The group that enters the pub is made up mostly of Skreeks, with a single Eeee. They have the look of rough-and-tumble sailors, certainly, and all wear matching black bandanas. As they commandeer a table, the leader of the group - a bit, black Skreek with white chest and facial markings approaches the bar. "Six ales for my boys!" he says, tapping a coin on the bar. The red-feathered Vartan bartender gives him the same suspicious look she gives everyone who orders something, and goes about filling the order.
While he waits, the sailor turns to the similarly colored Skreek wench sitting a few stools down. "I'm First Mate Orca of the Shadowdrake," he introduces himself. "What're you drinking, lass?"
"I'm drinkin' whatever ye be buyin' me," Nicorina remarks as her lips draw back into a mischievous grin. "A First Mate's got to have coin on 'em, aye?" Her head tilts just so; she peers at him with one of her eyes as if sizing him up.
The man grasps the sides of his vest, and smiles to show off several gold teeth - and a nipple-ring as he puffs out his chest. "Well now, you strike me as a rum drinker," he notes. "Come sit wi' me and my crew and I'll make sure you're well lubricated."
Nicorina slips off her stool and sashays towards the skreek; hips in a full roll and tail swaying like a snake. "Don't mind if I do," she tells him as she reaches, then starts to pass him. She even reaches up and flicks that ring, adding, "And nice jewelry ya gots there," she says, smirking.
"Aye, it's my pride and joy," Orca claims, and orders a flagon of rum from Desdemona when she lines up the ales on the bar - and gets charged as much for that as for all six of the other drinks.
"The ol' Orc is on the prowl, methinks," one of the sailors whispers to the other, who just gives a crooked grin as he scoots over to make an extra space for Nicorina.
"Looks good on you," Nicorina remarks, her own brow arching when she catches the cost of what he just bought ... and what he's probably hoping for later. She flashes a toothy grin to the rest of the crew as she settles herself down on the chair with a flop. "Ey lads," she remarks to them, grinning all the while, "I expects ye to be keeping yer hands to yerself if you know what's good for them!"
Orca passes around the grog, and sets the rum in front of Nicorina. "They're good boys! Just been awhile since they touched ground," he says, sitting at the head of the table, next to Nicorina at the corner of the table. "Here's to another well-paid commission, aye!" he toasts, holding up his mug. The other men follow suit with a chorus of ayes as well.
Nicorina curls her fingers around the mug's handle and lifts it along with the others. "Oh? From what port did ye come from?" she inquires just before she diverts her mug and takes a drink from it. Her eyes flick about between the motley crew, trying to make out their stations and any other identifying marks such as scars, medals, or other such collections.
"The Free City, Zannara!" Orca claims, and taps mugs with Nicorina. The men don't wear anything like uniforms, although the Eeee does have a jacket that looks like it came off of a Babelite soldier.
"Ya pick a good drink, Orca," Nicorina tells him, then proceeds to lick the rim of her mug, making sure the glint of the metal stud in her tongue is visible. "Can't say as I ever been there. Fun place?" she asks.
"Oh yeah, great port, booming ever since Babel became.. a bit too tough for the timid, eh," Orca says with a chuckle.
"What's yer tale, missy?" the rat on the other side of Nicorina asks, eyeballing her earrings. "I can tell yer not a sailor."
"I heard about ol' Babel. Crazy place before, deadly place now. Can't imagine anyone wit' any sense wanting to go there," Nicorina remarks as she takes another drink. She tilts her head and looks at the other rat. "Me? Oh, nothin' grand. Takin' a break from the other side. Got a bit too hot in the markets t' make a livin; lifting a few things from those that can afford it. When things calm down I'll probably head back and resume me 'job'."
"Lots of profit in risky routes, if you know who to talk to," Orca claims, and gives Nicorina another look. "I thought that knot looked familiar," he notes, and reaches out to tap on the knot of laces that hold the Skreek's half-bodice closed and tight. "Picker's knot, eh? Supposed to be tricky."
"Eeeeh, for a beginner, maybe," Nicorina remarks, grinning, "It' becomes old-hand af'er a while." She pauses for another drink. "An profit is only good if you live long enough to use it, aye? There are times to take a risk an times to lay low. Methinks you've got a risky job planned for the future from dat comment. You've gots me tail all a quiver with curiosity. Don' suppose you would share yer next adventure?"
"Heh, that's for Cap'n Soldano to say," Orca claims after a heart swig of ale. "He's off chatting up some o' our patrons now," he notes. Of course, Nicorina already knows that, since Tulani has been following the Eeee captain.
"Mebbe you'd like to come along?" one of the other Skreeks asks, waggling his eyebrows. "Could use a ship's tail again!" This is greeted with a general murmur of assent from the others.
"Ah, yes. Best t' stay out of the loop so ya can't be shaken down information," Nicorina agrees and nods at that. "So how long ya in port for? And I dunno; I have ta see the ship an see iffin my tail was up for the duty!" she cackles at that and waggles her own brow back at Orca.
"We'll be in for a few days at least, to load up," Orca says with a grin. "Been on many airships, Clever Hands lass?" he asks.
"Only a couple times during over various, ah, employment opportunities," Nicorina remarks to Orca with her own grin, "Gots some of my jewelry work done in Abu Dhabi on one of those trips."
"Well, I might be convinced into givin' ya a private tour of the Shadowdrake," the First Mate offers, grinning lasciviously.
"Oh really? An what would dat be costin' me?" Nicorina counters as she leans over closer to the first Mate, her lips drawn back in a sly smile. "Ain't nothin' free, is it?"
"Oh, I don't know that it's a cost, rightly," Orca claims. "Could be a challenge, eh? Or a gift!" The rest of the crew snickers.
"Or a ... job interview?" Nicorina teases and whips her naked tail back and forth a few times for emphasis.
"Could be!" the man says. "How's your rum?"
Nicorina takes a long drink from her mug. "Strong; feels like a kick in the gullet, just how I like it," the skreek claims as she sets her mug down. "An ... I think I accept your offer. A little time explorin' a ship an visitin' with m'kind sounds like a delightful distraction."
"You boy's will stay out of trouble without me, aye?" Orca asks the crew. They all laugh, and one says, "Pay for the next few rounds in advance, Mister Orca sir, and we'll be perfect little pups!"
"No' much fun in stayin' out of trouble!" Nicorina quips as she lifts her mug and uses the time to down the remainder before slamming the empty mug back onto the table.
"I like a girl that can handle her rum," Orca says, finishing off his own ale and tossing a pile of coins onto the table. "Just don't make have to come collect yer teeth later, ya rats," he tells his men, before gallantly offering an elbow to Nicorina.
"An I like a man who took the pain of a needle to decorate 'imself," Nicorina chirps back to Orca and then slides her arm around his. "Ye best be not planning t' kidnap me or anythin'," she teases, "Now, shall we go see yer pride an' joy?"
Orca leads the girl out of the tavern, and into the cave-like main road leading to the docks. "Well, that depends on if you pass the interview!" he laughs. "So Clever Hands.. got a name you go by?"
"Oh, I gots several, but you can jus' call me Nikky," Nicorina claims as she walks beside the other skreek.
The elbow-lock keeps Orca from being a bit more exploratory with his hands for the time being. When they reach the docks, it's pretty clear which ship must be the Shadowdrake. Black envelope and black, spiky chitin-covered hull, obviously Babelite in design. The figurehead is that of a reptilian ptera, and even this far out the cries of the creatures can be heard. No sails on this ship, it's powered by muscles.
"Ya gots yerself a genuine Bebelite ship," Nicorina remarks as she looks over the fearsome vessel. "I say you be a runner crew with a ship like dat. An its name be very fittin!"
"Runnin' is a fool's gambit, eh?" Orca claims, but doesn't dispute the rest.
"No for me t' judge! I like fearsome ships an rough crews," Nicora claims, "Makes me tail all quivery!"
Orca leans back to check on Nicorina's tail, as they reach the gangplank. A few Eeee are hanging upside down in the rigging, apparently asleep, while a lone Fnerf guards the deck. "Hoy, Temis!" Orca calls up. "Permission to board?"
The black-furred foxtaur looks over and raises a white eyebrow at Nicorina. "Been fishing again, Number One?" he asks.
Nicorina swishes her tail and rolls her hips just so when Orca leans back to look. For the moment she's quiet, taking time t look about the deck, count the guards, and how they're armed.
Nicorina licks her lips suggestively at the Fnerf, then waggles her ears.
"It's all about the proper bait, mate," Orca claims. The Fnerf nods and the pair of Skreeks step onto the deck. Nicorina can see the heavy scimitar the Fnerf wears now - also black chitin. Everything about the Shadowdrake seems to involve dark shades, with even the decking stained dark and the hanging Eeee being black-on-black.. no doubt armed with long knives or short swords, if not crossbow pistols.
There are some covered objects near the bow as well, possibly ballistas or other ship-to-ship weapons. There's even something odd in the forecastle, behind the figurehead - little alcove full of drums and what might be a pump.
"Any squeak yet from the Cap?" Orca asks the Fnerf, who shakes his head. He wears a wide-brimmed black leather hat for some reason, despite being underneath a giant black gas envelope. "Too soon, you know how it is with those up top."
"This is a dangerous ship. It'll be a risky trip; we'll have to keep quiet and out of sight," Nicorina realizes as she looks about at the crew and weaponry, "Crazy for anyone to attack it, though." She leans over and licks Orca's ear. "Fish an bait, eh?" she asks him playfully.
The first mate wraps his tail around Nicorina's, and says, "Well, maybe a mermaid. I do use a snake instead of a worm, eh?" he notes, then tells Temis, "Giving the lady a little tour, mind ye. Might be interested in joining up."
"Let me see your hands," the Fnerf asks of Nicorina.
"As long as ya skin me properlike, I won't complain," Nicorina remarks to Orca and tightens her tail a bit more around his. The Fnerf's question causes her brow to arch a bit, but she complies and holds out her hands for the Fnerf.
"Be be sayin' they could use a new ship's tail. Now how coul' I resist a description like dat?" Nicora asks the Fnerf as she grins.
Temis feels Nicorina's hands, stroking the palms and backs with his own fingers. "Strong hands," he notes. "Not too rough, almost soft.. nice," he says. "Okay, you can look around with Orca," the Fnerf says with a grin, letting go of the Skreek's hands.
"Ey, a lady's gots to look after 'erself," Nicorina remarks as she playfully wiggles her fingers at him. "Mebbe I see you later," she adds as she slips her arm back around Orca's.
Orca takes her to a hatch, and opens it up to reveal the ladder to the lower decks. "Not afraid of the dark, are ye?" he whispers into Nicorina's ear.
"No in the slightest. S'ides, I gots me a strong skreek t' protect me," Nicorina replies in whisper back to Orca.
The lower deck is a narrow passage. "Bunk room up midships," Orca says. "Officer's bunk to stern. And cargo and roost below," he points out, then asks, "Ever seen a ptera up close?"
"Can't say dat I have," Nicorina admits as she looks about in the directions Orca indicates. "We'll likely be in the cargo hold," she realizes, "So seeing it now may be a good idea."
Another hatch is pulled open in the floor, and Nicorina gets a whiff of reptilian funk. "You'll like them," Orca claims, and heads down first - possibly so he can look up Nicorina's skirt when it's her turn.
Nicorina sniffs the air, discovering the smell they'll probably be wearing during the trip. "Could be worse," she tries to convince herself as she climbs down the ladder after Orca. The skreek planned ahead and decided to go without chain today, so if Orca has enough light, well, he might get a glimpse of the rings and bare skin.
The way he reaches up to help Nikky down the last few rungs hints that maybe his night-vision is up to snuff. There's a heavy, barred door forward, while towards the rear of the ship is forest of cargo netting and supports, with lots of handy tie-downs, but no cargo. "Just one of the cargo bays," he notes, and gestures to the door. "Ready to meet our drakes?" he asks with a toothy grin.
"I be ready t' always meet a strong beastie," Nicorina claims and grins to Orca after she looks to the cargo netting and supports. Just one, hopefully means others are more empty for passengers.
The man unbolts and opens the door, leading the way into the ship's stable. The side doors are closed, sealing the hull at both sides of the room, and aside from the two stalls at the rear wall, one to either side of the door, there are some storage lockers and racks of ptera-handling gear, including a hammock strung between posts, currently unoccupied. The pteras are bridled and harnessed to keep them in their stalls, but they act up once visitors arrive. Another door is directly opposite, leading into the forward holds of the ship.
"Oooo," goes Nicorina as she sees the harnessed Pteras. She doesn't, however, leave Orca's side as she doesn't quite know how dangerous they actually are. Her ears flick about and tail swishes as she just looks for the moment at the handling gear, the hammock, and other doors out. "Crew usually sleeps down here wit' dem?" she asks Orca and gestures towards the hammock.
"Jus' the handler," Orca notes, and steps behind Nicorina to rest his hands on her shoulders. The two pteras watch her, the one on the right a deep, nearly black shade of green, and the other an equally dark red. "Bargorph and Barblacky," Orca introduces the dragon-sized critters. "If you want to pet one, you'll need to let them get your scent first."
"Bar ... why does de names sound familiar?" Nicorina asks Orca and looks over her shoulder. "An how do I get them t'know my scent? Hold out my hand? Won't dey ... bite it off?"
"Barblacky is pretty wild, and prolly would take your hand," Orca claims, but then reaches around with one hand to deftly untie the knot of Nicorina's halter laces. "You'd best just offer them a bit of clothing with your scent on it, see. Let me help you.." he whispers into her ear.
"Oooh, sneaky," Nicorina whispers back to Orca and lets him untie her halter while she reaches back and gives his bottom a squeeze. "You know, he's not half bad at trying to seduce me," she thinks, amused.
With the garment loosened enough, Orca pulls it up over Nicorina's head and tosses it towards Barblacky, who dips his head to sniff at it. The Skreek then uses his own hands to make up for the lost support that the bodice provided. "You've got some jewelry of your own, I feel," the man notes, exploring the piercings with his thumbs.
Nicorina's breathing stops for a second when the skreeks hands start to explore. "Oh, yah. Took two needles each t' get those. One to start it, then one t' stretch it wide enough to fit the bar so that it wouldn't be easy t' pull out," she claims, "Dey is pretty much permanent. Hurt at first, but gots t' buy myself fun things now an then!" She reaches up to lightly cup the back of his hands with her own.
The ptera picks up the bodice in its beaky mouth and shakes it a bit, before tossing it over towards the green one. He then lowers his head invitingly. "Ah, he likes ya," Orca says, and pushes forward to get Nikky to move closer. "He wants to say hi!"
Nicorina eyes the beast a bit worriedly but eventually does take a few steps closer towards it. She hesitates again, but slowly reaches out now to try and pet the top of Barblacky's head. "Nice beastie," she coos at it, "No bitey."
It looks as if the ptera is about to do something, since it's tongue starts to stick out.. but it suddenly becomes docile - almost submissive - when Nicorina's right hand touches one horny brow. It practically coos. This even causes Orca to pause in his fondling.
"Aww, yer just a bit sweety aren't you?" Nicorina asks the huge creature as she pets lightly over hits brow. "Jus' a big handsome guy lookin' for a little attention!" She, of course, realizes it may sense the shadow dragon flesh in her hand ... and its aura. "You can lick iffin you want to," she offers.
The ptera almost timidly licks at Nicorina's palm. "Cor.. you sure you're not a wrangler?" Orca asks, sounding impressed. "Yer a natural if not!"
"Never touched one before!" Nicorina claims as she draws her hand back once a few licks have been placed. "Mebbe it just misses companionship an can smell I'm a lady," she offers as the explanation.
"Heh, I don't think he'd be all calm and begging for belly-rubs if that were the case!" Orca laughs. "More likely chomping at the bit!"
Curious, Nicorina reaches out with her left hand now to Barblacky. "Mebbe he know another already gots designs on my tail," she teases Orca.
The reptile is still a bit docile, but not quite as submissive this time, in that he licks Nicorina's cheek and gives her a good dose of rancid carnivore-breath.
Nicorina laughs as she steps back and wipes at her cheek. "Ya need to give these fellows some mint ta chew," she tells Orca.
"Stumpy doesn't try hand-feeding or brushing their teeth no more," Orca notes. "Though maybe you'd like to hook up as his assistant, eh?" He also gives the girl a playful squeeze.
"Maaaaybe," Nicorina says, sounding a bit distracted by the squeeze. "Kin I go pet Bargorph an get me top back?" she asks Orca.
"Awww, I suppose.." Orca says, and helps Nicorina over to the next stall. The green ptera is backed up a bit, and eyes the Skreek girl warily.
Nicorina extends her left hand to the dark green ptera and just waits to see if he will come to her. "It's okay," she tells it.
The dragon-like head comes closer, and sniffs at the Skreek's palm. It bows its head, but doesn't brush up or otherwise make contact with the hand.
Nicorina tries to pet its head once, then decides to leave it be and just retrieve her top. Instead of putting it back on, though, she offers it to Orca. "Mebbe you can find me something better t'wear," she suggests and waggles her brow.
"Well, let's see what we have then," the man says, taking the bodice and hanging it over his shoulder - after giving it a sniff, to see what sort of magical ptera-taming qualities Nicorina's scent might have. He then gestures to the other door, which he goes and pulls open before making an 'after you' gesture.
Nicorina saunters through the doorway. As she passes the skreek, her naked tail wraps, then slither-slides off his leg. "I likes yer pteras. Neat beasties," she comments.
The forward cargo hold is larger than the rear, probably to help balance the weight of the ship. There's another ladder leading to the mid-deck, and plenty of crates and barrels and other supplies no doubt used during the ship's regular travel, but still leaving plenty of space for cargo.
"Another hold. Prolly for foodstuffs?" Nicorina asks as she looks ath the crates and barrels present.
"And for paying cargo," Orca notes, as he goes over to a pile of grain sacks. "Plus private lockers for the crew," he adds, gesturing the line of lockers against the back wall, to either side of he door.
"Ooo, where you keep all your fun stuff, I imagine," Nicorina teases, then adds, "I know, its for all yer stuff!" She saunters over to peer at the grain sacks and look for an origin mark on them to see if they did really come from the free city.
The sacks do bear the mark of Zannara, although a few are from Rephidim. Orca comes up behind Nicorina and says, "If you bend over the sacks, you'll get a surprise."
Nicorina's tail flicks at that comment and she cackles. "Okay, yah have me curious!" she admits and actually does bend over the sack to look, though she suspects what surprise he has in mind is coming from a different direction.
Sure enough, the Skreek feels her skirts being lifted up, and her tail held in the mouth of Orca.. followed by the sound of the first mate's pants dropping. So, it isn't really a surprise, other than that she's never been mounted by a Skreek before.
Nicorina stretches out over the sacks and her fingers splay. "I t'ink a snake has found its way on board," she teases as a shudder runs through her body. "An I guess dis my interview for being the 'tail?" she adds as she rolls her hips back against Orca instead of trying to stop him.
"Nah, just wanted to make some bread," Orca growls, and has his way. It's rough, but that's fine by Nicorina's body - and not particularly thorough, which leaves her more 'warmed up' than satisfied when Orca finishes. Although he does tell her, "Proper interview will back in the officer's bunk, I reckon. This here is just.. gettin' to know ya!"
Nicorina's claws dig into the bags as bracing as the skreek behind her gets exactly what he wants ... and finds herself feeling frustrated and wanting by the end of it. "Good, cuz that better no be all of it," she says when she feels her tail freed and her skirt lowered back down. She pushes herself back upright and grins at Orca. "I 'ope the rest of it will be just as ... rough," she remarks to him and licks her lips.
The male rat grins, and tugs up his pants. "Well, let's see how you do on the formal test.." he notes, and scoops climbs up the ladder to open the hatch. "Follow me, now," he says.
Ans as he ascends, Nicorina grabs his tail and holds it in her mouth. It's hard to remain focused given the frustrating 'need' her body is feeling, but she tries to keep look at what they pass and guess at the crew size.
They emerge into the mid-deck just next to the galley and mess, where an apron-wearing Skreek is dozing - probably the cook. The crew bunks are an open area aft of them, with bunks lining the walls and a few more sleeping crew. There are Eeee hanging perches, two of them occupied by dark-furred bats.
"Dis ship gots a large crew?" Nicorina asks of Orca when she finally releases his tail from her mouth on the next deck. She briefly eyes the bats, looking for any markings on them that might show an allegiance to a family our group.
They do have shaved patterns on their shoulders, but it's difficult to make out just what they might be, given the unlit nature of the bunkroom and the black-on-black coloration of the Eeee. "We got a dozen reg'lar crew," Orca notes, heading towards the ladder to the main deck, where they came down. There's plenty of light there, since the hatch is still open. Well, plenty compared to the dim interior, since Underside doesn't exactly get a lot of light during the middle of the day.
Nicorina almost goes to get a closer look, but decides she may get a better chance as Yodhsunala Nicora later. Plus, she doesn't want to raise any suspicion. "They are very organized then. This is not a simple operation. We must remain vigilant and never break persona," she decides as she follows after Orca. She finds herself thinking he's actually got a nice behind when he climbs up the ladder and she follows. "Bah, stupid body and its urges and needs," she thinks.
The rest of Orca's crewmates from the tavern are already returning, half of them on the deck already. It's then that Nicorina remembers she's still topless, and gets even more looks when the First Mate says, "Interview's about to start, form a line boys," as he opens the door to the officers' cabin.
"He can't be serious," Nicorina thinks when she hears his comment. She eyes Orca, cackles, and saunters into the officer cabin. "Surely he's joking..." she thinks again.
There's an actual hall, with several doors and window in the back at the stern of the airship. Orca opens the first door on the right though, which must be his own cabin. It's small, but still has room for a desk and a chart rack, as well as a built-in padded bunk and a rolled up mattress.. which Orca proceeds to unroll. "Temis won't mind we use his bed," the big rat says with a shiny grin.
Nicorina reaches down and undoes the ties that holds her skirt in place. She lets it fall to the floor, then steps out of it, now revealing her jewelry-decorated body completely. "'E one of the interviewers?" Nicorina actually asks and stifles a cackle just in time. "An ... hands and knees, den? What is de proper interview position?" she asks the skreek.
"Well," Orca says, shedding his pants once more. "Let's try a few and see which fits you best, eh?" he suggests.
Nicorina now looks him up and down looking for any other jewelry than the one on his chest. "Any preference fer startin' or do I pick?" she asks.
Aside from his teeth, nipple and a band around the base of his tail, Orca sports a few rings, including a loop through one ear. "Oh, I have a preference," he admits, and quickly tackles Nicorina onto the mattress, and onto her back. He's still rough, but at least he isn't in a hurry this time. "Rings on your privates; you're a daring woman, Nikky!" he says.
"Oh, you have no idea. They hurt but were so worth it!" Nicorina cackles as she's pinned down. Her body responds quite well to the roughness and she returns it in kind as she nips, bites, tugs on his rings and rakes her claws along his back! "Likes yer tailband, mebbe I'll get one sometime," she mutters at one point where there is a short lull in their 'interview'.
This time, the Igorina body feels satisfied.. but not averse to more. Which is helpful, since Orca wasn't joking when he told his men to line up! The others aren't particularly good, and often have breath only a Skreek could tolerate, but quantity-over-quality (and the fact that they all tend to be pretty quick) is still something Nicorina's body can tolerate. And none of them came back for seconds that she could tell. But she did get to see the pattern on one of the Eeee's shoulders at least, and she recognizes it as a symbol for the Guardians of the Tower. Igorina's ability to heal and recover quickly is also handy, since several of the men aren't too gentle about biting. After the last interviewer leaves, however, she's in dire need of cleaning up, especially with her chest nearly soaked in drool. "Temis is still on duty, so can't come interview you just yet," Orca notes, after the last man staggers out clutching his pants.
The sounds Nicorina makes over the next few hours make it apparent that she's enjoying this a lot more than she should be, not to mention the various positions, demands of the crew, and even the biting and scratching. Still, it's good to take a break as she feels positively slimy, inside and out. Still, she can't helpp but make a comment about Temis. "Disappointing," Nicorona complains as she rolls onto all fours, then sits up, "I was ready to lift my tail for him. Never been wit' a fnerf before!" She wipes a bit at her chest and adds, "Gives me time t' get cleaned up!"
"Follow me then, I got stuff ready," Orca notes, holding the door open.
Nicorina gets to her feet ... and finds she has to waddle slightly to follow Orca. Her body heals fast but even it has limits!
Down the hall, another door opens into a small bathroom, complete with tub! Well, it's a sit-up style, given the space restraints. There's another door in the room that may lead to the Captain's Cabin, and more importantly there're a few buckets of steamy water next to the tub. "Climb on in," Orca offers.
"Don mind iffin I do!" Nicorina chirps as she straddles the tub rim briefly, then slides herself into the stand-up tub. "Can't say I ever have dat much ... action before," she tells Orca.
"You did pretty well for that! Yer a natural tail, I reckon," Orca says as he pours the hot water into the tub over Nicorina's body. "Not sure I should let you go now, heh!"
The skreek practically coos when the warm water runs over her body and eases many dull aches that were lingering. "Well, I kin stay for a little while at the very least," Nicorina claims after enough of the water runs off that she can talk again, "I gots to interview Temis still, then do some heavy thinkin' on iffin I want to be a tail. It has its perks!"
"Were would I stay iffin I came onboard?" she now asks, "Harnessed up down with the pteras?" She cackles at that!
"Well, you clean yerself up," Orca says, handing Nicorina a bar of soap. "Gotta be nice and clean for the Cap'n, when he gets back!"
"Is he also one t' interview?" Nicorina asks as she accepts the soap then goes about vigorously lathering up her body. Even though this body has strange desires, it feels good to get off all the reminders of the crew she just met!
"Mebbe, but everyone gotta be seen by the Captain before any offers can be made," Orca explains. "Soldano bar Drelickus runs a tight ship, and keeps us all alive."
"Dat is quite understandable," Nicorina agrees as she continues to lather, even taking time to clean between each of her toes and around all her various bits of jewelry. "Okay, rinse!"
The second bucket is upended over the Skreek, washing away the suds.
Nicorina shivers once the majority of the water has rolled over her as she tries to sloth off the rest of it. "T'anks," she tells Orca.
The man holds up a towel next, and waits for Nicorina to stand up.
Nicorina dutifully gets back to her feet, then takes the towel from Orca and proceeds to try herself off. She works on her fur-covered areas first as they will just drop on her naked tail and the like otherwise. Once it is sufficiently dry, she dries off her tail in several sweeping motions of the towel spooled around it.
"I enjoyed what ya did in the hold," she comments conversationally as she dries off.
"Well, there'll plenty more if you stay on," the Skreek promises, watching the girl towel off. "Oh, reminds me.." he says, breaking his gaze for a moment. He goes to the second door, and uses a key to open it. "You can wait in here for the Captain," he says.
"Reminds you of wha?" Nicorina asks, "An I supposed to wait here without any clothing?" Her ears flick.
"Yeah, I'll hold onto that for ya," Orca says with a grin. "Wouldn't want ya to run off if you get bored or something!"
"Pfeh!" Nicorina says and waves her hands. "Fine, go. But ya better bring back me clothing later!"
"I will," Orca says, swatting Nicorina on the rear to usher her into the next room. The door closes and locks behind her, but at least there's light coming in from a frosted window. It's a small bedroom, which is to say it's not big enough for a proper bed, but has a built-in bunk and a pull out one above it, and is done up in a nice, cozy Babelite fashion. There's another door, presumably to the Captain's wardroom. There are several closed cabinets and closets, making good use of the space.. but all of them are locked.
Not that it stops Nicorina. She checks around for a small quill or pin that she might use to pick the locks and see if there is anything of interest stashed in here.
Everything seems sealed up, with the only things freely available being the sheets on the bunk. But there are soon sounds coming from the other side of the door. Maybe the captain has returned?
Nicorina slinks up to the door and presses her ear up against it to try and listen!
".. three days," Nicorina overhears, spoken with a definite Babelite accent. "Need to make space for two guests up here, the third can bunk with the men. The others are special. Yodh."
"Oooh, interesting!" Nicorina thinks as she continues to listen. "I'll have to be on my best Yoshsunala impersonation."
"What about the hold?" asks the other voice - definitely Orca. "We'll take on supplies, and the usual weapons and other things they want shipped," the Captain replies. "The men looked relaxed, has Desdi improved her ale or something?" "No sir, it's a new tail candidate. She's waiting in your bunk, took on the whole off-shift without a blink, seemed to enjoy it. Also has a way with the pteras, could be a big help to Stumpy."
"Unfortunately no way they can actually hire me. Still, I've seen the ship! This is a dangerous vessel. We're going to have to be very careful here. No mistakes or we're in serious trouble," Nicorina thinks a bit worriedly. She keeps listening so that she knows when she should move away from the door.
"I'll see her now then," the Captain says. "Meeting that Yodh.. it's got me a bit worked up." There's a sound like another door closing, and then a key slipping into the lock of Nicorina's door.
And Nicorina backs herself up from the door. She leans against the wardrobe and crosses her legs, then curls her tail slightly around them. Her head tilts a bit to lower her chin and a devious smile creeps over her lips.
The door opens, and Soldano bar Drelickus enters. He's tall, for an Eeee, and more heavily built as well - almost certainly Sylvanian stock. His fur is light brown, a surprise considering the colors of his crew, but he has lush black hair. He actually looks quite handsome, without any of the cruelty of some of the other sailors, and no scars. He does have the obligatory hoop earring though, and has a small black tuft on his chin, and black fur along his throat and probably chest. He's dressed well, in Rephidim style, and could probably pass for upper-middle-merchant-class on the streets. "Hello," he says. "I am Captain Soldano, and whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?" The Babelite accent works well with his voice.
Nicorina dips her head, then bows at her waist in greeting this Eeee. "I be called lots of names, but I currently use Nikky," the skreek claims as she rises up. "Yer man Orca met me in town and brought me back here t' interview as the ship's tail," she explains, "The crew seems t' like me; though haven't had a chance to really meet Temis. Overall I feel very welcome 'ere, you run a tight ship!" Of course she's also thinking, "Dagh, why does he have to be handsome. That is going to drive me crazy on this trip."
"And you are happy with that position?" the man says, and begins to disrobe. When the tunic comes off, another ring through his naval appears, and his front is black, with generous tuft on his chest.
"I coul' be! Gots to think about it some more," Nicorina claims as she eyes the Eeee rather appraisingly as he disrobes. "Felt kinna good t' lift tail for such eager men."
Soldano is also clearly eager, no doubt from his encounter with Mave. He isn't quite so forward as his crew though, and actually draws the Skreek into his arms.. and kisses her!
"Dagh, he kisses well too!" Nicorina realizes as she returns his kiss rather eagerly, "Smells good..." So, she runs her claws along his back as she presses up against him.
The Captain actually understands foreplay, and takes his time exploring and arousing Nicorina. It all suggests that he's used to a much higher class of women, and along with his looks, educated demeanor and general suaveness, the Skreek can guess that he's likely from Babelite nobility - or may even be one of the nobles stripped of his holdings by Thath, for backing the wrong side in a political plot.
It's during this that Nicorina discovers the enjoyment of her jewelry again. This encourages her to explore the Eeee back and she does so through touch, claw, tail, feet, and even at points, her tongue. She doesn't speak now, she simply explore and enjoys this strange Eeee, all the while realizing that he's not precisely an ally.
One thing that is clear: he doesn't have the mark of the Guardians. And most importantly, there's no 'tingle' to suggest he's been infected with a black heart to ensure loyalty. He also likes to bite Nicorina's neck, drawing blood a few times and licking it away. His saliva has a familiar vampiric quality to it, but it doesn't seem that he's a full vampire - only likes the taste. Still, one his forebears probably was a blood-drinker.
Nicorina discovers that she can learn a lot about someone by how they behave in bed. She never really thought about it before, but now with this slow, methodical, Eeee she realizes how much he's telling him about his heritage. She feels oddly relieved he isn't possessed by a black heart, that maybe there is hope for him being an ally. She also quickly realizes she has that hope mainly because he's handsome and what he's doing feels really good. She lets him completely control the pace; since she does at least understand that a 'tail' is for the crew's relaxing. "No wI wish I didn't have to go as Nicora ... but it's probably good for my own mental health that I am, she realizes, "I could get too used to such ... debauchery. If I'm not careful I'll just fall further into Inala's binding."
"You are surprisingly gentle for a supposedly wanton woman," Soldano whispers into Nicorina's neck. Perhaps he's been learning as much about her as she has about him!
"I followin' your lead," Nicorina whispers back, "Iffin I am to be a tail, I should fit the needs of de one I've lifted my tail for. Do you wan' it rougher?" She grins a little wickedly at that.
With that suggestion, the Captain does turn up the intensity. And he's strong, so Nicorina is definitely feeling it! A regular Skreek would be hurting, but Igorinas are built tough - maybe literally.
"Eehehehe," giggles Nicorina as she turns up her own intensity! The captain is introduced more directly to her claws, which are starting to leave fine scratches down his back! Her tail entwines and squeezes one of his legs ... and then she proceeds to nibble and chew on his ears! Since it seems she has permission ... she is, well, going to make it as rough as she'll let him!
The Eeee lets loose, once it's clear Nikky is able to take it. By the time he finishes, the man is panting for breath. "100 shekels," he offers. "Payable at our destination. We leave in three days - if you want the position, be here by then."
"Ohh, I could get used to doing that," Nicorina rumbles after she collects her own breath and can still feel him inside her! "I consider your offer." She then leans in and licks his nose and tells him, "Yer very good."
"And you have sharp claws," the Captain notes with a grin. "And strong thighs." He finally pulls out, and says, "You're free to leave now if you want, while I clean up a bit. If you join up, you won't be the only woman traveling with us, either."
"Well, I still gots t' see t' yer fnerf before I leave!" Nicorina claims then proceeds to giggle to herself as she goes to clean herself up a bit again in the small tub. "Who else be comin' along? An if I no the only woman, y'sure you need to hire a tail?"
"These ladies would not be suitable for the position, even if one is a Yodhinala," Soldano claims. "As for our navigator.. well, if he's interested he can get someone to cover his post for now."
Nicorina bows to the Captain. "Pleasure t' meet ya, I be giving your offer a good thought. Now, I guess I be going," she says and heads out the door ... then realizes she's walking down the corridor naked and Orca still has her clothes!
Well, his cabin is still open, so the clothes are probably in there. There is also a muttering voice, saying something about, ".. use his own bed.."
Nicorina knocks on the door. "Ey! can I come in?" she calls out.
"Yeah, come in, watch your step," the voice answers: it sure sounds like Temis, which means there probably isn't a lot of room to maneuver in there.
And so the naked skreek comes through the doorway and minds where she steps in case it might be on Temis! "I gots the job offer, but I haven't completed all me interviews," she claims. Dere is de matter of a nice fnerf t' lift my tail fer..."
The big black foxtaur gives the Skreek a surprised look. "In my case, you wouldn't be lifting your tail," he notes. "You're too small." He does looks at her chest though. "But there are one or two compatible positions.."
"I was thinkin' hands and knees woul' work with you standin' over me but yer weight on the floor," Nicorina suggests to the dark fnerf. "What are de options you think work?"
The Fnerf lies on his side, and is flexible enough to still have his forward torso upright. "Well.. first you need to warm me up. Then I'll tell you what to do from there. And you'll probably want a towel handy.."
It takes Nicorina a bit to find a towel, but when she does she returns and grins down at the fnerf. "Dis be a first for me!" she claims as she kneels down beside him to get him ready. She's gentle at this, using her hands to explore the very different physiology with her bare fingers. At some point her she even leans down and her tongue gets involved in licking and teasing to warm and excite things as she listens to the fnerf for cues on what she should do...
And so, Nicorina learns something that a Yodhinala probably already knows, but is actually more physically capable, given her larger endowment. But just by pushing things together, and keeping her chin out of the way, she's able to satisfy a Fnerf. And the towel does keep her hair unsoiled, it turns out.
This is definitely a new experience for Nicorina. It's very odd, but it works and it sure seems like Temis enjoyed it a great deal given the outcome. It also turns out to be a lot messier that more traditional approaches. Her hair hair is saved, but the underside of her chin and neck discover a new form of fur 'treatment' when it's all over. She can't help herself and ends up giggling as she cleans the fnerf off using her tongue and the towel, then uses it to wipe doff as much as she can the remainder on her. "How 'dat?" she asks Temis.
"Nice," Temis purrs. "You have my approval. The last tail wouldn't do that for me, and the one before that would wasn't as.. equipped.. as you are."
"I still tempted t' see if you can fit in me the sorta normal way," the skreek notes as she rubs his belly. "But I glad dat worked out for you! Never done dat before, it was kinna fun!"
"If we did that, you'd be ruined for the rest of the crew," Temis notes with a chuckle. "Now I need to get back to work.. thank you."
"An I need to be going," Nicorina agrees as she gets to her feet to find her clothing. "Pity they won't be getting a tail, I can't be two people at once," she thinks, "Still, I've learned a lot about this crew. It'll be an .. interesting trip to say the least. Time to head back to the club, return the clothes, then pack."
Most of the crew wave to Nikky as she leaves the black ship, and she might even imagine a friendly noise from the pteras down belowdecks. But up ahead, on the 'road' from the docks, she can glimpse a white-wing in the shadows: Tulani must be waiting for her.
"/And now ... we have to get serious,/" Nicorina thinks as she heads towards those wings. "/We're about to enter dangerous waters with dangerous people. You've had your fun and antics, now you have to be careful. Not only is settling issues with Thath at stake, but perhaps the fate of the world. Rosalind and the world are depending on me." There's a bit of silence as she walks on. "We're doomed," she ends up muttering along the way.