A blue and gold dragon-woman sits on one of the cushions near the center, puffing on one pipe of a hookah, while various sounds of activity filter in from outside. She raises her eyeridges at the sudden arrival of the Eeee. "Maybe I should cut back on this stuff," she mutters.
"I heard that," Alptraum says as he crosses his arms. "No hello? Or good to see you? Not even a smile? I thought you might be happy to see me; that I was thinking of you. But nooooo, all you do is comment about smoking too much." He looks over his shoulder and adds, "Maybe I should just go visit Vorgulremik. I bet he would act happy to see me..."
"Someone's being touchy," Kainudy notes with a grin, as she sets down the hookah. "I wasn't expecting you is all. I've been plugged-in for so long now I'm used to you just asking me for a costume change."
"It's no fun if you're expecting me. I have to keep you on your toes," Alptraum says as he strides over and plops himself down on the pillows. He grabs the hookah for himself, but before puffing away he says, "You do mean more than just someone who can help me swap skin, so to speak."
"I should hope so," the dragoness says, crossing her arms over her chest. Then she uses the tip of her tail to tap the ring in Alptraum's nose. "So this isn't a hallucination then? Which of the Kindly Ones made you get that?"
"Hey, mind the ring," Alptraum says as he leans back. "This little gem, was Tulani's fault. I'm posing as her savanite slave and she's taking it a bit ... extreme. It isn't the only thing she literally forced on me. She had gold implanted in, ah, a sensitive place."
"More than you already had?" Kainudy asks with a smirk. "How did you thank her?"
"I now have little ... bumps in a row down there," Alptraum remarks and shakes his head. "I haven't thanked her yet. I'm still figuring out how to best get revenge for her very draconic behavior. Do you know how hard it is to get used to this?" He taps the ring in his nose for emphasis. "It's always there, and the slight weight is very noticable."
"Oh, it can't be that bad," Kaira claims. "I mean, it probably weighs less than the rings. Or are you worried about the effects it'll have on you as a dragon?"
"The studs? Yes, I am worried about those. I can't remove them and I distinctly remember how gold makes me a rather randy dragon. And may the Gods help anyone around me if I become a female dragon. The lust is ... intense," Alptraum complains.
Kaira waves a hand, saying, "It just takes longer exposure, then you should figure out how to channel the extra energy to where you want it. It reacts so strongly to your sex drive right now because you haven't spent enough time as a dragon with it. Do the rings still make you a sex maniac?"
"As a dragon, yes," Alptraum says and shrugs, then takes a few puffs on the hookah. "I even find Vorgulremik handsome if I'm a female around him. Do you now how gross that is?"
FIX: know
"Dragons are attracted to power," Kaira points out. "You just need to work on your control and resistance a bit. Tie Tulani down and change into a dragon, then just.. do what comes naturally until you're tired of it, and you should be able to get a better grip on the gold's power boost."
"I'm trying to decide on a way to have the Naga who did work on me to do work on her. Maybe a jewel right in the middle of her forehead, or something," Alptraum grumbles as he gestures around with the hookah. "Also, Tulani is pretty much insisting I remain as a savanite for now. Granted it is probably one of the safest forms I could wear right now, but still. does she have to enjoy it so much when she treats me like a slave?"
"She's a dragon at heart," Kaira says. "So.. why shouldn't she enjoy it? If you told her not to, I'm sure she'd respect your request. Or are you enjoying it too?"
"The fact that I'm having fun isn't the point," Alptraum says as he jabs the hookah at Kaira accusingly. "It's that I didn't get her first!"
The dragon laughs! "Ah, so it's competition, is it?" Kaira asks. "A war of.. pranks? What would you have done to her if you could have acted first?"
"She might have ended up with the nose ring! Or maybe a poodle-cut hair style," Alptraum considers. "Or some body jewelry too; I bet she would like it ... she just has to be forced to try it! I also bet she would make a really cute savanite girl." The Eeee then shrugs a bit, adding, "It's also at least been a good distraction from what is going on. I'm heading to Mount Sunala soon to speak to the Avatar of Sunala. Can't say I'm not terrified to do that. Anything could happen to me there."
"You are afraid of Sunala?" Kaira asks, cocking her head. "Or of the others around her?"
"I've had nightmares about her, so I'm a little worried. Given the Yodh around her are helping people I probably shouldn't be too worried, but." He shrugs, adding, "There were factions around her that would have loved to have gutted me back then. They may still be around; so I'll be going in disguise again. Probably as Snowcora. I'm certain Sunala will recognize me regardless of the body."
"How.. will that apply to me?" Kaira asks, looking thoughtful. "Will she see me because you'll be using the dagger?"
"It depends on how much like a spirit you really are. She might see you. Don't worry, though; I'll just tell her your the dragon who corrupted me. I'm sure she won't be upset," Alptraum deadpans.
Kaira taps her clawtips together. "Mmm-hmm," she goes. "What about the dagger itself though? Doesn't it count as a separate Sea of Souls? She can't make you hand it over or anything, right? I mean, not actually control you?"
"If she could directly control me, I doubt I would have been allowed to do some of the things I've done. The dagger is separate, and populated with souls from other worlds than this one. I'm not sure she would care one way or another what happens to them. Plus given I may need it to stop Amena, I doubt any request for it would be made. I have to cut her spirit bind to the General, after all," Alptraum says and shrugs a bit. "And you know what? You're making me more nervous. Thanks."
"Well.. you made me nervous," Kaira retorts. "I don't know Sunala. She's an embodied goddess, with a complicated relationship with you that I don't have a full grasp of. But you don't seem worried about seeing her.. just getting to her?"
"I'm worried about both because I don't quite know what will happen when I do see her," Alptraum says, "I'm not exactly the perfect son of Death. I mean, look at what I've become. I'm a dual-gendered person with an identity issue."
"And ... er, Gorphat's lover," Alptraum adds uneasily.
"You think associating with the other Sisters will be an issue?" Kaira asks in surprise. "You're on the path of the Sabaoth. Although she may ask you help out, I suppose. Or reveal your presence. You can refuse her if you want to, right? I know you tend to have difficulty saying no to goddesses."
"Given she won't try to seduce me and I am not going to lust after someone who is my Mother, I should be able to say no," Alptraum says firmly. "As for associating with them; there is probably some disapproval of that, but it is necessary. As for revealing my presence; I will when the time is right. I already know how, too."
"Ah, so you're working on a plan?" Kaira asks approvingly. "Or several. Have you made contact with your father, Barada or Zakaro yet?"
"I intend to make a display when the time is right. Probably going to take Tulani to the center of the Wound and have her plunge the light into the ground there," Alptraum explains. "And no, I have not spoken with my Father or with Barada and Zakaro. Snowcora's breasts are still sore from Rephath. I don't think there will be any bare skin left on that form at this rate."
"Those last two goddesses worry me the most," Kaira admits. "They are both very dragon-like in different ways."
"Barada loves secrets and will likely want to trade them for her support. Zakaro is crazy and lusts power. I'm terrified how both will 'mark' me if they decide to give me their blessings," Alptraum says. "Who knows how extreme their marks might be."
"I can't imagine Barada doing anything that wasn't.. subtle," Kaira says, trying to sound reassuring. "Zakaro though.. yes, she seems the big and bold type - plus, isn't she covered in runes and such herself?"
"Zakaro is head to toe in runes, yes. Who knows what she would do to an albino human to show Her glory," Alptraum says as he shudders. "Still, it couldn't be as bad as being held down while someone sticks gold studs under the skin, I guess. Or forced to wear a ring in the nose."
"Does it come out?" Kaira asks, reaching slowly for the ring.
"With effort, yes it can come out. It rests in a grommet that was permanently set, I think anyway, in my nose," Alptraum says as he reaches up and tries to pull the ring open enough to get it to come out of his nose.
Just pulling on it hurts. Pulling from the sides to spread it enough for the ball-ends to pull out works better. "You know, you should have one with little horns or teeth on it," Kaira suggests. "Or a mask.. a snap on face mask that won't fall off but will look cool and scary.."
"You're as bad as Tulani," Alptraum grumbles. "Maybe you would like one?" he offers. "And that weird bat Mordecai liked it on Snowcora too; but then he likes anything decorative on 'his girl'." With a sigh Alptraum spreads the ring back open just enough and settles it back in his nose. Its ball-ends settle back together with a 'click'.
"I think I'd want mine to just go through the nostril on the outside," the dragoness says, tapping her snout. "Then I could see it. Or maybe some gold-plated fangs. Or just one. Do you think one gold-plated fang would be neat?"
"It would be odd, the gold fang that is. If you want a ring in your nostril, I could arrange that for you," Alptraum says and grins fangily.
"Maybe later," Kaira says, shaking her head. "Too busy now for such things. It's just luck you caught me with some free time."
"Aww. You'll let me put some metal through your nose, right?" Alptraum teases as he siddles up to Kaira's side, then licks her cheek.
"And what is keeping you so busy? Anything I can help with?" he asks.
"Of course.. once I have a body," Kaira coos back.
"Oh, it's.. boring stuff," Kaira claims. "Accounting. With swords. But still accounting. Separating and organizing and consolidating.."
"Do I need to leave you alone? I could switch to my female body in there and see what trouble she is getting into," Alptruam offers.
"Oh no, like I said.. it's boring, so having a little visit is welcome relief," Kaira claims. "I have to limit my interaction with the inmates, after all. It's uncomfortable enough having to touch base with Lord Verminous's minions."
"I can talk to them in your stead if you like? He doesn't startle me so much any more," Alptraum notes as he leans back and rests his weight on his hands.
"One thing I can thank Melusine for is becoming a little more accepting of grotesque body shapes," he adds.
"Given she's put me in a few," Alptraum adds after that and makes a face.
"You seem to have enough on your plate," Kaira says. "I've got things under control here, don't worry. I just need to know what you need from me for your visit to momma, other than just setting you to Snowcora - if you even need me for that at this point."
"Of course I need you; I need you to monitor me. Even if I can manage shaping myself, I always feel better knowing you're watching my back," Alptraum claims. "So if I freak out when I change gender, and believe me when I tell you that sensation is scary when it happens, I know you're there to make sure I don't permanently damage myself."
"You sound worried about more than just changing your own biological underwear," Kaira notes. "What, if anything, are you expecting to run into on your way to Sunala? Will you be going through the front door?"
"I might take the back door through the catacombs," Alptraum notes, "The front door means I might have to face Nekara, or possibly some of the more extreme members ... and I'm not sure if i can maintain my disguise if confronted by them. Though on the other hand, who would suspect a naked albino human covered in tattoos and implanted jewelry is really me, eh?" Alptraum suggests. "Am I being too paranoid by considering the back door?"
"Hmmm, that depends," Kaira says, raising a finger. "Have you already been there as Snowcora and done anything noteworthy that would garner attention?"
"Yes. I visited the hospital there and cured all the sick," Alptraum notes.
Kaira pauses to stare at Alptraum for a moment. "I can see how that draw attention, yes," she finally says. "So the back door is probably best. Now, you seem to have suspected or obvious enemies in the temple there. Do you have any definite allies though?"
"Other than Sunala herself? There was the Priestess I saved when I visited last time, the weird bug boy I saved, and Miriammara, the nursemaid who took care of me early on," Alptraum counts off. "Nekara might be an ally, might not. Hard to say with her."
"So, she was in the camp that was.. opposed.. to.. what, exactly?" Kaira asks.
"She was on the fence about who I was, and who the Avatar was. She tried to kill me, and in my foolishness I still saved her life," Alptraum notes and shrugs. "She was worried that the Yodh would lose power of the Avatar was mortal and died, or someone like me died. People wouldn't believe in them anymore."
"But she's still there, serving the Avatar after a year or more?" Kaira asks. "I would say her convictions are not that strong then, or she has put them aside for the sake of the order's overall survival."
"Still, I'm not sure how she would react to seeing me," Alptraum says, "But it is probably something I have to confront sooner or later."
"Well, you can try to put it off until after you're the Sabaoth, hopefully," Kaira says. "The important thing is that Sunala isn't mad at you, assuming your nightmares about her were just nightmares, or the Wraith leaking into your dreams or a bad sausage.. err.. blood sausage."
"I'm hoping the latter is the case, yes. While I like my tail generally as Nicora, the grouchiness of the wraith I could do without," Alptraum admits and shrugs. "I've gotten used to having a tail. I kind of miss it when I'm back to normal."
"It's still there when you're male," Kaira points out. "It's just in the front."
"Not quite as long, though," Alptraum counters and grins.
"I also don't mind being female now too. Argh, it's so confusing! I like being either, depending on the context. I never thought I would accept my current condition as much as I havem" the Eeee admits.
"The mark of a true draconic soul is the ability to squeeze pleasure out of any situation," Kaira pontificates. "I'm sure Tulani is exemplifying that. Mind you, 'pleasure' for a dragon can also involve destroying a city because his pizza didn't have enough mushrooms.."
"She thankfully hasn't started doing that! And speaking of Tulani, I should go back out to the waking world and make sure she hasn't gotten into any more trouble. I'll try to keep in more regular touch, though. If for nothing else than to keep an eye on you to make sure you're not going crazy in here," Alptraum teases.
"Not going to introduce me to your mother?" Kaira asks, mock-pouting.
"Can you promise to behave?" Alptraum asks.
"I always behave!" Kaira insists haughtily. "My manners are divine!"
"Then we'll have to see," Alptraum claims rather vaguely. "It'll depend on a lot of things, but mostly that I don't get disembowelled on sight."
"I'll watch for that," Kaira says. "Between me and Tulani, I'm sure we can re-embowel you if needed."
"All the same, it will help if you only eat lightly before hand," the dragon adds.
"I don't know if you're kidding or not, but either way it is a bit scary," Alptraum says as he stands and stretches. "DO try and behave. Don't let being Empress of your own universe go to your head..."
"Are you saying I have an out-of-control ego?" Kaira asks, narrowing her eyes.
"No, you control it very well," Alptraum claims, "I'm worried about how you control it."
"Well.. the point is that I control it," the dragoness says, satisfied that she's won somehow..
"And are completely immune to being manipulated through flattery, of course," Alptraum adds with a bemused-half smile showing one fang. "Now, I'm off to plan my trip through the bowels of death and decay. I don't know what is scarier, that I'm having to do that ... or that it isn't the first time..."