In the bunker hidden beneath the Temple of Inala, Tulani unpacks a package that they've been carrying all the way from Sylvania. Inside are a diplomatic pouch with the Draco royal crest, the sealed letter for Thath with the Countess's signet impression, a set of identity papers for courier Dar Siefert, and official clothing that also has the royal crest on it.
As part of the preparations, Nicora removes all of her jewelry, even the earrings. The nose-ring grommet is plugged as well, leaving her feeling oddly naked, as if the jewelry were a kind of armor, as well as something to help her hold onto her identity throughout the various body changes.
The Light of Nala is drawn, to make sure Nicora is fully charged before changing into the Eeee guard from Castle Draco.
"Well, at least I have the studs under my skin. It feels weird to not have anything else in. Even not having the nose ring is weird," Nicora remarks as she settles down on the floor, legs stretched out. It's dangerous to shift while standing after all. "Back to the land of the frontal tail," she quips; probably to mask nervousness. Eyes close, and she locates the shadow to guide it out of her body and into its limbo-embrace.
"I'll help if you don't mind," Kaira's voice says in the bat's mind. "Just a little though - to disguise your eyes."
"You can do it all if you want to. It's hard to ... invert myself," Nicora thinks to Kaira.
"Just relax then," the voice replies, and the dark limbo swallows the Eeee for a short, timeless moment. When the darkness clears, Tulani and Mave are looking down at him. "You have blue eyes," Tulani comments.
"Blue? I'm surprised she didn't go with red," 'Dar' comments in a deeper, almost husky for an Eeee, voice. A quick check confirms the body is intact, and the lone bit of jewelry, the three small studs, and where they were expected to be. He yaws, stretching his jaw. "Big fangs," he notes, then gets slowly to his feet so he can dress.
Mave smiles as she looks Dar up and down. "I remember this one from the castle," she notes. "He never visited me though."
Tulani busies herself with getting Dar dressed, biting her lower lip much of the time.
"If you're good, he might visit you here," Dar teases as he pulls on the pants that he brought. To Tulani he remarks over his shoulder, smirking, "I still know you prefer the silent cat."
"What? Oh.. it's not that," the Sphynx notes. "I'm just.. nervous. I'm sure you'll be there overnight at least, but I want you to do your dream thing to keep me informed of what's happening. Please! Especially if we need to arrange a recharge or a rescue."
"I'll be fine. Really," Dar says to Tulani, "I've done more dangerous stuff than this before. And I doubt you'll need to arrange a rescue. It's deliver the letter, talk to Thath, get out." The Eeee then hooks his hand around Tulani's neck and draws her into a surprisingly gentle kiss. "I'll be back before you know it and you'll be complaining about me being around in no time," he says.
The winged cat takes a deep breath, and lets it out slowly. "I'll hold you to that," Tulani says, wagging a finger but smiling after the kiss. "If I don't hear from you, then a dragon is going to visit the tower and carry you off."
"Don't worry. I'll be thinking about you the entire time. I have this plug in my nose to remind me," Dar remarks with a wry grin.
"I should get a whistle attachment for that," Tulani says. "Maybe a nose-recorder. If you're good." Then she turns serious, and says, "Remember, look for the landing balcony that has the Coalition flag and guards on it. That's the diplomat entrance."
"And here I was going to use the drunken reprobate entrance," Dar remarks as he hefts the satchel and straps it to his side. "Going part of the way with me, or am I going all the way alone?"
"I'll go with you as far as Cenesta Plaza," Tulani promises. Since that connects to the side of the Coalition Tower, it's most of the way.
"People are going to talk about all the boyfriends you seem to have," Dar teases, then turns to Mave. "Well, time to go face destiny and all that. And I have to behave," he remarks to her. "I hope you will as well."
"I fully intend to behave when I face my destiny," Mave says, smiling enigmatically as usual. "Be careful. A big, strong vampire may shake up those with less intestinal fortitude."
"I'll just have to woo them with my stunning personality," Dar claims. "Or just be quiet and try to stay unnoticeable. That would probably work better."
"Don't lurk in the shadows if you can help it," the Yodhinala offers as parting advice. Tulani is already at the hidden stairs, waiting.
"But that is what I'm best at," Dar claims as he goes to join Tulani and head out into the wide, dangerous, city.
The flight is relaxing - it's the first time the Eeee has actually gotten to fly to the plaza. From up above, in daylight, the construction and demolition work is easier to see, with renovations being more prominent the closer one gets to the Coalition Tower. The market plaza below it is active as usual, with people visible on all levels of it.
"I'll be at the Cafe," Tulani says, touching wingtips with Dar before dropping down towards the crowds below.
"It almost looks peaceful. Unfortunately I know what lies beneath the surface," Dar remarks to Tulani as the approach the plaza ahead, then waves a s she departs.
The diplomatic balcony is just as described, marked by prominent flags and two armed guards in fancy armor.
It's a slow flight to the Tower. He's in no hurry given what he has to do there. It's not exactly comfortable. He'll have to visit one of the Sisters after this to help him 'relax'. Granted if the Sisters help you relax, something is wrong with you. Once he spots the flags, his wings cut in and he dives for it! It's rapid and graceful and he pulls out of the dive at the last moment by a wide snap of wings. Clawed feet tap as they touch down on the platform.
The guards watch him, but it's a Fnerf that actually comes out to greet the visitor. He's wearing the multi-colored bead necklace that Coalition servants and functionaries all bear. "Good day," he greets in Standard, while taking in Dar's clothes and diplomatic pouch. "To whom does the Coalition have the honor of welcoming?" he asks.
"Good day," Dar says, letting his Sylvanian accent through. He doesn't even have to try to fake that. "I am Dar Siefert, courier to Draco County," he continues as he looks for, then presents, his official papers to the guard. "I have a message to deliver to the Prime Minister."
The Fnerf looks over the papers, taking his time. He then offers them back to the Eeee, and bows. "Please follow me, courier Siefert," he says.
Dar returns the papers to his satchel and bows slightly. "Thank you," he says, "Please, lead on."
"Is this your first visit to Babel?" the Fnerf asks as he leads Dar through the Tower. Much of what they pass through is familiar, so far. It may be that the seneschal is deliberately taking him through the fanciest or most impressive areas.
"It is," the courier claims as he follows along, ears flicking. It is nice to have Eeee ears again. "The city is is better shape than I had heard."
"Rumors seldom survive a visit to the reality behind them," the Fnerf says. It's almost practiced - as if he hears that comment often. "I am sure you must disabuse many to the rumors spread by the Gallisians about your own homeland."
"Some. Some I do not, as they deter others whom might try to emulate the Gallisians," Dar remarks politely as he continues on. "People are less inclined to invade if they believe monsters lurk."
"An unfortunate necessity," the seneschal agrees, and brings Dar to a rather large and comfortable looking waiting room. A glass window provides a view of the Wound, and chairs suitable to various body types fill the area. A desk stands next to a large set of double-doors with actual brass fittings. Manning the desk is a pretty, 'petite' Fnerf woman, who is white furred with a dark black hair and tail. Even her eyes are amber, so that her colors match those of her master completely. The collar around her neck marks her as one of Thath's personal slaves.
"Please present your papers once more to Joellie," the seneschal says. "She will see to your appointment."
Dar's brow arches slightly. "Still has slaves, I see. Attractive, too." he thinks. He almost considers how he isn't anything like that, but can't being himself to admit that given his own recent 'adventures'. Dar steps forward and bows to Joellie. "I am Dar Siefert," he says as he retrieves his papers and presents them to her. "Courier for Draco County. I have a message from Countess Draco for the Prime Minister."
"So far away," the woman says, her voice having almost a trill to it, which might place her as coming from some other part of Ashdod. She looks over the documents with a practiced eye, and says, "The Prime Minister is meeting with a Councilman at the moment, but it should not be much longer if you would care to wait here. I can have refreshments brought if you like."
"I can wait. Something to drink would be appreciated," Dar says and bobs his head. He steps back from the desk a few feet, stands to the side, and waits there quietly.
The secretary pulls on a hanging cord, and a moment later a Savanite wheels in a refreshment cart. It's full of beverage ingredients, and also bottles of alcohol and wine. The attendant stands ready, a smile on his face as he gestures to the tray, as if asking, 'What is your pleasure?'
"Have you served him long?" Dar does find himself asking the fnerf before he turns his attention to savanite. "If I were in another form, you would be my pleasure," Dar thinks as he looks over the wine assortment. "Something light, I think. Either a white, or rose', please. I am not familiar with the wines of this land to be able to select one by its vinyard," he tells the Savanite.
On the wall opposite the window is a large painting. It depicts the Royal Palace, Collegia Esoterica and the towers of nobles, along with the Tower of Babel itself in the background, as if a mirror were reflecting the past, since the angles and perspective match those of the view out the window. The Savanite quickly pours a glass, and adds a dash of water to it as well to lighten it further before handing it to Dar. He then begins strumming on a lute, to provide a soothing ambiance.
"Only for a year," Joellie notes. "Since he has become Prime Minister."
"Okay, so this is as uncomfortable as I expected," Dar thinks as he lightly sips at the glass of wine. "Are you happy in service?" he inquires idly as looks to the paintings.
"Of course," the girl says perkily. There's some rattling of the door latches, as if the person on the other side were unfamiliar with them, and then the doors fly open and a very unhappy looking old man exits the office. Despite the finery he wears, there's something thuggish about the man, even if he is old, pudgy and going gray. He ignores Dar and grabs a bottle from the cart as he continues his angry march out of the area.
"There goes Mr. Happy Khanti," Dar thinks. He almost comments 'You are excused' when the man semi-pushes by, but that too he holds his tongue on. There are better places and better times to deal with such people. Of course if that meeting went poorly, Thath may be in a poor mood for this one.
"It appears that the Prime Minister's previous appointment has ended early," Joellie says, and picks up Dar's paperwork. "I'll see if the Minister can fit you in now," she offers, and slips into the office, closing the doors behind her.
The Savanite starts playing again, having been cowering a bit until the irate Councilman left. He gives Dar an apologetic smile.
Now alone with the Sanavite, Dar turns to him. "You chose well," he actually signs to the Savanite, even though he knows the Savanite probably cannot sign back.
A moment later, Joellie returns, but doesn't close the door behind her. Instead she stands aside and holds it open. "The Prime Minister can see you now, Mr. Siefert."
Dar downs the remainder of his glass in one gulp and is thankful for the slow burn that follows. It distracts him from being nervous about this. "Thank you," he tells the fnerf as he sets the glass back on the Savanite's tray, then heads towards, then through, the doors.
The office of the Prime Minister of the Coalition is made to be impressive. It is large, but mostly empty. Thath sits behind the sole desk, with a several chairs arrayed before it (and more along the walls, in case they need to be swapped out depending on seating requirements). There is no artwork or statuary or anything to focus on other than the black mahogany desk, which is also mostly bare. If there is a window behind the desk, it is hidden by drawn curtains. The room does seem to suit the austere nature of the Prime Minister, who wears a plain gray suit. The tall Eeee stands, and holds out a hand in greeting. "Welcome," Thath says, in accented Sylvanian. "Forgive me if my use of the old tongue is rusty."
"There is nothing to forgive. I should be using your labguage in your lands," Dar replies in Sylvanian as he extends his own right hand to accept the greeting. "I am Dar Seifert, courier for Draco County. The Countess as a letter for you. She wished it delivered personally."
Thath raises his eyebrows, and takes his seat while gesturing for Dar to do so as well. "This is most unexpected," he claims. "It has been many years since I last met her."
Dar goes to one of the chairs in front of the desk and settles down. "She has her reasons, I am lead to understand, though what they are is not mine to know," he says as he settles down. The satchel is brought into his lap and after a moment, he withdraws the still-sealed letter. Without another word, he places it upon Thath's desk.
Thath pauses before taking the letter and breaking the seal. He then takes out a pair of spectacles which he clips to his nose, and opens the letter to read it. His hands begin to shake slightly by the time he finishes, refolds the letter and slips it into his robe. "My.. quite unexpected news indeed," he says softly, having a far away look. "Very welcome news though. Tell me, Mr. Siefert - what is life like in Draco County? And please be honest."
"Hard at times," Dar answers simply and honestly. "We are beset by the legacy of the Necromancer wars, as well as the Gallesians who would take it if they could. Still, under the protection of the Countess, we survive and grow. Our borders are secure, and our towns as safe as could be expected."
"Is the Countess as powerful as the stories say?" Thath asks, steepling his fingers as he rests his elbows on the desk. "Does she change her enemies into swine?"
"I have not seen it firsthand, but I have heard squealing in the dungeons," Dar answers. "And the stories do keep out invaders. So there may be some truth to it." He remains sitting upright in his chair, hands folded and resting over the satchel in his lap.
"Your Countess has extended to me an invitation to visit," Thath notes. "I must.. compose a reply. Do you have other business in Babel, Mr. Siefert? I would offer you the hospitality of the Coalition. I suggest you accept it, since I can discretely provide you with a proper diet, if you are a vampire."
Dar's brow arches slightly, perhaps in surprise that he was invited to the County. "I have no pressing business. I can stay for a time if you wish," Dar answers. "And yes, I am; it is not uncommon in Sylvania after all. Such accommodations would be appreciated."
Thath drops his hand under the desk, and a moment later the doors open and Joellie appears. "Please assign a guest suite to Mr. Siefert, Joellie, and see that he is made comfortable. He is free to move about, so arrange for a temporary pass as well. I may call upon him later tonight." To Dar, he asks, "Is there anything more you would like to request?"
"Nothing at the moment," Dar says as he rises and bows. An odd expression crosses his features for a moment, but it soon passes. "Will I have an escort while I am here as well?" he asks, "I do not know these lands and I do not wish to accidentally go where I should not."
"Joellie can arrange a companion for you," Thath says, and nods to his assistant to make it an official request.
"Only if it is not an imposition," Dar says as he steps back from the desk.
"Please come with me, Mr. Siefert," the Fnerf requests. "I assure you, it is no imposition. We have many guides for visiting dignitaries."
Dar bows to Thath, then turns and goes to follow Joellie. "Well, so far, I haven't freaked out," he thinks. "Small victory."
"Do you have any luggage to be brought?" Joellie asks as she leads Dar into the suite.
"Nothing as of the moment. It is kept at my lodgings in town. If I am to be here a couple days, a change of clothing so that these may be washed would be welcome," Dar says as he enters the guest room. The Eeee's body tenses up for a few seconds as memories of being a prisoner here rush back through his mind. Those were not good days. He tries to brush that off and returns to a more relaxed stance.
"I will have a tailor see to your needs," the helpful Fnerf says. "I also understand that you have particular mealtime requirements. Do you prefer a live source, or drawn and prepared?"
"Whichever is more convenient. I do not wish to be a burden," Dar answers. He actually doesn't care that much; except when the source happens to be attractive.
"Well, if you are hungry now I can accommodate your needs," the woman offers, that little trill in her voice becoming more noticeable.
Dar's brow arches. "Usually people do not offer unless they enjoy it," he comments. "Do you?"
"I am not from Babel, so do not have the phobias about vampires that are common here," Joellie explains. "And I do serve Master Thath in such capacity when needed. I've grown to enjoy it, yes. And even if you drank your fill, I would only feel mildly buzzed."
"Does your collar unlock?" Dar asks next as he approaches the fnerf, then feels around the collar, fully expecting it does not come off.
"There is a latch at the back," the woman says, but doesn't reach for it since Dar is already doing so. "It is not locked."
And so Dar unlatches it and slips it off the fnerf's neck. He drapes it over his shoulder instead. His touch is gentle as he tilts Joellie's head to the side before leaning in. There is a long, slow, lick at the spot where her neck meets her shoulder. He lets that settle in, then his jaws firmly close down around that point. A firm clench of his jaws, and the fangs sink in. As the Eeee drinks, he's actually cradling the side of her cheek in his other hand.
She doesn't taste the same as Lucy, but then that could be age and diet related. But she is warm, and trills soothingly as Dar drinks. Joellie is certainly experienced at this, and it shows in her relaxed nature, and the lack of any adrenal 'tang' to her blood.
Dar is slow and careful, but does drink his fill so he could go a couple days if he had to. The petting of her cheek also continues until he is done. His jaws release and there he licks until the flow stops. Her collar is slipped back around her neck and he latches it. "If we had slaves I would have bought you," he remarks, his somewhat stoic expression breaking briefly with a friendly smile.
"Quite the compliment, thank you," the woman says. "Now, you will be given a room attendant and a guide. They can be the same person, or separate, as you desire. For an attendant, what would you like?"
"What is available?" Dar inquires.
"We have Savanites, Fnerfs, Naga and Eeee for servants, male or female," Joellie notes. "For guides, we also have Vartans available."
"All of those you list I do not mind. What duties will the attendant have? And is there anyone you would recommend?" Dar asks.
"The attendant will see to your needs while you are in the Tower," Joellie explains. "They will stay with you in the room, provide cleaning and run any necessary errands, as well as attend to your personal hygiene or physical desires. As for a recommendation.. that would depend on if you wish something exotic or not. While an Eeee might serve you best, the locals are still superstitious about vampires."
"A fair point. I would be better served by a non-Eeee," Dar has to concede. "That leaves a Savanite, a Naga, or a Fnerf," he says as he mulls it over. "A savanite or Fnerf would know how to tend to mammalian issues more than a Naga, yes? Or are they all well-trained here?" he asks.
"They are familiar enough, but have.. a cold touch," Joellie admits. "Savanites can be difficult to understand if you are not used to them. Of course, I could assign my sister if you like, in case you get hungry again."
"Ah, but then I might have a hard time focusing," Dar says as he continues to think. "Savanite, male, for my attendant. It would be less of a distraction," he decides. "And perhaps your sister for my guide."
The girl seems surprised at the latter part. "You do not wish for someone with wings to guide you?" she asks.
"Well, will we be leaving the tower?" Dar asks. "If so, then a vartan." They are strong and good guards after all.
"I assumed you would want to see more of the city," Joellie notes. "I will find a Vartan from the pool then. Would you like me to take your clothes to be laundered now?"
Dar considers. They have been in a bag for a while and he may be meeting Thath later. So ... Dar begins undressing right in front of the Fnerf. He realizes, of course, she'll report what he looks like to Thath. "Yes," he finally says when he's handing the clothing over.
"I'll have your attendant bring a dressing gown," Joellie promises. "Is there anything else you need before I leave?"
"Nothing I can think of at the moment," Dar says after some thought. "Thank you for your assistance."
The Fnerf bows low, and then leaves. The doors close and.. Dar is all alone for the moment.
So he stretches and runs his hands through his hair. So far, so good. He doesn't have time to shift and corner Thath; not that he even knows where Thath might be right now other than his office. That visit is better saved for late night. So ... he spends the time searching the room for secret passages, or thinner spots where someone might be spying from.
The room seems very secure. Not much has changed since his last visit, it appears. And there certainly isn't any place for a Yodhbarada to pop out of. The search is interrupted by a knock on the door, just before it opens and a Savanite enters. For a room slave, he's pretty muscular - and also wears the collar of Thath, rather than the Coalition. The big cat is dressed in a white-and-gold tunic and kilt, and carries a purple Zolk robe over his arm. He smiles and bows to Dar.
Dar returns the bow. "I know sign, so you may sign to me if you wish," the Eeee tells the Savanite, then turns around and holds his arms out so that the Savanite may dress him in the robe. "Good looking fellow. Likely popular," he thinks.
"I am Abel," the man signs, and sets the dressing gown across the back of a chair. Then he looks Dar up and down, and shakes his head slightly. He points to the bed, and signs, "On your stomach, please."
Dar looks over his shoulder and arches his brow, then smiles, amused. "As you request," the Eeee says and goes to the bed, then lies upon it, face down and stretches out briefly. It is more comfortable than the crates back in the bunker.
The comfort is short-lived, as strong fingers attack the Eeee's flight muscles. Abel apparently doesn't like to serve people with stress, so the Savanite seeks out any knotted muscles with fierce enthusiasm.
The Eeee makes quite a few squeaks of protest as muscles are worked in ways they really don't want to. Still, once the pain part subsides, a massage is not bad! "I think I made the right choice," he mutters under the insistent hands.
Of course, then comes the stretching and twisting of limbs..
"Ow," poor Dar thinks, and his face sure shows that too! "This reminds me of that rhian back in that salon in Sylvania. I think maybe my former tribe cursed me."
As Dar is left on the bed, wondering if he can move his limbs now, Abel leaves him to start running a bath.
"I feel like my limbs have been pulled off," the Eeee thinks in the disheveled heap he was left in. After mustering the energy, he actually does try to sit up and move his arms, legs, and wings.
Abel doesn't really let Dar recover on his own, as he comes back and helps the bat to his feet and towards the bath.
"You have very strong hands," Dar remarks to the Savanite. He actually doesn't mind the help; his legs are a bit wobbly as he goes towards the bath.
It's a bubble bath to boot. Abel lowers Dar into the hot, sudsy water, and then takes a pitcher and dowses the man's hair before starting to shampoo it. Maybe the Savanite is also a hairdresser?
"You're also rather pushy for a servant," Dar remarks a bit dryly underneath all the suds! It's probably better to just go with it, though, so settles into the tub.
After all the squishing and pulling and twisting.. it's really relaxing to have someone wash your hair, it seems. It's just a bit odd that it's down in nearly complete silence, except for a slightly rough purr.
By the time his hair is almost done, the Eeee is rather limp in the bath. Even his eyes are closed and he's just listening to the slight feline purr. "I think I like you," the Eeee murmurs.
The purr picks up a bit at the compliment, just before the douse of rinsing water on Dar's head. Then comes the ear massage.
"Ooooooo," goes Dar at the ear massage. Now that feels really nice. Even his toes splay under the water!
Abel kneels next to the tub for the face massage.. which also involves really stretching the muscles it seems.
Dar tries to not think of how ridiculous he must be looking in intervals. He's also hoping the savanite doesn't spot the plugged grommet, either.
If Abel notices it, he doesn't comment. Once the face-massage is done, he actually gets up and leaves Dar for a few moments..
Dar's eyes finally flutter open. "I'm going to be so relaxed I won't be able to move at this rate," the Eeee thinks. And truly he might be, because he's having a hard time getting out of the tub!
A firm hand presses on Dar's shoulder, keeping him in the tub. A thick cushion is set on a stool next to the tub, and Abel tries to get Dar to lay his head on it, even though it means twisting sideways a bit in the raised tub.
IT's an awkward move, given the wings, but somehow Dar manages it and finally gets his head comfortably on the pillow. "What is he up to?" the Eeee wonders.
A hand is used to indicate that Dar keep his head still.. and then things begin to gently probe around inside the bat's ear as the Savanite cleans it out.
"Ooooookay, now this feels disturbing," Dar thinks. It's really hard to sit still through this. He feels like the savanite is poking at his brain!
There is some respite when things are repositioned so the other side can be cleaned, and then, finally, Dar is allowed out of the tub.. just not under his own power. Abel hoists him up and towels him dry.
"I feel like a toy!" Dar thinks as the Savanite easily manhandles him around, then proceeds to fluff him dry. This must be fate seeking to torment him; there is no other explanation!
Soon, Dar finds himself in the slippery dressing gown, seated in a comfy chair.. and with a drink in his hand that he doesn't recall asking for. It must be after-bath-brandy though. It's a bit of a Twig moment.
And so Dar sips from it. He also looks for the Savanite, since, well, he doesn't even remember how he got in the chair! "Abel?" he says, "That was ... ah ... memorable."
The Savanite appears next to the chair, a towel draped over one arm (why?) and bows to Dar, as if hearing that was his reward.
And Dar takes the opportunity to cup under the Savanite's chin and then kiss him on the nose. Why? Probably to make the Savanite blink. "How long will my clothing take to be cleaned?" he asks.
"Should be done soon," the servant signs, nonplussed at being bussed on the nose. "Do you wish to tour the tower?"
"Perhaps in a bit. I am rather enjoying relaxing here in your company," Dar says as he settles back and then sips from his glass. "I imagine you are popular."
"People appreciate my massages," the feline signs in reply, but does have a prideful smile on his muzzle.
"I did, even if it was a bit rough," Dar remarks, then reaches over and pat's the Savanite's leg. "Are you supposed to stay with me all of the time or do you have your own chambers?"
"I stay with you, in case you require anything," Abel replies.
Dar looks around. "Where will you sleep?" he finally asks.
"On the couch, or floor, or foot of bed usually," the servant replies.
"Fair enough. You are welcome to join me in the bed if you prefer," Dar offers, then takes another drink from his glass. "It looks big enough to not be a problem."
"If that is what you wish," Abel signs, and nods his head.
"Don't seem so thrilled," Dar remarks a bit dryly, amused.
There is a knock at the door then. "Laundry service," a voice calls from the other side. Abel heads towards it, and signs back, "I prefer blondes," while wiggling his ears in amusement.
If Dar had a pillow to throw, he would have. Still, he's quite amused as he relines back into the chair. "Now I just have to figure out how to get Thath alone, and without anyone seeing a shift," the Eeee mulls. "Or I could escape and run screaming. No, wait, maybe not. My legs still feel like noodles..."