It is an odd experience to walk through town with a blind man. Nicora has her elbow crossed with that of Galand, the blind Lapi music teacher and ex-spy. Several paces behind them, Bertrand the Chronotopian Doberman Gallah follows along in silence. "I hope you don't mind walking like this, but it helps me keep my bearings," Galand apologizes to the bat. "I can usually tell where I am by the feel of the cobblestones."

Nicora keeps herself as close as she can to the blind Lapi without causing him problems with walking. When they do draw to a stop here and there so she can get his bearings, she rests her chin lightly on his shoulder. "It is no bother," she tells him during one of the pauses, "It just means I get to enjoy your presence longer."

"You are a very kind woman," Galand says with a chuckle, as the turn from the town streets toward the castle itself. Galand notices as soon as they reach the drawbridge. "Ah, I haven't been this way in ages."

"I merely know whom I enjoy the company of," Nicora claims as they step onto the drawbridge. "My friends are guests in the castle," she then explains, "Lilith helped arrange it."

One of the Lapi's eyebrows raise, as he asks, "So, should I not be asking too many personal questions about them?"

"Discretion is appreciated," Nicora says as they pass under the portcullis. "One I can tell you is my twin sister," she admits, "Well, used to be twin, before my … change. The other is a friend of hers and mine."

"And they are all restricted to the castle?" Galand asks. The entrance to the guest suite is thankfully close to the main entrance, and Nicora has no trouble guiding the Lapi (and his butler) through the few turns needed to get to it.

"To the guest wing, yes," Nicora explains as the approach the guest room door. She reaches out with her left hand and turns the knob to open it. "You will be welcome to stay here as well, of course, when you are keeping them company. One of the guest rooms will be marked as yours. Feel free to bring anything that you desire to be comfortable."

"I do have lessons to attend to, but can certainly schedule visits," the man says. A surprised looking Snow is in the central common room of the suits, holding a basket full of bottles and vials and who knows what just outside of Mave's door. The girl remains quiet though.

"Good afternoon, Snow," Nicora says to the human. "This is Galand, a friend. He will be keeping our friends company when the nights seem long. Is everything all right with you? Does Mave require help this day?"

"Oh," Snow says very quietly, either out of shyness or in deference to Galand's hearing. "Just… lessons. I have to… make some things… " The shrine maiden isn't usually so shy. She's even blushing a bit.

Nicora draws Galand to a stop and then motions for Snow to come over. "He does not bite," she lightly teases her human friend. "Let him learn your features? I am sure you two will have chance to speak during his visits."

Snow sets down her basket, and comes over. Galand touches her cheek, and seems surprised as well. "A human," he says quietly, and brushes over the girl's face.

"An albino human. She is sensitive to things touching her," Nicora explains. "But … I know that Lapi fur does not bother her, her cloak is lined with it."

"So we wave similar colors," the white Lapi says with a grin. "I am Galand," he says, pulling his fingers back from Snow's face. "Sister Toad… um… Snow. I'm Snow," the girl responds shyly.

"And I am Yodhinala Mave," adds an Eeee voice from the doorway to Mave's room, where the priestess looks out curiously.

"I can't imagine a Yodhinala being in need of company," Galand notes, and then bows in the direction of Mave's voice.

"Would you like to speak with him alone later, Snow?" Nicora asks the human. "He is very intelligent and gentle. Wonderful to talk to." The voice of Mave, though, makes Nicora twitch slightly. "Ah, I did not wish to interrupt you, Yodhinala. This is Galand. He will be seeing to the comfort of the others."

"I should examine him for fitness," Mave notes, grinning at Nicora.

"Only if he permits it," Nicora says right back to Mave. "Perhaps after he has met the others?"

"As you wish," Galand agrees, and takes Nicora's elbow again to indicate whose advice he follows first. "I don't hear any others here though?"

"I will go find them after I get you settled," Nicora tells the Lapi and guides him towards Arkold's old room. She can't help herself and looks back at Mave, then wiggles her ears playfully. The door to Arkold's room is then opened and the Lapi and his butler are escorted in.

The room is clean and relatively untouched, since the Jupani's belongings have long since been moved. It's also Nicora's first time visiting it, and it does seem a bit masculine, in that the furniture is a bit… bigger and tougher looking, more rough-hewn.

Nicora guides Galand over to the bed and helps him sit down upon it. "I hope you are comfortable? I admit this may seem a bit strange. But the castle does see many unusual guests, the Yodhinala and the human being two of them," she says … right before she slides herself into Galand's lap for the moment.

The Lapi moves his hands to support Nicora, his nose working rapidly. "I can smell the ghosts of beer and cigars," he notes. "Good ones, though. You've seemed a bit nervous today, Nicora. Is anything wrong?"

"Worried about my friends, mainly," Nicora claims as she lightly drapes her arms around the large buck's neck. "It is nothing for you to be too concerned about, though. I also hope you can forgive me for this," she adds … right before she kisses the Lapi gently and warmly for a minute.

Galand doesn't seem to mind. Afterwards he asks, "I forgive you. Or did you just dose me with slow acting poison, so that I must do something for you in order to receive the antidote?" He's grinning when he asks – probably some sort of spy joke.

"Oh, there are so many things I could order you to do," Nicora teases as she runs her claws lightly around his neck and then down his front. "But alas, I did not poison you, so you retain your free will. This time."

"I see," Galand says, and brushes Nicora's hair back. "So, do you wish to test my fitness before madam Mave, or are you just trying to make feel particularly friendly when you introduce the others?"

"You wish for us to … join before Mave?" Nicora asks the buck, her head tilting a bit to the side and her ears feeling oddly hot at the suggestion. "Or do you wish for her to … test you?"

"Well, you seem to desire a bit of time alone with me," Galand notes with a chuckle. "It isn't often a lovely girl sits in my lap just to chat."

"You are hard to resist," Nicora admits as she playfully tries to push Galand backwards and straddle him. "Perhaps I will spend a little time with you before I go find the others… "

The door opens and closes, as Bertrand slips out. "Well, I am hardly one to refuse you," the man says, his glass eyes glittering like the Procession. "You are a very eager and responsive lover, I admit. Exciting!"

"Alas, it will only be one time right now," Nicora teases as she gingerly unbuttons the Lapi's shirt one button at a time. "This time I want you to just relax. I will do most of the, ah, work… "

Galand assists by helping with Nicora's own clothing, which requires a bit more exploration to find the clasps, of course. "How relaxed?" he asks… clearly more excited than relaxed.

"If you don't behave I'll find a way to tie you down," Nicora threatens, though she does sound rather distracted while Galand's hands do their work … and magic. Once the buck is … back to basics, the Eeee explores him once more, taking a few new tricks she learned from her time with Snow. She's practically evil with how she denies him union again and again. It's only when he seems ready to explode … does she permit the crescendo of the moment to come and she joins with him to ease his suffering…

It's explosive… and even burns a little, at least for Nicora! The itch comes back worse than ever once the intensity fades.

Nicora twitches. His suffering has ended, but hers returns, full force. She strokes Galand's face gently as she draws away from him and whispers, "Just rest and get cleaned up. I'll be back soon with the others," she whispers to him.

Bertrand returns and helps Galand to the bathroom, where he can, indeed, clean up.

As Nicora dresses, she winces repeatedly. "Worth it," she thinks, "But gods does this hurt." She checks herself for swelling and any other signs of unpleasantness from her … curse before her dress is pulled back on and smoothed out.

There's still some swelling, but then that could be normal given the activity, and hard to distinguish from actual inflammation.

Nicora tests by touching and is rewarded with burn and pain. She stifles a hiss, then settles herself. "Phlagaea first," she says and heads to the door.

Snow is always heading back towards the upper part of the castle, and notices Nicora's distress. "Do you want me to ease that?" she asks quietly.

"Ah, no. It is … a gift from Gorphat. She will take offense if those of Inala ease it," Nicora says quickly and offers Snow a smile, "I appreciate the offer, though." She heads towards the stairs up with Snow and asks her along the way, "Why were you so shy around him? You were never shy around me."

"I was a little ashamed about my behavior as a male Lapi," Snow admits. "I was not a gentle person, I used my power to take what I wanted… I worried he would sense it, somehow. Even as you I felt more restraint."

"You were overwhelmed. It was … interesting," Nicora claims as the pair climb the stairs. This is particularly unpleasant since a lot of rubbing tends to happen while going up stairs. "None of us are upset over what happened, Snow. It was a safe place, so if … when you lost control, no one was in danger."

"And I have to admit when you were me and I was you … it was rather nice. I always worried that I was … pushy at times. But, I at least learned it was quite enjoyable for you too," Nicora adds.

"Well, I'm an empath," Snow reminds. "If you were enjoying it, I couldn't help but enjoy it too. Did you mean for me to sleep with Galand?"

"That is entirely your choice," Nicora says, "I am guessing you do not wish to? Should I feel proud I have made you desire Eeee?" She winks.

"It's more that… I mesh well with you… well, with Alptraum," Snow says. "The things I did while a male Lapi seem… like a dream, I suppose."

"Then you can remain pure and untouched for when I am restored to normal," Nicora teases the human and even lightly bumps her with her hips when the reach the upper floor. "I won't be Nicora forever. When I return from Babel, I will have Melusine restore me to the way I was."

"Of course," Snow says, glancing sideways at Nicora as they mount the stairs. "But you have the choice to change into Nicora whenever you want as well."

"Does that worry you?" Nicora asks, "I can't really change myself. Kaira or Melusine has to help me do it."

"And I could always spend time with you like this too, if you wish," Nicora offers, "Mave taught me some things… "

"You can change me into whatever sort of partner you desire," Snow points out. "Even a big white Lapi. Should I lay with Galand in order to learn the techniques you would like used upon you later?" she asks, almost teasingly.

"Oh, I wouldn't mind," Nicora admits with a grin, "But … right now I really pay for it. Bad itch and burn. Gorphat wanted to teach me a lesson, that is certain."

"Is that going to be a bother though when you travel?" Snow asks. "You will be with Mave and Tulani. It should be easy to prevent the discomfort then… "

"Well, it won't be too much of a problem as long as I'm not actively engaging in acts," Nicora points out. "It should fade and I'll feel normal again. Then it's just a matter of not coupling. That's … going to drive me crazy." The Eeee just grins and shakes out her hair, "I may be sad, but I do have some self control. I don't need physical pleasure all the time."

"I didn't realize it had become so important to you?" Snow asks. "Is that my fault?" The upper kitchen is being passed now – one more flight to the guard post.

"It isn't that important. I'll have a lot on my mind on the trip. I likely won't even think about it," Nicora says, "Except when I take Phlagaea's offering to the Temple of Gorphat. I'll probably remember what she has made me endure then."

"And admittedly, the burn and itch isn't as bad as the pain from the cramps she made me endure my first cycle. That was … horrific," Nicora adds.

"At least this doesn't ooze too," Nicora finishes with.

"Being a woman will make you stronger," Snow assures Nicora, and even pats her on the shoulder. The guards salute and open the door for the pair.

Nicora curtsies to the guards and slips into the Royal suites. "Phlagaea? Are you there?" she calls out to her Eeee friend.

"What, is it dinner time already?" replies the familiar voice of the Yodhgorphat, followed by her now-brown head poking out into the main hall.

Nicora smiles like a spider having found her prey. "No … Galand is here to meet you and the Countess. You're first," she coos at her friend.

"Is he a cook?" Phlagaea asks, then blinks. "Oh, the Lapi man you found? Is he anything like Snow was?" The woman steps out, wearing a fluffy bathrobe. "Do I need to get dressed? Where is he?" She tries craning her head to look past the other two women.

"He is not as intense as Snow was, no. And yes you need to get dressed, he is down in Arkold's old room," Nicora explains. "And … your Mistress' gift is quite a test for me, I must admit. It is … distracting."

"Isn't She so creative like that?" Phlagaea says cheerfully. "Oh, what should I wear?"

"She is quite creative. I can enjoy activities … but afterward I itch and burn as if … I have something called a yeast infection, but I do not. So, I have to decide if the pain is worth the pleasure, I suppose. As for clothing, just something simple is fine. He is blind, so clothing appearance is not terribly important," Nicora answers.

"Bandages? Or is that too complicated?" Phlagaea asks.

"Maybe just a nice dress," Nicora suggests. "Like what I wear."

"Do… do I have anything like that?" Phlagaea wonders, then blinks. "Oh, the outfit I wore to dinner with your parents?"

"That would be fine," Nicora agrees and nods.

"Help me then, I don't understand all the bits still," Phlagaea says, heading back into her room.

Nicora gives Snow a peck on the cheek then follows after Phlagaea. "You haven't figured out how to dress … normally yet?" she asks as she closes the door behind them.

"Of course not," Phlagaea notes. "I don't need to! I usually wear a robe, or my bandages… I really miss having Lucy around to help me, but it's such an effort for her to climb all the way up here."

"Okay, strip down and I'll dress you," Nicora instructs. She goes to the Eeee's wardrobe and opens it up to look for the dress.

At least Phlagaea is cooperative, and doesn't demand to know the purpose of things like underwear – although she does have rhetorical questions, like, "Why do I need to put stuff on over the underwear? Shouldn't it be enough?"

"It is to make sure people do not get lost in your beauty," Nicora claims, "And may I ask you a personal question? Do you … miss being green and blessed?" She, of course, asks this while she's showing Phlagaea how all the fasteners work for the fifth time. It's rather ironic that Nicora is teaching Phlagaea how to dress ladylike.

"I look forward to being green again," Phlagaea admits. "I was born that way, after all. It is who I am. And what is wrong with being lost in my beauty? Isn't that the point of being beautiful? Don't you want to just parade around naked and bask in the attention?"

"Parading around naked while … blessed as I am would not be wise," Nicora admits and grins. "And I miss you being green too. It was exotic! And scary. I'm not sure I could have done as well as you were I green." She ties up the remaining ties on the back of Phlagaea's dress, then pats her shoulder. "Now, ready to meet him?"

"Do I have to bring a gift?" Phlagaea asks. "Is he a Barinala?"

"No gift. He's just a Lapi. A former spy, in fact. And a musician," Nicora explains, "If there is any instrument you can play, he would appreciate it."

"What's an instrument?" Phlagaea asks. She is still learning the local language, after all… but then again, the Yodh are not known for having very artistic lives.

"Never mind," Nicora says and lightly tickles Phlagaea's ear-ridge. "He knows someone dear to you is leaving and he is to keep you company. He doesn't know that person is me and I ask you keep it that way," she says.

"What if he asks after you while you're gone?" Phlagaea asks.

"Asks for Nicora?" Nicora asks, "Well … tell him I was called away to deal with a family matter. I've told him that Rose is twin my sister. I need to come up with a new name for her too. He can't know that she's the Countess."

"Does everyone know her name?" Phlagaea asks.

"I … I don't know. I'll just ask Rose directly when I go to get her after I deliver you into his … clutches," Nicora says ominously and then waggles her ears.

"He has clutches too?" Phlagaea asks, wide eyed. "Did Snow have those?"

"No it's just a figure of speech," Nicora says as she rolls her eyes and then wraps her arm around Phlagaea's. "Come on. He's very polite and gentle. He won't do anything you do not wish him to do." She now tugs the High Priestess towards the door to her room.

Snow is waiting outside, after having dropped off her basket of potions and whatnot. "I should come down as well," she notes.

"Let's all go, then," Nicora says and puts her other arm around Snow. "Back to see the gallant Galand who gifts girls with giddiness, gasps, and groans!" she declares, then escorts them both to the exit to the suite.