Chambers of the High Priestess
Unlike certain of her Sisters, Gorphat is not known for ostentation. The apartment within the Temple of Gorphat has its own bathroom, which sets it apart from the others, even if that just means there's a special closet for the chamber pot. It might also be slightly dryer, and have higher ceilings, but otherwise it has the same rough-hewn look combined with a bit of masonry to fill in the gaps - so long as it doesn't disturb the organic feel of the place.

Nicora's sleep is that of the exhausted. Even the discomfort of the bandage-girdle-corset couldn't overcome that. She wakes alone, with no infant Hoshim drones nursing on her or any other strange attendants. The usual aching need to be milked is.. not as bad as usual, while still there. Her breasts are a bit firmer in fact, while still sagging.

Nicora sits up slowly. "Blurg," she mutters as she rubs slowly over her eyes. "I wonder what time it is?" she mutters, "And I should become my old self again soon as I expect Tulani will be popping by any time. Less to explain that way."

And speak of the devil.. it isn't Tulani that shows up at the door but Sil. "Good morning, High Priestess," she chirps. "Do you need me to send Otto in, or are you able to see guests first?"

"Ah, her," Nicora mutters. "I need a bit to prepare. Tell her to wait fifteen minutes, then send her back. And ... any others besides her?"

"Just her that I know of," Sil says. "Are you expecting others? I can watch for them.."

"Not at the moment, no," Nicora admits. "So, have her wait a bit, then please send her back. We need privacy as the matters to discuss are ... delicate."

And Nicora inhales so that she can pull the stupid corset off again over her butt! "/I don't need to explain everything I do to Tulani. If I do, she'll think she is in charge or something," the bat thinks.

The scars are fading still, and belly-teats still need more healing before they can be useful again - but at least they don't hurt at the moment. There's no telling what sort of damage the milk glands are trying to recover from.

And Nicora really doesn't want to think about what sort of damage happened during those awful hours of horror. Ugh. She shakes the corset off her leg and then hides it in the wardrobe chest. She also extracts her Alptraum clothing while she's at it and sets that aside as well. And last, she has to be something that can use those clothes of course, so she sits down onto the bed with a squelch and closes her eyes so she can focus and disappear into darkness. It's in that darkness she has to find the form she was born with and let it flow out onto her shape.

It's certainly refreshing to be all there again. It's been quite a while since Alptraum was physically male, without having to 'fake it' with a hybrid form. All of the aches and pains and reminders of what Nicora went through fade away from his consciousness as the transformation completes itself.

"Oh now that feels nice," Alptraum says as he stretches every appendage out in practically every direction. The bat even gets up and hops around a bit, marvelling at not having fleshy bits that flop around! But, he can't play all the time; he has to get dressed, and does so. "Wow, it doesn't smell too good in here," he comments to himself while dressing.

A few minutes later, there's a knock on the door. "You in there?" Tulani asks through the door. "Not doing anything that'd give me nightmares, are you?"

Alptraum gets up and slinks over to the door quietly. The bat opens the door sloooowly and remains hidden behind the door. If Tulani steps in, well, he'll just have to grab her butt and declare "Catbutt!"

"I smell a trap," Tulani says. "And other things I'm glad that I can't identify." She does step inside though. "Did you know the room next door is full of mutant bug-bats?"

And Alptraum does indeed grab her but with both hands, lean in, and hiss, "Catbutt!" in her left ear. "And yes, I'm aware of it, that has been a recent, ah, project."

Tulani still jumps a bit at the grab. "I see you're back to your old self," she notes with a grin, and holds out a sack. "This is for you. Courtesy of a very self-important Yodhbarada with a silver eye."

Alptraum takes the sack and peers inside. "Self important? What is she going on about now? I thought I taught her some better manners," he remarks.

"Oh, that she's the chosen 'Eye of the Barsunala' and such," Tulani sighs. "It's like she's got a little-girl crush."

"What? On me? All she was swooning about was the Avenger," Alptraum inquires as he digs the old toy out of the bag. "Ah, good! The item-link to the kid. I needed this to find the child. Figuratively, anyway."

"Witchcraft!" Tulani gasps in mock horror and points accusingly at Alptraum. Then she grins again. "Also, I'm pretty sure I found your Fallen City. It is one of the creepiest places I've seen, by the way. I did not land near it."

Alptraum looks up. "Seriously? I figured you would land there just to spite me and my insistence that you don't go there alone," he remarks. "If it kept you away in spite of all that, well, it must be really bad. Tell me everything."

The Sphynx sits on the cleanest part of Nicora's bed, and relates, "Well, I went east of course. The wasteland wasn't hard to find.. unfortunately it's all wasteland. But eventually I found some odd looking hills. From a distance they don't look like anything, but when you get nearly on top of them.. uh.. they change.."

Alptraum perches on top of the chest, crouching down like a deranged gargoyle. "How can hills change?" he asks.

"From afar it's like a mirage," Tulani explains, her brow furrowing. "When you get close, you can see it for what it really is.. and it's.. like.. a flower.. sort of." She starts gesturing with her hands, saying, "There's a central bit, and five petals, but.. they're sort of like domes.." she has her fingers almost intertwined now. "Made of tusks. Or teeth. Curved spires that.. leave a zig-zag opening on the petals, and are like a wall for the center dome.. but the ground is deep.. like a pit, and there are structures in the pits.."

"So, like a giant maw in the desert waiting to eat the unwary, eh? Did you know that Gypsy parents describe lady parts like that to their young male children? It keeps them out of trouble ... well, for about a week," Alptraum explains as he waves about a bit with his right hand.

"Oh great, now I can't get the image of toothed fun parts out of my head," Tulani complains. "That makes it even more creepy! A city made to look like some ugly alien hoo-ha!" She hugs herself and shivers.

"I've probably bedded worse," Alptraum admits and shrugs. "So ... what else can you tell me about it?"

"It messes with your head a bit," Tulani says. "Wouldn't try to fly into it.. my sense of equilibrium starts going wonky when I got close enough to see it. If the General took her airship that way, I'm pretty sure it must have crashed. But I didn't see anything outside the city like that, so it must be inside."

"Or perhaps it doesn't mess with Eeee," Alptraum suggests. "How large would you estimate it is?"

"A few miles across," Tulani says. "Big. Just.. big. Too big for something that looks like that. Too big for something that's supposed to be lost."

"Well, unless it actively keeps people away," Alptraum points out. "You didn't want to go near it."

"From the ground it'd probably be invisible, yeah," Tulani admits. "And airships don't travel that route. Nobody wants to be over a wasteland if there's an accident. If I were scouting, I'd warn the captain of approaching a Forbidden Zone before I got close enough to see it. I probably made it as far as a I did because I was in dragon mode."

"So, how close did you make it in the end? I have to go in that place, so everything you can tell me helps," Alptraum points out.

"Close enough to see through the.. teeth.." Tulani says. "Green and black structures. Terrible smell. Was getting pretty dizzy so pulled up at that point."

"Flowery," Tulani says. "But not in a nice way. More like.. perfume to cover up something foul. Cinnamon.. I think.. definitely a cinnamon zest to it. Not enough to make your eyes water though."

Alptraum rubs his chin in thought. "Not sure how I'll be able to get in there if you weren't able to," he admits. "Maybe it wouldn't affect Scourge, but hard to say."

"It may just be an area of effect outside the city," Tulani notes. "A fence. On the ground I think I'd be fine."

"I'll try when we go together," Tulani says with a grin. "I was just supposed to find the place this time. Cyprian also left a message for you at the Temple of Inala. Something about a book arriving and a ritual you agreed to?"

"Wait a moment, I didn't say I was taking you into that place. I don't want to taking any further risks in this," Alptraum says as he holds up his hands.

"Going in alone is a risk, isn't it?" Tulani says. "Besides, I have to show it to you anyway, so I'll be there. If you want me to wait outside.. fine.. but if you're overdue I'll be coming in after you."

"Yes, but you're not a horrible monster that won't be mourned if killed," Alptraum points out. "But, if you really want to go in, I can't stop you."

"I'm a pretty monster," Tulani claims. "But I want to rest up a bit before going back. What's the book that Cyprian mentioned? Blood Magic, or something. To do with the stuff you found in the Diphath shrine?"

"Right. It is what the College has on old blood magic and rituals around it. It may or may nor be useful, but I am not passing up any leads," Alptraum says. "And he wants to do a ritual to try and develop defenses against the aura effects since they don't act quite like known mind magic does."

"I guess a defense would be handy during times when you have to use them on large groups," Tulani says with a nod. "I guess that means you need to take the Shrine Maiden over to the Guild Hall?"

"At some point I suppose. That can be done several ways," Alptraum says with a nod. "Or it might be simpler to tell him to meet the Shrine maiden back at the temple. I'm not sure showing up at the Guild Hall will go over well. Did he request meeting at the guild hall?"

"Not as such, but I assume if there's a big ritual involved it would need to be done there," Tulani admits. "I'd go and ask.. but he's only seen me in my scaly form."

"And if you show up, they might want to poke, prod and explore you," Alptraum notes with a smirk. "You might like that."

Tulani makes a snorting sound. "Nooo.. I don't think so," she says. "I'll leave that to the professionals at Inala's Paradise, thank you. I'm sure Cyprian still pops over to the Temple every other night though, to see if you leave him a reply. The man has no social life or anything better to be doing at night I think."

"Don't let Cricket know that or she'll start hanging out there," Alptraum notes, "She has a serious crush on him."

"I hope I wasn't like that when I was her age," Tulani says, shaking her head. "But.. I probably was.."

"Cricket is far too young to actually do anything with," ALptraum says, "That would just be creepy."

"She's not young for Babel," Tulani points out, then gives Alptraum a sideways look. "Have you kenned her?"

"Well.. remember when you did that to me the first time?" Tulani asks. "It was pretty.. uh.. sensual and intimate. At least, regarding me it was."

"Well, yes, but it is not the same," Alptraum says, "Nothing is actually transferred or gets all sweaty and sticky."

"It still counts as the deepest possible kiss and being felt up," Tulani claims with a smirk. "You've been kenned yourself after all, by Melusine.. right?"

"Mmm-hmm," Tulani says, and stands up. "On to practical matters," she says. "Are you hungry?"

"Since when has that ever been treated as practical?" Alptraum remarks with a smirk. He hops off the crate and goes to lock the door, just in case. "IF it were just a practical thing, you wouldn't like it so much."

"Hey, it makes me woozy," Tulani points out. "It's just faster than getting drunk on non-Vartan booze," she claims, crossing her arms over her chest.

"And you're telling me you don't like it? I can always just go hunting if you would rather?" Alptraum offers and goes to unlock the door.

"This is more convenient," Tulani says, and then rolls her eyes. "Yes, I like it a little. It's a bond between us, you know."

"I don't know what is between us," Alptraum notes and gestures between the pair. "Other than what seems like constant competition."

"Competition?" Tulani asks, looking surprised. "What are we competing for then?"

"Aha, then.. we aren't in competition," Tulani claims, leaning forward with her chin out a bit. "We just like to test one another."

Alptraum smirks. "Well, I suppose that is true enough," he admits. "I also think you should undress. Can't get blood on your clothes, after wall."

"Oh, is that the excuse?" Tulani asks with a smirk, and then.. slowly strips down. Of course she's going to tease the bat. Even without Mave's influence, she was always a bit of a tease.

"It's either that it it gets laundered in the slime pool," Alptraum threatens, amused as he leans against one of the walls.

The Sphynx finishes and almost lies on the bed, but even if Nicora's 'blessings' have slightly reduced symptoms, they still tend to leave a mess.

Alptraum fetches a cloth and tosses to to Tulani. "If you wipe it off it'll give me a nice view," the bat says with a grin.

Tulani gives Alptraum a raised eyebrow, but does bend over and wipe things up. She holds her nose with one hand, but still manages to wiggle her butt and lash her tail back and forth.

It also gives him time to undress while she's not looking! And of course when he's done he grabs her butt, again, pricking with all of his sharp claws. "My Catbutt," he claims as he drapes himself over her back and hisses in her ear.

"Eeep!" Tulani says, surprised by the grab-and-pinch. She's also not really supporting herself, so falls forward onto the bed almost immediately!

And Alptraum lays across her back. "Wow, this is the most comfortable this bed has ever been," he remarks. "And this is for all the crap you've put Pierce through..."

"Hey, you enjoyed that," Tulani protests. "Well.. maybe not the studs and stuff, but the exercise.." Her wings are flopped down, since she can't fold them up with Alptraum on her back. Her feathers will probably need washing afterwards.

Alptraum actually purrs in her ear. "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't," the bat claims just before he bites down on her neck and shoulder from behind. HE sifts around a bit, uses his grippy feet to arrange Tulani a bit more, then Tulani finds herself pierced, sort of, with something studdy.

"Ooo," Tulani purrs back. Alptraum doesn't have any of the special blessings regarding plug-and-play, so it takes a minute of drinking before Tulani's body is really signalling that it's ready to roll.. but it's only a minute, after all.

Which is perfectly fine; Alptraum is taking it slow. He mostly focuses on drinking until Tulani 'warms up' so to speak. It's only after that he does anything more. Gorphat might not approve of this happening in the High Pristess' chambers, but Gorphat owes Alptraum a few favors by now!

One effect of having your blood sucked is that surfaces became really comfortable until you recover, so Tulani is perfectly happy where she is. "Catbutt.. caaaaatbutt.. my little catbutt.." she sings a bit drunkenly.

"Oh, I wish she could see this later. She would be mortified," Alptraum thinks, terribly amused, as he enjoys the catbutt padding while he enjoys the meal and the mewling woozy kitty! IT's also quite impressive as he moves and rolls slowly, adjusting Tulani until she's sitting in his lap and he's hugging her from behind!

This position means the Sphynx actually has some room to move. And in true feline fashion, she tries to grind her way to dominance. But it's not a competition, nope! She's probably just been lonely.

And Alptraum enjoys it. It's slow, but a lot of fun and drinking, well ... enough to satiate himself but not so far as to be risky to her. Eventually he stops that and just focuses on the other part. Give and take, you see. He took some blood, so he's giving back something else.

It's a good thing the door is closed, because Tulani makes all sorts of noises, including laughing, while in this state. There's also a bit of dragon-like growling mixed in with the feline sort. At least from this position, she can't really use her claws.. except when she does, reaching back and digging into Alptraum's behind while growling, "My Batbutt.."

"Ow, hey," Alptraum complains and squirms ... but he hardly stops what is going on anyway. His goal is to just enjoy it. No chaos, nothing too weird, and no monsters. "Rosalind's Batbutt. Just on temporary loan..." he notes.

"Posession is something something the law," Tulani slurs, and starts bouncing happily. This also causes interesting sounds. "Did you miss me?" she asks.

"I worried while I was lookin' for your city," Tulani says, and leans forward to put her hands on the bed, so she can push back now. "You'd been away for a few days. And I couldn't see you when I got back.."

"I was busy with tasks Gorphat required of the High Priestess; required isolation. Those are done now, and I need to focus on the General," Alptraum mutters. "If I had been in danger, you would have known."

"So you were having weird slimy fun then?" Tulani asks, looking back over her shoulder.

"Uh huh.." the Sphynx replies, and bends over further. "Get up on your knees, Batbutt!"

Alptraum snickers as he has to find a way to do exactly that! It takes a bit to manage it and still keep up what is going on, but somehow he manages it. "Rather bossy," aren't you?" he teases.

"You like bossy women!" Tulani claims, and wiggles her butt some more. "I have a tough catbutt!"

Alptraum leans over and continues at it! Then he decides to try something .... different. He tries to see if he can slow-shift himself to Pierce while he's busy, and aware! Crazy, yes, but hey, he's in the moment.

It takes a bit of concentration, but at least the 'practice' with the hybrid form helps. For the most part it's just fur colors at first, until the tail and legs stretch out and the head changes. The wings.. stay in place. That's a bit harder to change in increments.

So, he ends up a weird hybrid of Pierce and Alptraum. And if Tulani doesn't notice, the spininess of some things and the purring he starts doing in her ear as he goes at her like a wild animal might clue her in.

"Oooo, you did that smoothly," the Sphynx purrs once she catches on. She also tosses her hair to the side to bare the scruff of her neck, a favorite feline grabbing spot.

And since he has fed, PierceTraum bites right down on that spit, tugs, and even shakes playfully. Can't talk, so might as well do something useful with his mouth. IT's also then he's reminded that he never quite got used to having a split tongue. Eeef.

This sends Tulani over the edge finally, bringing for a loud purr-growl of satisfaction. It doesn't stop her from wiggling though.

And the kitty-thing on her back really goes at it now that she's ... happy. No holding back, just ... holding neck! Not soon after he's rumbling too ... and in true male fashion after that ... he slumps to the side and flops onto the bed.

"Hey, you just drank my blood, so.. I'm the one that's supposed to be tired," Tulani complains, and flops against Piercetraum.

Piercetraum yarps! One eye opens, then he rolls it. The odd creation tries to shift back so he can actually talk, that is unless Tulani tells him not to while he's shifting.

The Sphynx lets go of the ear when the shadow starts. "You probably need a Light charge soon too," she notes.

"You think?" Alptraum says with a smirk from where he reclines after the shift. "I guess I also will need it to go deal with Cyprian. Not sure what to do with that man; it's not like he can be a friend, exactly. Aside from the whole mage bit, I rather imagine I creep him out," he mutters.

"Which you are you talking about?" Tulani asks. "I'm sure Snowcora doesn't creep him out. Torments him, maybe. And you are less creepy than he is in the dark. At least you're a full vampire. He's only what.. a quarter?"

"Me. And if you don't think I'm creepy, you might want to talk to Cricket sometime. She nearly wet herself when she managed to make me angry and I finally laid down a few rules," Alptraum notes.

"Well.. who ever does that to a Yodh.. except other Yodh," Tulani points out. "You're technically a higher authority than they are now. And the Yodhbarada and Yodhgorphat always had a 'nobody will mess with us' attitude, right?"

"Yes, but I don't like to stoop to that level to get them to listen. I don't want to be the monster I'm fighting against," Alptraum points out.

"You've never been a babysitter then?" Tulani asks with a smirk. "Sometimes you have to put your foot down. Scaring them means the message will stick."

"And now she's running around and going 'oooo, look at my eyyyyyyyyyye' or something," Alptraum mutters.

"She's a girl, and the Yodhbarada can be.. competitive," Tulani notes with a chuckle. "For any Yodh, having a powerful patron is a status thing."

Alptraum rolls his eyes and laughs. "Pity all I am is flash and show and not that important," he remarks.

"Importance is granted to you by the people you impress," Tulani seems to quote. "Look at Mave. How many people do you think were in her network of admirers? And they weren't all nobles, I'm sure, given how spread out her children are."

"Oh?" Tulani says, pushing herself up on an elbow, and using her other hand to poke Alptraum. "So you're saying I'm lazy?"

Alptraum oofs! "No, just that you have unfair advantages!" he counters, "Mave got her power by, well, spreading her legs."

"And having children," Tulani points out. "I can't get away with that. Sailor and spy training aren't big on seduction. I can pal around with folks, at best."

"You're likeable, that also helps," Alptraum points out and shrugs a bit. "And neither of us can lay around all day. I should either deal with Cyprian or deal with the child for Wynona."

"I'd do Cyprian first.. he's got information, and you never know if that will help in areas you aren't expecting," Tulani says.

"I'm sure you would do Cyprian first. Rowr," Alptraum teases and waggles his brow.

"He's too.. flustery.. around naked women," Tulani claims, and gets up to start pulling her clothes back on.

"I don't have clothes to fit my half-dragon form you know," Tulani points out. "Even scaly boobs seem to make him nervous."

"When they're attached to large claws and teeth I'm sure they do," Alptraum points out as he rolls out of bed so that he can dress too.

"Of course you do, dear," Alptraum says with saccharine sweetness. "I'll come back with you to the Mountain and ambush Cyprian when he comes nosing about again. Seems the easiest way to deal with connecting with him."

"You need to learn how to make shadow messengers," Tulani says. "That'd simplify things!" She opens the door and checks the hall for traffic.

Alptraum straightens up a bit while Tulani spies out the door. "But then I wouldn't get to come and annoy Mave or shortsheet your bed," the bat complains.

"Looks clear," Tulani says quietly. "Lead on to the secret back door, oh High Priestess," she notes, bowing as well.

"Hardly in this body, Catbutt," Alptraum hisses at her as he puts the stuffed Chibix in the sack and grabs that; he may need it before he gets back here. He also remembered to grab the spirit dagger and bring it along this time too; it's been kept in the chest far too long as it is. So ... that leaves him with approaching Tulani ... then he swats her on the backside and darts through the door!

Returning to Mave's Nest was not without some risk, specifically from Mave herself. After being recharged by the Light of Nala, Alptraum was dragged off by the Yodhinala for 'veneration of Inala', which ate up several hours and wasn't exactly gentle on his back. Apparently Mave was concerned that he wasn't visiting often enough, and felt the need to remind him of what he was missing out on.

After a bit of a nap, Tulani roused to him to let him know that Cyprian had shown up..

Temple of Inala, the Altar of Beauty
Once upon a time, this space would have been the grandest cathedral of Babel, despite being smaller than a cathedral would normally be. There are only a few stone pews, as the ceremonies of the Yodhinala tended towards private gatherings. The main Altar is made of alabaster, bone and marble and may once have been inlaid in gold as well. The sides are covered in reliefs of the Goddess of Love and Pleasure, except for one side where the sculpture was crudely hacked free. Open gaps in the vaulted dome once held beautiful stained-glass depictions of Inala as well, taken by looters or destroyed by the Yodhblakat or later forces.

The tall Mind Mage is sitting on the edge of the altar, looking up at the Procession through the broken windows in the vault of the ceiling.

"Most worshipers lounge naked on that altar, you know. A flower clutched between the teeth would be a nice touch, too," remarks a cloaked human in the shadows. "Or maybe wrapped like a present..."

"I suppose I am not most worshippers," Cyprian notes. "I am here to meet you, not Inala."

"That would disappoint a few, you know. A Yodhbarada in particular I might add," Snowcora remarks as she steps out of the shadows. "I got the message and I am here."

One eyebrow rises for a moment on the mage. "I honestly cannot tell them apart," he admits. "I'm glad you received my note. I have the book, and information on the urn. A room is prepared at the Guild Hall as well for the analysis ritual, and a volunteer secured to be the focus."

"You could tell this one apart; she has one silver eye," Snowcora explains. "I also assume the book is back at the hall? Will I even be welcome there? Will I be safe going there? I rather imagine some would love to dissect me."

"We've had the Avatar of Inala in custody in the past, and we didn't dissect her," Cyprian notes. "Although we do want to study - and hopefully replicate - your 'monster lure'. For the others, we just want to be able to block them to avoid any friendly-fire issues, especially if you have some sort of berserker aura related to Blakat."

Snowcora makes a pouty-face, complete with her lower lip puffed out. "But then I couldn't make you kneel at my feet anymore," she complains.

"Oh, I'm sure you don't need divine powers to manage that," Cyprian claims. "I can guarantee your safety within the Guild Hall. There is a ground entrance, which would be more subtle, unless you wish to ride your dragon to the flyers platform and let everyone know you are meeting with us?"

"The ground is fine. I do not need to make flashy entrances. Overdoing it lessens there effect, anyway," Snowcora points out. "So, you and I just have to walk. If anyone asks, I'll merely tell them you paid well for my company." She smiles impishly.

Cyprian folds his ears slightly at the notion. "I doubt we will encounter anyone," he claims. "Most believe the route to be booby-trapped with curses and mind-erasing spells."

Snowcora takes hold of Cyprian's arm and siddles right up against him. She's cradling his arm against her bare chest, too. "Well, then lead on, o' spooky one," she says.

Cyprian is quiet until they get midway down the Pilgrim's Stair, then clears his throat and says, "The results of studying the urn you sent us are.. odd. There are traces of necromancy within the physical makeup of the vessel itself, and the Earth Mages could not identify the clay it was made from."

Cyprian's arm feels like it is being held between two warm pillows. "Oh, it probably came from the Fallen City; which apparently looks like a giant alien orifice a couple miles across out in the wastes," Snowcora says if that should be perfectly normal. "It apparently radiates something that actively tries to keep people away."

"Like one of your auras?" Cyprian asks. His arm may be asleep at this point, since he hasn't tried to move it at all.

Snowcora adjusts his arm so that next his hand is being used to cup one of those pillows. The bar piercing is likely quite noticeable. "That I do not know. I have not been there personally; a friend of mine did a fly-over," she notes.

The tall Eeee.. twitches his fingers. "Uh.. yes.. is there a reason you would be going there yourself then?" he asks.

"Not I. The Barsunala intends to investigate it," Snowcora notes. "And is there something the matter?" she asks innocently.

"I think you may be deliberately teasing me," Cyprian notes, with a bit of a squeak. "Have I made you upset in any way?"

"No? Are you complaining? I cannot imagine many have the courage to do such," Snowcora points out.

"The courage to complain?" Cyprian asks. The moment of confusion unlocks something, because he squeezes with his hand. "Oh.. sorry! I didn't mean that!"

"Pity," Snowcora purrs at him and grins. "I could put your hand someplace else if you preferred."

"You are doing this for the amusement of flustering me, aren't you?" the bad asks. He's been slowly increasing their walking pace, so that they reach the lower roads faster. "Or do you actually find me.. uh.. interesting in that regard?"

"Why can it not be both?" Snowcora points out as she walks along. She has at least relented on her positioning of his hand in ... interesting places. "Everyone likes attention now and then. Even you I imagine."

"Attention is.. a mixed blessing," Cyprian notes. "I am usually involved in experimentation and deep study. And it was difficult enough dealing with the innuendo when I had to tell others of my association with you in order to get their assistance.."

"It wasn't because of who you are, it was just that you were a woman," Cyprian admits. "And because I was going out at night in the hopes of running into you."

"Well, that does have some implication, does it not?" Snowcora points out. "You need to relax more."

"It would have been worse if I'd told them where I go to meet you," the bat says with a sigh. Once on the road, he seems to want to hurry along. "I'm sure you lead a very busy life, so I appreciate you taking some time to help with all of this.."

"I'm sure they won't bother you any more once they see me with you, no?" Snowcora remarks idly as she keeps up more or less. The ground is not kind to her feet. "It is more that I lead a very odd life. Sometimes busy, sometimes not. Always unusual," she comments.

"Are you uncomfortable walking like this?" Cyprian asks, picking up on the discomfort. The road is not in the best of shape, after all.

"Allow me, then," Cyprian says.. and scoops the woman up into his arms as if she were a featherweight. He takes longer strides now as well.

"Ooooo," Snowcora giggles, right before she kisses him on the cheek. "And here I thought you didn't like people making suggestions about what you were up to," she teases.

"I am a gentleman," Cyprian claims. "You're my guest at the Hall, so.. I'm responsible for your comfort and needs." The pace is certainly faster than Snowcora could have comfortably made on foot. "Speaking of which, is there anything you need while waiting for the ritual to be prepared? Besides the book on Blood Magic, I mean."

"A harem of cute guys to dote on me?" Snowcora teases. "But no, nothing I require in the meantime. I can read the book. I am sure it will keep my attention during the time required."

Cyprian nods, but does mention, "We do have a masseuse.." The tower that houses the new Guild Hall is in view now, along with the well-lit ground (will, mid-way-up-the-tower where the road meets it) entry, which has two Jupani standing guard.

"Oh, you do, do you? Well now, I will have to avail myself of that. I hope they don't mind naked humans," Snowcora remarks. "Pity you wouldn't be available to do the massage, though." As silly as she is acting, she is painfully aware of her surroundings, including the feelings of the guards up ahead. She's taking a leap of faith here, going into the lair of one of her enemies so to speak.

The guards don't seem to bat an eye at one of their mages carrying a cloaked figure in his arms. "Good evening, Master Cyprian," the guard says, and does a little bow while his cohort holds open the door for them. There isn't anyone on the other side - it's not like Snowcora was actually expected to show up tonight. There a few staff and acolytes that look surprised, but they don't say anything about it.

Dragon Suite
Geometric patterns of red and gold spell out the walls and recesses of a tall chamber that is bathed in sunlight focused through a lens in the ceiling, constructed such that so long as the sun remains over the mountains of Babel, light comes down directly from above, and when that is gone, bronze braziers sculpted to look as if held aloft by flights of tiny dragons hang from long chains from the four corners of the ceiling. Polygrams and circles are described in ornate mosaics in the tiled floor, radiating outward from a raised dais in the center of the chamber. The floor changes levels at several points, with many rises and recesses, and there are many nooks and recesses in the walls, and many perches that fliers could exploit. A pair of double doors of stained thistlebark are guarded by twisting bronze serpents represented in relief on their surfaces.

And Snowcora behaves herself ... mostly. As she passed others, she might have reached out a little with an arousal feeling; an aura just enough to make ones ears redden. Why? Just because, that's why.

Cyprian carries the Shrine Maiden into the room, and sets her down on some cushions in one of the nooks. "This room is protected from scrying," he notes. "So your privacy is assured."

And that's when she shrugs off her robe, leaving her completely nude. Well, save for the various body piercings and chains of course. "I appreciate that," she remarks as she stretches out a bit.

The Mage has to look away for a moment. "Yes.. ah.. I'll have an acolyte bring you the book and whatever refreshments you desire," he says. "It will take me some time to round up the others and get things going. Most of the ritual has been pre-built and charged in anticipation.."

"Half the fun is the anticipation, is it not?" Snowcora asks of the bat as she flutters her eyelids at him. "And don't forget the masseuse, either," she notes, "I am sure there is nothing quite like a sensual massage while reading about otherworldy horrors."

"I'll see to it," Cyprian says, and bows, before leaving the room. There's just enough time for Snowcora to get settled when there's a knock, followed by the door opening. An Acolyte of Spirit enters - a pre-teen Eeee, which makes it difficult to tell whether its a boy or a girl.. and a larger Jupani woman that is all black, save for a greenish smock and 'scrubs' who carries a large folded square with her.

The Acolyte nervously holds out a bound leather book. It's got a locking clasp, and there's a key hanging around the child's neck. "F-for you, Shrine Maiden," the youth squeaks.

The naked human wiggles her fingers at them. "Hello there," she purrs at them. "He's no fun. He would pick two of the least interesting people," she grouses inwardly. She takes the book and bows her head, "Thank you. I assume I also need the key?"

"Oh, yes!" The key comes off over the Acolyte's head, and is offered to Nicora, while he or she looks her up and down. "You really must be her.. because you aren't dead," the mage-in-training comments.

"Be who?" Snowcora asks as she takes the key. "Want to touch me?" she asks next.

"The Shrine Maiden," the Acolyte says, and does reach out to touch Snowcora's hair. "Because you've got all the symbols of the Kindly Ones on you. All at once. Everyone knows that a person who has more than the symbols of a single Sister will be struck down."

SNowcora rolls her eyes. "Fairtale," she counters. She sets the book in her lap and unlocks the clasp-lock with the key.

The Book of Blood is hand-written, and clearly has many authors that have added to it over time. The first page is an index, which has many crossed out and updated entries that attest to the ongoing nature of the book, where pages have been added in and the tome rebound as needed.

The index lists several topics: Blood and the Sphere of Spirit, Ritual Sacrifice, Sympathetic Magic, and Blood Cults and Abominations.

The masseuse has unfolded and set up her table in the meantime, while the acolyte finds a podium that the book can be set onto so it can be read while reclining on the massage table.

Snowcora slides out of the cushions and saunters over to the table. Her hips sure have an impressive roll to them as she walks. "I think I'll start with the bit on blood cults," she decides as she waits for things to be set up so she can recline.

The acolyte helps with getting the book into position, while the Jupani asks Snowcora to lie on her stomach on the table.

Snowcora slides up onto the table almost like a naga, stomach down. She stretches out again, getting comfortable. "I assume you are familiar with human anatomy?" she inquires.

"Quite," the wolf claims, and moves Snowcora's long hair over to one side, so that her neck is exposed. "I'm Marfa.. I work for the Sphere of Life here," she comments. "I must say, I've never thought of the Sea of Souls as being a subject for art.. but it works on you. Do you have any skin allergies or particular sensitivities? I understand that albino humans can have thinner skin."

The acolyte has the book set up.. and seems to be waiting to be told which part to open it up to.

"I'm sensitive to just about everything," Snowcora admits, "Including bright light and sunlight." To the acolyte she says, " Blood Cults and Abominations. That section pertains to current concerns."

Marfa uses a light mineral oil and is very careful not to pull at the tattooed skin to much, using more downward pressures instead. It's very relaxing at least, while Snowcora reads:

The section on Blood Cults and Abominations seems to be the oldest - or the least revised at least. While there are many mentions of ancient cults, it makes clear that they've all been destroyed. The two that are listed as still in secret operation (supposedly) are the Cult of Amena in Gigi, and the Cult of Diphath in Babel. Of the two, the Cult of Diphath is more blood-focused, as it is involved in worship of a vampire demon-goddess. The followers believe that drinking the blood of others will transfer their spirits to them and can even make them invincible. The goal of cult members is to become a vampire through effort instead of birth - but actual vampire Eeee are always the leaders of the cult cells.

Due to the somewhat fractured mythology of Babel, different cults tend to focus on different aspects of Diphath, sometimes to the point of conflict. Insanity is common, due to a disease caused by eating the brains of other Eeee during cannibalistic ritual sacrifices, usually of children but any powerful person they capture ends up the same way, especially members of the Yodh of the Seven Sisters. Captured Yodh may be subjected to recreations of the Ritual of Seven Wounds. The drinking of blood is mandatory and often ritualized. Sacrifices are said to be hung upside-down and bled out into special ritual urns, which are usually smashed whenever cult shrines are raided by the other Yodh.

Almost all information about the Cult of Diphath comes from the interrogation of captured cult members or rescued sacrifices. There is apparently an element of transubstantiation related to the ritual urns: the drinking the sacrificial blood through them can in turn transform the cultist into something greater. The cult also attributes many special qualities to vampires, which also accounts for certain fears among the populace of Babel. Such things includes incredible strength, longevity from the devouring of the souls of their victims and the ability to influence others. Most of these are the same attributes associated with the undead form of vampire.

The writer seems to think there is a link between the beliefs of the Diphath cultists and the nature of necroplasm - the blood of the undead, supposedly. This leads into the section on Abominations. Here the author blames necroplasm for various forms of undead, from the undead vampires to the 'unalive', a form of zombie that retains most of its original personality but is animated by 'necroplasmic organs' instead of a bound spirit. There are references to ancient tales of beings called Hollows that resemble the more familiar black-heart zombies.

Necroplasm itself can supposedly take on an animate form, as a sort of blood golem or elemental created from a victim's flesh. This suggests that necroplasm can convert blood or flesh into more of itself. The author associates it with the followers of Amenlichtli, citing stories from the Necromancer Wars of Tizhar and Sylvania. As for what necroplasm is actually constituted from or where it originates, he hasn't found that out yet. His final assumption is that it the result of Spirit Magic, or may even be a rare form of physical Spirit Magic, in the same way that the material Icetis of the south polar region of Sinai is considered to be the crystallized form of Air Magic.

"Well, that does explain the urns a little bit. What, it turns blood into necroplasm somehow? Perhaps? We could test that, I suppose. We do have an url," Snowcora ponders as she relaxes under the relatively gentle massage. "The source might be that city that Tulani flew over. Seems the most obvious local source, at least." She taps the pages a bit with her fingers and re-reads the section again. "Now I want to test the Urn and see what comes out if blood is put in. Dangerous, though."

Marfa washes the soles of Snowcora's feet for her before massaging them, and the acolyte stands patiently waiting for further 'turn the page' or similar requests.

Snowcora wiggles her toes a bit. "Blood and the Sphere of Spirit, please," she now instructs and motions with her hand for a page turn.

It might be easy to get used to this sort of attention - lying about, being massaged and having someone to turn book pages for her..

The chapter on Blood and the Sphere of Spirit discusses the use of blood in the conjuration of spirits, and is split between the sub-spheres of Warding and Necromancy. Warding involves the creation of servitor spirits, which require blood (in the prepared form known as carnoran) to enable physical manifestation. The degree of manifestation, and in some part the function of the spirit, depends on the amount, quality and source of the carnoran. Almost all of the spirit types used in Warding are based on carnoran from animal sources - which vary quite a bit, and can't come from just any animal. Messenger spirits are best conjured using carnoran from trained messenger Creens. Guardian spirits likewise use Krenn and Grok-based carnoran, again from trained animals. Experience and loyalty matter as far as quality goes.

Necromancy often involves the spirits of living (or dead) beings, as opposed to purely conjured ones. These are spirits that can display greater intelligence and flexibility as a result, and also depend on carnoran from appropriate sources. There are very strict controls on the supply and acquisition, since carnoran does not need magic to be prepared, but does require very complete record keeping. Age, species, gender, experience and mood are taken into account. The most potent carnoran is made from the blood of older subjects as a result, and exceptional individuals can command high prices and actually support themselves in their retirement by supplying their blood.

Mages, warriors and spies make up the primary source for Necromantic carnoran, as their skills are very useful. There are 'urban legends' of the blood of prostitutes being used to create succubi and incubi to torment a targeted person, but such use carries dire punishments under Guild Law. Hedge wizards and witches are those most credited with this sort of magic. Raising the spirits of the dead also requires both similar carnoran and physical remains. Many funeral rites include the creation of carnoran from the deceased, which is kept specifically in case the spirit needs to be raised - although this is mainly practiced by the Nagai.

Blood and Spirit have a special link. It's been shown that siblings (twins especially) can use their own blood as a link to each other. In younger mages, this is usually used as a prank to summon the spirit of the sibling and make it answer embarrassing questions. More practical uses include long-distance communication between twin Mages, which can convey much more information compared to messenger spirits, and also operate in real time. These principles make blood a 'conduit and conductor' of the spirit.

"Not a whole lot of new information. Much of that I've learned on my own, more or less," Snowcora thinks as she reads. "Interesting that people will sell their own blood for this. That's a bit disturbing. I would be concerned it could be later used to control the source. Still, it may play into ways the General might attack." She rolls her shoulders, then tells the acolyte, "Ritual Sacrifice, Sympathetic Magic, please."

Marfa begins working on Snowcora's butt while the acolyte turns to the requested chapter. My, her hands are big and strong as she works that area..

Ritual sacrifice is connected with religious practices. As the Guild officially views deities as being 'persistent spirits empowered by group belief and sacrifice' it is thought that a ritual sacrifice is means of providing Spirit energy for the manifestation of the deity or for performing miracles or other 'spells' of the clergy. The killing of a living being under the control of a ritual is considerably more powerful than the use of powdered and preserved blood in the form of carnoran. The most common known use of ritual sacrifice is for divination in the form of augury, and usually involves animals.

More powerful rituals may require the sacrifice of one or many sapient beings, which may have been groomed for the purpose or kept as prisoners, depending on the nature of the ritual and the required emotional state of the sacrifice. Since emotion is such a large part of the equation, children are most often used due to their ease of manipulation and intensity (and sincerity) of their emotions. The use of child sacrifices is universally condemned by all current recognized religions, but not by secret cults. Child sacrifice has been ascribed to the Sixth Kadam - a semi-doomsday cult associated with Dagh that seeks power for personal gain - and the Cult of Diphath in Babel which allegedly used it as a form of initiation.

An annotated page is pasted in revealing that child sacrifice was used to help power the massive Dream ritual that was part of High Princess Saraizadze's bid to become a new Babelite goddess.

Other forms of ritual sacrifice seem closer to Necromancy in their requirements. The individuals experience or lack thereof in specific areas plays an important part. Other ceremonies, such as the 'Ritual of Balance' from the backwater areas of Himar and 'barbarian' coast areas beyond Tursdi and Gallis are not considered ritual sacrifices, so much as bloodletting rituals that cement the rule of chieftans or provide meat during the leaner winter season. Sympathetic sacrifice - the sacrifice of animals that represent living people - is rumored to be practiced in Amazonia, but there are no details as to its effectiveness due the xenophobic nature of the country.

Sympathetic magic is considered the oldest form of magic, predating Olympia and the 'modern era' of magic, and thus more akin to sorcery and witchcraft. The practice revolves around using physical elements from a person in order to curse, control or track them. Blood is an important component, and usually the hardest to come by, and is most needed for spells of control - including control after death, as either a spirit or a zombie. Hair, skin and personal objects can be used for cursing (which involves the Sphere of Chaos) and tracking (via the Sphere of Light) and are still used in modern magic. Blood use, of course, falls into the realm of the Sphere of Spirit. It allows the spirit of the victim to be conjured and used to control them, either overtly or subtly. Zombification rituals start out with a living victim, and use the blood to 'trap' the spirit into ritually slain victim's corpse. This is not, however, the process by which 'natural zombies' in Sylvania are thought to arise.

Snowcora flexes her buttocks while the Jupani works on them. It is admittedly a bit distracting and it takes her several tries before she manages to read through the annotated section. "The Sixth Kadam again. Lovely. People need to learn to leave children alone. If they want death, kill themselves instead," she inwardly grouses. "And what is tthis about natural zombies? No zombies are natural, I don't care what this book says. I wonder how the rituals it speaks of are actually done. Did that happen to the General? Or did she just drink some evil goo?"

"If you are done reading, I need to you turn over," Marfa notes. "Fricka can hold the book upside down if necessary."

"Who is your tattooist?" the wolf asks as she rubs more oil between her hand-pads. She starts with the feet this time and begins to work upwards along Snowcora's legs.

"A strange Eeee up on Rephidim," Snowcora notes. "Another albino. Odd in manner and action. Why do you ask?"

"They're very detailed, and it must have taken skill not to cause severe damage to the skin," Marfa comments. "Being another albino might explain the gentler touch needed."

"Fair point. He does a lot of different work, including under the skin implants," Snowcora notes and shrugs. "He is far more covered than I am."

"Another human?" Marfa asks, working the thighs. Now that she knows the amount of pressure and friction Snowcora's skin can handle, she's squeezing a lot harder.

"No, Eeee," Snowcora explains as she simply relaxes; enjoying the moment and letting her eyes close a bit. Now she misses that pervert Eeee, Mordecai.

Marfa works on the belly (which gives Snowcora a few twinging flashbacks to Nicora's latest birthing.. but the Shrine Maiden's belly is smooth and devoid of scars or extra teats). When the wolf starts working on her breasts though, Snowcora starts to lactate. "Oh.. sorry, I wasn't expecting that," Marfa apologizes. "Do you want me to stop?"

Snowcora chuckles. "No, that is okay. The Acolyte can nurse, of course," she offers as if it should be absolutely normal.

"Squeak?" Fricka of the undetermined gender says (yes, says, not actually makes a squeaky sound), but is spared by the door opening and another Jupani entering to say, "They're ready for.. uh.." He clearly was not prepared for a naked, tattooed human being felt-up by a she-wolf. "That is... uh.. I'm to bring her to.. them," he finally gets out.

"Already? How disappointing," Snowcora complains. She really wants to be nursed on at the moment; stupid hormones. She makes a discontented sort of sigh and slowly starts to sit up.

The escort looks around for clothing, and just sees the cloak. "Do.. you have anything to wear?" he asks.

"It might stick to the oil," Marfa warns. At least Snowcora's feet are dry enough to walk on. So a damp rag is produced and the masseuse begins wiping Snowcora down where she stands.

"Like what you see?" Snowcora asks of the guard as she stands there glistening. She's got a bit of a predatory grin right now, too.

"Yes, of course.. uh," the man says, then looks guilty when Marfa gives him a raised-eyebrow look. He clings to the cloak like it's a shield of some sort. "Are.. are you good to walk?" he asks next. Maybe he heard about her being carried in.

Snowcora curls her finger, beckoning him over. "Of course I can walk," she says and spreads her arms so that he can drape the cloak on her.

The wolf awkwardly puts the cloak onto Snowcora, while Marfa looks away and is probably hiding a giggle at his discomfort.

And Snowcora doesn't help it when she just subtly nudges an aura of arousal around the wolf. It's not nearly enough of a push to drive him crazy; just enough to cause him some .... wardrobe issues. She has to get entertainment somewhere! She may as well embarrass a few people since she has to go naked.

The wolf whines a bit but still manages to escort Snowcora to the ritual.. which is just down the hall anyway.

Procession Suite
Blocks of polished grey-black granite shot with silvery flecks form the walls and vaulted dome of this chamber, inset with high, narrow windows composed of multiple small panes of crackled glass. The chamber's walls form most of a circle, flattened on the only inside wall, where a single door leads to the rest of the tower.

There is a very complicated ritual diagram taking up most of the floor, with sub-circles around the outside. Within the main circle are tall candle-holders that are instead holding some clear looking quartz crystals. Five mages stand in the outer circles, including Cyprian, and at the center are two circles next to each other. Each has a cushioned stool in it, and on of those sits another Jupani - but something about him hints at Mage instead of staff. He's just wearing shorts, and has lots of little geegaws clipped to his fur in places, including his ears and tail. His wrists are actually shackled and chained to the floor though.

"Please make yourself comfortable on the stool, Shrine Maiden," Cyprian says. "Be careful not to step on any of the symbols though."

Snowcora steps carefully over the marks on the floor. "Cloak on or off?" she asks of Cyprian as she makes her way to the chair.

"No," Snowcora notes. Still, she drapes it on the chair, then sits down, completely naked, before the Jupani and the rest of the mages. She's atttempting to judge their discomfort or other feelings, such as disgust.

There's nothing blocking her aura sense. Unlike Cyprian, the others aren't shielded. Most seem amused.. not at Snowcora, but at the reaction in the 'volunteer target' - it's not hard to read his aura, especially since his tail is wagging. "Hello, I'm Augustus.. uh.. Gusty. Of Air." He tries to offer a hand to shake, but it comes up short due to the chain.

Snowcora leans forward to shake the hand. "You may call me Snowcora. Gusty, hmm? Former colleague of Wynona, I take it?" she inquires, "She has been working with the Barsunala as of late, or so I hear."

"Wynona's doing alright then?" the man asks, while the other mages begin to chant and activate the ritual. Their presences seem to fade away.

Gusty seems about to ask more, then notices things starting and actually has activate a few held spells or enchantments of his own, that seem to relate to the odd jewelry attached to him. Finally done with that, he asks, "Do you have any questions before we start?"

"Why are you decorated like present?" Snowcora has to ask. "And are you comfortable with the risks this poses for you?"

"These are to monitor me within the ritual," Gusty explains. "If I am at risk, they'll know it." He taps a pendant around his neck and says, "If this thing glows red, it means you need to stop. Are you able to focus your lure on a single person?"

"I should be able to, yes," Snowcora agrees. "Though you hardly seem like a monster to lure."

"Cyprian thinks your lure taps into anything primal in the subject," Gusty explains. "For him, it was a bit of vampire ancestry apparently. For me.. uh.." Here the man pauses and looks around. The ritual circle seems to be enclosed in a bubble of sorts.. probably Shadow Magic, to block out any interference. "I liked to visit the Temple of Inala," he whispers. "And I can get pretty wild when drunk. So.. sort of harmless but still likely to react."

"Ahh. A closet pervert," Snowcora agrees and nods. "It may work. Are you ready for this, then?"

"I'm half-way there now," the wolf jokes, then takes a deep breath and nods. "Before we start though.. why do you smell like milk?" he asks.

Snowcora smirks and squeezes one of her breasts to answer that question. Before he can respond, though, her eyes narrow as she focuses her eyes on his. She draws in a deep breath, then exhales. As she does so, she brings back the memories of Snow's lure; how it felt, and how it has felt to use herself. She images it like a breathed out mist (thanks, Scourge), circling and engulfing the Jupani. The focus; like the most powerful pheromone possible, the kind that tends to break the conscious mind and try to put the victim into an intense feel of rut.

The intelligence doesn't completely fade from Gusty's eyes, but the chains are being strained. He's aroused, and growling and baring his fangs and drooling as he tries to reach Snowcora. It's not just lust or blood-lust, but an all-consuming lust that reduces the man to his basest, primitive desires. Even his stomach growls. Behind him, one of the crystals on a candle-stand starts to glow.

The longer Snowcora keeps up the effect, however, the more it becomes clear that part of it her own desire to be devoured - sexually or otherwise. I'm a willing victim, the perfect victim, all for you..

And having been a victim so many times now, particularly under Gorphat's unpleasant hand, makes it all the more easier to project that sort of desire onto the Jupani. Even the horrors she endured as the lust-doe in some shameful way, she liked. She leans forward too, which probably makes it worse. So close and yet ... just out of reach!

The bits of enchanted bling that Gusty wears sparkle and flash, but the warning pendant stays dark. The second and third of the five crystals are glowing now. Nobody told her to keep it going until all of them are lit, but Snow was able to maintain the lure for longer than this without suffering any side effects.. although, in hindsight, it hadn't been at a strength that would drive Alptraum mad - he could resist it.

And Snowcora tries to push it even more. The hidden desires of how she enjoyed hanging in the monster lair while creatures gestated and squirmed within her. How she was the perfect breeder for any sort of abomination possible. Then there is the feel when the elder horror molested and impregnated her. She is just so perfect for anything. Everything wants her, for breeding or meal; it doesn't matter. By this point she's aroused too; the cloak she's sitting on is getting a bit wet.

This seems to actually calm Gusty slightly - but the fourth crystal glows a sickly yellow-green. So the nature of the lure depends, in part, on what Snowcora is feeling - and this set may be much more conducive to luring actual Mist-based horrors, thanks to the theme.

Snowcora focuses on this sort of feeling for now, the desire to take and breed and produce monsters. Then she switches to another, one familiar to Cyprian at least. The hunger, the desire to feed; to drink the blood of someone. The lust that is rather specific to vampires, one Snow used on Alptraum before.

The final crystal glows red as a result, and the pendant begins to glow and flash - not because Gusty is in distress, but probably to signal that the ritual can stop now.

Only, Snowcora doesn't. She shifts back to the first lures and pushes it as hard as she can for a bit, trying to really make the mage howl! Thirty seconds of that and then she sits back, letting it all fall away; leaving her panting. And unfortunately feeling rather randy at the moment.

The rest of the room intrudes again, and the panting wolf asks, "Someone get this shackles off.." with a bit of a rasp to his voice. An acolyte approaches and does just that, since the other mages are still busy with some secondary part of the ritual. Once their off, Gusty offers his hand to Snowcora and says, "My room is pretty close by, if you want to get out of here.."

"For...?" Snowcora has to ask as she's trying to focus back to herself as it is. Is the jupani actually hitting on her? Is she still needed in here?

"I have good nose," Gusty says. "I was hoping we could relax while they finish up here. I'm feeling a bit worked up still, and I think that last burst from you was sort of an invitation.."

The human chuckles and rises. "It better be some time, I know what happens with you wolf boys when you get into it. You stick," she teases as she takes his hand.

Gusty tugs Snowcora closer when she takes his hand, then slings her over his shoulder and starts to carry her out, despite whatever facial expressions the still busy mages are wearing. He even slaps her bottom as he carries her off.

And she doesn't help matters by returning the aura focus on him. A little anyway. "Oooo, a rough boy are you?" she teases as her legs kick playfully.

A few minutes later finds the pair in a private room, with a desk and a bed, a bookshelf, an alcove for practicing magic in and an attached bathroom. Snowcora is flopped onto the bed, which is some sort of feather-mattress, and immediately assaulted with wolf-tongue while Gusty tries to get his shorts off without injuring himself. He doesn't bother with any of the still blinking monitoring tags clipped to his fur though.. they're probably not active at the moment anyway.

And Snowcora giggles like a loon as she is licked. It's nice for once; usually it isn't! "You know, I could reverse it all and make you feel exactly the opposite of what you feel right now," she warns as she squirms about. She isn't going to, though. She remembers how a Jupani feels from the time Hortense put her in that club swing.

"You seem like a nice girl," Gusty says, finally getting his pants off. "Healing the sick and such," he notes, and then he's on top of Snowcora and easing himself in. "You'd never do something like that to me, I'm sure.. not when you are clearly going to miss out as a result."

Snowcora wraps her legs around his waist and pulls him as close as she can. "No, I'm going to ride you until you stick, then keep riding you until you pass out," she practically purrs at him. She grinds her hips for emphasis.

Gusty is all aboard with that idea. After a few hip-curling pushes, he finds his rhythm and starts really pumping away, growling in Snowcora's ear when he's not nuzzling at her cheek.

Snowcora wraps her arms around Gusty now too and pushes right back; she's no slouch when it comes to being active. "Why am I suuuuch a wanton woman? Every single female form engages in the most base acts, or worse! Even the doe likes what Gorphat is turning her into," the human does think a bit here and there. Mostly though, she thinks she's really liking the Jupani!

There is of course the tongue to deal with. It isn't the worst thing to be smeared across her face of course, but it seems like a reflex for the Jupani once he gets going. He does have to slow down though, both to catch his breath and to keep things from going to fast. This is when he starts to focus on Snowcora's breasts. His teeth and mouth are bigger than an Eeee's or Skreek's or Lapi's.. but he's still able to get some suction and gentle tugging going while he uses his hands to squeeze and knead.

Here is where the bars are kind of helpful; teeth can catch them to tug! She tries to roll him over at one point so that she's on top and bearing down all her weight; trying to get as 'much as she can' into her. It's hedonistic to the extreme, but then part of her aspect is influenced by Inala.

Rolling over is a sign of trust in dogs, and while Jupani aren't quite that there's still some resistance at first.. but then the big boy rolls over to let Snowcora take the reigns.

And she does. She controls the pace, the force, and the grind. Snowcora also kisses him back, right down to allowing the tongue as part of it. IT's all very different, nice, and quite enjoyable. This continues for a while ... then she spins around so that her back is to him and leans forward; taking a more 'traditional' Jupani sort of mating position. An invitation to Gusty to take total dominance again.

With a happy growl, Gusty takes the offer and soon has Snowcora on her hands and knees. A firm grip on her shoulders arrests some of the recoil from the force of his passion from that point on. She might need another massage after this!

Snowcora growls right along with this! Some part of her really likes rough guys and this position and his force really tends to that urge. She is so lucky she cannot get pregnant naturally; with how much she indulges these urges she would be at extremely high risk! "Good puppy," she murmurs, pushing backwards as she steadies herself!

Gusty's breath is hot on Snowcora's neck, blowing her hair out of the way, and he even licks along the back of it before howling as he releases. He almost becomes dead weight in the aftermath, laying heavily across Snowcora's back.

And Snowcora knows when that is coming and pushes back to make sure ol Gusty is stuck right before he does! Sure, it does hurt some; but part of her likes that. It pushes her quite over that point to, her thoughts disappearing into the hazy rush of Inala's gift as her body accepts his gift with relish! She even growls softly and falls forward, coming to rest on her elbows with the Jupani across her back. "Well, I needed that," she murmurs tiredly. She feels much less tense now!

There's something in the relationship between Jupani and Humans.. they seem very comfortable with each other. Maybe it's just that Gusty has to cuddle with her until they can unlink. He does seem to enjoy it though.

Snowcora does too. It's almost normal compared to her usual trysts. She has nothing to fear from it, either; no unfortunate penalties from engaging in such things. "You do realize they are going to tease you mercilessly," she comments.

"Aren't you a demigod of some sort?" Gusty asks. Then, with a bit more concern, he asks, "Do.. I have to do anything now in service of the Kindly Ones or such?"

"I am what I am," Snowcora remarks vaguely. "As for service? No. You are not bound to any oaths from this," she adds, "It is not like it was asked of you before anything began."

"Manipulate people primary. Stoke needs or take them away. I can also dominate," Snowcora ticks off while she rests ... and wiggles her hips a bit; enjoying the feel. "I really could make you into a puppy if I tried. I made Cyprian kneel once."

"I'm used to the Yodhinala," Gusty admits, unashamed. "One made me with sit still with a cookie on my nose for an hour."

"I know a Yodhinala that would do that, yes. And oh, I can also feel the states of everyone around and near me. I can find people in a building that way. Makes it near impossible to sneak up on me," Snowcora comments.

"What about the curing people thing?" Gusty asks. "Is that actually a power of Gorphat?"

"Yes, it is. She can take away as well as give. I know the current High Priestess has offered herself as one to 'take' her more punishing curses so that she will feel more inclined to remove from the sick," Snowcora explains. "Sacrificial offer to curry favor."

"Plus I hear that secretly the High Priestess likes being cursed by Gorphat," Snowcora adds and shudders. "Crazy."

"I would imagine all High Prietesses to be.. exceptional in some way related to their goddess," Gusty notes. "Although Inala's choice of Avatar was rather ironic. I remember feeling her 'miracle' aura at the time though. Of the people here, only I and Cyprian have felt that. It's why I volunteered, since.. I'd been exposed before."

"Inala seems to have ... calmed down a bit since then," Snowcora notes, "Though I hear she currently favors a skreek if you can believe that. Not in the way she would a Daughter, but reasonably close."

"Shrine followers.." Gusty says. "I think that's the term. Not really Yodh but.. in service. Usually they were given as offerings to the Temple, and if they weren't sacrificed they were used for things that the Yodh didn't want to deal with. But with no Yodhinala now.. at least, none that I have heard of.. others might be filling in the gap. Who knows, after all the change.. maybe there'll be non-Eeee Yodh."

"Probably not for Inala, she is pretty adamant about that. And there is one Yodhinala around anyway. One called Mave. She is assisting the Barsunala," Snowcora notes and waves her hand. "Where she is, though, who knows?"

"She is ... highly opinionated and high maintenance," Snowcora grudgingly admits. "From what I understand she tried to kill the Barsunala once; big mistake that. She now has to serve him."

"I have no idea how to feel about that," Gusty notes. "I don't expect the Yodhinala to recover anytime soon though. All the respect and offerings are going to Sunala and Gorphat and Rephath nowadays. Then again.. those are the Temples that actually.. you know.. do stuff for the people.."

Snowcora shrugs slightly. "Hard to say at this point. My insight doesn't go that far. I take it you want them back for your own desires, though," she notes.

"I don't know that they'd fit in now," Gusty notes. "Really, they had power and patronage because of the elites.. and the elites are either dead or selling everything to the merchants. The new lords of Babel don't seem quite the.. partying type that the old ones were."

Snowcora just shrugs at that and relaxes. "The city could use entertainers, though. Just probably not quite that kind," she mutters, just relaxing and letting her eyes droop a bit. She's tired.

Gusty wraps his arms around Snowcora and makes himself into a big heated blanket. "Get some rest. I'm sure it'll take Cyprian and the others awhile to decode what they recorded.."

"It'll take a while for you to unstick," Snowcora mutters, amused. Her occasional movements and clenching are not helping matters, either. Still, she does let her eyes close and drift off into a hazy sleep. Might be dangerous here; she could want up in a dungeon for all she knows ... but she does need the rest.