The dagger sends a chill shock into the wound, numbing the entire arm.

Eliese walks over to join them. "Gently now. Remember she still needs to be able to sing with you."

"S-Sorry ma'am."

"Start with extremities, finger, toes. Peel the skin and cut away small pieces at a time. Or if you want to be artistic, you can use the tip to sketch patterns on her back and belly."

Shaky nod. She pins the girl down on her front, sitting straddling her hips with her left hand pressed firmly against the unstabbed shoulder. Deep breath - and, with her right hand clutching the dagger, she gently scratches her friend's back, drawing a terrified moan.

Eliese stands behind her and puts her hands on her shoulders, whispering encouragements in her ear.

The girl shivers - she's definitely scared, but she kinda likes the approval...

She keeps torturing her friend. Artistically, of course, sketching patterns over her skin.

Oh, very good.

"Sweetheart, come see," she calls to Acererak.

Acererak drops her mangled victim and strides over, leaning against Eliese. "Oh, she's doing very well."

"She is." Kiss. "Good choice."

Nuzzle. She reaches out to run her hands through their helper's hair, making the girl shiver and arch her neck a bit. "Experience helps."

"Maybe we should have her decorate the others, too."

"She's so very good at it..."

"After her next song, then."

"Sounds lovely. I'll listen with you, how about?"

"I'm sure that will be highly motivating."

Kiss. "They'll be falling over each other for my favor."

Kiss. "As is only proper."

"Clearly the main reason for any nerves."

"But you have so much favor to go around."

"But only so much attention."

"Ah, true enough."

Nuzzle. "And I save the bulk of it for only the best girls."

Hee.

"Which is me, of course. These poor dears must fight for your scraps."

"Mmmm, yes. And it's quite entertaining."

"Speaking of which..." She pats the helper on the shoulder. "I believe that will suffice for now."