The long table is taken up by the hosting merchants themselves, Lord Cenesta and Lady Aryadne, Damo and Biali Phizcarro and a handful of others. The tables are spread out, and arranged in such a way that no one table seems out-of-the-way or less important. There's also quite a bit of space between them, since there are only a dozen of them. Fantastically costumed servers circulate, all under the nervous direction of Lady Farfesse, as the diverse crowd is tended to.
At one table sit two mages, the recognizable Mage Cyprian and a heavyset Jupani in the robes of an Air Mage. Next to them are a group of Khattas, dressed in Abu Dhabian style.. and a near table has a familiar Sphynx, by herself. A bit further from them is a mixed group, likely from Rephidim, although they also have a few Nagas dressed in Imperial style - they're the only ones that actually fill all the space at their table.
Noticeably separate from these groups, with several empty tables in between, are the representatives of the Yodh. The Yodhrephath are represented by a surprisingly short (for a Yodhrephath) woman who at least shares Rephath's colors. Next to her is a hard-looking man with some noble bearing, wearing not robes but a uniform of sorts.
The Yodhsunala are represented by High Priestess Sukara herself, along with a Yodhrinala and a cloaked, spotted feline that doesn't seem to be a Savanite servant. Next to them are two tables with lone occupants: Cricket of the Yodhbarada, dressed in official looking robes, and Rizalka of Blakat, with her feet up on her table - which is already accumulating a collection of bottles, plates and carafes.
The empty tables each have a little idol on them, indicating they are reserved for any Yodhgorphat, Yodhzakaro or Yodhinala that may show up.
There's an attendant at the main entry, there to announce arriving guests. He seems bored at the moment, no doubt already wondering if he can leave his post. He doesn't notice the newly arriving pair, a well-dressed Eeee man wearing the coat of a merchant airship captain, and a woman who looks like a burn victim wrapped in gauze bandages (although very sparkly, jewelry-adorned bandages).
"and it is here we should part comany," Nicora remarks quietly to soldano, "Lest you become associated with me. That may not do well for your reputation." And once that comment is made, she gazes about the menagerie present. "Expected guests," she thinks, "Cyprian is no surprise. Daughter of Shadows is, though. Risky for her to be here. I should warn them about the soon to be monster at their doorstep."
"Do you want to go in first then?" Soldano asks. "They may not notice me at all then.."
"True enough. They will all be running in horror," Nicora remarks with a smirk. She takes her leave of Soldano, then steps forward towards the attendant. "Ahem," she says to him, "I am here to represent the Temple of Gorphat."
The attendant jerks to attention, and stares wide-eyed. "I.. didn't know.. uh.. how should I announce you, Sister?" he stammers, clearly not expected any surviving Yodhgorphat to show up.
"Oh, like anyone will remember my name. They will just remember I was here," Nicora says rather matter-of-factly. "You may refer to me as Yodhgorphat Scourge."
The man clears his throat, several times to avoid squeaking too badly, and announces, "Presenting, Yodh.. Yodhgorphat Scourge!" What conversation there is stops and all eyes turn in surprise to Nicora. Only Cyprian seems unfazed by the announcement, but does raise one eyebrow in curiosity.
Tulani is believably shocked. She must have been practicing.
Resisting the urge to comment that the party may nor commence because she has arrived, she says instead, "Good evening." Her head tilts slightly, then she heads for the table set aside for the Yodh.
The Yodhrinala can't seem to look away. But then, there's a certain amount of overlap between Gorphat and Rinala (just as Rinala overlaps with Sunala and Inala). She looks like she wants to invite Nicora over to their table.
There's some muttering from the head table, and Nicora picks up, "... someone to represent the Streets Below at least..."
Nicora indicates she does notice this by arching her brow and head just so; an inquisitive look given her expression isn't saying 'I intend to kill you'; it's actually cordial. That's about the best you can hope for sometimes...
Once the Yodhgorphat is seated, the attendant announces, "Captain Soldano bar Drelickus, of the Orphaned Nobles." This gathers a bit more attention from the Rephidim-Imperial table.. and oddly enough from the Yodhrephath captain, who doesn't hide his recognition.
Soldano nods and claims an empty table near Tulani. Again, the Sphynx does a fine job acting as if she has no idea who this person is.
"I'm impressed, you didn't dip him over the table and snog him," Nicora thinks, mildly amused. "And I wonder how he knows the Yodhrephath. And how well.."
"That's the last of 'em!" Rizalka announces, banging on her table with a wine bottle. "The Zackies wouldn't have the guts to show up, if any where alive, and there ain't no Yodhinala going to walk through that door!"
"Unless Mave comes in," Nicora thinks...
"Uh.. announcing Yodhinala Mave," the attendant squeaks, clearly terrified at contradicting the dangerous Yodhblakat. Mave glides in, wearing a gown that is elegant and revealing - and probably worth more than a year's worth of profits for most of the merchants in the room. She goes to her table, and waits patiently for a moment before a stunned attendant pulls out the chair for her.
"YOU!" Rizalka yells accusingly, standing up and pointing at Mave. "You're supposed to be DEAD! How dare you not be!"
"Knew she couldn't stay away. She eats up attention like ... a whore," Nicora thinks. She also manages to cover the snort of laughter at her own joke by making it sound like muffled sneeze.
"Yes, how dare I," Mave replies with a smile. "Sit down Rizalka, before you embarrass yourself."
The Yodhblakat sits in a huff, and the nearby attendants all back away - and Lady Farfesse is gesturing for them to keep away.
"There will not be any Yodhzakaro coming," Cricket notes, in a much calmer and less grating voice than Rizalka's.
"Well, if nothing else this will be an amusing evening," Nicora thinks to herself. "I shouldn't find Rizalka funny, but I do."
"And no signs they expected Alptraum to show up. That is also probably good," Nicora thinks.
"I believe that is an authoritative enough statement that we may begin," Lord Cenesta says, standing up. "It heartens me that so many of you came, especially those of you who suffered through the Purge at the end of the last governmental transition."
There some light applause from the foreign guests, who perhaps aren't quite sure at what that statement really means.
Nicora shifts slightly when she recognizes the speaker. "Him. Someone I am ... not comfortable around. Legitimately so," she thinks.
"Given that we were almost all slaughtered last time, yes," Nicora now speaks up, playing her part. "I do hope for all those present it will not be an attempt repeated here tonight."
"I mention the last transition, because Babel is on the cusp of a new one," Cenesta continues. "The Coalition was meant to be an interim, transitional government. Those of us familiar with the ways of Babel assumed this to mean it would be around forever. We were wrong. Sources within the Coalition have informed me that a new government is being planned.. or rather, the one that was originally planned is being pushed through while the opposition is in disarray. The exclusive rule of the nobility is about to come to an end. The new system will share power between the Lords and common citizens."
The various Yodh don't seem concerned, while Soldano shows great interest along with the visiting merchants.
"Nothing new there. Thath told me as much in our discussions," Nicora thinks as she sits back to listen.
"As the non-governmental powers in Babel, representing both tradition," Cenesta says, bowing to the Yodh, "and commerce," he nods to the merchants and the Mages, "we must be prepared. There will be new challenges and opportunities, and it is in our best interests not to cut across one another's slipstreams. It is my hope than any such issues may be discussed now, before events force them."
"Interesting. This is a council as much as a party. Not unsurprising," Nicora thinks. She doesn't interject again, though part of her does wonder if the rumors of monsters in the streets has also played a part in this.
"Will the Yodhrephath continue to protect the main trade routes during the transition?" one of the Rephidim merchants, a poodle, asks.
"We will, until such time as we are.. relieved.. of the duty by a more capable fleet," the Yodhrephath captain replies.
"That is very reassuring, Captain Karada," Cenesta notes.
"Well, that's good. They are effective," Nicora thinks.
"Thisss new mixed government will be the end of noble privilege, yess?" one of the Nagas asks. "The Nobility will be held to the same laws as everyone else, yes. They will not be able to simply seize the holdings of those operating in their territory, if that is your concern," Cenesta notes.
This excites the Khattas a bit. "The flow of wealth must be protected by law," one of them notes. "If this occurs, then capital will flow into Babel again. We are eager to invest.. so long as our investments cannot simply be taken from us once developed."
"The Guild is not going to abandon Babel," Cyprian notes, in his usual dour tones. "So long as the new government agrees to deal with us according to standing Guild regulations."
There's a snort from Rizalka. "The Yodhzakaro are gone, so it's not like you'll have any competition," the Yodhblakat points out.
"Laws protecting property will not be so good to you, Rizalka," Mave notes smugly. "You may find yourself unable to steal and loot as you please.."
Nicora, for her part, looks very much amused by the exchange so far. She doesn't have much to say, yet.
"I have heard nothing about the recognition of religious practices," Cenesta notes. "The impression I have been given is that those which perform needed services will have more support than those which.. do not." The Yodhsunala table certainly doesn't seem worried about that. The Yodhrephath representatives look less certain, and Rizalka practically fumes.
"That merely means those that do not as much will have to have followers that donate ... within the laws," Nicora now adds to the conversation, "All of us are capable of it. Even the Yodhblakat; she alone could keep street gangs in check and that may encourage donation."
"Law enforcement is.. undecided yet," Cenesta notes. "One thing we can be sure of, however, is that the Streets Below will be the last to feel the changes, if at all. But for stability and growth to happen, there cannot be a large population of disenfranchised people. Until the Streets Below can be re-integrated into the system, it will be up to the Yodh to prepare them, should they choose to do so."
"Nice deflection of responsibility. If you do not concern yourself with the poorest, they will rise and consume you," the Yodhgorphat remarks rather dryly. "An untreated wound festers."
"You want us to become a police force," Karada summarizes. "While the Yodhrephath currently enjoy the support of the people - wealthy donors included - what will happen when our current role is taken over by the government? Will you continue to support us in efforts that are for the most part unseen by those in the upper reaches of Babel?"
"The Yodhgorphat have always been shepherds of the undercity," Cenesta acknowledges. "An unsung role, to be sure. Your order is the most familiar with them, along with the Yodhblakat. And I assure you, Captain Karada, the efforts of the Yodhrephath will be supported, so long as they lead to better conditions. That support will extend to other groups aiding in cleaning up the Streets Below."
"And right now there are worse things prowling in the dark streets," Nicora remarks, lounging a bit. "I'm sure everyone here has heard the rumors of monsters. Who will help with those?"
"Someone has been dealing with them," High Priestess Sukara notes, finally speaking. "We all do what we can for our city. But the citizens must be willing to fight for their future as well - we are too few in number to do this on our own. While many in the Streets Below would be overjoyed to have the chance to work and live in the light again, there are those that are entrenched, who enjoy their power over the weak - far more than even the most corrupt of the Nobles have. They will not give that up, not when they have been beyond the law for so long."
"King of the dung heap is still a king, eh?" Rizalka laughs. "But tall dark and gloomy is right - we don't have the numbers. Will this new facade of fairness be willing to let us openly recruit and refill our ranks?"
"It has best not be a facade," Nicora notes, "Or it will not last."
"We can certainly petition to make it possible," Cenesta notes. "I doubt that the Yodh can be made illegal, after all. And there is nothing to stop you from recruiting from the people you are trying to help.."
"Yodhblakat recruitment. Join us for fun filled violence, looting, pillaging, and raping. Not always in the same order," Nicora thinks to herself.
"And what happens after we have succeeded?" Mave asks, her chin resting on steepled fingers. "When the poverty is in plain sight, at least, for everyone to see and deal with instead of buried away in the shadows? What use will there be then for the Yodhgorphat or Yodhblakat? Will the Yodhrephath be seen as a check on the power of the new government, perhaps? Or a threat to it?"
"There will always be need for healers, and the Yodhgorphat can perform that function," the Yodhrinala speaks up. "People willing to tend to the worst off, to brave the worst conditions."
"As the Yodhrinala says. Disease always comes, it does not spear the wealthy. We always have a place," Nicora remarks. "Someone always has to be willing to walk into the darkness."
"Laws," Rizalka scoffs. "The powerful will always find a way around them - and will always need muscle when they can't get what they want legally. Same for revenge. Those things aren't going away, and as long as we're around nobody can pretend they don't exist either."
"But that also doesn't mean we cannot continue to strive for better? You do not just give up and say it cannot be done; you face a challenge and overcome it," Nicora remarks to Rizalka. "Or are you afraid to face such a challenge?"
"She has a point," one of the Rephidimites notes. "It works both ways though too. Oppress enough people, and they'll pool their resources to get back at you, and I'm sure the Yodhblakat will be happy to do the service. Or if things are nasty enough, the Yodhrephath will do it themselves. Corruption has been at the heart of Babel for time immemorial. You don't take away the layperson's hopes for justice against the powerful."
"I don't care about the law," Rizalka says to Scourge. "But.. there are others who don't either. If they're going to work outside the law, that puts them in our reach." She grins a bit madly. "And we can't be bribed."
"You can't be a lot of things," Nicora concedes.
"Or threatened," the Yodhrephath woman notes, a bit of a squeak in her voice. "There's no leverage against us. No families to threaten, because that is tantamount to threatening our entire order. The penalties for crossing us are very well known. As you say, we can be a check against corruption, simply by being incorruptible."
"You make it sound as if we would be the enforcers of morality, Wynona," Sukara notes with a bit of a smirk. "Everyone dies. We cannot deny them their final rights because they have been bad. That isn't for us to judge. But... Sunala does not see any problem with encouraging proper behavior."
"The Nobles are understandably concerned about the possibility of 'mob rule' by the commoners," Cenesta notes. "The Yodh can help keep moral order during the transition - at least until the benefits of the new system are clear to everyone. Or that it needs to be replaced again, should that be the case. The key is that everyone feels they have a future within this city."
"What I believe the Yodhrepath is getting at is we have a chance to make Babel better by enforcing the tenants of our faith in such a way as to help the public," Nicora comments. "Whether it is morality or not, it would give us all a place and purpose in a new order."
"Giving people hope is a tall order," Soldano says. "Those of us who lost everything.. well, there are a lot of us. Our ties to Babel have been strained, and only a few of us have moved on to find greater purpose." He tilts his head slightly to Captain Karada. "The Orphans took what wealth they had left and mostly abandoned Babel. And not just the Orphaned Nobles, but the regular people whose lives were torn apart by the boomer. You need to get us to come back."
"And how do you propose to do that?" Nicora asks Soldano. "What would bring them back? What brought you back? People do not return to a festering place without a good reason, or no choice." She knows the answer to that, and it isn't a good answer. But, she is curious as to what he will claim.
"That is partly why this get-together was put forth," Cenesta claims. "If we can stand together - Nobles and merchants and Yodh - and say that we believe in the future, that we will be here to help build it together.. will that not send a signal? We have all lost family, in different ways. Some more than others. But we can create a new, larger one. A new united city, a new family. We must gather in those that are uncertain, those that are without hope and.. just be together in a grand undertaking. To make Babel our city."
"It might take something bolder, but it's a start," Soldano admits.
"Bolder like what?" Nicora asks, again. "Some symbol? Someone to rally behind? Do we want to place our faith in one person again?"
"It will take something like the boomer," Mave notes. "And.. if we.." she gestures to the other Yodh.. "give you this symbol, will you be prepared?"
"I can only hope that we will be," Cenesta notes.
"You would need an inverse of the boomer. Life, not death," Nicora corrects. "Or something along those lines. Something that does not destroy."
"It will be what is needed, at the time it is needed," Mave notes. "Nothing more or less. The rest will be up to Babel."
"And we will prove this how?" Nicora asks next.
The Yodhsunala and Yodhrinala don't seem surprised by this. Cyprian and his co-mage give it their full attention though.
"Telling the future is not my forte," Mave notes. "All I can promise is that it will be an act of love."
"Spoken like a true Yodhinala," Nicora comments.
"She's blowing smoke," Rizalka claims. "No place for the Yodhinala in New Babel if everyone loves one another, right? What can Inala do to help anything?"
"Well there was that glowing girl on a dragon in the Streets Below," Tulani points out. "Most people think that was a sign from Inala."
"Clearly there are forces at work behind the scenes, but with similar goals to those proposed," Cyprian comments. "One should not assume there is no place for miracles in Babel."
"Ah yes, the glowing girl. I hear Rizalka knows her well," Nicora says with a smirk.
"Don't push it, Scourge," Rizalka growls. "I may yet leave here with your jewels or Mave's gown."
"What's this about a glowing girl?" one of the Khattas asks. "Is she real? What are her goals? And a dragon? Monsters?"
"Just stating there is some credence to the rumors, is all," Nicora claims. "The real miracle in all of this is ... if it works."
"The Kindly Ones have their servants," Sukara notes. "The Yodhsunala and Yodhrinala tend to the mortal needs of the people.. and of course the Yodhgorphat as well. We are not the only ones, however."
"Have faith, Yodhgorphat Scourge," Mave says. "But then you must, to take up the cause of Gorphat, yes?"
"I see more horrors daily than you," Nicora notes to Mave, "And I still have hope. I just, well, hope that our unknown benefactors have the same faith."
"Faith in the future is what we all need, and must instill in others," Cenesta notes. "And.. ah, Lady Farfesse is giving me The Look, which means that dinner is ready to be served. I am sure you will find that much more appetizing than the voice of an old man."
The servers return, carrying platters of food. A few of the braver ones are prepared to 'serve' Rizalka as well, carrying plates of food that all has conveniently grabbed-onto handles of some sort, be they bones or skewers, so that the Yodhblakat can simply yank what she wants without being given anything.
"Then I hope that if any of us meet these strangers, we thank them, hmm?" Nicora says. She then nods her head once and accepts the statement the conversation is ended.
There's the sound of seat moving, and Nicora finds Mave sitting next to her. "I hope you don't mind if I join you," she notes. "Otherwise Yodhrinala Tanietta would certainly drag you off, and it would look we were all conspiring together. Plus, it makes the men at the other table have to look at both of us at once while eating, which should be amusing."
"Maybe I wished to speak with the Yodhrinala," Nicora says quietly, "But, you are correct in that it will at least amusing that they will have to watch."
A servant dressed as Hosheb (albeit a far more attractive rendition) serves the two Yodh. The other guests likewise seem to have decided to spread out a bit. Surprisingly, Soldano heads for the Yodhrephath table.. along with the Jupani Air Mage, leaving Cyprian to fend for himself. The Abu-Dhabians, Rephidimites and Imperials simply drag their tables together, which makes Lady Farfesse twitch a bit.. and call over several of the Eeee merchants as well.
"An interesting menagerie. And a surprising one. They are more hopeful than I have expected," Nicora remarks quietly as the groups shuffle about. "It is a pity another could not come; their reaction to him would have proved interesting."
"I daresay most of the guests wouldn't recognize him," Mave notes, nodding towards the foreign merchants. "And they should be hopeful, because they are staking everything on this working. Hmmm, I had thought to introduce myself to the Avenger, but it seems that Tulani has joined him now. And.. ah, yes, as I expected: young Cricket seems to have drawn off the girl that came with Sukara."
"So you are all ensuring I do not talk to anyone else," Nicora comments rather plainly. "If that girl is who I think it is, then it is a serious risk for her to be here."
"She's obviously just an attendant," Mave notes. "And we are all at risk. The whole of the Yodhinala, Yodhgorphat and Yodhblakat are present. The Yodhrephath's field commander, and the High Priestess of Sunala.. not to mention Lord Cenesta himself. Would you say this a trust born of desperation, or of hope?"
Nicora has to think about that for a second. "Hope," she concludes, "For Lord Cenesta at least. He has reason for hope."
"Hmmm," Mave says, as she daintily scoops a marinated beetle out of its shell. "He is heavily invested in rebuilding the city. More than any other, he wants Babel to flourish again. Now that the old obstacles are gone, he does seem.. a bit more robust. Cyprian must be going mad, the poor man. Knowing just enough to have to hide it, but not enough to feel any control. A terrible thing for a Mage."
"Cenesta was given hope when he met his grandson years ago. And forgiveness, since he invited the Yodhsunala here tonight," Nicora comments as she sticks to something liquid for the moment. "I can imagine anyone who was given the gift of a family after the impossible could believe in a future, even here."
Using a long fork as a pointer, Mave gestures towards the odd group at the Yodhrephath table. "Captain Karada there only recently reacquired his own son, who had been in the care of the Yodhbarada since the fall of the High Princess. He has always had a strong protective streak, and now he has some hope for the future as well, along with a family again. I imagine Mage Gusty there came along solely on the chance that Wynona would be here. He was a good patron of the Temple of Inala. And your friend Soldano has much in common with Karada as well, both of them being Orphaned Nobles."
Nicora nods once at that. "So, they also invited people who would have hope, not just anyone. It explains the shock of seeing me," she comments.
"You're actually a good sign," Mave notes, and grins. "If the Yodhgorphat can recover from being wiped out, then surely everyone else can. It's lost on the foreigners, but the local merchants see it as a good thing, I'm certain."
"Plus they can all feel good they are not me," Nicora adds to that.
"This is still Babel, and there is always that underlying fear of the government," Mave says. "Gorphat, for all her poor public image, is a symbol of stability. Nobody wants a plague to emerge from the poor conditions of the Streets Below. These men need those people."
"Fair enough," Nicora says. She looks around all those gathered, then remarks quietly, "I still feel like the stranger in the room. They all have common bonds, reasons, and then there is me. I'm the most likely to die, and I have the least attachment ultimately; just the responsibility to correct the consequences of my existence."
"Do you feel so disconnected?" Mave asks. "Point out one other person here who has walked at all levels of Babel? From the very top to the very bottom. From slave to noble to Yodh?"
"I'm still just an observer. I'm not really a part of it. An illusion," Nicora points out.
"I have faith that you are a part of it," Mave notes. "Why do you think I came back? I should have given myself to Inala years ago, but have only held on because I still believed I was useful. That I still have a role to play. So, you can have some of my faith in you, if you like."
"This from the Yodh who tried to kill me," Nicora points out, "I haven't forgotten the Well. I will deal with what I came to do, no fear."
Nicora feels a gurgle, which is followed by a sound from down below. Disturbingly, it's not from the usual place where gas would be escaping from. The odor is.. distinct.. if hopefully localized.
"Well, that is delightful," Nicora mutters and rubs her forehead. "I suppose that should mean it is time for me to depart."
Nicora also rubs her lower stomach for a bit, trying to 'settle' it.
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," Mave notes. "I once had a regular patron who was very fond of that. I had to do special exercises in order to perform on demand.."
Odd. The bandages seem a lot tighter than they should be, as if Nicora has become a bit more distended since getting dressed. There's also a slight kick. Not the usual mass squirming - something singular and larger.
Nicora eyes Mave. "That's disturbing," she remarks to the older Eeee. The sensation causes her to blink and feel her gut again, trying to figure out if she is more bloated, and just how much.
There's definitely some strain against the bandages now, and.. other discomfort. With her chastity chains in place to try and restrain any urges (and reduce leakage) there's now some tugging at the rings, as if she's swelling up there as well. Maybe things are backed up?
"Is something wrong?" Mave asks. "Drink something too spicy?"
"Problems with my ... guest," Nicora hisses softly. "Not sure what is wrong. I think I need to find privacy."
"I'll take you," Mave says, and stands up and asks the nearest attendant to show them to a private room. The Savanite (made up as the element of Shadow, with lots of layers of black Zolk along with a cape and streamers) looks shocked but then nods and leads the way. Mave tries to help Nicora to her feet.
Nicora gets to her feet gingerly, and tries to not jostle her guest too much. "Good, this is troubling," she mutters.
The movement doesn't go unnoticed. Soldano starts to get up when he sees Nicora being led off, and Yodhrinala Tanietta also shows a bit of alarmed interest. The servant leads them through the pillars and into a side hall. There's a small parlor of sorts, along with an attached bathroom. She then stands by in case of any further instructions.
"The lounge," Mave says, leading Nicora towards a couch.
Nicora slowly walks herself to the lounge, gently cradling her gut with her hands. "Everything weird happens to me," she mutters. "And I am chanted up and it is hurting."
"Well, we'll have to unchain you," Mave notes, and starts to pull at the bandages. With every bit of slack, though, Nicora feels like she's inflating to make things tight again. "What is happening?" the voice of Tanietta asks from the doorway.
"Everything is fine," Nicora calls out, "Just a bit of indigestion!" This comes while she's also helping with bandages ... and soon fumbling with her own lock-chain.
"That doesn't look like indigestion," Tanietta points out. "Even the Yodhinala do not treat it by stripping the patient." The Yodhrinala comes forward, then actually pauses when Nicora's swollen genitals are revealed, showing red where the ring implants are being tugged by the chain. Mave goes to work on the lock, muttering about it being 'slippery'..
"It is fine. You can go back to the party," Nicora squeaks at Tanietta, "We can handle this..." She's trying to not sound too panicked, but, well, she is panicking! "At least if it comes out I'll be clean again," the Eeee thinks.
"Scourge?" Soldano calls from beyond the doorway. "Is everything.. okay?" At least he isn't peaking inside.
"I'm fine!" Nicora claims, again.
"Got it!" Mave declares, removing the lock! The tension is released on the chains.. and then the goo starts flowing. The stench is.. stenchy. "What affliction is this?" Tanietta demands, looking horrified.
"I have been dealing with issues in the Streets Below. This is just a result. I am supposed to endure challenges," Nicora tells Tanietta. Insists, even. Maybe it is to convince herself that this is okay. It sure doesn't feel okay!
Mave has to retreat or risk ruining her gown (and her dinner). "Well, it seems that you were just retaining.." she begins to say, and then Nicora feels something moving. She's being spread open.. and it looks like a starfish is suddenly emerging and spreading its arms down there. It's still squirming and struggling to get further out..
"Oh God, oh God, oh God," Nicora thinks in a panic! She's used to nasty, because she actually reaches down to grab what is squirming to get out ... and try to pull it the rest of the way out! "What is inside me? This feels just ... eeeee!"
Pulling certainly helps (especially when the 'arms' of the 'flower' grab down on Nicora's hand). Another twelve inches of wormlike body emerges, then end of which begins growing into a mass of tentacles. Exposed to air, the thing actually starts getting bigger! It definitely resembles a cross between a slime worm and the Fun Guy From Beyond Time and Space..
"That is not normal!" Tanietta declares, and covers her mouth. The Savanite servant bolts in a panic, and Soldano looks in. "Hey, what.. oh Dagh it's that thing again!" He runs in and grabs one of the lamps. "Gotta burn it!"
"Is it dangerous?" Mave actually has the presence of mind to ask.. from the far side of the room.
Poor Nicora's eyes are huge. Aside from the fact she will never be invited to another dinner again, she now has to get rid of this thing somehow! And she's praying Soldano is right! She's now trying to backpedal away from it. "It is lecherous!" the Eeee declares.
The thing's body is inflating and deflating like a bellows, and starting to darken in color. It lets go of Nicora's hand to land on the ground, and try to scuttle-squirm towards.. the bathroom!
"It's trying to escape!" Tanietta declares, and Soldano rushes after it. There's the sound breaking glass, and a whoosh of flame from within the bathroom, followed by Soldano backing out and beating the flames on his pants.
"We have to stop it," Nicora agrees. She watches Soldano go after, then come back. "Did you get it?" she asks of him and now resisting the urge to curl up.
"It's.. not getting very far," Soldano asks. "I think it stopped moving.. oh.." The smell from the burning abomination hits, and the poor man is bent over retching.
"Can you explain what that was?" Mave asks, pinching her nose closed. Tanietta looks a bit green - and she's probably dealt with just about every sort of effluence a body can produce.
Nicora, stonger to bear bad smells, makes her way towards the bathroom to make sure it is dead. She lightly pats Soldano's shoulder in passing. "I explained earlier, demon creation that came of helping, well, deal with monsters below. I was attacked by one. The rest a Yodhinala can figure out."
There's a bit of pain in Nicora's lower belly, but at least it's back to.. well, where it was at the beginning of the night. There's a twitch.. the familiar squirming again, still there.
Nicora rubs her stomach as she goes. "There can't be more of these things. That is impossible. I an not that big inside," she thinks.
Of course.. maybe only one of them gets big at a time. Without warning. And very quickly.
"Or maybe none at all. Or maybe I should try to clean myself. I could ask the Yodhrinala, I suppose," Nicora thinks.
"I somehow doubt that thing was your child," Mave notes. "But these things just implant.. spores? Eggs?"
"Infected eggs," Nicora claims as she peers in the bathroom. "Maybe the Yodhrinala can make sure I cam clean of them."
There's a nervous titter of laughter from Tanietta. "I'm not going in there," she notes. "I suggest an exorcism! Or lots of alcohol."
"Ugh.. there are more?" Soldano asks, as he recovers a bit.
"So, you do not wish to help me?" Nicora asks, then shrugs. "I should have expected as such. I suppose I should dress and depart, then."
"Now, I.. just need to know more about this.. condition," Tanietta claims. "Under a more clinical environment. That thing clearly had some sort of spirit component, so I was not joking about the exorcism."
"What sort of environment? I rarely leave my temple unless it is to go into the Streets. It is not like I am welcome anywhere," Nicora points out as she returns to refit her chain, and then redress in bandages.
"Well.. in that case I suppose we will have to come to you," Tanietta says. "Would we be allowed in Gorphat's Temple?"
"Perhaps. But unfortunately it is likely better if I came to you," Nicora admits.
"We'll need to prepare a secure chamber," Tanietta says, regaining some of her composure. "We can't let the other patients know about this. There are enough fears surrounding the Yodhgorphat as it is, but at least they revolve around them being in control of terrible diseases, not succumbing to them. That at least must be maintained."
"As you wish. If it is a problem, I can see about the Temple of Gorphat instead. Just let me know," Nicora says as she makes herself more presentable again. Granted she still feels kind of weird and sore down there, and very, very, loose, but that should hopefully ease in time. Or if not, Hosheb might not hurt as much anymore. Small benefit?
A very frightened Savanite looks in, noting the mess. She doesn't look overly concerned though - she's on table service, not clean up! Once it's clear that nobody is dead or injured or panicking she looks ashamed at having run.
"It is fine," Nicora tells the savanite. In an oddly gentle way at that.
"I need a drink," Soldano notes. "How about you, Yodhgorphat Scourge?"
"Regardless of my wishes, it is highly unlikely I am welcome here any more," Nicora points out and shrugs.
"The Yodh are mysterious," Mave claims. "If they want our cooperation, they need to get used to that."
"This was hardly mysterious. It was an unpleasant distraction," Nicora points out, then shrugs. "But as you like. A drink is fine."
Soldano heads out first, to check if anyone is still wondering about what happened. Other than the other Yodh, however, the guests don't seem to have noticed. Except maybe for Cyprian, but Tulani is there to keep him from doing anything.
Nicora follows soon after, looking, well, the way she always does. Generally awful.
"Good food does not agree with everyone," Sukara notes, once Tanietta has rejoined her. "Good wine is certainly not agreeing with Rizalka." While the others were away, the lone Yodhblakat has managed to get drunk.
Nicora eyes Rizalka, then just shakes her head. It's also about then she remembers something and gestures for Sukara to come over to her. "A moment, if you may. I have a message for your Mistress," she says.
The High Priestess raises an eyebrow, but then technically as the only Yodhgorphat in Babel, Scourge would also be a high priestess. The tall woman rises and approaches the bandaged one in the lee of a pillar. "I am listening," she notes.
"A mutual ally and close to your Mistress wishes her to know that an old shrine on Her mountain will be used to deal with a threat," Nicora says rather quietly. "It will be dangerous, and that no Yodhsunala should come near during that time. There is no choice in the location, because any other would tip off the enemy that the trap is known."
Sukara's face darkens in anger, but she takes a deep breath and releases the tension. "The enemy is insultingly bold," the High Priestess says. "First, perverting the Srinala.. and now desecration. While we must hide our eyes from it. Her time will come, and we will be there to welcome her when it does.."
"I cannot claim there is not a risk to the mutual ally, but he is insistent that only he be risked," Nicora adds, "When more is known on exact location and time, it will be sent."
"I do no speak for Sunala, now that She has her own voice," Sukara notes. "I am sure she will respect the wishes of the champion, but I cannot say she would stand by and do nothing. Thank you for bringing this to me, and not her chosen spy."
"You are welcome. That is all of the message I had to convey," Nicora claims. It is now her turn to get a drink and still her gut.
It looks like dessert is being served, since there are a selection of small cakes, sweets and bowls of ice-cream before Cricket and Daughter-of-Shadows. Mave is also approaching with two glasses of.. something. It looks frozen, but knowing Mave it probably has a kick to it. "This should help numb things, one way or another," the Yodhinala claims, offering one of the concoctions to Nicora.
"People are going to talk given how much time you have spent with me," Nicora notes as she accepts the glass, then takes a long drink from it. "I really don't belong anywhere, no matter what form I wear," she finds herself thinking again now that things have settled down. And is this current body it isn't like she can go up and talk to any of them, either. Not even the jaguar girl she thinks of almost as a sister at this point.
The drink is some sort of strawberry flavored slush - and rum. "Oh, don't worry, they'll talk about anything I do anyway, since I shouldn't exist. So if two nonexistent women talk to one another, how is that strange?"
"Because it will be something to gossip about as all things are," Nicora notes once she finishes her drink. "And at this point I should probably be departing anyway."
"Hmm, I may join you then," Mave notes. "Without you at my side, someone will have the courage to ask where I am staying, and I certainly don't have the time to open the Temple back up for business."
Nicora just rubs her forehead again. "That will cause even more talking and I am not in a particularly social mood," she grumbles.
"I'll cover your exit then," Mave says, giving Nicora a squeeze on the shoulder. She sashays past Rizalka, and accidentally spills her drink on her. "Wha.. you dried up old tart!" the drunken Yodhblakat slurs. "Oh, sorry.. I've ruined your.. rags. I could have them cleaned though if you like.."
"It is more like Mave will seduce Rizalka before the night is over and have some twisted one night stand with her," Nicora thinks as she slinks for the door. The good thing about being one of the most disliked is people try to ignore your presence. So when you slip out the door, hardly anyone notices.