Morning came with the usual routine - Nicora being woken by the sound of buckets rattling against one another. There's a brief pause this time, as Otto checks the Horrib Lair first before continuing on to the chambers of the High Priestess. "Good morning, High Priestess," the big Skreek calls from the doorway, apparently waiting to be invited inside.
Nicora rubs her face, muttering about it being too early. "Good morning, Otto," she replies, eventually. "I suppose it is that time again?"
Given that Nicora's breasts feel heavy, it most likely IS that time again. Otto peers inside and sees how they're laying, and nods. "I do think you need milking, High Priestess," he says, and comes inside. His pants have been mended, a bit roughly.. but they do their job.
"You need new pants," Nicora points out as she rocks a few times, then rolls off her bed and down to her hands and knees. It's easier than trying to sit up, frankly.
"These are good enough for me," Otto claims, as he gets down behind Nicora and positions the buckets before he starts squeezing and kneading the milk out. "I'll just be careful t' take 'em off before going into the Horrib's nest."
"I doubt they will do that again," Nicora remarks with a sigh, "They were trying to help me. That's all." Her expression at this point is ... a bit nonplussed. Being milked is degrading ... but a lot of what she is tends to be. So ... she endures!
At least it brings some relief. And Otto never makes livestock noises or comments. Once he gets to the smaller teats, he asks, "Do you want me to service you today? I promise not to black out again.."
Nicora can't answer that immediately. She actually has to check herself with a probing finger to see if she dreamed the horrib debacle or it actually happened. If it happened, Otto would have to use alternate methods.
There's certainly still a limit to the amount of fun-space she has.. but Otto is more girthy than lengthy, so could probably manage it without causing injury.
Nicora sighs softly to herself after debating it. She'll probably be sorry for the suggestion, but she reaches back again to move her scaled 'tail' out of the way. "If you have need of release, you will have to use ... alternate' means today," she offers. Yodhgorphat are, if nothing else, good at enduring discomfort!
"I don't understand?" Otto asks, eyeing the tail instead of what is revealed.
"I like him," Gorphat whispers to Nicora. "He is almost innocent. But... not what My temple truly needs."
"You use the other hole. The one under the tail," Nicora explains rather bluntly. Gorphat's comment makes her twitch a bit, then she thinks, "He is? Sort of? What is it you need?"
Otto tries.. and it's a very tight fit. "A proper bargorphat," the goddess replies. "I wish for you to recruit one. You and Penance both, since it will be he that deflowers her."
Nicora's eyes wince and she grunts. She's disturbingly good at making that sound, but ... she has been a hog for a while. "It is ... tolerable. Continue if you wish and have desire," she tells the skreek once she settles herself and tries to not seem like she is in pain. "That is your quest for me? A Bargorphat? I do not know where I would find one who would wish to be such," she admits in thought.
"There are hundreds gathered outside the Temple," Gorphat points out. "Many shave themselves, or mark themselves with green to show their loyalty. Many are sick, or deformed..."
"Yes, but most will not go much further..." Nicora thinks, "But as you suggest, it is a place to start."
Otto doesn't last too long under the circumstances. He's used to tight, but not that tight. Even though things are a bit stretched already from Hosheb. "Uurgh," he moans, then frets. "Sorry, High Priestess.." he apologizes.
"For?" Nicora has to ask. "The offer was for you, after all. If you got what you wished from it, there is no apology required."
"I.. I'm supposed to bring you relief," the Skreek claims.
"Distractions are a form of that," Nicora claims.
"Is there anything else you need of me, High Priestess?" Otto asks.
"Mm. Fresh bandages and such. I need to see to those gathered outside. I do not wish to cause them any further distress," Nicora claims. "And have you heard anything new from those outside?"
"The scouts say that there is a new sanctuary on the far side of the city," Otto relates. "But it is still getting started, and some are worried about the location - Mount Blakat!"
"Ah, yes. I know of it. It will be a secure facility. I was indirectly involved in its establishment," Nicora states simply. "There is not enough space at any one place for those in need, so shelters are being established around the city.
"What about the sick?" Otto asks. "Will they still be coming here?"
"Of course. The best care for such can be found here," Nicora says.
"Some people are talking of going to the new site as well," Otto says, a bit nervously. "Those that built the shelters, or are good scavengers. Not sick people, but those good at survival and organizing."
"And you do not feel there are enough that will remain here to keep it functioning?" Nicora inquires.
"Now there are the people with tools who come," Otto says. "The ones working in the Temple, and the ones with drawings that tell them what to do. I just.. I don't want you to think that those who leave do not respect you and what you have done. They just think they will be needed there. It's important to go where you are needed.. that's what they say."
"Nobody ever needed us before, in the Streets Below," Otto concludes.
Nicora waves her hand. "They must do what is best for Babel and its people as a whole. My feelings on the matter are secondary," she claims. "Though what they do is that I wish in any event, to see Babel stronger. do not need people praising at my feet; they do simply by continuing the work I have started. They strengthen Babel, as Gorphat's trials strengthen the body."
Otto collects the buckets after securing his pants. "I'll tell Sil you need fresh bandages," he says. "You are very kind for a Yodh."
"I take nothing for granted and Babel needs a new way. What would be the point of being cruel if there were no one left? What is the point of followers if they only follow out of fear? Those that follow only out of fear flee at the first chance they have," The Yodhgorphat points out. "It is time for people to follow because they want to; to build real communities."
"I like serving," Otto admits. "I like being able to choose to serve, too." He bows, and then leaves.
"My butt doesn't like being served, ow," Nicora mutters as she rubs the side of it. While she waits for Sil to arrive, she takes the time to see if her experiment with the horrib training worked by using the shadow to check gut status. She need not carry to term, she can use the shadow to devour them later once she confirms that it will work, after all.
The eggs seem to have attached themselves to the uterine walls, but there isn't any sign of tapping into Nicora's bloodstream. Which they probably won't do anyway, since Brutus provided the 'yolk' they need.
"Seems promising. Penance probably won't like it when her time comes, but ... if she wishes to continue she will have to do it anyway," Nicora thinks to herself as she paces a bit, then heads out of her room to go fetch Penance from her alcove. Hopefully she is in good enough shape to go 'guy hunting', so to speak.
The acolyte is in her alcove, where the drones clamber over her to chew through the resin used to cocoon her each night. Her black skin is showing more rings of irritation, the green of the ringworms surrounded by the red of irritation. It reminds Nicora of her own itchy spots, making them itch even more. The girl at least seems to be awake, if not entirely lucid.
Nicora takes a moment to scratch herself. She had happily forgotten about them ... stupid reminders. "Wake up, little one," she tells Penance. "How are you feeling this day?"
"A bit.. dehydrated," Penance says. She looks like she spent a lot of time perspiring during the night, probably from a fever.
"I could have you nurse," Nicora offers, "Or ... I could just get you some water."
"I would like some water, High Priestess," Penance says, her lips looking a bit cracked. Since Nicora's primary breasts have ringworms around the nipples, that might be a bit of a relief for the moment.
"I suppose I shall permit it," Nicora says, though her tone does at least have some humor to it. She leaves the girl for now to go find some gasp clean water for her.
This lets her run into Sil, who is carrying bandages and.. fresh water! Generally, that's for bathing Nicora before wrapping her though.
"Ah, good, you have water. Penance wishes for some. Follow me and let her drink her fill before the rest is used on me," Yodhgorphat Nicora instructs. She waves her hand for Sil to follow, then heads back to the horrib chamber.
By now the de-facto head attendant of the Temple is used to the Horribs. Penance is still only half-free of her cocoon, so Sil uses a clean rag to first wet her face and lips, then uses the leather cup she keeps on her belt to give her water to drink. "She seems to be less afflicted today," Sil notes to Nicora, despite the visible signs of infection the girl has. "He nose has stopped running, and her ears are no longer pale."
"This is good. It means she should be becoming stronger," Nicora says. "I have not asked her to go through anything I have not as well. It helps ... eventually."
Sil looks a bit relieved - probably because it isn't her becoming a Yodhgorphat. Still, she asks, "Many have been marking themselves in your honor, Yodhgorphat. Did you wish for Fon and myself to do likewise?"
"Only if you wish to. I do not require anything of you. If I asked or forced such on you, it lessens the value," Nicora points out.
"Of course, Yodhgorphat," Sil says. "My son painted himself green the other day.. I'm sure it is unrelated though. Children do things like that." She finishes giving Penance her water.
"Your son? How old is he?" Nicora inquires.
"Five," Sil replies, picking the bucket and bandages up again.
"Mm, too young," Nicora mutters.
Nicora steps back and stretches her arms out. "Now you can tend to me. I need to be cleaned and dressed, I need to go out today," she instructs. "Penance too, actually. She has a duty to perform."
"Does she need to be dressed?" Sil asks as she starts bathing Nicora, taking care around the ringworm sores.
"She will probably be more comfortable dressed," Nicora points out.
"This will be her first bandaging.. is there any special protocol?" Sil asks. "Should I get your gems and other regalia?"
"For me, yes. For her, mmm. Nothing particularly special that I can think of," Nicora says as she rubs her chin. "Well, outside of she doesn't get particularly nice bandages. Any old ones will do."
"Should she be completely covered?" Sil asks next, and taps her face for clarification.
"Oh, no, not at all. Modest, but she should still be able to see, hear, and move freely," Nicora notes. "She has to help choose, after all."
Sil nods and goes about her work. Penance has to stand by and watch while Nicora is wrapped and decorated. Sil is very good at it, especially making bandages look elegant via draping effects. When it's her turn, Penance gets some rather moldy old bandages with various stains on them, and Sil gives her a basic no-frills bikini before asking Nicora if she should do more.
"A bit more, yes," Nicora instructs and gestures with her hands. "Cross her back more, and her legs," she adds; the pattern she indicates disturbingly like someone who had been whipped. The pattern chosen is probably in 'penance' for her past life deeds.
Sil actually calls over one of the drones, and tickles it in a certain place to get it to exude a bit of resin. She uses this to glue bandages in place, such that there are some disconnected pieces to better mimic the whipped-slashed look.
"Creative," Nicora concedes. "How are you feeling, Acolyte. You are rather quiet today," she notes.
"My throat is still a bit sore," Penance says. "I've never worn.. anything.. before. That I can remember. Does this mean I have.. advanced?"
"Yes, reasonably so. Does this please you? Or do you still regret joining?" Nicora asks.
"It pleases me," Penance says, and actually smiles a bit. "What will we be doing together today?" she asks.
"We are instructed by divine providence to find a Bargorphat to join us," Nicora explains simply. "So, are there any men you have met outside that may be interested in joining us?"
"Men?" Penance asks. "Well.. I've really only met the very ill men. Some of them have.. conditions.. where they may not be men for very much longer.."
"What sort of conditions?" Nicora has to ask.
"Diseases of the.. male parts," Penance says, in a whisper.
"I can possibly cure those," Nicora points out. "Or ... were I evil force them to join us by requiring them to satisfy Yodhgorphat at times to keep their condition in remission. But that seems a bit cruel and wrong."
"What.. what does a bargorphat do?" Penance asks. "Is there a particular function they perform, I mean?"
"It ... varied," Nicora lies, "Some are to ease the curses of women, of course. Others for doing things requiring more physical strength than we have, such as construction, maintenance, and carrying really large vats..."
"They do not have to be.. like us then?" Penance asks, and gestures to her various infection symptoms. "They don't serve like we do?"
"Oh, I didn't say that. They will have things to endure too," Nicora says, "It is only fair."
"So.. we want someone healthy, or.. weak, so as to make them strong?" the girl asks.
Sil remains quiet during this, collecting the remaining bandages and slipping out of the hive.
"The most important thing is that they want to help and serve. The rest is secondary," Nicora points out.
"Like those of the Eye of Gorphat?" Penance asks. "The ones who go out into the Streets Below to look for people to guide back here?"
"They are an option, yes," Nicora concedes. "Though one helps because he gets nookie from me," she thinks a bit sarcastically.
"It comes down to something simple; they want to join because they wish to help others and help the city become stronger. It should not be for personal gain or power," Nicora notes.
"I don't think we have any power, do we?" Penance asks, and looks around. The 'personal gain' part doesn't even come into it, given the way they live. "But.. what about Gorphat? Do they need to have a desire to serve Her.. or to serve us and our work in Her name?"
"They should have a desire to serve Her, yes," Nicora explains, "As she represents growth through adversity and trial. She is what can make Babel stronger."
"And you are Her representative," Penance says, a bit in awe actually. "You speak with Her."
"Well, yes. And in time you will be too," Nicora points out and even taps Penance's nose.
The girl blushes. "Well.. why do you need me to help find a bargorphat?" she asks.
"Because it has to be someone you can work with and generally like," Nicora notes, "That will matter for reasons to discuss later."
Penance nods, and says, "Then I am ready to accompany you, High Priestess."
There's a bit of commotion when both the High Priestess and the Acolyte of Gorphat appear together for the first time in public. People tend to keep their distances though, probably because of Brutus hovering protectively over the two women.
"You're scaring people again," Nicora remarks to the protective bug, "You might wish to wait inside." That said, she turns her attention to the makeshift mini-city that has grown around the old temple. She has an eye for males today (but not for any Inala-based reason), she is trying to judge those that might be good candidates for joining the temple. So, those that do not seem ashamed to be here, or even better, proud of it, and are also trying to help.
Most of the people bear green stripes on their heads (there's even an old woman with a pot of green something who just sits around until someone needs to have their stripe refreshed). The healthier looking men are usually moving things: boxes, debris or other people who can't move themselves. And a few wear more than just a stripe, but tunics with a green eye or heart on them. The ones carrying people almost all have a heart-tunic.
"You have more current direct experience with those here, did any impress you?" Nicora asks of Penance. She doesn't stop moving after the question, though, she heads towards those with the heart tunics first.
Brutus seems slightly dejected, if that is possible for a Horrib, as he lingers back near the temple entrance.
The Acolyte hurries to keep up. "Well.. I don't really know any of them," she admits. "I was mostly in the tents that all but the Yodhrinala avoid. Is there a particularly quality we should look for? Would a bargorphat's duty involve carrying things a lot?"
"Manual labor is likely, supplies, moving people who cannot move themselves, and so on," Nicora notes as she waves one of her hands. "Also a stout constitution for dealing with ... nasty things."
One of heart-wearers puts down a barrel while bucket-bearers begin to fill it with water. The man stretches his back afterwards, and doesn't notice the approaching mummy-women yet.
"Problem with your back, child?" Nicora asks of the stretching individual. It's one of those imperious-toned questions, too, that might make someone feel uncomfortable no matter how they answer it.
The man's back cracks as he jerks in surprise at the voice. He's quickly kneeling down though. "Nothing I cannot endure, Yodhgorphat," he says. "I have joined the Compassion of Gorphat, and aches and pains are a reward for my service."
Nicora hooks a finger under his chin so that she can nudge him to look up at her. "Your name is ...? And why did you join?" she inquires, curiously.
"Ash," the man says, probably in reference to his grayish fur. "My mother was ill, so I carried her here. I did not make it in time for her, but.. there are others who were too weak. Someone suggested I help, to ease my grief.. and I just kept doing it. Then someone gave me this tunic.."
"Did it?" Nicora asks next and draws her hand away.
"Yes," Ash claims. "There are many infirm mothers, it turns out. Or people needing water close by, or food to be moved around.."
Nicora gestures 'up' with her hand. "You do not need to kneel before me," she says, letting a bit of the edge of her voice relax. "Would you do more to help if you could?"
"More?" Ash asks after he stands (and cracks his back again). "If Gorphat needs more from me, I will find a way to provide it."
"I will keep that in mind. I am looking for others to join the temple," Nicora says, testing to see how he reacts to that. "A commitment that is difficult, indeed. You have only to look upon us to see that."
Ash licks his lips, and asks, "Ah.. would you like a suggestion?"
"I would not turn one away," Nicora concedes.
"Seek out the man known as Spider," Ash offers. He then helpfully points deeper into the 'city' and says, "He works in the reclamation yard. He is.. strong.. and also.. well, he looks touched by Gorphat."
"Looking as we do is not a requirement," Nicora points out, "But I take it you would not be interested joining the temple."
"I have no family left," Ash says. "Would I still be doing mostly the same tasks, just.. some of them inside?" he asks.
"To an extent, yes," Nicora notes. Nothing says she has to recruit just one person, after all. "And others, such as keeping the Yodh company as well. Work is wearing in many ways and even we need support."
"I can cook a little," Ash offers. "I've never been inside the temple though. Would there be a test of some sort?"
"There are always tests. Mother Gorphat tests people every day," Nicora answers a bit vaguely. "So, you are not ... against the idea. You do not find us ... too horrible to be around."
Ash blinks. "Should I, Yodhgorphat?" he asks, sounding worried. "I can try to be horrified if you wish! I must admit that I may not appreciate everything Gorphat has to offer, because an accident in my childhood left me lacking a sense of smell or taste."
Nicora actually laughs. "No, no you do not need to act horrified. It was more surprising that you were not," she notes. "We may speak again soon. I will go meet this ... spider person."
Ash bows his head, and says, "I am honored by your consideration, Yodhgorphat.. and Acolylte." Penance has been quiet, but Ash decided to include her anyway. The girl seems to be in some slight discomfort.
"Problem, Acolyte Penance?" Nicora asks of the Eeee next to her.
"The bandages.. they make me itch where they touch my irritated skin, mistress," Penance explains. Given all the ringworms and the green crotch fungus, that could be a lot of itching.
"Mmm. Try to ignore it," Nicora advises, "Focus on the task at hand, it will help." She then waves for Penance to follow as she steps away from Ash. "We need to find this spider person."
"The reclamation yard is where things are broken down to be reused," Penance notes as she follows. "Wood, planks, fabric. Things used to build shelters."
"Have you visited it often?" Nicora inquires as she walks through the town now, trying to locate the yard in question.
"Never," Penance notes. "I seldom stray far from the hospice tents. But I asked one of the Compassion where the beds and cots come from, and he told me they came from the Reclamation Yard. The Eyes of Gorphat also bring in material from the Streets Below for it."
"Well, today you will visit it, then," Nicora says. It shouldn't be that hard to find, right?
It isn't. Mainly because of the noise. Pounding, sawing, scraping and the sounds of heavy things being dropped. The yard is just that, a yard. It's borders are nebulous, ending where new structures begin. There are piles of debris and piles of no-long-debris sorted into different piles. Sprinkled at random are people putting things together, often working next to people taking things apart.
"Look. Piles of stuff sorted into organized piles of stuff and being made into more stuff," Nicora says dryly. She is a bit proud, though, that all these people are trying to help others. "Excuse me," she says to those working on things for the 'city', "Do not let me distract you, I am merely looking for someone named Spider."
Work in the immediate area comes to a halt as everyone bows to the Yodhgorphat. This makes the sounds of things being torn apart more apparent, coming from behind a pile of debris. "He's back there, Your Ma'amship," one old man notes. He must be the head craftsman, because he still has most of his fingers.
Nicora waves her hand again. "No, no, you need not bow or kneel," she says politely. "And thank you, we will distract you no further." She resumes walking in the direction she was pointed to.
The ground is littered with bits of things, and with only bandages to protect their feet it takes a bit of careful navigation. They are rewarded in reaching the other side of the pile by an explosion of wood and splinters. Spider.. is fairly obviously named. He's robust in a way most Eeee are not. And his wings.. aren't. They lack a membrane, and the fingers are short enough to serve as actual fingers. It still means Spider has four arms, two of which are oversized and muscled. After tearing apart what might have been a table, the man uses those arms to clamber up the pile to find a new item to rip apart, the long limbs easily supporting his weight.
Nicora's brow arches up. "He looks like Melusine got a hold of him," she thinks to herself. "I know you are called Spider, but what is your real name?" she asks out loud as she approaches. "And is that from birth, or injury?"
The man notices the visitors, and swings himself down to the ground with eerie grace and speed. Once there, he folds the second pair back up like wings. "Always Spider," he says, his voice slightly gruff. "Don't know birth. Raised by Grabits until wing-family take in. You hurt? Lots bandages."
"Low intellect, probably not a good choice," Nicora thinks, a bit disappointed. "No, I am Yodhgorphat Scourge and this is Acolyte Penance. We are looking for others to join the temple and your name was mentioned."
"Need things broken?" the man asks. The way his voice grates suggests a throat injury. "Or moved? I can reach tall things. And carry things up walls."
"We need many things, and those who have a desire to serve Gorphat and look after the needs of the Yodh," Nicora answers vaguely. "And are not bothered by ... disturbing things."
"What is disturbing?" Spider asks. What would someone raised by semi-intelligent insects find disturbing, after all?
"Most find me disturbing," Nicora points out.
"Why?" Spider asks. Then he reaches out with those mutant arms, grabs Nicora by the shoulders, lifts her up, then gently puts her down and releases her. "You don't weigh disturbing. Very light."
Nicora arches her brow again and manages to look unsurprised even while she is lifted. Very low intellect, it seems. "Is this someone you wish as as son?" she thinks to see if Gorphat has any opinion.
"The lowest of the low, the deformed, the dumb. Only I have a place for them," Gorphat whispers.
"What do you think of him?" Nicora asks of Penance.
"He is.. impressive," Penance notes. "Intimidating. But mostly.. he is strength from hardship, isn't he?"
Nicora actually pokes and prods at the man, feeling him out. She even grabs his crotch in a surprisingly clinical way to see how he is built in that way if he will be ... the one to deflower Penance.
He's surprisingly hard just about everywhere. And he's soon hard everywhere, after the groping investigation. He doesn't protest or try to stop Nicora though.. he's probably getting a closer look at her as well. "You've got more," he notes.
"In a few places, yes. It is Gorphat's challenge to me," Nicora states. One of many, really; and she might be incubating, but she doesn't mention that. "You are promising," she concedes, "And would be welcome to join; become one of Gorphat's sons. But it has to be your choice and your wish. There is no forcing."
"Son?" Spider asks. "She won't throw me away?" That next question has a bit of emotion behind it. Obviously his real mother did throw him away, if he was raised by bugs early on.
"Of course not. She accepts everyone," Nicora notes.
"Why?" Spider asks, and looks like he wants to reach out with his normal arms. "Why accept me? I'm a freak."
"Not in her house. Look at me for example. I am her High Priestess and in many Eee's eyes, the most vile Eeee there is," Nicora notes. "I mate with insects as my primary companionship."
"Insects are beautiful," Spider claims. "You have lots of colors. Are you poisonous?"
Nicora laughs. "No, just challenged, much as Acolyte Penance is. Well, considerably more than her in reality, but I can endure it. She is the one you will be assisting most should you join," the Yodhgorphat notes and gestures to the itching Acolyte.
So of course Spider lifts up Penance next with his monster arms, making her squeak. "She is also light," Spider claims. "I can carry her easily."
Nicora chuckles. "Would you be comfortable working with her?" she inquires.
"And you with him?" she asks of Penance.
Once she's put down, Penance seems flushed. "He's very strong," she notes.
"Comfortable?" Spider asks. "I can work with her. What do you want me do for her?"
"Many things, both mundane and intimate," Nicora says simply. She watches Penance out of the corner of her eye to see her reaction too.
Penance didn't get quite the same 'look' at Spider that Nicora did. "Will I be comfortable with him, in that way?" she whispers to Nicora.
"I will learn intimating. I can be very intimating if needed," Spider assures.
"Robust," Nicora answers to Penance; vague, but it is all she can say at this time. "I can test him first if you wish."
"Well, I like him," Penance admits. "That's alright isn't it?"
"Of course it is," Nicora says. She reaches over and pats Spider on the arm lightly. "I extend to you an invitation to join the Temple of Gorphat, if you wish it," she offers. "You can come whenever you wish, of course. If you have things to finish here first, please do so. You will also be welcome to work here whenever you have no other needed duties."
"Really? I get to keep tearing stuff apart?" Spider asks, and actually smiles. He has all of his teeth, even. "And you'll feed me?"
"Of course?" Nicora says, sounding a little confused as to why he would have thought otherwise.
"This is a good day!" Spider declares, and hoists himself back up onto the pile of old furniture, walls and other things that are hard to take apart.
"Ah, yes, I suppose it is," Nicora admits as she steps back to make sure nothing falls on her! "When do you normally stop working here? That is when you should come to the temple to be assigned a chamber. I also must think on any initiation requirements for you; you have already had a challenging life; you may not need much.""
"Inside?" the man asks. "Inside the temple? I have never had an inside room. I will come when it is dark. I don't see-hear well, just eye-see, and dark is dark."
"Yes, an inside room," Nicora confirms, "And we shall leave you to your work now." She turns to Penance, "We should return to the temple, you look as if you need to remove those bandages..."
"Will I be able to use the sacred pool?" Penance asks.
"Of course. I thought you did not care for it," Nicora notes.
"That was before the itching," the girl admits.
Nicora chuckles at that. "Oh, that will feel mild to you eventually," she notes a bit vaguely. The Eeee then gestures for her to follow, and makes her way back towards the Temple.
Removing Penance's bandages is a painful process. They stick to some of the ringworm welts, often taking a layer of skin with them. The fungal 'rune' isn't as affected though. "Ow.. ow.." Penance says many times during the process.
"You have quite the case, but it is in the last stages and you will soon be well," Nicora says, "And then we move on to worse things..." There she pauses to see how Penance reacts.
Trying not to think about the future, Penance looks to the pool. "Will the worms.. try to eat the other worms?" she asks. "What.. what kinds of worse things?"
"We shall have to see. Perhaps nothing, perhaps more," Nicora says vaguely and sweeps her hand. A few more pulls of bandages and Penance is ready to enter the pool "In you go, child," she instructs. She has to take off her own bandages too, but she may not enter the pool; she has things she is protecting and testing, after all.
The girl winces as she steps down into the slime. It is a bit salty, and she's got several open, oozing ring-worm sores now..
Nicora starts unbandaging herself now. "It appears you shall soon have a new son in the temple. He arrives tonight," she thinks to Gorphat to distract herself should anything pull skin off her too! She also eyes the pool a bit ... then tries to summon Brutus!
The ring-welts on Nicora are nowhere as widespread or bad as on Penance, but they do still itch. Brutus arrives almost immediately - not surprising, though, as he tends to follow after them anyway.
"I would like to enter the pool, but I have concerns for your children," Nicora notes to him quietly. "To keep the ... creatures from being a risk, I thought you should thicken the plugging inside of me so that if they eat some, they do not eat all." Only something a Yodhgorphat would ask, really.
"Did-a-CHICK!" Brutus ratchets enthusiastically, and immediately penetrates Nicora.. causing Penance to gasp. It's hard to tell just how much extra waxy mucous is being deposited, though. There's enough that Nicora can feel it at least. Especially when she moves her hips or thighs at all, after the Horrib is finished.
Nicora goes bug-eyed (figuratively!). The horribs really have no concept of discrete and she should try to remember that. Once the horrib is done; she ... waits a bit for things to settle, then, well, feels for just how much the creature actually left behind.
It fills the pre-cervical cavity. But it isn't unpleasant, especially the way its semi-solid form shifts about.
Nicora nods, satisfied she isn't completely gummed up, but is at least better protected. She enters the pool slowly, drawing in a slow breath as the salt hits her own sores and makes them burn a bit.
The worms are drawn to the welts, nibbling at the inflamed skin to try and get to the tasty.. pus.. underneath. Penance is shivering at her end, submerged to her neck.
"Okay that feels ... ugh," Nicora thinks as she makes her way over to the suffering acolyte. She also cannot help herself, not with Gorphat's blessings, and rolls her hips in a rather exaggerated way to move things about inside her! And she also realises that if the eggs are viable, shifting is going to be ... different. She is going to have to try and preserve her womb in any form. That will be ... different.
"They are biting me, Yodhgorphat," Penance notes, her face twinging with each worm-nibble.
"Does it hurt? It should soothe ... eventually. They will consume the worms and then the infection can heal," Nicora claims.
"It.. it is better than scratching at them, I suppose," Pennance says, but still looks upset. "Will I end up with scars from it all though?"
"You may. Does this worry you? Scars are badges of pride," Nicora murmurs, a bit distracted by the nibbling and her internal ... movement. She can be a bit of a pervert at times, yes.
"But they are just.. random," Penance says. "Not like your scars."
"There is nothing wrong with random, it can look creative. Like savanite spots," Nicora claims.
"Would I color them in?" the girl asks. Since her skin is black, it'd have to be reverse Savanite spots.
"You could. There are places that tattoo, and can even make it change the fur color," Nicora notes. "Is that a request, then?"
"I don't know," Penance says. "I don't know what my natural fur color even is.."
"Well, think on it," Nicora suggests. "You are allowed to have some things done that you want."
"I will think on it," the girl says. She's less twitchy now, although the worms are likely still going at her. "What.. will be my next challenge though?" she asks.
"Well, there is one more challenge and it will be hard. But, it does not have to happen quite yet, I am confirming a few things related to it, and once I am sure it will work, I will tell you what it is. Before then ... well, you will have to become closer to Spider and .. the sacred horribs," Nicora explains a bit vaguely. She isn't going to tell her yet she's going to be a bugmother.
"Closer.. like you are?" Penance asks, with widened eyes.
Nicora nods. "Yes," she says, opening one eye. "It is an honor."
"Gorphat.. wishes this relationship then?" Penance asks, still not looking happy about it. "It looked frightening. But... fear is a weakness too. A disease.."
"Yes, She wants it. They are Her creatures and they are to have a special bond with Her daughters," Nicora clarifies. "I am no worse for wear from it, they adore me as they soon will adore you."
"They seem to like me," Penance says, then her ears droop. "Is it because they want me to be their.. uh.. whatever you might call the relationship. They've already chosen me, haven't they? Or are they nice because you tell them to be?"
"It is not because I ask them to. They do like you," Nicora claims. It is mostly true after all.
"The relationship is that we're their brooders, to be blunt about it," Nicora thinks to herself, "Larva incubators? Is it wrong to actually like thinking of myself as such?"
"What.. what about the ones already inside me?" Penance asks. "I don't think they're growing. I feel stronger after I get sick..."
"They are not," Nicora finally explains, "They have helped you endure more than you could naturally; that is their role. Your body is absorbing them. You will not be eaten from the inside out."
"Does that make me part Horrib then?" Penance asks, wide eyed once more.
"No, no, you are still fully Eeee," Nicora says, "You are fine."
"For now, do I stay with my hospice duties then?" the girl asks. "Do I have to start wearing the bandages all the time?"
"Yes, your duties continue. And yes, you should start wearing bandages regularly. Well, unless you prefer to be nude. That is also acceptable," Nicora says, "I am nude most of the time after all."
"Yes, but you are.. decorated for nudity," Penance notes. "I'm just naked. It makes sense in the tents where there are lots of fluids. I don't want to have diseased clothing that will infect others. It's easy to clean off without fur too."
"Is that a request to make your baldness permanent?" Nicora inquires, that one eye opening again.
Brutus is still with them, hanging from the ceiling. Aside from the occasional buzz of his wings, it's hard to tell he's there in the darkness.
"No, mistress!" Penance is quick to reply. "I at least want to see myself in fur first. But when working in the hospice tents.. it just may be easier. But I am surely not the last new Yodhgorphat Acolyte. Others will eventually replace me in the tents, I think."
"Pity, I accept my baldness with pride," Nicora claims. "But as you like. It is true enough that others will replace you in time."
"I also want to see what green spots will look like on me," Penance admits with a bit of a guilty smile.
Nicora chuckles at this. "There is nothing wrong with finding pleasures in your challenges," she claims as her own hand rubs her slightly swollen gut, moving around the 'yolk' the horrib filled her with.
Any shifting is going to have to take the yolk into account, Nicora realizes. Although a larger form would hide it more easily.
Nicora is going to have to try various forms, male and female, and find which can be workable. It'll be a disturbing thing to try, but necessary unless she wants to abort the horribs.
"You mean we don't have to.. well.. suffer?" Penance asks. "Is that a challenge of some sort as well?"
"I mean finding ways to still enjoy yourself while suffering helps you through it," Nicora clarifies.
The girl looks confused. "No suffering is.. complete then?" she seems to take away from it. "It won't consume you, if you don't let it! And finding ways to enjoy yourself while suffering is a path to strength.."
"Correct," Nicora claims. She doesn't admit that if you do it enough you start to just enjoy it period, and start asking for it.
"What are some ways you enjoy yourself, High Priestess?" Penance dares to ask.
"I ask Gorphat for new challenges," Nicora admits, "I spend time with the demon Hosheb. I also work for the betterment of Babel."
"Hosheb?" Penance asks. "The demon?"
"Yes, of the Sabbaoth Seven? Gorphat's personal demon?" Nicora says. "We are ... a couple. Of a sort."
"Is that because you are the High Priestess?" Penance asks.. implying that regular Yodhgorphat aren't expected to have a relationship with Hosheb.
"Something like that. It is not a normal situation for Yodhgorphat," Nicora notes. "Being with him requires ... high pain tolerance."
"You must be very special," Penance notes. "You go do work in other places around the city, don't you? You are gone for days sometimes."
"I have many things I handle around the city, yes," Nicora answers a bit vaguely. "I am busy most of the time; relaxing here in the pool is what little rest I get."
"Do you wish for me to take on more duties then, to free up your time?" Penance asks.
"Not yet, no. Once you are fully Yodh I will likely delegate more," Nicora says.
"What must I do to become one?" Penance asks. "There must be rituals and rites and.. religion to learn."
"You are already doing such. You have been learning about diseases and the like. Soon you will start on the more magical arts involving bestowing and removing blessings, and cleansing fires," Nicora says.
"Cleansing fires? Those aren't for bathing in, surely?" the girl asks, sinking slightly further down into the ooze.
"No, those are for burning out deeply infested areas. Fireballs," Nicora explains and shrugs a bit.
"Oh.. but if there's nobody left in the Streets Below, will it still be necessary?" Penance asks reasonably.
"Creatures may move in, so it may become so," Nicora points out. "It should not be forgotten in case a situation does arise."
"Of course," Penance agrees. "And it probably has other uses, I'm sure.."
Nicora nods. "Just so," she agrees. "I have used to to burn out a lair of cannibals, for example."
"Are there many threats like that?" Penance asks after thinking it over. "The Streets Below belong to Gorphat, isn't that so? We have to deal with whatever is down there ourselves.."
"There will not be once I am done. It is my burden to bear for Gorphat. You are not ready for such," Nicora claims. "It takes much more training to deal with those sorts of challenges."
Penance nods. "I hear there are all manner of strange creatures about," she says. "Shiny dragons and a glowing woman, and.. dark things. The dark dragon and the night-man."
Nicora also idly rubs other swollen and puffy areas lower down as she relaxes, the only 'relief' those areas will get for a while. "Do you mean the Barsunala? He is ... I have met him. He is personable if you are not an enemy of Babel," Nicora claims. "If you want to meet him I can arrange it."
"I think that I have, or maybe just dreamed it," Penance says, laying her head back against the edge of the pool. "He was tall and dark, but he wore the night like a cloak, and the Procession flowed from his head like hair, and his eyes were like silver lanterns."
"A poetic description of him. That is the one," Nicora notes. "I know him too well to be ... well that impressed by him." She grins.
"Do you know all of them?" Penance asks. "The rest of the Sabaoth Seven, the Avatar of Sunala, the bright and dark dragons and other fantastic beings?"
Nicora opens an eye again. "I do," she notes. "Be grateful that you do not. It can be difficult to deal with them."
"Is this what the high Yodh do then?" Penance asks. "Treat with creatures and... even the Kindly Ones. Of course them.. that's the point.." she says, growing quiet.
"It is possible duties of the high Yodh, yes," Nicora confirms. "Not a role to ever take lightly or for granted."
"I'm content to tend to the ill for now, Yodhgorphat," Penance says. "The rest.. I will have to be a lot stronger for.."
"Often I do not feel strong enough to deal with it," Nicora admits, "But then that is what a true challenge is; taking on something greater than anything you have done before. It is how we grow and become stronger, after all. Baby steps, Acolyte, baby steps."