Of Power and Possession:
It slammed into her, like a hard shove. Slightly eroding, but dominant and forceful. Then gently with rapid spasms, it gradually spread all over her body. It was like an intruder had opened the door, to your house. Like they had come in and then made themselves very comfortable. A familiarity that at some point, was aquired consciously and/or unconsciously. Which the host had ultimately, made possible and available. As if on cue with some expected reaction, her eyes rolled backwards. Meanwhile a sensational and somewhat cool feeling, began to climb from her toes upwards.
A slowly fading, yet succinct part of her, wanted to fight the sinister but subtle invasion. However, a larger, stronger and more involved part of her also, spurred it on. The fiercer resistance would win, by way of a lack of obstruction and/or hindrance. An eventual submission of the soul, as it were.
When she finally opened her eyes, with focused yet dazed pupils. The new 'hostess' knew for a fact, that the 'visitor' was now in charge. ‘Shiny-shoes’, or whomever it was she had been before the takeover. Was at the moment cowered, slumped in will and ready to follow suit and command. Any control of her senses, that she may have had before. Had unconsciously, yet grudgingly been relinquished.
No return policy:
‘Shiny-shoes', took one more look at her smooth and supple skin. Smiled contentedly to herself, then half-walked and half-crawled, into the coven. A piece of ashen particle, flew out from the inside of the hut. It then circled tentatively, floating around her face. Before it slowly landed, settling on her exposed arm. The high priestess winced instantly. Surprised that such a light-weighted and small substance, could sting her so sharply. Or was it her new and perfect skin, that overreacted?
When she tried to flick of the irritating speck. She could only watch in shock and horror, as her skin gradually absorbed the foreign object. She blanched momentarily. Before running her index finger, across the affected area. It had instantly become as good as new again. Hardly bearing any signs whatsoever, of an intrusion or diffusion.
The young sorceress marveled, as she inspected her skin, one more time. She had not only gotten a brand new skin, it appeared. But one that could never be tainted, nor harmed. What a bargain, she thought gladly. The dark lords must think her, to be very special indeed. Thereby favoring her so. With a smile on her face, she pulled out a dangling wood splinter from her hair. An object that represented the hazards, of visiting the coven. Then she proceeded, into the coven’s main room.
The price of preeminence:
It was a small price to pay, the dark forces would argue. Considering all they had given and made possible for 'Shiny-shoes'. Howbeit, that the so called gift was temporal and superficial. But she would never know that. Her assessment of normalcy and control, would be some acquisition and position. Possessions that lacked endurance and originality. She would see none clamoring, for space in her world. And if they were, she would hope and expect her possessors to handle it. This party would revolve around her.
Of course she knew, that there were a number of other recruits, so far. Those who were, apparently lesser in grades and levels. Positions which accorded her, the unofficial leader of the pack. This was so, whether they accepted and liked it or not. A power so evident, because all necessary executions would spin their policies around her.
The very rise and relevance of any other, would partly or solely hinge on their paying homage to her. It was all a necessary and worthy bargain, as far as she was concerned. Even though she had this unrelenting feeling, of having been gutted.
Thankless sacrifices:
‘No sooner had she lifted her hands, than the crowd began to chant her name. Then they bowed in worship before her. The feeling of exaltation flooded her senses and insides. An emotions which disappeared, just as quickly as it had visited. She felt empty and lost, as the voices got louder in praise. And the gestures were bolder in expression. She wished they would all go away. She hated them and what they had done to her. Yes their demands for her immortalization, made them just as guilty. It was as if they were sucking the very life out of her. And it was draining any ounce of sanity or sobriety left. The weight of their worship would kill her. It was impossible for a mortal to bear. So she tuned them out and woke up.’
Porous perfection:
The witch was burning wood for an intended sacrifice. In a brick enclave, situated at the far end of the large coven room.
“Well, well, well,” ‘Shiny-shoes’ announced her entrance gleefully. All the while, feeling as excited as she sounded.
“How are you my friend? Long time no see.” She finished with a grin. While looking at the witch, who still had her back turned to the doorway as she tended to her flames. When there was still no response from the older woman, ‘Shiny-shoes’ spoke up again.
“Is there no welcome plan for the guests these days?” She ventured with mock ruefulness.
“There is always a plan and program, for the people I invite into my territory.” Came the witch’s curt reply.
“A little miffed we are today it appears, not so my friend?” The high priestess was determined not to allow her happy groove, to be quenched.
“I am not your friend.” The older woman corrected in a cold tone. “And my mood is fine and perfectly normal.” She finished, while straightening herself from a stooping position.
“Okay then,” continued the younger woman with a shrug. “If that is the way you want it, then that’s the way it will be. I just stopped by to let you know, that I am back in business and feeling great.”....
....“I actually stopped by to let you know, that I am now in charge of the whole territory." She hissed. "Every move, transaction and/or activity, happens only with my permission. Nothing goes, that does not go through me.” She paused again, to gauge the older woman’s reaction. When she got none, she asked further, for good measure.
“Have I made myself clear?” There was still no response from the witch. Who appeared at this time, to be engrossed with arranging the sticks on the ground. And then almost as if she had just woken from a trance, she spoke.
“You have made yourself clear indeed. In fact, so clear. That we can see right through you.”
‘Shiny-shoes’ who had been pacing back and forth in the room. Stopped dead in her tracks, to look at the older sorceress. Then she immediately and systematically, followed the witch’s eyes. Just to see what it was, the woman was looking at. The witch was staring at her arm, the high priestess deduced. And what she herself saw also, made her gasp in horror. Her skin had indeed become transparent. And there she stood, bones bared like a skeleton.
.