A little help from the Light of Nala, courtesy of Tulani, recharges Nicora's 'battery' after all of the transformations, and the whole time the Sphynx can't help but grin at the Eeee's predicament. "If I had gotten a gold piercing like you kept pushing me too, I'd probably have the same issue when I changed," she notes.
"If? I still think you should," Nicora says as she practically glares at Tulani. "Why should I have all the fun? Or are you just ready to concede I'm better?"
"Better at what?" Tulani asks innocently, sheathing her magic saber.
"Everything! I continually improve my limits so I'm prepared," Nicora claims.
"Prepared?" Tulani asks, smirking now. "Where you prepared to be sent into rut by a bit of gold?"
"I am now," Nicora claims and crosses her arms. "You are just impossible and frustrating. You ignore me forever, then go dance with Gamal. Hmf."
"What do you mean I ignore you?" Tulani asks, putting her hands on her hips. "You disappeared in Olympia, and most of your time here has been spent with Lord Kazuhiko.. and he gave you a gift, too!"
"I had a mission in Olympia," Nicora points out. "I was working while you just laid about. As for here, have you seen the gift? It's ... hard to describe."
"I've seen the box," Tulani points out. "It's big and fancy. What was in it? Exotic candy? Gold beads?" she asks, ".. fish?"
"A book," Nicora answers.
The Sphynx looks skeptical. "A book? What kind of book?" she asks.
And since she asked, Nicora goes and fetches the box in question. She carefully opens the lid and lifts out the gold-leaf covered manuscript. "Now be careful with it, it's expensive," she explains as she offers the book to Tulani.
"I'm not clumsy," Tulani says, and sets the book in her lap before reading the cover. Then she gives Nicora a look. "So, he gave you this so you'd be better prepared next time?" she asks coyly, and then leafs through the tome. "You aren't in any of these illustrations."
Nicora spreads her hands. "I have no idea why he gave it to me," she admits, "He was here to publish that. So he wrote it long before he knew me. And ... you seem to be interested in it, yourself."
"The artwork is very well done," Tulani claims, and closes the book. "It seems to assume everyone has a prehensile tail strong enough to lift things though."
Nicora collects the book and puts it back in its box. "Yes, well, not many do. I'm not sure what I'll do with the book, truth be told. Maybe just keep it and sell it some day when it becomes really valuable," she says.
"Not going to give it to the Countess then?" Tulani asks, grinning again. "Imagine explaining how you got it!"
"What? I can claim I bought it," Nicora points out as she playfully swats Tulani. "It's more likely I'll die on this trip anyway. If I somehow survive I'll figure something out then."
"You're just going to talk to your father," the Sphynx notes. "In disguise no less. It isn't like there is a cabal of assassins that have been tracking your down to use as leverage against your dad!"
"Don't count on it. You're safe, I'm the one who has numerous enemies," Nicora says as she shrugs. "And various errands to do in areas that are deadly."
"Who are your enemies then?" Tulani asks. "I can probably help after all."
"Certain factions of the Yodhsunala, for one. Any group that opposes my father, if they even know of me," Nicora notes, "Down to jus the street thugs who are out to get anyone."
"Anything iron," Nicora adds, sighing, "And anyone with a cute butt that shakes it at me."
"Well, we can avoid the shady areas, I'm sure," the Sphynx notes, waving a hand. "Anyway, our flight doesn't leave until this evening, so we've got most of the day still if you want to do anything. When was the last time you ate.. as yourself?"
"Over a day," Nicora admits. "It's hard to eat when you're a vampire. As for what I was going to do, I considered going back to Hayfa's shop to try and find a better way to keep my hormonal issues in better check. Otherwise i have nothing planned."
This gets the Sphynx's ears perked. "How do you think she can keep your 'urges' in check? Aren't they result of a deal with Inala?" she asks.
"Discomfort, for one," Nicora notes, "And ... additions that can keep me, ah, locked up, so to speak. You know, like a chastity belt or similar, so that the urges pass before I could get in the position to try and satisfy them."
The cat puts a hand to her muzzle to try and hide her urge to laugh. "Oh," she says, her eyes twinkling. "What about.. the other entries?"
"The other entries?" Nicora asks, brow arching.
"I mean, just closing up one won't stop you," Tulani points out. "I've known plenty of sailors who prefer the others, since... well, since they don't get to spend a lot of time with actual females very often," she explains. Then further explains, "That is I know them as fellow sailors! Not from experience!"
"Sure you don't. Never tried it at all?" Nicora taunts. "And I don't see how those would satisfy my urges which are what I'm trying to suppress!"
"Wouldn't that be insulting Inala though?" Tulani asks. "Maybe Mave has a more reasonable way to do it."
"Bah. At least the way I'm thinking would be pretty," Nicora points out and then grumbles. "I think I'll go find food."
"Need any help?" Tulani asks. "Or are you just going to put the bite on Gamal?"
"Probably not him, no. I can go see if Mave would share some blood. I'm not comfortable telling Gamal that I'm a vampire," Nicora admits.
"You'll sleep with him as a dragon AND as an Eeee, but you think being a vampire will freak him out?" the Sphynx asks, head tilted.
"People are weird about that. The illusion and game is fine, but a real vampire tends to freak people out," Nicora says and shrugs. "Or is it you want to watch him freak out when I ask him?"
"Well, I'm from Sylvania too.. vampires are just people who don't go to the farmer's market," Tulani notes. "I can't say I know what the deal is in Abu Dhabi. So.. I won't mention it if you don't want him to know."
Nicora considers, then shrugs. "I'll go ask him. If he alerts some guards and they gut me, so be it," she remarks rather dryly, then heads out of the room.
A few quick inquiries lead Nicora to Mave's room, where she finds the Yodhinala and her son talking quietly over a sealed wooden box.
Nicora knocks lightly on the door frame. "Excuse me. If I'm interrupting I can come back later," she says quietly, trying not to disturb the other two Eeees too much.
"Please come in, Nicora," Mave says, patting the place next to her on the bed. "We were just reminiscing a bit."
"Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother," Nicora says as she heads over to the bed, then sits down in the indicated spot. "I came to see about, well, breakfast."
"I can get you something from the kitchen," Gamal offers. From her new spot next to Mave, Nicora can see the recently-added mark of Sunala on one end of the box, which is about three feet long and only one foot wide and thick, and looks like it's nearly a solid piece.
"I can't eat from the kitchen," Nicora admits as she can't help herself and looks at the box. It doesn't do much to improve her mood. "Your mother has been kind and has kept my secret well, but there is only so long I can go. Forgive me for not telling you this earlier Gamal, but I'm a vampire. Onyl when shifted can I eat, well, like I'm normal. When I'm in my natural form, I need blood."
"Do.. do you drink all of a person's blood?" Gamal asks, his eyes wide.
"Ah, not even if I haven't eaten for a week would I be able to do that," Nicora says. "A normal meal is about a cup's worth of blood."
"Gamal will be your provider this time," Mave says. "It is important for him to experience these things, and he is young and energetic."
"Really?" Gamal asks, as if he's just been offered a present. "Is it nice?"
"It's ... different. There is a bit of pain at the beginning. That fades pretty fast because, well, our saliva has a bit of a numbing effect. After that it becomes quite enjoyable," Nicora tries to explain after some thought. "At least that has been my experience. The small wounds I can heal for you, it won't scar. You might feel a bit lightheaded for a couple hours afterward, though."
"It sounds like drinking wine," the young bat says.
"It's not quite the same as that, but I'm not sure how else to describe it," Nicora admits.
"You will recover quickly after eating," Mave notes, and produces a towel, in case there is anything to wipe up.
The boy seems a bit more excited now. "Do I sit in your lap?" he asks Nicora. "Do you bite with your tail or your mouth?"
"Usually the woman sits in the male's lap, regardless of who the vampire is," Nicora explains. "And yes, with my mouth. My tail can't swallow, even if it does bite. I guess you want to be different and sit in my lap?"
"I'm just not sure," Gamal says. "I guess if you sit in my lap though, then it's not going to make me pass out, so that seems good! And I like you in my lap anyway." He winks.
"You don't have to do this," Nicora offers one last time before she slides herself over on the bed, then gingerly up into Gamal's lap. "Last chance to back out."
"Last chance to ever get to do it though too," Gamal says. "How often will a vampire come through here? Life is meant to be experienced and embraced, especially new things!" He jingles his wings, before wrapping them around Nicora in a hug. Of course, being in his lap does cause a tingle.. but it's possible that even the Blessing has its limits, and even transformed to 'normal' Nicora needs recovery time.
"The things you have already done quite exceed being nibbled on," Nicora points out as she flicks one of the rings in his wings since they're around her. "Now, you do need to hold still," she adds as she cups under his chin and gently nudges him to tilt his head to expose one side of his neck. She waits for a few seconds to see if he declines, then leans her head down. Her fangs prick, giving him warning of what is about to come ... and then she bites down firmly. Another period of waiting ensues to give Gamal time to adjust before she begins to feed on his blood by gently nursing on the wound.
It's hard for Gamal not to squirm, a little to excited to relax.. until he has to relax from the slight drop in blood pressure. And he does taste good. Maybe it's the spicy Abu Dhabi diet, or his youth, or the fizz of hormones - or just that he's an Eeee.
It's not a lot of blood, but it does take Nicora some time to eat. She's trying to be gentle about it since in this sense he's still a virgin. When she finally releases, she brings her hand up and claps it over the two small puncture marks. She owes Tulani some thinks now, since her recharge makes it possible for her to expend a little energy to get the two punctures to seal up without scarring. "You would be considered a delicacy in a harem of vampires," she teases lightly.
"Vampires have harems?" Gamal asks, a little woozily. "A harem.."
"He is obsessed with harems," Mave notes. "Thank you for being gentle with him. It was interesting to watch."
"Not really. I was speaking hypothetically," Nicora admits as she slips out of his lap, "And you might want to lay back." To Mave she asks, "Why is he obsessed with harems?"
There's a 'flumph' as Gamal lies back onto the bed. "He is a young man in Abu Dhabi," Mave notes. "To own a harem means you are necessarily wealthy and successful. For a young girl, to be chosen for a harem - is to belong to a wealthy and successful household."
"While women do not have harems in Abu Dhabi, it is still a popular fantasy," the Yodh adds.
"Things would probably be easier for me if I was just a harem girl. My life is overly complicated," Nicora admits and shrugs. "And oh, Tulani says we are leaving tonight, so be sure to be packed. I am also sorry about your daughter."
Mave runs her fingers across the wooden box. "It was.. difficult to get her remains. I am comforted that they were not cremated or disposed of."
"If there is anything you need me to do, please ask. If not, then forgive me for asking again," Nicora says. "I know you have told me I would not have liked her. That does not change that she was your daughter and you cared for her and it is why I have offered."
"And is there anything you wish me to get for you before we leave? Packing shouldn't take me long, I barely unpacked as it is," Nicora adds.
The white Eeee is silent for a moment, before she says, "I gave her more than I did to any of my other children. I raised her. The children I left behind have done better without me. I can think of nothing that I need here. How have you been? I have been caught up in my own doings and only know that the dragon gambit made Lord Kazuhiko happy."
"Don't blame yourself for her death. Something I learned a long time ago is life is never fair. Good people die, as well as bad. Many injustices never find peace and I have seen more than my share of those. It is the simple reality in which we live," Nicora says and shrugs. The question, though, gives her pause. "The dragon gambit caused me much stress. He was quite demanding," she admits. "Plus I bought a few more bits of jewelry, just to try something new. I guess I do sometimes follow Gamal's own belief on life is about experiences." She brings one of her wings around so Mave can see the rings in its tips.
Mave smiles and feels the rings with her fingers. "You don't notice the significance of the design unless you get close," she says. Then she meets Nicora's eyes, and explains, "I do not feel bad over Gariazadze's death. I feel bad over her life. I am prouder of the children I invested less in, who had to find their own way."
"then perhaps you don't see enough worth in yourself. I know you have done many things that would be considered questionable," Nicora says, "But, I have also seen good sides of you. I don't know if there is any more i can say other than try not to judge yourself too harshly." She shakes her head a bit before she has to ask, "Perhaps I am stupid, but what is the significance of the design, other than being reptilian in nature?"
"It is biting its own tail," Mave notes of the ring. "There is no way for it not too, of course, and still be a ring, but it is also a symbol of immortality or renewal."
"Oh, right. Sort of ironic for one who deals mostly in ends," Nicora says and shrugs. "It was a .. whim. So was the other one I had done. It turned out to be a mistake, at least in terms of taking on a dragon form."
"The other one?" Mave asks, and glances at her napping son. "Something Gamal suggested?"
Nicora rubs her forehead. It takes her a good minute to get enough courage to loosen her robe enough to part it and then show Mave the glint of a gold ring through a very delicate part of her body. "That one," she says.
Mave can't help but smirk, and ask, "What effect does it have on a dragon, that it does not have on you?" She does reach down to flick it of course, to see how easily it moves.
Nicora twitches and then has to draw a breath. "On a dragon it creates a state of constant arousal and need. Beyond anything I have ever felt," she admits. "On me ... I admit I like how it looks and knowing I have a little hidden surprise felt exciting at the time. I considered a couple more, but." She shrugs a bit. "I'm just being foolish."
"Well, I can see how one with such dark fur and skin might want to add a bit of color, or other defining details to make it stand out," Mave notes. "Inala's Temple often had small charms that could be affixed, to promote pleasure and fertility, or rejuvenate the area after childbirth."
"I was considering a couple more along the edge to outline the passage of life as well as surprise those who come to bed with me, but," Nicora adds, then shrugs again. "I am exploring too much of this body and finding too much enjoyment of my sexuality."
"Too much?" Mave asks. "How do you define too much?"
"I embrace it at every opportunity," Nicora explains as she looks down. "I've done things I never imagined. With your son ... with the Lord ... I should feel odd about it, but I like it."
"There is a reason certain things feel good," Mave notes. "It is Inala's way of encouraging them, because they serve a purpose. Can you be too happy? Too comfortable? If the activity is not preventing you from performing important tasks, in what way is it harmful?" The Yodh then looks closely at Nicora, and asks, "You have not fallen in love, have you?"
"No. I know what love feels like. I love Rosalind and Phlagaea," Nicora says. "I enjoy the feeling of being with someone physically, to have them as part of me for a time and to explore them in numerous ways and sometimes how they even taste." She shrugs a bit at that, adding, "Plus I know that I'm safe from the complications like pregnancy, so I don't have many worries to hold me back. The lack of worry ... tends to liberate and promote doing things."
"Why does this frighten you?" Mave asks, using her 'relaxing' tone of voice. "Is it because other women around you do not do the same?"
"That does make me feel a bit like a freak. Tulani is constantly teasing me," Nicora admits. "I got along well with Hayfa, the lady who gave me this, though. She was encouraging."
"She is a free spirit then?" Mave asks. "Tulani is young, and still carries certain childish fears - perhaps reinforced by her recent visit to her parents. I think she feels an unexpressed burden as the carrier of the Light of Nala."
"You might have liked Hayfa, though I am not sure you would have escaped unmarked," Nicora notes, "As for Tulani, I don't know. It seems like she holds me to far different standards than anyone else. And truthfully, I'm tired of it. Maybe we should part ways here. You can get Tulani to Babel, I'll find my own way. I'm used to harsher travel conditions than either of you are."
Mave blinks in surprise at this. "Have you talked to her about this?" she asks.
"No, and I don't intend to," Nicora says. "I don't even know how to say anything without sounding angry, or tired. I can promise you I'll meet you in Babel even if we part ways here. I know the road and I can survive. It won't be nice beds, it'll be meals I have to catch, and it'll be cold and wet. But that's preferable to being made to feel like crap all the time."
"Focusing on just surviving does wonders for helping forget all other problems in your life," Nicora adds.
"I do not wish to separate, if possible," Mave says. "I suspect there is a simple cause to this tension between you and Tulani, and I will speak to her. Not directly about your issue, but just to see how she feels in general, to see where it leads. Will you give me time to do that?"
"You have the day to speak with her. I will not promise that I will show up at the docks tonight, though. If I do not, leave without me," Nicora says. "I promised I would help you complete your needs in Babel. I keep my promises. The road I take may just not be the same."
Mave stands up, after giving Nicora a kiss on the cheek. "I worry about you," she says. "Please wait for me before making a decision?"
"I will try, but I cannot promise, sorry," Nicora says as she rises. She casts a look to Gamal on the bed, then just shakes her head slightly. "I think I'll go for a walk about the city. Sometimes just watching life going on is calming in itself," she says.
"Be careful," Mave warns. "It is never good to be too distracted in a city."
"I'm not defenseless and I used to be one of the people you watched out for in the streets. I'll be fine," Nicora claims as she heads towards the door. She waves over her shoulder, then disappears out into the estate.
The problem with wandering aimlessly is that if you don't really focus on it, you can end up back in familiar territory. Of course, Nicora was more in the mood for people-watching, and that meant moving towards the sounds of people, which brought to her an open market area not too far from the Dancer's Market. This one was a bit more general, with wagons full of produce taking up the center and various permanent storefronts looking on from the sides.
Quite a few people aren't shopping or selling though; women and children cluster around or sit on the wide edge of a fountain, where the water keeps the air a little cooler. Some are chatting, or dealing with children, but a few are sitting and resting or eating. One of the latter is an Eeee woman who glitters in the sunlight due to the studs and rings decorating her flesh: Hayfa.
It's also funny how old habits stay ingrained. Her upbringing taught her so much about pick-pocketing that she can spot the signs even when she's not exactly trying to. This lead to the dismay and a bit of fear from the few kids she caught trying to lift items from her belt. She could have turned them in for their actions, but she didn't. Instead, she seemed satisfied to make it a point to lecture them exactly how they messed up, swat their noses rather painfully, then send them on their way. She continues her lazy walk since she's not exactly trying to go anywhere. An arc later and she's passing behind Hayfa. "It's wise to live in a desert, such as you are," she remarks, "I fear lightning would like you too much."
"Hmmm?" The other bat looks up, crumbs on her chin from her meal; some sort of layered, flaky pastry with honey and crushed bugs within. "Oh, Nicora. What's this about lightning though?" she asks.
Nicora circles around and leans on a nearby chair. "All your metal. You're a walking lightning rod," she explains the sort of joke as she gestures with her right hand. "I'm also surprised to see you eating alone. I would have thought you would have many friends here; you're quite personable."
"I'm waiting for Hugon, actually," Hayfa says, and gestures to a shop with her buglava. It's got various designs and drawings tacked to the outside, and a dripping needle engraved on the door. "Lightning is attracted to metal? I didn't know that. Are you sure?" she asks.
"Quite sure. I've seem metal spires on the taller buildings in Babel to absorb it," Nicora explains. "Mind if I join you until Hugon arrives?" she asks, "If you do I won't be offended. I'm just out walking."
The Eeee girl turns and scoots aside, clearing space on the edge of the fountain for Nicora. "How are your piercings?" she asks. "Any irritation yet?"
Nicora settles herself down on the edge of the fountain. "Oh, they're a little sore, particularly the one under my robe," Nicora admits and shrugs a little. "But I'm very happy with them. They all look quite pretty. I'm already tempted to get a few more. You were right about it's a little addictive."
After taking another bite of her sticky meal, Hayfa grins and asks, "What were you thinking of adding?"
"A few more, ah, personal ones," Nicora admits as she looks upward, feeling a little awkward even mentioning it. "Similar to what you have."
"Ah, going to splurge I see?" Hayfa says. Behind her, Nicora can see another brown, skinny Eeee emerge from the tattooist shop. He's got a ring in his lower lip, and a few in his ears, but they seem minor compared to the skyscape inked into the inside of his wings; the Procession, as seen from Abu Dhabi. He spots Hayfa's back, and starts stalking forward comically, intent on surprising her.
So of course Nicora tries to keep Hayfa's attention so she doesn't notice Hugon. "Well, not as many as you have, I don't think I could afford that. But ... a few more would be ... interesting. Maybe. I'm torn on doing it. I have to admit it's odd ... but it it appealing to me," she says and waves her right hand. "I've had many run-ins with transformative magic ... so maybe that is why it appeals to me. Another way to change things."
"Well, what sort of style were you thinking of?" Hayfa asks, gesturing with her nearly gone buglava. "Discrete, inter-linked, chain-linked.." Then she squeaks as Hugon put his hands on her shoulders and says, "Gotcha!" He then gets the remains of the pastry stuff into his mouth. "What was that, dear?" Hayfa asks. "I can't make out a word you're saying."
"I was thinking chain or interlinked ... " Nicora starts to say then has to cover her mouth to stop the laugh that was coming. She also can't help but feel a twinge inside; she misses Rosalind and the few times she was able to surprise her as Alptraum. "You really should know better," she remarks to the Eeee with his mouth full of stuff. "We always win."
"Hey, I got free food," Hugon points out after swallowing. "How is that not winning?" He has a big grin.. and one of his eyes is a lighter shade of brown than the other.
"This is Nicora, a customer," Hayfa introduces. "And this oaf is Hugon, my current boyfriend as far as he knows."
"I think I'm taking your spot," Nicora admits and moves to get up. "And a pleasure to meet you," she adds and offers the back of her hand to Hugon. "We were just talking while she was waiting for you."
"A pleasure," Hugon says, taking Nicora's hand and kissing the back of it. "A delicate black rose such as yourself is a wonderful canvas for Hayfa to work with." As far as taking his seat.. with a bit of maneuvering he takes Hayfa's spot and has her in his lap instead. A few of the older women nearby cluck in disapproval.
Nicora, therefore, sits back in her spot. "Being colored as I am your skills would not do much for me," she agrees and gestures towards the brown Eeee's wings, but hers seems to work well for me. It's also hard to stop once you start." She also can't stop herself and does sigh slightly, now feeling rather lonely. "And forgive me for breaking your description of me, I am not as delicate as I appear. I'm a traveling monster hunter, of a sort," she admits.
"Does that pay well?" Hugon asks. "I've seen a Shriken skull sell for a fair pile of coins."
"It pays terribly. Most of the time I am dealing with monsters for people who are being terrorized and cannot afford to pay anything, but need the help," Nicora admits and shrugs. "But it is at least satisfying."
"And I'm sure they are grateful and reward you in other ways," Hugon says. "In the story books, the hero always gets the princess, after all."
"I am the princess," Nicora remarks a bit dryly. "Well, at least a woman."
"So, have you met any princes then?" Hayfa asks with a smirk.
"No, not exactly. A few men that were excitable and there was this large Naga once," Nicora remarks, then waves her hand. "And really, I should not be discussing such ... things in public."
"Oh, those sorts of princes," Hayfa notes with a wink. "How many rings did you want to get for your new addition?"
"I'm not sure," Nicora admits, "Perhaps four. Two on each side for symmetry. That is if I get them. I still wonder if I'm crazy for desiring it."
"What about hanging pendant for the chain, or a little lock?" Hayfa asks. Hugon then adds, "Go for the lock! They're fun to pick open, especially the puzzle ones."
Nicora actually laughs a little at that. "I like the lock idea," she admits and finally grins a little at Hugon. "It would keep certain excitable people from having their fun before I have mine."
"There is the issue of losing the tiny key too," Hayfa points out. "So small puzzle or combination locks are recommended, as long as you have good eyesight and dexterity."
"Losing the key would be bad," Nicora agrees, "So yes, I can see a puzzle or combination would work better." She looks between Hugon and Hayfa, then asks them, "You two have one you use regularly, don't you."
"Oh, I've got several devices to keep Hugon's brain working," Hayfa claims, reach back to pat the man on his cheek. "Some of which I put on him first."
"Oh really?" Nicora asks, brow arching a bit. "I'm curious to see just how she has outfitted you," she remarks, looking rather bemused now. "She seems the type to ... ah, wish to drive her lover crazy."
"Well.. ah.. that's really not something to talk about in public," Hugon says, with a nervous chuckle.
"It takes a lot of work to be a puppet-master," Hayfa explains. "And of course the strings have to be installed by a professional!"
"I didn't mean for you to show me, here. I was merely stating I was ... curious," Nicora clarifies and laughs. "And you two are ... terrible. Upstanding people would be trying to talk me out of doing things to my body ... and here you are tempting me."
"We are upstanding," Hayfa claims, tilting her chin upwards. "We just want to make sure that you get things done by properly trained experts."
Nicora covers her mouth again and giggles. "I really should leave you two alone," she admits, "I'm interrupting your time to be together."
"We always meet for lunch," Hugon says. "It's not like we do anything more than, you know.. eat. That other stuff is for after work!"
"Then you do not make good use of the alleyways," Nicora remarks, sounding very serious about it, too. It's a real struggle to keep from grinning.
"Sometimes you get a bucket of nastiness dumped on your head if you use the alleyways," Hugon notes, speaking with the voice of experience.
"It takes some time to get me in the proper mood as well," Hayfa notes.
That breaks Nicora, her grin comes in earnest. "Okay, I do like you two," she admits, smiling. "I was feeling moody, but talking to you two has cheered me up. And well, that's what you have the locks and devices for, something to give the time to get you in the proper mood, yes? That's a far better state to be in, than say being cursed and always in the mood. I've heard stories; they're ... scary."
"I know a girl who has that," Hayfa says, shaking her head. "Poor thing, can barely get anything accomplished."
Nicora shudders. At least even she isn't that bad. She glances at Hugon, then asks him, "Is there anything you can do to someone as dark colored as I am?"
"Well, colored ink works best inside the ears and on the wing-vanes, although also on the tongue - that doesn't seem to last as long," the tattooist notes. "Most Eeee have dark wings, so we have special inks that really shine brightly. And even dark skin can be marked, with a bit of fur removal. Lots of gang members use it for identification, and it's otherwise secret. The really expensive stuff can change the color of fur growing through it too."
"Maybe that's how some of the followers of Gorphat managed to get green fur, then," Nicora remarks, thinking. "But ... as tempting as it is I need to keep my ... little surprises more hidden. In my line of work I have to sometimes appear very formal," she admits to the pair. "However, if I do let her work a little more on me, would you like to watch?"
"Really?" Hugon asks, and then grimaces as Hayfa squeezes some part of him. "I don't work well with someone watching over my shoulder, Nicora," she explains.
"Ah, well, that's understandable," Nicora admits. "I apologize for offering."
"I have a good thing with Hayfa, so... ah.. no need for my eye to wander!" Hugon claims.
"I wasn't asking for your eye to wander to me," Nicora says, "Again, forgive me if I gave that impression." She runs her hands through her hair, then says, "I really should allow you two to enjoy your lunch together. I'm sorry for the offenses I have managed to cause." With that, Nicora rises to leave.
"I'll be back in my booth in half an hour or so," Hayfa tells Nicora with a smile. "If you're really ready to get that something extra installed, I mean!"
"I'll keep that in mind, thank you," Nicora says as she dips her head politely, "It was nice meeting both of you; you seem well-matched." She turns away and strolls back off into the crowd, back to feeling unsure and a little grumpy, since it seems she managed to offend Hayfa a bit. "Maybe I really am better just traveling solo," she thinks.
After more wandering, Nicora comes across a large open area midway between the sea port and the airfield, right at the edge of the city. It is crowded with wagons coming and going and staying put, with supplies and goods being exchanged between them. The smell of draft animals is particularly heavy (and it does well to pay attention to where one sets their feet as a result) and many voices cause a sort of random babble when not within close range of someone talking. There are also forests of thick, short pillars supporting nothing, but covered in posters and flyers.
Nicora heads towards the pillars, assuming they're listings for work, or travel notices for those who may seek passage, or even just advertisements. "No caravan would go to Ashdod from here, but maybe one will go to a close enough port city. I could catch a fishing boat or the like, then fly or walk the rest of the way," she mutters.
Some caravans are looking for rather specific employees (often with animal husbandry related duties) or are offering 'slots' in their 'train' to their various destinations. Most of those destinations, however, are going the wrong way: Tizhar, Olympia, Kroz and some regions Nicora has never even heard of, scattered throughout the Himaat and Nordika. Even places like New Elamoore and Half Valley are excluded - but then, they're more easily (and cheaply) reached by water. Caravans survive on the fringes of commerce, with materials and goods (and routes) that are impractical for air transport, or targeted at regions where air transport simply isn't available.
"Fine, I'll look into water passage then. Cheaper than airship. If I sell the Lord's book, the clothing, and most of the baubles it should be enough to fund some passage," Nicora remarks after looking through the mass of fliers and not finding anything workable. "Can't sell here, though, so I'll have to over-land it to the next closest port." So .. she tries to find a stall that might be selling maps. Caravans need them after all.
The map seller's stall is on the very outskirts of the caravan field, actually closer to the sea port. Finding one that shows the various coastal cities and ports isn't too difficult, but it doesn't give much detail on the size of them or what trade routes are available. It seems likely that major trade cities, however, would have the most sea routes available, putting New Elamoore - with it's iron exporting focus - on a short list of ports likely to have routes to Ashdod.
Nicora spends a few shekels and buys a map for reference. "Does Elamoore like goods from this area, or books and stories?" she asks the seller. "What sorts of items are taken there to trade?"
"The new city depends on food imports, since much of the arable cropland was lost to the Boomer," the merchant explains. "There are many noble families there who crave the luxuries they left behind in Abu Dhabi as well."
Nicora nods at this as she tucks the map away. "Thank you. You wouldn't happen to know the general transport costs from the port here out to Ur, do you?" she asks.
"That I do not know," the man says, bowing his head in apology. "Shipping details are not part of my business, I am sorry to say."
"All right. I will check at the port directly. You honor me by spending your time answering my questions," Nicora tells the vender and dips her head. She slips away from him and heads towards the ports now to locate the Portmaster. He would theoretically know the general schedules and possible cosst.
The Port Authority building is a busy place, seen from the outside. Wagons, carriages and people waiting in lines make it hard to even pick out the ground-floor entrances. There are other, smaller buildings nearby, however, which seem to specialize in specific businesses. The Merchant and Shipping Associations have their halls here, also seeing lots of traffic, but there even more businesses filling narrower niches - including one with a colorful sign in many languages: Hither and Yon Travel Agency.
Dismayed, but not surprised by the crowds, Nicora shakes out her head, then nods. "Travel Agency, them. It will give me cost estimates if nothing else. I can at least plan," she tells herself and heads towards that building.
Front of the building a large lobby, the wall covered in renderings of distant places, such as the ruins of Olympia, the Gigi Coast beaches, the Tower of Babel, the City of Hands and the Temple of Rephidim. The are is divided by a reception desk, behind which is a large open office area with many desks and lots of people moving papers around and updating things on chalkboards.
Nicora walks right up to the reception desk. "Excuse me," she says politely and even bows her head. "I have the need to reach Ur and ... well ... as cheaply as possible. Can you tell me what possibilities there are and their general costs?"
"Where in Ur?" the receptionist says, smiling and being far too perky - but then, she is a Lapi. "We can provide comprehensive packages for the Gigi Coast, Saskanar, Zahirinee and the Free City of Zannara."
"Whichever is the cheapest. I have to reach Babel and I can manage once I am on the continent," Nicora says.
"This isn't a vacation," Nicora adds, "I have family matters to attend to there."
"Zannara then," the receptionist says, and looks over her shoulder. "Samir at desk 12 can help you," she says once she turns back. The desks all have little flagpoles, indicating number and what destinations the agent covers.
"Thank you," Nicora says, masking her slight frustration at the inability to get even a basic fare estimate. She takes a moment to collect herself, then heads over towards desk twelve. "Excuse me?" she says politely. "You are Samir? I am Nicora. I need passage to Ur. Cheap passage. I am not proud. If it means I have to clean and gut fish the entire way I will do it. So ... knowing that, can you help me find a way to make it to the other continent? I have family matters to deal with there."
The Lapi at the desk wears an odd hat, which forces his ears down along the sides of his head. Samir looks a bit like an accountant or a tax preparer, frankly. "Ah, yes, I.." he says, as sorts through the stacks of number-covered papers on his desk. "Please have a seat? Is.. is time a factor?"
Nicora settles herself down and rests her hands in her lap. "Time is somewhat of a factor, but I can adjust as needed. I am more limited on money than I am time," she says. "So, please, just tell me what is available. I can then see what funds I can scrounge and what I will be able to afford."
"Ah, well, time then," the bunny says, and starts copying things from various sheets of paper onto a fresh one, and looks (squints really) at one of the big chalk boards several times. "Well, if time is not a factor, then the lowest cost route - in terms of of travel cost alone, mind you - is by airship to Rephidim, then a bit of waiting while the island does the work of moving. It is currently in the Northern Westward Gyre, and the projected path.. well, we only have that out to 10 days you understand.. shows it moving west past Little Rephidim East. Pre-booking a transport from that point could take you to Little Rephidim West, and from there to Gigi or Zannara - Gigi is likely less costly at this time, as the Free City charges certain fees. However Rephidim may continue on in a favorable direction as well, which could reduce your costs further the longer you stay on the sky island..."
"Why will no one give me a straight answer. It is a simple question. Cost estimate on travel to Ur. A rough number," Nicora says as her jaws clench a bit. She stops there and takes a few breaths, then stands. "I am wasting your time, and mine. I will find someone who can give me a straight answer, even if it means marching across the desert to another city. I wish you a good day." The Eeee then turns and heads straight towards the exit.
"I.. miss?" Samir says, a bit stunned by the sudden departure. "Maybe she wanted a direct route quote.." he mumbles.
"What?" Nicora says as her head turns and she glares at the man, halfway to the exit.
The Lapi shrinks. "I'm sorry.. I was trying to find you the lowest cost route, but.. did you mean to include layover costs, or just travel? I can only give you a definite price on a fixed sea route, but it would not be the least expensive.."
"I need estimates. I have very limited funds and I need to know roughly what this will cost me. A range. That will tell me what I will have to sell of my personal possessions, to if I will need to a job for some time to make up enough to cover it. Once I knew the extent of what the expenditures would be, I could consider various options and other needs," Nicora says. "I am not going on a vacation cruise. This isn't for pleasure. It is something I must do. Or frankly, die trying in the process."
"Well, for travel.. I rough estimation is 700 Shekels by air, but there are mitigating factors that could push that up or down," Samir notes, a bit timidly. "By sea, which would be a direct route following a known timetable, the lowest fare would be around 500 Shekels, but that does not include other costs for any amenities. I can't give you estimates for work-for-passage routes of course, as they depend on independent ships which may only get you part way to where you want, and then leave you to arrange the next stretch on your own."
"That gives me a range to work with. Thank you. I'll have to see what I can manage to gather, then I can return and be able to plan with a few more specifics and be able to estimate other expenses," Nicora says as she dips her head. "It seems I should aim for at least a thousand to be safe to cover fare plus other expenses. I cannot plan on work covering part, though if it turns out to, it is better for me. Thank you again, that helps. We may speak again. Forgive my outburst, it has not been a good day."
"One more thing, miss!" the Lapi says, before Nicora can walk out again. "For any route, Rephidim is your best chance at finding an airship going where you want, private or commercial - but it's moving West right now, and the shuttle is due to leave this evening. Any later flights will be more expensive due to the increased distance."
"I know, but I have a reason to avoid that shuttle," Nicora notes, "But thank you for the advice in any case." Her head dips one more time and she heads for the door.
Nobody else blocks Nicora's passage or calls out to her, other than the receptionist asking her to 'recommend us to your friends' as she leaves.
"I will," Nicora tells the receptionist as she exits the building. Outside, she rubs her forehead as if having a major headache. "I guess I have to see what belongings I have will sell for, including the book, here," she finally tells herself. "The only other option would be to see if Kaira has any shapes that could cross the ocean fast, before the magic failed, and that's a long shot. I guess I should make my way back towards the estate. Might as well head back the way I came and apologize again to Hugon on the way."
At least the walk is pleasant. The yacht harbor is busy, with craft of various sizes dotting the ocean, while the northern half of the bay is given over to commercial vessels. The estates beyond the city can be glimpsed as well, the homes of minor nobles or well off merchants. And then it's back to the Caravan Field, and her path back into the city itself.
Nicora uses the time to just walk slow and calm herself down. "You can do this. You've made it many places before on your own, and in worse circumstances," she tells herself as she walks. "You even had that sa ... no, don't think about her, you'll just get mad again. You'll manage it. Life is never easy, or without risk. Even if you die on the way, you'll have kept your pride."
The market hasn't changed much since Nicora last came through. There are still groups around the fountain, but fewer than before now that the lunch hour has passed. The stalls of the farmers still see plenty of traffic.. and of course the tattoo parlor is still where it was, with its ominous dripping-needle sign.
Nicora heads towards the tattoo parlor. "I should apologize. I don't want enemies here if it looks like I'll be stuck here a while," she mutters to herself.
The inside of the shop is very well lit, thanks to skylights and cleverly placed mirrors. The walls are covered in tattoo designs, and there are two adjustable chairs and a padded table, along with an old couch that serves as the waiting area. An old Rath'ani is peering through a magnifying lens as he works on a Jupani's left paw-pads, the man (dressed as a sailor) doesn't even wince from the needle, but also has a decorated nosepad already. Hugon is working by a kettle of boiling water to sterilize various tools. He looks up when Nicora enters, and it takes him a moment to react. "Ah, Nicora wasn't it?" he asks. "Hayfa's already gone back to the Clip Joint if you're looking for her."
"I just came to apologize to you. I could tell Hayfa was ... annoyed with me for my earlier suggestion. I expect she may have been mad at you too. I just want to say I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to flirt, or otherwise get involved, or even think of, trying to take you from her. I was ... it's been a hard trip and I was overly friendly. I hope you can forgive me and I hope she will not be angry with you long," Nicora offers as her apology and bows her head. "Also, please forgive me for interrupting your work. I should be going."
The man stares blankly for a moment, as if Nicora was speaking a different language. Finally he asks, "Are you talking about the 'letting me watch' joke?"
"Yes. The tone and manner by which Hayfa responded was quite clear that I had overstepped my bounds and offended her," Nicora answers. A sentence is rarely ended with another's name unless there was a slight taken from something the person did."
"Oh, I doubt you did," the man says, waving a hand. "I mean, we get that reaction all the time," he explains. "People see the metal and the ink, and since we're Eeee they just assume we're into all manner of 'depraved' stuff. We've got thick skins. Besides, it was obvious you were just playing along and teasing! I doubt Hayfa remembers it."
"Still, the apology needed to be said. Please pass it along to her when you see her tonight," Nicora says, "Just in case."
"Not getting the extra stuff you were talking about today then?" he asks. "I can let her know if you plan on coming in tomorrow or something."
"I have a long journey a head and shouldn't spend the money. I'm probably going to need to sell various possessions in order to get enough money for the ship I'll need to take," Nicora says. "As much as I want to get the stuff, there are things I have to do. I made a promise and I have to keep it, whatever the cost."
"Oh, sorry to hear that," Hugon says, sounding genuinely sympathetic. "I know how fortunes can change quickly - especially at the Vanderrat Track. Hope you get through it okay, but if you're stuck for a place to stay, you can always come to us." He puts a hand on Nicora's shoulder and gives her a reassuring squeeze. "We've all needed a little help once or twice, after all. Gotta pass it on when we can."
"Thank you, I appreciate it. I try not to burden others with my issues, though. I will survive, somehow I always manage to," Nicora says, "You two are a good match, I wish you both many, many, happy years together." Her gaze turns to the man in the chair and she bows to him, adding, "I'm sorry for interrupting your work. I will leave you in his capable hands." She nods once more to Hugon, then heads out of the shop. This time she goes back to the fountain and sits down on the edge. She leans over and looks into the pool at her own reflection.
The subtle skull has faded from her hair, and it may be time to bleach it again soon, as there are hints of black roots showing. Her hair's actually grown out some! Or it could just be the ripples from the moving water.
"Like I can even afford to do that," Nicora mutters to the surface and taps it with her finger to make it ripple even more. "Why did I have to get involved in all this?" she asks the pool. "I could have just given my interview in Draco County, then left. Rejoined the gypsies, done whatever. Instead I just had to stay and help. Now I'm trapped midway between two locations and I don't know how I'm going to make it. Just one flap at a time, I guess. I can see how much all my jewelry will sell for, the clothes, and the book. It might be enough to cover ship fare." She shrugs, still talking to herself. "I wonder how many souls Kaira could release if I stabbed myself. With the charge and what I am, it's probably a fair number, but ... it won't be enough for her to finish her task."
"Nicora?" asks a familiar feline voice from behind the Eeee. "Are you okay? Please don't you be getting all weird on me now too.."
"No, I'm not okay," Nicora answers without looking back. "I'm a mess. I tried to have fun on this trip because I'm terrified of what may happen in Babel. I still have nightmares from what happened there last time. If they hadn't have taken the sheets from the bed in the cell they held me in for weeks last time, I would have died there. And now I seem to have screwed up even managing to have fun. I made a promise I would go, though. So I have to go. I'll figure out how to pay for it and just go. I won't be your problem any more."
"What?" Tulani asks. "What are you talking about? Is this about Mave? She's been acting.. different ever since Olympia. Has this got to do with the errand she sent you on? Did something happen to the two of you?"
"Tulani. Look, I know you really can't stand me anymore," Nicora says, "You're always mad at me, much of it rightly deserved. I'm not going to be a problem for you or her anymore. I'll be finding my own way to Babel, I know what it will cost, so it's a matter of managing it. I can probably get a fair amount for the clothing, jewelry and the book. The rest I'll work for. I can survive. Mave ... she's dealing with family. She had to collect the remains of the only daughter she raised here. That hurts, no matter how much Mave tries to pretend it doesn't.
"Alp.. Nicora.. I guess I've been frustrated a little with you, and because of other things, but I don't hate you," the Sphynx says, sitting at the fountain and twirling some sort of glazed fish on a stick in her fingers. "I've been doing things that make me feel.. I mean, I don't know why I let Gamal get to me. I knew there wasn't anything there. And on the beach.. And why don't you ever turn back?" she asks. "I miss Alptraum. Don't you?"
"It takes a lot of power to turn back, and it's very risky for me to turn back now. The Barsunala, the wraith, will try to take over," Nicora explains. "Without something these to keep the wraith in check now, it could very well kill me, or any of you. I learned that in Olympia. You'll probably hate me for this, but ... the savanite who massaged you was me. I wanted you to have fun and relax so I became him. I had no intentions beyond that. I wasn't going to seduce you or try to sleep with you; I just ..." She shakes her head. "It was stupid. And it almost killed me."
"Power isn't a problem," Tulani murmurs. "Why couldn't you have just been yourself with me? You went hunting with me as a dragon, you changed into a Savanite.. but you never told me you couldn't be Alptraum. I thought you just didn't want to be with me like before. But.. okay, something doesn't make sense.." She pauses to nibble on her candied fish.
"What doesn't?" Nicora asks. "And yes, power is a problem. I can't rely on you all the time."
"You can when I'm here," Tulani notes, then says, "I don't understand how being the Savanite caused a problem with the Barsunala. I mean, you were a dragon just fine in the mountains, and here in Abu Dhabi. What makes being a Savanite special?"
"I didn't have Kaira holding the form," Nicora explains and shrugs. "And honestly, I'm afraid that as Alptraum, even with her help ... because of what it is, that it may have greater sway. There's also the small issue that there may be a sect of the Yodhsunala that still wants Alptraum dead. As well as the police in the sky islands wanting him in jail, if they happen to remember the chase they put me through last time I was there."
"Plus there are a myriad of other complications," Nicora says, shaking her head. "It's not that I don't want to be with you as Alptraum again. I always had fun with you. I've still tried to even like this. It's not you. I know that sounds terribly cliched, but, it really isn't. It's me. I'm a mess and I need to get some things settled."
"Wait, you can stay changed when you don't have the dagger?" Tulani asks. "I know you were able to make it vanish when you changed into Kaira here. But.. how do you know that really wasn't the problem? And it's not like you have to be Alptraum in public, I just thought.." The Sphynx pauses and sighs. "I just thought you'd be Alptraum again in private, when nobody could see."
"Then why didn't you ever ask me to?" Nicora points out. Nicora thinks for a bit. "Everything is weaker in the sky, it would be safer to change there, possibly. Plus on an airship it wouldn't be likely an assassin would pop in like some silent wind of doom," she suggests.
"I was.. confused," Tulani admits. "When I left the castle, you'd just been changed, and you seemed so.. scared. You thought you'd made a huge mistake. And then you showed up at my house and it was like.. I don't know. You slept with my brother. It was a complete change. And.. I was dealing with some other things. Have been. Going home exposed me to some things."
"I had to get comfortable with the body and accept it. Your brother thing, that was an accident. I wasn't trying, I was modelling. No one warned me he would get all ... well," Nicora admits and pulls up her leg to hug it. "What have you been dealing with?"
The Sphynx contemplates her fish for a bit. "I know how to have fun," she says. "I've had my share of romps... well, that's actually doubled since we got to Olympia.. but when I got home, my best friend was married. Most of my others were in commitments. They stayed home, and developed bonds and connections deeper than anything I'd had. It just hit me, and then I couldn't help but notice and.." She runs out of words, then turns to Nicora and says, "Blessing or not, I think the only reason you can enjoy your body so much is that you're already in love with the Countess. You don't have that hollowness inside anymore, so whenever you have fun, it just reminds you of what you have. And for me, right now, sex just reminds me of what I'm missing."
"And not having fun for me reminds me how much I miss her," Nicora admits, "It keeps me from dwelling too much on being away from her and on the fear I may never see her again. But, I should also point something out here..." Nicora's head tilts and she looks at Tulani. "We saved the world together. I even let you put me in a corset ... when I didn't have the body for it. Now I do but that's a different topic. You aren't alone, Tulani. There are people in your life who really do care about you. I'm one of them. For as much as I tease, I've done other things for you. The savanite was one. I sought advice in Olympia about ways you could possibly have a family some day."
"I guess I've just felt lonely the last few days," the Sphynx says. "You were busy with Lord Kazuhiko, Mave was dealing with the Watch. It's probably why I gave in to Gamal even though I knew it wouldn't really help. I think about the time you kenned me, back with the gypsies. I felt connected then. We really should try and see what happens on the airship though. With the dagger in the whole time, and the altitude, and the Light for power."
"Gamal is ... he is energetic and he's handsome. But he's young and well," Nicora offers, then shrugs a bit. "And yes, we can try the dagger, maybe, on the airship. As long as you won't get mad at me for still enjoying this body when I have it?"
"I'll try to not be jealous," Tulani promises, crossing her heart with her fish. "I have no idea how long we'll be on Rephidim, but Mave said it would be best if I didn't draw the Light, and that you didn't change. She worries about the Watch, and there are a lot of mages on Rephidim."
"Well, I think I can help solve the jealously part. I think I will go see Hayfa and add a few more rings to my collection, ones that may help keep me out of trouble," Nicora notes with a wry smile, "Plus, if nothing else it'll give you something to laugh at me for trying..."
"I won't laugh.. but if you change back to normal, I want to see what happens to that stuff," Tulani notes, smirking and poking Nicora in the rib with her fish.
"That's fair, I'm curious myself," Nicora admits. "I would aks for you to watch, but Hayfa doesn't like an audience. So ... meet back atthe villa later? I'll show you the work there."
"Plus I guess spending this money means I'll have to take the ship with you. Insurance," Nicora adds, "Since there is no way I could save enough fast enough afterward."
"We need to find a way to cheer up Mave, too," the Sphynx then adds. "I'll try and come up with something. Are you going to be sore after you get yourself worked on?"
"Probably. Why?" Nicora asks.
"Good point about the money," Tulani notes. "I'll make sure to hide all your valuables. Oh, I was thinking of going for a Vanderrat ride! But you might be a bit saddle-shy I suppose.."
"We'll see how I feel. I can always bring a pillow," Nicora notes as she slides off the edge and back to her feet. "And I had best get going while I still have the courage to do what I'm considering." She leans over and kisses Tulani's cheek. "And oh, if you ever want to be kenned again, you can ask for that too," she teases before drawing back and winking to Tulani.
"Oh, I have an idea about that," the Sphynx says coyly, before she gets up as well and rubs her cheek. "I'd kiss you back, but.. fish-breath. See you back at the villa!"
"There is worse breath than that," Nicora remarks, remembering the kiss from Gorphat. She can still taste the aftertaste of that on bad breath days. Blegh. She stretches, rubs her neck, then says, "Right, time to go do something crazy."
"Ah, I was wondering if you'd lost your courage," Hayfa teases when Nicora enters the curtained off back room. "Still want to go with four rings, a chain and a lock?"
"Well, unless you have other recommendations or configurations you can suggest, that was what I was thinking," Nicora admits nervously as she enters the back parlor. She knows she shouldn't do this, but ... the urge to try it is strong and well.
Hayfa produces her box of jewerly.. although this time it contains chains and stranger things. "Chitin is fine for the chain," she notes, showing a slender one that's actually bone white. "It won't get ruined by moisture, after all. I still recommend gold wire for the rings, both to match what you have, and for hygiene."
Nicora comes over to look at the box. She even 'tests' the chain briefly and is quite surprised how strong it actually is. "I will take your advice on the materials," she agrees, "It needs to be long-wearing, hygiene safe, and well, generally comfortable. I figured the four rings plus the one I already have would give adequate, ah, places for the chain to actually be effective."
"Oh yes," Hayfa says, producing another box. This one is filled with decorated disks, spheres and cylinders - along with more obvious lock shapes - made from various materials. She selects out one made of ivory with gold inlay, a thick tube with rotating bands marked with tiny glass gems in different colors. "You run the chain through the lower pair first, then cross over to go through the uppers, then through the central top one and through the hole in the lock. When you scramble the rings, it clamps down on the chain."
"And that lock sort of sits in the center of it all?" Nicora asks as she gently takes the lock from Hayfa and tests its weight, wondering just how noticeable it will be once in place. She feels a stupid tingle of excitement, which she blames on her blessing and its encouragement to try just about anything. "Do I get to set the code or does it come preset?"
"Blue, yellow, red," Hayfa notes, and points to the little notch that the colored bits are lined up with. "Make sure that faces front!" She then goes to the adjustable padded chair, elevates and reclines it.. and attaches the stirrups.
"Blue, yellow, red, got it," Nicora says, and mentally repeats that code to herself several times. She could still back out and walk out. Part of her wants her to ... and yet she finds herself shedding her robe again. For the second time in her life she finds herself climbing into that padded chair. She lays back and sets her feet into the stirrups. "At this rate, you're going to become my personal jeweler," she jokes to the other Eeee. "And I guess the chain should be snug, but not too tight when setting the lock?"
"Right, you need some play," Hayfa notes, as she mixes powder and fluids into a bowl, and uses a shaving brush to beat them into a lather. "I'll have to shave around the area a bit, but the foam will also numb it. I'll give you a bottle of ointment to use as well in case you get swollen.."
"Shave it? Okay, that is going to feel strange," Nicora admits and lays her head back to look up at the ceiling. "I hope I won't be in too much pain afterward. Will I, uh, need to keep the area shaved?"
"No, it's just for the procedure," Hayfa says, putting on her headband with the reflector on it. "Although it can increase sensitivity.. at least until the stubble causes it to itch. That's what the ointment helps with too." She draws out the shaving razor and flicks the alcohol from it, then starts applying the lather. "This may tickle a bit, and even after it numbs.. you'll still feel the initial pricks! But don't worry, I have very steady hands.."
"You're crazy, crazy, crazy," Nicora things as she feels the work begin. To keep her hands occupied she reaches over and grabs one of the leather straps the customers often bite down on and sets that in her mouth. "I sure hope she does have steady hands," Nicora thinks as she looks at the ceiling, trying to not watch what happens next. The numbing is noticeable and feels weird when it sets in. "At least this shouldn't," she starts to think ... and then the only thing that her mind can come up with is "OW!".