Luckily, the balcony door of the student flat didn't latch itself behind Nicora when left in the night, so she's able to ease it back open and sneak back into Phil's bed.. just as the young Eeee yawns, wakes up, and nuzzles Nicora's cheek.
"And good morning to you too," Nicora mutters, sounding tired. This is rather fitting, because she is tired. And she really needs to learn to not go out even when she is feeling twitchy.
"Sleep well?" Phil asks, his hands starting to wander. It's pretty clear what sort of mood he's in..
"Not as good as I would have liked," Nicora admits and yawns. She gently reaches down and takes hold of his hands. "Didn't get enough last night?" she murmurs.
"There's a limit?" Phil asks, sounding.. serious? He looks confused. "Is too much bad for you?"
"Well, you can wear yourself out, yes," Nicora teases, "But I'm all locked up ... so if you want things ... we might have to get a little creative." She doesn't have the heart to turn him down outright.
"Hmmm," the boy considers, then notices the sunlight spilling through the transom window. "I probably don't have time for anything. Have morning class," he says, sounding as if he was admitting to some horrible disease.
"Well, if you want to just relax for a few minutes, I might be able to relieve some of your ... stress so you're more focused in class," Nicora offers. She then licks her lips a bit suggestively.
This causes Phil's eyes to go really wide. "Well.. I mean.. you know what you're doing and all, right?" he stammers, blushing beneath his white fur. "And.. it doesn't take long?"
"If I do it right, it won't," Nicora claims. She can't believe what she's going to do ... but given how she feels elsewhere, this is the lesser of two evils. She reaches up and nudges for him to close his eyes. He can feel her move against his body ... and the next thing he feels, well ... is quite new! It's hard to say if Nicora is good, but then he has nothing to compare to ... so it really does only last a few minutes.
After he finishes gurgling, Phil remembers that he's in a hurry. "Ugh, no time to wash up.. must.. find.. pants.." he gasps.
This is good because he doesn't see Nicora's expression while he's looking for pants. "Blood is much better," is all she can think before she buries her face back into a pillow and feels absolutely mortified. "I can't believe I did that," she thinks over and over.
"I have classes until evening, so.. uh.. will you still be hanging around today?" Phil asks, trying to sound casual but blushing all the same, as he gets his shirt on (no small task when you have wings).
Nicora rolls to her side so that she can look at Phil. "I don't know. I have to check with one of our travel companions on what arrangements have been made. What, one night wasn't enough?" she asks, the last bit having a hint of a tease.
"Or did you have something else in mind?" she adds.
"Well.. I mean, I thought, maybe.. if you were available, that is.. uh.." the boy stammers. "Well, we could have dinner?"
"Well, if I'm still in town and free, I don't see why not," Nicora asks as she pushes herself upright. "Maybe I'll have more jewelry by then," she says impishly. "I'll let you know either way, I promise. If i can't make it, I'll leave a note for you."
"Great!" Phil says, and leans in to kiss Nicora.. diverting at the last moment to kiss her cheek! Maybe it's her breath or something? Then he's out of the room and heading for the balcony, grabbing a book-bag along the way.
Nicora almost checks her breath, then smirks. "I'm pathetic," she mutters as she flops back on the bed, resting for a few more minutes and thinking about last night. "That could have gone a lot worse. I'm fortunate to just be really sore," she thinks.
There are other sounds of people stirring. Namely, Tulani and Henry going at it again, and movement from the tiny corner kitchen area - probably Jackie?
Nicora musters the energy to sit up, then reaches back to gently squeeze the base of her tail to see if it helps ease the pain any like it did before. She doesn't expect it to, but she decided to try anyway. "Jackie?" she calls out softly so as to not disturb the others while they're busy.
"Yeah, it's me," the canine girl grumbles, sounding half asleep. "Makin.. uh.. Mateh I think."
"Do you want any help?" Nicora asks.
Nicora finds herself surprised that some of the pain does ease. Of course when she realizes it may be because of what she just did brought Inala's eye upon her again, it's of little consolation. So, trying not to think about it, she gets up and goes to see if she can help Jackie any.
Nicora finds the poodle in an oversized bathrobe, tending to some strange machine involving glass bulbs, open flame and lots of tubing. It hisses ominously, as the girl turns her bleary eyes on the Eeee. "Ah! Why are you naked, and.. where did you get those.." the startled canine asks.
"You're a woman, you've seen other women," Nicora claims and stifles a small yawn. "And where did I get what?" she asks, then realizes. "Oooh, the jewelry. All over. Most are from Abu Dhabi, but the two new ones are from a place called the Morgue here," she answers as if all of it were no big deal.
"Is that gold?" Jackie asks, distractedly adjusting a valve as some steam jets out of the machine and blows her hair around. "I've seen.. well, just in a mirror, that I recall. And Henry is still here - what if he comes out and catches you like this? He's tried a few times with me."
"Has to be. Those require a metal that doesn't react," Nicora answers, "And as for the lapi ... I can deal with him. But I'm sure Tulani has completely tired him out by now. If you're interested in some jewelry yourself, I could put in a good word for you with the artists here." She pauses to yawn again. "I guess you don't have any early classes? And I hope we didn't keep you up."
"I drank heavily to be able to sleep through it all," Jackie admits, gesturing to an empty bottle on the small table. "As for jewelry.. I think I'll stick with earrings and necklaces for now.. that is, if I had any. Students aren't allowed to wear jewelry or look or smell distracting. How do you take your Mateh? Muddy or sludgy?"
"Just muddy. I'm not sure my stomach is up for anything stronger," Nicora admits as she tries to find a chair to sit down in. "And are you calling me distracting?" she asks.
"If that jewelry was on display.. definitely," Jackie says, and twists a dial to divert more water into the mix, which results in black liquid filling a small cup, which she hands to Nicora. "You have a lot of earrings too, but those are small. Huh, just noticed that none of them match.."
"Each of those represent a friend of mine. I often add one if a person becomes a close friend. It's a way I can take them with me in spirit, if not in person," Nicora says and shrugs slightly. She lifts the cup and drinks down the liquid. Bitter, very bitter. But it helps cleanse some memories of recent events, at least. "I suppose I'm a little strange, sorry," she says once the cup is lowered.
Jackie's own blend is a bit thicker - but not enough that she needs a spoon to drink it with. "Dagh this stuff tastes awful," she complains. "But it does wake you up. So, your earrings are sort of like a charm bracelet then? I had one when I was younger."
"A more permanent version of one, I guess," Nicora agrees, "It's harder to lose jewelry when it's embedded in you." She grins a bit at that. "And when you're running a lot, or fighting monsters, that is a good thing. Plus the special ones keep from being ravaged by a monster," she adds. "So, how come you live here instead of with your family?" she asks.
"Oh, 'real world experience'," Jackie claims. "Also, the College requires 2nd-year and above to reside on campus or nearby. Doesn't make sense, of course, but half the stuff they make you do is like that. Frankly, it's nice to be away from home, even if it's ony a mile away from home."
"Ah, so you are probably expected to visit home regularly," Nicora remarks and taps her claws lightly on her glass. "Where do your parents live? And don't worry, I won't go visit them or anything; I'm certain they would disapprove of being around someone like me."
"Not far from here, north end of the Scholars Quarter," Jackie notes. "We aren't nobles or anything; my mom teaches reading and writing to them though. Dad is a lawyer."
"Both very safe and useful professions," Nicora says and nods once. "What about Phil and Henry? What do their parents do?"
"Not sure about Henry, he's from Half Valley," Jackie says. "I think his family are fishers. He's here on scholarship, which is pretty impressive. Phil's folks are 'cut-offs' - Babelite nobles who got stuck in Rephidim after the big mess, and can't go back. I think his dad words for the Temple now. That's gotta be hard - go off on vacation, then get stranded with whatever funds you happened to bring with you. Still, he seems pretty well off."
"They're better off here than in Babel," Nicora notes. "I was in Babel during the last raid with Thath solidified his power. It was a horrible time. I know that to this city Babel is the enemy and evil ... but I have to be honest with you, the soliders from this city that attacked Babel behaved no better. Laughing while they killed Eeee. And the use of Children to sneak bombs into buildings..." Nicora shudders there, then shakes her head. "Sorry, it still gives me nightmares."
"I never though anything of Babel until the Sabaoth attacked us," Jackie says. "The Plaguebringers were terrifying. I can see why our soldiers would want some payback."
"Slaughtering children that are begging for their lives is a bit more than payback. It solves nothing outside of showing that neither side was better than the other," Nicora says. She also sits quietly for a bit and taps more on her cup. "And I am sorry the Sabbaoth attacked you. He went insane. There are rumors why ... but it's not really important anymore."
"My baby sister died in the Plaguebringer attack," Jackie says quietly. "Lots of kids did. What got through made adults sick, but kids.."
"Like I said, a senseless and stupid war. All started just to protect ... "Nicora says, then promptly goes quiet. "It doesn't matter why any more. I just wish it had not happened."
"Yeah," the poodle girl says, and downs the rest of her cup. "I'm going to go clean up and get ready," she notes. "I have class too in a bit."
"If it helps, the regular people of Babel aren't bad. They're just trying to survive too," Nicora says as she looks down at her empty cup, "And there are people trying to help make things better. It's such a mess that a few can't do much, but they still try. I know of one that would have traded places with your sister to have saved her."
"Like you said, it's in the past," Jackie notes, shrugging a bit before heading into her room.
"Doesn't make it hurt less, though," Nicora says as she sets her glass down. She gets up, then goes to get dressed.
By the time Nicora finishes, there's a knock on the door to Phil's room. "Rise and shine," Tulani says cheerfully from the other side.
"I'm already awake," Nicora calls back. "Did you and Henry enjoy the three little romps you two had this morning?"
"Well, it beat drinking that nasty-smelling Mateh," the Sphynx claims, and opens the door to poke her head inside. "How was your student? Did he go for extra credit?" she asks with a feline smirk.
"His enthusiasm was high, but his skill ... needs work. Still, I gave him a reward for being so attentive," Nicora remarks as she pulls the last corset string snug. "He asked if I would like to go to dinner with him tonight."
"That may be because he had early classes and couldn't go for the 'extra credit' as you put it this morning," she adds.
"Wow!" Tulani says, coming the rest of the way inside. "You made an impression. I was scary enough that I think Henry will be glad for the time, but not press his luck."
"Want me to scare the lapi too?" Nicora asks and flashes Tulani a fangy smile.
"And I'm worried I made too much of one. It's not like I can be Phil's girlfriend," Nicora adds.
"He's busy washing the blood out of his fur as it is," Tulani says. "And at least Phil had the confidence to ask you out! So, he should be able to do that to other women now. So I guess you did teach him something useful! Anyway.. I'm hungry. Did you eat during the night or do you need a bite?"
"I had a little blood, but not enough," Nicora admits. "I didn't want to traumatize the boy. Are you ... offering?" The last bit comes with a waggle of her brow.
"Yeah, but I want to eat first," the Sphynx says. "I know a place that has some nice meat pastries, fresh every morning! And donuts."
Nicora double-checks that she has everything. "Well, lets go then," she says once she's satisfied. "Be sure to tell Jackie bye on the way out!"
After saying their goodbyes (through a closed door for Jackie, and and with an awkward hug with a naked and damp Henry), Tulani takes them to the Merchants Quarter, where permanent stores and shops and decorative trees line cobblestone streets. There are plenty of morning shoppers, especially around the many bakeries, from all walks of life: laborers, restaurateurs, shopkeepers, children, uniformed guards, officials and mages - all mingling and chatting cordially. The only thing missing are obvious beggars and the very well-off (who no doubt send their servants to get fresh treats - likely, given the number of Savanites rushing around).
"Crowded streets always make me nervous," Nicora admits to Tulani as they walk through the Merchant's Quarter. "I always have this urge to pickpocket someone." It also makes her mindful in that nothing loose or easy to grab is accessible on her.
A woman in some sort of Temple uniform is discussing wrenches with a Rhian in overalls and a toolbelt. A very large and very short Titanian pair are laughing and eating donuts that are impaled on their fingers. Kavis in striped paper hats run around carrying paper boxes and bags, and the Savanites.. well, they don't even know how to move at a walk, but are nimble enough to avoid pumping into anyone. Tulani says, "Crowds are fine when you're a part of them - the trick is faking being a part of them, of course!" She tugs Nicora around a group of Jupani, some wearing guard uniforms, into a shop called Mrs. Lovems' Meat Pies. Not everything being dished out is in pie form though. "I guess you never learned to cook, right?" she suddenly asks Nicora.
"Oh, but cooking is such a wonderful skill for vampires to learn," Nicora remarks dryly, "Of course I never learned how to cook!" She doesn't sound annoyed, though; she's watching the various groups and species that dart about with mild interest. Some looks may even be appraising, but those are short lived because when she shifts her feet, she's reminded that she still feels like she was impaled.
"Ah, well, you know pies started out because nobody had pots?" Tulani explains, as she gets in line behind a hulking tiger-Khatta. "The crust was the pot! And everything cooked inside. Pretty neat, eh?"
Nicora tries to nudge Tulani just so, so that her hand accidentally bumps the khatta's behind. "No, but it doesn't surprise me. Stew in bread bowls was common at the festivals I was at when younger. Never tried one, but it seemed practical," she agrees.
There's a growl, and the tiger turns to see if someone is trying to pick his pocket, only to look confused when he sees Tulani behind him, pointing to her Eeee friend. "She likes your butt," she says, helpfully.
"Me? she's the one who grabbed it," Nicora claims and points right back at Tulani.
"It is a good butt," the man says, gives both girls a wink, and turns to place his order at the counter.
Nicora bursts out laughing.
"Cheeky, ain't he?" adds in the Rath'ani woman behind the girls, causing a chain reaction in the line. Even the tiger and the counter girl laugh.
"He's all right," Nicora agrees as she pats his butt this time. "A good sport for two troublemakers."
In short order (literally), Tulani has a bag of pastries and a paper cup full of warm cream, and Nicora has.. a fresh peach, given to her by the flattered tiger. "Sweet and tart," he says. "And the peach is good too."
"I'm also full of bite," Nicora claims and even snaps her fangs at him playfully. "Thank you," she tells him as she rolls the peach in her hand. "Shall we go, Tulani?"
"Let's find a bench," Tulani agrees, leading the way back to the street, and finding space on one of the benches under a tree where they can continue to people-watch. "Gonna sink your teeth into that?" she asks, nodding to the peach as she digs out a pastry from her bag.
Nicora answers that by opening her mouth wide and biting down on the entire peach at once, impaling it on her fangs. "Yuth," she says, mouth full.
A passing child giggles at the sight before her mother drags her along. Her brother boasts, "I could fit two in my mouth.."
Nicora makes yet another silly face at the passing children before settling back to at least enjoy the juice of the peach. She's not sure she's brave enough to actually eat any of it.
"Beware the stone inside," Tulani warns, before biting into a round meat-filled pie. It smells like.. liver? "We shud chek da womb," the Sphynx mumbles with her mouth full.
"Check the womb? Mine is quite fine. I can't get pregnant, remember," Nicora remarks a bit dryly ... and scoots away from the unpleasant smell of liver.
The Sphynx shakes her head, chokes, beats on her chest with a fist and then sprays some crumbs before finally swallowing clearly. "No.. room. The room.. well.. closet, in Little Babel. We need to check with Mave."
"Oh, the Belfry," Nicora says and nods, "We should. That way we know when we're leaving and I'll write Phil a good bye note." She sucks a bit more on the peach. It's starting to look a little shriveled.
Several creens have arrived by now, perched on a branch over the bench.. a branch that is starting to dip low from their combined weight. They all chirp and hiss at one another and never take their eyes off of the peach.
"You can have your breakfast there too," Tulani points out, and grins to show bits of liver in her teeth.
"Oh good grief," Nicora mutters as she eyes the creens. She suckles a bit longer, then tosses the peach for the creens to fight over. "Only if you brush your teeth. Yuck," she retorts to Tulani.
"Hey, you have to brush yours too," Tulani claims. "I won't be using mine.. and you have Mateh-breath." Now that a swarm of creens are fighting over the peach, the bench seems less than peaceful. "Let's go then, I can eat and walk at the same time. Hold my sweat-tit," she says, handing over the cup of warm cream.
Amelia says, "Sweet, not sweet."
Nicora takes the cup as she stands. "Better Matah breath than male Eeee breath," she quips as she resumes walking. Her pace is leisurely so that she can enjoy the sights on the way back to the root.
"Ewwww, don't drink any of my cream then," Tulani says, before fishing out a fish-paste-pastry. "Maybe we should stop at a bathhouse and clean up."
"Ew what? I bit him," Nicora claims innocently. "As for a bath, up to you. I have no idea where anything is."
"I don't want any of his blood mixing in with mine though," Tulani says. "I think that's probably unhealthy. And.. there should be one I remember along the way, before we get to Freedom Park."
"What? It's not like he, or I, are diseased," Nicora huffs a little, yet remains smiling. "And all right, lead on. I'll be right behind you, tugging on your tail..."
Tulani manages to finish breakfast by the time they reach the bathhouse, which is separated into male and female halves - they even have separate entrances. The Sphynx pays the fee for them. There's an attendant in the changing room to make sure nobody pilfers from the lockers or steals any towels, and most of the patrons appear to be Rath'ani. There's no actual communal bath though - just showers and washing stalls with buckets, benches and hot water on tap.
"Best to use a stall," Tulani whispers, "so nobody sees the tail."
"Agreed," Nicora says to Tulani. Nicora smiles politely to the Rath-ani as they enter and wait for stalls to become available. She waits a few minutes for a stall, then takes claim. Once she's inside the stall, she goes through undoing her complicated clothing, folding them, then setting them outside in the nearby locker. The jewelry she leaves in place, since she has instructions on how to properly clean them without removal anyway. It takes her a moment of listening, then fiddling, but she figures out how the water works here and then goes about enjoying the warm water. Baths and showers are so much nicer when your a woman, it turns out.
Tulani is in the next stall over, and since the partitions aren't high they're able to talk. One may wonder if this feature is exclusive to the women's side, and that the men get higher dividers. "So, what are you going to have done next?" the Sphynx asks, as she unwraps a toothbrush. "I figure you're going to have at least one more bit of metal or bone installed before we leave, right?" she asks with a purr.
Nicora blinks. "Why do you think that?" she asks, head tilted curiously. Granted, she has been thinking about it ... but how did Tulani know?
"Because after you got your first taste in Abu Dhabi, you went back again for more," Tulani points out. "Now you've got another taste.. but also there are tattoos as an option."
"I've been considering a couple tongue studs," Nicora remarks as if it were no big deal. "Maybe a nose ring finally. I don't know. Why, are you now tempted? Are you enjoying encouraging me?" she asks as she finds her own toothbrush and unwraps it so that she can brush her teeth.
"It's fun to see you do stuff, I admit, and the scar highlighting was nice enough that I might have it made permanent," Tulani admits. "I'm still a sailor at heart though, and there are certain rules about jewelry and how it's worn that I need to stick to, otherwise I'll look silly if I try to get work on an airship again."
"It's fun to have done," Nicora admits, "Well, once it quits hurting a lot. What would you recommend for me?" She then proceeds to brush her teeth vigorously.
"You could get your scar tattooed so the dragon-face is permanent," Tulani suggests. "Well.. as permanent as anything when it comes to us. How are the barbells working out? And.. why a stud in your tongue?"
"Well, it was really interesting kissing Mordecai ... he had a few in his tongue," Nicora explains after spitting out the suds in her mouth. "The barbells are a little sore," she admits as she gingerly turns them as part of the cleaning, "But otherwise I like them. It's an interesting feeling and the white against dark is a nice look."
"Oh.. kissing.." Tulani says, as if she just got that. "I thought you wanted 'em for looks, which seemed silly. I don't think I have a tongue for that."
The Sphynx then gets an odd look, as an idea strikes her.. but she shakes her head.
"Yeah, they're more for using than for the look," Nicora agrees. "And I'm sure he would be more than happy to do it ... and what was that look for?" She disappears below the wall to wash her legs and her tail.
Tulani has to lean over to get her head over the partition so she can asks, "Well.. Mordecai is a hairless albino Eeee, right? It's a shame you can't turn into your hairless albino human friend for him, right? He could paint you to his heart's content then."
"I probably could," Nicora notes as she scrubs her legs, "If the location was safe. He probably would enjoy that, a lot. Why, Tulani, are you suggesting I do something so wanton?"
"Huh? Don't blame me, it just popped into my head," the hybrid claims, returning her head to her side of the partition. "You're the corrupting influence here, remember? I'm just an innocent mountain-town girl.."
"You're less innocent than I ever was," Nicora claims and lightly thumps the partition wall. "It'll all depend on how long we'll be here. I should see Phil again if we're here for another night, but maybe after that I could visit Mordecai again."
"And that will depend on Mave," Tulani notes, before running some water into her bucket. "I wonder what she gets up to when she's on her own? Do you think she has contacts here, or kids? I mean, I've never heard of a Yodhinala outside of Babel really. I didn't think they traveled."
"She sold her kids, so she might. And remember the mages were involved with that mess in Babel, so yes, some have contacts outside of the city," Nicora explains. She hasn't come back up yet, so who knows what she is doing. A minute or two more pass, then her head pops back up. She fills her bucket again too, and douses herself with it to rinse off.
"Better than a tongue-bath," Tulani notes, as she starts to towel off. "And no guys around to swat you with towel-whips!"
"Don't tempt me," Nicora teases as she starts toweling off too. She has to be careful in certain areas since they still hurt, even after the tail tweak eased it some. But ... after ten minutes or so, she's dry enough to reach out and collect her clothing. It's another fifteen minutes for Nicora to dress. Her clothing is so much more complicated than it was when she was Alptraum.
After the women help 'secure' each other's corset, it's back out into the crowd. The Bazaar is in full swing, a sea of shifting shoppers and somewhat shady shysters with shops shoe-horned in wherever there's space at the moment. And Little Babel, along with the Belfry, is on the other side.
"Ah, the city that never sleeps," Nicora remarks as she eyes the crowd. She shrugs a bit, takes as deep a breath as the corset will allow, and wades into the crowd, towards the Belfry!
There are quite a few 'accidental' brushes and bumps.. but both women know how to secure themselves against pick-pockets: nobody is reaching into those bodices without being noticed! "Squeeps, get 'yer squeeps! Now in wobble-berry! Two for the price of three! Today only!" shouts a Kavi nearby, almost right into Nicora's ear.
And Nicora's response to that is to tilt her head so that she's looking at the Kavi and burst a shrill, directed, tone right at his head! Not in Eeee range, so he'll definitely hear it! and hopefully remember to not shout in an Eeee's ear!
"Waah!" the striken Kavi wails. "Shaddup, Ned, and help me glue on these berries to der springs!" calls another greasy-sounding voice from within the tent.
"Some people have no manners," Nicora complains to Tulani as she fights her way onward ... and returns to swatting away all-too-friendly hands that are either trying to pick-pocket her, or just grope an Eeee.
Once they get to the Belfry, they find a message waiting for them. It's from Mave, asking that they join her at a particular address in the city when they're available. "This is in the Crafters Quarter," Tulani notes, as she shifts her clothes to better bare her neck and shoulder inside the tiny room.
"Does it say why?" Nicora asks as she too adjusts her clothing to be a bit more comfortable (and to make sure her little toys for Phlagaea and such are still here!). "And does it have a name?"
"Just a street address, nothing else," Tulani says, checking the back of the note as well. "No time even. It doesn't look like she stayed the night in here though, so maybe that's he hidey-hole on Rephidim?"
"Or a friend. Given how crummy this room is, it doesn't surprise me. It's too small for us to make out, even, so should we just head over?" Nicora asks, looks over her shoulder, and flutters her eyes at Tulani.
"Not going to have breakfast first, here in private?" Tulani asks, fluttering her lashes right back.
The response to that taunt comes in a blur! Tulani finds her back and wings suddenly pressed up against the wall. Nicora is grinning rather evilly as she looks Tulani right in her eyes. "Pleasure before business, then," the Eeee purrs, then kisses Tulani! It's thankfully brief ... but ends with Nicora licking down the Sphynx' cheek, then neck. There's no warning; Nicora bites down, fangs sinking in at the base of Tulani's neck.
"Oh ho.. someone is feeling frisky.." the Sphynx says, but purrs after the bite.
Nicora has a very slow breakfast; and apparently it includes a lot of roaming hands and massaging. Still, it comes to an end and her jaws release and draw back. Her right hand replaces her mouth on the two puncture wounds and she tries to use the shadow just a little to close them up. "I've liked you no mater what body I've worn," she claims, then licks Tulani's nose tip. "Well, except when I'm you. That's just to watch you be creeped out by outself..."
"Well, when we're on a ship again.." Tulani says, waggling her ears, before rubbing at the bite a bit. "But for nowrrr.. uh, now.. should we go the address?"
"And just imagine what a couple tongue studs could add. And I could be the savanite again, all mute and submissive..." Nicora teases as she draws away. "But yes, address. We both need to focus and behave." She picksup the note and heads to the door as if nothing happened!
Once their clothes are tightened up and the room is secured, it's a bit of a search through maze of streets that make up the Crafters Quarter of the city, which is less full of shops than it is of large warehouses and holding yards. One such warehouse appears to be their destination, with a sign on the door labeling it as 'Soong Import Export'.
"Bland and windowless and quiet," Tulani says ominously.
"A warehouse? That's ... worrisome. I've heard too many stories of bad things happening in warehouses," Nicora admits as she checks that her dagger is secure at her side and ready. She also flexes her right hand a few times. "Right, well, we won't know anything if we stand around here," she says, sounding braver than she feels. She heads right for the door, ears flicked forward and listening.
Tulani crows up behind her, and wonders if Nicora has suddenly lost her nerve. But sensitive Eeee ears pick up.. very muted sounds. There are definitely people inside, but there might also be sound-proofing of some sort.
"Voices, cannot make them out," Nicora says, "But several, so be wary." The Eeee reaches up and knocks firmly on the door.
There's no response for over a minute, and then Nicora can clearly hear someone moving. The door opens, revealing a heavy-set Eeee trying hard to wear normal clothes - but his posture is shouts soldier. He's got a patch over his right eye, and a scar suggesting the reason for the patch.. but still looks oddly familiar to Nicora. His expression when he sees her is one of surprise. "Yes?" he asks in Standard.
"I was told to come here by our friend, Mave," Nicora says simply. "Is she here?"
"Oh, Yodhsunala Nicora?" the man asks, uncertainly as he takes in Nicora and Tulani's attire.
"Correct," Nicora replies and nods once. "I cannot exactly walk in my robes here safely. This ... makes due. May we enter?" She watches this Eeee curiously, trying to figure out why he seems so familiar.
The man steps aside to allow entry. "Gotrekis bar Kesekis, at your service," he says, holding his arm out in a gesture of welcome.
Nicora nods ever so slightly at this introduction. "Thank you, Gotrekis," she says formally, in Babelite. She motions for Tulani to follow, then steps through the opened door, past the huge Eeee. Her ear twitches once when the name triggers a memory ... but her pace continues.
The pair is led down a short wooden corridor, and then around a corner. There's a doorway in front of them, but filled with a shadowy haze that seems to suck up light and sound. There are magical runes around the frame as well. "Yodhinala Mave is through there," Gotrekis says.
Nicora's eyes wander to the runes to see if she can make out any of them. Her right hand also flexes, testing if the shadow feels workings of magic similar to its own nature. "You have done your duty well, Gotrekis. It will be remembered," the dark Eeee says quietly, but with air of authority. Without hesitation, she steps forward, and through, the doorway.
It feels like Shadow Magic, which Alptraum has some experience with. Beyond the doorway is a meeting room, holding a few Nagas and Eeees, but the only ones seated are Mave and ... Alptraum. "Ah, you made it," Mave says with a smile. She has a cup of tea in her hand as well, and there is a plate of cookies on the table. "Nicora, Tulani.. allow me to introduce Prince Rikat of Babel." The muscular Eeee stands and bows when introduced, and shows a bit of shock when he sees Nicora's eyes. "Welcome," he says, "to the Guardians of the Tower."
Having had to act so many different rolls, the surprise of seeing Rikat is only inward. Outward she remains as solemn as ever. Her method of greeting is the same as it was with Gotrekis, her head dips ever so slightly. "I thank you for welcoming us into your ... place," she says softly and calmly, her right hand gesturing to the dark warehouse. She looks back at Rikat, her silver eyes looking right back into his as she speaks. "You are a long way from home ... and from your mentor, Thath."
There's an audible sucking in of breath and a halt to conversation at Nicora's words. Rikat's eyes flash, and his muscles tense.. and then an odd dullness seems to fall over him. He blinks and.. laughs! "Ah, who says the Yodhsunala have no sense of humor," he tells the room, and wipes a tear of laughter from his eye. He then bows to Nicora, and kisses the back of her right hand. "Forgive my correction, Sister, but the usurper was never my mentor - he was my jailor. I never had a mentor before the General liberated me."
"Then the Barsunala was under a different impression. Given that you assaulted him, I suppose it is not surprising," Nicora remarks rather dryly as the back of her hand is kissed. "You left a rather poor impression upon him, but he is ... forgiving; more than would be expected. He did not request your consignment to oblivion, much to the surprise of some."
"But I am the Barsunala," Rikat says, and winks, before turning back to the others. "If you'll excuse me, I have to meet with my advisors," he says, stepping through another hazy doorway with an Eeee and Naga following him. "That was weird," Tulani whispers to Nicora.
From the small table, Mave waves the two women over.
"I wonder if he suffered a severe head injury in his escape," Nicora remarks softly in Sylvanian to Tulani as she watches the Eeee leave the room. She shakes her head and walks over to Mave. "What I would say to you right now would not be polite, so I will say nothing and allow you to explain the situation," she says as she locates a chair and settles down.
"Tell me then; was that the actual Rikat?" Mave asks, also switching to Sylvanian. They're alone in the room, which has shadow-magic dampening.. but still, why risk it?
"It is likely, given a reaction I observed," Nicora answers, "But it would require a bit more questioning to tell for absolute certain. Why?"
"It probably doesn't matter," Mave replies. "It is only that the original was the result of magical adjustment.. so there is no reason there could not be others. Mainly, I was curious because it seems his memories have been tampered with."
"Well,, correction on a slight level, Alptraum would have been named Rikat, had the Yodhsunala not spirited him away and used magic to shape another orphan to be his physical duplicate; then placed in the Tower. As for his memories, tampered with how?" Nicora asks.
"He seems to believe that he is the Barsunala," Mave notes. "That he is, in fact, immortal - and that Thath kept him imprisoned for fear that he would reclaim the throne of the Sabaoth."
"Thath kept him imprisoned because until Thath knew of Alptraum, he believed Rikat was his son, and was trying to protect him," Nicora remarks quietly, still in Sylvanian, and interlaces her fingers. "I could break him of his delusions rather easily, but it would be folly to do so, and endanger myself."
"I don't think you can break them so easily," Mave says. "Notice how he ended things when you brought up his past meeting with Alptraum? I think he's been conditioned or programmed to do that. In short, I believe the General has brainwashed him."
"Why?" Tulani asks, as she tries to follow things.
"It is possible. He would make a useful political pawn. The General could use him as a rally point to some," Nicora explains. "And yes, it would be easy to break him of the delusion, but that would likely involve killing him. I do not have much compassion for him. My memories of him are of a spoiled, abusive, and cruel Eeee. He sought to take my ... Alptraum's life when Alptraum wouldn't do what he wanted."
"Would you have fared better in his place, knowing you were being raised only as a future body for the Sabaoth.. if he did realize that," Mave asks. "Frankly, he sounds no different than the son of any Babelite noble. But his use as a pawn is likely true. A rallying point for the nobility that are at risk of losing their power. And once he's on the throne, the General could control him. And probably simply make backups to continue the illusion of immortality. It would be having the Sabaoth all over again... without him actually being in control."
"So what would you have me do, then? Should I kill him? Help him escape? Take his place and seek out what the General is planning?" Nicora asks and spreads her hands. "I am not as weak as I was years back; I would actually have a chance at survival. And how would he react to learn the truth? That he was just some orphan that was changed instead of directly sacrificed? Do not think I have not felt the guilt of that; I have."
"I'm not suggesting you do anything," Mave says. "Rikat, ultimately, is not our concern: getting to Babel is. And the Guardians regularly smuggle goods and people in. And since we are
"I'm not suggesting you do anything," Mave says. "Rikat, ultimately, is not our concern: getting to Babel is. And the Guardians regularly smuggle goods and people in. And since we are Yodh, whom the General courts with promises of a return to influence, we can use them to meet our goals."
"That isn't entirely true. He is someone I pushed from my mind a long time ago and tried to forget. I had enough guilt bearing on my soul for other things. Did you ever consider how it might make me feel to see him again?" Nicora asks. "And now that he has returned in my life, do you think I can just simply ignore him again? Have you really learned nothing of me in the entire time we have been together?"
"I assumed you'd have higher priorities," Mave notes. "Tell me then, what you want to do?"
"For now, observe. I need to know how much of a risk he truly is for me," Nicora says, "And what his goals are, same as with the General. My idealist soul would want to help untangle him from the mess that I am ultimately at fault for. But I am not so naive anymore as to think there is really much chance of that."
"So.. you need to find out if he's worth saving, or if he can be saved?" Tulani asks, for clarity. "What if he doesn't want to be helped?"
"Then it depends on how much of a risk he is to me, Rosalind, and the people I care about. If it comes to it, I will take his life," Nicora says, her tone flat; though the hints are there that it is very forced for her to sound that way.
"The General is a risk to Thath, certainly," Mave says. "The fact that we must consider being smuggled in by the people responsible for making it dangerous to travel to Babel is telling enough. But Rikat can only be a danger to you if you intend to influence Babel's politics. And I've confirmed that the General is not in Rephidim - Rikat was moved here to make it difficult for Thath to get him back, while also effectively jailing him again."
"I do not know if I can adequately explain how I feel to either of you. I am not sure Mave is capable of understanding, and it may take being in the position to appreciate what it feels like. I thought I has healed the wounds I suffered when I visited Babel the first time. The guilt I felt in knowing that my existence ruined so many lives. One look in his eyes and it all came back," Nicora says. "And the utter frustration of being unable to do anything about it. I cannot undo what has happened, and I do not know what I can do to make it better. Or for that matter, has my existence done more good in this world than harm? Do I deserve to live?"
"You are alive, that is what matters," Mave says. "You were exiled, kept far away from it all. It is not your fault. Rikat is alive because he could serve a purpose in taking your place. But someone else decided that for him. Someone else decided you needed to be impersonated, instead of simply claiming you had died."
"If your father thought you dead.. would things have unfolded differently?" Mave asks.
"And none if it may have happened if I had never existed," Nicora points out. "This is not a discussion or argument than can be won. It is the trap of the what-if. The problem now is, that I do exist, and at some level I bear the responsibility to make it right."
"I still say you bear no responsibility in the matter," Mave claims. "Your father had reasons beyond protecting you to do what he did, but you can resolve that by asking him yourself, hopefully. Now, what information do you need about Rikat?"
"First off, you are not to sleep with him. That is ... creepy," Nicora says flatly, "But what I need to learn of him is what kind of person is he now and what his goals are. And to more immediate concerns, what have you arranged for travel?"
"I have not arranged for anything yet," Mave claims. "I know that the ship they use will be leaving in a few more days, but only one Guardian will be traveling with it. Rikat is not allowed out of this building, but does not seem concerned about it - nor has he seemed interested in the charms of a Yodhinala. It is why I wanted your impression of him."
"Are you asking me to try and get close to him? The Rikat I remember had a ... history of being ... appreciative of women," Nicora says.
"I meant your initial impression on meeting him," Mave says. "You seemed immediately.. well.. confrontational. How did you expect him to react?"
"Wait, does this mean I have to..." Tulani starts to say, eyebrows raised.
"No," Nicora remarks to Tulani. "As for how I expected him to react, I do not know. I wanted him to be sure he understood I am not someone to trifle with, as would be expected of any Yodhsunala. Secondly, that he was not at any risk of reprisal for his actions against the Barsunala from years back, but that it was remembered," Nicora says.
"We just aren't certain that he remembers it," Mave notes. "He thinks that he is the Barsunala, however - therefore as a Yodhsunala you would have access to him. Forgetting for the moment that he isn't the Barsunala and that you aren't a Yodhsunala, anyway."
"So, you are asking me to try and become his confidant," Nicora notes calmly.
"Merely suggesting that of the three of us, you would have the easiest access to him," the Yodhinala claims. "He claims to be the son of Sunala, and his handlers must believe that or at least maintain the illusion."
"I am not afraid to be alone with him, I can protect myself," Nicora notes as she shrugs slightly, "And I suppose it would be a simple matter to just ask him what he would like to convey to Sunala in Babel when we go. What he says may be generally telling of his state of mind."
"Hmmm, he wouldn't have been expected to encounter a Yodhsunala in Rephidim," Mave says, nodding. "If he's been programmed, then he may not be prepared for such a request."
"It is a simple question and does not reveal anything about us that has already not been said," Nicora agrees, though she doesn't really seem like she likes the idea. "Are we also now prisoners in this building? Or may we come and go freely?" she asks.
"As the Guardians count the Yodh as their supporters, we are certainly free to come and go.. although we may be followed," Mave notes. "That is where Tulani's training is put to the test; letting us know when we are being followed."
Nicora smirks. "I could always change shape if required," she remarks rather dryly. "But the possibility of being followed does put a damper on doing much more while in the city."
"There are plenty of places we cannot be followed," Mave notes. "None of those I have seen here are women, for instance."
"You could still go to the Morgue," Tulani suggests. "That's got Death Cult written all over it."
"That leave us restrooms and bath houses, mainly," Nicora remarks. "And I will have to send Phil a letter declining his invitation to dinner."
"Only if we're actually followed," Tulani says, with a grin. "They may not know how to do it."
"Phil is a young student we met last night," Nicora explains to Mave. "So, my options are to spend most of my time in the Morgue, or be sneaky."
"You are sneaky, when you want to be," Mave points out. "Of course, one of us could play decoy. I am not sure they have the resources to really follow us; they seem much more concerned about there own secrecy."
"So in simple terms, be careful, but do not worry too much," Nicora clarifies. "Will you be sleeping here? I noticed that you chose to not sleep in our rented room."
"Things are rather minimalist here, but more comfortable than the closet," Mave notes. "I can remain here to allay any awkwardness, and my charms still work on those around Rikat."
"My 'charms' only attract the disturbed an scary ... or the young and impressionable," Nicora remarks. "I have become 'popular' with an Eeee who lives at the Morgue; a Sunala worshiper, of a sort."
"One of the 'goths' of this strange city?" Mave asks.
"I don't know if he could be adequately described in a single word," Tulani notes. "Maybe 'artist' if you know one weird enough."
"One who is probably seen as the leader. An albino covered in tattoos and other things," Nicora explains. "As Tulani says, 'artist' is close. He does do good work."
"Perhaps you could stay with him, then," Mave suggests.
"I fear what he would do to me if I stayed there," Nicora admits, then looks to Tulani. "I would not leave untouched, would I?"
"Well.. that depends on what sort of touching you're talking about," the Sphynx says with a grin.
"Still, it would be a safe place to stay, from a Yodhsunala perspective," Nicora admits. "I will go ask him about it when I leave here to see if he is amenable. They do seem to have plenty of rooms."
"When do you want to try and approach the Prince again?" Mave asks.
"I assume he will be busy for the next several hours. I can arrange my accommodations, contact Phil, then return here early afternoon to speak with him. I can then go to dinner with Phil later, on pretense if asked that he is the son of a noble and I am trying to learn the leanings of various families if need be," Nicora offers.
"The are trying to get support from some of the nobles on Rephidim," Mave notes. "Their goals seem at odds, but that may also be the purpose of Rikat being here.. to provide a face other than the General's." She smirks a bit at her own joke, since hardly anyone has seen the General's face.
"The General likes to use mythology. There was a time when he tried to recreate a fleet scene from a Dipath story," Nicora explains. "Now, I suppose today will be a bit busy, so I should go see to the matters of accommodation. It may also help me relax for a bit and prepare myself for facing Rikat again."
"And of course, you won't tell anyone about this place?" Mave asks.
"I am not that foolish," Nicora claims. "It would service no purpose to talk of this place other than to endanger us."
"Let me know if you have any change of plans before tomorrow," Mave says. "I'll try to make sure the Prince's schedule is clear tomorrow afternoon."
Nicora rises. "Of course. I know where to find you," she says. "I trust you will also keep the secret of who I am safe from them, yes?"
"I still want to get to Babel, and the requires your identity remain secret," Mave points out.
"And not out of loyalty to me as a friend?" Nicora asks.
"I didn't think you'd believe me if claimed that," Mave notes.
"Probably not, but I hold out hope that you do consider me a friend," Nicora admits and shrugs.
"I consider you much more than that," Mave says. "Now, would you like some tea?"
"I suppose I can have a cup of tea before going to the Morgue," Nicora agrees and sits back down. "And what exactly do you consider me?"
The Yodhinala gives her usual enigmatic smile. "Oh.. family, I suppose."
"Ah yes, Inala and her suggested desire to have me become Her Daughter," Nicora remarks, mildly amused. She looks over to Tulani and asks her, "Where will you wish to stay? Shall I negotiate for a room at the Morgue for you as well?"
"That would be safest," Tulani notes, taking a cup. "It'll let me keep an eye on you, after all. And I think it will be interesting to explore that building."
"There is a khatta with a scary whip I could introduce you to," Nicora offers with her own enigmatic smile.
"I must lead a boring life," Mave notes as she pours the tea.
"I do admit I am worried about what the fee will be for staying there, but that will be negotiated at the proper time. Now, about that tea?" Nicora says, turning her attention back to Mave. She takes the cup and drinks it. Rikat. Of all people. At least she may have an outlet for ... frustrations in dealing with him. Of course there is always the problem of what it will cost her...