The Elegant Rhian
With so many members of the court living in town, it's only natural for there to be a few salons, and The Elegant Rhian is one of the more upscale ones. The place is run by Madame Trotsky, an immaculately groomed, spotted mare with curly brown hair. The staff itself is mixed, including Skreeks, Khattas and vampire bats of both genders. More than just a salon, the shoppe could almost be considered a spa.

Being the resourceful woman she is, Lilith has an open appointment with the salon through the intelligence service, since its members often need to update their look in a hurry. In this way, she's able to get Alptraum and Tulani in quickly on short notice. The trio is shown to a private room, where a Khatta and an Eeee are waiting to attend to them. There are two reclining chairs that can be adjusted for a wide variety of body types with a counter behind them that includes sinks, supplies, and large mirrors. The two visitors have probably never seen a room with so many good mirrors in it before.

"Gragh!" goes Alptraum when he sees himself in several mirrors all at once. Of course, it does register after a minute that it's just him and he's not surrounded by an army seeking his doom. So, he runs his claws through his long hair and looks around nervously. "So, these are the secret torture chambers," he reasons out and glances towards Lilith. "Finally going to interrogate the secrets out of me, is that it?"

"I was thinking more along the lines of an extreme manicure," Lilith notes, indicating the chitinous barbs on Alptraum's right hand. "Those will need to be dealt with before you have a glove made."

The Sphynx can't help but blink a bit at the multitude of well kept mirrors reflecting the small group. Turning towards Lilith with a raised brow Tulani asks, "Should we go ahead and sit?"

"Please do," the Khatta says to Tulani, taking her left hand and kissing the back of the wrist. "I am Rolf, and this is my brother Gregor," he says, indicating the Eeee.

The two attendants are dressed identically in dark breeches that go down to mid-calf, and burgundy velvet shirts that open in a V down to their navels. Each wear several necklaces as well, and sport matching ivory earrings in their ears. The Khatta is light-brown and cream with black stripes and golden eyes, sporting a black pompadour hairstyle. The Eeee is taller and more visibly muscular, with red fur and glowing yellow eyes. He wears his hair cut short in a blond crew-cut.

"They'll probably grow back, you know," Alptraum points out with a small shrug and a grin, "But … I suppose we can see how it works out." He then waggles said fingers, noting, "And, remembering something you said earlier, I should deal with my foot claws too. Selecting one of the chairs, Alptraum settles down into it. He can't help but glance at the two and get … well, a funny feeling. 

Gregor stands next to Alptraum's chair, his expression unchanging, and asks, "Please to be giving me your hand now," in a very gruff voice.

Tulani arches an eyebrow when the back of her wrist is kissed, but manages to refrain from any comment, or, well, laughing. "Alright then… " The Sphynx murmurs before taking to the empty seat and settling herself, making sure her wings are in a comfortable position.

Alptraum's brow arches up a bit and he lifts his right hand up. "Just be careful. I can feel things through it, depending on what you do," the Eeee warns.

Rolf makes a few adjustments to the chair for Tulani's wings, and looks to Lilith. "Will she be needed a claw-fitting, Madame Draco?" he asks the female Eeee. "Not just yet, but best to take her measurements and do a good cleaning," Lilith replies.

The big Eeee just grabs Alptraum's forearm where it is still furred, and leans in to examine the spurs and ridges. "Does this hurt you?" he asks, and then tries to bite one of the spurs.

" Claw Fitting?" Tulani echoes back curiously in a questioning tone, turning her head to look at Lilith then back to look at the Khatta.

"Gah! Warn me before you do something strange," Alptraum practically shouts and almost slugs the other Eeee. He then actually has to think about if it hurt before replying. "No, thankfully not. Though if you surprise me like that again … you might end up hurting," he grumbles.

The Khatta bows to Lilith, and pulls up a stool next to Tulani's chair. He picks up a filing wand from the counter top, and asks the sphynx to please extend the claws of her right hand. "It is standard for those in the Service, miss," Rolf explains. "Special sheaths can be made to fit over your claws to make them sharper or deliver small injections."

"Do not be such a girly-bat," Gregor replies to Alptraum. He picks up a file from the counter as well, only his is much larger and tougher looking than Rolf's. It's even got what might be a planing slot cut through it. "I vill use file instead of clippers for you."

"Ah… Well, I'm rather new to this, thank you for the information." Tulani replies polietly as she holds out the requested hand, carefully extending her claws. The Sphynx claws are healthy looking, but its clear that she does not often get the chance to have them cleaned up properly.

"Lilith?" Alptraum comments and glances to the white Eeee, "For the record, I hate you." He then sticks out his tongue at her. Then to Gregor, he almost says something else … but decides to hold off for now. Girly, indeed, he's been through wars and back, thank you very much!

Rolf places a bowl with a padded rim on the end of Tulani's armrest, and the drapes her hand over it before he begins to clean and polish her claws. "Very good, I do not see any significant cracking," he notes to her. Lilith steps out for a moment, and then returns with two small Skreeks who set up at the foot of the chairs, preparing to give Tulani and Alptraum pedicures.

Scrape scrape scrape goes the heavy file, as Gregor works to smooth out the sharp barbs. It sometimes feels like he's trying to pull off Alptraum's hand as well, but the grip he keeps on the bat's forearm is very firm to keep it from moving too much.

Alptraum's toe claws are certainly battered enough. Scraped and chipped in several places from either catching on something and hooking around while in flight, or his actual use of them in combat. The tips of them are dull, flat, black now, only the parts near the cuticle retain any sheen. "So, do this often?" he can't help but ask the large Eeee.

"Cracked claws are painful, I try to at least keep them in good working condition. Even if I don't have the tools or time to clean them properly." Tulani replies to the Khatta as she watches him work. The Sphynx's toe claws are much the same as those on her hands, but with a bit more weathering and wear to them.

"Not often," Gregor grunts. "Mostly use this on Rhian toes." Some of the barbs being worked on do grow blunter as the Eeee works to make them less likely to snag on things.

"And how regularly does it have to be done on their toes?" Alptraum inquires, then looks to the slowly blunting spines. "Well, at least they're not bleeding yet," he thinks.

The Skreek working on Alptraum's toes applies some sort of reinforcing lacquer to the more damaged areas of the talons. Rolf finishes with Tulani's right hand, blowing on the claws and making a wax impression of them before applying the sealing lacquer. "Would the lady care for color to be added?" he asks the Sphynx.

"Very often," Gregor notes. "Good care and shoes are important for city Rhian."

"Eh, sorry you got my foot claws," Alptraum tells the Skreek. "Being out in the wild most of the time tends to be a bit wearing on them." Back to Gregor, he comments, "Well, I have no idea how fast those spines will grow back. I guess I'll have to just wait and see."

"Hmmph," Gregor grunts, and changes to a smaller file to work on ridges and spurs along the back of the hand and knuckles.

Tulani lifts her hand to look it over after the Khatta has applied the sealant to her claws, "You do lovely work Rolf, I cant remember the last time my claws were this clean. As for color, It's not something I've really had done before. Any recommendations?"

The door opens again, and two Khatta women enter, wearing slickers over their normal clothing and having their hair tied back. Each carries a bucket full of bottles and combs and other tools of the trade. They begin to set up behind the chairs, at the sinks.

"Perhaps a slight blue tint," Rolf offers. "To go with your eyes."

"Or silver to go with your more forceful personality!" Alptraum teases Tulani.

The Sphynx smiles, apparently it was time to try something new, "Light blue it is the." The Sphynx replies to Rolf before sticking her tongue out at Alptraum. "How is your hand doing? Thats not hurting you at all is it?" she asks next, watching the larger Eeee as he files Alptraum's spurs.

"And here comes the hair battalion," Alptraum adds after spotting the two Khattas enter, "They're going to need luck with my hair. It's a long mess is what it is." As grouchy as he's trying to act, he looks rather amused. "Actually, my hand is fine, and behaving! I haven't turned the grump here into anything … yet."

"Well, thats good at least. It looks like you'll be ready for a glove soon." The Sphynx says, noting the now blunted edges of the Eeee's hand plates.

"Yeah. I just feel funny being in here. I know its necessary and frankly, I should try to look better. There are certain people I'd like to please," Alptraum notes as he settles back a bit more in his chair. "I just … well … it's hard to give up the rogue's image." He grins a bit.

Tulani chuckles herself before replying.  "Well, its understandable, you'll always be a bit of a rogue. And I wouldn't worry too much about pleasing certain people, from what Ive seen the few times you've needed too, you clean up pretty well." she says with a smile.

"Yes, well," Alptraum tries to argue, then just gives up. "Want to hear something odd?"

The two feline women lather up their hands, and begin to massage Tulani and Alptraum's scalps. Rolf finishes applying the tint to Tulani's right hand, and then shifts his stool around to start working on her left.

Lilith notes, "They'll also clean your teeth if you want."

"Probably should have that done too," Alptraum admits sheepishly.

"Sure Alptraum . There is plenty of oddness to go around, something on your mind?" The Sphynx replies on query to the Eeee, relaxing back as one of the women starts working on her head. To Lilith she also quietly agrees on a tooth cleaning herself, though with less apparent embarrassment than Alptraum.

"Oh, just that you actually do get used to having less feeling in an appendage after a bit," Alptraum comments as he closes his eyes to keep soap out of them. The Eee then just relaxes and lets his thoughts drift and wander. Occasionally, he goes back to that ember that is the remnants of the Shadow of Amena and, well, just sort of exists with it; paying attention to how it feels and not really asking anything of it.

The work continues for another hour or so, until Tulani and Alptraum have been polished and flossed and primped until their claws, teeth and hair shine. "See, that wasn't so bad now, was it?" Lilith asks.

Alptraum opens one eye. "Would you think less of me if I said I enjoyed it?" he asks the white Eeee.

"Of course not," Lilith says, grinning. "Only if you'd complained about it."

"That was certainly an enjoyable experience, No idea how long I'll be able to keep my claws and everything this neat though. Ah well." Tulani says with a small grin, "And I was right, you do clean up well Alptraum."

Alptraum's other eye opens and he finally sits up and stretches. First thing he does is look at his rather blunted right hand and as per his apparently daily check, wiggles the fingers to make sure they still work. He then can't help but give his hair a look over in the mirror. "Wow, the ends are … even. And there aren't any mats. And it really is pure white," he says in wonder. Okay, so it's been a while since he really had it cleaned…

"I hope we won't have to repeat it all for Alptraum after the Frogmilker gives him his examination," Lilith comments, grinning at the Eeee's surprise.

"Brave talk from someone who won't herself agree to an examination," Alptraum counters, then throws a wet towel at Lilith. "You and your eel talk."

"There's little point in examining me for spiritual influences," Lilith points out. "I think we can go to the leather-crafter now and see about your glove."

"Ah yes, a glove for Alptraum… Whats this about Eels?" Tulani says. before running her claws through her now clean hair, giving off a very subtle purr, likely only noticeable to the more sensitive ears of the Eeee in the room.

"I could examine you for spiritual influences," Alptraum offers Lilith and waggles his brow. "I could cause some spiritual influence, even." Boy is he grinning.

"I see that your spirit is certainly up," Lilith replies to Alptraum, giving him a wink and a smirk. "Ready to move on, or do you want to get massages instead?"

Gregor smiles for the first time, and loudly cracks his knuckles at the mention of massages.

"Uh, I would like to not be in pain later," Alptraum comments quickly at the sound of popping knuckles. So, he gets up from the chair and stretches out a bit. "Plus I need to be on my toes to keep up with you later," he adds, then elbows Lilith.

"Alright then, onwards to… shopping!" Lilith announces.

The Sphynx smiles and stands herself, stretching her wings a bit, pausing to thank Rolf for the lovely work on her claws, "Well, off we go then! In search of… gloves!"

---

Castle Leathers
If it can be made out of leather, this shop has it. Armor, clothing, belts, scabbards, boots, gloves, travel packs, luggage and flying harnesses stand on display tables, in racks and hanging from the ceiling. A large space behind the counter is set aside for tailoring, with three large mirrors to let the customer see what's what.

It isn't much of a walk from the salon to the shopping district, and Lilith leads the pair directly to this store. Two Skreeks wearing aprons covered in overflowing pockets greet Lilith, and there is a clatter of spilled knives and scissors and odder tools when they bow.

"I would say not to bow to my greatness," Alptraum quips, "But I guess its really for Lilith." The Eeee heads a bit further into the shop, the stops before the flight harnesses. "You know, those would have been really useful during my travels," the Eeee notes, "Flying with a pack is a pain."

Lilith actually hugs the elder Skreek (now that his chest is free of pointy objects). "Maurice! I have a special job that I know only you can accomplish," she tells the man, who has to adjust his glasses afterwards. "Anything for you Lilith! Err, is it something… intimate?" he asks, lowering his voice.

Alptraum's ears flick back at hearing the word 'intimate'. he makes a mental note to ask Lilith about that later.

The Sphynx smiles to the two Skreeks and does bend down to help pick up a few of the spilled tools handing them back to their owners before agreeing with Alptraum, "A flight harness can be very useful, and save on some back pain."

"Not this time," Lilith replies, and gestures to Alptraum's right hand. "A custom fitted glove."

"Indeed," Alptraum agrees … right up to when he checks the price marked nearby, "But a little back pain is cheaper than that. Wow… " Coughing, he walks back over to the Skreeks, then offers his right hand to Maurice. "Yes, I need something that could be worn long term, comfortable, and make this look less … odd."

The younger Skreek smiles gratefully as Tulani helps him pick up the spilled tools, and asks her in the squeaky voice of an adolescent, "Would you like one? We have courier harnesses, scout harnesses, long-distance ones and combat ones… "

Maurice takes the offered hand, and doesn't even blink at the actual appearance of it. Instead, he takes a pair of small calipers from a pocket and measures the thickness of the shell. "Would you need a matching pair for your left hand?" he then asks.

Tulani returns the younger Skreek's smile before arching an Eyebrow at Alptraum, "It would be nice to have one for scouting, but judging from my friends reaction I have a feeling its likely out of my price range."

"Hmm. I hadn't even thought of that, but it would help make it look normal, wouldn't it," Alptraum says, "Would that be difficult to do?" His head tilts, then he asks, "And … how think is the chitin, anyway?"

"Tsk, not difficult, just need to match the apparent thickness," the Skreek says, and starts tugging Alptraum towards the tailoring area, which has better light as well.

"Tulani here might want to see some the special pieces," Lilith notes, tapping the side of her muzzle with a finger and giving the bow a wink. "Oh, she's an agent?" the rat asks in a hushed voice.

"So, do you often have to build masking apparel for people around here?" Alptraum inquires, a bit surprised by the lack of reaction to his deformed hand. If he hears the conversation, he doesn't comment on it; he just follows the Skreek to the tailoring area.

"Not to mask physical things like this, but… masking tools and such, yes," Maurice notes, taking out a measuring string and asking Alptraum to flex and twist the hand until he gets an idea of how the plates move. He also taps the central 'orb' and asks, "Does this need to be uncovered easily, and what about this slot up at the back?"

While Alptraum gets dragged away for a glove fitting Tulani sticks near Lilith, regarding bother the Eee and the younger Skreek curiously at the mention of special pieces. "Oh yes, I would certainly like to have a look if possible?" the Sphynx comments seemingly idle, but looks to the side at Lilith in a questioning manner.

"The slot in the back, yes, and the orb, probably. Both have functional purposes," Alptraum says with a small nod as he dutifully moves his fingers, wrist and so forth so that the rat can get a good feel for how it moves. He also looks down at the small orb, peering at it curiously again to look for its usual glow (and if he can see anything else in it).

"Tools of the trade," Lilith notes cryptically as the Skreek dashes off to the back room. The boy appears a moment later carrying a box, which he sets down on the counter top. "I guessed at your measurements, ma'am," he says to Tulani, his voice cracking again.

In the bright light from the skylight above, the glow isn't noticeable at all. The calipers come out again, and the orb is measured carefully by the Skreek.

"So, ever see anything similar to this before?" Alptraum asks.

Inside of the box is… a set of apparent underwear. There are suede shorts and something like a soft strapless corset. They look perfectly normal, and made for someone with wings.

"Built-in armor?" Maurice asks Alptraum, while he brings out a big piece of wood with grooves and sliding bits on the surface.

"Thats quite Alright." The Sphynx replies to the young Skreek with another small smile before moving over to the box as he sets it down, asking, "May I?" Indicating that she'd like to pick the item up and get a better look at it.

The young Skreek nods.

"Yeah, something like that," Alptraum answers a bit vaguely. He actually takes this time as a chance to see if it looks like the orb is socketed into his hand (and therefore grows down into his palm), or just a shape molded into the back.

It's difficult to see any sort of seam between the orb and the surrounding chitin. Only the color seems to change. Maurice finishes setting his wooden contraption on a table, and asks, "Please put your hands in the middle of these outlines." There are two five-fingered hand outlines on the wood, between the various grooves.

Tulani carefully picks up the pieces of the garment in the box, looking each over carefully and critically. Especially checking for anything that might be a pocket or place to hide something. It might just be underwear, but still, it was something Lilith was suggesting so she doubted it was just that.

Alptraum lifts his hand up. Just before he puts his hand down in the outlines, he presses his thumb deep into his palm (as much as he can, anyway, to try and feel for anything.). Once he finishes with that, he sets both his hands down onto the stange board and spreads his fingers as much as required.

The undergarments are deceptive, and slightly thicker than necessary. The hidden pockets are on the inner layer, along with various scabbard-like sleeves and subtle reinforcement over vital areas. Not exactly armor, but enough to minimize damage caused by a dagger-thrust. The pants are the same, and have two over sized inner pockets at the rear, where a little extra padding is likely to go unnoticed.

Maurice slides various bits of wood along the grooves, which also have measurement marks in them. Once he's got them all touching Alptraum's hands at key points, he takes out a piece of paper and starts writing down the numbers.

"I bet you can get a really good fit with these measurements," Alptraum comments idly. "Is there any way to actually make gloves that can be worn for say, several days straight, comfortably?"

The Sphynx smiles slightly as she carefully and unobtrusively slips a finger unto each pocket she finds, testing its depth and width, "Ah very nice. I should probably get something like this. I assume you already have undergarments like this yourself Lilith?"

"Oh yes," Maurice says, bobbing his head a bit. "The key is air flow through tiny holes and vents.

"And, ah, would you leave the claws out, or within the glove?" Alptraum inquires next.

The white Eeee nods, saying, "They're pretty standard for female agents. The men get something similar. You pack away a surprising amount of stuff in them."

"From the number of pockets I found I'm sure you can, their well hidden too," the sphynx notes to Lilith, sounding a little impressed before turning back to the young Skreek, "You said you guessed my size for this. May I try it on? Or do you want take my measurements?"

"You can try it on; the laces at the back should let you make minor adjustments," the Skreek notes, and looks to Lilith. "Do you want to take her to the changing room?"

The Eeee woman nods, and says to Tulani, "Just follow me. The real test is if you can wear your normal clothes over them without looking fat."

"Well, we'll see won't we?" Tulani replies with a grin, following after Lilith.

"Do you have any preferences regarding studs and buckles?" Maurice asks Alptraum while the two women vanish into the back.

"I like buckles pretty well and they do secure things firmly. Tight is important for a flier," Alptraum comments distractedly. He looks rather disappointed he won't be able to see Tulani change. Shifting his attention completely back, "As for studs, I'm somewhat indifferent. Could be useful on the knuckles as weapons, I suppose." He then pauses and asks, "And what sort of styling can you do? I was wondering if it would be appropriate to have a bit of draconic styling to the gloves since I work for the Countess, sort of."

"Oh, my artist isn't in today, but she'll be available tomorrow," Maurice notes. "Any colors or textures you prefer?"

"Well, red, white, and black, obviously," Alptraum admits. "How long will they take to make?"

Meanwhile, Lilith has shown Tulani the basic tricks for using the underwear, including how to get things out of it without having to completely strip down first.

"That depends," Maurice notes, chewing on the end of his pencil. "There are some chitin pieces I would like to have made for the matching glove, which could take a few days."

"Chitin pieces? Inserts? Or are you intending to make the chitin of my right hand look like the glove itself?" Alptraum inquires.

All in all the underwear looks like it will likely be quite useful and after practicing with getting to all the pockets the Sphynx pauses to ask Lilith, "So, I'm curious, have you ever actually had to use all the pockets on your set? at a time I mean."

"Well, for the fingers, yes," Maurice notes. "Finger guards are not that unusual.

"Oh, I keep them all filled, but never had to use everything," Lilith notes. "The lock-picking set is the most useful and often used," she notes, and pats the waistband of the underpants where the picks are hidden. "You wouldn't believe how many times I've ended being patted down by someone, but they hardly ever figure out I'm hiding stuff in my underwear."

"Could one glove be done now and the other finished when the parts arrive?" Alptraum inquires.

"Well, I suppose I should get this set for myself then, it fits well enough, and its bound to come in handy when I start working… or rather traveling again," the sphynx comments to Lilith before changing back into her original clothes.

"The leather can all be done, yes," Maurice notes, finally finished with his scribbling. "The right-hand version should be finished by this evening, I think."

Alptraum nods at that. "So, what are you thinking would work the best for my right hand?" he asks; the fingers on said hand twitching a small bit. "And, ah, can I ask if you also do clothing and gear that would be appropriate for someone who works for the Countess?

Once Tulani has dressed again, she and Lilith return to the main part of the store. "She'll take them," Lilith tells the Skreek at the counter, who quickly begins filling out an invoice on official-looking parchment. "Do you need a regular flying harness as well, Tulani?" Lilith asks.

"A flying harness would be helpful," the sphynx admits to Lilith. 

"I think he mentioned that there is a scout-version," she continues, gesturing to the younger Skreek, "and that is what I tend to end up doing."

Using some strips of cloth, Maurice shows how the glove will fit. Almost all of the forearm will be covered in unbroken leather, with false stitching outlining the knife sheath. Flared leather strips will give the fingers the look of leather-and-chitin finger guards. A few buckles will be used to actually secure the glove, since it will be a bit looser to allow for comfort and avoid snagging, and there will be vent holes on the underside. A flap will cover the orb, secured by another small set of buckles.

"Ah, interesting," Alptraum says as he watches how the glove will be laid out. "That should work nicely."

The Skreek boy gets a long-handled hook from behind the counter, and uses it it bring down one of the hanging harnesses. The lower-back is almost solid leather for support, with straps for securing a pouch, and the between-the-wings section is more open, but also has connections for a narrow pack. The straps come over the shoulders and secure at two points, an upper belt running around just below the ribs and a second one around the hips.

The Skreek brings out accessories as well, such as the two back pouches and some tie-on holders that can be attached to the suspender straps and belts. There are even some pads to prevent the straps from rubbing against the chest too much.

Maurice taps the patch over the orb. "This can be perforated if needed, and is a good place for the Draco standard to go as well. Do you want it all in black to match your fur?"

"Hmm. Mostly black," Alptraum says after a bit of thought on the color. "That way without a closer look, it will blend better with my forearm anyway. But perhaps with dark red buckles that hold it strapped in place?"

Tulani takes the harness and looks it over, checking where the straps and buckles connect. "This will work very nicely, May I try this on as well?." she immediately asks of the Skreek.

"Red stained buckles are not a problem," the Skreek says, and makes a note of it as well. "Does the orb need to be uncovered often or fully?"

"Of course!" the Skreek yelps again. "Everything connects in the front," he explains. "So you just drape it over your shoulders, then buckle the belts… "

"Often … well, I cannot say quite yet, but it would be best to plan for it to be easily and quickly uncovered. As for fully, yes, it will need to be," Alptraum answers next. "I know I need it uncovered for Kaira. I also believe it is somewhat key to using the Shadow's abilities… I think anyway." the Eeee thinks. And inwardly, well, tries to ask that question of the Ember in his mind.

There isn't any rational response to the inner request. Either it isn't critical for the Shadow functions, or the Ember just doesn't know.

Following the Skreek boys directions, Tulani drapes the harness over her shoulders and begins buckling the front belts, adjusting them for a better fit as she goes. Once its all tied, she stretches , shifting her wings to see if she adjusted it properly.

"That looks correct," the boy says, smiling to the Sphynx.

"You spoke of other clothing," Maurice says to Alptraum. "If concealment is a factor, have you considered a cloak? It can be awkward for flying if you aren't use to them, however."

Tulani happily returns the Skreek boys smile, "This is quite comfortable actually." she says, and begins clipping the narrow pack and some of the pouch accessories onto the harness to see if it differs any with the added equipment…

"Not so much a cloak, but attire that would be appropriate for audiences with the Countess and her top aides," Alptraum answers. "I'm not as familiar with the dress expectations of this area and what is considered appropriate."

"A cape is considered a courtesy," Maurice explains. "It shows trust, since you can't easily fly off when wearing one."

"I've … not seen many capes that fit well on someone who has wings," Alptraum admits, "Do you have any examples?"

"Right this way!" Maurice says, and heads over to a curtained-off area. He sweeps the curtain aside, showing a selection of suede capes, most of them lined with zolk or velvet. They all look a bit heavy, and come with ornate clasps that look like they came from the cover of 'The Sylvanian Heresy' romance novel. Classic vampire chic.

The flight harness is remarkably well balanced, with the load held tight so that it doesn't shift at all.

Alptraum follows after the Skreek. when he spots the cloaks, he almost breaks into a fit of laughter. "I've seen stuff like this on the cover of … well, romance novels," he ends up admitting, amused. He selects one of the suede capes, one lined wit velvet, and then … well, tries to figure out how it does on. In the end he has to completely collapse his wings and hook the thumb claws around his neck, then drape the cape over that.

Tulani is definitely amazed with how comfortable the flight harness is, even when loaded with its compliment of pouches noting happily, "Well, I'll be getting this, it will save my back some strain in flight."

"You are a quick study," Maurice says approvingly to the Eeee, and circles around him to check the hang of the cape. There are a few little chitin clips along the outer edge that can actually hold onto the outer finger bone of the wings, and he attaches a few of them.

Lilith nods to the Skreek boy, and he dutifully amends the official invoice.

The clips feel distinctively odd on his wing bones. "I hadn't even thought that it might clasp to the wings. I can ee why one cannot readily fly in one of these," Alptraum admits. "Heh, a good thing Pike can't see me now… "

"An older brother?" Maurice guesses at the mention of the other. "I would suggest an open blouse to go with it, but I don't sell those here. We do have pants and boots, however. Have you ever worn boots?"

"Oh look," Lilith says, pointing out Alptraum to Tulani. "Does that look familiar to you too? I know I've seen the look somewhere."

"Boots? The only boots I've ever worn were full feet boots during winter to prevent frostbite," Alptraum says, "Are there other kinds special for Eeee feet?"

While the Skreek boy takes care of the invoice, Tulani undoes the harness and removes it for the moment, smiling at Lilith, "Well, I'm glad I came on this trip."

The sphynx then glances in the direction of Alptraum and her first impression is to snrk loudly. "You look like the cover of one of Pikes novels Alptraum! But still… it suits you." she finishes with a grin.

Alptraum sticks out his tongue at Tulani … then does something he bets many vampiric Eeee wishes they could visibly do; he looks at her … cross eyed.

Maurice presents Alptraum with something that resembles a fingerless glove with a heel. "It leaves the talons free but is suitable for dancing," the Skreek explains.

"Huh, no, I haven't worn anything like that before," Alptraum admits. after a bit of looking around, he finds a stool and sits down, offering one of his feet to the Skreek. "Show me how it fits on?" he asks.

Tulani just sticks her tongue out right back at Alptraum before turning back to Lilith, "Oh, and Lilith, I wanted to ask you, is there any other equipment I need or should look into further as an 'agent' other than the underwear?"

"Well, you just… pull it on," the Skreek says, and shows Alptraum how to slide his foot through and then use the buckles on the shin part to tighten it. There is a little strap at the toe end as well, that fits between the middle toes.

"Well, mostly you'll just be using your head," Lilith explains. "You can get some training in handling poisons and other drugs if you like, and then learn how to use the claw-sheaths they work with."

Alptraum watches, then pulls the other one onto his other foot and straps it in place. After standing up, though, he comments, "They feel really strange" And as he takes a few steps, make small clicking noises on the floor."

"Do you want to try the spur attachments?" Maurice asks.

The sphynx tilts her head, hmming thoughtfully before responding to Lilith, "Well, that might be useful, hopefully I wont run into a situation where I'll specifically need anything like that."

"You need some tight leather pants now," Lilac tells Alptraum. "To… ah… show that you aren't carrying any hidden weapons."

"Tight leather?" Alptraum asks Lilith, brow arched. "And you don't have any, ah, ulterior motives for those?"

To Maurice, Alptraum says, "Spurs? Huh. I imagine those would make useful weapons for a flier. Sure, why not."

"To show that you aren't hiding anything," Lilith repeats with a grin and arched eyebrows.

"You already know I'm not," Alptraum counters to Lilith, "But if you say so, well, find me some."

The Skreek gets the wood-and-chitin appliances and shows Alptraum how they attach to the heels of the boot. "They are technically for riding, which Eeee don't really do, of course, but I suppose it's just something the other races expect nobles to wear."

"I'll help you look Lilith." Tulani volunteers with a grin, and goes on a quest around the shop… for leather pants!"

"Well, sometimes we ride. Depends on if we're injured, or tired," Alptraum points out. "And they sure make walking louder. No sneaking in these things."

"Nobles are supposed to be loud and obvious, sir," Maurice notes. The racks have the leather pants, along with vests and shorts. Some are dyed different colors, and there is also a selection in softer suedes.

"Well, there's this problem in that I'm not really a noble," Alptraum admits and looks at his feet with a bit of a frown. "I sort of feel like I'm playing 'pretend' here."

The Sphynx looks for pants in red and black, since those are colors that seem to look good on Alptraum, looking for a nice one in suede and one in leather.

"Same thing, sir, all the nobles to it," Maurice notes. "It's expected. If they didn't all dress and act alike, how could we tell them apart?"

There is one pair that is mostly black, but with deeper red swirling patterns that only show up when the light hits them just right.

"By their actions? Actions mean more than … fancy clothing," Alptraum points out.

"Nobles do their actioning from offices and desks, hard to see that," Maurice chuckles. "We like our nobles to be well behaved, and that means behaving like we expect them to."

"That's silly logic. Not all nobles stay behind desks," Alptraum also points out, but doesn't argue the point any further. He then sits back down and starts removing the spurs and boots.

Tulani snags the pair of red and black pants and proceeds to carry it back to where Alptraum is, "Hey Alptraum, I found a pair of pants for you!"

"They look rather, uh, small," Alptraum comments when he spots the pants. The 'boots' are off now, at least. To Lilith, Alptraum honestly asks, "And, uh, would the Countess appreciate if I did go through the trouble of dressing, well, like this?"

"Oh don't worry! I'm sure they'll look good on you anyways." Tulani quips back to Alptraum, holding out the pants to him with a grin.

Alptraum takes the pants. Instead of going to the changing room, though … he just removes his current pants, in the presence tof two women, and starts pulling on the tight pants. There's an interesting grimace on his face as the struggle to get them on occurs. And once they are on, well … they really don't leave much hidden.

"I'm sure she'd appreciate the effect, Alptraum," Lilith says. "I mean, if I wore skin-tight leather, wouldn't you appreciate it?"

Tulani can't help but whistle in a playful manner at the display as Alptraum struggles into the pants.

"Not as much as you not wearing anything," Alptraum quips with a wink. And then the other thought crosses his mind and he asks Maurice, "Uh, just what does all this cost?"

"Well, the governments gets a discount of course," Maurice says. "Since, after all, we don't have to charge sales tax for them… "

Alptraum glances to Lilith. "Uh, er, how much of a governmental allowance do I have, if any?" he asks a bit weakly. After all, his 'position' is a bit uncertain.

"The Countess has opened a line of credit for you, Alptraum," Lilith notes. "And Tulani comes out of the Intelligence branch's discretionary funds."

"Which I would have to pay back … somehow," Alptraum notes, then just shrugs a bit. "Ah well. You only live once, and I'll live for a long time, so … why not? I'll take it. Boots, spurs, cloak, pants, and the gloves."

"Very good, sir," Maurice says, while the younger Skreek begins filling out another invoice. "I suggest you keep wearing the pants and boots to break them in. And it will take a little time before they pants have flexed enough to be removed in any case."

"I'll help you when the time comes," Lilith says to Alptraum. "Plus, now you don't have to worry about spending lots of money on a fancy dinner date with me!"

"Ugh," goes Alptraum as he sits back down and slips the boots back on, strapping them firmly back in place. He glances towards Lilith, looking confused, "I don't? We haven't even gotten to our night out yet."

Tulani just smiles, looking happy with her purchases.

"I know, but I kinda like the notion that the Countess will be paying for our date when it happens," Lilith says with a grin.

Alptraum laughs at that. "You're terrible. You're worse than I am," he tells the white Eeee. "Using her money and her … uh, well, no need to talk about that here. I'm sure the shopkeepers have better things to be doing!"

The Eeee gets back to his feet and gathers up his other clothing. "I'll be back this evening for glove one. Thank you, Leathermaster Maurice, for all your help and patience," Alptraum says.

Tulani herself is already heading for the door,giving the Skreek boy a small wave of thanks as she holds onto her own clothing purchases, looking between Lilith and Alptraum.  "Well, good luck on your date. Make sure he has some fun Lilith and doesn't spend all his time worrying," the sphynx comments, sticking her tongue out at Alptraum.

"Hey, I haven't worried once today, thank you very much!" Alptraum calls out after Tulani. "But maybe I should, just to get you back for that, hmph! I know how to have fun!"