Beyond the Green Door
Down at the end of a maze of halls and partitions, this room is filled with pillows and cushions - mostly black, and the scent of Lapis. The lighting is kept low, and at the center stands a cylindrical table with lots of storage space for the does' particular supplies, along with a standing wardrobe, since even the bunnies must need to wear clothes sometimes.

Laptraum stirs, feeling a bit smothered - no doubt due to the pile of does on top of him. He's still tired, if not sleepy - the does kept him busy for hours, and he really can't blame them; Lapi-Lapi partnering is pretty intense. There were times when he didn't think he could go on, but the does knew all the tricks, and even had special stimulating ointments. Any movement he might make now, though, would probably wake up one or more of the females.

Alptraum licks over his lips slowly, thankful for the little rest he finally got when the does wore out. They were ... demanding to be certain; they took all his clothing, save for his cloth collar with its 'H' clasp that Hortense has awarded him during his time as the unicorn. He also realizes he can't lay here forever, so goes about very slowly trying to extract himself from the pile.

Crawling out from under a half-dozen Lapi does is an experience in itself. The girls don't fully wake up, but they do squirm and rub against the buck. The cloak he wore is still on a pile of cushions near the door.

"You were fun. I hope to thee you again thome day," Laptraum murmurs to the does as he crawls across the pillows and collects his cloak. He throws this over his shoulder instead of putting it on, then opens the door. He slips outside, then down the happ to fins Hortense's room. He's also shaking his head a bit, lapine teth and a tongue stud tends to make him lisp a bit when speaking, particularly if he's a little tired and not concentrating enough to avoid it.

The red door is where he remembers it, and there aren't any strange sounds coming from it this time.

Feeling oddly timid, perhaps from being Lapi, Laptraum slips up to the door and knocks lightly upon it. "Mithtress ... Mistress Hotense?" he calls out softly, hoping he isn't waking her up.

The door flies open, and a naked white Khatta grabs Laptraum.. in a tender place.. and pulls him inside.

The buck squeaks when he's pulled inside. The grip and the rings there make him immediately follow the hand into the room! "Its me, Mithtress, The Unicorn?" the buck says timidly and quickly, "Not used to this jaw shape, the teeth, an having to tend to the doths for hours. Mordecai's tongue thud is making me lithp a lot."

And the buck dutifully sticks his tongue out, the stud in it close to the front and glinting.

Hortense holds the tip of the tongue between her thumb and forefinger, and leans in to give it a good look-over. She finally releases it, and says, "You will take over Jacoba's duty this morning, and bathe me." She points to a pitcher of water and two glasses on a small table near the wardrobe-o'-costumes. "Keep your tongue wet."

This causes the buck to pause. "Yeth, Mithress. Tongue bath?" he asks as he goes over to the wardrobe and collects the pitcher and the two glasses. "Oookay, this is odd, didn't expect this at all..." he thinks.

Laptraum fills a glass with water, then drinks a small bit from it to moisten his mouth. "Tharters?" he asks, amazed how much better he feels just to wet his mouth again. He comes back carrying the pitcher and one of the glasses so he can set it down near the khatta so that it is in reach while he works.

Hortense lounges back on some pillows, and has her soft flail in one hand. "Don't make me bring out the milking machine," she purrs, "if you can't handle it.."

Laptraum kneels down by the pillows and sets the pitcher and glass to the side. He remembers how this is done from his time as a Savanite, so things he can manage this. It's an odd feeling doing this as a Lapi when he begins, but he tries to not think too much about that. He starts at Hortense's feet, his lapine tongue cleaning her foot-pads in deft strokes. before moving up to her toes. Each toe is brought into his mouth then slowly drawn out, followed by a long lick from his tongue. There he pauses to get a quick drink, then moves up to her lower legs. He cradles each lightly in his hands while he works, his pierced ears folded back. Each tongue stroke follows the direction of the fur growth to keep it from sticking up. "I can't believe I'm doing this," he thinks. He also can't believe that he's actually enjoying it.

Of course, Hortense's version of encouragement involves swats with her flail - not painful, but still.. swatty. And Lapi tongues are a bit narrower than feline ones when it comes to this sort of activity. The tongue-stud has a tendency to collect hair as well, but Hortense seems to approve of it. "I will have to get Jacoba one of those," she purrs, before giving Laptraum another gentle swat.

Laptraum finds an unpleasant aspect of it is he's swallowing a lot of hair over time as he works. Not to mention how each little swat makes him squeak slightly. Her legs along take the Lapi a good thirty minutes to thoroughly clean before he's at her waist. Here is where it gets harder. Every lapi instinct is pushing him to lick her tender areas a lot and explore. It's an effort of will for him to keep himself from doing that and licking there as if it were just any other part of her body.

And that earns Hortense a very deep kiss in a rather sensitive area. It also helps demonstrate one of the many purposes of that tongue stud. And in spite of trying to fight the lapine urges ... his little tailtuft waggles happily.

The Khatta keeps sending Laptraum back to that spot regularly, but demands equal attention to other parts - and the reason for the milking machine becomes clear, as she has a definite nursing fetish. This inevitably leads to her letting Laptraum take control, when he can barely focus on holding back. She even gives him permission to use any of her toys he cares to, including the harness..

Laptraum grows a little braver over time as his bathing (with the periodic) drinking from the glass continues on. And when she gives him permission to use any toys he wants, well ... Hortense hinds herself wearing the bridle before she can really stop him. He's careful about it, though, and makes sure the bit settles behind her teeth before strapping it snug to make it hard for her to talk. He doesn't stop there as soon he's fitting her into the hanging harness it by bit. First her legs, then her upper body. The buck says nothing as he slowly cranks the khatta into the air and adjusts things here and there so that she's spread and rather helpless. And that's when he resumes his bathing! His tongue continues to work over her body ... now reaching her back and even along her tail, before returning to that sensitive area she seems to like.

Suspended instead of reclining, the Khatta can't help but squirm and struggle from the sensations. She still bats at the Lapi with her tail though, which is the only unrestrained appendage she's got!

The buck surprisingly never tries to make love to her during this; perhaps he's still waiting for permission. Of course that doesn't stop him from using various toys in the room instead. Some are a bit ... spiny and probably intended for khatta guests, from his own experience being feline and those ... well, one finds their way to a tender place when the buck starts nursing on her.

Hortense is clearly enjoying things, even if she only has her tail to signal this with. From where it keeps stroking the buck, it certainly seems like the Khatta is giving permission.. or just happy with how things are progressing so far.

Eventually the buck can't seem to resist it anymore and the toy is removed ... only to be replaced by Hortense's living toy, the buck in the room. He's shocked he's actually joined with the khatta when it happens, but with all the hormones and urges of the lapine body, that shock is quickly forgotten. His body starts doing all the work instead of relying on toys and his keen ears listen to the sounds he makes, making sure to try and pace it so that she finds her pleasure before he does. Hard to do, but he tries, anyway. Having khatta bits to nurse on helps, though!

Hortense is a different kind of lover than Laptraum has ever had. Once she's warmed up, it's like lighting the fuse on a string of Landing Day firecrackers. Even Snowcora would be hard pressed to experience that many climaxes, one after the other. It's clear that the Khatta has taken a lot of time to find out exactly what gets her to her peak, and knows how to get it from her partner.

It doesn't take the lapi long once Hortense starts for his own body to follow suit. He loses all cognitive thought when ot comes, his body switches to pure instinct. And boy does a lapi's instinct drive him to draw it out as long as possible ... or perhaps as many times as possible! Eventually it comes to an end, though ... and the lapi realizes that he has to clean her up again. He steps away to get a drink of water then resumes his grooming;; focusing on the areas that are the most messed up.

Hortense purrs the whole time, and doesn't move very much. If it's possible to be completely relaxed while hanging from the ceiling, the Khatta is able to do just that.

Laptrum finally lowers Hortense's legs from the harness chains and lets her steady her feet as he unstraps the bands around her legs. When he rises the first thing he does is reach up and unbuckle the bridle and carefully eases it out of her mouth. "I hope that wath satithfactory, Mithress," the lapi slurs, even worse than before due t how much work his tongue just had to do. He does to hand the bridle back up before he unhooks her arms and torso.

"Yes.. and I have ideas now to explore," the Khatta purrs, patting Laptraum on the head. "A tongue-stud for Jacoba.. and maybe a stud elsewhere. Or several.."

"I can thay from experieth with Mordecai that lots of thuds there feel rather good inside," Laptraum says as he finally unhooks the rest of Hortense from her harness. "I came to tell you that today ith my last day here. I will be spending the night with Mordecai, then leaving the thity in the morning. I also wanted to ask if you woth thell me the pirate clotheths I wore when I wath a threek. I find I may need them for a long term project."

"Oh, the clothes for the cute rat?" Hortense purrs, and gives Laptraum a kiss on the cheek. "What will you offer me for them? I don't have much use for money, but novelty is valuable."

"Well, whath do you wanth? I can stay here for a few more hours as your toy ifth you want? I also have a book you can read through, but I will wanth it back before I leave the thity," Laptraum offers.

"A book on a thousand positions for making love, from a Jadian perthepctive," Laptraum lisps, briefly looking frustrated he can't talk right.

The Khatta blinks. "This wouldn't be the rare Kazuhiko Bible would it?" she asks.

Laptraum grins. "Signed edition," the buck claims. "I helped him finith parths..."

The feline licks her lips, then frowns. "I'll need to find a translator," she notes. "Where is the book now?"

"In Mordecai'th room with my thuff," Laptraum explains. "It ith quite illuthrated, so you don't need much trathlation."

"Give me access to it until you are ready to leave, and the pirate costume is yours," Hortense purrs, fondling the ruff of fur on Laptraum's chest.

"Done. Would you liketh me to thay a bit longer this morning to be a toy as well?" the buck offers. "And that reminds me, if I come back to thith thity, do you wisth me to return to thith club. And if so, what body do you prefer moth?" He rolls his shoulders and feels the half-dozen rings that line his spine, three on each side, that were once in his wings shift about.

"Oh, something I haven't seen yet, maybe?" Hortense says. "And of course I want you to visit - you are just so much fun and so agreeable.. Now, let's go see Mordecai and your book," she says, and goes to the wardrobe to fetch the pirate outfit.. which she puts on herself.

Laptraum puts on his cloak and nods. He heads to the door and holds it open for the khatta. "Afther you," he says.

The Khatta leads the Lapi to the hidden door, then down the long staircase to the underground tunnels. She sashays the whole way, of course. She doesn't even bother knocking at Mordecai's door: she's got a key. And there inside is the book, open to the middle, with Jacoba and Mordecai and Tulani trying to work out the position..

And Laptraum laughs! "I thee you have kepth buthy!" he says once he's able to contain himself. "I offered the book to Hortense to read today in exchange for her clothing, so you will have to giveth it up. I'm also going to go turn back into my normal body, the Eeee, unleth you want me as the albino, Moerdcai?"

"Nicora is preferable, this time," Mordecai notes, as he untangles his legs. "And I'm sure Hortense can read it here with Jacoba and I... since Tulani needs to accompany you, does she not?"

The Sphynx looks a bit put out by the interruption, but does start getting dressed.

"It helpths if the does, but I can shift back by myself," Laptraum says. "Thee can stay here for now and just help me recharge later."

"The tunnels can be dangerous alone," Tulani reminds. "You sure you want to change back by yourself?"

"I can manage. I don't want to interrupt your fun unleth absolutely necethary," Laptraum says.

"If you aren't back in two hours, I'm coming to look for you," the Sphynx points out.. but takes her pants back off.

"Agreed," Lpatrum says with a nod. "Now, all of you have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do!"

The buck waggles his brow, pulls his cloak tightly around himself, and slips off into the tunnels to head back to the crystal cavern for his shift-back to Nicora! "I think I should get this dagger out of my arm for a while, it's been slotted for most of my time in the city," he thinks, assuming Kaira can hear as he walks. "Also, I want you to leave it in shadow-flesh form. I can't explain why, but I want my right arm to look its natural state."

"You've been controlling that aspect yourself for some time now," Kaira points out. There's a brief moment in the sewer crossing when Laptraum hears voices and sees lights further down the tunnel - probably the sewer maintenance crew - but they are far enough away that he's unlikely to be detected. The Kavi corpse is also gone, although there's a blood smear where it looks to have been dragged off, and possibly devoured by someone or something.

So ... Laptraum tries to relax his right arm and let it revert, even while Lapi. "/Body gone, but I'm close to the cavern... And oh, Kaira, would you be willing to take on the Igorina body out here and pretend to be Nikky the Skreek for a short bit? We have to fool the ship crew we'll be traveling with."

"Define 'a short bit', and what else will be required?" the dragon asks. "Do you have a hat she can wear? It would be tricky to recreate the jewelry."

"Ten minutes or so? Just long enough to accept the Tail job and get onboard and in her quarters with me," Laptraum thinks. "And I can find a bandana to wear easily enough. We decided that it would help us if I spent a lot of the voyage as skreek to distract the crew and get information on the guardians.

"I suppose you'll want to ken one of them for later infiltration efforts," the dragon notes, as they reach the dais. "I'll need Tulani to charge up my spirit-form as well, especially if I'm to operate on my own, and need to be solid enough to carry the dagger."

"We'll recharge you and the dagger before we go to Mave and the others. As for kenning them, I have to be careful. I should only ken one when he is asleep, Laptraum notes as he climbs up on to eh dias and sits down, then leans forward, resting some of his weight on his palms. "Basically, I'm going to use the skreek body as the Ship's Tail. Sort of a, well, whore for the crew. I know, it's crazy, but better than having them ask too many questions about the Yodh."

"You don't want me imitating you for THAT part then," Kaira notes, as the shadow begins to cover Laptraum. "After all, the crew would never be satisfied with just you after that.."

"Of course I don't! It's my job!" Laptraum thinks, annoyed! "It's my tail to lift." and as the shadow consumes hos body, there is an odd feeling of relief he'll be returning to Nicora. It still feels more correct to me female than male most of the time, after all.

When the shadow pulls back, Nicora finds herself surrounded by some very frightened looking Kavis. Two of them have long, sharpened sticks pointed at her.

"I suggest that you run off or it might get nasty," Nicora growls at the Kavi. She flexes her right hand, preparing to defend herself with the shadow if she needs to.

The Kavi back up a bit, but one says, "We came for the dragons! Where are they?"

"And what, pray tell, would you have done?" Nicora asks as she pulls her cloak around herself and sits up.

"We've got a net!" one of the other claims, and holds out.. a fishing net. "Dragons have valuable parts!" another claims.

"They are also ten times the size of that net, and have razor sharp claws and teeth. They are also not here," Nicora points out and gestures to the chamber. "And I have to be going."

"Why were you all wrapped up in a black coccoon?" one of the stick-bearers demands. "Who are you? Why is your hand all flayed?"

"I am someone best forgotten," Nicora remarks as she draws up to her feet and sets her chin as she looks down at the kavi. "I am not dangerous unless you decide to attack me. Now, leave before I change my mind."

There's some muttering among the Kavi, with mention of 'the sewer monster' cropping up. The leader seems unconvinced, though, saying, "You're just a creepy squeaker! We outnumber you, and you're unarmed."

Nicora tries to tap her draconic aura as her eyes narrow. "Am I?" she asks darkly. The fingers of her right hand flex and underneath her cloak, she begins to extrude her shadow cloak.

With the dagger still slotted, the aura comes easily.. maybe too easily! Nicora begins to feel it too, gaining a sort of detached, superior feeling.. almost hoping the Kavi attack. But.. they're already running, causing the urge to give chase to flare up as well.

"I did warn you!" Nicora growls, her voice sounding disturbingly gravelly. Her fur-lined cloak falls away and shadow flows out from her in all directions in a rippling wave. She stands one step, then another, in slow pursuit of the Kavi. When she's about to drop to all fours and chase them, she catches herself! She violently shakes her head back and forth as she tries to reign in the shadow while fumbling for the dagger to yank it from her arm!

The shadow curls back on itself as if in pain, and the usual foul liquids burst when the dagger is withdrawn. There's an immediate pins-and-needles sensation in the arm - she's been using the dagger so much for so long, that the cold from it doesn't even register anymore, until it's suddenly gone.

Nicora staggers backwards in shock. Her hands clench as do her teeth, as she draws the shadow back further and further. "Calm down," she tells herself. "Just relax. You can't risk some sewer fight, no matter how much you want to." Another few deep breaths and she goes to collect her cloak.

The shadows return to normal shadows; at least, as normal as expected in a chamber lit by lurid crystal-light.

Nicora shakes out her right hand repeatedly. "That was bad," she admits to herself. Also worried, she actually pokes the mass of shadow flesh nestled under the orb to see if she actually feels the poke.

There's certainly some sensation, and it seems to be returning to 'normal' at a good rate as the limb warms back up.

"I had better get out of here before those Kavi regain their nerve," Nicora mutters as she heads towards the chamber's exit. "And I need to draw up the map and have Mordecai illustrate it as a psalm to give to Rikat..."

There's no sign of the Kavi on the way back, or of the sewer crew, even though every shadowed corner (and underground, every corner is shadowed) makes Nicora think she's being watched or followed.

"Draconic paranoia," Nicora tells herself at the sensation of being followed and watched. "Don't give into it..." Still, she knows she'll feel a lot better once she gets back to Mordecai's chamber."

There are annoyingly suggestive echoes in the tunnels, real or imagined, but nothing jumps out before she reaches the door to Mordecai's chamber.

Nicora draws in several deep breaths, then knocks on the strange Eeee's door. "It is Nicora, I have returned," she says.

The door is opened by Mordecai.. who looks like he's been covered in oil, the way he glistens. "Ah, come in my dear!" the bat bids, opening the door wider.

Nicora's brow arches. "Why is he oiled? I probably don't want to know," she thinks as she slips past the entryway and into his darkened chamber.

"The others have gone to.. clean up," Mordecai explains, as he closes the door, and then takes Nicora's cloak.

Nicora steps out of the cloak, leaving the bat naked and carrying her dagger in her left hand. She carries it over to her collection of stuff and sets it down there, then turns to face Mordecai. "Ah, what exactly are you covered in?" she finally asks. "And ... now you can see the work the stylist did to expose some of your tattoo work on me. It felt wrong to leave all that work covered."

Mordecai kneels down in front of Nicora and runs his fingers across the exposed tattoo. "Oh, just.. sweat. Some of it is my own.."

"I was right, I didn't want to know," Nicora thinks as she draws in her stomach slightly from his touch. "So ... this is our last night. I'm going to miss you. I've never quite had a boyfriend like you. Or should I say Lord?" she asks with a smile mixed with amusement and perhaps a little disappointment.

"It will be memorable then," Mordecai promises, and pulls Nicora down to the fur-covered floor. "Unless there is something else you want to do?"

"Nothing says it cannot be memorable and still do something. I always want to explore with you, I'm willing to do anything you desire tonight," Nicora admits as she settles herself down on the floor and looks at her albino, scarred, lover and 'owner'. "But ... before we can do that, would you be willing to illustrate a map in honor of Sunala. I need to hide the route through the sewers in it so that I can give it to Rikat without suspicion."

"A secret map through the heart of darkness, to.. here?" Mordecai asks. "The nurturing bosom of darkness?"

"And one other thing I would ask of you to do tonight, I would appreciate if you could check all of my piercings and make sure they are healing properly, tongue, chest bars, and even the naven and lower rings," Nicora says, "I want to be sure there are no problems before I travel." The question about the map gets a nod from Nicora. "Something like that. One-side of a page. The other side I will write a prayer to Sunala upon it."

"Of course, but first.. some inspiration.." Mordecai says, and begins checking the piercings, testing them with his fingers and tongue.

"Should you take each out and re-insert to check the hole?" Nicora asks, though she sounds very distracted for some reason!

"Oh, why certainly," the albino notes. "I can taste infection if there is any." He takes his time undoing the various fastening orbs, and sliding out bars and rings in the most teasing manner he can.

The sound Nicora makes as the bars slide out of her chest is ... interesting. "It now feels odd to have them out," she admits, "Like something is missing. I meant to ask you what sort of styles can I wear there in place of the bars or part of them." Even when the tongue bar comes out ... it now feels strange to be without it.

And when the ring in Inala's nub comes out ... the dark Eeee makes some really odd, incoherent sounds!

There are more rings down there, although Mordecai doesn't seem to worry about the wing-rings. Once the last of the lower rings is removed, the Eeee runs his hands over Nicora's body. "You are smooth now," he whispers, as he bites her neck and makes love to her. Without the jewelry, she's actually more naked than she's been in awhile.

"Being smooth is not ever ..." Nicora starts to say only to have her sentence stop when he simply takes her right then and there. It feels good. It always feels good with him. Her hand comes up and cups the back of his neck as he suckles on her. Again the twinge of disappointment comes when she thinks she won't see him again; part of her has grown very attached to this almost-monster. Still, she pushes that thought away as she embraces the lovemaking; her mind focusing on simply enjoying it and accepting the gift of his fountain within her.

As when he was doing the tattoo work, Mordecai pauses after the first peak, and reaches for his supplies. A parchment is laid on Nicora's belly, and he selects an inking brush to use. "Try not to move, he advises," grinning with bloodied teeth.

"I would prefer a needle and more jewelry, or some more ink ... but I'll try to hold still," Nicora teases as she tries to relax beneath him, content in feeling ... impaled; after all the gift has been given. "I have to admit, Inala. This does feel really good," she thinks idly as she relaxes.

Of course, Mordecai still flexes inside Nicora as he works. The brush makes elegant strokes across the parchment, and the artist changes brushes and inks several times before finally setting the work aside to dry. And then, he gives his full attention back to Nicora, holding nothing back!

And it is Nicora's turn to bite him and suckle on his warm blood! Her legs curl around his, holding his body to hers as the pair engage in passion born of the unusual bond they have formed through her time here! Her movement, her encouragement, all declare how much she needs Mordecai as part of her!

Mordecai continues long past the limits of his virility, caught up in Nicora's passion, and to the edge of his own endurance, as if trying to transfer his very life to her.

Eventually, Nicora realizes she is pushing her Eeee friend too far. Her movement lessens and through subtle nudges andplays with her feet and hands, she lets him know it is okay that he stops.

The albino collapses on top of Nicora, panting heavily. And albinos seem able to sweat from the entire surface of their skin, instead of just a few specific areas.

Nicora lets him rest atop her. Her fingers lightly stroke down his sides. "Rest, my lover, my owner," she murmurs to him. "I will miss you."

The man sleeps, and the parchment is nearby. It shows the symbols of Sunala, with with details and patterns within, in different colors. They seem almost random, but there are also lines radiating out from the center.

Nicora takes some time to look over the parchment and visualize the underground passageways and its connecting tunnels, trying to overlay what she remembers on the pattern.

It doesn't seem to fit. There's no apparent order to the designs, and since they all fit within the shape of the Corpse. Then Mordecai mutters in his sleep, "Fold.. lines.."

Nicora tries to fold the parchment along the lines without leaving a crease to see what shapes form. "Clever Eeee," she thinks proudly of Mordecai.

It takes a few tries, as the folds are complicated.. but eventually the paper is reduced to a smaller square, with a path in blue. A red star marks the warehouse, and a green one the entrance to the Morgue, all on a mish-mash of black and other patterns.

And Nicora smiles. "That's brilliant and perfect," she thinks as she carefully unfolds it again. She turns it back over to its blank side and shifts so that she can sit up slightly and then use Mordecai's own pen to write on the other side. "All paths lead to me. All things that live come to me. I am am the ultimate fate; the single answer to all questions. I am Sunala and you too will come to know me in time," she begins to write, crafting a simple psalm that declares Sunala's position over all things. The final answer. She draws from her memories of Babel as she writes, then mixes in other legends she read while in Sylvania. All the words are penned in Babelite; something Alptraum practiced writing a lot when he had little to do in that ancient temple.

The ink dries, and Nicora holds the key (or at least an aid) to Rikat's salvation, assuming he'll be able to pull it off when the time comes.

"I don't even know why I am trying to save you. You were a jerk," Nicora thinks as she sets the scroll aside, "But then I have been at times too. Maybe the idea of having a brother is also why. I don't know. Maybe it's just that as angry as I can get, part of me cares enough to still try. The same hopeful fool who once told Nekara that a single person could change the world."

There are scroll cases on the nearby supply shelf, below the parchments and drawing supplies. They're all, unsurprisingly, black with bone caps.

Nicora tries to ease Mordecai off her (and out of her!) so that he can rest and she can get a scroll case to put the parchment in. "This may not even work. You may not even make it to Babel?" she thinks. "So? I have to try anyway."

Even with Mordecai out of her.. something feels different, in her gut. She also realizes that she'll have to reinsert all of the bars and rings by herself!

Nicora blinks and reaches down to rub her gut to see if she can figure out what feels different?

There are two tender spots, just were the blue swirls that connect to the Flower are tattooed. Her ovaries!

Even if there aren't any real eggs, Nicora still has to go through the hormonal cycle associated with them.

"Weird. What is this? Inala, did you do something?" Nicora thinks as she gets one of the cases and slips her scroll away for now. She also looks to her collection of jewelry and cringes. "And .. back in these go." She goes to sit by them and picks up her tongue stud first. She unscrews the ball on it, then sticks out her tongue. After feel-finding the hole, she tries to push the bar through it.

It takes a few tries, and it probably doesn't help that the bowl Mordecai put the pieces in has an alcohol-based disinfectant as well. A mirror is certainly a must for something like this, it seems, but she does get it through the hole eventually.

And it hurt getting it in, a lot. But ... she's now screwing its retainer ball back on snug. She rolls and flicks her tongue afterward, testing it and feeling oddly happy it's back in. The next ones she works on are, well, the two nipple bars. She remembers how uncomfortable it was having those inserted the first time; the flesh ... had to stretch.

It really did help having someone to tug them.. especially someone with painkilling saliva. Of course, Nicora has the same stuff.. if she's willing to use it on herself.

Nicora licks her finger then runs it on one of her now sore teats to see if her own saliva eases the pain. If not, she'll wake Mordecai. This is too difficult to do herself yet. They aren't healed enough.

Mordecai is currently blowing a bubble out of one nostril as he sleeps. But the finger trick works enough to at least get the job done.

And Nicora fiddles with each bar, taking several minutes to get each one set, then screw on the locking-ball. Next is her navel. This time she licks her fingers and applies them before she tries to insert the post through the hole.

It means bending almost double, but at least Eeee are flexible. And it helps that Nicora has just enough pudge to pinch the area into something she can easily get the bar through.

Nicora adjusts the jewel until it sits perfectly in her navel and at the peak of her Flower tattoo. The ball is secured ... and it's on to the scariest ones. She picks up the one for Inala's orb and bites her lip. She bends over ... eases the little flap of skin back, and tries to slip the ring through.

It doesn't hurt, but her condition does cause a certain about of arousal. This actually helps for inserting the ring.

"Ooooh," goes Nicora as she finally slides the ring through. That actually felt pretty good! She finds its closure ball and fits it between the tines and carefully squeezes it shut, then turns it a few times to set the lock-screw. "Okay, so I still really like this one!" she thinks to herself! On to the ones that line her vulva...

The final rings going in easier, even though there's some slipperiness to deal with. But Nicora finally has all of her jewelry back in place again.

And then Nicora goes to find her lock and chain amongst her things. "Time to ... seal up" she thinks.

It's been awhile since she's actually worn the chain and lock.. or at least it feels that way, even though it's only been a few days. It's a bit cold.

Nicora actually sets the chain pretty snug before she sets the lick. For some reason she seems to want to feel it. Once that is set, she looks back to Mordecai. She quietly comes back over to him and kneels down. the Eee leans over and lightly kisses his cheek, then whispers, "I will never forget you. Perhaps we will meet again some day. Never forget there's a woman out in the world wearing your tattoos and jewelry and still dreaming of you."

The albino licks his lips in his sleep, probably remembering the taste of Nicora's blood.

And just for good measure, Nicora's head dips a little lower ... and she spends a couple minutes licking and nursing on part of Mordecai in an evil attempt to mess with his dreams. She draws her head back fairly soon, though ... and goes to get dressed back in her street clothing and finish packing the rest of her things; what clothing she has, her book, the skreek costume, and her little stuffed bats for Phlagaea.

Tulani's things are also nearby.. but of course, they're already packed. Sailors tend to stay prepared to leave at a moment's notice.

Nicora double-checks she has everything, including the new map, then picks up her pack and slings it over her shoulder. She also grabs Tulani's pack, figuring she'll go find the sphynx and they'll head to the warehouse.

It isn't hard to track down Tulani.. there are really only two likely places to find her; the red door of the green door. And the green door wins out, finding the Sphynx dressed and drinking tea with the Lapi does. "Hello Nicora, you look like you're ready to leave," Tulani notes.

"As much as I don't want to, it is time to go yes," Nicora agrees and even nods once as she tosses the sphynx's pack to Tulani. "We need to go recharge, myself and Kaira," then up to the warehouse to meet up with Mave.

Tulani manages to catch the pack without spilling her tea. "Alright, I've said my goodbyes already," she notes. Then she grins. "It'll be good to be moving again."

It feels odd to walk around without the dagger. But Nicora needed to leave it with Kaira after she manifested as Nikky - and got stabbed by Tulani. Stabbing things with the Light of Nala to charge or heal them just seems wrong. But it means that Nicora will be able to act as two people at once on the Shadowdrake. There was some concern about mages sensing Kaira in Underside - but Tulani assured her that any mages operating down there will not be willing to report anything to the Watch. And now the pair find themselves at the door to the nondescript warehouse, and it's terrible conspiracy.

"I feel more naked without the dagger than I do without my clothes," Nicora complains to Tulani in whisper. "Still, time to be the cruel Yodhsunala. Don't take it personally if I'm ... snotty or condescending to you..." She then reaches out and knocks on the door.

"Don't worry," Tulani says. "I'll get revenge later, instead," she adds, and knocks on the door. It's answered by an unfamiliar Eeee, but Tulani gives the password and they're let inside, back through the maze to the central meeting room. Mave is there, drinking tea with Gotrekis. "Ah, ready to board the ship, it appears," the Yodhinala notes with an approving grin.

"Of course. Time is but a measure of Sunala's will and we are bound to it," Nicora remarks rather dryly to Mave. "Before we depart, I wish to speak to the Prince. I have a gift of Sunala's prayers to bestow upon him. It will help him maintain faith in these heathen lands."

Gotrekis looks surprised at the request, but nods to one of the guards to lead Nicora. "Please leave anything you don't need here first," the soldier notes, politely.

Nicora extracts the scroll case from her pack and sets the pack down. "I only need this," she tells Gotrekis. She even opens it and shows him it only contains a scroll. "Is there anything else you wish to do to question the will of Sunala?" she asks.

"Sorry, Sister," Gotrekis says, standing and bowing. The guard opens one of the shadow-shielded doors, and gestures for Nicora to precede him.

"Accepted and forgiven," Nicora replies. she dips her head slightly to Gotrekis, then heads through the inner door as directed by the guard.

The door to Rikat's room has its own guard still, who doesn't impeded Nicora at all. He even opens the door, without knocking - not that it matters, with the shadow veil providing privacy to those within.

And Nicora steps right though and looks for the Prince, assuming he will be on the bed, looking bored or depressed.

Rikat is sitting on a stool, stripped to a loincloth and work out with two stone barbells. He looks up in surprise at Nicora. He also has a musk, which Nicora can't help but notice - ovulation must increase certain other senses. It's distracting. "Yodhsunala Nicora," Rikat says, quickly setting down the weights and kneeling before his visitor.

"It is good you know your place," Nicora remarks and touches two fingertips to his forehead, "Now rise, I have a gift for you." She also tries primarily breathing through her mouth to avoid noticing the scent he's putting off. He's well built and attractive and ... no, those thoughts must not be.

It's likely that Nicora is putting out a scent as well, because Rikat looks.. more confused than usual. He's also been locked up for awhile now.. "Yes, Sister?" he asks.

Nicora holds out the cylinder. "You look confused. Is there a problem?" she asks. "I bring you a prayer to help keep your mind on your proper path to salvation."

"I.. I'm just a bit tired I think," Rikat says, taking the scroll case and opening it. He reads the parchment, lips pursed in thought.

Nicora leans in and tries to not breath through her nose. "The back has a map if you fold it on the lines of th Corpse. There is an old manhole cover in the storage area of this building," she whispers, "It leads to a series of tunnels. the map will take you to a place of safety I have arranged for you. Do not use this map unless your life is in immediate peril. We must reach Babel before you vanish our our lives may be forfeit and the warning will go undelivered," she whispers. even with the shadow veil, she is paranoid.

"What?" Rikat asks, then blinks at the leaned-in Yodh.. and kisses her! On the lips. Then looks horrified. "I.. forgive me!"

Nicora stares at Rikat. "Why did you do that?" she demands as she reaches over and takes hold of his ear between two claws!

"Auugh!" the man yelps. "I could not control myself, Sister! You are the only woman who talks to me, and you saved me from the curse, and now you show me how to escape.. I thought you had.. feelings, maybe.."

Nicora releases her claws. "I am helping you out of deference to your desire to help Sunala, and out of respect for your brother's wishes," she explains. "You are a handsome man, but I am not like Yodhinala Mave," she says, all the while thinking she's worse than Mave. "I cannot allow myself feelings for men or women."

"Because you are an exorcist?" Rikat asks, rubbing his ear. "I know that Yodhsunala take no vows of ... that is, they are allowed families.."

"That and other reasons. I have been made permanently chaste," Nicora says simply. "Do you understand my instructions about the prayer? If you use it before we arrive, at least two weeks from now, we will be in severe danger. Only use if your life is in great peril."

"Of course, Sister," Rikat says, making the sign of the Corpse on over his (broad) chest and bowing his head.

And possibly to make matters worse or confuse Rikat, Nicora leans over and kisses Rikat's forehead. "Have faith, child. You will be freed from this accursed place," she tells him.

"I've grown to look forward to your company, I think," Rikat claims. "You.. bring me peace."

That is nothing a sharp blade would not solve," Nicora remarks, her lips twitching slightly in amusement. "You would do better to pursue someone you could have, Prince Rikat. A Yodhinala, for example. Or ... a Yodhgorphat ..."

"There are none on this island prison," Rikat points out. "Save for Mave, and she is.. and I mean no offense to her or any other.. old."

"Age brings experience. They know best how to handle a man," Nicora remarks and waves her hand. "Do you have any further questions? If not, I will be going."

"Be careful," Rikat says. "I know you are without fear, who walk with Death, but.. the General is beyond Death."

"She will be dealt with. Plans are in motion," Nicora claims. She dips her head once, then says, "May Sunala's blessing not come to you for many years yet." The Yodh turns to leave ... and just know she's probably staring at her butt.

Once the door is closed, Nicora can breath again. The guards outside don't smell anywhere near as interesting.

And Nicora lets out her breath, then heads back to join Mave and Tulani. "Let us leave this place. I desire to return to the temple," she says.

Gotrekis carries Mave's luggage, and Tulani, unbidden, carries Nicora's. The route they take to Underside is a bit more direct and well maintained - even if it is mostly stairs. But there are no intersections with the sewers, and no spots for ambushes - or side passages, for that matter. There is a guarded entry in Darkside, and a guarded exit in Underside. From there, it isn't far to the docks, where the Shadowdrake waits.

"And 'Nikky' will already be on board, or will meet us at the drake," Nicora thinks as she walks two steps a head of Tulani, her expression harsh and disapproving; particularly when she sees anyone smiling or having fun. "And what were you thinking, taking on the job of ship's whore?"

Captain Soldano greets them at the gangplank, and kisses the back of Mave's hand. "Welcome aboard, honored guests," he says, standing aside to let them board. "I am Captain Soldano bar Drelickus, and this is the Shadowdrake," he introduces himself to Tulani and Nicora.

"I am Yodhsunala Nicora, Captain Soldano bar Drelickus," Nicora says to the captain and even dips her head slightly. "I will invoke a blessing in your name for allowing us passage on your ship. It shows great Fealty to the Kindly Ones." She's trying to not think about how he smells, but her body isn't behaving and is thinking about it. She feels a little 'warm' in her gut.

"Tulani Herfrell, bodyguard and scout," Tulani introduces herself. She doesn't offer her hand to be kissed, however - she just smiles warmly.

The captain nonetheless takes the Sphynx's hand and kisses it.. perhaps a bit longer than he did Mave's. "I look forward to having you around, Miss Herfrell."

"Where will we be quartered?" Yodhsunala Nicora asks, trying to diffuse attention from Tulani. "I would like that my servant stow my belongings."

"This way, please!" the captain says, and leads to the rear cabin. "Mr. Bar Kesekis will be staying with me," he says, opening the door to the captain's quarters. "And you fine ladies will have the officer's quarters." The opposite door is opened, showing the cabin shared by the first mate and navigator, now cleaned up a bit.. and a partition at the back has been opened to reveal a second, smaller cabin behind it, where a naked Skreek tail can be seen dangling down from a bunk.

"I hope you don't mind sharing the rear cabin with our female crew member, Miss Tulani," the captain says, mildly apologetic.

"I'm sure we'll get along just fine, Captain," Tulani claims, carrying the baggage in. "I'm used to bunking with the crew.."

Nicora doesn't look around, feigning disinterest in the whole affair. "We have other travel-mates on this trip?" she asks when she spots the skreek's tail. Her tone is ... displeased, but not significantly angry about it. "Ah, a crew member? That is acceptable.."

That leaves Nicora with the top bunk. "Sunala is always above Inala, anyway," she says in a whisper to Mave. "You seem to run a decent ship, Captain. I presume we will not be disturbed during the voyage?" she asks the Captain louder.

"You will be afforded all comforts that we may provide, Sisters," Soldano promises. "We will be leaving port directly, however. If you wish to observe, you are welcome on the deck."

"I think I will prepare my bunk and meditate a bit, unless my attendance is requested," Nicora claims. She looks to Mave to see what she will do.

"I have things to attend to as well, Captain," Mave notes. "I'm sure I'd only be a distraction, in any case," she adds demurely.

"I'll go!" Tulani declares. "This is a Ptera-driven ship, isn't it? I'd like to see how you launch."

Nicora's ears flick, wondering what 'Nikky' is going to do! Which means she may be shifting very soon. And expects Kaira to pick whatever will be the least convenient, of course! She's an evil dragon.

"By all means then," the Captain says, standing aside and gesturing for Tulani to step out. The Sphynx winks at Nicora along the way.. and the Eeee is certain Tulani is flirting with her tail at the Captain.

As Tulani passes, the Eee actually mouths rowr at Tulani, then nods towards the Captain approvingly when he isn't looking! Once the door closes, Nicora lets out a long sigh. "This is going to be a long trip," she remarks to Mave.

"What about you, skreek," Nicora calls over to the naked tail, "Are you going to watch the launch?"

"It's about time you got here," a Skreeky voice says from the rear cabin, and 'Nikky' hops down from a bunk and joins them. "I've set up a love nest in the aft cargo hold. Hay and blankets and strategically placed crates.."

Mave raises an eyebrow at the Skreek, and then at Nicora. "You know one another?" she asks.

"It's Kaira," Nicora explains to Mave. "She came on as an alternate identity I intend to use to learn what I can from Gotrekis and the Captain about the Guardians and where we are headed."

"Pffff, of course I didn't have any difficulty," Nikky claims. "They were expecting me, right? And that big guy, Orca, helped me move stuff and set up the nest, even. Luckily he had to take care of getting the ship ready to launch.."

"You have to be careful bending over around him or you'll quickly find him under your tail," Nicora notes as she loosens the ties on her bodice. "Did you promise to meet him later at any specific times...?"

"Going under cover then?" Mave asks. "I will have to cover for your absence should it come up.."

"You may, but who will come calling on a Yodhsunala?" Nicora notes as she eases off the corset part of he bodice, then tugs her shirt off, revealing part of the Flower on her lower stomach.

"He said I can set my own duty times, so long as it lets both shifts have access to me," Kaira claims. "That's why I made the nest. You can't have guys coming through here all the time."

"What did you have done to your belly," Mave notes, spotting the exposed tattoo.

"We certainly can not. I'll figure out the shift times. Were there any rules that the Tail is expected to follow?" Nicora asks.

Nicora pulls down her skirt enough to show the rest of the tattoo to Mave. "Ah, this was done by the Eeee Mordacai. He decided that I should bear the mark of the Flower, Inala's mark, over my ... womb. They held me down and tattooed me," she explains. To Kaira she asks, "Can I refuse service, or do I have to attend to anyone who asks?"

"I didn't ask," Kaira admits. "I have to assume you can refuse when you're not in the mood, or something, but I don't think you can refuse a specific individual because he's got bad breath or a wooden leg or something."

"Most of them have bad breath. amazingly, the skreek nose doesn't seem to mind it," Nicora notes to Kaira. "Do you need to dissipate soon? "Do I need to take over the role soon?"

"The ship's Tail has other duties as well," Mave says, now that she understands the situation. "And that's a very well done tattoo. I will have to bless it for you.."

"What other duties?" Nicora asks of Mave. The blessing commend makes her ears twitch and she eyes Mave suspiciously, "And what kind of blessing?"

"If you don't need me to cover, I can return to the dagger," Kaira says. "Just gobble me up with your hand so the energy isn't lost."

Before Nicora 'eats' Kaira, she waits to see what Mave claims she'll have to do.

"Well, sailors get lonely," Mave notes. "They may want your company and conversation at times, instead of your rump."

"Ah, you made it sound like some horrible fate. I can talk," Nicora says, looking relieved.

"And of course there are likely to be a few marriage proposals," Mave adds. "What sort of blessing would you like?"

"That's a dangerous question. what sort of blessings would be appropriate for me?" Nicora asks Mave.

"What would help you most?" Mave asks. "The Kiss of Inala, for instance, will make you.. well.. always prepared. Although I do not know if Skreeks have issues with that or not. They are a promiscuous breed, after all."

"IT would make me ready at a moment's notice? Would I feel aroused all the time?" Nicora asks warily.

"That is part of it, yes," Mave replies. "It is not unlike the blessing you already have from Inala, but would help to bolster that one, given our altitude.. although I understand that these sorts of ship tend to travel at lower heights."

Nicora decides to finish undressing since she will be assuming the role of Nikky fairly soon, she expects. Her current clothing is neatly folded and set on her bunk. "That blessing may help me in my role as the Tail," she admits, "Are there others that would do well for a Tail?"

Nicora also undoes her lock and slips off the chain before she forgets. The chain is looped together and re-locked, then set in her pack for safe-keeping.

"Fecundity is not needed, and you already have the blessing of pleasure," Mave notes. "You don't seem to have other issues to overcome. That one should be enough for you."

"And you can remove it later?" Nicora repeats and glances at Mave. "I ... will allow you to bestow the blessing of Inala's kiss upon Inala's mark that graces her alter contained within my body," she reluctantly permits. "What do I need to do to prepare?"

"You need do nothing," Mave says. "I will of course need time to prepare the ceremony. Are you certain you want it? It is not something to be turned on and off like a lamp - it takes time to quell as well as to kindle."

"It will give you something to do and it may help me in my duties on the ship," Nicora admits, "So, yes, I would like it." She also looks over at Kaira and says, "I guess it is time to absorb you ... then take that body as my own."

Kaira sheds the pirate wench clothing, and the sheathed spirit dagger as well. "Don't go crazy," she advises. "You do need some of your wits about you to gather information, after all."

"I know. I'll be cunning like a rat," Nicora promises and extends her hand out to Kaira for the faux-skreek to take.

Kaira takes the hand, and turns into a black silhouette that vanishes into the orb on Nicora's wrist.

And Nicora burps for the effect. "I'm .. rather proud of the tattoo," she admits to Mave now that Kaira is gone. "I've grown to really like bearing Inala's blessing and being female. I feel like I should have it blessed out of respect for Her."

"I am sure She will appreciate the sentiment," Mave says with a smile. "I will begin preparations when we have descended to cruising altitude."

"Can you bless it while I am a skreek, or will I need to turn back?" Nicora ass as she picks up her dagger and shakes it out of the sheath.

"If I am to bless the mark, it matters only that the mark exists - does it carry through to other forms?" Mave asks.

"Then it doesn't matter what form you are in, the blessing will affect all of them," Mave notes.

"And as long as you can remove it ... the duration of the trip should be enough," Nicora says and finalyl slots the dagger into her arm. She braces her hands on the bunk in front of her, then thinks, "Okay Kaira ... make the the ship's Tail."

Within a few minutes, Nicora becomes Nikky, and once dressed is ready to head out to the deck or anywhere else.

And Nikky leans over and kisses Mave, on the lips. "I going t' go socialize," the skreek claims and waggles her brow. "See the island fade an say 'ello to some crew I know. I be back in a few hours t' see to the blessing 'k?"

"I here t' only bring dem pleasure!" Nikky claims, wishes her tail, then slips out of the cabin. "This is it. You're officially here to raise your tail for the crew. I hope you know what you're getting into," she thinks.

Outside, the deck is full of half-naked men wielding longs poles and ropes as the Shadowdrake is pushed away from the dock using brute strength. While several Skreeks labor with each sturdy pole, there is one crewman who handles one by himself; Temis the Fnerf.

And Nikky, being the imp that she is, slinks herself across the deck to get closer to Temis. She waits until he is not pushing with the pole at least before she runs her hand along his flank. "'Ey dere, Temis," she says cheerfully. "Good t' see yas again."

The foxtaur nearly jumps, and looks over his shoulder at Nikky. "I didn't know you'd arrived," he says, and then heaves with his pole again. "I'm a bit busy now though. But it's good to see you! If you really want to see things, you should get to the pilot deck over the aft cabin," he suggests, his big poofy tail pointing back towards the way Nikky came.

"I jus' came over t' say 'ello an let you know I decided t' come. I lookin forward t' talking to ya more when yer no busy if ya like," the skreek claims and pats his rump again. "I go see the departure, den I gonna say 'ello t everyone. Seeya later!" Nikky smiles a dangerous skreeky sort of smile, then she saunters off to go to the pilot deck. "He's actually a really nice guy," she thinks as she walks, "Well spoken and he has always been polite. Maybe that's why I like him as much as I do." In any event, it's time to watch the launch, then see what she can learn about Gotrekis! It's going to be an interesting trip.