Castle Suite
Ravensweir Castle has seen better days. The years of being battered by storms from the Vykarin Sea have eroded large portions of the structure. This means that the most intact rooms face in the opposite direction. One of the best suites looks out over the courtyard, with wide flyers windows filled with stained glass for privacy.

The sun has set by the time Alptraum and Rosalind leave the reception to retire to their shared suite, which is large enough to accommodate several more guests if they wanted to have their own little party. The castle servants have lit the many candles in the rooms, although they do little to banish the shadows, and have also thoughtfully filled the stone bath with plenty of hot water. The steam and candlelight make for a somewhat romantic atmosphere.

"I haven't that much fun in ages!" Rosalind declares upon entering. The incognito-Countess kicks off her shoes and sits on the edge of the bed. "And all of those roses! I think I see some floating in the bath even… " She looks curiously at a table set next to the bed, covered with pitchers of water and glasses full of some odd, greenish liquid. There are also covered bottles of blood, and two vials of pearly liquid.

"I haven't drunk that much in ages," Alptraum comments as he follows Rosalind into the bedroom, "I think everything has quit spinning now." It takes him a few blinks before his eyes focus on the surroundings and he notices the bath … and then the tray of water, and the various potions. "And … I see Mave has also been busy," he remarks with a smile as he heads to the bed and settles down beside her. He stretches quickly, then starts undoing the buttons of his jacket.

"Need help?" Rosalind offers, reaching for Alptraum's cummerbund.

"I wouldn't mind help," Alptraum admits with a sheepish and fangy smile as he slips his jacket off, though he snags on his wings briefly. "I thought I would be uncomfortable tonight, acting in a formal role that is. But I found it wasn't so bad."

"Not like a gypsy wedding then, I take it?" Rose asks with a wry grin as she helps Alptraum with the more complicated bits of clothing.

"No … not like one at all. No one was puking in a barrel by the end," Alptraum admits with a grin. He also can't help but playfully bite her ear (though not hard enough to puncture skin, of course). "But I think what made tonight so much better, honestly, was the company. I know I was with the most beautiful woman there, no question about it."

"I wasn't even dressed as fancily as the bridesmaids," Rose says, a bit shyly. "I wasn't supposed to attract attention, after all. And as for the barrel… we did leave a lot of the Yodhblakat still partying down there… "

"I'm not mopping up after them," Alptraum remarks with a playful grin. And with a light brush of his fingers along Rosalind's cheek, he adds, "Who said you needed fancy dress to be beautiful? The day I met you, you were dressed simply … and well, you stole my heart."

The Countess' dark ears blush, and she asks, "Well, help me out of this not-so-fancy gown then? It would be a shame to waste that hot water."

"Help undress you? Why … I thought you'd never ask," Alptraum teases. He scoots backwards a bit, then uses his claws to carefully pick at the delicate ties holding the dress closed. It takes all of three seconds to get the bow undone. Alptraum coils the straps around his fingers, then drapes his arms around her, drawing his hands down … and also just happens to get a moment to run his hands lightly down the Countess' chest and over her stomach. He also can't help but gently nip her shoulder.

The woman's back stiffens at the bite, as a little thrill runs through her before stepping out of the dress. "Hmmm, are you going to join me in the tub? I think we might both fit," she asks coyly.

"How else will I be able to bathe you?" Alptraum remarks with a sly smile. He slides off the bed and finally removes his pants. Or rather, he undoes the belt and buttons, then lets them slide to the floor. He saunters towards the large tub, then steps in. He extends his hand towards her, asking, "Will you do me the honor of joining me?"

"Of course, my lord," Rose says, mock haughtily, and takes Alptraum's hand to let him guide her into the water.

"Lord? I'm just your pet monster," Alptraum remarks with a joking grin. He carefully helps Rosalind into the tub, making sure she doesn't slip. With a gentle nudging, he gets Rosalind to turn away from him, then guides her slowly down to sit in the warm water. He follows quickly after, then slides up so that his chest presses against her back.

The woman kneels down, and looks back over her shoulder with glowing eyes. "My usual bath attendant will be jealous," she notes.

"Heh. Who is that?" Alptraum asks as he searches for a moment to locate the soaps. It takes several sniffs before he locates the one with the lightest floral scent and he starts lathering his hands.

"Just a girl, but she seems so proud to be doing it you know," Draco says. "When was the last time someone helped you bathe?"

Alptraum has to think about that. "I don't remember. I mean, I'm nothing special," he comments as he slips his arms back around the Countess. And there he takes a long … and very thorough, time of soaping the Countess chest, stomach, and neck. It's half massage, half bathing, ultimately.

"Oh, I'd argue that," she says, leaning back against Alptraum's chest as he massages her. "You got me to leave the castle, after all. This is the farthest I've traveled in years."

"Well, I had several reasons," Alptraum admits as he continues to slowly work. He points towards the vials sitting near the bed, adding, "Those may … well. They offer a good chance, combined with my acceptance of shadow, of helping you, ah. Well, with it there is a good chance you and I could sire a child."

Draco's ears rise up at this, and she half turns so she can look at Alptraum. "Are you serious? How do you know they might work?" she asks.

It's Alptraum's turn to ear-blush. "Well … it worked for Phlagaea," he says quietly.

"Really?" Rose asks, sounding more excited. "That's… I mean, her relationship to her Goddess isn't that different than my bond with Melusine, if I understand it correctly."

Alptraum nods. "It took well, twelve hours, one really terrifying dream, and me in pain for three days afterward … but it worked," he explains a bit sheepishly. "And I thought that with you being away from Melusine … the link would weaken while mine remains at full strength. So, couple that with potions that stimulate both male and female, and my shadow being stronger for the moment … it seemed logical."

Draco rests her cheek on Alptraum's chest, and says, "You really thought it out, and… and you're willing to do it too." She seems nearly on the verge of tears.

"Of course I am. I promised I would try to find a way. It's just … there's one catch, I guess," Alptraum admits.

"A catch?" Draco asks.

"If it works … I am going to be a big part of your life for a long time," Alptraum explains as he caresses her cheek, "Friend, lover, consort, and if the future comes to what I hope … even more than that. I would sacrifice just about anything of myself for you, Rose. And I want this to be clear. I do not love Countess Draco. I love Rosalind Draco. Your title and money have nothing to do with how I feel."

Rose smiles, and tears run from her eyes (glowing a bit in reflected candle and eye-light). "If this works… yes, after the baby is born, then we can make things official," she whispers. "Nobody can know before then, because… I'll be too vulnerable."

"My only fear is how Melusine may react," Alptraum admits a bit worriedly. "She feels I'm a threat, even though I have tried to make her see me as an ally."

"It does not matter what she feels, if she feels anything at all," Rose says. "She will be weak, since the bond cannot be active while I am pregnant. I have to age and change as a normal woman for it to work."

"But at least a year of aging is not … significant," Alptraum says after some thought. "And … that would mean I would need to, more than ever, protect you."

"There is something else you will have to do for me, Alptraum," Draco says, turning up to look Alptraum in the face. "You must reconcile with your father if we are to be married later."

At that. Alptraum cringes. "Why?" he finally asks. "Have you ever … met him?"

"No, but his grandchild should have the chance to," Draco notes. "I know what it is like to distance oneself from family, and it often ends in tragedy or regret. You may not like him, or even think him a monster, but all the same he is a powerful man and your father."

"As much as I want to, I don't hate him," Alptraum admits as he looks down towards the water. "Some of his worst crimes … were done out of anger and … love. I can't hate him for that, even if what he did I do not like. I'm not even sure I would have acted any differently. I know how it feels to be willing to do anything for someone."

"And once you have a family, that feeling will intensify," Draco notes. "He has made those hard choices already, and can advise you if he wants. He may still want to keep you as far away as possible for fear of your safety, but I think you've shown that you can take care of yourself."

"I was all he had left in the world," Alptraum admits, And he tried to protect me. I often think what I worth what that cost? But the answer is … I was to him."

"He deserves to know about your future, Alptraum," Draco notes.

"Maybe we can some how … start over. I don't know if it's possible, but … I can try," Alptraum says a bit haltingly. "Or at least make the offer. What he chooses I cannot control."

"Your place is here, and his is in Babel," Rosalind says. "I think he would make time to visit at least, once he knows. But you should go to him in person, Alptraum."

"Letters are easier," Alptraum starts to argue … but then nods. "Babel has a lot of bad memories for me. But in truth, I am better equipped to deal with that city now than I was then." He even raises his draconic right hand and rolls his fingers for emphasis. "I'll go. Should I … tell him when I am there that he may be a grandfather soon?"

"I think it would be appropriate, yes," Draco says, smiling again and suddenly biting Alptraum (lightly) on the chest.

Alptraum's chest is, as usual, slightly warmer near the scar. "Hey, now who is teasing who?" he asks and playfully tries to tickle her ear. "But, if I am to be away from you for some time … I have a request… "

"What is it?" the woman asks. "You aren't going to have your dragon impersonate me are you?"

"No, no, nothing like that. You need to select a ring of some sort, earring, or other, that represents you. All those who have made a large impact on my life and mean much to me I try to keep with me through a token like that. It's a silly quirk, but it's nice to think of that little bit of jewelry on my body as the reminder of someone special in my life," Alptraum explains with a goofy grin.

"I thought you wore those rings and studs because you were a gypsy?" Rose asks in surprise, looking at the jewelry in a new light. "I shall have to choose carefully… "

"Well, yes, they are somewhat that … but it's better to have them with purpose over just tradition," Alptraum agrees, "And for you, you can select anything, not just an earring. You're the most special of them all."

"Hmm, but it should be something you wear always," Rose notes, looking thoughtful.

Alptraum nods at that. "I agree. If you like, we could have it fitted, then sealed to make removal difficult," Alptraum offers.

"I will need some time to think of something truly appropriate," the Countess says. "Be we have time."

Alptraum nods, grinning again. "There is no rush, I just wanted to put the offer out there for you to think on. Just decide before I have to leave for Babel," the Eeee agrees. He now actually slides a bit back from the Countess and finally resumes washing her; this time focusing on her back and wings.

"I can't believe the water is still hot," Rose comments as she switches back to bathing mode. "And… did you say twelve hours before?"

Alptraum then thinks of something. "And I guess I don't need to immediately think of one for you, since you'll already have something to remember me by if things go well. Like … morning sickness," he teases. And the Eeee then nods at that, "Yes, about that long. The drinks over there are for us to replenish nutrients and be able to sustain such a long time."

"My goodness," Draco says, sounding almost scared now. "Did… did Phlagaea complain of any soreness after wards?"

"Mave can inject something that will numb certain areas for a time to help get past any soreness," Alptraum explains.

For whatever reason, Draco laughs at that. "Or I suppose I could wear your friend again to … eh… soften the impact," she jokes.

"I know it sounds scary … but the act and duration is quite enjoyable. The potion makes everything dreamy and pleasant. It also makes who you are with your complete focus," Alptraum explains. He then playfully hmphs, adding, "I would prefer that it's just you for this. Nothing bad can really happen."

"So, it is… like a dream?" Draco asks, sounding a bit curious.

"Almost. It's difficult to describe. It's like you become the essence of desire itself and wrap yourself in its warmth. It's extremely intimate and comforting. So … you're willing to try this?" Alptraum says slowly.

"Well, if Phlagaea could survive it, I am sure I can," she says, with a slightly competitive edge to her voice.

"I just hope I can survive a second round," Alptraum admits with a grin as he starts washing himself off now.

"Well, if you need to take a rest, I sure I won't hold it against you," Rose says, with a grin in her voice. "We'll just have to start all over from the beginning then."

"Oh, ha ha," Alptraum retorts as he rinses off, then carefully stands back up. "Come. We need to both drink some blood and the green potion first for stamina," he says, offering his hand. "Then you can sip the potion and see how it makes you feel."

Rose stands up and steps out of the tub. "What, aren't you going to dry me off first?" she asks.

"Of course I am. It would be silly to get the bed wet with water," Alptraum remarks and waggles his brow. "Now, do you mind if I try something before I use a towel?"

"As long as it doesn't make me shiver," Rose says.

"Now, I can't promise that … other than if you do, it should be a good shiver," Alptraum says as he grins impishly. He reaches out with his right hand and lays it lightly in the center of Rosalind's chest. The Eeee draws in a deep breath, then as he exhales the familiar inky darkness oozes forth from his hand, slowly spreading over Rosalind's chest.

Rose squeaks! "Are you going to ken me like Melusine does?" she asks.

"Not unless you want me to. Right now … I'm simply going to embrace you and then, well, gently and enjoyably squeeze off most of the water," Alptraum explains, sounding slightly distracted. His head tilts a bit and the darkness continues to spread, enveloping her. In contact, it does feel like being swallowed by Melusine, but none of the deep intimacy so far.

"At least your shadow is warm," Rose says, trying to not wiggle or squirm.

Eventually, nearly all of Rosalind's body is encased in the inky 'liquid'. Alptraum nods as his brow furrows. A few seconds pass, then Rose feels … strange. Starting at the top of her head, then slowly working downward, she feels hundreds of massaging 'fingers' pressing lightly through her fur and into her skin. The work their way ever downward, leaving no part of the woman unexplored as the go. Around Rosalind's feet, well, an ever increasing puddle of water forms.

"Mmmmf!" the encased Eeee exclaims.

Alptraum only manages a small smile as most of his concentration remains on what he's doing. The procedure is slow and intimate in several ways. Particularly when he lingers in certain areas. But eventually he reaches her feet, then begins retracting the shadow. In its wake only slightly damp fur remains. "There are some benefits to having fused to the Shadow of Amena," he says with a wink.

"I don't think I could do that with mine," Rose says, and does indeed shiver once the shadow is retracted. "Could you feel that yourself?"

"No. So it was tricky to not press too hard," Alptraum admits as the last retracts into his hand. He shakes out his fingers and finally gets a towel. That he uses to work on drying the remaining dampness of her body.

"It would be scary of I could feel it," Alptraum admits, "Because it would mean I'm becoming more and more, well, shadow myself, I think."

"Now, how are you going to dry yourself off?" Draco asks, picking up a towel and trying to look menacing with it.

"By throwing myself at your mercy!" Alptraum says and clasps his hands pleadingly!

"Bwahaha! But I am an evil Witch Queen!" Rose claims, and musses up Alptraum's hair with the towel.

"And I your lowly demonic servant!" Alptraum pleads and even drops to his knees for emphasis, though he remains grinning all the while. He even hugs her leg, adding, "Be … gentle!"

Rose does get gentle, eventually, as she fluffs Alptraum dry with the towel. And of course, she rolls it and lightly swats his behind at the end, as per tradition.

"Hey!" Alptraum squeaks as he obligingly jumps. "Is that any way to treat a demon?" he asks as he goes back to the bed and sits down.

"You'd rather I confine you to a pentacle?" Rose asks, as she sits in Alptraum's lap. "Soo… how do these potions work? How'd Mave make them?"

Alptraum reaches over and takes up one of the glasses of blood and holds it to Rose's lips to drink. "Well, she made it my capturing the hormones of lovers when they are at their peak of arousal. Then she somehow concentrated it," he tries to explain. "I'm not completely certain and she doesn't offer too much information."

"Oh my… anybody we know?" Rose asks as she drinks the blood.

"Well, Kaira was part of it," Alptraum admits sheepishly after Rose finishes to avoid any blood out the nose incidents. "Among several others," he adds as he lifts one of the green vials and offers that to her now.?

"I didn't know she had hormones!" the woman says in surprise, and then sniffs the green stuff. "Does this taste like it looks?"

"I don't know, but I have to drink some too. And you get to feed it to me," Alptraum points out.

"You first then," Rose says with a big, fangy grin, pushing the glass on Alptraum.

Alptraum sticks out his tongue. Having had much worse experiences than a little green goo … he lifts it to his lips and slowly drinks it.

It tastes… well, 'healthy' rather than 'enjoyable' certainly.

Alptraum eventually finishes the drink and sets the glass aside. "Delicious," he lies.

Rose eyes Alptraum suspiciously, but when he doesn't start gagging she takes the other glass and downs it in a single gulp. "Ack! Oooo… I'll get you for that someday," she says.

Alptraum takes up his glass of blood and drinks it down smugly. "I guess you forgot that living in the wilds teaches you to be less picky," he teases as he sets aside how now empty glass.

"I've never lived in the wilds," Rose points out. "Unless University counts."

"I think it's close, and has more sex," Alptraum says after some thought. The Eeee now picks up the two remaining vials and looks at them. "You're certain you want to do this? I should warn you it might induce some odd dreams afterward."

"I'm used to odd dreams and prophetic visions," Rose notes. "Didn't I ever mention to you that I'm a witch?"

Alptraum carefully uncorks the vials and places one in her hands. He raises his own and sniffs at it lightly, checking to see if its scent has changed at all.

It still smells like Alptraum remembers, and makes his head start to swim. There also other reactions to the smell, but those are a bit personal.

Alptraum shivers softly, then nods. "Well, shall we? Are you ready for this?" he asks Rosalind, sounding honestly worried.

Rose clinks vials with Alptraum. "A toast? To the future!" she says.

Alptraum's vial clinks with hers. "To the future," he agrees. Without any further hesitation, he lifts the vial to his lips and drinks it down in one gulp.

Rose does likewise, and then licks her lips. "I don't feel any… uh… " she starts to say, and then pushes Alptraum back against the bed!

Alptraum goes down as the strange sensations once more begin. The first fleeting memory of his time with Phlagaea. The second that comes was the time with himself. But all those vanish as he looks up and sees the focus of his life. His arms come up and he pulls her tightly to him. There he takes in her feel, her scent, everything, as she becomes his world.