The Playful Mermaid
The only official tavern in Ravensweir is build right on the docks below the cliff that bears the townships looming fortress. This particular spot was chosen for it because as much of the castle that was likely to have collapsed onto it already had, providing a stable base and some unusual architecture. Much of the stone rubble was incorporated into the construction of the dock, making it as much stone as wood. The tavern was originally the Soggy Nest, but has be rechristened in honor of the new Knight-Sherriff and his Siren companion.

The tavern has been reserved for a private function tonight: the bachelorette party for the soon-to-be Mrs. Volkenheld, Ravenia. In attendance for this special occasion are friends new and old; Raneah the Siren, Tulani, Lilith and Rosalind Draco and the Babelites Mave, Phlagaea, Barba and Roogi. A few others of the slakash (now the newly formed Northern Guard) are scattered around as well.

A few of the women have noticeably changed. Raneah has put on more weight and grown to nearly eight feet long, requiring the aid of Phlagaea's attendant, the Fnerf Lucy, to get to the table. The Yodhgorphat herself seems a different shade of green than usual, while the Countess' eyes have gone from having fiery red irises to the all-around red glow common to other vampire Eeee.

"I'm really happy you could all make it," Ravenia tells the gathered women, all seated at a big circular table. "You've all been such a big help to me, especially when I was a bit lost after Vorgulremik's hold on me was broken. I probably don't deserve to be as happy as I am!"

"Of course you do! After all you've been through you need to just enjoy your life Raven, I'm sure you and Arkold will do very well together." Tulani states with a grin and a wink in the dark skinned woman's direction.

"No deserve or not deserve!" Roogi claims, slamming her ale mug on the table top. "Take what you can! If you can hold it, it's yours!"

"Really Raven, you deserve all the happiness you can get after what you've been through," Lilith says, giving her 'sister' a hug. "Even if it is with Arkold!" she then jokes.

"Mmmmm," Raneah rumbles, swaying her torso a bit. "You okay, Raven? If Arkold is happy, I am happy," the mercat admits.

Puffing on her pipe, Mave just smiles. "Your union will be blessed, do not fear," she promises.

"Arkold's a good heart to him… once you get past all his bad jokes and tail pinching." Tulani notes with a smile to Raven, "Did you decide where the wedding will be held?" she then asks.

"Up in the castle courtyard, overlooking the sea," Raven says, looking wistful. "Ummm… we're going to wear clothes though, Mave. I know you're performing the ceremony and all… "

"I brought my official robes, do not fear," the Yodhinala says. "All eyes will be on you, Ravenia."

"It's been ages since I've been to a wedding," Rosalind says, sounding oddly timid without her usual echo or aura.

Barba admits that she's never been to a wedding. "Lots of funerals though!"

"I've only really been to one wedding, and that was an older friend of mine from my home town." Tulani adds in.

A serving-Khatta comes over, bearing a tray of fancy wine-glasses etched with the usual Sylvanian-style woodcarving designs. "Compliments of the management, Lady Ravenia," he says, setting a glass before each of the ladies. "A bottle of Faust wine," he adds, pulling up a cart with an over sized bottle featuring a faded woman's face on the label.

"Don't you have an older brother?" Lilith asks Tulani. "Surely he'd be married by … oh my! That's the face of the Duchess Zindamere!" the bat exclaims when she sees the label.

"As often as the Gallisian have raided here, they never found the good stuff it seems," Ravenia notes.

The server begins pouring he wine, having to pause at Roogi until Barba smacks her on the back of the head. The Yodhblakat reluctantly produces the wine glass which she's stuffed into her cloak a moment before, and the pouring continues.

"No, the last I heard he was still single, though still making eyes at Nancey. My brothers always been a bit shy around girls that aren't relatives." Tulani admits to Lilith, scratching the side of her head.

"I guess that comes from having a bold sister?" Lilith asks with a grin. The server pours Tulani's glass finally, filling it with a pinkish wine that seems to have darker swirls within it.

Tulani smiles at Lilith before lifting her now full glass to sniff at the wine appraisingly.

The wine smells a bit fruity, but unlike anything Tulani is familiar with. The others lift their glasses as well, and Lilith leads in a toast. "To Ravenia! May her husband never shed on the furniture!"

The black-skinned woman laughs musically at the toast, and sips her wine with the rest of the amused ladies.

The Sphynx raises her glass with the others and chuckles adding in, "I'm sure you'll have him well trained in no time Raven!" she then takes a careful taste from her glass.

The wine is warm on the tongue, and seems to go straight to Tulani's head. Her vision actually blurs for a moment… and then she's wearing a fancy white gown and being spun around a crowded ballroom floor by a tall Khatta in an old-style tuxedo. The vision only lasts for a moment, and then the tavern comes back into focus. Roogi is falling backwards out of her chair in surprise, and Raneah lets out an oddly high-pitched burp.

Tulani blinks and stares into her glass for a moment, "Wow… that was certainly interesting… I don't usually start seeing things until I've drunk much more than that!" she comments suddenly.

"It's the Faust grapes," Lilith whispers to Tulani. "They grow on graves, and the brightest of them hold the happiest memories from the person's spirit. Those get plucked to make the wine."

"I knew that!" Roogi claims from the floor, before getting herself and her chair upright again.

"So that is what legs are like," Raneah mutters, taking another sip.

"Thats quite beautiful, to have happy memories shared with others." The Sphynx notes with a smile, carefully tasting just a bit more from her glass.

More happy memories are savored in silence, until the glasses are emptied. A round of more typical (and alcoholic) drinks are served next, and things become a bit more boisterous as the women start to loosen up.

It isn't long before Mave produces a box, and slides it across to Ravenia. "A little gift, to sooth you when Arkold is busy," the Yodhinala says. With an arched eyebrow, Ravenia opens it up to reveal a dozen cigars. They're pink, and shaped in a very particular and phallic manner. "How did you get them to look just like his… " Ravenia starts to ask, then laughs and shakes her head.

Tulani can't help but burst into laughter at the sight of Mave's gift wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, "I've never seen such an interesting set of cigars!" she notes before handing another box wrapped in light colored paper over to the dark skinned woman, "Here, I got this in case you needed some help keeping Arkold in line."

Ravenia puts away the cigars (well out of Roogi's reach) and opens the new box. She lifts out the studded leather collar and leash, and laughs. "You even added his name to the little tag!" she points out.

The sphynx chuckles, taking a drink from her glass before leaning over to whisper something in Ravens ear… though the whispering is hardly necissary considering the number of Eee around that table… But whatever Tulani says seems to have to do with possible use in the bedroom as well.

More gifts follow: A riding crop with the Draco crest on it from Rosalind ("But I don't ride!" "It has other uses.") a set of silky blue scarves from Lilith ("Wow, you got the bloodstains out of them!") a mug with the Ravensweir crest on it from Roogi ("I'd wondered where this went") which Ravenia had to snatch when the Yodhblakat deliberately set it on the table and looked away, scented disinfectant soap from Phlagaea, a Marriage Diary book from Barba, and some lingerie made from fishing nets from Raneah.

"Wow, I don't know what else can top all of this!" Ravenia laughs after setting aside the loot.

No sooner has Ravenia uttered the fatal phrase of what could top her gifts … that all of the light in shadow wraps the room, eclipsing the candles into darkness. Thankfully for those present (and the pockets of any sitting near the Yodhblakat), the shadow draws inward into the center of the room. Ir ripples and rolls in a fluid manner, smoke dancing upon an unseen breeze. As everyone's eyes clear and refocus, standing in the center of the room is someone cloaked entirely in shadow, making every part of him indistinct. He lifts his hand high, tendrils of shadow following and snaps his fingers loudly as if to get the attention of the room (as if he doesn't already have it!)

There are some oos and ahs from the table, and a "Issa demon!" hiss from Roogi. Rosalind turns her chair fully so she can watch.

Tulani's ears flick around in confusion, a confusion enhanced by the amount of wine she's currently consumed. None the less, she turns to watch the spectacle a little dumbfounded at the moment.

Ravenia wiggles in her seat! "Yes!" she whispers, punching the air.

A slow and simple song crafted from the beat of drums and flutes begins. The shadowy figure steps forward and spins, letting the shadow twist and roll like a whirlpool. Arms snap and roll gracefully, the dancer having obviously practiced this before. His right hand slides a finger along his left arm as he leans back against one of the tables near Roogi and Barba. The shadow spits as if mere fabric and cut in two. And with a flick of his left wrist, the entire left sleeve of shadow glides off right towards the two Yodhblakat! But, before it can touch them, it disperses like so much some … and to their keen ears, they here a low amused hiss of, "Sorry, you may never be given." What remanes behind is a furred arm of pure black with polished and gleaming mirror-black claw tips.

Barba grins at the performance, and Roogi nearly jumps out of her chair.

The Sphynx watches with increasing interest, canting an ear at the shadowy performance.

That left hand, now free of shadow, does reach out and run the back of his hand along Barba's chin … and Roogi's too, should she allow it. And before anything can be said, he spins away from that table, leaving a rippling trail of darkness in his wake. This time he glides towards the mermaid. the figure stretches and seems to nearly ooze up onto the table before her. Once there, his right leg draws up and as with his arm, a drag of a right claw cuts the shadow like so much fabric. It slides down from a black-furred leg and piles upon the table before it. That bit of shadow he picks up and drapes around the mermaid's neck as his shadowy head leans in. "You who have given much to many and saved an old wolf who lost himself … know that this day was because of what you taught him … and showed him he could have," he murmurs to her. "You brought light to two lives." The shadow around her neck runs like liquid … and then too fades to smoke and wafts away.

Raneah rumbles, and her veils rustle under the touch of the shadow. She's also pretty drunk, and tries to lick at the shadow.

The figure slides from the table before the mermaid, leaving an inky blackness in his wake that rapidly evaporates. The figure next drifts across the floor, swaying and rolling in time to the music that drives him and soon he dances and rolls around the other Slakash. He lets then grab and pull, but all they come away with are handfuls of shadow. When he spins away, leathery black wings now twirl with him. The figure's head rolls and looks right towards Tulani. The figure leaps gracefully into the air and alights on the table before her. And to make matters more interesting, he takes up the feline's own hand and places it on his left leg, drawing it down and using her claws to cut away more shadow. "Always the one to keep spirits high in the darkest times," the shadowy man murmurs, then leans in and kisses the Sphynx. As he draws back, she can hear him whisper playfully, "And always one to taste good… "

Roogi whistles at the performance now, while Rosalind twists around in her chair to keep the figure in view. Even Mave puts down her pipe to watch more closely.

Blinking curiously, as the shadowy figure takes her hand, Tulani actually grins licking the tips of the claws that were used before softly stating, "You are a very silly Eee… "

"Sexy though!" Ravenia laughs.

The figure rolls close, going nose to nose with Tulani, noting, "Guilty as charged." He licks long and slow along her nose, then slides back and whirls away. Another circle of the room and it's obvious who the next victim is, Phlagaea. This time the shadowy figure slides over the table and into her lap. He reaches up with his right hand and as he touches the green Eee's cheek, the shadow melts away, revealing spiny, dark gray chitin encasing his right hand. "You, so much could be said about. A woman who found light, one who faced much, and one who taught how to endure … and through this showed that not all that is different is a monster." That hand cups behind her head and like Tulani, the figure draws her in for a lingering kiss.

Tulani snerks softly and wipes her nose, but continues to smile at the performance of what could only be none other than Alptraum.

Phlagaea blushes right through her green fur (which is showing some brown roots here and there). After the kiss, she whispers, "I had someone to guide me, and save me now and then."

All that remains in shadow now is the head, torso, and waist … and now the figure glides across to Mave now. For her he leans across the table arching his chest and head forward. "The woman who knows how to make anyone feel desired," he murmurs and kisses her. As he draws back, the shadowy covering of his head melts away, revealing as Tulani guessed, Alptraum. He grins and winks to her, "And when the judicious use of makeup can make all the difference."

Mave almost snorts in laughter at that last little tidbit, and taps Alptraum on the nose with the stem of her pipe. "You learn well," she praises.

Alptraum grips the stem of her pipe playfully for a moment, then lets go. A twirl and the Eeee ends before Lilith. With a playful hop, he sits onto the table turned slightly away from her. That doesn't mean he lacks plans for her, though … as he reaches backward and takes her hands. She brings them around his torso and using her claws, shreds away the shadows covering his stomach, leaving only his waist and upper chest still covered. "Lilith, the Eee always working behind the scenes," he comments impishly, then flashes her a grin over his shoulder.

"Let go my hands, and I'll make a scene of your behind," the raven-haired, white-furred Eeee remarks, waggling her ears.

"Promise?" Alptraum teases and waggles his ears right back. He does release those hands, but is soon sliding away from Lilith. Those silvery eyes now turn to the second to last woman … The Countess Rosalind Draco. He approaches rose with graceful and slow steps, obviously dragging it out until he's standing before her. The Eee slides down into her lap and then entwines her fingers with his. He lifts the joined fingers and presses her hand lightly against his chest. The shadows there melt away and the Countess can feel the slightly warmer white star burst that spreads out from over his heart. "Another I could say so much about, and yet none of the words would feel right, because words are a poor tool to express what she means to many," Alptraum says as he leans in and lightly bites her neck. As he draws back, she can hear him whisper, "Except what it truly means to give my heart to someone. Any cost would be worth it for you."

Rosalind actually squeaks and closes her eyes. Without her aura or draconic presence, she seems quite demure (although history suggests that isn't always the case, if she's angry). "Alptraum," she whispers. Just that one word.

Alptraum lingers with her, taking an extra moment to caress her cheek with his right hand … and then he slides away. No longer does he dance; now he walks slowly towards Ravenia … with the only bit still left in shadow his waist. "And the woman that brought us all together tonight for this," he tells the room. When he reaches her, he glides around her once, letting his claws trail lightly over her … and then slides into her lap. "All of you here are special in some way … and through chance all have come together this night as friends to celebrate Ravenia and her step into a new part of living," he says, smiling impishly as he takes her hands and places them against his hips. As he pulls her hands back Ravenia finds one very naked Eeee sitting in her lap. "Not only that, but she has achieved something special. All of us, and indeed, the world, now owes her a dept that may never be repaid." There he pauses, ears wiggling playfully, "She has conquered the wolf and saved all of women kin

"She has conquered the wolf and saved all of women kind from him! A feat that will live in legend. On belhalf of everyone in this room, Ravenia … thank you!" The Eee then grins and lightly kisses the elfen woman on her lips, telling her, "Congratulations, Ravenia. I truly wish you all the best."

Ravenia lets out a hoot and makes a grab for Alptraum's exposed bits, cackling madly!

"Hey, careful!" Alptraum squeaks!

Tulani's eyes widen as Alptraum finishes his performance and then starts clapping, before putting a couple fingers in her mouth and whistling wildly in a … 'wolfish' manner in Alptraums direction, grinning all the while! "Woo-Hoo! You certainly know how to bring life to the party Alptraum!"

"Sorry… sudden cigar craving!" Ravenia apologizes, not sounding at all apologetic.

The other women applaud too, with Roogi being the last to catch on. "Now we eat him, right?" she whispers to Barba.

"I wouldn't want to ruin you before your wedding night with Arkold," Alptraum teases with a grin, then sticks out his tongue at her. To the rest of the room, he says, grinning, "Now, since this is a bachelorette party, I should leave. That is, of course, if anyone here would like me to linger a bit."

"Yeah, I want some lingering!" Roogi calls out, and earns another smack on the back of the head from Barba.

"I'll get to see you later," Rosalind points out.

To which Alptraum replies towards Roogi, "Clothed or unclothed?"

"It's best not to have men present for the traditional naked pillow fight," Mave points out.

Alptraum also then smiles towards the Countess, agreeing, "Later, yes, but never soon enough. At least I have time to make every moment memorable!"

"Errr," Roogi says, eying Barba. "I keep my clothes. Never mind!"

"I want a kiss at least," Ravenia points out.

The Sphynx just stifles her laughter, covering her mouth with a hand and refrains from commenting on Alptraums mention of 'lingering'.

"You can always come with me for a bit, you know," Alptraum points out towards Roogi. At Ravenia's request, he turns back to face her. With surprising gentleness, he cups her jaw in his hands and draws her into a warm kiss. When it does finally end, he asks her in a whisper, "There is one more present that I may be able to offer you … but I wish to know if you would accept it. I may have some information on your past. I cannot promise it would be pleasant … but I know you once desired the knowledge. You do not have to answer me now … but think on it. Just send me word on your decision later."

"Really?" Ravenia asks, while a few others take advantage of Alptraum's distraction: he gets goosed a few times. "I'll remember to ask after the wedding," the bride-to-be promises.

Alptraum squeaks at the goosing. "Hey now. Careful with those hands," he teases as he finally slips from her lap. He takes a moment to ruin his claws to Ravenia's hair, then repeats, "I do wish you all the best. And if Arkold ever gives you trouble, just tell me and I'll give him a kick in the pants."

"Well, you are the best man, so we'll expect you to step up if Arkold gets cold feet!" Lilith notes.

"And drag him to the alter by his tail if you have too!" Tulani adds in with a chuckle.

"I've always been a better man than Arkold," Alptraum claims, grinning. "Now, forgive me a few minutes to talk to some friends before I leave. Partularly, that no good sphynx over there needs a good talking to." He tries to sneap off with the riding crop, but Ravenia swipes it back as he goes. Within a minute, Tulani has a naked Alptraum sitting next to her, still grinning ear to ear. "So, you enjoyed the show," he comments.

"Oh, quite! You certainly have a flair for the dramatic you silly Eee!" The Sphynx chuckles poking Alptraum on the tip of the nose as she speaks, "So, how long have you been planing that performance may I ask?"

"Since I heard about the party, of course. I had to be involved somehow," Alptraum claims attempts to nip her finger. "How long had you been planning to give her that gift? Where did you get it? Why, I never knew what sort of deviant thoughts lurked in your heart!"

Tulani responds to the attempted nip by actually leaning in and licking the tip of Alptraums nose herself. "I special ordered it from a leather working shop in town. And are you really that surprised? I mean, I hang out with you, you silly Eee! And Arkold too!" The Sphynx puts a hand to her forehead and rolls her eyes dramatically, "I mean, I must be a bit corrupted by now, right?" the effect is a bit ruined by her remaining grin.

"I'm offended that you didn't invite me to the store! Maybe I wanted something like that for … reasons best left unsaid," Alptraum teases as he takes his turn to poke the sphynx nose. "Or maybe I could have gotten you to model some things! You know for … research."

"Riiiight Alptraum… Research. You just tell yourself that." Tulani laughs, grinning, "Although, you look quite good in leather."

"That kind of leather?" Alptraum teases and waggles his ears at Tulani again. "If you ever decide to go back to that store, let me know and I'll join."

"Alright, I'm sure they could fit you for a collar too!" the Sphynx agrees with a nod.

Alptraum laughs at that and pats Tulani's shoulder. "Well, I should be going. This is supposed to be a girls-only party and last I checked," the Eeee comments, then deliberately looks down before adding, "That yes, I'm a guy!"

Tulani smirks and gives the male Eee a friendly slap on the back… followed by a pinch in a slightly more sensitive place. "Well! Off you go then! You silly Eee."

"Yeep!" goes Alptraum as he dances away from Tulani. One more stop before the door. The Eee goes and sits down between Roogi and Barba. Smiling to the older, scarred, slakash, Alptraum asks in all seriousness, "Will you permit Roogi some time with her conquest? I promise I will not keep her too long. If there is anything you would demand to honor such a request, then demand it of me."

"I demand that you keep her away for at least five minutes," Barba replies.

Alptraum now turns to Roogi and asks, "Do you wish time with your conquest? There is room in back where I prepared for this dance for a chance to speak without interruption."

Roogi has has a lot to drink, and woozily says, "S'okay, Barsooniwawa."

Alptraum shakes his head, smirking. So, he lifts Roogi up, putting her arm around his shoulder, and carries her out of the main party room.

Once the 'entertainment' has gone, it's up to the women to amuse themselves, so they all take turns telling tails about previous boyfriends (or men they've known in general) that did something incredibly embarrassing.

"So… There is this fox friend of Alptraum's Named Hexen when I met Alptraum's parents… " Tulani starts to say, leaning in towards Raven and chuckling, "He didn't believe I was a dragon… "