening. Has she really become so jaded. But, true to her current duty he has donated and she responds in kind, trying to bring the man the gifts of pure pleasure.
He manages to last quite some time, and even fills two gems - possibly for bringing the Yodhinala herself extra pleasure. In order to fully drain him though, she'll need to use the aura to overcome any fatigue or waning arousal.
Inira actually checks to see if she needs to drain him or not. If not ... compassion tends to faver not inflicting all of that upon him.
There are still a few gems to charge up.. and he did ask for the full experience..
Inira sighs softly to herself ... and he did ask for it. The aura surges, trying to drive this stranger into overdrive; to fill those remaining gems! "Now I feel bad," she actually thinks. It is one thing to do it to lusty fools, but another entirely to this man.
At least he doesn't resist this time. He's also rather more vigorous than the others, and clearly enjoying it as well. Right up until he collapses, resting his head against Inira's chest and panting. But his efforts do fill a gem, leaving just one empty one.
Inira pets the man's head ... then eyes his butler. Oh ... how she smiles. It's rather draconic. "Your turn," she murmurs.
The servant comes over, and first gets his employer dressed again and propped up out of the general pile. He then turns his attention to Inira, saying, "I hope I'm not too old for you.. but you so remind me of a Yodh I had quite the romantic notions towards in my youth."
Inira's brow arches. "Yodhinala Mave?" she inquires, fluttering her eyelashes.
"Ah, the High Priestess.. unapproachable by one such as myself," the butler claims as he begins to disrobe. "She may as well have been the goddess herself. Are you one of her daughters, perhaps? The next High Priestess?"
"Mm, I am her daughter you might say," Inira claims, "And have you not heard? She still lives."
"But you are here, and not she," the man says, and.. takes the back of Inira's hand and kisses it. "She is still beyond my station, however."
"Tish," Inira claims as she now draws the man up onto the altar. "I will tell her of you and let her decide," she adds just before she kisses the butler.
The man is.. well, slow, but methodical. There just isn't any rushing some things, aura or not. And he is certainly very appreciative.
Inira is content to take this man slowly as well. Whether their stories are true or not remains to be seen, but they have at least been kind and polite. Also with this one if she need not, she will not drain him entirely. He has to look after Marcus after all.
While the virgin had a certain power, it seems that unrequited love (rekindled by sex with a double of the object of that love) has a lot of power as well. The gentleman's gentleman fills the final gem without having to resort to hitting the run-on-fumes switch.
Inira therefore does not. She allows the man to keep some semblance of dignity (and the ability to walk). "Inala thanks you for her gift and devotion," she tells him.
The man produces a card from his clothing, and offers it to Inira. It reads, "Gentelmen's Resource Personal Assistants and Bodyguards for Travelers, Visitors and Merchants." "I can only offer my services to the Temple in exchange for this blessing," the man notes, sounding apologetic.
"It is more than enough. An offer is an offer and is accepted gladly. These times have taught us to appreciate much," Inira claims as she tucks the card into her cleavage.
A few minutes later, the butler and Marcus are gone, and the pile of men is starting to snore. The gems on the belt are glowing blue now.
And ... Iniara leaves the alter. She abandons the pillow and blanket, though. Those are beyond saving and smell of musk. Ew. The Yodhinala starts to saunter back towards the temple, then snaps her fingers. She turns ... and heads for Rugharo's lair first! She may as well visit the demon while here.
Only Sunala uses a sarcophagus as an altar. But given that the shape is nearly the same anyway, it's good enough for Rhugaro when Inira tempts him out of his sanctuary in the graveyard. The demon doesn't need any encouragement from an aura though.. and also doesn't know what 'gentle' really means. There isn't any sign of Rhugaro Jr., however, as the beast has his way with the Yodhinala.
And Inira enjoys it. It's a bit of bestial rutting with a demon and it doesn't hurt at all! Again, not something gets to experience often sicnce she lives almost full time as Nicora. Even if Rugharo doesn't quite finish her off by the time she does, she's quite satisfied and feeling full. With the demon once again gone, she's also rubbing her lower belly and murmuring, "And you, my little daughter, grow full and well inside me, mm? I need you for new eggs for the hive since I cannot lay them myself." She shivers, then makes her way back towards the nest.
There's still no sign of Tulani when Inira returns to the bunker, but Mave is waiting. "You charged the belt," she says with approval. "Did you end up killing anyone?"
Mavetraum (Inira) shakes her head. "No, they're all snoring and completely worn out. How I am not completely nasty now I do not understand, but I am not complaining," she says as she slips the belt off and hands it back to Mave.
The Yodhinala puts the belt on herself (of course it still fits) and purrs happily. "Oh, and did they bring tribute?" Mave thinks to ask.
"Of course," Mavetraum says as she hands over the spices, coins, and even the coral ring. "And one was an old admirer of yours."
"I've had many admirers," Mave notes. "And what do you mean by 'old' admirer? Have you stolen his heart from me?"
"He said you were beyond his reach," Mavetraum notes, "And thay I would have to do. He may still be nearby if you wish to go look for him."
Mave seems to consider it, then says, "The night's work is not yet complete." She runs her fingers across the glowing gems, then smiles back to Mavetraum. "Now, I need you to return to being Alptraum, and then give to me all of the passion you have collected tonight."
Mavetraum leans in and notes, "I could give it to you as Nicora..."
"Passion, not pestilence," Mave notes, planting a finger under Mavetraum's chin. "I require it to be Alptraum who does this."
Mavetraum laughs, bemused. "Fine, fine, your loss," she agrees as she settles back down to shift. Going male is always harder these days it seems and being 'with child' only increases the complexity of shifting things around. Out flows the shadow and it engulfs her.
Things are rearranged, and when the shadow pulls back.. Alptraum has to check that he isn't a dragon, because he feels like the gold studs are affecting him that way. Or else that he just incredibly aroused on his own.
"One thing about being male that is awkward, this," Alptraum remarks dryly and points to the issue at hand. "At least women don't ... broadcast!" Then he tackles Mave into the pile of blankets.
Mave laughs, and says, "But having a handle is so convenient for guiding you around!" And then something weird happens: Alptraum doesn't feel quite like himself. Or rather, he feels like himself.. but also with extra selfness. He finds himself moving and taking Mave like Inira's first conquest of the night, as if replaying it.
Alptraum's eyes practically roll back in his head. Oh, the embarrassing sounds he makes, the mutters, coos, groans and howls! And the energy, too. He takes Mave like some sort of wild beast, just like what happened up on the altar.
Of course, this also means going through the draining experience, although it doesn't leave Alptraum a quivering, exhausted mess - only because he immediately begins experiencing Demius's session, and THAT is something different! It really is like it's his first time again.. although, likely a bit better, given that Mave is much more.. more.. than rail-thin Dr. Pike was..
Alptraum really didn't need that memory again, even if it was terribly funny! He also knows Mave is using him again, but right now it is terribly hard to think. He's along for the rutting ride it seems. The next will be all three at once ... then the noble...
The butler is very much a relief, when his turn comes around, since it was much calmer and didn't end in total exhaustion. And throughout it all, one by one the gems grow dim on Mave's belt.
As the gems fade, so does Alptraum ... until he's lying in the nest and breathing hard. "Better?" he asks of the Yodhinala ... whom he still doesn't really trust. "The things I do."
"Better," Mave claims, sounding just as worn out. "I feel younger already."
Alptraum yawns softly. "Glad you do, I feel like I'm a hundred right now," the tired male admits, "Maybe I need a nap." Pretty typical of a male to say that, too!
As Nicora lies on her bed, feeling nothing like a Yodhinala while her Horrib drones work to reseal her eyelids with their glue, she hears something. It stands out because she does hear it clearly, when everything else is muffled by wax. Chittering, almost like laughing.
Nicora feels ... icky. Clammy, slimy. She's also already drooling out of both ends thanks to her missing teeth and her other curses. She also agreed, though reluctantly, to the insistence of her insect children to sit, close her eyes, and let them reseal them with a thick layer of sticky glue. While the one works on her face, a pair of them work on her ears, making the already deaf bat even deafer with completely filled ear canals of hardening glue. So when the laugh comes, it startles her! "It cannot be time already?" she thinks as she goes to clutch at her gut.
With her nonphysical senses, Nicora can 'see' the source of the chitter clear enough. It hangs from the ceiling, wrapped in its wings, until it lets go and drops to the floor, before scrambling onto the bed to crouch near the Yodhgorphat. Of all the Sabaoth Seven, the youngest, Chezek, is probably the only one who could be considered 'cute', having features of a chibix on an otherwise small, juvenile Eeee body. "Mistress sends greetings. Much fun, she says! Good playmate," the demon relates.
Nicora burbles, her voice sounding awful compared to the one she just had. "Barada? Yes, she and I recently spoke. How may I be of service to you?" she asks, drool running down the sides of her mouth in greenish globs.
The impish demon reaches over and wipes away the drool. "Service? Me? Nobody ever ask before! I carry messages. You are big."
"Then why are you here?" Nicora asks as she sits up a bit; her body making horrid squelching sounds. She even leaves little tendrils of ooze stretching from between her back to the bed as she sits up. "A message?"
"Yes!" Chezek says. "Mistress sends greetings! Enjoyed playtime! That is message! Do you have message? Do I help you? You are not the Shrine Maiden, but you are the Shrine Maiden. That must be odd, being two different things that are the same thing. It is confusing."
"Ah. Tell her I will contact her soon. I have some memory ... dreams to show her," the Yodhgorphat says. "And I am ... servant of all the Goddesses; in this form I serve Mother Gorphat utterly and represent the ultimate in what an Eeee can endure. "I also serve as the brood mother for the demons," she adds and rubs her flabby and loose-skinned stomach. This causes a rather disgusting slimy burp from somewhere lower.
"I can have baby too then, like others?" Chezek asks. "You are so big.. bigger than me. Not like the Shrine Maiden."
"If I am properly fertile and with an egg, yes. You mate with me, then I birth your child," Nicora answers as she rubs her stomach. She isn't sure when she will be 'ripe'. It is always sudden.
"But you are bigger," Chezek repeats, and turns to 'expose' himself to Nicora. The demon certainly isn't as endowed as the others.
Nicora actually feels the demon. "I ... hm," she ponders. "There is one way that may work," she says, looking a little disturbed by the thought if that is even possible on her already hideous face.
"You get smaller?" Chezek guesses.
Nicora shakes her head. "I collect your essence and ... pour it into myself," she says, sounding a bit ... well, creeped out.
The little demon was never known for being very smart. "You cut them off?" it asks, touching itself. "Yes, yes. Then they fit. You are clever."
"No, not that," Nicora says. She tries to send her hovering 'child' to go get her a bowl ... and a large basting syringe from the medical 'chamber'. "It may not work, but it is the least ... damaging to both of us," she offers.
And while her seeing eye-horrib is gone, Nicora has reached out to cup the demon again in his tender areas and start to massage them.
"Damaging?" the imp asks as a horrib flies past it. "Like holes?" it asks, running hands over Nicora's oft-abused belly. "Many holes, but closed up. I could use new hole, if you make." Then the imp just begins to buzz a bit from the massage.
Nicora shakes her head again. "You relax, I will try this first," the bat insists. She massages for a bit, then dips her toothless head down to, well, massage the imp differently. This could be the scene out of a horror story.
It takes a few moments before Chezek seems to realize what is happening. Then he gets excited, making things easier. "We have baby now? Mistress wanted to watch.."
Nicora draws back. "I do not know if this will work now, I do not know if I am ... fecund. But it will allow me to test the theory. If she wishes to watch, so be it," she explains before her head dips back down. She has to be careful, she needs the equipment back before the poor demon gives up any essence.
There's some commotion outside, which probably means the horrib has reached the kitchen and is freaking out Sil as it tries to grab things.
Nicora is left in darkness without the horrib, so she's operating primarily by feel. And at least she can provide the demon more friction and tightness this way.
The horrib finally returns with a bowl, but no syringe. It's stinger is extended, however, as if offering that instead.
Nicora, curious, feels the stinger to see if the horrib could actually draw up fluids with it instead of just inject them.
It isn't clear if the stinger has a reverse function.. but it isn't quite smooth. There is a certain amount of fluting to the texture, which means it might be able hold other liquids on the outside.
Nicora also sets the bowl nearby Chezek as she works, now that it is here she doesn't have to be as careful or gentle. Since she can hear him as well, she's making sure he is getting some sort of enjoyment out of it too. She fully intends to catch his essence in her mouth ... then transfer it to the bowl. It was a disturbing plan, after all.
The little demon is not used to such attention, and provides his essence without a lot of effort on Nicora's part.
Nicora mfts and quickly swings her head to the bowl so that it can drain out into it. "Geh," she mutters shortly thereafter. A shiver runs through when she thinks about what she just did ... and what is to come. Now she grabs a rough pillow and lays it behind her, them lays back to that her hips are raised up. After some rather awkward feeling about and spreading of already stretched body parts ... she pours the contents of the bowl into what once was Inala's canal.
The horrib swoops in, and works to push things further inside. On cue, there's a squirming sensation in Nicora's womb, meaning a worm has hatched and is undergoing its supernatural, alien-fungus-powered growth spurt.
"Ooooo," is all Chezek has to say about it.
Nicora's back arches and she groans out in pain. It will hurt. It always hurts as she feels her gut squirm like mad, along with all the horrible sounds that start escaping her. Both her hands go to clutch at her stomach.
Something seems different this time. Usually, the squirming has to start before the demons add their essence. But this time, it's possible that the essence reached the larva sooner. Nicora can feel the secondary transformation beginning before the creature has even moved to the birth canal.
Nicora's toes splay as she twists about on the rough bed; her gut swollen; distended, and the surface rippling due to the changes going on within. She concentrates as much as she can, trying to get those over-worked muscles to move the child in contractions to the birth canal. But, are they strong enough to manage it with the changes this early?
Nicora's teeth would be clenched if she has much of them left. All she can manage is a burbling, goo-filled hiss of pain.
This time the baby is.. smaller. And feels smoother as well, moving easily with the contractions. What finally emerges is far more chibix than maniac mushroom-worm: the five sides are covered in overlapping chitin plates, with the 'mouth' a five-pointed beak. Fully formed wings fold against the sides, and a long 'tail' of tentacles emerges from the tapered hind end. It take a moment for them to all withdraw from Nicora as well, since they seem longer than usual.
"So pretty pretty!" Chezek enthuses, and gets even more excited when the newborn 'walks' on two of its five wings.
Nicora's back collapses back on the bed as she pants. The ain was not as bad this time .. or the worse part is her body just may be better prepared for it! The extract of its tails also makes her shudder. "Ugh," is all she can manage to say. "The things I endure, Mother," she thinks weakly. She can only sit up a little bit to see this new 'child'.
It isn't quite 'cute'.. the odd-numbered symmetry of it makes it distinctly alien. But it chirps, and waddles around, until Chezek scoops it up and hugs it to his chest, chirping right back at it.
Nicora, in spite of herself, feels good about this. "Why do I feel good about being a monster brood mother?" she has to wonder. She shakes her head a little, then even reaches out to pet the creature.
Unlike the others (especially Blarf), the new creature responds with sounds instead of odors and rude noises. The thin tentacles even briefly wrap around Nicora's fingers.
Nicora actually laughs a bit. "Well, there you go. One child," she tells Chezek.
"Barada impressed," Chezek notes. He smiles at Nicora, it being one of the few expressions he can perform. "Thank you. I take now to Nursery. Grow up big and strong, great warrior."
Nicora rubs her once again sore gut. "Tell Barada I will contact her soon, but right now I need to rest and see to my Mother's needs," she tells the small demon. She also hopes she will not be angry over the ... orgy at Inala's temple.
"I give message, yes," Chezek says, then kisses Nicora on the cheek before scampering off.
Nicora flops back on the bed. Aching, slimy, and exhausted. Darkness takes her not too long after.