“Are you sure this isn’t going to be considered… sacrilegious or something?”
Eir sent a surprisingly impish grin towards Dys before answering.
“If it was, would that stop you?”
“Probably not,” Dys admitted after a few seconds of contemplation. “I still don’t want to be rude to big daddy Valtar for no reason.”
“I would suggest not referring to him as ‘big daddy’ as a start,” Eir shook her head in amusement. “That title lacks a certain level of respect. Putting aside certain improprieties, I understand your concern regarding my ritual and its placement; however, you have nothing to fear. This is for the good of the people, which is nothing Valtar would find objectionable.”
“If you say so,” Dys shrugged. “It’ll definitely be helpful. I just know Valtar can be sort of stiff sometimes. Anyway, I guess I’m just glad this doesn’t have to be done… well, out there.”
Dys’ comment tinged Eir’s good mood with a touch of sadness, though she still smiled as she turned her gaze to the far wall.
“Their pain will soon pass. Have faith.”
“In you? Always.”
Warmth returned to Eir’s expression as she turned back to regard Dys with more love and affection than Jadis felt she could ever deserve. Taking one step closer, she pressed her body up against Dys’ front in a hug that both heated Dys’ heart, and her loins. When her growing excitement made itself known in short order, Eir noticed right away. Easy to do, since her head was at crotch level for Jadis’ bodies. With a light laugh, the elf gave Dys’ growing bulge a familiar pat.
“If any concern still lingers within you, remember this much: Valtar married Lyssandria. Certainly, he knew who he was bonding himself to.”
There was no refuting Eir’s excellent point. Putting all thoughts of potential sacrilege or indecency out of her mind, Dys moved to help Eir prepare for her ritual, which would be commencing as soon as possible. There were a lot of people in Valtar’s temple that needed healing, after all.
A full day had come and gone since the attack on Glanum, which wasn’t much time at all, even for those with magical means of healing like priests and clerics. Thousands of soldiers had been injured in the battle, many of them seriously. The healers had done all they could to get all the casualties into stable conditions, but stable was a far cry from fully healed.
Eir spoiled Jadis and her lovers in many ways, but in particular she pampered them with a level of healing that most people never came close to seeing. At her current level of power, Eir could restore over sixty-one thousand health points before running out of magic reserves, and that was just with her basic healing spell. The average cleric couldn’t restore even a tenth of that number with their best efforts. A priest focusing on healing rituals might fair better in terms of raw numbers, but most ritual healing presented as slow, gradual regeneration rather than instantaneous. Even then, many rituals had limits on them as to how much could be healed or how often a person could be healed by a particular spell. All of that was to say, the work of healers in Glanum was far from over.
There were, according to the head priest of Valtar’s temple, somewhere close to two thousand wounded soldiers inside the building. Those soldiers accounted for those with the worst injuries; those who were no longer in critical condition but would not recover well naturally if left on their own. Many had missing limbs, and others were suffering from poisons and diseases that came from fighting mire hounds. There was nothing regular healing could do for those conditions; specific spells would be needed, all of which would be far more costly than the simple curative spells of a healer. However, what a massive wave of pure healing could do was get all the wounded men and women into better condition, so that other healers could reserve their magic for more troublesome cases while giving the soldiers the health they needed to last until their turn came.
“The rest of the wounded are being moved as we speak,” Thais, Aelius’ Valbjorn wife, whispered to Severina. “It may take some time to get everyone within range, though.”
“That’s fine,” the Seraphim told the other woman. “Eir has explained that the recipients of her healing do not need to be within range from the start, just present when the ritual completes. Do your best to get everyone in need of healing within range of the temple before two hours have passed.”
“I’ll carry them myself,” Thais said with the tone of someone who didn’t make jokes. “Three at a time.”
Glancing beyond Severina and into the appropriated back chamber, the bear woman raised an eyebrow. She leaned in close to speak with the blonde, though one of Jadis’ bodies was close enough to overhear the whispered question anyway.
“I’ve been meaning to ask. Were there always five of Jadis, or has my age finally begun to rot my brain?”
“A ritual effect from last night that will no doubt be reversed in short order,” Sev answered with a sigh. “I recommend not thinking about it overmuch.”
Thais scanned the room a second time, then shrugged the concern away.
“As you say. When will the ritual begin?”
“Within the next ten minutes,” Ida answered, since that self was closest to the door. “We’re almost done with the setup.”
“Then I won’t waste another second,” the Valbjorn said before leaving the room’s threshold and shutting the door behind her.
Standing beside the shut door, Ida ran her gaze across the borrowed antechamber. Her estimate may have been too generous, in all honesty. Everything was just about in place, with only a few details still requiring attention. Considering the logistics involved, Jadis was glad that Aelius and Thais had welcomed her and her lovers into their home, since getting what was required for the ritual would have been a pain without them.
When Eir had requested they move their early morning activities to one of the temples so that the soldiers could benefit from her newest ritual, Jadis had presumed the shift would be quick and easy. All they needed was a quiet room with a heavy door to provide a modicum of privacy while they performed what were likely to be some lewd acts. That was generally about all it took when it came to Jadis’ rituals, at least.
Not so for a Saint’s rituals. Bonded Saint’s Lustful Restorative Sacrament required more than just naked bodies and moderately specific forms of debauchery. Certain items and conditions needed to be met before Eir could even begin her ritual, which required a decent amount of prep work and space to do it in. If they had been on their own, Jadis wasn’t sure if they would have been able to pull the necessary resources together so quickly. But with the help of their kind hosts, everything Eir needed had been quickly gathered and room had been made in no time at all.
The room in question was a moderately sized antechamber in the back of Valtar’s temple. Jadis guessed the space was usually reserved for priests to make daily preparations before performing sermons and sacraments. In that sense, Jadis considered the room to be a perfect spot for Eir’s ritual.
A large circle had been drawn on the floor in chalk, which had then been divided into sections reminiscent of a pie chart. Further circles and smaller symbols were drawn inside of the large circle, creating a strange kind of winding pattern that spiraled into the center of the circle. Once all the lines had been chalked, they had been covered in melted wax. A lot of wax. Enough that Jadis foresaw some big candle purchases that would thrill a lucky merchant in the near future. Tall candles had then been placed around the circle’s perimeter, though not lit. A few more items had been placed inside the ritual, including one bowl of honey, one of milk, and a third filled with sweet-smelling flower petals that Jadis didn’t recognize.
Out of all the rituals Jadis had participated in, this one felt the most like something actually magical, at least in terms of setup.
“Ten participants,” Eir murmured. “Including myself.”
“Extra selves don’t count, I’m guessing?” Jay asked.
“No, I do not believe they will,” Eir answered firmly. “Not based on the description, nor my guided knowledge of the ritual itself.”
A shame, but Jadis had already guessed as much. Her multiple bodies only ever seemed to make a difference when the skill or spell description specified the number of Nephilim, rather than individuals. Regardless, ten participants were more than enough. That many meant that all of those in need of healing would receive up to one hundred points of healing, as well as the full effect of the cosmetic restoration.
“Are we ready?” Aila asked as she finished touching up some of the wax that had splashed over the edges.
Eir took a few minutes to examine all of the lines that had been drawn, personally confirming that everything was as it should be before they began the ritual. As she walked around the circle, Jadis smiled to see her hand unconsciously resting on top of her belly where the new life they had created dwelled within. The sight caused all kinds of bubbly feelings to well up inside her own chests, but she did her best to focus on the task at hand. As excited as Eir was about finally being blessed with a child, she still put the well-being of others first. If the beautiful priestess could do so, then Jadis felt she had to do so as well.
At least the ritual sounded like it was going to be fun.
“We are ready,” Eir announced after a final pass. “Please, remove your clothing and enter the circle.”
“Does it matter where we stand?” Jay asked as she unabashedly shed her garments.
“Yes, it does. However, your order does not matter. Whoever would like to go first, please come stand here. I will direct everyone else where to stand, as well as where to go as the ritual progresses. Again, the most important things to remember are to not leave the circle once we begin, and to not disrupt the divine runes.”
Everyone murmured their understanding as they got undressed, small piles of discarded clothing lining the edges of the wall. There were a few nervous glances tossed around, though those nerves had nothing to do with their collective nudity. Everyone was used to seeing everyone else unclothed, a consequence of their regular nighttime activities. No, it was the ritual itself that had the room feeling tense. While Eir’s attitude was calm and soothing, and she had only chosen to highlight two simple rules to follow, they all knew from the saint’s earlier explanations that the sacramental ritual had a much higher chance of failure than one of Jadis’ more simplistic rituals. Everyone had to perform their part exactly as instructed, with no deviations or disruptions. Considering the time investment, no one wanted to be the one to make a mistake.
Seemingly unconcerned by the tension in the air, Eir settled down into a kneeling position on top of a plush red cushion in the center of the circle. Perhaps because everyone was looking nervous, she gave them all a beatific smile and motioned for them to step forward.
“I am ready to begin. For those who go later in the order, please feel free to pleasure yourselves. It will make the first part of the ritual easier for me, so long as you don’t spill over the edge prematurely.”
Such a lewd statement expressed in such calm words prompted some light laughter and giggles in the group, which did a great deal to ease the anxiety that had started to form. As they all moved into the circle, Jay started towards Eir with the intention of taking the first position. However, before she could, a certain horned woman cut her off with a bratty swish of her furry tail.
“Sorry, Big Stuff,” Kerr said as she looked up at Jay over her shoulder. “You already got a piece of Eir this morning and I’m feeling very pent up right now. I’m claiming first shot.”
“The things I do for love…” Jay sighed dramatically as she carefully stepped back, being sure not to damage the runic wax lines on the floor. “Anyone else want to go sooner rather than later?”
Jadis hadn’t expected anyone to take her up on the offer, but to her surprise, Alex raised her hand. A moment later, Sorcha did as well, though more tentatively. Both women looked at each other, silently communicating their intent. With a motion of her hand, Sorcha gave the pregnant Demon precedence, which Alex accepted graciously.
So it was that an order was established, with Kerr in the lead. After the therion came Alex, then Sorcha, followed by Jay and Aila and Bridget. Then came Sabina and Severina, with Thea in last place by her own choice. Considering her penchant for voyeurism, Jadis guessed the quiet woman’s request had more to do with her desire to watch the proceedings than any truly altruistic intent. Though knowing Thea, both feelings could exist in her with equal measure.
With each of them positioned in their own space, the nine women formed a spiral inside of the circle, all leading towards Eir who kneeled in the middle. Jadis moved her other four bodies to the four cardinal directions of the room, giving herself a panoramic view of what was about to occur. She didn’t want to miss a single second.
“Ready,” Kerr grinned down at Eir from where she stood only a foot away from the naked elf.
“Good,” Eir smiled warmly up at the archer. “Please, step forward.”
At Eir’s command, Kerr crossed the small distance and positioned her already wet pussy so that it was mere inches away from the saint’s gorgeous face. The large cushion under Eir’s knees helped with the height difference between them, but Kerr was still forced to widen her stance a little so that the smaller woman would have easy access. Not that the therion looked in any way uncomfortable. Jadis was certain that if she had to, Kerr would have bent over backwards if Eir asked.
“We begin,” Eir spoke in a tone that rang with unexpected solemnity inside of the antechamber.
The moment the beautiful saint’s tongue first touched Kerr’s dripping core, all ten of the candles surrounding the circle spontaneously lit themselves. The flames that danced on the burning wicks were not the usual yellow-orange color but were instead a mixture of crimson and white. The way the candleflames faded from red to white was both unnatural and strangely mesmerizing, though the candles were hardly Jadis' focus.
With her hands clasped in her lap, Eir fervently licked and sucked upon Kerr’s pussy, drawing a mix of moans and gasps from the archer. From her multiple perspectives, Jadis couldn’t easily see the fine details of the elf’s dexterous tongue at work, but she knew from experience just how skilled Eir had become over the months. Kerr knew that fact as well and was making no pretense about how much she was enjoying herself.
“Yes, right there,” Kerr groaned as she put a hand on the back of Eir’s head, pressing her closer. “Fuck, you’re so good at that, you scarlet minx.”
Eir made no reply, at least verbally, though by the way Kerr gasped a second later Jadis guessed the priestess was appreciative of the compliment.
Kerr’s free hand went to her breast, pawing and squeezing the soft flesh and hard nipple as she enjoyed the attention being given to her. Eyes closing in abject pleasure, the Slut Sniper moaned wantonly as her head rolled back. The sight was enough to make Jadis rock hard in an instant, and she saw that she wasn’t the only one affected.
Without compunction, Alex had already started masturbating freely, her long tentacles trailing over her small breasts and stroking her pussy. It didn’t take long before others followed her example, touching themselves to varying degrees. Even Severina, who blushed almost as hotly as Aila, had a hand lightly playing between her legs as she watched the lewd display. The only one in the group who made no attempt to pleasure themselves at all was Sorcha.
It only took a cursory glance for Jadis to figure out why the goblin was holding back. Unlike the rest of Jadis’ lovers, Sorcha had retained the cock that she had been granted by Jadis’ Duality of Flesh ritual. It was the only way for her and Jadis to have penetrative sex, considering their size difference, so the witch preferred to keep the cock on hand, so to speak.
Almost from the start of the ritual, Sorcha’s green pole had leapt to full erection. Straining to the point that it looked almost painful, Jadis could see a constant stream of clear liquid pouring out of the goblin’s cock tip. It looked like if Sorcha gave her rigid member any attention at all, she would likely pop prematurely, thus spoiling the ritual.
Jadis wished she had spoken up about just how tense the goblin had been feeling. If she had known, she would have insisted that Sorcha go first, and no one would have objected. It was too late to change now, though, as the ritual had already begun. Sorcha would just have to do her best to hold on.
Fortunately, Kerr was showing no similar inclination towards self-denial.
“Ah! Gods!” Kerr cried out as her stomach flexed and shuddered in a familiar, erotic way.
Jadis hungrily watched her lover’s flat belly expand and contract as she panted through an orgasm. As much as Jadis loved to watch Kerr’s face as she weathered the storm of rapturous pleasure, there was something equally enticing about the way a woman’s stomach moved and shook as her muscles strained and her breath came quickly in mid-orgasm. For what felt like the millionth time, Jadis thanked D that she didn’t have to choose where her eyes focused. She had enough perspective to see everything she wanted to at once.
“Shit,” Kerr cursed as she released her hold on Eir’s purple hair. “Does the ritual let you do that one more time?”
Pulling back, Eir shook her head with a gentle smile before motioning for Kerr to step beyond her. Doing as instructed, the therion took a few unsteady steps that managed to avoid coming down on the wax lines. Breathing deeply, Kerr focused on recovering, her part over for the moment as Alex shifted forward.
At the same time as Kerr’s climax, Jadis noticed a change in the circle. The candlewax on the floor that encompassed the new position that Kerr had taken when she moved beyond Eir had begun to softly glow. There wasn’t a lot of light coming from the small circle, but it was distinctly there, and it followed the same pattern as the candleflames by being a mixture of crimson and white.
As Eir began to pleasure Alex, Jadis realized what pattern was forming. As the spiral of participants who had not yet been touched by the saint shortened, a second, intertwined spiral would lengthen. What exactly would happen once the second spiral was completed, Jadis couldn’t be sure. But she was very much looking forward to finding out.
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