Enochiel's Herd

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Also, oopsie on forgetting to post last night. Two chapters today.

“Give me your eyes and ears, my herd.”

Numerous conversations abruptly cut off at Ivrine’s request, heads turning to regard the herd queen, who stood atop a stump Ahsch had willed into existence. She paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping around to ensure that all were paying attention before she continued. “You all know that Xitia, Felori, and myself spoke with our benefactor, Ahsch, prior to pledging the herd’s allegiance to him. More than a few of you know that we have remained silent about the contents of our conversation. However, in the interest of furthering the trust between us and him, he has decided to share one of the secrets with all of you - provided you give your bonded word to keep his secrets in turn. None will **** you, nor with Xitia, Felori, or myself encourage or discourage you to make that pledge - it is a choice that each and every one of you must make for yourselves.”

A quiet murmur started, but quickly stopped when Ivrine raised her hand. “We will give you five minutes to decide, after which, those who do not wish to bind themselves to such an oath will be free to remain here, while the rest give their pledge and will hear Ahsch’s tale in another part of this demi-plane.”

Ivrine stepped down from the stump, and watched alongside her advisors and Ahsch as the satyrs looked to one another, a building air of determination and commitment filling them. “You don’t need to wait five minutes, my queen,” someone called out from the back of the crowd. “You gave the oath and you don’t seem to regret it - you have our trust!” A chorus of agreement filled the air, and Ivrine grinned, though it was Xitia who nudged Ahsch and gave him a side-eyed look of, ‘I told you so.’

Smiling, his gaze sweeping through the herd to confirm that none were ****, he stepped up onto the stump after exchanging nods with Ivrine. “Since my caution seems to be unneeded, I’ll have you all give your oaths now: to keep the secrets I am about to share, only conversing about it beyond the ears of those unaware of it, in spite of intoxication, suffering, or aught else which would try and **** it from you otherwise. An oath to not use what you learn to harm any of me or mine, including my family, Houses Odestag and Celes, all affiliated with the Order of Enochiel, and now your own herd. Do you swear?”

“We swear!” the satyrs chorused, and Ahsch could feel a slight strain as the bond took form, and he could see the surprise on many faces as they felt that bond lock in.

“Alright then…” he murmured, taking a deep breath. He had never shared the truth - even just a fragment of the truth - with quite so many people at once. It was an intimidating sensation, to be about to reveal such a secret to so many. “While not an outright lie, I am more than simply the Prophet of Enochiel, chosen to bring his religion and teachings to the people of Euphoria. In fact, the truth is somewhat the opposite: I _am _Enochiel - or rather, I am the one who will become Enochiel, in time.” Shocked murmurs broke out, and Ahsch let them run their course for a few moments before gesturing for silence, which they granted him. “I was born with the power, the potential to become a divinity, should I be capable of gathering worshipers to my faith. They empower me with their worship and sacrifice, and in return I provide them with knowledge of my magic in their time of need… among other things, more and more as the Temple of Enochiel grows.

“However, though a god-to-be I may be, I am not invincible, nor am I all-powerful. I can be hurt, and though I might be killed, I cannot be truly removed. And those I care for are not immune to the machinations of others either. This, in part, is why I requested the allegiance of your herd - to act as protectors for myself and those I care about. In exchange for your service, I can provide you with more significant boons than I am willing to provide publicly. Namely, the effects of a new, divine Innate Magic that I have gained: the ability to give you the potential to be more. Stronger, sturdier, faster, more agile… and, though I must limit it, I can change some of you, grant you…” Ahsch flushed as he considered his next words. Some god of sex and bodies I am, he silently berated himself. Though it is fucking rediculous, what I’m about to say... “Well, grant you either male genitals, or turn you fully into a male.”

Stunned silence greeted that proclamation. “Not to say I don’t believe you,” a blonde satyr in the front of the crowd said, “But can you prove that?”

Ahsch gave a sheepish smile. “Not immediately, no. The changes take time to go into effect; the larger the change, the longer it will take. But I am willing to provide all of you the body-enhancement, and a select few - chosen by a method that Ivrine will control - the opportunity to become male, or gain a penis.”

There was still quite a bit of doubt, and Ahsch couldn’t help but frown slightly in concern. But then Dorin approached. “My Lord, if I may?” he requested. Ahsch raised an eyebrow, but stepped down from the stump and gestured his servant up. “For those of you with doubts, who would wait for another to go first, hear me: I have requested My Lord Ahsch to use his new power to change me, to make me into a woman. While it will not be quick, you need only observe me as I ‘transition’ to receive your proof.”

Looking over at Ahsch, Dorin nodded, then stepped down from the stump. Jumping atop it again, Ahsch looked out over the crowd once again. “Again, even should you be offered the chance to change, all will be granted the more mundane enhancements. Beyond that, I take care of my own, and as those who are in-the-know, you count among those. Protect me and those I cherish, and I will protect you and that which you care for. Trust me, and I will trust you; repay my loyalty to you with loyalty. That is all I ask.” He paused, then braced himself. “Now, are there any questions?”