Adelyn eventually escapes the clutches of Fluffer, although it's mainly due to him having other duties to get back too. The doe has no idea how long she's been at the club at this point, as exhaustion was the only thing that let her rest: she'd forgotten that Fluffer could go for hours and hours, and Inala's blessing meant that she wouldn't 'dry up' during sex. And when Fluffer wasn't going at it, Honey would remind Adelyn of her skill at causing chain orgasms. All in all, the doe was left with shaky legs and if she'd been a 'real' doe she'd definitely be pregnant after that session.

She's been left alone with Honey to recover in the chamber, which smells strongly of Lapi after everything that's gone on. It's also warm from the body heat generated, plus having Honey sleep next to her. That doe is muttering in her sleep still.

"Ugh," Adelyn mutters to herself where she lies sprawled out. She lifts a leg every so often to see how they're doing and how bad the tired muscle tremble is. "Can't believe how many times. That was insane."

"You two are insatiable," Adelyn mutters as she peers at the muttering lapi near her. She actually tries to see if she can get up now. Or more importantly, walk.

Getting up is the easier part. But at least nothing is cramping up. She's a little wobbly, but having big feet helps. After a few steps she feels more confident about it.

The shaky doe is looking for her clothing now. Her continually twitching nose crinkles a little too. "Wow, we made this place, uh, fragrant," she mutters to herself.

Ah, clothing. The big ribbon is draped over a stool, and has some stains and tears from being used in some of the kinkier positions. She'd get more coverage from a bath towel.

Well, the ribbon is out. So, she's looking for something else. Anything else. Well, anything clothing-shaped anyway. She can't use a potted plant.

Hung on a peg is Honey's outfit. It's more of a wrap-tunic than anything else, but includes a skirt.

But that's ... stealing. So, she pokes her head out of the door and calls out quietly, "Hello? Is anyone out there?"

There are a pair of Skreeks making out against one of the support columns for the upper-level balcony, and beyond them is the club proper. Of course an Eeee overhears, and starts coming over. He's middle-aged and has probably been drinking quite a bit. "Yesh?" he asks, looking at the Skreeks as if they'd made the call. Or just because they're snogging.

"I need some clothing in here," Adelyn calls out a bit plaintively. These people don't look like they'll be much help, though. Drat. If they even figure out she's talking.

"Ohh.. you should take them off first, next time," the Eeee says, and taps his nose as if imparting great wisdom. "Did you come with someone? I'm good at finding people."

"Well, I was brought by a sphynx, Tulani," Adelyn admits. "I don't know if she's still here, though."

"I'll go look then," the bat says, and turns to leave, then pauses before turning back. "What's a sphynx?"

"Ohhh, I think I saw one earlier," the Eeee says with a nod. Then he turns and wanders off. Some other bits of clothing land on the floor outside as the Skreeks move on to the next phase of their snogging.

Not that she agrees with stealing, sort of. Those can't be that expensive of clothes! So, Adelyn tries to sneakily commandeer those discarded clothes.

The man's shorts would fit her, and he still has trousers anyway. It's the first time she's seen a Skreek that wears undershorts, though. There's the woman's vest as well.

Adelyn 'borrows' those bits for now. Hopefully Tulani can be found and get her some actual clothing that wouldn't put her in a bad position with this place.

The Skreeks are beyond noticing at the moment, as they've moved from the pillar to up against the wall next to the door. There is a lot of squeaking involved as well.

Once dressed at least a little, Adelyn sneaks out of the room to go looking, herself.

The rooms on this side are closest to the stage and dance floor, so Adelyn has a good wide view and doesn't spot Tulani. But she can sneak along the wall towards the front, where the gambling area is, by using the columns for cover. Or go in the opposite direction towards the bathing and massage areas, if she suspects Tulani is being lazy while hopefully waiting for her.

Since Adelyn isn't aware of Tulani gambling much, she opts for moving the opposite direction. Column by column, until she can peer into the massage area.

The tables are all occupied, with Melonny the Rhian working on a Vartan, and Fluffer working on a Skreek. No sign of Tulani, unless she's in the back room.

That's a bit surprising. Maybe she is gambling? So, Adelyn heads back the way she came and tries to look into the gambling area.

There is a bit more traffic in that direction, as a 'huddle' of Eeee are standing around one of the columns, passing a cigar around between them, and discussing something that Adelyn has no context for, regarding Vanderrats.

Well, since the bunny is no rat, she tries to walk by the Eeee like she belonged there, or something. But, maintaining a good 'you can't grab my butt' range.

She gets glances, but they don't really pause their conversation. The gaming area is crowded and noisy, but she can see the top of several pairs of white wings. She's too short to get a better view though!

Finding an empty chair is no easy task, as the tables nearby are all full of people playing cards.

A tall-enough Eeee waiter circulates nearby, however, handing out drinks. He notices the unfamiliar and oddly dressed Lapi, and makes his way towards her.

Eek! Adelyn starts trying to get away from the approaching waiter! Eeee are not to be trusted, she should know, she is one sometimes!

"Miss?" the waiter asks as the Lapi bolts. "Can I.. help you?" he ends up having to call a bit louder since Adelyn is on the move.

"You just missed her," the Eeee explains. "She left the tables with an Eeee gentleman."

"I only know what I saw, miss, not their intentions," the waiter says. "It was an older gentleman who looked a bit tipsy though."

"Which way did they go?" Adelyn asks. This sounds more like an information shakedown, if she had to guess.

The waiter points back towards the dance area. "Toward the back of the club," he notes. "Are you in distress?"

"Not at all, thank you," Adelyn replies as she smiles and then heads towards, well, the back of the club.

The two Skreeks are still at it, but now they're on the floor at the threshold of the room Adelyn was just in.

Adelyn rolls her eyes and keeps on past the, keeping an ear, and eye, out for Tulani.

Instead she spots the Eeee man from earlier, watching some dancers up on the stage.

On an off-chance, she goes to look at the stage to see if Tulani is anywhere near there.

There are plenty of people in the audience, but no white-winged ones (just a Vartan with vivid green feathers).

Adelyn grumps. She continues on, trying to see if she can find Tulani further in.

She overhears a rather lewd song, sung by several people over by the baths. It sounds sailory, from the cadence. One of the voice could be the wayward Sphynx.

Aha! And so now it's on towards the baths! At least the side for women she can enter without question.

The singing isn't coming from there though, as Adelyn soon discovers, as there are only Eeee (and one Naga) in that bath. The mixed bath may be the one she wants, deeper in.

Adelyn 'sssiiiiighs'. Of course! So, she continues in deeper, where all the kinky bath stuff happens! Horror!

At last, she spots her quarry! Tulani is lying naked on her side next to the pool, yet still managing to drink from a tankard after laughing along with a Vartan and Aquilan. The two feathered men are in the water, but also hoisting tankards of (most likely) beer. ".. and then he jumped overboard, right down into the mud," the Vartan is saying between guffaws. "SPLAT!"

"Oi, Lapilyn," Tulani calls back and waves. "What are you wearing?" The two men with her turn to Adelyn and wave. It's always hard to read the expressions on people with beaks, but they've clearly been drinking. "A guy told me you were waitin' at a room, but there were just these rats there and no answer when I knocked.."

"Yeah, because I left the room," Adelyn replies and shrugs some, "To come find you. Looks like you're busy, though. That's fine. I can make my way back."

"I brought you something to wear, unless you want to stick with what you have," Tulani notes, setting down her tankard.

"Well, I would prefer what you brought. Is it nearby for me to fetch?" Adelyn asks.

Tulani gets up, waves to the sailors, and walks to Adelyn. "Come to the lockers with me," she says.

"I don't want to interrupt your fun, though," Adelyn says. "I can find it? Or at least do come back to them after you show me where it is?"

"Nah, I was just yakking, and I have other news for you," Tulani says, leading the way to the lockers. She takes out her own clothes, and a white cloth bundle as well. "I think this will work for you," she says.

Adelyn peers at the bundle, then starts undoing it to see just what it actually is. "What's the news?" she asks, ears canting a bit to listen for anyone close by just in case.

"I found the grandmother and daughter," Tulani says. The package is.. a white cloth, with a woven Zolk cord. "Have you ever worn a toga before?"

"Sure have," Adelyn agrees and starts stripping off her borrowed clothing and putting on the glorified window curtain-turned attire. "Where are they at? Are they okay?" she asks.

"They're in a hostel, not far from that clinic you found them in," Tulani says, and helps tie things up with the cord to work as a belt. "The old woman is still being visited by a nurse, but didn't seem ill or injured. Not sure the nurse is there for doing nurse-stuff or if it's for witch-stuff."

"Or it's for the child," Adelyn suggests. "Still, good to know they're okay and near-ish. I'll go get them as soon as I'm able to be back to normal, so to speak. Not sure how normal my body seems to want to be right now."

"Well, what do you consider normal?" Tulani asks, wiggling a bit to get into her pants.

"Being the person you usually know me as," Adelyn answers, then peers. "You really should go back with your friends. You don't get enough time just to be silly, and it's my fault."

"I'm a professional relaxer," Tulani claims. "It's how I learn what's going on, while still getting free drinks. No news of any further shenanigans messing with the trade lanes."

"Well, that's good at least. I should capitalize on that and try to deal with the General before she comes up with a new plan," Adelyn says, "Though this place isn't the appropriate place to discuss such things. Too many ears."

"I'm surprised you can't hear who's listening," Tulani quips with a grin. "Where to next? Headquarters to sort yourself out? I assume everything went well with Fluffer?"

"Yes, probably back to the nest to sort things out and work out what to tackle next. There are several things still needing doing. I need to go by Mount Zakaro for the guild, I need to go by Mount Gorphat to drop off an artifact, and I need to see Aunty and her charge back to the new settlement for them."

"Which seems like the least dangerous of those?" Tulani asks, tying her shirt straps. At least Adelyn can use a pullover shirt.. if she had one that fit.

"They're all equally difficult and deal with Goddesses of some form or another, so not really sure," Adelyn admits. "It often depends on which one is being more demanding at the moment, or not."

"Hmmm," Tulani says, getting on her booties. "Well, once you meet with the witch you should have a better idea of how to schedule things. If you did your duty to Inala, maybe you'll be able to get back to your preferred normal. Just need to experiment!"

Adelyn re-checks her sash and decides she's good "I need to return these," she claims as she gathers up the borrowed skreek clothing. "Meet me back by the entrance, then?" she asks.

"Alright, I'll head there now," Tulani says. "I have something to show you back at the Nest too!"

"That's worrying," Adelyn claims. She tosses the clothing on her shoulder and heads out, back to the rat-pile she borrowed the clothing from!

She can follow their progress by the trail of further bits of clothing. From being in front of the door, they've now managed to get a few feet further along via a sort of thrust-driven inch-worm effect. They still don't seem to notice the Lapi though.

Adelyn saunters right by them, and in passing, drops the clothing over them. "There are plenty of rooms you could use," she says sweetly, grins, and then scurries off!

"As you were, then!" Adelyn calls back, and shes hurrying towards the exit. Well, waddling a little, her legs are still a bit tired.

Luckily, she doesn't have walk once she and Tulani get outside. Then she gets carried through the air! Even if it's a circuitous route since Tulani can't be seen flying to the peak of Mt. Inala.. from the city facing side, anyway.

And the back side can be dangerous to your back side! Adelyn knows this intimately. She almost asks to land, then thinks better of it, the poor bunny wouldn't survive that!

She's just too soft, literally, compared to Nikky. But Tulani avoids the ground anyway, until they reach the ruined garden where she lands... but continues to carry the bunny towards the secret entrance to the bunker

"I can walk now, you know," Adelyn points out, but doesn't force Tulani to put her down. She suspects Tulani thinks of this body as some sort of plush toy.

"You looked unsteady on your feet," Tulani claims, managing to carry the doe with one arm and a wing while opening, then closing, the wall panel. She still doesn't seem inclined to just set her down once they reach the bunker.

"Nooo, just a very fluffy child," Tulani claims, but then sets the doe down on the pile of pillows.. and starts to undress her.

"I'm not dressing you up, I'm dressing you down so you can change," Tulani argues.

Adelyn sighs, and helps. And once she's back to naked (and still damp between the thighs, stupid Inala blesssing!) she settles in and lets shadow envelop her. She lets this form sort of relax, then stays in that limbo state and sees if there's any form or body her current state 'wants' her to be. If nothing immediage, she'll try to nudge it towards Eeee again, then wait and see if anything tends to gravitate anywhere. And if still nothing, back to fully male Alptraum it is!

What emerges from the cocoon is.. Alptraum. Everything seems to be there, and in the correct proportions, he just doesn't know how long it's going to last without reinforcement.

"Well, good. This will do!" Alptraum says, "And we'll see how it holds. Now, what is this you wanted to show me?"

Tulani isn't there, but Alptraum hears chimes or bells nearby. There's a rhythm to them, and they draw closer, until Tulani reappears dressed as a harem girl. She doesn't have finger cymbals, but she does have glass bells on her belt and tail, wrists and ankles. And she's actually doing the dance properly!

Alptraum arches his brow a little as well as perks his ears. "Okay, that's a fairly accurate outfit! But ... why? What did you get it for?" he asks, a bit suspicious that somehow he'll end up in it!

"Agents of Barada need to cultivate a lot of skills for infiltration," Tulani claims as she does a slow spin, and brushes her tail (and its bells) against Alptraum's chest.

"So you're officially admitting you belong to a cult now, hmm?" Alptraum jokes and makes a grab for that tail. "Someplace you're planning to infiltrate?"

The tail whips away of course, and Tulani is lifting her left leg nearly vertical while still shaking her hips. "Not at the moment," she purrs. "But this gives meow an option."

"It would have some competition if I wore my lady savanite body, you know," Alptraum teases, and grins. "And you know if you got some piercings, leg lifts like that would give watchers a whole new show."

The leg comes down slowly, bending at the knee first then sliding down along her other leg. "Gypsy dancing?" Tulani asks. "And what's this about a female Savanite body?"

"Well, apparently I have one now, because I turned into it not that long ago," Alptraum says and shrugs. "A prettier version of Pierce, really."

"Ohhh?" Tulani asks, moving more sensuously.. or more like a feline, really. Her moves even seem a bit predatory. "Pierce is pretty cute," she claims. "Do I get to play with the new one too?"

Alptraum arches his brow. "I didn't think you played with women," he points out. "So, played with ... how?"

"I like cute little dolls that can be decorated you know," Tulani says, and makes a gesture as if reaching for Alptraum's (uninstalled at the moment) nose ring. "Because I am always the top cat."

"That sounds like you'll try to insert dominance and make that one your slave too," Alptraum points out and leans back a bit even without the ring in place.

"Ooo, insert dominance," Tulani says, turning to give Alptraum a good view of her butt while it shakes and jingles. "Was that a request?"

Alptraum smirks. He reaches out and just slaps that butt, hard. "Anyway, In terms of what to do next, it seems like visiting Aunty is probably your recommendation. It doesn't seem like any of the other Goddesses are demanding attention right now."

"Should you have said that out loud?" Tulani chides after the butt-slap, and promptly sits in Alptraum's lap and continues the dance, somehow. "Still feeling normal?"

"Yes, at the moment I still feel normal," Alptraum retorts, then leans forward enough to bite her on the nose (or ear, if she's facing away!). Then on the shoulder because he needs a meal. nom

"Ooo, playful biting or hungry biting?" Tulani asks as he moves towards the neck.

"Hungry," comes the one word answer, then he does bite more than enough to draw blood!

So Tulani stops moving that part of her body, at least. "Don't get any blood on my wings," she requests.

Alptraum mutters something, and drinks. There's also fondling going on. Both upper with nipple pinches, and lower with claw traces on sensitive bitses.

"So you do feel normal again, I see," Tulani purrs, which makes Alptraum's teeth vibrate. "Or am I just that irresistible?"

Alptraum answers by pinching harder. Those tracing fingers also hook and end up, well, inside bits There they rub in time with his nursing on her shoulder.

"See, this could be Inala, or could just be you," Tulani suggests. "Do you care which it is? Or is it just because you're drinking me? Good thing I never finished that beer!"

Alptraum tries to see if he can interrupt Tulani's talking with more finger movements, and some creative, well massaging!

Well, the talking stops but the purring gets more intense, and there's still jingling, since her wrists and ankles are free to move, even if half the time she's stroking her own belly with her hands and rubbing her legs together in an attempt to trap Alptraum's fingers.

Alptraum releases the bite. The reason is so he can turn her around to face him. He also makes sure her legs straddle him, all while not saying anything. Fingers are soon replaced by something else. And then he goes right back to biting on her neck in the same spot he was.

Well, she's also back her shaking her hips, to make sure she's ringing the bells more than he is. Hopefully the thin material of her outfit makes it through without damage.

Alptraum is actually careful with the outfit. Movements are slow, but with force-grinds at the end. He also does finally release the jaw bite. "Was all this you just saying you missed me?" he asks.

"And making sure you had a good reason to stay male," Tulani purrs. "Although you'd probably still want to grind on me as a female, because I'm just great like that."

Alptraum sticks out his tongue. And also to make it weird actually tries to visualize and shift into, well, Pierce while doing this and not going into a cocoon.

"Oh, do we have time for me to insert my dominance?" Tulani asks with a smirk, once the spots come out. It's easier to change mostly into Pierce while still keeping his wings in this case. Wing changes seem to prefer cocooning if possible.

So, after a while Tulani is sitting on a bat-winged Savanite; an odd look to be sure. And for Tulani's comment, he frowns, then bites her right on the nose.

She yeeps at the bite, even if it seems affectionate coming from another feline. "I guess not then," she says, as she rides. "I'll want to take your sister to see Helse of course. A Savanite girl that can dance.. possibilities there!"

Alptraum has to sign, "What sort of possibilities? And how are you going to manage that? Register your ownership of her too? Hmm?" he sighs, joking.

"Well, I'm not officially Pierce's master because Pierce isn't officially a slave," Tulani points out. "It's all subterfuge! So I can be fake-master to fake-slave Pierce's fake-twin-sister too."

"Why not make it official?" Alptraum signs, grins cattishly, then licks her nose. He knows that isn't likely, or likely even possible, he's just being silly. Also making her bounce.

"Woop!" Tulani goes at the bounce. "Because I'd have to show proof and pedigree! Especially as a non-Babelite non-noble."

"Forgery!" Alptraum continues to joke. "It's not like we don't have access to the temples." He pokes out his tongue and goes back to slow-grind.

"The temples didn't keep slaves," Tulani purrs, half-focused. "Unless you count their children."

"Trained them. Kept records. This one especially," Cat-traum points out, while showing her a point-in.

"Well, she kept track of her children, certainly," Tulani admits. "The Yodhbarada would have records.."

"Well, and entertainers toooo," Tulani croons. "Wasn't all just the oldest business." She twists her hips a bit, causing a jingle.

"Anyway, sorry for the stupid suggestion," Cat-traum signs. He drops his hands to hold and balance her so he can get her really bouncing.

She bounces nicely, and melodically thanks to the bells. At least the ones on her waist, as she's got her hands on Alptraum's shoulders and her legs around him, so those bells chime less.

No more talking, just a lot of jingling and bouncing to see if he can get Tulani to make noises other than bells. Happy noises, specifically.

There's a lot of purring and a bit of growling, but happy growling. She hasn't started caterwauling yet though, but seems close to it from the way her whiskers twitch!

So, CatTraum switches up a bit, making the bouncing a sort of swirl-bounce and grind. He also leans back in and bites around her neck. Gently, since it's from the front.

This makes the claws come out, digging into the cheetah's back (but not the wings, thankfully) as the caterwauling starts.

The bouncing stops, and switching to harsh grinding (and a whole lot of growling from him too). As well as twitching and fountains into the captured cat!

The purring is very loud soon after, which is heard up-close thanks to having his nose stuffed into Tulani's cleavage. It's a tight fit thanks to the costume top.

Alptraum eventually stills movement, but remains right where he was ... and nibble-purrs into that cleavage.

After a few minutes of cuddling, Tulani says, "Should probably go check on the witch lady.."

Alptraum pulls his muzzle out and signs, "Yes" It also means he has to change back to being pure bat. So, he doesn't move, but his body does squirm.

Things are a bit wobbly changing back, most likely from the afterglow. But relatively soon he's back to being an Eeee with working vocal chords.

"You do have to get off, you know. I have to dress, and then go deal with Aunty," Alptraum reminds. "I'll probably be gone for several days again."

After cleaning up and dressing, Tulani leads Alptraum to the sub-plaza region that she refers to as the Under Plaza, even though there isn't any open space big enough to be considered a plaza. It's mostly streets weaving about between support arches where people have created 'buildings' by filling in the space between supports with brick. There are places catering strictly to transients, similar to The Laughing Chibix, and Tulani explains that most of them are run by specific groups within Babel.

"The Yodhbarada run The Laughing Chibix," Tulani points out. "The one we want is technically run by the Yodhsunala in support of the Yodhrinala, but my understanding is that the Yodhrinala actually run it."

"It shouldn't be that hard to find, there aren't that many down here and they do advertise so people can find them," Alptraum points out as they walk. So, soon he's listening and looking for waymarks to places that advertise help or symbols he does recognize, either Sunala or Rinala glyphs.

There are the marks of Rinala and Sunala that help navigate through the zig-zag layout of the place, until they come to a door that's painted silver. In several languages, the script on it reads: The Inn Between, but the Babelite notation leans towards a the definition of 'between' as being 'between life and death.' There's also a figure making a welcome gesture that looks very much like the Barsunala, although without any depiction of an odd right arm, so this place may actually predate Alptraum's second visit to Babel.

"I don't know if I should be flattered or worried about this," Alptraum admits as he gestures at the figure. He takes a step back and rubs his chin, curious. Soon, he shrugs a bit and grins, "Well, at least they can claim even I come here now!" And so, he reaches out and knocks on the door.

The door is opened by a rather gaunt, elderly Eeee. Alptraum has seen enough of the barsunala temple guards to recognize the posture and mien of the man. His brows do raise up at the sight of Alptraum, and he silently opens the door fully and gives a slight bow as he steps back into a sort of cubby in the wall. "Welcome, sir," he offers.

"No need to be so formal," Alptraum tells him as he steps inside. "I come to see two that are under your care; an elderly woman and a young girl with a doll. I have found what remains of their family and town, and can reunite them. In this life, not another." That last bit was to be perfectly clear.

The Inn Between
There is a distinctly Sunala inspired atmosphere here, with things leaning heavily towards black and white. Specifically, the floors and ceiling are painted black, whiles the walls are white and plastered to resemble marble, while bits of glass in the ceiling give it a night-sky sort of effect. The doors are grey, with stone markers affixed to them with numbers carved into them that resemble the sort of code used in the mausoleums of Mt. Sunala. Even the lanterns have been set up to provide light with a silver quality to it.

"You'll want to ask the clerk then," the old man says, and gestures towards another cubby further down that appears to have a desk.

Alptraum dips his head. "Thank you," he says, then heads towards the indicated desk.

The reception desks stands in contrast to the rest of the place, despite the tomb-like fa�ade, mainly because the person behind is a somewhat pudgy Skreek man with a cheerful smile and a bright green vest. "Oooo, did you know you look like the Barsunala?" he asks Alptraum, while nodding approvingly. "Both of you look really complimentary to the d�cor." He has a slightly southern accent, so not likely from Babel originally.

"I look like him because I am him," Alptraum replies with a bit of a fangy sort of grin. "I'm here on business, but not a soul-collecting sort. I was helping out two of your guests locate any family they might have left. An older Eeee that goes by the name Aunty and a young girl that is with her."

"Oh my!" the Skreek says, and leans forward awkwardly to stretch out a hand, as if trying to initiate a hand-shake. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I can't really decipher the sigils used here, but they get visited by one of the Yodhrinala so I know how to get to them. Take the right turn at the end of the hall, and they will be six doors down on the left." From the way he struggles, Alptraum can see from his vantage that one of the Skreek's legs is in a cast.

Alptraum well, does shake that hand, then look in the direction indicated. "Is your leg going to be all right?" he asks once the directions have been given.

"Hmm? Oh yes, just took a bit of a tumble," the man says. "It will be healed up by the time my brother gets here to take me home. I'm Fredward, by the way, from Zannara." He has the handshake of a businessman.

"A pleasure to meet you. I do apologize your time here has involved, well, injuries. But, that said I also do also appreciate you helping others while you are here," Alptraum says. "If you have any complications with your leg, send word to Mount Sunala and they can reach me. I can help fix it if needed."

"I do like the attention of the nurses, actually," Fredward notes, with a bit of a grin. "Ironically, I came to see if there was a market for medicinal herbs from the south. Gave all my samples to the clinic, and most of my money too, but I now have some future customers, so overall I count myself as quite lucky for having fallen off a bridge."

"Interesting interpretation of luck, that," Alptraum admits and grins. He waves with his right hand as he steps back. "Well, I'll go see to the two I came to visit. I have good news for them."

Tulani smiles to the man as well. "I can wait outside the door if you don't want to crowd them," Tulani offers. "I hear the girl is rather shy."

"Extremely. She talks through her doll, if she talks at all," Alptraum agrees, "So, thank you."

"I will pass the time admiring the shiny ceiling," the Sphynx says with a grin, once they reach the indicated door.

Alptraum swats her on the butt. "Behave," he requests, then he's knocking at the door. "Hello?" he calls out.

"I'm old and dried up if'n you're looking for that sort of company," Aunty's voice calls out. "If'n you need something else to help yer sleep or dull some pain, come on in."

"Feeling bold, you go old," Alptraum quips stupidly as he opens the door and slips past it. "Behold, it is I, returned."

The room is longer than it is wide, with a bed, washbasin, chamberpot, perch and a table that is covered with bowls full of powdered material. Aunty is slightly hunched over as she grinds something with a mortar and pestle. Cedra is hanging from the perch, bundled inside her wings as if asleep (or pretending to be asleep). "Ah, you're back," the old woman says once she recognizes Alptraum. "Alone," she adds, looking worried.

"Yes, well, it's difficult to travel with four children," Alptraum explains and rubs the back of his neck. "I did find a few survivors and one was Cedra's brother. They've being taken care of at an estate outside of Babel. A kind older gentleman offered to allow any survivors to come live there and start a new life and home. I actually came back here to collect you two to bring to them."

"Dravitz is alright?" the little puppet that peeks out from between Cedra's wings asks.

"Better than I expected to find them, truth be told. They've had it hard, but they have warm beds now, and food, and people to look after them. So, yes, Dravitz is all right now. It will take time for the invisible sort of wounds to heal, but having a good home should help with that," Alptraum says. "I also have some traders looking for any other survivors with instructions for them to be sent to the estate to unite with the children."

"Four survivors," Aunty murmurs. "That's good. Do you still have Celeda's lock of hair?" she asks, looking to Alptraum with somewhat watery eyes.

"I gave it to Dravitz so her spirit could look over him while I came back to get you two. He didn't want to be alone again," Alptraum explains.

"That's probably best then for now," Aunty says, and rubs her cheek. "I'll release her when we see Dravitz.. if we can make it there. How far is it?"

"I intend for a proper memorial service to help guide their souls to rest, do not worry," Alptraum offers. "And it's pretty far, unfortunately, but you don't need to worry about that. I will carry you there."

"I may seem like I'm made of parchment, but a single man couldn't carry me and Cedra both," Aunty notes.

"I'm not a normal man, and I can carry you. I just have to change form to something larger, is all. I carried the children as a dragon, after all," Alptraum says.

One of Cedra's wings peels back enough for an eye to be seen. "Dragons eat little girls," she claims.

"Cedra, dragons are scary in stories to keep children from wandering off," Aunty claims.

"Yes," the girl says, and covers her eye with the hand puppet. "All men are scary."

Alptraum nods. "Well, it could be arranged for the dragon to be a girl and wear a pink bow. Would that help?" Alptraum asks.

Alptraum ... actually can't argue with that. "How long would you two need to be ready to go?" Alptraum asks Aunty.

"I need to finish this order for the Yodhrinala," Aunty says. "Would probably be best to leave early in the morning."

"I can give you several days if you wish, i do have various tasks I could do to take up a couple days," Alptraum offers. "Otherwise, tomorrow morning is fine."

"If you are busy, we can wait another day," Aunty says, looking at the still hiding Cedra. "To get her used to the idea."

"This is entire;y your decision," Alptraum says and holds up his hands. "I can adjust my tasks to your needs. None of them are urgent in the city."

"Well, earlier is better then," Aunty says. "No need to make Dravitz wait longer for us. So, early in the morning?"

"The morning is fine then. And, ah ... you have an interview with a Goddess. The Mother of Bones, an old one from Sylvania and known to me. She wishes to meet you and may offer to help protect the survivors," Alptraum says.

"A Goddess.. hadn't expected to meet any while I'm still alive," the woman says, and lightly cackles until it becomes a coughing fit.

"They fulfill their roles though," Aunty says. "As must we all. That is our connection to them."

"So, you aren't at least in disagreement with meeting her," Alptraum says, "This is good."

"I would not turn down such a request," Aunty claims. "I'm a witch, after all. I wouldn't be a very good one if I shied away from deities."

"Some would be advisable to shy away from, though. This one, though, seems reasonable. I have parlayed with her before," Alptraum says.

"That seems quite bold, to try and poach what belongs to Death," the witch says. "How powerful is this Mother of Bones?"

"So She is worshipped by the dead instead, perhaps?" Aunty asks. "Why did she want you then?"

"Because of my nature and what I could bring? I do not recall completely, it was many years ago," Alptraum admits.

"It sounds complicated, as all things to do with Babel often do," Aunty says, shaking her head a bit. "It is better to be a witch, I think, than a god."

"Simpler, requires less of you," Alptraum agrees and nods. "So, shall I leave you to prepare for tomorrow, then?"

"We will be ready," Aunty promises. "I just need to tell my clinic contact when she visits, and find a pink ribbon if such exists in Babel."

"Ah, that be appreciated if you can," Aunty says. "I have not ventured much beyond the hospice and this room."

"I think it can be easily handled. I know several places that should have something for her," Alptraum agrees and nods. "And by tomorrow midday, you should be reunited with them."

"A warm day, I hope," Aunty says. "And thank you again, Barsunala. Is there any way I might serve you?"

"Just help take care of the children for as long as you can; that is enough. I am hoping they will all recover from this nightmare fully in time. They didn't want me to leave when I had to, to come find you," Alptraum says as he steps back towards the door. "And Cedra, be good for aunty. You will get to see your brother tomorrow."

The hand puppet waves (sort of) to Alptraum as he leaves the room. Outside, Tulani asks, "How'd it go?"

"We'll be leaving in the morning, early. I just need to find a small pink bow for her, and a large one for a dragon," Alptraum claims. "She'll only ride on a girl dragon."

"With a pink bow?" Tulani asks, one white eyebrow raised. "How would you even tie it?"

"I guess by that you mean me then?" Tulani asks, crossing her arms. "Because I have experience folding sails?"

"Well, I can find someone else if you'd rather not," Alptraum points out, shrugs.

"I'll do it, but I won't do makeup or mane," Tulani says. "And I'll do your saddle too. We should check back home to see what sizes of fabric are available."

"Of course you could be the dragon instead," Alptraum points out. "And I would tie it on you. But as you say, we need to see what he have first."

Alptraum eyes Tulani, then nods. "Fine, and stop plotting," he warns, then heads back towards the exit!

Back at the nest, Tulani says, "Wait here while I check the fabric stock.. and take your clothes off, please."

"Erm, why?" Alptraum asks as he gives Tulani a rather odd look. But, he starts stripping anyway and folding up each piece neatly before setting it aside. Soon enough he's one tall, dark, naked Eeee with a lot of body jewelry.

"Take out the jewelry tooooo," Tulani croons as she heads deeper into the Nest. "You won't be sorry!"

"You know how long that takes?" Alptraum grumbles. Still, he does as asked, and carefully puts each piece in a box so they don't get lost. It's a good quarter of an hour to get them all out. Well, all but the few under the skin.

Tulani returns with her hands behind her back. "There's big roll of faded red fabric," she reports. "It's not Zolk, but should hold up. No proper ribbon though."

"Well, it doesn't need to be zolk. Just pink and can be made to look sort of ribbon-like," Alptraum says, shrugs, then peers a bit. "What are you hiding?"

Tulani reveals a collar.. and a leash. "We can get really good ribbon at Slaves to Art," she claims. "I got my bells there. A cat named Jingle should have some, don't you think?"

Alptraum rubs his face, and splays out his ears. "Seriously?" he asks her as he peers at the collar and leash. "Just that? No clothing?"

"I think you're teasing me. Or trying to trap me," Alptraum accuses and waggles a finger at her!

"Trap you?" Tulani says, holding out the leash and collar still. "Why would I do that? I missed your company while you were away."

Alptraum sniffs. "Well, hold on then and I'll try to cat up then," he says and sits his butt down on one of the crates. He wiggles his fingers at her and then within a few moments slides into cocoon darkness. Then it's just finding Pierce ... and then nudging on that form to shift to the more feminine side of things, aka, over to Jingle. Since the body tends to want to be female, hopefully it happens easily!

When the shadow does draw back, and there's purring, it gives the newly minted cat pause. Should she worry it was that easy? She stretches a few times, and checks, and nods. All there, all girl. Freaky.

That outburst makes Jingle bark! Then she's up straight, arms out before she even realizes it.

The collar is wrapped around her neck and latched closed. Then Tulani uses the leash to take measurements with!

Since she can't speak, Jingle just glares huffs, and lashes her tail! With one outstretched hand she does end up signing one word 'Trap'.

"It's not a trap if you walk into it willingly," Tulani purrs, and then heads deeper in towards the racks upon racks of clothing.

Jingle at least can lower her arms when Tulani steps away. Soon she crosses hem under her chest and waits, tail twitching.

Tulani returns oddly quick, carrying a black bundle. "Turn around now, arms to your sides," she says.

Jingle's ears flick, she gives Tulani a questioning look. Her head tilts, nose up, and she sniffs, loudly, then turns around and does drop her arms to her sides.

Tulani fits something over the Savanite's arms, and pulls it up over her shoulders. Then she comes around pull it closed in the front. It's a sheer black.. robe? Negligee? It semi-transparent, and makes the non-spot colors somewhat visible.

Jingle peers at this, lifting one arm, then the other, and shaking them a little. It sure doesn't look like much clothing to her! Most of her shows through!

"There, it fits!" Tulani says proudly. "And it will be easy to get in and out of! What more could you ask for?"

"You need to show off," Tulani decides. "You need to match my dancing costume. Just.. without as much of the costume."

"Me!" Tulani claims. "But actually, it will help with infiltration if you can be a dancer. There are some secret societies in Babel still."

"Isn't that a bit risky? I've had some pretty bad experiences with groups in Babel," Jingle signs, "Been a prisoner more than once, after all."

"We'd go in together though, as entertainers," Tulani says. "These aren't like the ones you went into before. They aren't religious, just 'clubs' that we need to make sure aren't manipulating things."

Tulani scoops Jingle up into her arms, and asks, "You can dance, can't you? There are probably gypsy girl dances.. the tarantella at least?"

This makes Jingle bark again! "Of course I can dance. Plenty of dances! Some that work only for women, even," she quickly signs.

"That'll be a good start then!" Tulani declares as she carries Jingle up the stairs and past the hidden door, the out the back garden and into the air.

Slaves to Art
This upscale salon for slaves offers many services, from grooming to body art. Like many stores under the upper deck of the plaza, it doubles as a support tower, and is cylindrical in shape, with partitions added to separate it into multiple rooms. Unlike traditional Babelite homes, it lacks the overall openness, with relatively narrow halls and 'doors' made from hanging strands of beads. The main room has several grooming stations, a few of them specifically for the more procedures like piercing and tattooing.

Helse looks up and smiles. "A new one?" she asks Tulani. "Pierce's sister, Jingle," Tulani introduces, and gives a little tug on Jingle's leash. The front part of the salon is busy, with two Savanite girls sitting backwards in the chairs as artwork is being applied to their backs.

Jingle looks nervous because she is! She knows this place far too well and it never ends 'well'! Still, she manages a small nervous smile and a wiggle of her fingers as a hello. Seeing two girls like her getting art applied, though, catches her attention and she watches. That's always fun!

"What's the order this time?" Helse asks, and Tulani says, "I want her to be surprised, so.. go wait in the room just down the hall there, Jingle."

Jingle pauses, peers, then pouts at Tulani. She reaches up, yanks the leash away from Tulani, then marches down the hall to the indicated room.

The room is familiar, with its piles of cushions for lounging or waiting or napping on. And someone is already doing some lounging. A male Savanite is there, with reading glasses for reading the book he holds. He does stand up when Jingle enters though, and gives a polite bow. Jingle recognizes him: Stone Will. Which means the girls outside are probably his younger twin sisters.

Jingle lifts a hand and waves a polite hello, then realizes her dress. She blushes a little, then makes her way to her own pillow to sit on and sort of curl up to protect herself! Though with this one she'll have to guard her butt!

Stone-Will smirks and waggles his ears while looking over the top of his glasses at the newcomer. "I am Stone Will," he signs to her, after setting down his book.

"/A friend of mine is arranging some sort of special work for me, I think. She made me wait in here while it was discussed,/" Jingle signs, and scowls a bit. "/What are your sisters having done?"

"They saw someone with their back painted in a pattern based on their spots, and have been determined to do the same," Stone-Will signs, and shakes his head. "They also want to see if their spots match up exactly."

"Ah, so just temporary work then?" Jingle signs, nodding. "They probably don't match exactly, either."

"I have told them so, but they do not trust me," the man signs back. Then he sets his glasses down on his book and gets up to stretch a bit. "What do you expect to be done to you?" he signs.

"I ... have no idea," Jingle signs while sighing and splaying her ears. "In all likelihood? Some sort of piercing work I expect, they specialize in it and my brother has a lot of work done."

Stone-Will looks at Jingle, and then gestures with both hands for her to stand up.

Stone-Will examines her face, then leans in and sniffs her a few times, his nose right against the fur of her neck.

"What are you doing?" Jingle signs as her tail flicks in agitation once he's able to see her sign.

"Checking if you are in your fertile period," he signs in reply. "You don't want to be exposed to some of the chemicals they use here if you are."

"I do not think I am," Jingle signs. "I don't feel any urges or anything, and if I am, I avoid ... complications by encouraging males to use, the, er, other passage."

This raises Stone-Will's eyebrows, and he reaches down to open up Jingle's gown and get a good look at the canvas.

"As you suspect, you are not ovulating at this time," he signs with one hand and casually feels up Jingle's chest with the other. Then he leans in and actually kisses her.. for as long as he can get away with it.

Maybe it's the fondling that got her distracted, or maybe she really didn't mind it, because soon she's kissing him back, and even has her arms wrapped around his sides after a few seconds.

His hands roam lower as they embrace, until his massaging her butt. And purring. Loudly.

Well, even with the ladies this one's proclivities run in a specific vein, it seems. She wiggles her butt as he massages it and purrs back equally loud. She even bites one of his lips, tugs it, then eases back to look him in the eyes. A grin curls on her lips and she nods slightly, just once, then goes back to kissing him.

Stone-Will guides Jingle down to the cushion pile without breaking the kiss, and spares a hand to undo his pants.

This seems to surprise Stone-Will, as he may not be that familiar with women taking the initiative so soon. He can't sign anything since.. well, how would Jingle see it? She's definitely getting a reaction though.

Jingle only uses her lips and tongue a little to get things started, then eases back, grins at him, and wiggles her ears!

There's a bit of a growl, and then Stone-Will pushes on Jingle's shoulders to get her fully onto her back. Semi-surprisingly, he starts with the main entrance instead of the back door, although he thrusts as if he was expecting the extra padding.

There's that squeak again when Jingle goes back! She's surprised by the front entrance, too, but then realizes, uh, he's probably just using it to gather ... lubrication. Still, she starts to purr, loudly, and hip roll as much as she can, or he'll let her. He might prefer to do all the movement!

He lets her take her own leash, metaphorically and literally, and just follows Jingle's lead.

Well, with him on top she undulates and rolls under him, and tries to set the sort of timing of their activities. Her eyes droop a little as she purrs, and purrs, and gets him to rub her 'spots' just right!

The man's muzzle buries itself in her chest ruff, and beings a flurry of thrusts, using that renowned Savanite speed.

Jingle has suspicions still on what Stone Will's intentions are, so she does nothing to stop him from that, ro speed. In fact she actively lines things so she gets as much stimulation as possible. When she starts growling, arching, and all sorts of inner muscles clench, well ... signs of success!

It goes on a few more minutes, and Jingle feels the splash.. but Stone-Will isn't 'finished' despite that. After he pulls out he's rolling Jingle onto her stomach.

Jingle is still basking in the glow she's having from her ride! She predicted it, and since well, she got her fun, she rolls over when encouraged. She even lifts her rump a bit and flicks her tail up and out of the way, then looks over her shoulder, smiles, and signs, "All yours. Bet my Brother would like you too, sometimes I know he likes, uh, being with other guys."

And so Stone-Will does. The lubrication thought now plays out, as Stone-Will starts it off at full speed.

The first entry is uncomfortable! Poor Jingle grunts! But, as he works and things loosen up it goes from uncomfortable to more 'odd with some discomfort'. And this time it's her that lets him set the speed and movement so that he enjoys it in the way he wishes. "I'm pathetic," she thinks, though.

It takes some time, since Stone-Will is working at it through his refractory period. He does make more noises than typical for a Savanite as he does it though.

Jingle actually doesn't seem to mind. She's rolling and clenching to try and help him along, even. And after a while, she's even back to purring. It feels odd, uncomfortable, and good all at once now. She'd probably be mortified if she thought about it, but right now she's just, well, enjoying it.

That's when the two younger sisters prance in on them, and start signing to their brother (by getting there hands in front of his face). Probably asking him of the back paintings look the same or not.

And that ... makes Jingle giggle like mad. The utter absurdity that they just come in while the brother is busy and still want his input is just ... well, there's sort of a hiss-snort from Jingle and a lot of ear wiggling.

Stone-Will does have a weakness it seems: dealing with his sisters. "I will look later," he signs to them. So they got and sit on other nearby cushions to watch.

Awkward! Still, Jingle flashes a grin to them and winks! With her butt up and their brother in it.

Stone-Will shifts to a kneeling position to match, which also lets him pump faster. It apparently also provides the best angle of attack, as he's soon panting and growling just before he pops a second time.

Jingle feels it, the burst and then diffusing warmth. She arches her back, lips drawn and she makes a plaintive sort of mrowling sound. She also reflexively clenches down a few times, then relaxes and just pants.

That makes Jingle growl and clench harder to hold him in! She's going to bask a bit, Dagh take it! She's going to get some fun before things get all ouchy!

In an attempt to get her to release him, Stone-Will reaches around Jingle to rub her breasts and play with her nipples.

Jingle holds out for as long as she can, but eventually she does have to unclench and let him escape! Which of course she pouts afterward.

Stone-Will keeps up the fondling even after being allowed to slide out. He ends the fondling with a hug from behind and, of course, purring.

"Probably the last time I'll get to enjoy such things for a while," Jingle signs, purring herself, and rolling to her side to snuggle back against him.

Jingle's cuddle-nap doesn't last very long. Sephia slithered in to rouse her. "Chair isss ready for you now, kitty kitty," the Naga hisses, and even tugs on Jingle's tail. Stone_Will is likewise being prodded into activity by his sisters, who probably want to get to wherever they're supposed to be next.

There's a lot of complain-y noises from Jingle as she's roused, and then escorted to the terrible, horrible, chair. She's not even really aware of being led at first, not till she's there anywhere! She just sort of deflates.

Something.. several somethings, actually.. are attached to her collar. These new straps are then tightened until Jingle's head is pretty much immobilized against the headrest. She also realizes her wrists and ankles are being strapped down as well.

The cat makes a gagging sort of grrk! and soon her head is quite stuck where it is. And with her wrists and ankles secured, it's close to being gagged (for a savanite). HEr right hand is trying to sign, though, "Is this necessary?!!?"

Sephia just pats the squirming hand. "Jussst precautionss sso nobody getss hurt," the Naga claims, while a rolling tray is set up next to the chair. Jingle can still move her eyes enough to spot a lot of sparkly stuff on it.

"I feel like I'm going to get hurt regardless!" the poor cat signs in a panic. Her eyes flick around and she spots sparkles ... and that figures! Tulani always liked the sparkle ... and is apparently indulging herself.

"If it hurtsss too much, jusst chirp," Sephia says, and starts dabbing at the Savanite's forehead with an alcohol-soaked cloth. Even going so far as to get the upper part of her muzzle, which makes her eyes water a bit.

Jingle's nose crinkles up a bit, then she actually sneezes from the alcohol! This is even more worrisome! So naturally her ears splay out flat as she sniffs after the sneeze. Alcohol means something pokey, or bleed-y. Both very ouchy!

Being unable to see the area in question without a mirror may make it worse. Sephia sets the cloth aside, and picks up a tool that the cat can't actually see, but can here it click. She also catches a glimpse of a very small obsidian scalpel that Sephia's assistant Naga (a smaller one, so probably younger) wields. "There isss going to be what ssseems to be a lot of blood, but do not fret," Sephia says in.. well, Naga don't really have 'assuring tones of voice' but she does try at least.

"Easy for you to say!" Jingle signs and even barks in surprise at the slot of the scalpel! "Tulani, you're going to get it! And how!" the doomed feline thinks.

The Nagas take up her entire field of vision then. She can feel someone pinch the skin between her eyes, then there's some wetness followed by something going in underneath and a kerchunk sound. The sting of alcohol follows for a moment, thanks to the assistant while Sephia does things with the tray.

Jingle's ears can't go any flatter! She scrunches up her face some when the skin there is pinched. She thinks briefly on what the heck could be happening, then there's a sting, dampness, and more stinging! She sort of rumble-whines from it and squirms, well except her head. That stays stationary.

The next pinch comes, almost right above the first one (because it hurts still). The incision isn't felt, but kerchunk is, followed by the dabbing of the cloth while Sephia reloads. The assistant also licks away some of the blood so that it doesn't get into Jingle's eyes.

The poor cat makes a pitiful sort of whimper sound, but at least she isn't squirming anymore! The pain isn't that bad, more annoying than intense. She still has no idea what is being done, other than some sort of decoration ... on her face. Revenge is still being plotted.

After a few more, Sephia is onto her forehead. The upper bridge of her muzzle is a bit numb and throbby now though. "You want to clossse your eyesss, or blood will get into them," the Naga asks. "Pain sstill tolerable?"

Jingle shrugs a little in the answer to that question and closes her eyes afterward. It must be since she isn't making any other sounds, at least. HEr other 'forms' will have to conceal these by drawing them under the skin, she realizes. Should be thick enough in most, but still! Tulani is all about the ones she can't remove, that's for sure!

Things start feeling sticky on Jingle's eyelids, even with the occasional Naga licks. Naga have dry, narrow, smooth tongues that really aren't made for actually licking, after all. She can't quite determine the pattern to whatever is being embedded though.

Jingle's fingertips are tapping on the arm rests of her chair, but she's managing to remain quiet. The pain really isn't bad, the sticky sensations are more annoying, though.

"Jusssst a few more, then we can do the other bitss," Sephia says, just before the next kerchunk. "Fur isss ssso botherssome, but Tulani did not want you shaved for thisss."

At least the fur on a savanite's face is pretty short. She makes grumbly snorts at the comment of 'a few more', but still remains generally still; just her fingers tap some. She's counted close to a dozen, all small, and feeling a bit like a throbby mass at the moment.

It really is 'just a few more', before Sephia stops and hisses something to the assistant. The younger Naga releases the neck straps and wraps a bandage around Jingle's head, even making it crisscross over the top of her bridge. This leaves her eyes free but with some bandages over her cheeks.

Jingle opens her eyes, slowly. The bandage means she won't get to see what was done, alas! She can feel a lot of throbbing in time with her heartbeat under that bandage. She tries to lift an arm to feel, but they're still secured! She grumps, but otherwise doesn't complain.

There's another tool being prepped.. one Jingle recognizes! The piercer! At least it isn't the septum punch, but Sephia is still bringing it closer to her face.

That makes jingle squeak! She leans her head back until it's against the rest again and can go no further.

Then a scaley finger grabs Jingle's nose, and piercer goes in, making a hole in her left nostril. It hurts of course, and makes her want to sneeze. "Hold ssstill," Sephia says, with the tool still in place. "I need to let go to get the ring."

Jingle ends up snorting when her nose is grabbed. And goes cross-eyed when the tool is forced in! uncomfortable! And it gets worse when it makes a hole in her nostril! The comment about not sneezing elicits a complain-y squeak, but she is managing to hold still.

The wire ring makes a noise as Sephia inserts it and folds the ends. A tinkly sort of jingle. Like one of Tulani's glass bells.

Jingle's ear twitches. Then she shakes her head and makes it jingle a bit more. Huh! She flares her nose, more jingling. then she wonders if it's just one nostril, or both, doomed to be musical.

Apparently it's just the one nostril for now, as Sephia grabs Jingle's left ear next. "Jussst two in each ear," she warns the cat.

Ears don't hurt that bad to be pierced, thankfully. So, she holds her ear still for the serpent.

And instead of the regular piercing tool.. it's the grommet tool! Defiler of Septums!

"You have thick ssskin where these need to go," Sephia points out. Then she moves quickly to punch though the ear! A little circle of skin shoots and lands on the tip of Jingle's nose while Sephia gets the grommet halves.

Ow! That causes the cat to bark out loud! That hurt! Little the circle may be, but the hole feels huge! Like a large part of her ear was taken out! She even jerks in the chair.

"Tsscha," Sephia hisses at the sudden jerk, and hisses something to her assistant. The other Naga dips their head down between Jingle's legs and starts nuzzling. At least the snout isn't cold, just cool.

Well, that's a sudden distraction, at least, until they work down there (if they do). Her ear throbs hotly, and the small hole continues to feel huge, like the size of a finger instead of a 'pencil'.

The distraction is at least enough to make Jingle momentarily forget that Sephia mentioned two holes in each ear, so the second bite is a slight surprise, but hurts just as much as the first one.

The poor cat's ear now feels like cheese with holes in it! And throbby! And then she remembers they intend for both ears. Jingle makes a plaintive whimper, and tries to rub her crotch on the serpent between her thighs to distract herself!

That reaction unfortunately makes the snout retreat! But then something gets inserted instead. It's hard, has a curve to it and ends in a bump covered nob. This gets worked around inside, as if trying to find the best spot. Sephia has moved around behind the chair though, for easier access to the right ear.

Jingle gasps out when she's invaded down below. Part of her is worried this is to spread and make things easily accessible on each side down there! The other part is trying to make her just purr and enjoy! One thing is sure, though, she has no idea where Sephia is!

The right ear gets held, just before the first punch of the tool. Sephia is getting faster at this.

There's a sort of pleasured purr, interrupted by a bark, when the first hole goes into the next ear! Jingle whimpers, squirms, and does battle with her ears hurting and her hoohoo feeling pretty good!

The second one follows quickly. "That iss the lasst ear," Sephia says (as if Jingle had more than two ears). Then the rings and bells are attached, so now her ears jingle. Right in the ears, too.

And with the grommet holes, the rings move easily, so the bells ring a lot! She breathes out, her nose, forehead, and ears all throbbing now. And at least two parts are fitted with relatively permanent 'gear'. Something new to deal with! At least her only permanent adornment in her nose is hidden.

There's another hissed command to the assistant, who noses at Jingle's chest until they find a nipple. Then there's an attempt to suckle, which sounds very dry, before they just resort to nosing at the nipple and rubbing it a bit.

Well, the nipple nosing feels nice at least, and Jingle purrs in spite of herself. And of course the nipple soon presents itself through the fluff; dark black flesh.

It was all a ploy! Since the nipples are in sync, that means one of them vulnerable, and Sephia uses a piercing needle on it.

Well, at least it was a needle? But, she still barks in surprise when pain lances through her poor abused nipple! Jingle glares at Sephia, betrayed!

The Naga's expression is always the same. Then the assistant pulls back and a second needle pierces the nipple he was working on. The assistant wiggles the.. stimulator?.. some more. Could it be one of Helse's toys?

The wiggling is an excellent distraction! The savanite actually moans a little and her hips jerk. Her poor nipples throb hotly, and her lions are happy. It's weird mixing of pleasure and pain to be sure!

Rings go in, and more bells. Then Sephia comes around front, crowding the assistant and examining his work. There is a hissed conversation between them, and wheeze of Naga laughter from Sephia. Then she takes the handle and more expertly drives Jingle to distraction - although part of that might have just been to check that all the bells are working.

There's soon a moaning Savanite in the chair, squirming and shivering too! That toy works disturbingly well at rubbing the right places to really get her to see stars and feel really good. She even manages to have two short, but intense, waves of pleasure one after the other! She's likely jingling like mad, but the cat is completely distracted!

The needle strikes, right at Inala's orb. But as things are a bit over-stimulated, it still hurts but doesn't really come across as pain.

Jingle sees stars! She realizes she just got poked, and is sure it wasn't the grommet thing at least! But wow, she's arching hard and the chair is now groaning from the strain. It hurts, but it hurts good, which is vexing and making her make all sorts of plaintive barks.

The spot is then blotted with alcohol, which burns, but also feels alright despite then. Jingle doesn't notice the ring go in, with it's own little bell.

Jingle is breathing deep and sort of hissing out as she works through the odd pain. she's blinking a lot too, to clear tears, then tries to look down and spot it.

A glimmer of reflected light. Glass! Or crystal. Hopefully not something easily broken. "Ssstill doing alright?" Sephia asks.

Jingle takes stock of herself. She's throbbing in many places, but nothing too horrible. So, she nods.

"Alright, time to do your backssside," Sephia claims, and begins to unstrap Jingle's wrists and ankles.

Worried, Jingle does actually turn over on the chair, and lies on her front. Her poor chest complains with pain!

"How ssstill can you hold your tail?" Sephia asks, now that Jingle can freely sign.. over her shoulder, most likely.

"Perfectly" Jingle sighs and does indeed hold it perfectly still! She also spreads her legs some, just in case.

Sephia feels over the tail, from root to tip. She hisses something to her assistant, and there are rummaging sounds from the tray.

Jingle wishes she could see, but for now she just holds her tail still ... while she imagines all sorts of terrible things happening to Tulani! Like making her become Yodhgorphat.

Something is slipped over the tail, and run all the way down until it can't go further. It feels like a ring, a wide one. Then it starts to get tighter.

Jingle makes an off 'mrrp'? sound! She tries to look over her shoulder and see what it is, she's sure it's going to severely limit tail movement at her butt. Or in other words might keep her tail hiked up.

She spots some sort of wire mesh, with her fur sticking out through it. It doesn't feel like metal wire though.. the whole thing is at leas an inch wide, so that would be ridiculously expensive. It may some sort of treated grass string, but there's something solid keeping it taut.

Jingle tries to see if she can move her tail there, and see how it tends to make her tail, well, position.

"No wiggling!" Sephia snaps as soon as Jingle tries to move the tail. She's got a needle in one hand that has more of the whatever-it-is material threaded through it.

Jingle snorts, loudly, then turns back around and stares ahead. Her aching ears twitch in annoyance.

Jingle-tinkle-jingle go the cheetah's ears. She can feel the bells swing around with each twitch. Sephia finishes her sewing(?) and adds a new ring of mesh to the tail. There's quite a gap between it and the first, so there can't be many more. The Naga seems to avoiding the joints and making sure the mesh is at the center of a tailbone.

Jingle is going to find the earrings annoying! She grumbles and splays those ears out. She continues to remain still and lets the serpent work. she's even holding her tail still.

After the forth mesh is applied, Sephia switches to sewing bells to them. Jingle will never be able to sneak up on Tulani now!

And thus Jingle sees the sneaky plan of that cat! This form can't sneak up on her, but others can, and will! Grr!

After the bells have been affixed, Sephia says. "There, twitch all you like now." Jingle hears the cart being rolled away.. but another one being rolled up to replace it.

Jingle does, in fact, flick it all around. she also uses the opportunity to look back at her tail, and at the new cart.

The mesh is almost completely hidden under the fur of her tail, but the chitin rings that mark the edges are visible. There are at least four bells per mesh, for 16 in total.

And boy is moving that tail loud. She'll remember to use it anytime Tulani tries to sleep! That will show her.

The first jar is opened, and the brush dipped in. It comes up covered in bright red ink or dye. The Naga begins using it to draw a design between the spots of her lower back.

Aha! The spot painting stuff, like the twins had! At least that won't be painful. So, she settles in to enjoy the off experience and try to forget about how much her head still throbs all over.

The assistant then gets involved, raising Jingle's noisy tail to insert something into her just below it. It has a weird shape that fixes it firmly into place!

Jingle is sort of zoning out in the painting, so she's relaxed when her tail is hefted up slowly. She thinks nothing of it until she feels pressure back there, then the weird shape parts things and slides in! Her earlier playing with Stone-Will had loosened her up some back there, so it goes in without pain, but it sure surprises her! She yelp-barks!

"No twitchy," Sephia says, but Jingle can tell there's something dangling from the plug: another bell, or course.

Jingle finds it also very much encourages her to keep her tail up too. Instinct makes her lift it if she quits thinking on it. The cat reaches back to feel how flush it sits, and how secure this thing is in her.

This causes it to smack against Sephia, but the Naga doesn't seem to react. She's begun to work here way up along Jingle's back.

Jingle grumbles, and fumble-feels more to get a vague idea on shape back there. And a few careful tugs show it's in there pretty darn good; it'll take some effort to pop it back out!

"Tsh!" Sephia complains as Jingle contorts. "Why ssso twitchy? Other girlss ssstay sstill, no problem."

Jingle draws her arm back around. she also resists making a rude gesture to Sephia for that comment.

Sephia finally finishes with the red, and changes jars to a different color, starting at the bottom again.

Jingle almost looks, then decides to wait and see it when it's done. So, she rests her chin on the back of her hands and lets her eyes droop as she relaxes.

Her back tingles from whatever Sephia is using, but it isn't bad enough to be itchy. It's still relaxing, since nothing new is being inserted at least. The fur-dying continues, until there's something acrid smelling opened. Then things are being stuck to her back.

JJingle does list a hand and sign the question, "Why does it tingle?" The acrid smells make her eyes pop open, then she's twisting a bit to look now, curious. The last time she was around acrid smells in compromising ways, she ended up completely devoid of any body covering.

"Jusst a reaction to the dye, it getsss into the sskin," Sephia replies. "Don't worry about ssstink, that'ss the glue for the catssseyes."

"The what now?" Jingle signs. She tries to look again then back around to rest her chin on her hands to be still for the 'procedure'.

She spots what look like red outlines around the spots along her spine, with golden looking stones being set into the centers, which have been dyed white as well.

It should look interesting if nothing else, Jingle decides. Her tail lazily flicks, jingling in time.

As a final touch, 'catseyes' are glued to the back of Jingle's ears, where she already has eyespots. "There, hold ssstill ssso thingss can sset," Sephia says.

"Okay, okay," Jingle signs after lifting one arm a bit so that she can. HEr tail is still quite hiked thanks to the plug, which puts both her, er, plugged rump on display, and her delicate areas.

The assistant finally removes the tool that was in her other nether access, and sets it on the tray.

Jingle sort of gurgles when the tool is pulled out with a wet sort of 'pop'. She has no dignity anymore!

Sephia blows on some spots along Jingle's back, and pokes as well. "All dried, all done," she claims, and pats the cheetah on the butt.

It's a bit of an effort, but Jingle does manage to slide herself off the table and onto her feet shakily. She also looks for a mirror to get a look at her poor bandaged head.

There are dark obsidian hand mirrors, which aren't a huge help. Why wouldn't a salon have mirrors. But before she search much further Tulani pats her shoulder. "Ready to get back home?" she asks.

"You are going to get it for this. Some of these are permanent//" Jingle signs a bit angrily to Tulani. "But yes, I am ready to go home."

Tulani helps Jingle into the robe again, but it doesn't do much to stop the jingling. "I got more stuff for you to put on later," Tulani purrs, and then reattaches the leash.

There's a bit of a waddle-bowlegged walk due to her backdoor 'companion', but soon enough Jingle is garbed enough for travel and back on her 'property' leash for the trip back. "Back we go," she signs.

Back at the Nest, Jingle can finally use the full length glass dressing mirror, if she dares! "I'll get the other bits now," Tulani tells her, before delving into another area of the bunker.

Jingle does go to the full length mirror to get a better look at herself! Including her bandaged head to see if it looks safe enough to unbandage, or not.

It still feels a bit throbby, but her ears didn't look swollen, so it might be safe to unbandage her head.

Jingle looks pensive, but in the end she does start to unbandage her head and just see how bad it is.

At first it looks messy, with some blood caked around the crystal studs. They form a pattern in the center of her forehead, but because it's a reflection it takes a moment for her to reverse it in her head: the flower, Inala's symbol.

Jingle finds some water and uses the bandages, dampened, to clean up some of the blood. She also pokes at one of the crystals to see how, well, secure it actually is to her, and how deep. "She marked me with an Inala symbol! Jingle thinks, horrified. The other Goddesses will not be happy! Gorphat will be livid. Maybe she should avoid the Temple of Gorphat permanently now? She paces back and forth in front of the mirror, fretting.

The crystals can turn. They seem to be mounted on pins that poke out (barely) from the skin (which must have been what were being inserted through the incisions). But they aren't exactly loose, thanks to the.. clamper or puncher or whatever made the scary sound.

"Crap, those things really are permanent without, well, cutting them out," Jingle frets as she pokes at a few, then stops when it makes them hurt a bit more. She'll have to do ... something to hide them sometimes to be sure! Tulani must have done it to make things more difficult for her out of being upset she hasn't been around, or something!

"I'm back," Tulani announces, wearing her own bell-dancer costume, and with new matching accessories for Jingle: a belled collar and belt along with wrist and ankle cuffs (that also sport bells).

"That's it? No other clothing...?" Jingle signs, then collects the clothing. She has little to shed, so it's more about fitting the new stuff on to see how she looks by posing in the mirror!

Finally getting a good look at her back is a bit of a shock. It looks like her spine is being flanked by a dozen red-rimmed eyes. Actual eyes! The catseye stones really look like golden-brown cat eyes. At least the red didn't run, or they'd look like bleeding ones. The ones on the back of her ears don't have the red outline at least.

Her back gives the cat pause. She ends up staring at it from several angles to look over the eyes and how disturbingly real they look. Then she gets a good look at her tail and shakes it around, confirming those bell meshes are very well attached! It also gives her a chance to look at the bell-insert in her backside too.

Not much shows of it, but it's colored to blend in with the surrounding fur, except for the bell. It makes it seem like she's missing a hole. At least it doesn't have a catseye attached.

Jingle of course waggles her butt, which makes the bell ring loudly. She also then realizes that might be appropriate, given it being called Gorphat's Mouth, and she bears Inala's flower! She looks back to Tulani, then signs, "So, do you have something a pair of dancers needs to infiltrate?"

"Now that you mention it, yes," Tulani says. "But there is also some special training related to the bells. Special Yodhbarada training for Belldancers, one of their special groups."

"And I get this training ... where?" Jingle inquires in sign. She also flicks and ear, then regrets it!

"Well, for starters.. here," Tulani says, and then moves.. oddly. But in a way that none of her bells chime.

This surprises Jingle. She's not sure how she did that! The cat ponders, then tries to mimic that movement.

The first attempt causes chiming and jingling. "You need to start by trying to moved just one limb without making sound," Tulani says. "It helps to close your eyes, but you can use the shadow to quell the bells on parts you aren't trying to move smoothly."

"That would be cheating," Jingle points out. She takes a few deep breaths as she closes her eyes. Then comes the experiment, just lifting her arms up, then lowering them, without making a sound.

The key is to not make any abrupt starts or stops. Constant, smooth motion keeps them from chiming, and smoothly starting and stopping (which are the hardest bits). There isn't a way yet to stop the bells on her ears though, since those tend to move on their own.

"Breath smoothly too," Tulani advises. "Suppressing your purr is going to be hard."

Jingle doesn't worry about her ears right now. The comment about purring elicits the spotted one to sign, "I'll just think of all the frustrating things you do to help!. She also sticks out her tongue briefly, then tries again, focusing on trying to move slow and smooth, no sharp changes of direction or stops.

"If it helps, try to move like a Naga," Tulani offers, grinning a bit. "This technique can be used to hypnotize them if done correctly. I haven't gotten to where I can play a tune yet though."

"I can be a naga, you know," Jingle signs. She does break the practice at least once to smack Tulani right on the butt while she practices. Then she goes right back into trying to move with slow, fluid, sort of oozing steps.

"Let the movement bleed out through your fingers into the air," Tulani says, after rubbing her butt. "I know that sounds weird, but it's how it was explained to me as how to come to a stop."

"Don't try to stop, more try to just 'run out', I guess. Like tiring out and letting yourself naturally slow, Jingle signs as a possible other interpretation of that. Then she's trying to do just that, most notably with her tail, since the urge is often sharper movements, not languid, petering out, ones.

Savanites at least don't suffer from unconsciously expressive tails, since deliberate body-language is essential to them. There are still jingles, but they're softer since the bells and hammers are moving together more, instead of both jangling about from rougher motions.

"How do you deal with not having wings?" Tulani asks. "Do you still have the same level of control over your pectorals?"

This does make for some very frustrated savanite-faces though. Over and over, repeated movements involving feet and tail control, more swooping and liquid, less fast and snapping. "/It takes a few hours to get used to," Jingle signs in passing. "/There's lots of twitching of those muscles when you feel off balance until you get used to not having that weight./"

"You'll need to practice keeping control of them without twitching, since you want to control your boob movement. They can be like pendulums damping out other torso motion. Plus if you stand still and make just the nipple bells chime, it really grabs the attention."

"It's not like i have big boobs like this, if you haven't noticed! They don't move that much," Jingle signs, "I'm not a boobcat like you!" She sticks out her tongue again, but does experiment with that, seeing if she can use even that smallish weight as a pendulum to control movement bleed.

It helps with slowing down from torso twists, although not from forward and back motions.

Taking control of the below the belt bells is trickier, since one of them is on a rigid plug.

The couple tiles Jingle actually went to remove the plug got her swatted, so she ends up glaring a bit instead, but she does leave it in for the time being! Once she can at least move one limb only without noise she does get more into full body movements, which makes those bells all the harder to control. She ends up trying to do controlled relaxing there to control, well, the plug.

"I suppose the bells will have to come off if you change," Tulani notes, watching Jingle practice. "I've heard that originally the bells were made of metal, like little balls with a bead inside, and they were surgically implanted instead of being jewelry."

Mastering the butt-bell means mastering butt movement, which also means dealing with the hip belt.

"/I'm surprised you didn't opt to get something like that,." Jingle signs, "/And yes, they have to come out until I turn back into this cat again, or maybe Pierce./" She shrugs lazily, and manages to even not make a sound! Progress! Then the focus goes to her hips and butt, trying to do a sort of lazy belly-dance that has no sudden movements. The swinging weight of that bell on the plug feels weird as hell, though.

"It would immediately give you away as a thief of Barada if that was done," Tulani says. "An Eeee can't do this, because the constant chiming would mess with their echo sense. The Yodhbarada are the only ones that have non-Eeee positions for things like this. But that's a big secret!" She puts a finger to her lips in the Yodhbarada 'hush' pose.

"I can ask Barada about it too, you know. We talk from time to time," Jingle points out, grins. "Last thing I need is more implants, though." Then it's back to hip practicing, and wow, is THAT frustrating. Every movement seems to just want to cause SOMETHING to chime, and it's weird, and hard, to flex and relax both backdoor and, er, front door muscles in counter time to try and dampen movements.

"That look on your face is not a relaxed one," Tulani points out, and boops Jingle's nose as she says it.

Jingle tries to bite that finger! "Have you done this with what feels like a small fist in your butt?" she asks in sign.

"It would help YOU practice. So we'll get you one of these too," Jingle signs, then goes back to working her hips and belly, slowler, focusing on fluidity of roll and directional shifts.

"I'm not as quick a study as you," Tulani says, "And one for me would have to made of stone so it doesn't get crushed."

"That's beside the point," Tulani says. "You need to practice with extra challenges. For Gorphat.. probably."

"I'll have enough problems next time i deal with her, I'm sure. I've not spent time with HEr in a while, and I've been dealing with Inala's whims. She'll be mad," Jingle signs. After a few times of making no sounds, she tries to increase movements and flow, stretching her ability to keep from making noise.

It takes a lot of strength to move slowly and maintain balance. It's a constant fight against gravity and keeping muscles from relaxing. Moreso with multiple limbs in motion.

So, it's good exercise if nothing else, and is really familiarizing the cat with this body, and the minute differences it has compared to other wingless female forms. Around and around. A few jingles here and there, but with each pass around the room she gets a little better at it. It actually helps to not think about things stuck up in you.

"You're getting the hang of it now," Tulani says, smiling. "Aren't you glad I got you the bells now?"

"I'm considering forgiving you for it, I suppose," comes Jingle's signed response. Another pass, then she pushes up movement even further, and adds in a bit more tail roll and flow, using it to also pendulum like her chest does. Swaying breasts do feel pretty weird!

"Next level will be ringing the bells in sequence," Tulani claims, trying to look stern. "It's theoretically possible."

"Not yet," Tulani admits. "I don't know that it's actually possible without lots of training. I mean, how long did your gypsy crushes have to practice before making it to the stage?"

"Practice is all they did, prettymuch. Couple years, maybe," Jingle signs again before going about a bit more 'silent' practice. "So, are you hoping to keep me as a cat more often? Is that why you had this body trussed up too? I think you like feeling like you own me."

"All part of the act," Tulani claims. "And because I know you enjoy it.. but my real father was a pirate, so maybe there's a little tiny bit of that in me. We're going to infiltrate a private gentleman's club and find out what they're up to."

"En, if it could actually be signed and official for the cats, I'd sign and agree. It is kinda fun," Jingle signs and sticks out her tongue. "And that's the reason, good to know. Infiltrate a club of fat old guys to be oggled, got it."

"And maybe steal stuff, if it's incriminating or dangerous," Tulani notes, grinning. "I can do that while they're all hypnotized by you."

"You don't think I can steal stuff? what id they try to get me to go down on them in some manner?" Jingle signs.

"Well, that would be a useful distraction, and I could tell when they're done by the chiming," Tulani claims.

"So, you're saying I should plan for that?" Jingle pauses and peers at Tulani.

"Just expect it and ... bring mouthwash," Jingle signs before sticking out her tongue. Then back to practicing!

"You are weird," Tulani says, and tries practicing a bit more as well. "Hmmm, I wonder if you can burn incense in the bells. We need to be able to leave smoke trails."

"Probably, but that risks setting me on fire too!" Jingle signs in passing. She is getting slowly better, but that rump bell is pretty vexing! It's the hardest to control.

Tulani still jingles a bit, as she's only mastered a few quiet moves. Anything that requires torso movements are difficult due to her wings. And she doesn't have bells on her nipples to worry about, either.

Jingle holds up a finger, then gestures for Tulani and her to do mirrored movements, so they both practice in tandem. That' slikely to come up during things anyway, so best to practice it now.

It's tricky, since Tulani mostly follows Jingle's lead, but sometimes doesn't. Eventually they fall into sync though. At least they both have collars and belts and wrist and ankle cuffs for bells, although Tulani's tail isn't has elaborate as Jingle's.

It also helps in that they can see on each other where movements are going wrong and correct. So, on goes the odd practice like this for some time, different flows, and tempos, all to see how far things can be pushed, and where.

"Oof," Tulani says. "I feel like I've moved a load of cargo. Should rest soon, if we.. you.. are going to fly out tomorrow. Anything you need readied other than that net saddle?"

Jingle draws to a stop. "Just so that it's safe enough for two passengers. And oh, any supplies or clothing we might want to donate to them. Not sure if we have anything, but if we do, now's the time," she signs after leaning on a crate. She can't exactly sit down with her little back door companion.

"Not a lot of children sized clothes that I've noticed," Tulani notes, then starts to help de-bell Jingle. "Maybe raw fabric would be easier to get, if they can make their own clothes at the sanctuary."

"They should be able to. Maybe we just send on some bolts of cloth too, rugged stuff, to be safe and leave it at that," Jingle signs with a free hand. Right before she barks when her little companion is somewhat gently extracted from her with a pop! It leaves her feeling a bit of cool air before things finally clench closed again.

"I'll make sure to wash this," Tulani says, holding onto the ring as she sets the plug aside. "How safe is the place you're taking them to? I mean, who already lives there?"

"Just an old man and his staff. Someone who grew tired of Babel and its problems long ago, and went to build a new life with the ones he loved elsewhere," Jingle signs. "He's all that's left now other than some servants that have been with him for a very long time."

"Well, hopefully it will all work out to everyone's benefit," Tulani says. "I grew up with an adoptive family, and I turned out pretty good after all!"

"You broke your brother, though!" Jingle teases, grinning. Then she's onto easing the ring out of the side of her nose.

"But he was fun! I could shape him to be a good addition to the club on Rephidim!" Jingle pushes.

"Absolutely not," Tulani says, with a bit of a growl. "He's a sweet shy boy and would not like it there."

"He would love it there! I was sweet and shy and that place expanded my horizons!" Jingle claims.

"When were you sweet then?" Tulani asks. "I've met your childhood friend, remember."

"Plenty of times! He was the devious one! I was all innocent, kind, and pure," Jingle claims, then crosses her arms under her chest.

"So the fox was the one in charge?" Tulani asks, crossing her own arms as well and looking skeptical.

"He was in charge of trouble," Jingle signs with one hand and a straight face.

"And you were just dragged along, pleading with him to be rational and cautious?" Tulani asks. "Redeeming him was your mission? Did you have other friends?"

"Yes, and no! Lets just get the bells off and get ready for tomorrow," Jingle grouses, resuming stripping of the bells, and fretting about the grommets in her ears and where those might end up.

Tulani finishes stripping her own costume off, and claims the center of the pillow nest first!

Jingle grumbles! she has to put everything away first. So when it's all said and done, she marches over and just ... falls ontop of Tulani with a thump!

Tulani doesn't even make an 'oof' sound! But she does pull Jingle around into a feline spooning position and purrs loudly as starts to doze off.

Jingle would grumble more, but she's tired and sore. so, her eyes close and she drifts off as well. Apparently being cat right now is just fine with her.