Arranging to visit Thath was always a bit of an ordeal, but at least it had become somewhat streamlined. Alptraum told Tulani, and Tulani contacted Cricket, who then told Alptraum which abandoned tower top to wait at and when. Then an air taxi would show up with "Stilleto" inside, and they'd do a few more transfers until eventually arriving at the Prime Minister's residence atop the Coalition Tower.
Because of the amount of time involved, Alptraum's slow reversion to his current default setting had progressed a bit more. At the moment he was looking slightly more androgynous - which actually made him seem more like a typical Babelite rather than a Sylvanian. But certain areas felt a lot more soft and tender than they were before, his shoulders were slighter and he may have lost an imperceptible bit of height. Luckily, Rosalind was also tall, so Alptraum knew where the height changes would end.
"Has anything of interest happened as of late?" Alptraum asks as he shifts a bit, since he does feel a bit weird. "I apologize for this sudden meeting, but I do have the request to deliver."
"Umm.. well, that depends on what you mean by interesting," Stilleto replies. "Do you mean politically interesting or personally interesting?"
"Both, of course. I want all the interesting news," Alptraum answers with a lot of grin and a lot of teeth.
"Well.. we got some really good plum-beetle pudding, Stone-Will came in second in a dance competition, the boss is being a bit odd lately and there haven't been any assassination attempts," the woman rattles off.
Alptraum laughs. "I heard about the dancing competition. And that apparently he and some other savanite guy had an orgy of sorts; how Babelite," he remarks. "The pudding is ... hm, no idea. I can't eat it. How has the boss been strange?"
Stilleto's lips thin a bit, before she says, "It's difficult to explain. Maybe he's a bit less.. intense. At least at home."
Alptraum mms. "Ah, yes. He settled some shadows from his past, I think," he muses and nods. "So, he probably feels calmer."
"Well.. he always seemed unflappable if not calm," Stilleto notes. "He actually patted my head the other day," she leans forward to whisper.
"Well, you're kind of his daughter in many ways, aren't you? That's not too surprising?" Alptraum replies and arches one of his brows slightly.
"But.. he's never done that before," Stilleto insists. "He's barely ever been within arms reach of me."
"Still, this is good, isn't it? Or does it make you uncomfortable?" Alptraum asks. "He probably never did it before in order to protect you."
"It's change," the girl notes. "That makes me nervous. What if it's means something bad? Like.. he knows he's going to die soon or something worse? Maybe I'm going to die soon!"
"You're not going to die soon," Alptraum comments, "And before you say anything, just remember who I am." He smirks a little, too. "Seriously, he did deal with some old history and found some peace. That's all it is."
"It's very strange is all I'm saying," Stilleto says, crossing her arms. A shift in angle indicates they're coming in for a landing.
Alptraum reaches over and taps her nose. "Relax, or I'll spank you," he comments and winks. "And yes, it's strange, but then you all work with me, and I'm nothing but walking strange."
"We don't work with you, you go off and do things, and.." Stilleto starts to correct, but there's the thump of touchdown. ".. and we've arrived," she finishes.
"You work with me. Or are you mad at me?" Alptraum asks and arches his brow a bit at that sort of bizarre response.
"We haven't done anything together," Stilleto claims. "I just pick you up. It's not like you need me to kill people."
"We've slept together. That's doing something," Alptraum points out and grins. "But true, I haven't had you help kill people. I try to risk only myself."
There's a knock, and door is opened by Stone-Will. He's wearing a tuxedo.
Alptraum grins at Stone-Will and waves. Not that the cheetah will recognize him as the cat he seduced or anything. He also signs a hello, then rises and offers a hand to Stiletto.
Stilleto blinks, but does take the hand. Let anyone spying on them through the shadow-curtain try to figure out what it means.
Alptraum helps Stiletto to her feet, then moves to disembark from their transport. "Why the fancy outfit?" he signs to the butler.
"This is my regular uniform when I am not working in the tower," the Savanite signs back as he leads them into the residence. There are lingering dinner smells, which means there were probably others that eat regular food here not long ago (unless Reed and Stone-Will cook in large amounts and then live off of the leftovers for several days).
"Too fancy for me, I must admit. I rarely dress up that much," Alptraum signs and shrugs some. He follows along after Stone-Will. Remarking to Stiletto, he says, "And you need to learn to relax more."
"What, I'm not flexible enough already?" the girl asks with a raised eyebrow.
"You're too nervous and twitchy," Alptraum explains.
"And still alive," Stilleto notes.
"So am I and I'm not that twitchy," Alptraum counters.
"If you want to wait in the office, the master can be with you shortly. He has yet to finish his bath," Stone-Will signs.
"All right, though I wouldn't mind visiting a restroom too before meeting," Alptraum signs. "If one would be convenient."
"If I relax I'll lose my edge," Stilleto counter-counters. "I'll admit that I'm fragile."
"You're anything but fragile," Alptraum comments.
"Did you wish to have a bath drawn, or do you merely need to relieve yourself?" Stone-Will signs.
"Is there time for a bath?" Alptruam has to ask.
"There is always time for a bath," Stone-Will replies. "If your visit is not too urgent, that is."
"Sure, then. A private bath, though. No watchers," Alptraum signs and eyes him suspiciously.
Stone-Will raises an eyebrow at that, but signs, "I will prepare the guest suite bath then."
"Private as in alone?" Stilleto asks.
Alptraum nods. "Yes, alone. I need to check some things from a magical experiment, is all, and it will be awkward," Alptraum sighs and signs.
"Nothing contagious right?" Stilleto asks, sounding concerned.
"No, no, nothing contagious. Just, well, embarrassing," Alptraum admits.
"No ghosts involved?" the girl presses.
"No ghosts involved," Alptraum confirms. "Just me."
"Though, admittedly it might not be too weird for you," Alptraum admits and shrugs some.
"Alright, I'm going to take care of some things then," Stilleto says, and heads down the hall towards her own room. Stone-Will leads the way to the guest suite.
"So, I hear you got your butt kicked in a dance competition," Alptraum remarks as well as signs as he follows the spot.
"I still came out on top in the end," Stone-Will claims, and turns up the gaslamps in the room before heading to the bath to get the water heating.
"What do you mean by that?" Alptraum has to ask as he watches the cat move about, then finds he has to look away because he's admiring too much.
It takes a few moments for the reply, as both of the cat's hands are busy getting the bath started. "I mean that I won the better prize," he eventually signs to Alptraum.
"What was the better prize?" Alptraum inquires, and arches a brow.
"The winner," the cheetah replies.
"What? You got a girlfriend out of it?" Alptraum asks.
"It was a limited time prize," Stone-Will signs.
"Well, that's unfortunate?" Alptraum asks. "You could go look for the winner, no?"
"I prefer to not be tied down," the butler claims. "Do you need any special bath supplies?"
"Nothing other than soap, I think," Alptraum says after some thought. "What's available?"
"And that's right, you prefer being the one who ties guys down, now I remember what I heard," Alptraum comments and grins at the savanite.
"Soap, lavender bath oil, and extra-foaming soap," Stone-Will signs. "Also wine, brandy, or sparkling wine."
Alptraum hmms. "Wine, and all of the other stuff you mentioned," he concedes.
"The soap, oil, and such, that is," he clarifies.
"Very well," the butler signs, then bows. "I will return directly." And then he leaves the suite for now.
Alptraum rolls his eyes. He also looks for a robe before he sheds clothing, just in case. He doesn't strust the savanite!
There's plenty of time before Stone-Will returns with a fragrant basket with a few colored bottles, a wrapped soap donut and a bottle of (apparently strawberry) wine.
And in that time Alptraum shed his clothing and donned a robe to protect himself. He hasn't checked anything yet, for fear of being embarrassed by the cat. "That's an impressive collection," he admits when he spots the basket. "Thank you for bringing it."
Stone-Will does pour the wine into a glass first. "Will that be all?" he signs.
"Probably?" Alptraum admits hesitantly. "Are you offering something?"
"We have plum-beetle pudding," the butler offers.
"Ah, no thanks. I'm a vampire. That would go down bad," Alptraum admits, then actually does shed the robe without thinking about it. Or because he likes the cat too much and he subconsciously wanted to.
Stone-Will holds his hand out for the robe.
Alptraum hands over the robe, then goes to any mirrors the room may have so he can check over himself before the bath.
There's a dressing mirror that is (mostly) clear. In the dim light, the reflection is a bit soft and slighter than normal. There's a hint of growth in the breasts, but not obviously noticeable. Hips are slightly wider as well, and he's a bit smaller between the legs. Not appreciable change in the buttocks, but Eeee aren't known for showing a lot of gender difference in booty definition (they all depend on their legs for hands after all).
Alptraum feels between his legs, and under bits, as well as his chest, curious how noticeable things are. Probably looks weird to Stone-Will, but then all Eeee probably seem weird.
Definitely more sensitive in the chest, and less down below. But no new anatomy has appeared down there yet. And no sign of a tail growing either.
Alptraum hmms and nods. "So far, I'm fine." he remarks to the mirror, then heads towards the bath now. He steps in before he takes the wine glass from the savanite. "You can stay if you want," he also says.
"I thought you wanted privacy?" Stone-Will signs. "Or do you need your back scrubbed?" Since he is there though, he adds in the oil and bubble-bath for Alptraum.
"You can stay, and scrub my back," Alptraum offers, "I was worried there might be weirdness from the experiment, but I'm fine."
"What is the experiment?" the Savanite signs before taking up the scrub brush and a rinsing ladle. The ladle is used to scoop water onto Alptraum's back.
"Oh, I spent some time as female, and I was checking to see if there were any side-effects," Alptraum admits. "I suppose Stiletto would have understood too. Anyway, I seem fine."
"Stiletto does occasionally spend time as a female, it is true," Stone-Will signs. "Are you a spirit then?"
"Somewhat. I can change if needed is all. You can bring Stiletto back in if you want, now I feel bad," Alptraum admits as he leans forward some as he enjoys the back wash.
"Did you want her to join you?" Stone-Will signs.
"Well, depends, do you want to join me?" Alptraum jokes.
"I would not be able to fit," the cheetah notes. And then starts scrubbing Alptraum's back. It builds up a lot of foam.
Alptraum jokes, "I don't think you're that big!" He flashes a fangy grin at the cat, then says, "Yes, she can join me."
"I will let her know after I rinse your back," Stone-Will signs, before using both hands again to use the ladle for rinsing.
"I'll just have to find you later to examine your size, I suppose," Alptraum remarks, amused by how unflappable the savanite always is. "And thank you for helping with my back."
Then Alptraum is alone again for a bit. The lavender scent is pretty relaxing. "I'll be with you in a moment," Stilleto eventually calls from the main room.
Alptraum sinks up to his neck into the water and relaxes. Doesn't feel too weird right now at least, and looks fine! 'Cuter' he supposes.
The thin girl joins Alptraum, folding herself into the other end of the tub. "Lavender oil?" she asks.
Alptraum nods. "Yes. Is that odd?" he asks her and even arches one of his brows a little. "Sorry for being a bit odd, but after some experiments with magic, I wanted to be sure I wasn't in some physically odd state."
Stilleto holds her hand out, and says, "Pass me the wine. I didn't think you did magic."
Alptraum has to stretch and collect the bottle, then hand it over. "I do all sorts of things," he explains, "I spent some time as a woman as part of a task, I wanted to be sure my body wasn't in some in-between state."
"How.. does that work?" Stilleto asks, and drinks directly from the bottle. "I'm guessing it's just a costume thing?"
"No, I can physically completely change my gender," Alptraum says and shrugs some. "I still have some of the more feminine traits right now, for example."
"Well.. I guess your cheeks look a little fuller.." Stilleto says, squinting. "I wish I could switch. I mean.. I feel in-between most of the time anyway."
Alptraum leans forward to take her hand and puts it right over one of his nipples. "Switching does give you possibilities, but it's also extremely confusing," he admits. "Desires go all over the place."
"What? You mean that gets affected too?" Stilleto asks, and feels with ehr fingers. "Heh, you feel like me."
Alptraum nods. "Yeah, depending I end up lusting after guys," he admits and shrugs some. "Right now I'm ... well, I've got slight breasts and a bit wider hips and such, s'bout it."
"So... how do you react to me then?" Stilleto asks. "I'm pretty boyish."
"Aroused, and wishing you were more boyish right now," Alptraum admits and then finds his wine glass very interesting.
"I can't be more boyish without being a boy," Stilleto says. "Should I.. spit or something? What do guys do to be guy-ish?"
Alptraum laughs. "You're fine as you are, really," Alptraum claims and shakes his head. "I like you as you, whatever your hormonal state is."
"Don't you mean whatever your hormonal state is?" Stilleto teases, pointing at Alptraum with the neck of her bottle. "But.. how do you change? That's not actual magic right? You do miracles. I don't think Life Mages can do that."
"It's an unspecified type of magic. No mage can really explain it, either. I guess miracle works well enough," Alptraum comments and shrugs some more. He also snorts at her tease.
"Unspecified," Stilleto echoes, and raises one let out of the water to rest the heel on Alptraum's shoulder so she can play with his ear. "That is a word I have never heard in conversation before."
Alptraum takes the chance to run claws along her leg, along the inside and underside. "Well, it's not a kind that fits into a neat category, is all," he claims.
Stilleto flexes her calves! "This is good wine," she says. "I like the blue wine best though."
"The ... blue wine?" Alptraum has to ask. He also ends up leaning his head t the side and bites her ankle ... playfully.
That gets his ear pinched between toe-fingers. "Yeah, blue. From... blue fruit? Maybe it isn't wine. But it's blue. The green stuff is too strong."
"I ... I don't know what that is either," Alptraum admits, and ends up shrugging some. His ear also sort of flick-pulls at those grabby-toes.
"I bet Stone-Will knows," Stilleto says. "So, what brings you over tonight? Is it a secret? Or just a visit?"
"Well, political. Arranging defense of the tower and trying to get the coalition cooperating with the 'invaders' more to help try and bring more unity," Alptraum admits and looks upwards. "Not really something I'm fond of; those in the tower, but necessity sometimes makes for odd situations.
"The Tower of Babel?" Stilleto asks, looking surprised. "I'd almost forgotten about that place, with everything else going on. So why the sudden cooperation thing? I thought we were already cooperating."
"As in working with the guard stationed there, instead of ignoring them. The General is planning to attack it, so I'm arranging defense, the Yodhrephath are going to help, the guards stationed there as well. And I want the Coalition side also involved," Alptraum explains.
"Ah. Yeah, they have to give permission for the Yodh to be at the Tower I think," Stilleto notes. "What about the Yodhblakat?"
"They might be involved, I don't know. Koldesh is handling that part," Alptraum says. "Better her than me."
"You don't get along with the Yodhblakat?" Stilleto asks in shock. "But.. you're supposed to get along with all of the Yodh, aren't you?"
"Oh, I get along with them fine. It's more I'll either end up fighting them, or sleeping with them, or both at the same time," Alptraum admits.
"Is that a problem?" Stilleto asks, wiggling her toes. "Wait.. they do stuff that isn't fighting?"
"It's exhausting, and I need my energy right now. Alptraum extends his own leg, under the water though, and his toes are pulling and playing with other, er, bits on Stiletto.
"Ah-hah! I feel your foot!" Stilleto laughs. "Energy for what? Me?"
"Well sure, you," Alptraum says as one of his toes goes into someplace and wiggles. "And dealing with the mess in Babel in general."
"Wooo... wah?" Stilleto hoots in not-quite-surprise. "I'm not a mess though am I? Or am I just easier to sort out then?" She shakes the bottle after taking another swig.
"You're normal in comparison," Alptraum says as toes curl in a come-hither roll. "Anyway, I should probably not be doing what I'm doing, and go see the minister before it gets much later."
"Well, I'll be here all night," Stilleto says. "Not in the bath, but.. you know.. I live here."
"Is that an invitation?" Alptraum inquires, brow arching. "What if I become even more girl-like?"
"I'm not that choosy, unless you become more girly than me," she replies, gesturing with the bottle again.
Alptraum laughs and climbs out, after dislodging his foot and toes. "I doubt that will happen in a couple hours," he comments, then grabs a towel to dry off some."
Stone-Will is waiting in the room. "The master can see you in the study at your soonest availability." he signs.
Alptraum takes some time to dry off, then dresses quickly. "Right," he says, "I'm ready to go now. I don't want to keep him too long, he's busy."
Stone-Will brings Alptraum to the study, where Thath is relaxing before the fireplace in a high-backed chair, wearing a burgandy zolk robe and holding a snifter of brandy. He actually has one leg crossed over the other and is rocking his foot. He smiles when Alptraum arrives (an actual smile) and stands up. "It's good to see you again, in the flesh," he greets.
Alptraum bows slightly. "And you. You seem ... less burdened and worn," he replies politely, since Stone-Will is there. "I come with more that I hope will help move past wounds of the past. This one focused on a more current issue."
The cheetah bows and backs out of the room, closing the door behind him. "I do feel.. lighter.. lately," Thath admits, still smiling. "Thinking about retirement.. when I have the chance. Now, what is this about wounds of the past?"
"Well, trying to bring more unity and less suspicion," Alptraum says, "This time around the tower and the Temple group that occupies it. It's not that popular that they're there, and we've got the General coming there soon enough it seems. So I'm trying to arrange the Temples, the Tower guard, and the Coalition, to work together to defend the tower. To that matter i have already spoken with those there, and they sent a letter for me to pass on to the coalition, which I am passing on to you." And with that, he pulls the letter out from the inside of his shirt and offers it over. "I am ... not fond of those in the tower, for my own reasons. But I am trying to look past it for the better of all. Mistrust and hatred needs to end."
Thath reads the letter. "This does look compliant with Article 12 of the treaty," he notes. "The Yodhrephath and Yodhblakat will be in place at the non-occupied zone of the Tower of Babel I take it. I'll have to ask the remaining lease-holders about supplying private security."
Alptraum nods. "It's a start anyway, to build trust between everyone," he says. "I didn't like having to arrange it, but ... I put aside my own memories of Rephidim trying to kill me and did what was best for the city as things stand now."
"I assume that the Mages will use their suicide attackers, as they plan for the Yodhrephath trade-route escorts," Thath notes. "If they aren't planning a smaller infiltration through the base. Do you know what they are after? It was my understanding that the retreating troops set off booby traps to ensure the rest of the arsenal could not be recovered."
"I know exactly what they're after; I've seen it first hand. Body parts," Alptraum explains. "There is an entire 'replacement' body for the general down there. Also, a lot of monsters and mess, but, the map pointed right to the body parts."
"Map? Do you believe this target is going to require a large force, or merely a distraction? They may have knowledge of hidden entries, unless your map notes those as well?" Thath asks.
"Well, given I collapsed a bunch of things while I was in there, there's only one way into that section I know of. As for a large force? No. Just enough to carry parts out. So I would expect a large force would be the distraction, and it'll be a small strike force going in," Alptraum explains.
Thath leans back in his seat and steeples his fingers. "Well, that presents a few options. A token force to repel the distraction, and a covert force to monitor the entries and kill anyone at range. There are sections of the Tower which disrupt magic, so if we can seal the other entries the Mages would be forced to use the ones that interfere with their abilities."
Alptraum nods. "That would be good. The tower folk do not know the old royal mages are part of this; I left that tidbit out. Disrupting them, if any are present in the attack, would be a good idea," Alptraum agrees.
"We'll need to see your map," Thath notes. "So we have two potential targets now, but could there be more? Aside from specific items, there is also the potential for demoralization of the public.. if they have the resources to risk on such an attack. I'm of the opinion that they do not. This is not anything that will immediately benefit the renegade Mages, so I consider them to be acting as mercenaries in this scenario."
Alptraum nods. "I can provide the map and its operating instructions. I'm not sure how it benefits the mages directly. They've probably been promised a return to prominence if the overthrow is successful. This is just a small part of that overall goal."
"Then they could be potentially be made a counter-offer," Thath notes. "But they would never trust such from the Coalition. Where will you be most needed during the attack?"
"That I do not know. I am open to suggestions on that," Alptraum admits. "My ability to sense people and emotion at a distance may be useful in tracking any force that gets inside, but that's a guess."
"You may be best placed to react to the unexpected then," Thath suggests. "I think the residence will be secure enough should they attempt to retrieve the 'god killer' dagger, either for their own leverage against Amenlichtli or for other reasons, even if they cannot make use of it."
"Or you want me to be out of the line of fire," Alptraum counter-suggests, through not unkindly. "But in these things I do trust your experience over mine."
"I have always had contingency plans for dealing with the Royal Mages," Thath claims. "They were on my target list after the royal family was dealt with."
"I figured you had plans for all contingencies, even me, if I turned out a problem," Alptraum admits plainly.
"And for the Kindly Ones," Thath admits.
Alptraum nods. "I know," he says.
"But.. such things are no longer necessary," Thath claims. "The Royal Mages will still need to be hunted down, of course. I've activated some of my Saskanar assets to investigate their contacts there."
Alptraum nods. "Don't worry, by the way, on plans like that. I even have plans in place to deal with me if I ever became a problem. There are those I trust implicitly that know how to deal with me," he admits.
"The General is the main issue before us," Thath says. "Once she has been dealt with, Babel will be able to finally heal."
Alptraum nods. "Agreed," he says and breathes out. "Then I can take a break for a bit too."
Thath pours a glass of brandy for Alptraum. "How about a toast then?" he asks.
Alptraum accepts the glass and nods. "Absolutely," he agrees.
"To burying the past," Thath toasts, raising his glass.
"TO burying the past, and to a better future," Alptraum echoes and raises his glass as well. Then he drinks from it. Hopefully it's safe, but ... well, it should be.
"Will you be staying the night?" Thath asks.
"I could, if people wish it," Alptraum agrees. "I think Reed wouldn't mind having company around. Might annoy your butlet, though. Can never tell with him."
"That is what makes him such a good butler," Thath claims.
Alptraum chuckles. "I suppose. I'm not used to butlers," he admits.
"Well.. you grew up in Sylvania, so I suppose they have Igors instead," Thath comments. "I've never met one though."
"You're lucky. They're all nuts," Alptraum concedes and finishes off his glass. "And extremely strange."
"Strange for Babel or strange for Sylvania?" Thath asks. "What are they like?"
"Usually made of parts, talks with a lisp, drools, and likes to keep castles looking creepy," Alptraum explains, "And the women are disturbingly beautiful, and often dentists."
"Dentists?" Thath asks. "That seems quite the difference. The men are housekeepers and the women are doctors?"
Alptraum nods. "Well, the ones I met tend to be that way, yes. Though I suspect the men are doctors too."
"Hmm, I shall have to visit Sylvania myself then," Thath says. "I've never met anyone disturbingly beautiful before."
"Hope you like your teeth cleaned, then," Alptraum quips.
"At my age, the health of my teeth is very important," Thath notes with a wink.
"Good teeth and soft beds are the most important things in life. Well, and comfortable bathrooms," Alptraum adds, grinning. "I'll try to behave while I'm here."