"I know that Sunala disapproves of resurrection in general, so I do not believe that is the reason you are still breathing and traveling with a Yodhsunala," Yuna notes from her seat, looking at her guests over steepled fingers - still bloody, as she hasn't bothered to wash up yet. "You were supposed to move on to Paradise after Gariazadze ascended to your position."
"I clearly did not," Mave replies calmly. "Inala gave me a new path, which I am not at liberty to discuss. I remained to help advise Gariazadze, as is traditional. My time was nearly over, when the Yodhblakat raided the temple in response to learning of the Chamber of the Joy of Battle within Paradise. I was among those they took as prizes, since they had recently lost their potions mistress. It gets a bit complicated from there.."
"Complicated?" Yuna asks with a hint of sarcasm. She then turns her attention on Nicora. "And I suppose you are also a part of Mave's secret mission?"
"You will find answers perhaps more forthcoming if you show a little respect to those you address," Nicora replies rather dryly as her right brow arches slightly. "We have important matters to attend to in Babel, yes. Matters that will determine the direction of its future."
"I've little love for Babel," Yuna claims, "or its practices and perversions. You, Yodhsunala, are owed no respect from me - I am the High Priestess of Inala for Zannara. I bring people into this world, and you see them out of it; there is little common ground between us. But, perhaps helping you is the easiest way to keep whatever trouble follows you from my door. So, to that end: can you both fly the entire time, or are you laden down with belongings or landbound companions?"
"There is more common ground between us than you know; but you choose to be blind to it," Nicora remarks and waves her right hand. "We are capable of flying; all companions have wings. While we do have belongings, we can manage them well enough."
The High Priestess taps her claws rhythmically on her desk as she seems to think. "The Summer Passage will remain open for awhile yet, but is likely to be less traveled. It leads to Mount Inala eventually, and was once a pilgrimage path before the Forbidden Zone was said to extend its influence, causing travelers to be lost in fog."
"I would advise that you do not send people through that particular forbidden zone. A ... demon has taken residence there," Nicora notes after she listens to one possible route.
"I don't send people anywhere," Yuna claims. "You asked for a route into Babel, and I assumed you'd want a less-traveled one. So if you prefer to travel in a larger company, let me know. There are still a few who trade with Babel and prefer to avoid the dangers of air travel."
"Not even sisters you would prefer to be rid of?" Nicora asks and arches her brow again. "I like to know all possible routes so that if necessary, plans can be altered rapidly. Who still trades wtih Babel?"
"Slavers, mostly," Yuna replies with clear distaste. "Babel is always in need of more slaves, it seems. I'm sure there are other forms of trade, but they are likely to be just as criminal. I've not heard of such groups turning on one another during the journey, but then I do not generally listen for such tidbits."
Nicora's brow narrows slightly. "What kind of slaves?" she asks, her voice taking a hint of distaste as well.
"Savanites, Fnerfs, Nagai.. whichever are available," Yuna notes. "And of course Eeee as well."
"Hmph," Nicora mutters. "It is one option, I suppose. If you could provide the names of the traders we will keep it in our list of options."
"I know the route.. not necessarily those who ply it," Yuna points out. "But if one or more is in town and planning an excursion, I can probably find out. Most of the mothers in town will be my eyes and ears if asked."
"Only if it does not endanger you," Nicora remarks, "And you will be compensated for your time, of course."
"Oh, you are offering my sister's services then?" Yuna asks with one eyebrow arched and a slight smirk forming on her lips.
"I am offering mine," Nicora answers. "I do not speak for her."
"I pride myself on having no stillbirths here," Yuna notes.
"I could ensure that you continued to not if you had a difficult birth due," Nicora says.
"Of course I will aid you, Little Sister," Mave pipes up. "You are so far from Inala's Seat here, and I know She does not pay great attention to your requests. I will offer my influence and abilities."
Tap tap tap go Yuna's bloody claws on the table top. On closer inspection, that stone may have once been part of a sacrificial altar.. "Very well, I will find out what I can. Will you be needing to board here in the meantime?" She doesn't sound particularly put out or upset, but then her tone is hardly a natural one either.
"We could, if it is of no great inconvenience to you," Nicora notes, "Or I could seek to stay in another temple if it is my presence that would cause your work difficulty. I have no desire to complicate your life; nor do I bear you any grudge. My only concern is reaching Babel and averting the oncoming storm there."
"If you do not advertise your allegiance to the Babelite Temple of Sunala, there will be no problem - and if I have need of your blessings, it would be best to have you on hand," Yuna notes.
Nicora's head tilts to the side and she looks to Mave. "Yodhinala? What would you prefer?" she asks.
"Staying here would be less risky than remaining on the ship," Mave suggests. "We can still have Tulani keep an eye on things there."
"Then we will stay. A private room for each of us if possible," Nicora says as she returns to looking at Yuna.
"Riker will see to your needs," Yuna notes. "He is my secretary - you've met him in the lobby already." She must mean the Lapi at the desk.
"I am sure he can tend well to your sister's needs," Nicora remarks and smirks briefly. "It seems we have reached an understanding and agreement. I am at your call should you need me."
"Well then, I need to clean up a bit," Yuna notes and rises, signaling the meeting is over. "You'll have to bathe with me before you leave, Mave. I do recall you washing my hair as being pleasant."
"Of course, Yuna," Mave says with a smile.
Nicora now rises from her chair and smoothes out her dress.
"Until net time," she says to Yuna.
Outside, Riker stands ready. Yuna gives him his instruction, and he bows to Mave and Nicora. "Do you have any special requirements for sleeping quarters?" he asks politely.
"Comfortable, but nothing lavish. I am ... at the end of my cycle and a soft bed would be appreciated," Nicora requests. "Other than that, I cannot think of anything. What is available?"
"A recovery room should be what you need then," Riker notes. Mave also requests one, and the Lapi begins leading them deeper into the building.
Nicora sizes up the lapi secretary as they walk. "Your sister does not care for you," she notes to Mave idly.
"My survival was a shock," Mave notes. "I'm sure she had a lovely memorial service for me."
"Somehow I suspect it was a party," Nicora notes dryly. "Still, now you have the chance to reunite the family, as it were. I will likely stay in my room."
Riker takes them through a central garden where various women in the final stages of pregnancy are lounging, then through to a series of rooms that overlook it. Each has an oddly shaped, almost tub-like couch or padded bed in them, and little else beyond light and the calming view. "Would one of these suit your needs?" the rabbit asks.
It doesn't help being around so many pregnant women is making Nicora feel the desire to be pregnant again. She sighs to herself and shakes her head, focusing on just finding a room to rest in. "Yes, one of these will do fine," she agrees when she looks into one of the peaceful recovery rooms.
"Do you need any cleansing washes, special laundry services or relaxation and meditation assistance?" the Lapi asks next, as if going down a list.
"All of the above," Nicora answers. "Though cleansing and meditation is probably the most important." The Eeee then shrugs. "But none of it is required. I should not take services away from actual patients."
"We are well prepared to tend to all of our guests," Riker claims. "I'll have an acolyte visit you and work out your needs. Do you have any special dietary needs or cravings?"
Nicora glances to Mave and arches her brow questioningly.
"Pregnant women can have a wide variety of unusual dietary needs," Mave notes, but also gives a barely perceptible shake of her head, hinting that 'vampirism' isn't one of them.
"Mm. Nothing I can think of that would require any special preparation," Nicora answers as she folds her hands together.
"If you will excuse me then, I will get Mave settled, and have an acolyte see to you," Riker notes, and leads Mave out.. and apparently just to the next empty room.
And Nicora walks over to the oddly bowl-shaped couch and slides herself unto it, letting her backside rest in the bottom part for the moment. "Better," she murmurs to herself as she takes a moment to relax and just ponder on which route to take.
It isn't long before an acolyte enters (not bothering to knock), bearing a basket. She's another Lapi, in which case the Temple has a much more liberal entrance policy than any in Babel. "I am Cinnamon," the light-brown rabbit introduces herself. "Are you comfortable in the bed, or do you need adjustments made?"
"I am comfortable. I am not pregnant so I do not have any additional weight to adjust or manage, thankfully," Nicora answers as her half-closed eyes reopen to focus on the doe. "I am Y ... Nicora; a visitor to this place," she introduces herself.
The Lapi sniffs, and notes, "You are at the beginning of your menses, which can be uncomfortable. I can bring you hot water bottles, bed warmers or a companion, and we do have special massages and other treatments that can help with cramps."
"True, I am, and anything you could to do ease the discomfort would be appreciated," Nicora agrees. "So, perhaps a massage would help; after that we shall see. What sort of companions do you offer?"
"Lapi children are the favorite, as they seem to bring about a certain maternal relaxation, although we have older coneys and other races as well, including a Fnerf who can serve as a bed. Do you have a preference?" Cinnamon replies.
"I have never had a child, so I have no idea how to care for one," Nicora admits. "Still, perhaps. First, though, the massage would be appreciated."
Setting down the basket, Cinnamon asks, "Are you feeling bloated yet, or do you have fatigue or tension in any of your muscles?"
"I'm feeling a little bloated, yes and mild tenderness in my lower abdomen, but no fatigue yet," Nicora answers.
The doe comes to the edge of the bed and sets several bottles on a shelf next to it, and also lights a stick of subtle incense. She straddles Nicora without putting any weight on her, wets her fingers from one of the bottles, and begins to massage the Eeee's face. "This should help you relax," she claims, and the scent from her fingers suggests lavender - but there's something warm and penetrating about the oil as well.
The first urge is to fight the pressure on her face, but that urge does fade father quickly. Within a couple minutes her facial muscles are moving along with the Lapi's fingers and Nicora's eyes droop closed. "Okay, so ... this is nice. Really nice. I hope Rosalind and Phlagaea are receiving similar treatments from others," she thinks.
Nicora's mood seems to lift as well - possibly because Cinnamon pushes the muscles around to make her smile. And the scent and warmth of the hands (with no hard, cold pads on them) do conspire to make the bat drift in and out of consciousness, leaving her floating in a hypnogogic state where she isn't quite sure what's happening. It lessens when the doe focuses on the muscles controlling her large, dextrous ears - it makes her hear snippets of voices in her mixed state of awareness. Was that Rosalind's laugh? Or was it Mordecai's? Maybe it was actually another guest out in the garden.
Nicora thinks she may have muttered, or perhaps sighed. Hard to really tell since everything seems like a dream just on the edge of breaking. She does wish she could hear Rosalind's laugh again and for a moment feels a bit melancholy being so far away from her and their soon to be child. This thoughts shift again to ... Mordecai for a moment when the doe works around the piercing in her ears. It's a memory of forbidden fun; and forced changes ... a good time; but not nearly the draw and deep tie that comes from any thought of Rosalind.
At some point, Cinnamon worked on Nicora's neck and shoulders before moving to her thighs, using light sweeping strokes to make it seem like the excess water was being 'drawn' down and away, until the doe began working on the Eeee's long-toed feet.
Nicora feels like a puddle in that odd bowl-couch and ... she doesn't care! The doe's touch is just heavenly. "You're very good," she murmurs to the doe. Now and then her long toes make a playful grab for Cinnamon's hands, but never with much strength or real intent.
"The beds are made to contour and distribute your weight, aiding in relaxation," the doe remarks. "Our massage techniques are an ancient tradition, brought from Olympia and the Temple of Morpheus. The incense is a local blend, which also helps with headaches and fevers by causing blood vessel dilation.."
"These lapi children you spoke of. How old are they and what is provided to help care for them?" Nicora asks idly. "Am I expected to feed them?"
"They are very self sufficient, and you do not need to feed them, although the younger ones tend to suckle in their sleep," Cinnamon explains. "They are very still when they sleep, however, and very soft and warm. You can have up to two at a time, or one adult."
"Well, I am not lactating, so if they try to suckle they would not get anything," Nicora notes and yawns, "But I don't think I would mind holding one for a couple hours as I simply ... relax." The couch is amazingly comfortable.
"Would you like me to bring you one now, or lay with you myself?" Cinnamon asks. "Do you need to be anywhere later, such that I should make sure you woken in time?"
"I am expecting someone at dusk, but otherwise have no place to be," Nicora answers, "And if you brought me one, could you still lie with me? You could teach me how to properly hold the child."
"I'll make the arrangements and be right back," Cinnamon promises, and packs away the bottles of oil first. Then she walks almost silently out of the room. A creen or songbird begins singing in the garden outside.
And so Nicora goes back to lounging and idly thinking about all the people she has gotten 'close' to, even the odd ones.
It isn't a long wait, before Cinnamon returns, carrying a young Lapi in her arms. "I've brought my son, Hajamar," she says to Nicora. The coney looks very young - maybe only a year old, if that - and has a very wide-eyed gaze. He sucks on the end of one ear as well, and has a bright white spot in the middle of his forehead.
Nicora's lips part into a wide smile. "He's adorable," she says in a soothing sort of town that seems out of place on a Yohdsunala. She sits herself up a little bit and holds out her arms to the doe. "You are very trusting to be willing to allow another to hold your son," she says. "I am honored."
"He is well behaved," Cinnamon claims, and passes the child over. He's heavier than he looks, and looks at Nicora with that same wide-eyed 'everything is fascinating' gaze, along with copious nose-wiggles. His mother, meanwhile, sheds her robes and climbs into the bed next to Nicora.
Nicora carefully brings him closer to her chest to cradle him. It's another moment where she feels really weird. All warm and comfortable with the small child in her arms; and that longing to have one comes right back ... but is tempered by the child she now holds. "Hello," she says to him in a soft voice. She also avoids showing any fang in a smile lest it scare the child. When Cinnamon joins her, she slides a bit over, making room for the doe to snuggle up against her.
Hajamar notices his mother and reaches out his stubby hands for her, once the doe is settled in next to Nicora. "He's just hungry," she assures her.
"Oh, should I give him back so he can nurse?" Nicora asks.
"Just turn to face me," Cinnamon suggests. "He can nurse between us."
Nicora does turn to face Cinnamon ... but decides to try something. She adjusts him so that he could nurse on her for a bit before she'll turn him to face the doe. "Sorry, I just wanted to know what it feels like," she apologizes to the doe.
"Here," Cinnamon says, and fiddles with Nicora's clothes to expose things. She seems to take pause at the piercing though. "He might catch on that, so be prepared," she warns.
"I can remove it if he does," Nicora explains, feeling oddly embarrassed about it for some reason. Still, she takes a deep breath and gently eases the coney to her chest.
While the experience isn't exactly unfamiliar to Nicora, it's still different. Having a baby do it makes it very relaxing, and also makes her feel oddly happy too. Still, after a few minutes the coney begins to show some frustration, and Cinnamon recommends taking over.
Nicora doesn't mind handing the coney over once the child gets fidgety. IT was relaxing and makes her feel oddly warm to have allowed him to do that. Once she has transferred the boy so he can nurse on his mother, Nicora adjusts her top to cover herself again. "Thank you," she murmurs to Cinnamon as she just relaxes now, watching mother and daughter through half-lidded eyes. Her lips draw into a sad smile as she finds herself thinking back to Rosalind and Phlagaea again; and that she may never make it to see their children.
At least one benefit of it all: she doesn't feel bloated anymore.
It isn't clear how long the nap lasts, but Nicora stirs when Riker brushes her shoulder until she notices. "There is someone here looking for you. A Skreek named Nikky?" he whispers, trying not to stir Cinnamon and her child.
"Mm? Oh, yes. I am supposed to speak to her," Nicora says as she slowly comes to, feeling a lot better for the moment. It takes her a bit to sit up in that bed, but she manages it; then gets to her feet. "I had best go see her. Thank you."
Riker helps Nicora navigate the maze hallways into one that must be near the lobby. It's a small room with a wrap-around couch on three sides, a small round table and a single high window. A hanging lamp provides extra light. And lounging on the couch is Nikky the Tail, aka Nicorina, aka Kaira the dragon. She's got one leg dangling over the edge of the couch and swaying back and forth. "Oh, hey there boss!" she chirps when Nicora enters.
"Staying out of trouble? Annd ... do you have the pay?" Nicora asks of the 'projection' lounging on the couch. Her head tilts a bit as she listens to make sure Riker is out of range before the conversation goes into too much detail.
The Lapi closes the door behind Nicora for privacy.. but then again, he's a Lapi, with Lapi hearing and also the secretary of Yuna.. so eavesdropping shouldn't be ruled out.
Nikky produces a small pouch, and jingles it. "Two copper shekels," the rat notes.
"And perhaps we should go for a walk in the town. I've been napping and I feel the need to stretch my legs," Nicora says as she walks over and takes the small pouch. "Thank you. This will come in handy later, I'm sure."
"So you can come and go here, like a hotel?" Nikky asks, before stretching and hopping to her feet. "Nice."
"More or less. It's a parenting clinic. They help people give birth here. The place makes me feel odd," Nicora says, "And it is run by Mave's sister."
"Oy, that'd make any place odd, I imagine," Nikky says, opening the door and looking for nosy rabbits. "I know the way out at least!"
"Yes, yes it does," Nicora agrees as she follows after the skreek.
Once outside, Nikky sort of meanders into the market, which is still busy. "So, now that we're out of listening range, what'd you want to talk about?" the fake rat asks.
"Anything to report from the ship or from Nikky's want-to-be-husband?" Nicora asks. "And how do you feel about us travelling with slave traders into Babel? Worse than possible servants of the ... creature?"
"How do I feel about it?" Nikky asks in surprise. "Does that imply I'd be pretending to be a slave then? Still, they'd probably be easier to deal with than a meat-puppet spy. I told Orca I need to think about it, but that I'd give him an answer tonight. Then we boinked like there was no tomorrow. He must be in love, because he had to have been in some discomfort at that point.."
"Well, no, I would probably be in disguise as a slave; it would make me appear harmless. But, it's also pretty risky. So, I don't know yet. Perhaps when I know more about this puppet and these slavers I can better decide which is the lesser of the evils," Nicora remarks. She looks skyward for a bit, then mutters, "I don't know what to tell Orca, honestly. He should be let down easy; maybe claim family matters to deal with before it could be accepted. That's sort of true, too."
"Or you could just say that you're dying of a terminal disease," Nikky suggests. "That's the proper soap-opera way."
"No, that's too melodramatic. And what is a soap-opera?" Nicora asks.
"It's.. a melodramatic play meant for women who need soap," Nikky half-explains, waving a hand. "If you see him again, be careful. He might not like being let down, and he'll certainly want to have 'one for the road' that he'll want to be memorable."
"What do you think he'd do to make it memorable?" Nicora asks, brow arched a bit.
Nikky shrugs. "Probably something he'd be too embarrassed or afraid to try while you were still on the ship," she suggests. "So.. something perverted probably, or dangerous."
"I doubt it could be worse than what Mordecai did to me," Nicora points out and shrugs. "Still, I guess it is best to get this over with tonight, right? I should find a shelter to absorb you back and shift, I guess."
"Huh, it'll need to be someplace you can stash your clothes," Nikky points out. "You'll need these clothes to be Nikky, after all."
"Surely there are places by the docks I could do that," Nicora notes. "An old warehouse or some such."
"Could find an alley and blow some hobo's mind probably," Nikky suggests. "Of course, I can just vanish wherever, so long as you can pick up the clothes."
"I'll have to find a place then. Thank you for all your help in this. It was crazy, yet it worked. It also helps pay for part of the trip," Nicora says, "All I had to do was be a total slut." The bat snorts a bit at that.
"It was either that or be horny and celibate as a bat," Nikky notes, searching for secluded alleys. "Can't have everything!"
"True, and I probably won't be doing any more tail-lifting from here on out," Nicora notes and shrugs a bit. She puts her arm around Nikky's shoulders as the two search for a place to 'do the deed' and swap roles again. "And if nothing else and I survive to write a story ... it might even make it on Doctor Pike's shelf, eh?" The Eeee grins a bit at that as the strange doctor did have quite the suggestive book collection...