Come morning, Nicora was predictably sore - but was able to reduce that considerably by kenning her night companion, leaving him with a big smile and her with the ability to change someone into a young male Savanite if needed, along with a bit of a buzz and tingle - a bit like being slightly drunk.

The ride on the train was a long one, as the iron behemoth roared across tracks that were mostly elevated above swamp and mire for half of the journey. The views were never very good though, and when they were it was usually of ruined or flooded fields as the rails cut through the south-eastern chunk of the country. There were a few stops at small stations, but nobody got on or off the train.

Eventually the lowlands began to fall behind, and the track began to twist and turn more as it snaked into the mountains. There was only pass through them that was open year-round that led through to Chronotopia, and it was also where Nicora and Mave were to meet with the third member of their group.

Odin's Pass
Just at the foot of the mountains next to a cleft that looks as if a giant axe fell from the sky (and then was pulled back) nestled the community of Odin's Pass; Gateway to Chronotopia. What little trade or travel there was between the two nations went through here, so the hamlet was always a bit traveler-centric, even before the railroad. The buildings had a lot of stone construction, likely salvaged from the crumbling keep that once spanned the pass at its narrowest point.

"I am glad you located was for earplugs this time," Nicora admits as she picks hers out with her claw tips, then stands to stretch. She still can feel a twinge of soreness, continually aggravated by the train .. but now that they'll be disembarking for a bit, it should pass. "And now we must find Tulani and her insane family."

"I don't suppose you have their address?" Mave asks, as she collects her travel bag. "Or should we just ask a passerby?"

"She is rather hard to miss. It should be easy to find them," Nicora says as she grabs her bag. "No seducing her father while we are here, either," she adds as she exits their rail car.

The station platform is necessarily busy, as everyone is getting off the train. There are a lot of signs and posters put up though, advertising all sorts of services, from restaurants and pubs to inns and scenic mountain tours!

Nicora, looking suitably dour as befits her station, makes her way through the crowds. She figures Tulani's family may have a business here, she does pay attention to the signs and posters, looking for 'Herfrell'. She also can't help herself and does a bit of 'people watching' to see what species are passing through.

The locals seem to consist of the larger sorts: humans, Rhians and a few Khattas. The travelers are a broader lot, in both race and dress. There are plenty of Chronotopian sorts, mostly humans and Korvs with a few Cervani, a couple of Gallah traveling with some Jupanis, a Lapi escorting cages of.. rabbits.. and even a few Eeee.

The name 'Herfrell' does show up, on the poster for 'The Leaping Drokar Inn & Stables', in the form of tours being offered by a Duran Herfrell.

Nicora purses her lips, thinking for a second. "May be a relative," she notes as she draws Mave's attention to the sign. "So ... that is where we shall go. We can also arrange rooms for the night."

Mave nods, and asks, "Do you suppose they have any temples here?" as she moves to follow Nicora.

"I'm sure they have some, but to what is the better question. I assume you wish one to your Mistress?" Nicora asks as she gives Mave a sidelong glance, then heads out into the street to find the 'The Leaping Drokar Inn'.

"Preferably," Mave notes. "But I can make use of one to Ashtoreth if necessary."

The Leaping Drokar Inn & Stables
A hand carved image of a leaping drokar instead of just a painted sign helps this establishment stand out from the rest. It stands two stories tall, and goes back quite a ways, as the inn part extends out over the stables that take up the rear half of the tavern floor. It also sports large windows to showcase the tavern, and a tremendous degree of wood-carved Sylvanian filigree.

Several other travelers have had the same idea, so the place looks busy through the windows. There's also a small group of boys of various races clustered around the corner of the next building over, past the wide alley that leads to the stables.

"That group may be arranging a tour or watching something interesting. Let us check with them first and see if their fascination is related to our prey," Nicora says as she heads towards those gathered boys. "Once we are settled, we can look for temples for each of us."

The boys are all staring intently towards the stables, and don't seem to notice the approach of the two priestesses. The object of fascination becomes clear soon enough however: a candy-apple red drokar cart, with actual flames carved into the woodwork is on display, being lovingly waxed by a familiar Sphynx, wearing short-shorts and something like a short white apron covered in red polka-dots.

"Are none of you brave enough to approach the object of your desire?" Nicora asks the gathered boys from where she stands behind them. Her head is tilted slightly upward so that she's looking down upon them all. Her right eyebrow is even arched slightly.

"What?" the nearest boy asks, looking at Nicora - a Khatta in his early teens. "We can't afford to rent her!" he claims, broken-hearted.

"The cart, Big Red!" the boy notes, looking at Nicora as is where an idiot. Meanwhile Tulani is bent over as only a feline can manage and polishing the underside of the cart now. "Tuly is a meany, and never lets anyone even sit in it!"

"She will allow me to," Nicora claims as she straightens the collar of her robes. And with that, she marches past the boys and towards the bent-over Tulani. When she's close enough, she actually gives Tulani a light swat on the butt!

There's a bump as Tulani hits her head on the undercarriage before coming back up. "Dammit Kyte, I've told you.." she starts in, before noticing Nicora. Even then, it takes her a moment to recognize the Eeee. "Alptraum!" she suddenly says in surprise. "You finally made it!"

"And just in time to watch you taunt children, it seems," Nicora remarks, allowing for a small bemused smile for the moment. "I am going by Nicora, though. Disguise and all that," she adds. "And who is this Kyte? Someone who dares swat the butt of my prey, mm?"

"Kyte is my brother," Tulani notes, crossing her arms. "And what's this about prey? And.. HEY YOU KIDS GET OUT OF HERE, YOU AREN'T GETTING A FREE RIDE!" she yells, scattering the lookie-loos.

"I am a vampire," Nicora reminds Tulani with a very fangy smile. "Would you deny me the enjoyment of hunting you?" She even flutters her eyelashes.

"Hey, I'm a dragon," Tulani replies, grinning back with her own fangy smile. "Do I get to hunt you too?"

Nicora chews on her bottom lip as she considers this. "Maybe," she relents, "But a dragon's natural prey is an elf." She then leans in on her toes and kisses Tulani's nose tip. "I hope you haven't been too bored while waiting. We had a few problems on the road, but nothing that couldn't be handled."

"Oh, I always keep myself busy when visiting home," Tulani says, and pushes the fiery-red drokar cart back into the stable. "I had to scare away Kyte's latest skanky girlfriend, which is always fun."

"Was she truly that bad, or are you just protective?" Nicora asks as she follows behind Tulani as the cart goes away. "Or do you like torturing your brother?"

"He's too sweet and naive," Tulani claims, waving to Mave as the Yodhinala approaches. "An he's an artist. He deserves someone with class.. not just mares looking for some guy to push around who also has a nice house."

"Of course he is, he's my brother," Tulani notes, then gives Nicora a look. "And you can't bite him, either."

"We're leaving in the morning, unless you want to wait for the train to come back around," Tulani points out, and opens a door that leads into the kitchen - at least it smells like a kitchen. "So no messing with my brother. Do I need to take precautions with you?" she asks.

"I accept other sacrifices," Nicora claims, grinning all the while. "I do still owe you for all the taunting you did for me, you realize." She waggles her brow at Tulani, then steps through the door.

The kitchen is busy, despite there being only one occupant: a bit yellow-white mare in a chef's hat and apron, apparently handling everything by herself. "Close the door, Tuly!" she says without turning. "I don't want the drokar smell getting into the pie again."

"Ah, I am not Tulani," Nicora says politely, "But her friend she has been waiting for. Forgive the intrusion, she and my other traveling companion will be in soon."

"I don't taunt," Taluni claims. "I just play with my victims." Clearing her voice, she says, "Mom! These are the friends I was waiting for, so I'll be leaving with them on the train tomorrow, okay?" Once the mare turns, Tulani introduces everyone. "Mave, Nicora, this is my mother Lira. Mom, these are the two priestesses I'm going to be escorting."

The big woman (made taller by the chef's hat) wipes her hand and offers it with a smile. "Oh, a pleasure to meet you both. We don't get many traveling clergy through here. Welcome to our humble inn."

Nicora dips her head politely when she is formally introduced, then takes the offered hand lightly with her own in greeting. "A pleasure to meet you, Missus Herfrell. We promise that your daughter will adhere to the strictest moral codes while traveling with us," she says.

The woman blinks, then brays in laughter. "Have a seat, and I'll bring you something to eat," Lira says, wiping a tear from her eye.

"Alas, she knows you too well, Tulani," Nicora remarks to Tulani, then winks. She settles herself down into one of the chairs in the kitchen.

Mave has been quiet all this time, just soaking it in. She also has a seat at the family table, and smirks at Tulani and Nicora. "You are like rival sisters," she comments.

"Us?" Nicora asks and puts her hand to her chest. "I have only the purest motives and best intentions for Tulani," she claims.

"You intend to suck my bloooood," Tulani says, making a scary-face when she says blood. Someone else wanders into the kitchen then, a gangly (for a Rhian) young man with black-and-white piebald features. He takes a seat next to Mave, and only then seems to notice the two Eeee. "Oh.. hello?" he says.

"Kyte, these are my traveling companions," Tulani explains. "They're priestesses, so don't ask them to pose naked for you. It will only lead to trouble."

"But.. they're Eeee," Kyte says, as if the two couldn't hear him. "I don't have any Eeee!"

"Good day. Kyte, is it?" Nicora asks the young Rhian, "A pleasure to meet you. She reaches across the table and offers her hand to him. "Oh, do not listen to Tulani. You are perfectly safe around us. Mave is the better looking of us, so you are lucky to have her," she claims.

"I don't think he should be left alone with Mave," Tulani mutters. "She'll corrupt him."

Nicora waits until Kyte is done, then brings her hand up to lightly stroke the Rhian's cheek. "Would you prefer that I pose, then?" she asks of Tulani. "I am not as attractive, given my condition."

Tulani just puts her face in her hands. "He just needs a chaperone, so I guess we'll all just be there," she mutters.

"You do not trust me?" Nicora asks Tulani. She even manages a quivering, lower-lip, pout.

"Not since you learned how to pout, no," Tulani says, moving one hand aside. "Besides, you couldn't handle him."

"Eat!" Lira announces, setting down plate of food. The cuisine is unknown, but there's some sort of meet mixed in with the meal, except for Kyte's plate.

Nicora, of course, settles back as if in prayer. It is, of course, so that she can insert the shadow so she can at least make the appearance of eating. "Another thing that will surprise Tulani," she thinks a bit deviously. When her eyes open, she leans forward, lifts a fork, and begins eating.

Tulani raises an eyebrow, and whispers, "Will you need a bucket afterwards?" to Nicora before starting in on her own plate of food.

"No. A useful little shadow trick," Nicora answers quietly. Speaking up, she asks Kyte, "You're an artist? What medium do you specialize in?"

The cuisine is definitely regional, using whatever grows here - which includes some pretty strong spices.

"Wood," Kyte remarks, becoming more animated as the subject turns to his hobby. "All kinds of wood. I do lots of candle-holders."

"Ah. Then I am not certain how having a model helps in that art? Is there a market for lithe-women candle-holders?" Nicora asks.

"I never thought of that," Kyte admits, which some earns Nicora a light elbow in the ribs from Tulani. "I just like them for art pieces."

Nicora elbows Tulani back lightly. "Ah, that makes more sense. A boy of your age often collects art of women," she says with a dip of her head. "I would like to see some of your work after dinner if you will permit it. If we are to become immortalized in art, I at least want a fair warning as to how we would be posed."

"Oh sure!" the young stallion agrees enthusiastically. "I've got a lot of art!"

"Has Tulani modeled for you?" Nicora asks as she eats with a surprisingly dainty touch.

"Be sure to show us those," Nicora notes. "Now, do you want to be a shrine maker ... or does your heart lead you elsewhere?"

"I should warn you ahead of time that I am a mutant," Nicora notes to Kyle as she resumes 'eating'. "So you may not wish to have me model."

"I have a tail of a sort," Nicora answers as her shoulders roll in a shrug. "I am not a pristine Eee."

"Thick tail?" Kyte asks. "Thin stuff.. I always break it off. S'why I don't do male models.."

"May be too thin, unless it lays across your leg," the artist says, after a moment of thought.

"You can decide after you see it, I suppose," Nicora relents. "And we did sleep most of the train ride. But if you wish, I will bow out of posing."

"Or all three of us," Nicora counters, brow arched. She shakes her head and resumes eating quietly for now.

"I've already started on Tuly's portrait," Kyte says, apologetically. "I can't do clothes well yet."

"Convenient for her," Nicora remarks, bemused. She even lightly kicks the sphynx' shin under the table.

"Here, you need to try this," Tulani says, and sprinkles some reddish fluid from an unmarked bottle over what's left of Nicora's food.

Not to be one who ever backs down ... Nicora actually tries the sauce! While glaring at Tulani.

Nicora's ears splay and twitch. She even tries to smile at Tulani as if it doesn't hurt ... while she tries to push the shadow upward into her mouth to absorb the remaining sauce!

It feels very weird to have the shadow spread up through her throat - she has to work very hard to suppress her gag reflex! But eventually her mouth goes soothingly numb.

Mave also sprinkles more of the sauce on her food, but doesn't seem to suffer any ill effects. Who knows what she's gotten used to eating over the years, however.

While trying to keep that smile, Nicora tries to swallow the shadow back down. She kicks Tulani's shin under the table again.

"I'm home!" a stallion bellows as he kicks open the door to the stables and saunters in. "Nobody got sick on the ledge trail today! Can you belie- hello?" he says, noticing the guests.

"These the people Tuly was waiting for, dear," Lira says, coming up to her (even taller) husband and giving him a warm kiss.

"We heard Tulani was walking down a shadowy path in life, therefore we came to take her on a pilgrimage to cleanse her soul," Nicora manages out once the shadow has retreated enough to let her talk again. "And my name is Nicora, not .. Nicky."

Plate in hand, Duran sits down next to Nicora and sort of scoots her over against Tulani. "Well, any freinds of Tuly who aren't sailors are welcome here!" he claims, and even hugs Nicora around the shoulders. "Are you gonna bunk with Tuly, or do you need a room of your own?"

"I can sleep wherever is convenient," Nicora actually squeaks when Duran so easily manages to make her feel very small. "So it is up yto you and Tulani. We can even pay for a room in the inn if it is too much trouble to stay here."

"They'll stay with me dad," Tulani insists. "We have to leave in time to catch the train in the morning, so it'll be better if we're all together."

"Just as long as it does not turn into a slumber party, I suppose," Nicora mutters. Louder, she adds, "I hope we are not inconveniencing you by dragging your daughter away."

"Oh no, we were gettin' sick of having her around again after a week!" the man laughs. Kyte and Tulani both join in. Must be a family joke.

Nicora resists saying what she is thinking ... then remembers she can't east any more of her meal, either. So ... she gets up and starts collecting dirty dishes from the table to carry to the sink.

"Oh my," Lira notes, taking the dishes from Nicora. "I'm sure you've worked in soup kitchens and the like, serving food to the needy, but you can relax here. Tulani will clean it up! Tuly!"

"It is no burden to help," Nicora claims as she continues her work. "It repays you for the meal and lodging to some meager degree."

Tulani gets up and helps with the remainder (just Mave's dish, really). "I'll take them to our rooms and get them settled," she says.

Nicora looks oddly frustrated at being unable to help. She tries to hide it, though, by adjusting her robes a bit. She places her hand lightly on Kyte's shoulder while he still sits at the table as she says to Tulani, "Please, lead the way."

Kyte gets up, and helpfully carries the bags and Tulani leads everyone a short distance down a hall to the bedrooms - apparently the family has rooms on the ground floor instead of using inn rooms. The room they're led too was probably a storeroom at one point, since it is far too large for a single room. Which is probably why it has two large beds and a lot of shelves. And those shelves are almost completely taken up by wood carvings! Most of are women, but some are drokars and others inanimate things. One shelf is full of 'portraits' of Tulani, done throughout the years and showing the carver's development as an artist. An unfinished one sits on a small table, surrounded by wood shavings.

"This Kyte and my room," Tulani notes, as her brother sets the bags down on one of the beds.

Nicora walks around and peers closely at the art work. When she stops to linger on the current work in progress, she asks, "Your skills have improved over the years immensely. You should be very proud of your work." She turns away from the art now and walks over to where her bag was placed. "Have you ever tried to carve a musical instrument?"

"Like a guitar?" Kyte asks, as he puts on an apron with pockets full of awls and chisels and other carving tools.

"Like a recorder," Nicora explains and pulls out her own hand-made one. She offers it to Kyte should he wish to examine it. She also can't help herself and looks for any recent carvings of Rhian mares that might be his former 'skanky' girlfriend.

There are plenty of them.. dozens in fact! Along with Khattas and humans. Over a hundred, at least, and all different!

Nicora gives up the futile quest of trying to find the recent girlfriend. Her head tilts and she looks to Tulani. "As much as I have teased, if you truly do not wish for me to model for Kyte, I will not," she tells her.

There is not, however, a great deal of variation in poses. Mares tend to be on their side, tail across their thigh, humans sitting up or kneeling, and Khatta stretched out on their backs.

"It doesn't matter," Tulani notes, as she sets out a cushion in the best-lit part of the room. "He really is only interested in the carving, usually." The Sphynx slips out of her clothes then, and takes up the position that the half-finished sculpture is in (one of the three she seems to chose for her portraits).

Kyte is quickly at his table and working with a tiny chisel and hammer to bring out some detail in his sister's wings. She's the only winged model on display.

"You do not do well with clothing?" Nicora asks as she leaves her recorder with Kyte and looks through her travel bag. "I did bring some evening wear I could model if you wished it," she notes. "And ... given your current display, I think Mave and I should pose uniquely from all ... these. You need to practice different poses."

"There are different poses?" Kyte asks, and offers the recorder back. "I don't know how to make the long hole. Is it drilled? But I could engrave it. I'm good at that!"

Nicora reaches over and takes it. "You burn it with heated chitin or metal," she explains, "Or drill, if available."

"I don't have tools like that," the man laments, and focuses on carving away more of the block of wood until more of Tulani emerges from it. "I taught myself."

"Mave, shall we discuss poses?" Nicora asks her in Eeee. "I was thinking something to challenge him, such as 'An Angel and Demon Embrace'," she suggests, "I, of course, would be the demon. You, the angel. Something flowing, just before a kiss, perhaps?"

"That is a classic pose," Mave notes. "There were many such statues of Inala and Sunala in the Temple. It is only a matter of holding the pose long enough."

Nicora starts unhooking her robe. "He will not know it. Nor do I, I must admit. Shall we try it?" she asks her inverse-color-counterpart. She lets her robe slide from her shoulders, revealing she was wearing, well, nothing underneath it.

This distracts Kyte for a moment, since he's never seen an Eeee before. Mave follows Nicora's lead, placing her clothing on the bed, and then demonstrates the pose. Their legs sort of intertwine, and Nicora is made to hold Mave's rear, while Mave holds up one of Nicora's thighs and uses her other hand to pin the tail in place along the hip.

"Ahem," Tulani clears her throat. "Do you have to do that now? Or is that the pose you're going to try?"

Actually posing for the carving takes a lot of the arousal out of it, since it is a lot of fiddling with the pose and getting her hand in just the right spot. "It is the pose we are going to do for him. He needs to diversify," Nicora claims. "You did have the opportunity to join." Quieter, to Mave, Nicora comments, "I wish I could have seen the statues. Were they of all the sisters? I cannot imagine anyone embracing Gorphat."

"It is a very interesting pose," Kyte admits, and even gets up to get a close up look, walking all around the embracing Eeee.

"Is Gorphat a good lover" Nicora actually asks as she tries to hold still as Kyte walks around them.

"She is a Goddess," Mave notes. "None are as good as Inala, of course, although Sunala is believed to be a close second."

"We're clean," Nicora retorts at Tulani, then briefly sticks her tongue out at the Sphynx. "They all scare me," she admits to Mave, resuming the pose.

"I think it will be fun," Kyte concludes, smiling as he returns to his stool and gets back to carving Tulani.

"That is Awe, not fear," Mave says reassuringly. "I do not scare you, after all."

"You aren't a Goddess," Nicora points out with a smile, "No more so than I am."

"We had to deal with two crazy poodles," Nicora notes, then proceeds to explain the entire adventure they had at the chevalier's chateau, down to shapeshifting each of them and the outcome of a somewhat stablized relationship. "That was the most normal of our trip, too. There was meeting Ariel, the messenger, and Then Doctor Twig and his disturbing experiments."

"I remember Dr. Twig!" Tulani says. "He seemed an interesting fellow, with his electrical lizard and all. And you can really change the shape of others?"

"I can. I can also change my shape, with help from Kaira," Nicora notes. She then grins evilly and adds, "I've even been you once..."

This news causes Tulani's ears and brows both to rise up. "Oh, and what was the reason for that?" she asks.

"Trying all the shapes I know," Nicora explains, then rolls her shoulders in a shrug. "Of the forms I've tried, lapi and elf have become my favorite. Well, outside of my natural one."

"I've even been a hog once. That was ... strange," Nicora notes, "But very interesting." She tilts her head and says, "An elf is like a human, only thinner and with pointy ears. And yes, I can become a lapi."

"So besides me, an elf and a bunny, what else have you picked up?" Tulani asks, a certain curiosity in her voice now.

"So many models, all available.. and so little time," Kyte laments with a whinny.

"Hog, savanite, skreek," Nicora lists, "Gallee. Hm. Do you want to see one done?"

"No Rhian yet?" Tulani asks, almost teasingly. "Sure, turn into a Lapi," she challenges.

"No Rhain yet," Nicora notes, "And the dragon form isn't .... really a form. That was shadow reaction." She untangles herself from Mave so she can get her dagger, since she'll need Kaira's help.

And Nicora slides the dagger into her arm. Yep, still feels extremely odd when it goes in. "Kaira. Are you there? I need a favor, I would like you to apply the lapi form on me. The female, I think. Since I, well, feel female," she thinks.

"Should I even ask why?" the dragon's voice replies, but Nicora feels the shadow spread out over her. When it retracts, she's her black Lapi self, with silver eyes and a white star-shaped chest ruff.. and no tail, save for the powder puff sort.

"I'm modeling for an artist," Nicora explains to Kaira when her senses return and she slowly sits up and stretches out the curvaceous and plump lapi body. "See? Lapi," she says and wiggles her big toes. "They have great legs and butt. Strong."

Nicora hops to her feet and walks over so Kyte can get a better look. Boy do lapi hips roll when they walk.

The Rhian reaches around to feel Nicora's rear. "Very muscular, yes," he says, and uses his lips to explore her chest - which are probably more sensitive than fingers to a Rhian.

Nicora's eyebrow does a bizarre little dance when Kyte nibbles over her chest. "Ah," she manages out, but finds it a but hard to think of what to say past that!

"Damn! You shouldn't let him touch you!" Tulani notes, breaking her pose to get up. "There won't be any stopping him now," she says with a sigh, shaking her head.

"Stopping what?" Nicora-lapi asks, her ears tilting to the side. "He's just getting model information isn't he?"

"Nope," Tulani says, sitting on the far bed next to Mave. "You've triggered his rut, just after I thought I'd gotten him over it before he knocked up some mare. But Lapi are pretty stretchy, I think.."

Nicora blinks. "Excuse me? You're saying he wants to ... " the lapi says as she looks down at the Rhian and then pushes lightly at his head to see if he'll stop. "This wasn't intentional!" she blurts at Tulani.

"He'd have been uncertain with an Eeee," Tulani says. "Want me to get a bucket of water?"

"Well, will it help him or hurt him to actually find release?" Nicora asks as her long ears wobble. "And ... what do you want? I may joke, but I really do not wish to upset you, Tulani."

"There aren't any Lapi in town," Tulani says, scratching her cheek in thought. "And it might mean he won't fall for the next mare that wiggles her tail at him. So I don't mind, this time. I can go show Mave my favorite bar in the meantime, after all."

"The blessing of Inala will aid you, Nicora," Mave insists. Of course, when the curse of Gorphat kicks in.. well, at least she'll have earned the pain.

Nicora's ears wobble back and forth. "It's my fault, but if it will help calm him for later, ah ... go ahead and both of you go. I'll work him through his rut," she says, sounding for all the worlds, terrified.

Tulani is already getting into a new outfit, while Mave selects her 'touristy' ensemble.

"I'm getting a sense of panic from you, is everything all right?" Kaira whispers into Nicora's head.

Nicora tries to push Kyte's head back again so that she can settle herself down into his lap. "Kyte, can you still understand me?" he asks the rhian curiously, not sure if he can now. "Tulani's rhian brother is ... in a mood. I have to calm it and ... this is going to hurt..." she thinks to Kaira.

Kyte snorts, and comes to his senses slightly.. "Uh.. hold on!" he says, then sets the Lapi onto the bed and starts pulling off his clothes. This is when Nicora realizes just what she's in for, and there's no way it's going to work! "Hold on, I might have a fix.." Kaira's voice claims, and the shadow starts to spread out over the bunny's fur again.

Nicora's eyes go wide in horror. She's about to squeak out in terror ... and the shadow engulfs her! "Kaira, what are you doing?!" she thinks in limbo.

"Trust me!" the dragon claims, the thought echoing in the darkness. As the senses begin to return to Nicora, she first feels elfin, but not like an elf. There's the same litheness and strength, but her legs are very different, and she can't feel her toes at all (but there are at least two of them at the end of each odd foot). Her neck is long, but not too long, and her field of vision is wider than usual.. but she can still see the long, long face stretching out before her, and there's something sticking out of her forehead! Her chest is certainly heavier than she's ever felt before. And Kyte is staring at her with a slack-jawed expression of awe.

Nicora feels ... extremely disoriented and confused. Not to mention dizzy since her field of view is so odd. She reaches up to feel her forehead ... not to mention get a look at her hands! She also rolls her lips ... and does that feel odd. Thick with large teeth behind them. "What is this?" she asks Kaira.

There's a dressing mirror on Tulani's side of the room, which Kyte just points to mutely.

The creature reflected back is the essence of grace, no matter how disoriented Nicora feels. Black fur so shiny it seems to hold the Procession within, and body this strong but lithe with a silver starburst between ample breasts. Strong shoulders and hips that are still feminine, and cloven silver hooves with silver fetlocks, which also dangle from the wrists. The unicorn's mane, tail and spiraling horn are also silver, to match her eyes. She seems to glow with some sort of fey glamour as well.

Nicora flexes her now very different hands, just two thick fingers and a thumb, each ending in hoof-like nails. What she sees in the mirror leaves her slack-jawed herself. She's never been equine before; never even considered it. Her body feels so ... alien. Even slight movements of her head makes her very aware of the spiral horn protruding from it a good eighteen inches. "I'm beautiful," she remarks to the mirror, and perhaps to Kyte as well. She turns away from it and extends her odd hand to the young stallion. "Only if you still want to," she tells him.

Kyte steps forward as if in a trance, taking Nicora's hand and pulling her to him, then nuzzling along her throat passionately. It doesn't seem like rutting behavior though! Maybe the unicorn aura has some calming effect without affecting desire.

Nicora wraps her arms around Kyte. Emotionally, she's still very confused. But, at least she'll survive the encounter. "Is this your first time?" she whispers in his ear as he nuzzles against her neck.

"It just means I have to make it memorable. I want you to follow my lead," Nicora tells him as she now guides him towards one of the beds. "It will be slow and gentle, I promise. And ... if there is anything you have dreamed of doing, just let me know."

"Aren't I dreaming now?" Kyte asks. Rhian furniture is built strong, for obvious reasons. Gentleness helps, but that was just the first time. The wall held, and the table when she was bent over it.. And when she posed for him, while the artist's hands seemed to blur from the power of his inspiration, Nicora learned that unicorn horns aren't just proof against poison - but against curses as well. The sculpture Kyte presented to her was perfect - even the spiraling horn, which was supposedly too thin for Kyte to manage previously. It was clearly the best work he'd ever done.

Nicora-Unicorn's odd fingers trace over the delicate work of art. "It's beautiful," she tells him as she looks up into his eyes. "But I cannot remain like this forever. This body is fleeting. I will soon have to return to my natural form. I am sorry. I hope you will not regret what has happened."

He'd even managed, somehow, to include the silver-filigree brace that odorned her right arm, looking like crystal-spun lace instead of the usual silver-black exoskeleton.

"I'm.. inspired," Kyte admits. "I will have that forever. But.. ah.. if you feel like inspiring me some more, for what time we have left.. you could be on top," he suggests, bashfully.

Nicora laughs at that, her voice ringing like bells. "Oh, I think a little more inspiration can be given," she tells him as her head dips forward, touching the tip of her horn to his forehead, just because. "Come," once more and then I will return to as I should be," she tells him. "And probably need a very long, hot, bath," she thinks as she takes the stallion back to his bed. It's her turn to be a bit forceful and she pushes him down on it. "Now ... lets see ..." she murmurs as she joins him.

And so it is that Tulani finds her brother being ridden when she bursts through the door, announcing, "I brought a soothing balm that should.." before she starts choking. Mave pats her on the back and manages to pull the Sphynx back out into the hall and close the door again.

Nicora can't help herself and laughs. It's still a good long time before Nicora's inspiration comes to and end and she has left Kyte laying upon the bed in a daze. "Okay, Kaira ... time to return me to normal .... then maybe I'll ken Kyte while he's exhausted," she thinks, "I have to go face Tulani now ... who will want to kill me."

Some moments later, Nicora is back to her 'normal' form - playful tail included. The exhausted Rhian gives no objection (and possibly is too blissed out to notice a little extra) to being kenned. And so far.. Nicora isn't in any pain. Maybe the curse really has no effect on fey bodies? Or at least not on unicorns.

Nicora can't help but feel deeply satisfied that she managed to conquer a rhian and then ken him. It's an almost guttural feeling, probably from an inherited baser Shadow Dragon instinct. When her shadow draws back, she looks towards the door and sighs. "And now ... the real doom," she decides as she heads for it to go find Tulani.

The door opens before Nicora can even get dressed, and Tulani marches in, right past the Eeee, and checks on her brother. After properly tucking him in, she goes and picks up the Nicora-corn sculpture and looks it over. So far, she hasn't said anything to Nicora.

"Kaira changed me to avoid me getting hurt," Nicora tells Tulani is a rather soft voice. She approaches her sphynx friend so she too can look over the statue. "I'm sorry, Tul," she says, "I fully understand if you're furious with me. I really intended to just model and it got out of hand. I can't excuse it, just tell you what happened. If you want me to leave, I will do so."

The Sphynx runs a finger over the smooth curve of a unicorn haunch, and quietly says, "This is the best work he's ever done. It's actually.. erotic. Not just a portrait." She turns to look Nicora in the face, and says, "You've probably ruined him for mortal mares now. At least for a while. So... I'm not upset." She lets out a long sigh. "He'll probably dive into making more carvings like this one, and ignore girls altogether for a while - hopefully until I come back and find him a proper worthy one."

"I do like teasing you. We've been friends for a while now. Sometimes I probably do go a bit overboard," Nicora admits, "But I never want to hurt you. Nor your brother, he's a really nice guy." She waves her arms a little bit, then admits, "I'm a mess. Physically, mentally, just a walking mess."

Tulani smirks and places the statue in a prominent place on the shelf of mares. "Oh, you aren't a mess yet," she purrs evilly. "You'll get to sleep in Kyte's bed tonight. He used to rub against his pillows in his sleep and make a big mess.. but I'm sure he won't do it to you after what he's been through, right?"

Mave quietly slips in during this, and declares, "I will hang from that rafter there," as she points to her desired sleeping spot.

"Well, if he does I'll just be in pain in the morning," Nicora notes with a weak grin. "That is, if he does more than rub. I hope that ointment of yours works." Mave's announcement makes her laugh and she agrees, "Okay, okay, it's time to sleep." She shakes her head and walks back over to Kyte's bed, then slides her now smaller body in with him, curling up against his side. "Goodnight. If I'm dead in the morning ... assume I died happy!"

"He also snores," Tulani warns, and starts dowsing the lights. And Nicora almost gets all the way to sleep before Kyte starts sleep nibbling on her..

"Oh you're horrible," Nicora mutters to Kyte. But then .. so is she as she rolls herself back on top of him. "Just be gentle," she reminds him ... and settles herself in for a night of rubbing ... and who knows what else!

"I hope you have some regular outfits to wear," Tulani notes to Nicora. "Chronotopia is not keen on priestesses outside of the Order of the Gear."

Nicora has barely woken up. Sharing a bed with a young Rhian stallion has left her a bit sore, but not in the usual way - it's her ribs that hurt from being hugged all night. Kyte was too worn out and happy to do anything else, and most likely was dreaming of new pieces of art to carve. He got up earlier though, leaving Nicora some time alone in the bed.

"Nothing much. A few bits of clothing as I am in disguise as a Priestess on this trip," Nicora notes as she rolls herself into an upright position and massages her sides. "I have some pants, a blouse, and a jacket. It should do."

Tulani hmmms thoughtfully. "We should test if my stuff fits you too. I'm sure you've always wanted to get into my pants, after all!" she says with a smirk.

"Just think, if I had your brother may have been spared," Nicora counters with her own smirk and slightly cocked eyebrow.

Tulani flops over onto her stomach, and swishes her tail as she rummages through the chest at the foot of her bed. The first thing she pulls out is a pair of shorts, which she tosses to Nicora. "Try these on. They should be a bit roomy, since you've hardly got any butt," she suggests. Mave returns from her morning toilet as well, looking disgustingly fresh and clean.

Nicora hits Tulani with a pillow before she strips off her robe down to her very basic undergarments. On goes the shorts, and yes they are a bit roomy it turns out. At least they're made to work with a tail. She gives one look to Mave, then notes, "I hate you."

"No, you're just envious," Mave notes, sitting on the edge of the bed to watch. "I'm surprised you haven't chosen to travel as the unicorn, although it would mean borrowing some clothes from Tulani's mother."

"Hey that's right," Tulani says, eyeing Nicora. "You can change into things. Even into me, right?" she asks.

"That body stands out far too much. I don't want to attract that sort of attention," Nicora notes and even sniffs loudly. "And yes, I can change into other things, even you," she tells Tulani.

"Anything, or just stuff you've tasted?" the Sphynx asks, as she tosses out a tie-dyed, pink-and-green flyer's top to Nicora.

"Just stuff I have tasted," Nicora admits as she eyes the rather garish-looking shirt. "Pink," she remarks a bit dryly, then begins fitting the shirt on. Good thing she was born a flier since the strapping and cinches can be awkward ... and she has practice with them.

"That looks weird on a little girl," Kyte comments as he returns to the room, looking cleaned up and carrying a tray of bread, honey and jams.

Kyte sits down on the bed, causing Nicora to bounce upwards a bit. "But.. you're small!" the equine notes. "Smaller than Tulani."

The Sphynx rolls her eyes and sighs at her brother. "He's not talking about age or height," she explains.

"It's really loose on you," Kyte notes, setting down the tray so the women can nibble on things. "You don't fill it out, is all. So it looks odd."

"My chest looks fine," Nicora complains and even crosses her arms. "There isn't much I can do about that."

"You can bite him if you want," Tulani offers Nicora. "He doesn't use his blood much anyway, it just pools in his ass most of the time I'm sure."

"Maybe I should bite him and erase his memory of last night," Nicora threatens and then waggles one of her fingers at him. "If I were any bigger up top flying and even running would be uncomfortable. Do you want to know how it feels to have parts of your front bounce around?"

"I already have parts that bounce, thanks," Kyte notes. "At least you can't accidentally squish yours sitting down."

On that subject Nicora remains quite silent. "He's clueless," she remarks to Tulani instead. She fiddles a bit with her shirt to pull it in tighter anyway.

"He's right though about one thing: that outfit just looks too young for you," Tulani points out, and starts rummaging again.

"That would expose your scar though," Mave points out. "It is a very distinctive feature."

"Well, you could wear black," Tulani suggests, and pulls out.. something Nicora has never seen before: it's a once-piece, backless garment that has pants and sleeves and even a high neck.

"But no one knows what it represents," Nicora points out, then shrugs a bit. She blinks a bit at the presented outfit, then extends her hand to take it. "That may make me look scary," she admits.

"Hand it back," Tulani says. "I'll show you." And with that, she puts it on like a pair of pants first, then slips into the front. It's very snug on her, and since it's black it blends in well. "There's a harness that goes with this, but I've been using my flying harness instead," she notes.

Nicora strips off the tie-dye short and shorts, returning just to her basic undergarments. Once Tulani has removed the one-piece and handed it back, Nicora puts it on herself. Feet first, then pulled up and tied around the back of her neck. "Where is the harness?" she asks.

Tulani removes a cloak from a peg, which was covering the harness she got from Lilith. The jumpsuit is still a bit baggy on Nicora, but the waist has a built in tie string so it can be cinched to fit.

Nicora cinches in the waist, then sighs. "I could ask Kaira to get me proportions closer to Mave to make this fit better," she admits.

"Or you could just fake it with your shadow clothing trick," Tulani suggests, as she gets out a more conservative outfit for herself - it even has an ankle-length skirt!

"Hm, only if I need to, I suppose. Conserves energy," Nicora admits as she fits on the harness. Her brow does a little dance, then she remarks, "I look like a traveling assassin."

"Well.." Tulani notes, raising an eyebrow. She doesn't say anything more.. not with her brother sitting there! "Anyway, that's my harness so I'll be wearing it. You probably don't need extra pockets."

Nicora unhooks the harness and tosses it over to Tulani. Now she goes about folding her robes and putting those away. "I have places to store things," she admits a bit vaguely. "How long is the ride to Chronotopia and how long will we have to stay there before catching an airship?"

"It's most of a day to get to Blitzheim - maybe 10 hours," Tulani notes. "As for getting an airship.. that will depend on what's in and what's arriving and where things are departing to!"

"We will adapt as needed on arrival," Mave notes, as she eats some corn-bread with honey.

"Mm, more boredom and headaches on the train, then," Nicora says followed by another shrug. She finishes her packing and ties her travel-pack closed. "So, are you ready for this, Tulani? It likely only gets harder from here out..."

"The train gives you headaches?" Tulani asks. "Oh, I wasn't kidding about biting my brother - you really don't want to be known as a vampire in Chronotopia."

"Eeee have very sensitive hearing," Nicora points out, "Which is why Mave carries soft wax for earplugs." Her head tilts now as she eyes Kyte and smiles, showing off those fangs. Even with narrower hips than Tulani, she saunters over to Kyte, curls her arms around his neck, then slides into his lap. "It only hurts for a moment," she tells him right before she leans in and bites down where his neck meets his shoulder!

"Mmmff?" the man goes, then swallows what's his mouth, which feels interesting to Nicora at least.

"If you're gonna ken him.. uh," Tulani starts to say, then looks thoughtful. "Didn't Kaira say that you could get addicted to that sort of thing?"

Nicora finds herself moderately amused that he doesn't seem all that shocked by being bitten. She takes her time in having a meal, so Tulani doesn't get an answer immediately. "I wasn't planning to," she finally says when her jaw detaches from his neck and her hand comes up to help heal the punctures quicker than normal. "I don't do that without permission."

"What's that? Who's Ken?" Kyte asks, and stuffs his face again now that Nicora isn't biting him.

"It's not a person it is ... magic. A way to learn more about a species," Nicora explains in simple-ish terms. "It also feels good. Tulani knows."

Tulani blushes, and explains in terms her brother can really understand: "It's like making a portrait of someone."

"Oooooh," Kyte says. "If you do that, can I spend some time with the unicorn again?" he asks, and holds up the jar of honey. "There's still some honey left.."

"Train won't be ready until mid-morning," the Sphynx notes. "But will you need to hunt to recharge if you change again? I know you had limits on that."

"Buuuut, I do know some jerks you could eat," Tulani adds with a bit of feline evilness.

"I will, yes," Nicora admits, "So there is that difficulty. And no, I'm not going to eat people, thanks." She tilts her head back to Kyte, then asks, "Are you really wishing that again?"

"I guess I can wait.." Kyte says, and gives Nicora a look. "You are coming back this way again, right?"

"Unknown," Nicora admits as she slides out of his lap and stretches. "I may not survive the journey. It is hard to say what will happen."

"Oh, well, you can do that thing to me then anyway," Kyte says. "I got a nice portrait of you already, s'only fair."

"You might need to lift something heavy at some point," Tulani notes with a shrug. "It's not like when you accidentally kenned me that time," she points out, with a 'you owe me for that' look.

Nicora holds her hands apart. "Are you still mad about that?" she asks, "I didn't hurt you."

"It was..." Tulani starts to say, then just shakes her head. "I wasn't expecting that sort of intimacy at that time," she ends up saying, sounding neutral.

"Your sister and I were intimate once," Nicora actually tells Kyte as she walks around behind him. As she places her hands on his shoulders, she adds in a whisper, "Try not to think too much about that..." Okay, so maybe the bat is a little evil.

"She's a sailor, we all suspected.." Kyte starts to say, then wisely shuts up as he sees the look Tulani gives him.

Nicora smiles ever so sweetly to Tulani and flutters her eyelashes. "And she has a thing for satyrs," Nicora adds as she finally gives in and starts extending her shadow over the Rhian."

"What's a sat.. whoa!" The shadow covers Kyte's head first, which keeps him calm.

"That's different," Tulani points out. "You did it through your teeth with me! Is this a new way?"

"This is the more proper way. You were an accident," Nicora claims again, since apparently the Sphynx doesn't believe it. "Cryptopher also sends his best, by the way, he misses you," Nicora claims before she focuses her full attention on the matter at hand ... namely learning rhian through inner ... licking! The poor stallion will probably walk awkwardly for a bit afterward.

Mave and Tulani watch in fascination, since they haven't seen it 'from the outside' before. And it seems to take longer, from Nicora's perspective - maybe because there's just so much more to taste. She feels extra tingly afterwards, as the shadow begins to retract.

And there's this urge to turn Kyte into the unicorn mare for some reason ... though she thankfully doesn't know the pattern. So, she just lifts her hands off his shoulders as a full body shiver runs through her. "So, yes," she mutters, feeling a bit light-headed and tingly now. She has to blink a few times before she can coherently ask, "Mooo?"

Kyte turns and sluuuurps Nicora's cheek with a big tongue. "Mooo.. uh, that was nice, I mean," he mumbles.

"Well that was nice," Tulani notes, then says, "Let's see what other clothes you brought, Nicora. Hopefully they'll be okay."

Nicora grins. "We could always try as I am, you don't need the unicorn," she finds herself suggesting. Of course when she returns to her senses she shakes her head and waves her arms around, "What am I saying? Ugh. I didn't use to be this way."

The young stallion seems oblivious to the conversation, but does mutter, "Unicorn mare of the night.." wistfully.

"This one-piece will work, though," Nicora says to Tulani as she heads towards her bag. She opens her bag up and pulls out the tan trousers and fairly rugged blouse with a bit of frill and shape to give away that it is for a woman. She also pulls out the tan travel-coat as well. It looks, well, like something someone would wear on a desert safari.

"I thought you'd have a flyer's skirt-pants," Tulani notes, and digs through her supply to find a pair that might match, and produces a white pair. "You could wear these over your regular trousers even. Or we could use a real skirt. Then again, I suppose it doesn't matter if the Chronotopians think you're a man."

"As Mave said, we will adapt. We can always go shopping there as well," Nicora points out as she packs her clothing back in. "I will wear the one-piece for now and we can look for something there," the Eeee relents. And ... Mave soon has a pillow thrown at her.

"Okay, better use the toilet then before we go," Tulani warns, as she puts on her harness, then dresses over it.

"Agreed," Nicora agrees as she grabs her re-packed, pack and heads out of the basement room to find the house bathroom. "I wonder if it will feel weird to not sit anymore once I'm turned back," Nicora thinks as she goes. "The new plumbing, as she put it ... is more convenient ... and less noticeable if something is exciting and ... oh, just go find the bathroom you perverted bat. Your plumbing has Gorphat's touch, that's not convenient at all. sigh"

There is much crying, hugging and kissing (and whinnying, which is really weird because Tulani joins in) as Tulani says goodbye to Herfrells. They do reach the train in plenty of time though, as one car is still being loaded with strange-looking livestock that resemble long-legged and -necked, antlered rughrats. The women get to their 'booth' and stow their luggage. "Window seat!" Tulani calls.

"Bah, why do you get the window seat?" Nicora complains as she stows her pack then ends up sitting beside Tulani so she gets some of the view too. "And are you sorry to be leaving?" she asks a bit more seriously. "I'm sorry I'm dragging you into yet more oddness. Now you have a priestess and a confused bat with hormone issues as companions. Didn't traveling with Arkold teach you anything?"

"I was a sailor, Nicky," Tulani points out. "You just described the personalities of half the people I ever worked with," she notes, as she stows the long scabbard of the Light of Nala under the bench. "And.. yeah, I'll miss this place. I admit I've spending a lot of time as a dragon, and the mountains here are just wonderful. I can get up high enough to get into the snow, and roll around in it.."

"So you are as bad as I am in enjoying the opportunities your body offers, mm?" Nicora asks as she lightly elbows the Sphynx. "I can't condemn you for that, as I have been as well. Just ... be careful. You could hurt someone, as could I. It's easy to get lost in the fun and make a mistake. I've come close to a few disasters."

"I went through that whole 'wild oats' phase already, before I even met Arkold!" Tulani laughs. "Your's will pass." The whistle blows a last time, and the train begins to move again.

"That's not precisely what I mean," Nicora says, "I'm talking about being a dragon, using the abilities of that body. Being victim to its vices. That sort of thing."

"Oh," Tulani says, gazing out the window with an enigmatic smile. "Worried I'll start thinking like one?" she asks, turning back and raising an eyebrow. "And therefore be obliged to mess with you?"

"I'm more worried you'll spend too much time as one and ... lay an egg or something. Imagine that sort of pain. You might go level a poor town out of anger," Nicora teases, the corners of her lips up slightly. "You already mess with me."

"You sound like you've been spending time as a dragon too," Tulani says, somewhat accusingly.

"Some," Nicora admits, "The shadow is, in essence, a steel dragon. So, I know the risks. Well, escept for the egg part. That thankfully hasn't happened. I've got enough issues."

"Maybe we could terrorize Babel together!" Tulani cackles. "Or at least have a chance to do some hunting on this trip."

Nicora laughs slightly. "The hunting we could probably do. Would you want a male or female hunting partner?" she asks and waggles her brow suggestively at Tulani...

"Hmmm, I remember what male steel dragons are like, so..." Tulani says, but is interrupted when Mave hands Nicora the ear-wax. The train enters the pass itself now, with the high cliffs on either side blocking out the sun.

"I'm a nice dragon," Nicora claims as she elbows Tulani again. Now with wax, she splits it into two pieces and stuffs them into her ears to lessen the rumble. "Nice for a dragon, anyway..."

The wax came just in time, as the noise of the train is echoed back from the canyon walls. The conductor passes by, announcing that lunch will be served in the dining car soon, and the chef's special is birdfish.

Nicora sighs at that. "Well, enjoy your lunch. It won't do much for me," she tells Mave and Tulani. "Maybe I'll take a nap."

"You gotta try the birdfish though," Tulani says, licking her lips and rubbing her belly. "It's almost like fishbird, but with more legs!"

"I can't really eat it, though," Nicora points out, "Only fake it using the shadow. Which I have to squirm through my gut!"

"But you get to taste it at least," Tulani notes. "And your shadow must get something out of it. Besides.. it's part of the cost of the ticket."

"Okay, okay, okay," Nicora relents as she leans back and slides her legs out a bit to make it easier to ooze her shadow into herself through her navel. "How did I end up such a weird mess?" she thinks to herself as she feels the squirm begin in her navel and slowly crawl through her.

Something flies past in the central corridor, with an angry Titanian chasing after it and swinging a pan. There's a loud clang sound shortly after, followed by the lunch bell. Other passengers begin making their way past the booth towards the dining car.

"Titanians are insane," Nicora remarks as she watches the Titanian go by. She seems content for now to let most of the guests get up and go by before she rises from her own seat. "Shall we go, then?" she asks them.

"I hope there's enough left," Tulani says as she leads the way. Mave just grins and follows. The dining car is a bit crowded, but there's room at a table with a human and a Korv, both in Chronotopian style dress.

"What are you grinning about?" Nicora asks Mave as she follows Tulani. After spotting the table at least she doesn't have any serious problems with humans or Korvs, so isn't upset with having to share that table. "Good morning," she says as the group approaches the table. "May we join you?"

The human stands and offers the seats to the women. "Please, my companion and I would be honored," he says in accented Standard.

"I am Nicora, this is Mave, and this is Tulani," Nicora introduces each of her companions before settling herself down in one of the chairs. "May I enquire as to your name and the name of your friend?"

"I am Dolf, and my companion is Harrold," the man says. He has the typical Chronotopian look - big, pale skin and blond hair. The Korv bobs his head in greeting and looks.. well, like a Korv. Who knows how they tell one another apart - probably by hat.

"A pleasure. We are on a vacation of sorts; traveling to see the world," Nicora claims as she politely folds her hands in her lap. "Are you also vacationers?"

As the women are seated by Dolf, Harrold replies, "Ve are returning home after visiting vamily in Sylvannnnnia."

"Oh? What town did you visit? Many are so colorful. I had the chance to visit the mysterious Draco County. The people there were quite pleasant," Nicora remarks.

"Festering," Dolf says, after sitting down. "We both have married children there."

"Not a town I know of," Nicora admits, "But the wilderness is huge and scary. Best not to travel too much there. I hope they are doing well?"

"Not to eachother though," Harrold points out. "Our children, that is. Kaw!" he clarifies, laughing at his own joke.

"Would it be a problem if they were?" Nicora actually asks, "Besides from the complications of having children, of course."

"Festering is a quaint village," Tulani notes. "Down in the Great Swamp, between Hole and Wallow. They're known for their local mushroom beer."

"Is there anything Sylvanians cannot make into beer?" Mave asks. "Slugs," both of the men reply in unison.

"We're just passing through Chronotopia ourselves," Nicora notes, "Is there any place we should visit while passing through? And are you sure about slugs? I have heard rumors that the nomads of the land can make a slug beer."

"Humans and Korvs are not.. uh.. compatible," Harrold notes. "Relationships are not physical."

"How do they ferment the slugs?" Dolf asks, before saying, "Chronotopia has many fine villages, but the city is where tourists go. Blitzheim is the jewel of Nordika, to be sure. Lively day and night, and if you are overnighting, there is a romantic view of the Aurora Diabolicus to the south."

"Ah, but we are all women," Nicora points out, "So a romantic view is lost upon this group. It may just make us pine for those we have left behind to travel. Still, perhaps if we stay overnight we may see it."

"Romance transcends mere gender or sexuality," Dolf claims, as the food service comes around. A long platter is put onto the table, holding a roasted - and possibly boiled - birdfish. It's got a beak, multiple flipper-like wings, legs like a lobster, scales and at least five eyes, some on stalks. And pinchers too. A tub of hot melted butter and a bottle of hot sauce are included, along with little rolls of cheese bread.

Nicora eyes the fish dubiously. "And they dislike vampires ... yet eat this," she has to wonder. "I have never eaten such food before so ... I have no idea," she admits. "Maybe I'll go take that nap after all."

"Please, stay," Dolf insists. "You need your protein, if you are to grow into your clothes." He takes up the skewer and knife, and begins cutting up the main course.

"The trick is to use lots of butter," Tulani whispers aside to Nicora. "Or catsup. I can have some brought around.."

"Pardon?" Nicora asks, now feeling rather insulted. She shakes her head without saying more. Tulani gets another odd look, then the Eeee nods at that.

"Winter is coming," Harrold adds, bobbing his beak, and then stabbing forward to snag a leg, which he cracks in his mouth.

Nicora still feels rather insulted and therefore doesn't reply. Instead she selects part of the cut up meal and moves it to her place. It is cut into even smaller pieces, then liberally covered with melted butter. Prettymuch figuring she will regret it, she uses her fork and puts a piece in her mouth and chews thoughtfully.

It isn't lizard, and it isn't mammal. The butter helps, but the taste is unique and.. not all that bad. There must be a natural correlation between how cute or hideous something looks and how tasty it is. At least there aren't any bones.

Tulani is sucking meat out of one of the pincher claws. "See, it's not so bad, is it?" she asks.

Nicora is thankful that whatever it is, it isn't ending up in her stomach. "It is ... different," she says, a bit neutral about the flavor, really. "I am not sure I would request it again."

"You have to pluck the feathers off fishbird," the Sphynx notes. "So, birdfish is easier to make. And the poison boils right out too!"

"You are not making it any more appealing," Nicora notes, though she does at least try to sound polite about it.

The meal does end eventually, as the servers remove the dishes and mortal remains, and replace them with bowls of fresh fruit and whipped cream, with cinnamon, powdered sugar or shaved chocolate to sprinkle on top.

"Now this is better," Nicora pronounces when the dessert is brought. She has has this before with Rosalind, after all. So ... this she dips and eats much more readily. She does find, though, it makes her think of Rosalind and along with that comes a bit of loneliness and guilt.

"It will be good to return home to our wives," Dolf says, eating lightly. Maybe fruit isn't very popular in Chronotopia.

"I will not see the one I love for a long time," Nicora notes quietly, as much to herself as to the others. "I am glad you will be home soon with your loved ones."

"Returning to your loved ones is the best part of travel," Harrold says. "They are very happy to see you again."

"I hope they were not also equally glad to see you leave," Nicora remarks before taking a lick of some whipped cream.

"Ah, sometimes that is a good reason to take a trip too," Dolf notes with a grin.

"If so, then you need to treat your woman better," Nicora says to that. "You should properly worship them as the treasures that they are."

"All goddesses can still turn capricious though, on their whims," Harrold claims.

"Something Nicora sometimes forgets," Mave notes, and licks some whipped cream off of her spoon.

"Hardly. That is our right," Nicora notes with a slightly smug smile. "When you have a repeating cycle in your life that makes you feel terrible, you would have such a right too."

"Me? Of course not. If I were I would not be pleasant at all," Nicora admits, "Or around people. I would have stayed in our cabin."

"Ah, good!" the man says cheerfully. "Truly, it would be hard to enjoy traveling under such conditions."

"Never bothered me," Tulani says with a grin, as she licks cream off of her nose. She hasn't actually eaten much of her fruit though.. but the cream is all but gone. Then she starts eyeing Nicora's cup..

"Quite," Nicora agrees, then elbows Tulani a bit hard for her gloating. "Is there anything we should know about Chronotopia before we arrive?" she asks the two men as she puts her hand over her cup to protect it.

"Umbrellas would be good, this time of year," Harrold suggests. "The weather is not so clement as in Sylvania. Although there will be no fish or toads falling from the sky."

Nicora points behind her to her wings. "These make good umbrellas," she notes, "But if we find some reasonably priced, that would be fine too. Are there places you recommend to shop that to not charge ... ah ... tourist rates?"

"The northern district of the city," Dolf suggests. "Most manufacturing is done there."

"That makes it sound as if everything is so .. industrial," Nicora notes as she protectively resumes eating her whipped cream and berries.

"There is nothing wrong with Industry," Dolf claims. The capital letter is very pronounced in the way he speaks.

"It can be loud and messy," Nicora notes as she finishes off her berries. "As is this train. Forgive me, but I am developing a headache. I think I will return to our berth and take a nap to see if it passes."

The human stands up again out of politeness, and says, "It was a pleasure making your acquaintance, Nicora. I do hope you feel better by the time we arrive in Blitzheim."

Nicora stands and dips her chin politely to the human. "It was a pleasure meeting you too, Dorf. I hope the journey remains, and ends, pleasant. Perhaps we will speak again before we arrive. My companions Mave and Tulani are more than welcome to remain and visit, of course. There is no need to rob them of company because my head is not feeling well."

"Would you like us to bring you anything for your head?" Tulani asks Nicora. "Some wine maybe?"

"If you find something pleasant, sure," Nicora says as she lightly pats each of their shoulders, "But in the meantime, enjoy your lunch." The Eeee turns and heads back out of the dining car and back to their shared cabin.

The booth is very quiet, with everyone else in the dining car. Only the rhythmic beat of the wheels hitting the rail seams and the distant roar of the steam engine itself intrude.

Outside the window, the mountains have given way to lowland hills, and the overcast has broken up into clusters of clouds, casting shadows on the cultivated fields, glacial lakes and woodlands of Chronotopia, and of course Nicora has the view all to herself as well.

Nicora reaches up into one of the overhead compartments and finds one of the blankets stowed for travel guests. She settles herself back into her seat, leaving the window one for Tulani. She stretches out a bit and drapes the blanket over herself. She's not cold, but for some reason wants the comfort. Even with the wax, the clicks and rattles are all too audible to her still. So ... she sighs, finding herself wishing she was just back in Draco County, back to normal, or maybe none of this insanity ever happened. "Funny how alone you can feel when you're surrounded by people," she comments quietly to herself as shapes and shadows pass by in the window.