Reconditioning

"It's really the kindest thing we can do for them," Xyllis said sadly. "If we turn them out into the streets, their insanity may eventually incite someone to harm them for claiming to be the Princess. If we banish them, they'll have no means to care for or protect themselves. No, this is what they are - I was able to read, even through their veil of madness, that they are highly skilled at their craft. All I need do is give that part of their minds a boost, return them to their natural state, and they will soon be safe and happy again, doing what they do best."

Helia frowned - the matriarchy had far fewer bawdy houses than most other lands. Still, it seemed there was always a demand for such establishments, though they were not places Queen Helia approved of. "I cannot say this is a choice I would endorse, Xyllis, but I shall bow to your judgment on the matter. See that it is carried out - and quickly."

"It shall be done within the hour, Matriarch," Xyllis promised.

Back in her chamber, Xyllis contemplated the two girls, still upright and unconscious thanks to the slumber spell. She gathered several minerals and herbs and crushed them into a fine powder. Then she made a brief incantation and blew the powder into the duo's faces. The two girls gave a brief sigh, and their expressions changed from blank to a slightly vacant, slightly lascivious smile.

Yes, that should do it, I think, Xyllis thought to herself. Except for the name collars. True, it would do no harm to leave the collars on - "Astra" was a fairly common name, after all - but removing them would give these poor demented creatures one less piece of evidence to base their fantasies on.

1. It was the work of mere moments to get the collars off the two of them.
2. It was the work of mere moments to get the collars off the two of them - but doing so had a rather dramatic effect.
3. Strangely, Xyllis found that the collars resisted all attempts to remove them, magical and otherwise.
4. For some reason, though, Xyllis suddenly changed her mind and left them on.
5. Rather than removing them, Xyllis simply altered the names.

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