Elf-Made Man

As Eubexa climbed the stairs, Melsuria considered the possible ways this could go. She could tell Sheema was suspicious of her already. It was a stupid slip of the tongue to call shards by the elven translation of their actual name instead of the elven term. This is what hosting someone with a head full of constant translations will do.

As far as her elf host was concerned, this was a worrying development. Melsuria could feel Eubexa's fear spiking. Don't worry, I have a plan. I can bluff my way through this.

< Really? >

Yes. Don't worry, whatever happens, I'll find a way to finish healing you. Even if I have to switch hosts and come find you again. You're a valuable asset. Simply ignoring Eubexa's other fears, giving the impression that betrayal wasn't even in Melsuria's thoughts at the moment, was more effective than addressing them directly.

She walked all the way to the back of the second story, as far from the others as she could manage, and entered an empty room. Sheema and Diavla followed; Diavla closed the door behind them. Good. The more people involved, the harder it would be to control the situation.

"Miss Corvolli, please remove your veil and let me look at you."

Melsuria lifted her hands as if starting to comply, then stopped. "Could I ask that the necklace come off first?"

"Of course. Diavla?" Sheema asked. Diavla walked behind Eubexa and pressed the tip of the control wand to the back of the necklace.

It unclasped, and the necklace fell into Eubexa's waiting hands. A wave of pain rolled over her, but she was braced for it. Without wasting a moment, Melsuria ruthlessly clamped down on Eubexa, startling the elf and stifling her ability to move her own body. Without the opposition of the necklace, it was a foregone conclusion. She could feel Eubexa's sudden fear, but the elf was impotent.

That done, before Diavla could walk away, she clutched her sleeve, pulling her closer, and whispered faintly in her ear, "Time to dream." And then a bit louder, "Is Sheema kind?"

"Yes," Diavla replied with a sigh, then brightened, patting her shoulder reassuringly. Eubexa handed her the necklace, and Diavla walked away, getting behind Sheema.

"Thank you, Sheema," Melsuria whimpered, clutching at her neck and shivering. "It's been so long...that I've been wearing it. But...before I show you my face, are you a very good Healer? As good as the others brag about you?" Play on her pride.

Sheema tried to hide her smile. "I like to think so." She took a deep breath. "It's all right, you can show me."

Stalling, Melsuria started to lift the veil, and hesitated. "It's just...I used to be beautiful. I hope you don't find me too hideous..." Play on her empathy.

Sheema moved closer. "Truly, it's all right. I will do my very best for you."

Melsuria lowered her hands and waited. Encouraged, the Healer reached out with both hands and gripped the veil. "You really need to relax," Melsuria said, even as she seized Sheema's wrists.

The pain was intense, even though she was braced for it. Melsuria struggled to hang on as the amulet's protection burned at her. I can't possess her, and I can't even hang on for very long or this will kill me!

"I knew it! Diavla, help me!" Sheema shouted. She took a deep breath and glared intensely. Melsuria felt a new wave of pain crash over her. Dwarf shit, she's powerful! A half-dozen strikes like that and the demon would have to either flee or die.

"You...really...need...to relax..." Melsuria grunted. Even in Eubexa's weakened state, she was nearly as strong as the diminutive Healer, but the punishment from the amulet was testing her will. Trying to tear off the elf's amulet was unthinkable.

Sheema blasted her with another wave of magic. "I don't need my hands to summon the spirits!" she declared proudly. Melsuria let go, as if giving up, and Sheema clamped her hands over Melsuria's ears. Yet another wave struck, and this one hit twice as hard from the contact. OW! This had better work...! She put her hands out to either side of Sheema's neck.

"Diavla, help me!" Sheema repeated.

Melsuria breathed a sigh of relief as Diavla passed her the two ends of the necklace. The demon yanked it forward and closed the clasp. Sheema barely had time to look shocked, and then she sagged, completely passive. Frantically, Melsuria climbed out from under the Healer and away from the Amulet, catching her breath as the pain finally began to subside.

That was too close. She had burned over three quarters of her accumulated power managing that much.

Melsuria worked to get her panting under control. "Thank you...Diavla. This will help her immensely. Give me the wand, and I'll take good care of Sheema. You did very well."

Diavla smiled and handed it over, then stood still, resting in her dream state.

"She just needs a minute to experience it, so she understands what it's like, and then I'll take it off of her. I didn't want her to keep me from using the necklace, after all. Oh, take off her amulet, she really shouldn't wear both at once, I suspect." Diavla did so. "Now, rest in your dream until I call you."

"Yes, Eubexa." Diavla smiled and closed her eyes.

Melsuria gripped the wand and focused on her vanquished foe. < Turn around once, > she commanded the captive elf. Sheema straightened and turned in place, expression blank. Melsuria smiled, examining Sheema's body from the outside. Very nice. Very nice indeed.

< You feel comfortable. You are not afraid. You are happy. You are curious, and welcoming. You really want to know what it feels like to be possessed. You want to understand it as deeply as possible.

< It will help you be a better Healer and help you when you go to fight other demons. You want this to happen, and you know it will help. You are completely unified, body and soul, in wanting this.

< In fact, anticipating this is giving you pleasure. Pleasure that keeps building as you welcome a demon inside you, ready to learn, to make discoveries that few have ever dreamed of. You are truly, deeply happy. >

Melsuria paused and considered the timing. I have to keep a lid on Eubexa; I might have to leave a shard in this body, but without the necklace, it could be a struggle for my little sister to keep control. I have to fix Diavla's memories, which would be easiest if I put the necklace on her for a minute. I need to keep Eubexa from making a fuss and interfering with that. Hmm... Melsuria loosened her grip on Eubexa's soul enough for her to communicate mentally.

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< You said you would leave my group alone! You promised! > Eubexa yelled. Melsuria smiled.

I did. At the time of the promise, your group was yourself, Tom, Diavla, Varga, and Kervan. I will keep that promise. But really, dear child, you didn't actually think I was going to pass up a chance to have that as my new host, did you?

< She doesn't want to be your host! >

I can assure you, she does, thanks to that wonderful necklace.

< She won't as soon as the necklace comes off! >

That won't be an issue.

There was a pause. Melsuria could feel Eubexa's fear.

< Are you going to destroy her soul? >

No, not at all. I wouldn't want to disrupt that enormous well of magic she has. Oh, I am going to be so powerful in there!

< Will she suffer? >

My dear succubus, I am a demon of Lust, not of Pain. I'll only give her body such pain as she enjoys. I am not sadistic except in pursuit of pleasure. She will not suffer, I give you my word.

< Your word? > She felt Eubexa scoff at that.

Yes, my word. It's not my fault if you didn't specify everything you wanted. Besides, you still need to hold up your end of the deal. I've nearly finished healing you, you know, and with my new host, it will be simplicity itself. You promised to be my succubus, and I will collect on that promise. You also promised to serve me without reservation. I will hold you to that, as well.

Feeling Eubexa's recalcitrance, she added, If that's not enough to hold you tongue, consider the others in your group. The other new elves. Our agreement doesn't cover them either. I'm sure some of them will be susceptible to possession. But, if you behave, I will leave them all alone.

< No children, > Eubexa demanded abruptly. The elf was thinking of Charlie and Piper. Melsuria raised an eyebrow, but allowed it. She liked the fire in her succubus, and indulged her.

Of course not. I never touch children. I am a demon of Lust. They are incapable of it when young, and are completely unsuitable hosts. Then, even after their lust manifests, it's too...sloppy. Chaotic. Their lust tastes bland, like chewing on grass. I like them more mature. That is why I don't possess anyone until they are fully adult. I wouldn't subject a shard to years of waiting for a decent meal!

< What about the way you've been messing with Diavla's soul? And Tom's? >

That's not possession, dear. It's just...influence. They wouldn't do anything truly abhorrent even if I demanded it. I can fool them briefly, but not forever. And, I'm not harming them with it in the slightest—quite the reverse. I am raising them to heights of bliss they would need years to achieve on their own. I'm even giving the human some skill with his magic!

She could feel Eubexa stewing unhappily, and waited the elf out. < I want you to stop that "influence" over them. They definitely are covered by our initial deal. >

Melsuria considered. I'll tone it down, and restrict it to what they ask for. They are still going to want sex advice and meditation training, after all. It would look strange if I suddenly stopped.

< But no more "suggestions" to do other things. >

After I change Diavla's memories so she doesn't remember what happened here, yes.

There was a pause.

< What will Sheema feel? Will she be like me, now? >

No, you were special for two reasons: the necklace, and your inability to enjoy pleasure. I don't think Sheema would be as entertaining as you are. Her rebelliousness would not be fun at all. But, I won't destroy her.

Melsuria thought a moment, then decided. I'll bend her will. I'll drown her in such pleasure that she will serve me willingly. But otherwise, I'll leave her soul as it is. She can still have her tastes, her hobbies, her friendships. She will still be Sheema. I will even turn her loose someday, when I find a better host.

< I just wish she had a choice in this. >

Melsuria sighed. Fine. I'll give her one choice: she can sleep through it all, or she can bend the knee to pleasure.

< ...I suppose that's the best deal I can get from an evil demon, > Eubexa conceded reluctantly.

I am a demon, and I need a host. I'm sure a fish considers the fisherman evil. Do not push my patience any farther, succubus. Are we in agreement?

There was a long pause.

< Yes, Mistress. >

Melsuria could tell the submission was sincere this time. Good girl. Now, once I have possession of Sheema's body, you can remove the necklace. I'll put in on Diavla briefly, fix her memories, and then we'll put it back on you. After a believable time interval, "Sheema" will finish curing you, and we can take it off. You will walk freely, openly, and pain-free, my child.

< Thank you. >

All right. Here we go.

Melsuria touched Sheema's cheek, and carefully reached out. As she had hoped, she found no resistance at all, and transferred herself into her new host, taking full control immediately. She noted with amusement that Sheema was actually immune to possession, but the necklace had completely bypassed the protection. I'll have to remember that if I ever step out, I can't get back in.

"You...you didn't leave a shard in me?" Eubexa murmured, sounding awed.

Annoyingly, Melsuria wasn't able to respond, because of the necklace. She waited to see whether she had misjudged, but moments later, the necklace fell away from Sheema's neck.

< What...? WHAT!? > Sheema shrieked inside her skull.

Melsuria squeezed, holding the squirming soul. Even possessed, Sheema had some strength, and Melsuria began to blast Sheema's body with waves of pleasure. Each orgasm weakened the elf and strengthened the demon. She struck again and again. Finally, they paused their struggle, while she explained the situation to the overconfident Healer.

Still the elf fought, but more blasts of bliss caused her to falter eventually. < Wait! Wait... > They heaved a few breaths together in their shared body, while the elf weighed her chances. Melsuria knew that Sheema's will would crumble before long. It turned out that the elf realized it too. Melsuria could taste her temptation to give in, to surrender to pleasure and a life of obedience. A few more waves of pleasure would seal her fate.

Sheema apparently had not trained under a Wise Woman for nothing; she knew when she was beaten. < I choose to sleep, and I beg the spirits to send someone to save me from you. >

Thank Eubexa. She was very brave to negotiate with a demon as hard as she did. For her, I grant you your choice. And know this: one day, you will be free again. I will release you when I take a new host. You may not be young by then, but you will be healthy, and free. To you, it will feel like tomorrow.

And, you may always hope for rescue. I have been a prisoner myself. There is always hope.

Now, child—sleep.

Sheema's soul withdrew into itself and Melsuria enforced dreamless slumber upon it, while ensuring that she still had access to all the elf's knowledge, abilities and magic. That done, she wiped her brow and sat up. At some point, they had landed on the bed, and their struggle had made a mess of it. She found a rag and a water bucket and cleaned herself.

Finally, Melsuria stretched and stood up. "Well. That was interesting." She twisted her new body this way and that, admiring her figure and feeling out her new senses. Core, this woman had power! Melsuria knew that her own abilities were vastly strengthened, and couldn't wait to try out her demonic powers.

She looked over at Eubexa, who had put the necklace on Diavla and was holding the wand. "I took the liberty of replacing her memories of this, Mistress. She will think that Sheema spent a long time working on me, and reassured herself that I wasn't under any compulsions." At that, her voice was dry as a desert, and Melsuria smiled. "Aside from that, Diavla got bored and her mind wandered, though she saw that the Healing made impressive progress."

"Very good, Eubexa."

"Thank you, Mistress."

Melsuria took the wand back and confirmed the instructions, adding that Diavla had asked to try the necklace again just for a moment, to fantasize about Tom. She added a brief fantasy while Eubexa tidied up the bedroom, then released the necklace. Eubexa caught it, put it on again, and sighed dramatically in relief from pain.

Diavla blinked. "Thank you for waiting, Eubexa. Since you had it off anyways, I just wanted a moment with it."

"It's fine," Eubexa assured her. "Let's join the others. We still have to figure out what we are going to do next."

"Indeed," Melsuria agreed, remembering to follow Sheema's mannerisms. "Now that I know nothing monstrous is going on here, let's figure out how we're going to retrieve your favorite human and get out of here in one piece." Eubexa froze a moment in disbelief, but Melsuria kept her smile off of Sheema's face.

They headed downstairs.