The view from the deck of the Olympia is incredible, reminding Nicora more of a cruise ship than an airship. The colors of the Aurora Infernalis wash across the deck, inviting stares. And Nicora does stare, feeling almost hypnotized by the lights, until Mave reminds her and Tulani that they need to get some sleep. Maybe the tentacle slobber from that one demon made them more reactive to the lights.. or maybe it was just a really good show to watch.

Nicora is leaning on the railing still and looking out at the lights. She's beeing doing everything to not think about what happened. The idea that she doesn't have full control of her body is worrying on many different levels. With a sigh she pushes herself off the rail. "If I must," she remarks to Mave, then stretches. "I was enjoying a night of nothing at all happening. No weird monsters and strange urges."

"You should not refer to Tulani as a weird monster," Mave chides, causing Tulani to make a snorting laugh sound. Their cabin was small, but only because it was basically three folding beds arranged in a U-shape. A little clever engineering could turn them into couches and a table though.

"It also doesn't help that your Mistress is trying to get me to become Hers," Nicora remarks as she reaches over and lightly flicks Mave's nose tip. She shakes her head and adds to Tulani, "And while you are a weird monster, you're not who I was referring to. How many hours before we arrive, do you think?"

"We should get to Parthos by mid-morning at the latest," Tulani notes, having made the journey before. "The winds are predictable there, so everything tends to arrive and launch at specific times."

"Okay, so at least seven hours or so of sleep before we arrive. That's good. I think I could use it. I feel half-dead," Nicora remarks, even though she's the only one who will get the irony of that comment. "I hope that this time I can keep away from anything arousing as it is starting to really mess with me. Oof."

"Does that mean you don't want to sleep with either of us tonight?" Mave asks, as she claims the 'bridge' mattress under the window.

"Did I say that? The problem is neither of you will accept the gesture, so I'll just sleep in my own bed," Nicora remarks and laughs. She flops herself down on the righthand bed, stretcing out briefly before folding her wings in.

Tulani takes the remaining one. The beds are narrow, so getting two winged people together would require pushing two of the mattresses closer - and since they're fixed to the walls, that isn't likely. Still, it does give Nicora a chance to just sleep without distraction (other than the humm of the airship's engines, which is a bit novel).

"Next time Tualni gets the fun of being cursed with uncontrollable craziness," Nicora mutters. IT's feeble, but she manages to bop the sphynx at least once with her pillow using her outstretched arm. Mollified, she draws it back so that she can sleep, smug in her victoriousness with the pillow.

Parthos Docks
Built atop a sheer cliff that overlooks the Lake of Languor and the resort area, the airship docks of Olympia's capitol city are well positioned to take advantage of the morning and evening trade winds. Craft from all over Sinai vie for space here, with many waiting in holding patterns while Vartans ferry goods and passengers to and from them.

Burly Rhians, Vartans and the occasional Vykarin do much of the heavy labor here, and the ratio of Jupani to Khattas favors the felines more than in Rephidim, but the activity is familiar. Cargo is loaded and unloaded, tourists gawk and travel in packs, and merchants complain about everything moving too slowly. The view is better, however; at the bottom of the cliff are the former estates of Olympian nobles - now serving as exclusive resorts - along with colorful gardens, a racing track and upscale shopping district brushing up against sparkling beaches and a yacht harbor. The colorful sails of pleasure craft dot the waters of the Lake of Languor, along with a few more practical vessels.

The porters insist on carrying the womens' baggage down the ramp, and it doesn't seem at all forced or due to the semi-fancy but flattering clothes they wear - it's an actual service of the Olympia. Tulani is giggly from it, never having had someone in a uniform carry her stuff before. Mave takes it in stride.

And Nicora is quite glad to not have to carry her own luggage, even though she got plenty of sleep last night. "This is the first trip I've ever been on where my luggage wasn't stolen," she remarks.

Beyond the warehouses of the docks rise the classical, marble-columned buildings and ruins that make Parthos itself such a famed attraction, along with several ancient ruins: the bones of a once great empire. This is the direction Mave leads them in, which means they need to navigate the inevitable market bazaar. "I wonder if it's too early for meat-on-a-stick," Tulani notes, rubbing her tummy as she shoulders her pack. "What sort of stuff did you have worth stealing though, Nicora?" the Sphynx asks.

"My hat," Nicora complains. "Sure it was old, tattered, and smelled like dirty socks, but it was my hat." For now she just looks around at the people, trying to judge who looks important, who does not, and resisting the urge to pickpocket those who look like they could spare the change. "This place must have been impressive, but Nagisa is right, it seems ... more of a shadow than anything."

The bazaar is.. noisy and boisterous. All of the merchants are feline, Kattha and Kattah, and all trying to out-yell one another to draw attention to their wares. There the usual tourist trinkets, some marginally-legal narcotic plants and the typical hand-drawn 'maps' to the sights of legendary battles, tombs of heroes and so on.

"I also miss the ear wax. Khatta can sure yell," Nicora remarks as the group goes. One particularly loud vender gets Nicora to actually say to him in Khattan, "Oh hush! See these ears? I can hear you whisper! Yelling is not necessary!"

Mave is very good at getting people to move out of the way, as she cuts a path through the crowds. Eventually they reach a less crowded area, with cleaner streets and buildings that seem in better repair. The buildings become more impressive the further the trio go. Finally, they emerge in a large plaza with a huge central fountain, surrounded by a dozen marble temples. Fantastic creatures battle with feline warriors (gods and goddesses?) within the fountain. Somehow, Tulani has managed to grab a stick with blobs of meat on it from the last vendor they pass. It looks heavily spiced, but she seems intent on devouring it all.

"I don't see how you eat that," Nicora remarks to Tulani and peers at the stick, "And you didn't steal that, did you?" She shakes out her head (and ears), then looks back to the statue and the various temples that surround it. "Ah, the pantheon of of the old Gods and Goddesses," she remarks.

Each temple has an impressive statue of the patron deity, and some have special effects (such as Abaddon's flaming sword). Mave points towards a statue of a naked Kattha woman, holding her hands and hair in a way to preserve some of her modesty while standing on a half-shell in the middle of an impressive fountain.. or it would be if the water was turned on, so at the moment it's more of a pool. "That is our destination; the Temple of Ashtoreth."

Nicora blinks. "Is it? How come?" she asks, "What must we do there?" "Well, it can't be as bad as Inala's temple, and Inala can't come after me there ... probably," she thinks.

"Ashtoreth is similar to Inala in this culture," Mave notes. "I need to procure some specific ritual ingredients, and should be able to find them here," she adds, and heads towards the temple. "Not quite as debauched, I'd imagine," Tulani whispers to Nicora as she finishes off her meat-ka-bob. "I think she's more about childbirth or something.."

Nicora cringes. "I don't want to experience childbirth," she whispers back to Tulani. Composing herself, she quickly says to Mave, "Ah, of course. What do we need and what ritual do you need it for?"

"I need some Milk of Ashtoreth," Mave notes. "I used up what I had making the fertility potions for Phlagaea and Rosalind, as well as the Rage of Blakat for Barba's troops. I need more for certain rituals I wish to conduct at the Temple of Inala."

"You won't make me drink any of that, will you?" Nicora asks as she follows after Mave towards the temple. "Maybe Tulani should so sh can experience feeling hormonal..."

"I have a more important use for it," Mave notes, then smiles to the first Acolyte she encounters, a Kattha girl with white fur and blue eyes. She says something to her in Olympian, causing the girl's eyes to go wide. She also casts glances at Nicora and Tulani while Mave talks.

"Great, she could be talking about us and we wouldn't know it," Nicora mutters to Tulani. Each time the girl casts her eyes towards her, Nicora plays with her ears or makes her brow dance ... just to see if she can make the girl giggle.

"We all understand Khatta, so why use Olympian?" Tulani mutters. The Acolyte is focused on Mave again, so Nicora's trick doesn't have a chance to really get a reaction. The woman bows, and turns to head for the temple. Mave follows, explaining to the others, "I have asked to see the Mistress of Rituals."

"And you couldn't do it in a language that we understand?" Nicora asks, brow arched suspiciously.

"My credibility would have been lowered if I spoke anything other than Olympian," Mave claims. The temple is fairly open, with the outer 'halls' being mainly pillars. Eventually they enter through a doorway, and pass through a water garden (water being an important theme). In one of the pools, what could be priestesses stand waist-deep as the attend to a woman that appears to be in labor..

Nicora gives Tulani an 'I don't believe her' sort of look. She is about to say something but the woman in the pool catches her attention and she winces. "I can't believe women willingly go through that. Rosalind and Phlagaea will be going through that. So swollen ... so many sounds of pain," she thinks. She rubs her own stomach in sympathy.

"Of course I do," Tulani whispers back, a bit bitterly. "But I'm a mule because I'm a hybrid."

"That doesn't make it impossible, maybe," Nicora notes, "Rosalind couldn't have children, but we found a way. The key is not giving up."

The Sphynx nods as they enter a brightly lit chamber. The ceiling is glass, letting in plenty of sunlight - which is necessary since it seems the chamber also doubles as a greenhouse. There are stone planters, trellises, pots and water troughs for a variety of plants. The trio are wound between them, with plenty of younger acolytes (or possibly slaves) hurrying about and tending to the flora. Eventually they come to a dais, with several tables covered in books and paper overlooked by an elderly, hunched and gray Khattha woman in elegant robes.

Nicora can't help herself and looks for slave marks on the servants tending to the flowers and plants. "Pretty place," she has to admit, smiling. Maybe coming in here wasn't too bad after all. She makes sure she doesn't touch or disturb anything as they go. Once they reach the elder she curtsies politely, but otherwise does not disturb her.

Surprisingly, Mave goes right up to the woman and hugs her, as if they were old friends.

"You don't think they really know one another do you?" Tulani whispers to Nicora.

"Wouldn't surprise me if they do," Nicora admits softly. "I feel out of place here."

The two older women are happily chatting away in Olympian, and occasionally pointing out one plant or another to each other. Finally, Mave offers her arm in support, which the older feline takes and they make their way into the maze of planters.

"So ... do we just wait here?" Nicora asks Tulani. "I have no clue what they said to each other."

"She didn't gesture to us," Tulani notes, and then sits down on a handy bench. "I say we soak up some sun until they get back."

Nicora settles herself down on a bench and stretches her legs out. BEing where she is, she can't help herself and looks down, trying ti imagine how Rosalind looks now ... and how she will look b the time they get back. If they get back. "I was serious about you having children," she notes quietly to Tulani, "Maybe you should speak with them here to see if they have any ideas that might help you when you're ready."

"I've been talking to someone about it already," Tulani admits, and rests a hand on the pommel of the Light of Nala.

"The ghost in the blade?" Nicora asks. "I would offer to help, but ... I think I've caused enough problems," she remarks with a bemused smile.

"Well, you ask the ghost in your blade for advice too, right?" Tulani notes with a smirk.

"The difference is mine usually just insults me," Nicora remarks as she wiggles her toes.

Without fanfare, a platter of dried fruits and meats is placed at the end of the bench by one of the gardeners, and another brings tea.

"Hello. Can you speak?" Nicora asks one of the gardeners. "We don't bite. You're welcome to stay and eat too," she offers and pats the bench.

The tea girl just smiles shyly and bows, before hurrying back to work. "Maybe they aren't allowed to talk to outsiders?" Tulani guesses, as she pours some tea.. likely made from flowers, from the smell.

"Or maybe we're terrible and scary. I know some people see Eeee that way," Nicora notes as she pours herself some tea. She sniffs lightly at it, then takes along drink. She still can't really eat food, but the tea is nice.

"The garden at the castle needs a lot of work," Tulani notes, probably just because they're in a garden. "I wonder.." she starts to say, but then Mave and the elder return. Mave's smile is still in place, and she's carrying a small bundle, but Nicora can sense things didn't go as well as the Yodhinala hoped.

Nicora's brow goes up slightly and she'll have to ask about it later. "What castle?" Nicora asks Tulani for now, trying to pretend nothing is amiss.

"Huh?" Tulani asks, turning back to Nicora. "Draco of course. It's all weedy and overgrown."

"Well, so is most of Sylvania," Nicora points out with a smile. "But I guess I get your point. Simple things like a garden could do much for lifting the feel of the place."

Mave and the elder share some tea and small talk, then hug again. Mave interrupts the talk about gardens and other minutia by saying, "We need to make another stop, down in Elysium."

"Really? How come? Is something you need still missing?" Nicora asks, ears perking slightly. She sets her teacup aside. "The problem with that ... is I don't think we have near the funds to get in there."

"There is an issue of purity of one of the ingredients, and I can only get the purest form from a certain source," Mave notes. "Do not worry about our accommodations."

"I have to worry, we don't have unlimited money," Nicora points out as she sits upright now. "Were you wanting to stay down there, or just visit briefly?"

"It may be a day or more before I can get what I need," Mave notes. "So I will bring us to where we can stay as needed. I will take care of everything," she promises.

"Which means she'll seduce a rich man and probably rob him," Nicora thinks to herself. "All right. So ... we'll be here for a couple days. Is there anything we can do in this temple? Or do you know of places we can visit?"

"You can play tourist after we are settled, if that is alright?" Mave asks. "It has been many years since I studied here, and my memory of the interesting ruins may be foggy. I'm sure my daughter will be able to help you in that regard though."

Nicora blinks. "Your daughter?" she asks, sounding surprised by that. It's a many-blink day it seems. "That is fine. We can get settled before doing anything. Where do you wish to stay?" she asks.

"Pleione will host us, as is customary," Mave notes, and gestures for the acolyte to lead them out. "I expect she has done well for herself."

"I didn't know you had actual family here," Nicora admits softly as she stands to follow the acolyte out.

"Larger than my family. How did you survive so many births?" Nicora asks quietly.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean you can easily survive that many births," Nicora notes, "It does take a toll on the body from what I've been told."

"Are you faulting my body?" Mave asks, with a bit of a pout. "I am fit enough for a woman half my age."

"No, I'm more amazed your body bore that many children and does not show it," Nicora offers as she smiles to Mave. "I wish my shape was as ... developed."

"Inala rewards her daughters well," Mave notes, as they are led out of the temple. Tulani brings up the rear, looking down her own form now and then.

"Does that mean those who join her develop like you?" Nicora as she follows along after Mave. She has to poke herself with a claw to keep her from actually considering it!

After battling their way through the marketplace again, they return to the docks, where an elevator waits to ferry passengers down to Elysium - the winds along the cliff itself being a bit too strong for lightly-built flyers. At the bottom, the streets are not paved with gold.. but the cobbles are polished to a sparkling shine, the lake in the distance is shockingly blue, and the street vendors are silent as their wares are ostentatious: neither Nicor or Tulani have seen so much gem-based jewelry on display. Palanquins carried by Savanite slaves dash along the road, while others wait ready with rickshaws should anyone ask for one.

Nicora signs a polite greeting to one of the savanites they pass. "They have a lot of slaves down here," she remarks with a slight frown at the situation. She also periodically elbows Tulani in case the sphynx starts getting distracted by all the glitter. "If your daughter lives down here, I see why you had no concern about funds," she also admits.

Tulani occasionally has to be dragged away from a display. Her Vartan shinylust was never very noticeable before, but when flooded with an endless expanse of shinies, even she has to succumb. Finally, the turn off of the main road, moving between the walled estates. "So shiny," Tulani whimpers as she has to leave the delights behind.

"Get a hold of yourself," Nicora teases, pleased for once to not be the one so very distracted!

"Pleione was my second born," Mave explains. "I sold her to the Temple of Ashtoreth to pay for my training in potions, and she has since become the most valued slave of .. ah, here we are." She stops before an ornate gate, with 'Gardens of the Sky' written across them, just below the Olympian version. A tug on a cord elicits a chorus of wind-chimes beyond.

"You sold your child into slavery," Nicora whispers, sounding horrified! She has to actually force herself to not frown and after a few breaths, calms down. She looks skyward for a moment, realizing this Yodh would sell any of them in an instant if it benefitted her in some way. Trusting her is ... well, hasn't changed much. Still doesn't.

The doors slide open, and a tabby Kattha in a silver-trimmed toga greats them with a bow. "Welcome to.." he begins to say, until he spots Mave and his mouth just drops open. "Please send for Pleione," Mave tells the man, who collects himself and waves over a Savanite woman wearing a Zolk wrap around her hips, bells at her ankles and wrists, a collar and nothing else. "Sepcha will see to your comfort while.. while.. I will be quick!" the man says, and hurries off quickly. The slave girl smiles and bows, gesturing to be followed.

Nicora's eyes go wide at the slave. "Now that's an outfit. I have a feeling I know what kind of place this is," she thinks. The dark Eeee curtsies to Sepcha, then signs, "Thank you." before following her.

"Somehow I feel underdressed," Tulani whispers, as Sepcha leads them into a water garden similar to the one in the Temple of Ashtoreth, and then pulls back the gauze curtains from a pillared bower near one of the walls. It is filled with cushions and a low table, an unlit brazier and a few low lounges as well. The slave begins to light the brazier, even though it's plenty light and warm at this time of day.

"Please, you do not need to take so much effort for us," Nicora signs to Sepcha before she finds herself one of the pillows and settles herself down on it. "I feel oddly out of place here too," she admits to Tulani and shrugs, "And a little uncomfortable..."

Despite the request, Sepcha still makes sure the room is warm, and that everyone is comfortable. She claps her hands in a sort of code while standing in the entry, and soon enough another Savanite - male this time but dressed in essentially the same attire - arrives with a long-necked crystal decanter and expensive looking glasses on a platter, which he sets on the table, then kneels down and pours each guest a glass of the amber wine.

"Though, I have to admit that the views are nice," Nicora concedes and lightly nudges Tulani when the male appears. She reaches out and takes the wine as she tells him, "Thank you." She lifts the glass and lightly sniffs it.

Tulani hides her grin behind her glass, but her ears are twitching. The male cheetah smiles and gives the Sphynx a wink, before bowing and stepping back outside.. well, just outside. He and Sepcha are standing at the pillars that mark the entry, just waiting. But then they are bowing to someone that comes in.. and could only be Pleione. The woman is perhaps in her middle twenties, and looks exactly like Mave, right down to the blue eyes. She's wearing a toga-like gown of golden zolk, with a silver zolk shoulder wrap. "Mother?" she asks in surprise.

"I'll let you have him this time," Nicora whispers to Tulani before she takes a sip from her glass. When Pleione enters, her head dips politely to the Eeee, letting Mave do the speaking and introductions for now. Anything else does not seem proper.

Mave stands and embraces her daughter, saying, "It is I, Pleione. And I am proud of what you have made of yourself." The younger Eeee almost bursts into tears then! "Mother.. when I heard of the raids and the destruction of the Temple, I assumed you had gone on to Paradise," she gushes.

"Well, she's not mad about being sold. I guess she is happy here," Nicora whispers to Tulani, then shrugs.

"If you lived in a place like this, and were dressed like that.. look at her earrings.." Tulani whispers enviously. Indeed, Pleione's earrings must have come from one of the jewelry displays along the main road. Those items didn't even have prices listed.

"I know. I feel so .. poor looking at her," Nicora admits a bit envious as well. She clears her throat lightly in hopes Mave remembers they are also present.

"I still have one last duty to perform for our Lady," Mave says, stroking the back of Pleione's hair. "But I must see to something while here, and hope to have your company for a short while."

"Of course, Mother," Pleione says. "Anything you wish. I know Master Kallistrates will welcome you and your servants.."

Nicora coughs softly about being called a servant. Still she doesn't correct it to see how Mave decides to refer to them.

"These women are important to Inala," Mave notes. "In ways I cannot speak of in the open. They are Nicora and Tulani, bearers of darkness and light," she introduces.

Nicora dips her head slightly. "A pleasure to meet you, Pleione," she says softly. "I hope our presence here does not cause any complications for you."

"We have only a few other guests, and only for the day spa," Pleione says, with an air of it's not even the slightest of complications. "I am Pleione, Head Trainer here at the Gardens of the Sky Health and Beauty Spa. All of our services are available to you as honored guests."

"And anything we may do to repay you for your hospitality that is within our means, please ask," Nicora offers in kind. She sure does seem like Mave's daughter; same attitude. "It is a pleasure to meet you. What does this lovely place offer its guests?" she asks.

"Many relaxation exercises, fur and skin treatments and stylings, massage and healthy indulgence, blessed by Arcadia, Ashtoreth and Morpheus," Pleione recites. "Whatever ails you, we can help you overcome."

"I'm not quite sure they can cure me of what ails me," Nicora thinks to herself. She smiles in response, though. "I noticed you have two exquisite savanites just outside this bower," she says, "Are all your servants here Savanite?"

"We have many, although only a few trained for service," Pleione notes. "We offer pure Lapi, Khatta, Zerda and Rath'ani as well."

"But no Eeee other than yourself?" Nicora asks curiously as she rests her hands lightly on the table before her. "Do you have any wishes, Tulani?" she asks the sphynx.

"Oh.. I've never been.. pampered before," the Sphynx admits, suddenly a bit shy. "I wouldn't know what to ask for."

"I have been around Mave for some time, I have learned a little," Nicora claims. She turns back to Pleione and asks, "May we speak in private later regarding my friend?" She smiles.

"I would like to meet your Master soon," Mave tells her daughter. "I understand he is the son of the High Priestess of Ashtoreth, and you were the servant for the Priestess he took as his wife, Pleione?"

"Then come find me when you are free. We shall discuss her ... pampering then," Nicora says and takes another sip of her wine. "Do you have any recommendations for someone in this establishment to tend well to an Eeee?" she asks.

"I have trained all of the servers to know Eeee anatomy," Pleione says reassuringly. "I'm sure your friend will not pose any great difficulty either."

"I still wish to speak with you later regarding her," Nicora notes and nods towards Tulani. "But as for myself, perhaps I will tour the grounds and meet the staff. If someone stands out to me, I will be sure to request them for myself as an attendant."

"I will have Sepcha bring you proper guest attire," Pleione says.. and as soon as she says it, the female Savanite sprints off to make it happen.

"What we wear is not proper?" Nicora asks, but nods nevertheless. "Is there a changing room?" she asks.

"Your servers will attend to your changing," Pleione says. "Is there anything else you require?"

Nicora thinks. "Nothing at this time," she says. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Pleione."

The Eeee woman stands and bows, saying, "Sophos will also attend you," as she gestures to the male cheetah. "Please follow me, Mother," the supposed-slave says warmly, as she leads Mave out.

"How old is Mave, anyway?" Tulani whispers to Nicora, as she refills her wine glass. The Sphynx has never been a 'light' drinker.

Nicora nods once. "Sophos is handsome, thank you," she says with a smile. "I will see you later, Mave."

"I thought she was younger," Tulani admits, then quiets as Sophos enters again, and gestures for the women to stand up.

Nicora finishes her glass of wine, then rises to her feet. She gives Sophos a smile, then nods once to him and holds her arms out a bit to make it easier for him to handle their attire.

Tulani keeps hold of her glass, not sure what's happening.. until she sees Nicora's pose.. and then Sophos comes over and begins to undress the Eeee, beginning with the Gear-clasp choker. Each item is folded, placed on a hanger or tucked into a velvet bag.

Nicora holds mostly still as she's piece-by-piece disrobed, hoping her tail won't ... bother him. She offers a small nod of approval with each piece. "In the small pouch on the corset," she says, "is some decorative jewelry for my body. Would you please apply it for me when you dress me? My friend Tulani has similar."

Sophos finds the nipple protectors, and the adhesive gum and sets them aside on the table, then returns to disrobing Nicora while Tulani watches wide-eyed and guzzles more wine.

At the revelation of the tail, the cheetah does pause for a moment - and then like everyone else, he tries to rub the 'head' under its chin.

Nicora smiles to Tulani, almost saying You're next!. "You have a very gentle touch," she tells the Savanite and takes a moment to brush her fingers against his cheek, "I appreciate that." The fact he touches her tail, well ... she tries not to twitch too much!

Once Nicora is divested of the last stitch (her boot-toppers), Sophos turns to Tulani, gently taking the empty cup from her hand. To help calm the Sphynx, he purrs loudly... which actually seems to work. Still, the girl stares at the ceiling quite a lot during the process.

"Relax, Tulani," Nicora says softly, "He is very gentle and I doubt will do anything you do not wish him to."

"That.. doesn't make it easier to relax," the other girl admits. Sepcha also returns, carrying an ornate black box that is inlaid with sea shells and mother-of-pearl. She sets it on the table and opens it, removing two matching pieces of black Zolk with silver trim and golden embroidery in the form of swirling clouds. She takes one of these to Nicora, and wraps it around he waist.. also having to pause at her odd tail, but moving head anyway. A gold-plated chitin clip holds it in place, giving the Eeee the effect of wearing a (very expensive) miniskirt.

Tulani, meanwhile is biting her lip as Sophos removes her boots, then goes for her underwear.

Nicora's eyes get a little bigger when she sees the skirt. "No top? Okay, well, ah, this will be interesting for me too!" she finds herself thinking. Tulani's reaction does do some to calm her down, so nervous! Since Sepcha is still kneeling before her after affixing the waist clip, the Eeee lightly pets along her hears and down the back of her neck.

The Savanite woman purrs at the touch, but returns to the table with an apologetic look in her brown eyes. There she collects the second, matching wrap and applies it to Tulani. Since she has more pronounced hips, there's less danger of the garment just sliding off, so the clip is placed to allow the skirt to ride a bit lower on the Sphynx. Sophos is now emptying various grooming tools from the box; brushes, combs, fancy looking bottles, brushes, scissors and a razor.

"You get all the cats," Nicora gently teases Tulani, trying to look for all the world, calm. When her eye catches site of the razor, though, her ears twitch slightly. The Eeee takes a moment to tilt her hips a bit and rest her right hand on them, then look down her body approvingly. "I look good," she decides.

Sepcha leads Tulani to sit down on one of the loungers, while Sophos does the same for Nicora. He then pushes his shoulders back and throws his chest out to demonstrate what he'd like Nicora to do.

Nicora smiles and nods, though it is tinged a bit with nervousness. She settles her hands behind herself to balance as well as to help pull her shoulders back as well as push her chest forward. "Why does he have to be so handsome?" she finds herself thinking. "Inala is probably watching all of this and is very pleased."

Sophos smiles and purrs soothingly to Nicora, as then begins to massage her chest with his hands, while using his thumbs to make sure the Eeee's nipples will be properly receptive for the protectors. Tulani lets out a sudden nervous laugh when Sepcha does the same to her.

Nicora bites her lip briefly. "Just relax," she says to Tulani ... and probably to herself as well. She closes her eyes for a moment, and when she reopens then, her lips draw back in a light smile to Sophos. This must be a look she learned from Mave ... because it nearly screams You can do anything you want to me! Yes, Inala must be very proud, indeed!

Sophos is too intent on his task to notice though! Once things are at the proper state of perkiness, he turns and picks a set of small scissors and a brush from the laid-out supplies, and goes to work with them. He brushes at the fur, finding out the natural direction it flows, and then carefully trims with the scissors. He's so close, Nicora can feel his breath against the exposed, sensitive bits he's preparing.

Nicora can't help herself from misbehaving at least a little. She stretches her legs out and curls them around the Savanite. Her dextrous toes begin to pet the backs of his legs, then grab lightly at his tail. "You're very good," she murmurs approvingly into one of his ears.

The cheetah lets out a little bark of surprise, then smiles up at Nicora.. and tickles her calve with his thick tail! Probably to distract her so he can finish clearing stray fur from the contact areas. He does, however, give each spot a lick to keep them perky. This is mirrored across the way, causing another nervous squeal from Tulani.

Nicora giggle-squeals herself! First from the tickle, then from the lick! "Okay, I'll behave ... for now," she promises quietly to the Savanite and lowers her feet. "But later ..."

Freed from the bat's grip, Sophos exchanges his tools for a paintbrush and the bottle of spirit gum. He applies the liquid with the brush, which can't help but be ticklish. Especially at the end when he blows before attaching the shields, making sure the fit firmly.

Again Nicora can't help but giggle. The tone is light and very feminine. It does seem whenever she's around an attractive male her feminine side seems to become more pronounced. An effect of Inala's blessing? Perhaps. It's also as likely that she's a terrible flirt. "Going to put them on with your teeth?" she whispers to him.

That earns Nicora a few side to side twists and an innocent look from Sophos. "Will we need to do this every time we want to put these on?" Tulani asks from across the room.

"When things grow out .. yes," Nicora calls over to Tulani. "Aren't you enjoying it...?"

"This isn't quite like playing dress-up as a child," Tulani comments. But she does look nice with the shields in place against her black fur, as Sepcha rises to go to the brazier and place a small kettle over it. Sophos is putting away some of the grooming tools, and taking out others.. including two inlaid bowls.

"Still watching me, Inala? Proud that I'm ... trying to tempt others now to indulge?" Nicora thinks as she looks down and admires her own adornments. They do stand out against her normally black skin. It's also her turn to tilt her head, unsure of what the bowls or the other instruments are. Part of her also wonders how Rosalind would react if she did this to her once she returns to normal!

The bowls are set out, and drops of clear liquid added to them from several small bottles, along with some powders. Sepcha brings the kettle over once it's warmed enough, and pours water into the bowls while Sophos mixes the contents with two brush-whisks. Sepcha goes to both Tulani and Nicora then, urging them to lie back on the lounges.

Nicora gives Tulani a quizzical look, as she's unsure what this is. A light shrug and the Eee kicks her feet up, turns sideways so she can lie back on the lounger, and lies back. She almost folds her hands together on her stomach, but being unsure of what they need access too, she lays them at her sides instead.

It's a good thing, since Sepcha brings one of the warm bowls over and rests it right on Nicora's belly. She can smell a soothing, flowery fragrance coming from it now, and the warm seems penetrate deeply as well. Then the cheetah girl is wielding to fine, ivory hand combs, each no more than an inch wide at the tines. She swirls them through the liquid in the bowl, and then begins to lightly comb Nicora's cheeks.

"Oh, some sort of fragrance oils," Nicora realizes and relaxes. She breathes slow and gentle, trying to take in the scents to see if she recognizes them at all. Her face relaxes completely and she allows her eyes to close.

The fragrance is heady, but not cloying - combination of things. Between that, the warm bowl, facial grooming and soothing purring of Sepcha, it's easy to feel almost weightless and utterly relaxed..

"This feels so good," Nicora thinks to herself in her 'floaty' state of bliss. "I could get very used to this. These two seem happy and are very gentle. It almost makes me wish I could own them." As her breathing grows even slower in her state of utter relaxation, she does chide herself a little, "But that would be wrong. They might be treated terribly and just don't show it. Mm, I guess I'll find out when I talk to Pleione about myself and that I can shapeshift ... and that I want lessons in being one of the slaves here. So I can get a little revenge on Tulani for all the frustration she has caused me..."

Nicora woke up to the gurgling sounds of a small stream. Once her eyes opened, she could see that she was in a gazebo-like bower somewhere in the garden, accessed by an ornately carved stone bridge over a stream. The walls were translucent fabric that hung like gauze, and she was reclining on a lounge couch. Opposite her was Pleione, reclining languidly in a matching couch. Between them was a small table with a bottle of wine and glasses. "Are you well rested?" the Mave-clone asks with a smile.

Nicora yawns and stretches out. "I sure feel like it. How long have I been asleep?" she asks and wiggles her toes and fingers.

"Less than an hour, I think," Pleione says. "Your friend, being feline, is still curled up and purring I wager. But I risked waking you since you requested to see me alone earlier. Now we are alone! What did you wish to talk about?"

"I don't suppose you would tell me what you and your mother talked about?" Nicora asks, her lips drawing back in a laguid smile. "Or at the very least if she talked about us at all?"

"She only mentioned that you were to be treated well," Pleione admits, raising an eyebrow to show some curiosity. "Otherwise she was busy trying to find out how to contact the Amazonian black market."

"Ah, the black market. The lace to find anything, including pie," Nicora remarks and has to stifle a yawn. Boy did she sleep hard. "I do assume I can trust you to keep silent on all things you are told? Nothing that would risk you or your house, that much I can tell you right now.

"Discretion is part of my.. wait, did you say pie?" Pleione asks, looking.. confused.

"I have a strange sense of humor," Nicora notes as she lets her left arm hang off the lounger and swing lightly. "What I'm hoping for is your help in getting a little, oh, revenge on my dear friend, Tulani. She has been .. poking at me since we've been on this little trip."

"Poking? Could you be more specific?" Pleione asks, laying on her side and looking casually gorgeous, as if her hair and clothes just happened to drape that way by sheer accident.

"Teasing. Calling me old. Flirting then denying, that sort of thing," Nicora explains as she lazily gestures with her hand.

"Oh, a little bit of turnabout, you might say," Nicora smiles, her liips drawing back deviously. "I doubt your mother told you that I can ... shape shift to a degree. I was considering 'joining' your house for a few hours, as one of your savanites ... and teasing her a little, then leave her wanting..."

This causes Pleione to sit up. "I was wondering about the tail, but.. does this mean you are from Bosch?" she asks in a hushed voice.

"Oh, no no nothing like that," Nicora says and waves her hand again. "It's the result from defeating an ancient evil. I learned some of its secrets."

"Nothing that complicated. A little communion with a spirit and sort of going to sleep. I then wake up in the new shape. More or less," Nicora explains rather vaguely. "I know I can take on the appearance of one of your silent servants, for example. But to really make the .. revenge work, I would need you to teach me how to act like one of them. I know there is no way to become an expert, I just need to be able to fool her for a couple hours." She grins again, then shrugs. "But if you would rather not, I understand. You don't really know us and the request is a bit strange."

"So, you wish to look and act like, say, Sophos?" Pleione asks. "I am curious to see this transformation."

"I know there is no way I would have Sophos skill, but like him, yes," Nicora says with a small nod and then sits up. "And if you are to see it, we should go inside, someplace private."

"You may come to my room then," Pleione offers. "Do you have all that you require?"

"I just need to grab my hip-pack from my clothing, then yes, I will," Nicora agrees. "And you promise to not do anything odd with me while I am changed, yes? No trying to sell me?"

"One cannot simply sell a Savanite on the street, Nicora," Pleione notes. "Besides, Mother would be cross if I did that."

"She might help you. She likes to torment me too," Nicora says with a laugh. It takes her a minute to actually locate her clothing and her small pack with her dagger inside. She drapes it over her wrist.

"May I ask where you got your jewelry?" Plieone asks, likely referring to the nipple-shields as she leads Nicora into the residence part of the estate. There is a lot of polished wood and stone, and Pleione's room is pretty luxurious and spacious for a supposed slave. She sits on the edge of her Olympian-style four-poster bed (complete with tapestry 'roof' and says, "We will not be disturbed here."

"A small shop in Chronotopia that specializes in custom jewelry," Nicora answers as they go, "In the non-tourist district." When she enters the 'slave's room, she takes a moment to look around, curious. It's a lot fancier than Rose's .... well at least smoother. The tree and stone of Sylvania is rarely carved so smooth. Before she can do anything she has to shed the shields and her waist-cloth and she does so, making sure they're carefully set aside.

"I am assuming you will be a naked Savanite when you are finished?" Pleione asks, looking amused.

"Yes. I'll need to borrow clothing for one afterward," Nicora notes as she saunters over to the bed and practically oozes herself onto it next to Pleione. She extends her shadow-cloak once there ... just a bit, to caress Pleione briefly. The dark Eeee then winks and grins.

"Shadow flesh. It has many uses," Nicora explains ... and demonstrates how it can be used to caress someone in a dozen different places all at once, by demonstrating on Pleione!

Nicora laughs and draws the shadow back. "Your mother isn't so ticklish," she notes, amused.

"She can be ticklish if needed," Pleione counters. "Is the tickling part of the transformation process?"

"Alas, no. You are not really involved at all. I could ken you and then turn into you, but that won't help me torment Tulani," Nicora notes as she scoots back. She opens her pouch and pulls out her dagger.

"I don't know what that means," Pleione admits, eyeing the scary looking dagger with suspicion.

"Your mother really enjoyed it," Nicora notes, waggles her brow, then inserts the dagger into her own arm!

"That's Mave's daughter, Pleione. She's going to help me get a little revenge on Tulani," Nicora thinks impishly. "I also need your help. I need to become a savanite for a while..."

"Of course you do," Kaira comments. "And you will get Tulani to let you recharge off of the Light of Nala afterwards, right?"

"I'll have to, yes," Nicora thinks, "And you really put up with a lot from me, don't you?"

"Wait.. do you mean this is not normal, acceptable mortal behavior and you have been taking advantage of me all this time!?" the dragon asks in mock indignation.

"I only take advantage of you as much as you take advantage of me," Nicora points out, "You have always had the option to say no."

"Hmmm, I don't recall you ever saying no though.." the dragon teases. "Are you prepared to lose your voice for awhile?"

"I am certain all my friends will be quite pleased for me to be silenced for a while," Nicora thinks as she lays back on the bed and places her hands on her stomach. "And oh, you might want to make the change look interesting for Pleione. I hate to disappoint her..."

"Interesting? Seriously?" Kaira asks, sounding surprised. "I suppose I could make it look like you're thrashing around in pain, and your bones are breaking or something if you want?"

"Nothing that dramatic! Yeesh. Just do it normally then. I don't want to freak her out," Nicora thinks and then actually rolls her eyes. Out loud she says, "When you see me next, I'll be a savanite and ready to be fitted for service." She winks once, then closes her eyes.

"Changing from one form to another should be inherently interesting," Kaira notes. "And you don't have to barf up a silk cocoon either.. Anyway, count backwards from Pi.." The familiar sensation of the cloak engulfing her floods Nicora's senses, followed by the disembodied floating sensation.

"Pie? How many slices?" Nicora thinks as she bobs about in limbo for now. "Kaira, you're just weird. But then again, so am I. I think I just sold myself into slavery... Still, it's not as bad as what Melusine does to me."

"Oh, so now I'm not as good at being horrible to you as Melusine is?" Kaira asks.

"Hey, no listening in to private thoughts!" Nicora chides, "It's a good think you're not horrible like her. What, you want to be horrible?"

"As a dragon I am driven to be better than other dragons at everything," Kaira notes. "Just like you are driven to be better than other females at everything when you are female."

"Then you would be changing me into horrible monsters against my will," Nicora points out, mildly amused by this. "And no, that isn't a request!"

"I would only try for cuddly monsters.. oh, open your eyes now," Kaira replies.

Pleione looks impressed. She also has a full-length dressing mirror, through which Alptraum spots a spotted, golden shoulder.

The new feline slowly sits up and stretches out the lanky body. As with every time, he can't help but explore how it all feels. The muted hearing is a bit unsettling, as is the lack of wings ... but such is a small price to pay for some revenge! He even tries to say something simple, like 'hello' just to see how it sounds and feels.

His throat clenches like he's choking on something, and produces a squawking bleat of a bark instead.

That causes him to blink, then reach up and rub at his throat. He then flashes a sheepish grin to Pleione and wiggles his ears.

The familiar masculine throat-bulge is missing! Or rather, very very very small. He can see more in the mirror now, and clearly Kaira went all out, since even his eyes are brown, along with his hair! The star scar might still be there.. but since it's white on a white-furred chest, it doesn't stand out.

Alptraum pulls the dagger out of his arm so that won't give him away and sticks it back into the belt pouch. "You know sign?" he signs to Pleione, hoping she does. Otherwise ... pantomine it will be!

Alptraum nods once. "Well, I am now in your hands to be made into a proper slave," he signs to the Eeee and slides his body off her bed and onto his new legs. He wobbles for a moment since his balance is so different, but at least doesn't topple over.

Pleione stands up and produces a riding crop from.. well, she just seems to have one in hand. She uses it to guide Alptraum's posture. She raises up his tail with, pats up under his butt to make him stand straighter, and son on, until she's satisfied. "Tie your hair back, or braid it if you know how," she instructs.

Alptraum follows the guide. He finds it a bit harder than he expected to get the stance right, how to hold his tail arched just so to show off the shape and keep it from dragging, and how to hold his chin. His head bobs once in answer to her request and he reaches up. He uses his claws to comb out the brown hair, then back into three equal 'sections'. Those are then carefully braided to pull his hair back tightly and leave a small hair-ridge down the center of his head. He has to use a few strands of said hair to tie off the end of the braid, but it doesn't hurt much to pull a few out.

"You have some skill I see," Pleione says encouragingly. "You seem intent on somehow seducing your friend.. to a point. What was your plan for this?"

"Where you going to massage her?" Pleione asks while walk around the cheetah. "Groom her? Bathe her? Perhaps perform a suggestive dance?"

"Grooming and bathing are possibilities, yes. So is a dance, but as I am not as familiar with this body I fear how well I would perform," the savanite signs as he looks straight ahead while Pleione 'inspects'.

"Well, which would you be most comfortable with?" the Eeee woman asks. "We will focus on that."

"Bathing. I do noy think it would require extensive dexterity and would mask small mistakes," the savanite signs. "But I also defer to your wisdom on what would be the easiest to teach in the given time."

"Very well," Pleione says, and walks past Alptraum to open the door of the room. She calls out.. and it is bothersome that the cheetah cannot make out clearly what Pleione says. The bat then returns to the bed and sits. "You will practice on me, of course, so that I can instruct you as you go," she states.

Alptraum nods once at that. He walks over to stand near the bed, folding his hands together before him for now. There he focuses on his posture again, making sure his tail is held 'just so' and his spine curves just the right amount. "Are we waiting on something?" he signs the question.

The door opens behind Alptraum, and he hears sloshing. And the Sepcha is next to him, laying down an ornate, wide tub (well, wide enough for someone to stand in, and ornate in that it's has mosaic inlays of bathing scenes), with another, smaller cauldron of steaming water in it, along with some brushes and bottles of bathing supplies. The girl smiles at Alptraum.. and not so discretely checks out his naked body.

This makes Alptraum's ears feel warm, but he tries to remain looking forward and attentive. He does offer the girl one quick smile, though, and a very slight fail flick. It's hard to get a really good look at the tub when he's trying to keep his head still, but he manages for the most part.

Sepcha goes to sit on the corner of the bed.. apparently just to watch. Pleione stands up, and says, "The first thing you must do is disrobe the client." She then holds her arms out just like Nicora did for Sophos earlier in the day.

Alptraum tries to think of just what Sophos did earlier. Piece by piece, each folded neatly and set aside. His method of disrobing is to gently lay his fingers against Pleione's exposed body and slide them lightly up and under the part of the garment he is currently working with. The movement is slow, as he's trying to lift the cloth up and ease it off without generating too much static. Once the piece is off, he folds it as neatly as he can manage, then leans over and lays it down on the bed. He starts with her wrists using this technique. Each one is taken into his hands and the band is carefully untied. The wrap is lifted away, folded, and laid on the bed. From there he moves to removing her jewelry, lest it snag on her fine clothing as he undresses her. Earrings come away first, as those he is quite familiar with. Each is removed and laid on the bed nearby in a neat pattern to remind him how they go back on. He works down from there, necklace soon following, then when he kneels down befor

before her, her belt. Anklets and toe-rings are last; he lightly lifts each foot and removes them.

"Very good and building anticipation," Pleione says, smiling. She looks like a younger version of Mave.. which means she's actually pretty instead of beautiful, and not quite as filled out, but still more curvaceous than just about any other Eeee.

Now that he's kneeling before her, he can work upward. His hands lightly come to rest on her legs then glide upward, splitting her toga open as he stands by unfolding those oddly-shaped legs he now has. When he reaches her arms, his spread, sliding the toga wider and then off her arms. He lets it loose from one hand and brings it around her. There he folds it neatly as he can manage and places that on the bed as well. He then offers her a smile of gratitide and bobs his head slightly. "No signing. sophos never would sign with me when I was a client," he realizes.

Sepcha helpfully points to the still-steaming tub and the washing/grooming supplies, using conservative gestures to indicate that they should be removed, so that Pleione can then stand in the tub.

Alptraum's head dips once to Sepcha and he steps back from Pleione and kneels back down. There he removes the various supplies from the tub.

Pleione waits patiently with her arms down at her sides, with the air of someone who has no idea what she is supposed to do next.

Alptraum rises and takes Pleione's hand into his. He smiles to her and actually tries to see if he can make a purring noise like Sophos did as a reassurance gesture before he tries to guide her to stand in the tub.

The purr at least comes easy.. and it feels nice. It actually makes him feel.. calmer, and warmer. Once he purrs, Pleione smiles and follows his lead, standing in the ornate tub.

Alptraum now slowly circles Pleione, getting a good look at her body. He also uses this time to look to Sepcha, looking for guidance on how to start.

Alptraum takes the brush and kneels beside the tub. He dips it lightly into the warm water, then decides to start with Pleione's legs. The purr continues as he brushes down the Eeee's legs gently, following the flow and direction of fur growth.

"Start from the top," Pleione interrupts. "It is more sensual when the water runs down the body."

Alptraum nods and dips the brush again. He rises this time and starts from the top. Standing behind her he begins gently brushing Pleione's hair and shoulders, always following the flow of the growth. The purr continues and for now he remains behind her, so that what she experiences is the feel of someone touching her without seeing him. A mysterious presence, so to speak.

Pleione has Alptraum extend this mystery further, by washing her front from behind has well. She shows him to squeeze the brush (which is a bit spongy) to make water pour down, how to make sure to have the water wash down over the breasts, and to come in from the sides along the ribs. There's actually quite a lot of little details like that, worked out over who knows how many generations of bathers. At one point, she has Sepcha remove her skirt and stand in her place, to instruct Alptraum on how to handle a cat's tail. Unfortunately, the wings have to be skipped over - there's a special way of grooming feathers, apparently, that just can't be demonstration using Eeee wings.

Alptraum finds an odd pleasure in bathing Sepcha for a bit; he's very delicate with her and actualyl strives to try and make her purr along with him. As always, he follows the flow of the fur growth. He also realizes something while he's tending to both women; the knowledge of having had bodies similar to theirs for weeks now has taught him how to touch in ways that can be arousing, but not overwhelming as he works. It's all in how the chest is held when being washed, or how to follow the curve of the hips and lightly over even more sensitive areas. It's also rather funny how calm his own expression has become; the act of doing this well over-powering any sort of arousal he might normally get from it. (Or maybe it's because his male aspect is often muted after changing back!)

Pleione has Sepcha remain in the tub, and takes a more hands-on approach to instruction, showing Alptraum how to use the combs and grooming oils. It doesn't hurt that Sepcha does purr, and the purr varies enough to tell Alptraum when he's doing things just right. There's also the matter of how to use his tongue for grooming, especially when dealing with the inside of the ears and.. well, other sensitive areas.

The tongue actually takes more work that he expected, but he had to remember that it's rougher than an Eeee's tongue. He also saves that for last. The oils and comb work comes first and only once those are done does he go to gently licking along Sepcha's ears, cleaning then rather delicately. At points during this his eyes are actually closed as he purrs and 'grooms'. None of it is ever rushed, he only moves ever downward when Sepcha seems ready for him to do so. And once he is kneeling again, well, a lot of time is spent making her purr in ... cute ways.

"Some enjoy having their toes licked as well, but that falls under pedicure training," Pleione notes. Sepcha purrs and wiggles her ears in a frantic Savanite 'giggle' and tries not to squirm or dance from the attention.

Alptraum's own ears wiggle at that. Once he is done tormenting Sepcha for now, he actually lifts her foot out of the tub and starts to groom that with his tongue as well. He figures he may as well learn at least a little of it. He uses his own memories of teasing Rosalind by licking and kissing her fingers as his approach to the savanite's foot.

The cheetah girl squeaks in surprise. Apparently she's used to the rest. "I think you have the hang of it. Just be careful if your client is ticklish."

Alptraum doesn't spend too much time doing this, just enough to tease the savanite a little. When he lowers her leg down, he then scoots himself bakc a foot or so. His legs unfold as he rises. Once upright, he bows slightly to Sepcha, then keeps his chin slightly lowered and folds his hands together, awaiting further direction.

This earns him a lick on the nose. "Sepcha, fetch a collar and skirt for our trainee, and then show him where to refill the cauldron, so that he can attend to his client," Pleione instructs.

Alptraum crouches down and picks up the cauldron. He nods once to Sepcha, indicating he is ready to follow, as well as indicating he recognizes she is of greater rank than he.

Sepcha first puts her skirt and collar back on, then wiggles her ears and doesn't seem to mind leading a naked man through the house, even if the cauldron does provide some modesty. She wiggles her finger in a 'follow me' gesture, and then sashays more that is entirely necessary.

"I like her," Alptraum decides as he follows the savanite, though he does keep the cauldron before himself to preserve some modesty, yes. Her sashays only encourage him to offer a rumbling purr of approval as they go. "And so much can be said without, well, saying anything!"

Sepcha leads Alptraum to the slave quarters, apparently. The rooms are simpler, and apparently meant to be shared by at least two people, from what he glimpses as they go past. She leads him through to where he can refill the cauldron: the baths. This is when he realizes the males and females have separate bathing areas, and Sepcha has brought him to the female one, of course. She points to the bath, which is a large group-sized affair. A naked Lapi girl, two more Savanites and a small, large-eared Zerda girl all watch him. And of course he'll have to expose himself to fill the cauldron.

Alptraum draws in a slow breath, then shakes his head slightly. He tilts it a bit and looks to Sepcha, then playfully sticks the tip of his tongue out at her! His ears wiggle, then he heads towards the bath. Though he can feel his ears warm, he tries not to show it as he lowers the caldron to fill it ... and fully exposes himself to the girls gathered. "I doubt I'll spend any time with any of them as ... I'm sure house rules do not permit any physical interaction," he thinks to himself, "So let them get frustrated too!"

It doesn't help that the Lapi flirts with him, via body language. Or else she really was just washing herself like that when Alptraum interrupted things. The other girls pick up on it, and start washing each other in ways that they probably wouldn't normally do.

This, of course, only encourages Alptraum to bend over further and flick his tail around in snakelike movement. He then purrs to the girls and flashes a small grin before he rises up and takes the cauldron with him. He turns and walks back to Sepcha, making sure to go slow and sway his tail 'just so' to his onlookers.

Sepcha seems very amused, and possibly impressed that Alptraum didn't 'lose control' from being exposed. She brings to the changing room next, which doubles as a laundry. There she fits him with a collar and skirt and anklets and bracelets.

The fitting is a bit ... weird, Alptraum finds out. Particularly when the collar 'snaps' snugly into place. "Well, at this point I am at their mercy," he realizes. "Until I run out of power ... they can just keep me. I know Pleione won't but ... woo, that's a worrying feeling!" He reaches up and rubs at it while Sepcha is fitting his skirt and anklets. He does have to stop when the bracelets are fitted, though. The tapping of her ear, though, momentarily confuses him. He reaches up to feel at his own curiously.

He can feel some of his ear-piercings, which he often forgets are there. But Tulani would recognize them for sure.

Alptraum chuffs softly, then gently unlocks their posts and tries to slip them out of his ears.

Sepcha holds out a small bag for him to put them in, and signs with her other hand, "I will bring them to Pleione's chamber."

"Thank you," Alptraum signs, "I should return there once I have finished with my client?"

"Yes. We should go back and fetch the rest of the supplies. I will carry them for you, if you carry the water," the girl signs, and starts back.. which means passing through the bath again, where the Lapi girl is leaning in the doorjamb and smiling.

Another chuff from the new savanite. He follows along behind Sepcha, head held high, proudly showing off his 'collar' to the lapi, as well as the jingle of his bracelet and anklets as he walks. When he passes the doe, his tail ever so lightly rubs against her leg and up it, only to slip away before it touches too much.

Of course, this earns Alptraum a pinch on the behind, since the skirts don't really protect from anyone reaching up under them!

And of all things, Alptraum just purrs smugly. He's going to have such fun tormenting Tulani! He's also come to appreciate that this place doesn't seem so bad to its servants ... and now doesn't feel guilty about indulging in them a bit more later. Might need it after Tulani is driven crazy, after all!

Back in Pleione's suite, Alptraum is looked over once more by the white Eeee. "Very presentable," she comments. "You will be called Arsenios while in this guise. Now, are you ready to hear the Code of Conduct?" she asks, almost purring.

Arsenios nods his head at that. "I am," he signs, "and while I remain in this body, I do wish to be treated as if I was owned by this house. So, please, tell me the code I must follow." His hands lower and he then lightly interlaces his fingers and tilts his head slightly, ears perked. His tail sways slightly nervously behind him, feeling rather vulnerable at the moment. He doesn't have the dagger, so he can't revert unless it just 'wears off'. So ... he is very much at their mercy for the time being.

"The first code here is: the customer is not always right," Pleione begins. "This means that they may request services which we do not endorse or offer, often relating to whatever beauty fad they subscribe to back home. We stick to the techniques that we know are effective, and do not cater to individual fetishes."

Arsenios' brow arches a bit at that and then nods. "Odd, but reasonable given some desires are crimes in some cities," he thinks, "Like ... well, much of what is done in Babel would be a crime just about anywhere else."

"Second Code: do not let the client control the process," the bat says, one finger raised up. "That means you must remain in the lead. If they balk at some procedure, you are to be gentle but insistent. This will usually involve disrobing the client, as they may be shy or unused to being touched. As a Savanite, you must convey a calm, relaxing demeanor - use your purr, appear docile, but do not follow commands that are contrary to your goal, unless the client requests a new attendant."

Arsenios' head tilts and the savanite swallows. For a few seconds he purrs, testing out the odd vocal chords he now has. When it ends, he reaches up and rubs his throat and quickly feels the band around his neck just over the poorly developed vocal cords of his body. Again he nods and lowers his hand.

"The third rule applies to all attendants, not just Savanites: keep communication to as simple a form as possible," Pleione explains. "Lead them with gesture or pose, or if necessary guide them directly with your hands. Emotional communication is the primary goal, such as in dance. The client is here to be put at ease, to forget the stresses of their life and be tended to in a way that makes them feel special. Not to chit-chat about the weather, or their children or the current fashions. Some will try to engage you in conversation, but you must resist beyond simple nods or facial gestures."

"Wow, no communication in sign or much else. Simple gestures," Arsenios thinks, "That will be ... difficult. I think I can manage it ... but the urge to try and 'talk' isn't going to be easy to ignore." Again he lifts his hands and looks at them; his current only means to communicate. He takes a deep breath, then releases it slowly. Pleione is then greeted with a sift feline smile and a slight bow of his head.

"The final and most important code is that of intimacy," the trainer notes next. "While you are permitted to touch the client, often in a sensual manner, the opposite does not hold; they may not return such touch, even if they - or you - are aroused. If things seem to be coming to a head, switch off with your partner. This will be Sepcha in your case, Arsenios. She will be waiting just outside the bower to assist you when needed. If you find yourself in a state where you cannot 'calm down' then you should return here. Do you have any questions?"

Arsenios thinks for a moment. Since he is not with clients, he dares to sign here. "Are there any rules I should be aware of when interacting with other servants? Also, since I am new, am I expected to defer to requests of other servants, or are you and the owners the only ones I am required to obey in all things?" he signs.

"For now you should follow the requests of other servants," Pleione says, nodding at the question. "They know the routines and can provide further guidelines. Otherwise you do not need to show any special deference to them."

Arsenios nods at that. "Do the intimacy rules also apply to the other servants?" he signs.

"As in, servants are not allowed to be sensual with each other," Arsenios clarifies.

Pleione blinks at that. "What an odd notion," she comments. "Such a restriction would lead to very high stress levels among the attendants, I would imagine. The servants may engage in whatever activities they see fit when not on duty, although unscheduled pregnancies are frowned upon."

"That is also good to know. It is better to ask than make a mistake. As for pregnancies ... I am not that virile," Arsenios signs, his ears then wiggle briefly. "Is there anything more you wish of me, or should I go with Sepcha? And ... does she have other clients today I will be expected to help her with? Or am I to solely focus upon Tulani?"

"We will see how well you do with Tulani first," Pleione says. "Then you may be assigned in an assistant capacity to others, in order to learn from observation."

Arsenios nods. "Will you keep my belongings safe while I am on duty?" he signs and motions towards the small lack that contains his dagger and the light clothing he was dressed in earlier, "Or should I take it someplace else?"

"It will be safe with me," Pleione notes. "Servants have few personal belongings and are used to sharing what they need from a common supply."

"Then I leave my life in your hands," Arsenios signs. He keels down on one knee, then takes Pleione's hand in his. It's lifted then gently pressed against Arsenios' lips in a light kiss. He releases it and then rises. No further sign comes, now he motions towards the door back out where Sepcha is waiting for him, then arches his brow as if asking if he is dismissed.

Arsenios smiles and bows slightly in deference to Pleione. He turns and walks out of her chambers to join Sepcha. It's funny the things people think of, though ... because he suddenly strikes him how weird it now feels walking as a male ... in a skirt. Things move /very/ freely/, a sensation he has all but forgotten.

Sepcha smiles and takes up the bucket of bathing supplies again, leaving the heavier water filled tub for Arsenios. A tilt of her head and a curl of her tail are all that's needed to indicate 'follow me' while her hands are full.

Arsenios picks up the tub and shifts until he finds a comfortable way to carry it. A soft rumble-purr, short, comes from his throat in reply to her request. He takes up walking just slightly behind her so that he can see her tail and watch for other cues on what he should do.

The way back to the original bower isn't complicated, even though Arsenios last walked it on different feet. Tulani is stretched out on one of the lounges, still asleep from the initial massage treatments. Laying on her belly, she presents an odd image in the dimly lit bower, if only for a moment: until his eyes adjust, Arsenios sees the Sphynx as disembodied white wings and hair hovering in black space. Even the silver highlights of her skirt are lost against the contrast of her wings. The feline purrs deeply in her sleep.

Arsenios quietly sets the tub down in the center of the bower. The savanite looks to Sepcha, then nods once towards Tulani and motions to himself as if asking should he make the approach to the sleeping feline.

The female Savanite nods, and sets down the supplies. The way she does it seems to say; go on, if you need help I'm here.

Arsenios pads quietly to the side of the lounger that Tulani lays upon. His legs fold up slowly beneath him as he lowers down to kneel beside her. He looks along her body once, then draws in a breath and starts purring softly, synchronizing his purr with hers as much as he can. From there he's extremely gentle; he reaches out and starts petting along her wings, trying to rouse her slowly through a light touch. His other hand comes up and starts petting along the back of her head and neck as well. His own spotted tail curls lightly around his folded legs.

It works, eventually. Tulani twitches here and there, before finally extending her arms and legs in a stretch while silently yawning. She turns her head to notice the cheetahs, and blinks a few times. "Hello?" she asks. "Am I being evicted?"

Arsenios smiles and shakes his head slowly. He eases one hand lightly under her chin and the other under her shoulder as he gently tries to encourage her to sit up. His purr never stops throughout this.

Tulani does get the gist, and sits up. Then she curls her wings around a bit, realizing she's only wearing the ornate nipple shields and the wrap-around mini-skirt. "Umm, I see you've brought a tub of water," she notes.

Arsenios' head dips slightly as he brings his hands around and gently, but insistently keeps her wings from covering up her body. He does draw back one hand and brings it to his chest, just over his heart, then motions back towards the tub. His brow goes up a little bit, looking somehow innocent and hopeful, then motions back to her, then to the tub. He waits a few seconds, then rises to his feet and offers his hands to her to help her up.

The Sphynx is suddenly demure at this, but does let herself be guided up and over to the tub. "Do I just.. stand in it?" she asks, since it's clearly to small for her to even sit in comfortably.

Arsenios brings his hand up and taps her lips softly. He lowers back down and brings his hands to her hips. Once there he unties the light skirt and slips it off her hips without giving her much time to protest. Purring all the while, he folds up the skirt into a near square and places it on the lounger.

Tulani freezes as Arsenios works, but the purring helps, since she's still purring as well. It may also help that Sepcha is sitting there patiently, like a chaperone.

Arsenios rises and leans in. With gentle licks he loosens up each of the shields and then lightly tugs them from Tulani's chest. Those too are set on the lounger, next to the folded skirt. Purring all the while he now returns to Tulani and extends both of his hands to her, then nods towards the tub in offer to help her step in.

The woman squeaks slightly at the licks, but does take the offered hands and steps into the water. "It's warm," she notes, maybe just to have something to say. And having her hands held keeps her from wrapping them around herself.

Arsenios holds her hands until it seems that she won't immediately cover herself when he lets go. Once he does, though, he goes and gets the soft sponge-brush. His movements are slow and deliberate; right down to how he bends over so that Tulani can see the shape of his back, bottom, and even slightly beneath his own skirt. The savanite rises and looks over his shoulder, letting his purr-volume grow for only a moment. He turns gracefully, then circles around Tulani so that he's standing behind her.

It takes a moment for Tulani to stop trying to turn as well, or figure out what to do with her wings. At the moment, her white hair is just spilling down her back and shoulders, and her tail swishes with a bit of anxiousness. She turns her head at least to try and keep an eye on the cheetah.

Arsenios gently spreads Tulani's wings so that her back is exposed before he crouches down and wets the sponge. When he rises, he smiles to Tulani when he sees her watching and lifts the sponge. He nods towards her head then brings it up. As it presses against the back of her head, its contents of warm water oozes out and flows down between, and a little over, her wings.

This causes a shiver to roll down the cat's spine, and spread out along her wings as well until the tips flick. "That almost tickles," Tulani mock-complains. But now that she seems to know what's in store, she's more relaxed.

Arsenios, being a little devious, leans in and licks the back of her neck to make her shiver again. The savantine then draws in closer and brings his lanky arms around her by bringing then up under her wings. The sponge is places at her collawbone and pressed down, letting the warm water run down her front now. He's neatly between her wings now and his purr is soft and constant with his chin resting lightly against her cheek.

This is a bit more than Tulani was expecting! She reaches up rest her hands on the cheetah's forearms.

Arsenios pauses and purrs for a bit before he resumes. His movement is slow and gentle, the sponge sliding along her upper body, following the growth patters of her pelt. He's never forceful,just insistent, if Tulani's hands tense up while he works. He'll slow down but never quite stop and at those times, his purr increases slightly as if to reassure her.

Eventually, Tulani lets herself get into it, leaning back against the cheetah's chest to take some of the strain off her back, even. Sepcha keeps her attention from time to time, as she sets out the various combs and oils for later use.

Arsenios' very much plays the role of an known gently guiding Tulani into a state of bliss. He bathes her just as Pleione instructed, top down and as often from behind as he can manage. Here and there the savanite even uses his tongue in a traditional feline way to assist the sponge as he works. Once time he licked down each of her arms. Another along her neck, and then another over her chest. It's amazing how long being thorough and gentle can take, because an hour passes before the sponge is finally set aside and he walks around to face Tulani. Again he offers his hands to her to help her out of the tub. That gentle smile remains on his face and his tail flicks gently behind him.

"Inala would be proud, I think. Bringing Tulani pleasure like this," Arsenios thinks, "Her Daughters aren't all bad; Pleione has shown me something very useful."

Tulani is smiling and purring louder by this point, and the purr is one of... interest. There have been a few times where Arsenios has had to slips away from exploring fingers, without it turning into a 'catch me if you can' game.

Arsenios tries not to react to the purr from Tulani, secretly thankful that when he returns to male his male 'instinct' is usually suppressed for a time. He guides her out of the tub and once more turns and bends over to fetch a towel, briefly letting Tulani see his sleek form. When he rises he has towel in hand ... and it's once more that he draws close to her to gently dry off her body as much as he can. Being a little damp is good because it does help spread the oils that are to come.

The Sphinx can't resist, and uses her feathers to try and tickle the cheetah when he's not expecting it!

That naturally elicits a surprised bark from Arsenios! He covers his muzzle with his towel, looking embarrassed. When he faces Tulani again, he waggles one finger at her playfully in mock admonishment. Trying to play off the tickling, he tries to guide her back to sit on the edge of the lounger.

Tulani stands a little straighter, and grins in that feline way to indicate she's scored a subtle victory.

Arsenios wiggles his ears and guides her to the lounge. There he presses lightly, but firmly, on her shoulders to get her to sit on the edge. Once she's finally sitting, he goes and fetches the oils and brushes. The savanite returns and kneels down between Tulani's legs! He smiles up at her, purring softly, and making sure the collar he wears can be seen. The next thing he does is then lightly reach up and run his thumbs down her forehead to ger her to close her eyes.

Tulani's eyes don't seem to want to close, and she wiggles teasingly - and that's what does it. There's a 'click' in Arsenios' head, and suddenly everything connects up again. It's as if every lustful desire he's ever harbored for Tulani is now pounding on the door of his consciousness, demanding attention!

Arsenios has to pause there and take several long, deep, breaths and try to push that urge away! "Calm down, calm down," he thinks to himself repeatedly, his own eyes close so he's not looking at her! "If I don't calm down, I have to leave! If I don't calm down, it'll draw Inala to me!"

It's an effort, but Arsenios manages not to betray his feelings - which is good, because the wrap around skirt would not be able to hide that sort of evidence. The pause and breathing does earn him a curious look from the Sphynx (and Sepcha) however.

Arsenios' eyes finally open and he clicks his tongue at her, then resumes the soft purr. Up his hands come and he once more tries to get her to close her eyes. "That was close," he thinks worriedly to himself.

Tulani seems suspicious, but does close her eyes with more coaxing. This has the added benefit of keeping her hands from wandering as well - although her tail still causes trouble now and then.

And there Arsenios purrs softly. The time has come for the brushwork and the oils. This is done with a delicate touch and he also finds himself thankful that so much focus keeps other things at bay while he works. Like the bath, he works head-downward, careful to comb the scented oils throughout her body and always following in the direction of growth. Soon it becomes time to replace her shields ... and he does that much like Sepcha did to Tulani when they were placed earlier, a little massage, then a light lick to get things ... perky. The brush of spirit gum follows and each shield is gently pressed back into place on her body.

The Sphynx's hands come into play again, trying wrap around Arsenios's back when he licks, or rub his neck. She's also begun rubbing her legs up against him as well, which is very distracting.

Arsenios continues that purr, but he does sit back when the rubbing starts. He reaches up and lightly takes each of Tulani's wrists and tries to guide them back to her sides. "I don't know who this is worse for. Me or her," he thinks. "I may finally have her, and I can't have her! Which is good because doing such in a duplicitious way like this wouldn't be right anyway..."

Sepcha helpfully refills the oil cups and exchanges used combs for fresh ones, all while giving Arsenios an encouraging smile as he resists the wigglesome charms of his client.

Arsenios does give Sepcha a look as he tries to ask 'did I forget anything'? When it seems like Tulani might behave again, he finally lets her wrists go and sits back. Now the combing starts on Tulani's lower half, starting at her hips and working downward. He's a bit nervous at this because, well, he has to comb certain areas ... but he tries to do it without seemingly nervous. Again, having focus on the task helps a bit.

There's no keeping Tulani's eyes closed for this; she actually tries to prop herself up on her elbows to watch! "Nobody's ever groomed my private areas before," she notes with a purr.

And Arsenios leans in and licks there. Just once, to tease her. He sits back, purring softly, and just keeps on combing the oils through. Down each leg he works now. He also ponders just how to do her feet and thinks back to Pleione's lessons.

There's a stirring, right after that lick. Arsenios can taste Tulani's receptivity and mood - something inherent in being a feline, perhaps? It's harder to hide the reaction this time, because there is one - but not a full one.

There's a stutter in Arsenios' purr and his own toes wiggle. "Calm down, calm calm, do something to calm! he thinks quickly. So ... he decides to do something that he hopes will distract him! He gently lifts up one of her legs and starts tending to Tulani's feet ... using his tongue. He's hoping the taste will mute the reaction ... and distract Tulani from noticing his reaction!

The laughter helps Arsenios calm down ... and soon he is releasing her feet. The savanite now looks back to Sepcha to see if she indicates there is more he should do before he dresses her again.

Sepcha holds her hand out flat, then flips it over palm up, curling one finger in and out like a tail.

"Right, her tail," Arsenios thinks. He rises, only to slide onto the lounge next to Tulani. It's here he lifts Tulani's tail into his own lap and takes one of the yet unused combs. A gentle combing of oil along the length of Tulani's tail begins, the savanite once more purring softly and calmly. "If I ever need to hide somewhere, I could always become savanite and just stay here," he thinks to himself, amused with the idea.

The tail grooming makes Tulani turn onto her side, at least. It also seems to work for calming her down a little, if she's not actually facing her groomer.

Arsenios takes extra time grooming Tulani's tail. When he reaches the point it joins with her body, well, he's thorough there ... with both the combing, the oil, and even massaging Tulani's backside. "I have to admit, even though I can't be fully intimate with her ... I like this," the savanite thinks. "Long and exploring. I'll just ... need a cold bath later."

Tulani's purring begins to change, becoming deeper and more drawn out. Apparently she finds butt-massages very relaxing, since she's nearly ready to fall asleep from it.

And so ... Arsenios continues that, trying to lull Tulani to sleep as it will make 'escaping' that much easier. He purrs encouraginly to her as he continues, listening for signs that she has fallen asleep.

When Tulani's tail finally stops moving, her wings droop and she curls up a bit on the lounge it's clear that she's gone back into nap-mode - at least until she gets hungry. And she didn't even ask where Nicora went!

Arsenios drapes Tulani's skirt over her hips to preserve her modesty, then eases himself off the lounger and collects the remaining combs and oils. Those he offers to Sepcha, and tilts his head curiously to see if she appraises his work any.

Sepcha grins at Arsenious, and glances at his skirt to let him know she noticed some things. Otherwise she doesn't seem to have any criticisms.

Arsenios leans over and play-nips Sepcha's cheek, then collects the heavy water-tub. It's now his turn to nod towards the bower exit and curl his tail to indicate that she follow him. "Back to Pleione. I think she'll be impressed!" he thinks.

Sepcha follows along, and seems content not to tell Arsenios that he can dump out the used bathwater instead of lugging it back. Pleione is in her room, along with the Lapi servant from the bath. "Ah, I do not see or smell blood, so I assume things went as you hoped?" the Eeee asks the temporary cheetah.

Arsenios smiles at that and nods his head to Pleione. Even with his hands occupied, he doesn't have the urge to sign the answer to that question. So, he accentuates it with a short purr.

"You don't have to carry the used bathwater though," Pleione points out, while the Lapi doe covers her muzzle with her hands.

Arsenios' eyes flick briefly, looking for his belongings too, just to make sure they're still here! That comment causes Arsenios to look at Sepcha. His jaw rolls, then he sticks his tongue out at her!

Arsenios rolls his eyes and shakes his head. He starts lugging the bath back to the area he got it so he can empty it out. "At least they're not too serious about everything!" he decides on the way.

"So, do you enjoy bathing girls then?" asks a soft voice, as apparently the doe followed Arsenios back to the bath area - either to keep an eye on him, or just out of curiosity.

Arsenios pauses and looks over his shoulder. He grins and wiggles his brow and ears in response to that, possibly answering that yes, he does. Then he resumes walking so that he can get rid of the tub.

The doe follows along, right on his tail. "You seem pretty calm," she points out. "Most first timers get really worked up. Done this before have you?"

Arsenios pours out the tub and finally sets it aside to free up his hands. "I have had a few experiences that have taught me how to keep things a little under control. It's all about finding a way to distract yourself when the urges start," he finally signs to the doe and smiles to her. "And I must admit it came close a few times to some things rising to the occasion back there" He reaches up and rubs at his collar for a moment, then adds, "But ... as long as I wear this, I don't want to disobey any house rules."

The doe leans in and sniffs at Arsenios' breath. "Hmmm, I can smell some of that still on your breath," she claims. "I am Moina, and I will be looking after you the rest of the day," the doe says. "I'm to get you settled in, show you where things are, and make sure you keep clean and fit."

This causes Arsenios to blink. The comment about staying clean and fit is ... odd if he is to only be this way for a day. Feeling slightly worried, he tries not to show it. "Ah, you are my instructor now?" he signs, head tilting, "What do you wish for me to do now? Or show me? I place myself in your hands."

"We need to evaluate where your skills lie," the bunny says, and gestures for the cheetah to follow her into an adjoining hall. After passing a few archways, Moina turns into a room full of racks and shelves and stands holding various different musical instruments.

Arsenios follows along. This is more worrying, because skill evaluation does seem to imply they expect him to stay. This must just be part of keeping the appearance. Surely Pleione isn't really planning to keep him. Once they're in the music room, he looks around and smiles; he's always liked music.

"Now, do you play any instruments?" the doe asks, gesturing the various musical equipment on display.

Arsenios looks for an instrument similar to a recorder. It takes a bit of searching, but he does manage to find a reed-flute that is close to what he is used to. He licks lightly over his lips, then brings it up and plays a short tune on it. It starts with a test of the tone scale, then once he's got a grip on its range, plays about thirty-seconds of one of the songs he learned from Galand.

"Hmmm, very good," Moina says, then asks, "but have you played with others, or only solo?"

Arsenios sets it aside. "I have played with others. Not often, but I have," he signs.

The doe turns and bends over to pick up a small hand-harp. "Let's try something simple then; background music," she says after straightening back up. She gestures to a small couch, then sits on one end of it. "All you have to do is accompany me."

Arsenios heads to the couch and settles himself upon it a few feet away from Moina. He nods to her to begin so that he can hear the basic pattern that she wishes to use as background music so that he can figure out a complimentary tone to go with it.

The doe seems to just lightly strum her instrument, setting a simple rhythm that might go well with the sound of running water.

Arsenios nods, then raises the instrument to his lips. HE trails her playing by half a step, the tones flowing, almost mimicing how she strums ... but different enough to not be lost with the harp. He also finds this is very relaxing, his nervous worry fading as he plays along with the doe. There comes a point he even sways slightly with the music, his body rolling like running water itself.

Moina leads things for awhile, until it all flows together very naturally and Arsenios can feel when she's going to scale up or down or alter the pace slightly. The doe also closes her eyes and seems very happy with the music.

It's not long before Arsenios' own eyes close and the pair play in tandem, each complimenting the other. "This is really nice," he thinks to himself as he plays. "She is good ... but she isn't driving. It is easy to play with her. Pleione chose a good instructor for me."

After what seems like an arbitrary amount of time, the doe finishes playing, then opens her eyes to look at the cheetah. "How dry are you after that? It was long enough to complement a meal, which is good," she says.

Arsenios' eyes open and he licks his lips. "I am a little dry, but not uncomfortably so," he signs and lays the instrument in his lap. "And if I may ask, what did Pleione tell you of me?"

"You're new, to be tested out," Moina notes, setting aside her harp and setting her hands in her lap. "Your status isn't determined yet, so I can't say if you'll be staying or just training. Are you privately owned already, and just here for training?"

"/I believe I am being considered as a possible purchase,/" Arsenios claims in sign, "/And have been sent here to see if I can excel ... and increase the bidding for me. From what I have seen of this place, I would not mind belonging here as an outcome and perhaps they will bid for me. Everyone seems to be treated very well."

"Oh, well perhaps you will be lucky then," Moina says, then grins and puts a hand on the cheetah's leg. "We don't often get fresh faces here, after all.."

Arsenios purrs softly and smiles to the doe. "I already feel lucky to have a gentle instructor," he signs to the doe. "I will do my best for you and whatever it is you ask me to do. If I make any mistakes, please correct me immediately; I do not wish to continue to make them."

"Well, I think you should get some food into you by now," the doe notes. "For the time being, you'll sleep in my room, so I'll show you where that is on the way." She pats Arsenios' leg and then stands up.

"Do you have any suggestions of dealing with urges when I am tending to women?" Arsenios signs as he stands and prepares to follow. "I was able to stop it this time, but it came very close. Are there techniques used here I could benefit from?"

"There are preventative measures," Moina explains. As she leads the way out into the hall once more. It isn't far before she pulls aside a heavy curtain to reveal a small room. There's a window to let in light, a bed that might be just a big, flat pillow and a few nick-nacks - including a painting of the garden on one wall.

"What kind of measures?" Arsenios signs the question. He then steps into the small room and peers around, his small ears flicking. HE also can't help but smile in a genuine way. It's somewhat better than the bed and home on wheels he had growing up. It is simple, but that's okay. It shows they are treated well here. "You have a nice room," he signs as he looks back to the doe. "I hope I will not be an inconvenience."

"Hmm." The doe tilts her head to the left, flopping her ears over, then back to the right as she seems to size up the cheetah. "Here, lie down so I can make sure you actually fit," she says, gesturing to the pillow-bed.

Arsenios drops to his hand and knees, then crawls onto the pillow-bed. He scoots himself so his back is against the wall and half-curls up on the bed, hopefully leaving room for her.

And he can't help himself, he looks up at Moina and flutters his eyes and ears at her, then becons with a slowly curling finger.

Once Moina is satisfied that no long limbs are going to be flopping over the edge, she sits in the middle and then tries to find a comfortable position against the cheetah. "For the time being, I will be your prevention," she says. "Come to me every few hours for mating, and that should prevent you from building up tension when you work."

Arsenios drapes his arm lightly over Moina once she has settled herself back against him. The comment about mating makes him blink a few times. "Mate with you every few hours?" he signs with that arm since it's in view of her eyes. "Well ... that does seem better than being fitted with uncomfortable equipment ... or worse, snipped like some slaves have been to remove urges."

"Well, slaves are expensive.. you wouldn't want to damage a good one that might be able to provide more in time," the doe points out with a smirk. "Now.. do you bite? I know cats like to bite the back of the neck, but that makes me kick, so.. you're warned."

"I can bite and I have the urge to ... but I can control it," Arsenios claims in sign. "I promise to be gentle with you; I have heard your kind can spook if things get rough."

"Oh, we can be pretty vigorous too!" Moina claims. "But it sounds like you've never been with a Lapi, which is understandable. I will try not to ruin you for your own kind."

"Should we eat first, then? It sounds like you want to be pretty .. vigorous?" Arsenios signs the question while he licks along one of the doe's ears. "We may need the energy."

"Yes, although I probably won't eat with you," the bunny notes, sitting up again. "I find it mildly disturbing to watch others eating meat."

"Understandable," Arsenios signs and sits up with the doe. "Lets go eat? I'm looking forward to getting to know my trainer better afterward." His ears even wiggle at that.