The Elusive Counterspell

Xyllis, ever deferential towards the woman who trained her, stood back almost meekly. Norla had always been able to make her feel like a bumbling novice, and time had not dulled that ability in the least.

The croneexamined the two sleeping girls, her frown deepening as she applied a series of powders and poultices. "It seems that every time I make an attempt, the enchantment deepens. Xyllis, tell me exactly what the specifics of your spell were."

Hesitantly, still abashed at her failure in front of her mentor, Xyllis explained the spell she had set up, and how it was designed to ease the two of them back into their "normal" lives as bawdy girls.

Norla listened, then finally nodded and turned to Vincent. "Vincent, I'm afraid I must ask you to step out of this chamber."

"What? Oh, but I couldn't. I'm responsible for..."

"What you will be responsible for is their continuing deterioration," she said. "Even while they are asleep like this, your presence - the presence of any male - will continue to influence them. The longer you stay with them, the more ascendant their bawdy girl personalities become. In fact, it would be best if only Xyllis and myself remained with them and the rest of you retired to another room altogether."

There was some grumbling, but all of them assented to depart. Vincent showed them to an outer room and had Bobo bring them some refreshments. Queen Helia, still obviously miffed at this turn of events, simply stood glaring at a wall. Vincent was also in no mood for small talk, and sat at a desk, contemplating a scroll. Astra paced up and down, occasionally munching on a sandwich.

After a short while. the door to Vincent's inner chamber opened.

1. The two mages emerged. "We were successful in restoring their true selves," Norla said. "Now, Vincent, it is up to you to restore their bodies."
2. The two mages emerged. "We were only partially able to restore their true selves," Norla said. "They know who and what they really are, but many of their actions and mannerisms will now be that of bawdy girls."
3. The two mages emerged. "I am afraid we were too late," Norla said sadly. "They have truly become the bawdy girls they appear to be."
4. A badly shaken Norla emerged. "Xyllis has betrayed us - she overpowered me and vanished with Lord Fred and the Princess."
5. An enraged Xyllis emerged. "Throw me out like a common apprentice!" she seethed. "What nerve!"
6. Fred(a) and Astra emerged, looking around in bewilderment.
7. Pronklezilch emerged, smiling broadly and trailed by four quite lusty looking bawdy girls
8. No one emerged at all - the silence from within was quite deep and eerie.

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