The night went by amazingly fast. Morgan found himself finally going to bed around 7AM, in a huge pile of pink pillows. His sleep was restful and without dreams. Slowly, he comes back to consciousness. He's still in a pile of pink pillows, so that part wasn't a dream. He is currently alone inside Liliana's wagon … and apparently sans any clothing. But thankfully, it's all in a neat pile beside the pillows. Evening light is filtering through the windows. It's probably around 5PM, perhaps a bit later.

Morgan rolls over onto his back and releases the pillow he had been snuggling up to. "Mmmph," he mumbles sleepily, eyes blinking open as he works at wakefulness. Even as late as it is he doesn't feel very rested.

The door opens and Liliana steps through. She's dressed somewhat plainly (for her), today, in a simple set of loose pants and a baggy shirt. "Oh, 'ey, it lives," she comments with a grin toward the groggy Kadie. "Vou were so dead to de vorld, I took an' vashed vour clothes and vou didn't even blink. Dey should be beside de bed."

The Kadie man blinks up at the tall, at least to him, woman. Then he suddenly turns bright red and looks down at his hands, which he fidgets with. "Hi Liliana," he says with a voice that sounds more cheery than embarrassed. The part about the clothes seems to still be sinking in somewhere behind the part about waking up in a woman's room.

"I'm glad vou don' snore. Snoring is terrible vhen you haf ears like mine," Liliana comments idly, as if having a stripped Kadie in her wagon wasn't unusual. "Did vou sleep okay? I know my vings can be a bit troublesome sometimes. Dey like to get in de way."

"Oh, no. I mean, I slept wonderfully. I just mean your wings are nice. Nice and soft, and, um … Yep." Despite himself he suddenly breaks in to a grin and shakes his head. "I'm sorry," he offers. "It's just, well, you know. Look at you. It makes me want to smile." Absently he reaches for his clothing and pats around until he finds them without looking.

"Pish, I'm ordinary," Liliana says and waves her hand dismissively, "An' glad vou slept okay. Means I can drag you here often, ves?". She winks and then goes to rummaging around in a drawer, whistling quietly.

"Um, okay," Morgan says with no small amount of enthusiasm. He pulls his pants to himself, eyes the pants, then the covers, then just shrugs and stands up to dress in the nude. After he's got everything on he reflexively brushes them out while adjusting the fit. "So, my, it's rather late isn't it? I, ah, hope no one was looking for me. I'm not supposed to be doing much."

Liliana looks back and makes a mock pouty face. "Beh, all vou peoples and your insistence on wearin' lots of clothes," she does, however, crack a smile in spite of herself. "And ves, it's late afternoon. I already grabbed some food a bit ago; it struggled a lot too. But, vou're safe … dis time," she says as she walks back over, holding a basket of stuff. "And guess vhat! Vou need to sit back down."

"I'm afraid I'm just not as impressive naked," the man concedes as he sits back down. "Besides, my best feature doesn't need clothes." He grins a little, then. "Should I struggle then? Or should I submit to your startling vampiric powers. I seem to have already, actually." He gestures at his sitting self and then watches the woman curiously.

"Oh, let me be de judge of vour impressiveness, no?" Liliana says and grins. The Eeee settles herself down by Morgan and curls one of her wings lightly around his shoulders. Gently, she then brushes back the hair on the right side of his face so it's out of the way. "So," she says, "Ever consider havin' a bit of dyework done? I bet vou vould look nice with a little stylization 'round here… " She traces the area around Morgan's eye with a fingertip.

Unsurprisingly, Morgan reddens when Liliana slides close to him, but he doesn't stammer when he answers, "Dyework? Oh, you mean like the pattern you have on your body. I had been wondering about that. No one in Stonebarrow has those sorts of skills which," he gives a slightly guilty shrug, "I admit is because we're sort of, um, well, not so understanding. Of those things. I mean." He watches Liliana's face and bravely stammers on, "I'm not sure why. Change and all. The future. Innovation! Why not. Yes, um, I don't see why not? Silly really."

"Very silly. Is no' like it's permanent. Can be dyed back or grown out," Liliana says and continues tracing her fingertip along the side of his face. "Vou might get into trouble, tho, no? Didn' sound like vour mother vould approve."

"Weellllll," his eye watches the finger trace around it. He licks his lips uncertainly, looks up at Liliana again, and then grins a little. "I guess it couldn't hurt. I'm supposed to be trying to relax, and I find being here very relaxing."

"Someon' might say I be corruptin' vou," Liliana remarks, then leans in to lightly nip Morgan's ear-ridge. "Vhich, of course, I am," Liliana whispers and giggles. She leans back and digs into her basket and pulls out a small piece of chalk. She says, "Jus' tell em I got vou drunk an' did it vhile vou slept, if it causes too much trouble."

Morgan tenses when bitten and then shivers. He grins, too. "Mmm, ah, I'll say no such thing. It's one thing to choose to look a little different and another to lie. Of course I needn't ever give a direct answer, and many hear the truth they want to hear anyway," he says matter-of-factly. While he talks he absently reaches out a finger and traces a line of Liliana's wing dye.

"True, dat," Liliana says and nods in agreement. "Plus, dis gives me a vay to mark vou as mine," she comments and winks. She brings up the chalk and starts to draw a light pattern around Morgan's eye and partway down his jawline. It's fairly simple, just a stylized design reminiscent of a profile view of many of the gargoyle/cat-like statues that populate Sylvanian decor.

"I can tell people this is my evil eye in honor of your corruption," Morgan remarks, laughing lightly. Not being able to see his own face the Kadie entertains himself by looking at Liliana's dyework instead.

Liliana's own dyeworks are basically abstract designs. Her arms have symmetrical swirling patterns going up them. Her wing-bones are all outlined in red dye. She hmms softly, looking critically at the pattern around Morgan's eye. "I vas going to suggest a red dye like mine, but … I t'ink maybe vou would look better with something more subtle. Perhaps a few shades darker den vour natural color, so unless dey look close, dey may miss it. Subtle just seems more vour style."

Morgan seems to think on that a moment before answering. "It seems a little strange to do something wild like this and then make it subtle," he comments slowly. "If you think it looks better, okay. But don't worry about me needing to hide anything. You were right about me needing to be seen as different."

"Vell, I can do vhatever color vou vhant. I vould recommend either white, dark green, dark red, or black, for de color options. Me, I like red, but vell, it's your fur, no' mine," Liliana says as she starts pulling out some odd implements. She offers Morgan a mirror so he can see the chalk outline.

The Kadie tilts his head as he looks in the mirror. "Purple is my favorite color," he explains as he takes a look at the outline, "which is followed by black. I don't think I can wear white anymore." He smiles and winks via the mirror back at Liliana. "Green reminds me of frogs, and I think I've had enough frogs for a while. So … ," he tilts his head the other way," … I'll go with red, in honor of you."

"Vell, I can do purple too. But, I t'ink red would look nicer," Liliana says and nods her head. She pulls out a couple of jars and sets them next to her. The Eeee then gets up slightly and straddles over Morgan's lap and grins down at him. "Dis vill take a little bit to do. Bet, hm, couple hours." She picks up a couple oddly shaped combs, that have two tines with bristles along the insides. "Last chance to back out," she teases.

Morgan blushes, but he grins widely too when she straddles him. "Oh, temptress you." He wiggles his toes and then lies back on his considerable tail. "I'd have to move if I said no, or you would, and that wouldn't do, as I am very comfortable. Besides that I think I could use a change of pace. I am putty in your hands."

Liliana grins both smugly and proudly at being called a temptress. "All righ', just hol' still an move only when I tell you," she says as she dips the tool into one of the jars. What proceeds over the next hour or so is Liliana carefully brushing the tool through fur on the side of Morgan's face. For the most part, Liliana is quiet and concentrated through the procedure. But, at last Liliana is lightly drying the side of Morgan's face after having washed the remaining dye off. She sits back, but doesn't move to get off the Kadie. Her hand comes down and traces lightly along Morgan's jaw and says, "Oooh, that looks really nice. Intimidatin' and attractive all in one. Vant to see?"

"Will that cause you to move or stop tracing me with your finger?" the Kadie asks teasingly. He looks supremely comfortable with his hands folded behind his head, laying back.

"Vell, vell, vhat have ve here? I do haf to move sometime, vou know," Liliana says and taps Morgan's nosetip with a finger. She leans over and fetches the mirror, then holds it up in front of Morgan. Morgan finds himself looking at, well, himself … and a whole lot differently. His left eye and upper cheek are covered in a stylized, deep red, pattern. It almost makes that side of his face look more Eeee-like, amusingly, as the patterns highlight his bones and structure. Depending on how Morgan manipulates his brow, it changes from fairly peaceful, to looking downright scary.

Morgan butts his nose against the tapping finger and relents. "Oh, all right," he says as he's handed the mirror. He sits up a bit and studies his reflection carefully. "My," the Kadie breathes as he examines the design, "this is very nice. I wasn't sure, but now I'm confident about this." Seconds later he's going through an array of facial expressions. Happy, angry, smirking, then a few goofy ones seemingly just to get a reaction out of the woman.

Liliana licks her lips, then purses them. She's doing her best to not laugh, giggle, or in any way give Morgan an idea how silly he looks doing some of those. "Good," she finally says, "Glad vou like it. I do." The Eeee winks, then gets off the Kadie. She goes over to some of her hanging clothing and starts going through it. "Oh, I vant vou to take me to some place called de boathouse. I hear it some place for the younger crowd to go. I vant to go, to see vhat our audience for shows vill be like. Need to know how to tailor our shows," she calls back.

Morgan inhales. The boathouse. With Liliana, and dyed fur. It's a big step and he feels every bit of it. Rather like it was a big step right on his shoulders from an equally big giant. "Okay," he inadvertently says with a squeak. He quickly recovers with a more manly, "Anything you want Lily." He wishes he could make himself suddenly more courageous though.

"Don' worry. I protect vou," Liliana calls back and grins at Morgan, apparently sensing his unease. "Unless, perhap' … vou are ashamed of bein' seen vith me?" Liliana says teasingly and comes back over, carrying a small pile of clothing. Then right there, in front of poor Morgan, the Eeee starts removing her rather drab outfit to put on a new one.

Morgan does not take his watching her dress quite as well as she took watching him. He bites his lip, looks around, and shifts uncomfortably as he waits. "I'm definitely not ashamed," he says. Another peek at the woman and he adds, "No, not at all. Definitely not."

Given how little fabric is in the outfit she's putting on, it's sure taking her a long time to put it on. "Good, glad to hear it," Lily says and gives Morgan a smooch on the cheek. "I'd be all sad if I couldn' be seen wit' the best lookin' guy in town."

"Well, um, thanks." The Kadie moves to stand up – and even standing comes up to around the Eeee's breast – and then return the kiss by standing on his tip-toes. "It'll be a little bit of a walk from here."

"So, shall ve valk through de center of town, or vould vou prefer to take a more private route, hmm?" Lily says playfully to Morgan, then takes his hand into hers. "An now, I am at vour mercy, vou little corrupted vitch."

"As I am at yours you temptress vampire," retorts Morgan happily. He takes the bat's hand and begins walking towards the exit. "We'll go either way you want. I don't wnat you to think I'm ashamed. I am a witch, and a upstanding member of this town, and I will not be afraid of my own people."

The two walk through the night air, talking idly about various things. Liliana spends a good amount of the time telling stories about some of the places they've visited. Morgan counters the tales with the rather odd goings on of this small town. Several times Liliana refuses to believe they're even true. Well, until Morgan shows her proof along the way. By the time they've reached the boathouse, Liliana has declared Stonebarrow 'De weirdest place in Sylvania, and dats sayin' a lot'.

The place is packed with at least a dozen teenaged otters tonight, bumping and jumping and squirming around in what might be called dancing by some, or an orgy by others. The Oggtones are in full swing, pumping out 'music' that is heavy on the percussion and rhythm – so heavy that two drummers are required. Emmett leads them on with his tricked-out washboard, letting everyone know just what it would sound like to have a thousand vermites tap dancing on a chitin roof. Only a few of the otters are wearing any sort of clothing, and most of them are in the band, so long as headbands count as clothing.

Liliana looks horrified upon entering. "Ech, dey do have a jug ban'. I t'ought dey were outlawed due to de offensiveness of dem," she whispers to Morgan.

"Well the Akwavi would complain to the mayor and no one wants to guess at the damage the Oggtons might do without something to keep them busy," the witch whispers back. "I've only been here a rare few times when I needed to have a talk with someone, and wanted everyone to know it."

"In other words, someone vas in trouble?" Liliana asks in a whisper and grins.

Morgan tsks, grinning. "I like to think they needed an education," he answers.

The set ends (except for one drummer who seems to be in a world of his own) once the band runs out of breath. A few of the dancers also collapse, mostly onto each other. A somewhat pudgy brown Akwavi girl behind the 'bar' wiggles her webbed fingers in a wave to Morgan.

"Pish, I knew dere was someone devious in dere," Liliana whispers back and then taps on Morgan's head. She then looks around the quieting room and rubs her chin, taking note of both attire and enthusiasm (as shown by people collapsing after the song ends).

Morgan returns the wave with a smile before making a slight show of trying to look in to his own head. "There is? I'll have to have a talk with him later," he teases before returning his gaze to the room. "Tsk. Working themselves ragged. They'll suffer from strain if … Oh what am I saying? Welcome to the Boathouse, Lily."

"Oi, Morgan!" the girl behind the bar calls out, and Morgan remembers her as Squeegy Oggton. "I used that balm you give me, and me rash is all gone! Do you want to check?" she asks.

"Pfft, working yourself ragged is de best way. You seemed to… Liliana says, then stops there and just grins. Liliana then arches her eyebrow and looks down at Morgan. "See? De women jus' throw demselves at vou," she teases.

A particularly tall otter slinks over, washboard tucked under his arm, and bows to the couple. "Ain't you going to innerduce me to your loverly, overdressed companion Morgan?" Emmett asks. "And tell where's you got that fancy coloring on your face to boot, eh?"

"Throw me on their rashes," Morgan whispers aside to Liliana. Being quite used to these questions Morgan doesn't skip a beat when he answers, "It's all right Squeegy. If it shows any signs of returning, though, you come talk to me or my mother and we'll set it straight." He's less confident about the next step it seems, and so answers the otter with, "My lovely date is Liliana, and the, ah, fancy coloring is her work."

Liliana slips her arm around Morgan. "Das right. I'm his date. I asked him to show me dis place. Needed to get a feel for de culture of de town," Liliana says and smiles to the otter. "Since my tribe vill be performin' here in a day or so."

"Well, if you want to feel some culture, this is the place the get yer hands in knuckle-deep," Emmett says. "And I am Emmett Oggton, Esquire, at yer service! What sort of performin' will you be doing, Mistress Liliana of the Ruby Eyes?"

Liliana smirks slightly and her ears flick as she senses a looming pickup line. "Oh, depends on de member of de tribe. Me, I'm de lead dancer, specializing in dances to allure and captivate de mind," she answers.

"Wot, like… the Wiggly Worm?" Emmett asks.

"De wha?" Liliana asks. "I never heard o' such a t'ing."

"It's a dance what lures fishies so the can be captivated by our nets," the Akwavi says, grinning smugly.

Liliana can barely keep from outright laughing. "No, no, silly boy," she says, "I dance to inspire de men an' ignite de fires of passion. No' catch fish."

The otter scratches his head for a moment, then looks at Morgan. Then he looks back at Lily. "You need a dance to do that? You seem to be making out fine jus' standin' still."

Morgan scoots slighlty closer to Liliana and he pats her hand. "My Lily is quite inspirational. Her dances are like nothing you have seen before, and I should know," the witch explains.

Both whiskery eyebrows go up on the otter. "Oh? Well, we like to see things we haven't seen before!"

Liliana waggles her finger and tsks at Emmett. "Pish. It's more fun to play de game. Tease, bait, entice, then pull away. Live dem wanting, hoping dreaming. If you just get de prize, where's de fun in de chase?" she asks, looking at Emmett through half-lidded eyes. She then looks over to Morgan and smiles slyly, adding, "An' ves, vou should." She reaches over to lean Morgan's muzzle up, then she kisses him.

The Kadie looks up as he's kissed and meets the Eeee's muzzle with his own – after gaining a slight height increase by standing on his toes. When the two have had their moment he turns to smile at Emmett.

Emmett nearly drops his washboard at the sight of the kiss! "You kissed 'im! Right on the smacker! You kissed Morgan!" he blathers. "Oh, wow, wait until they hear this at the Peach… woo!"

Liliana looks at Emmett oddly. "Ves, I kissed him. More den once, in fac'. He's actually quite good at it," she says with an amused grin. "But, I don' dare demonstra' how good he is here, or I migh' make de other ladies presen' jealous."

Morgan tsks, then says, "I think you have your own business to attend to Emmett Oggton. The Trade Fair is fast approaching and if you intend to sell anything you'd best keep your mind to it and away from spreading gossip." It has the ring of reflexiveness to it, as if Morgan were quite used to making comments like this. So much so they come out automatically. The whole effect is somewhat diminished by his blushing from the bat's remark, though.

Emmett suddenly stands up straight and gets a very sober expression on his face. He places his hands on Morgan's shoulders and says, "Gossip is what I sell, Morgan. Now tell me true, has this lady made a man out of you? And if so, I'll need all the details to see who won the betting pool."

"Tsk. Askin' such questions. Morgan is a perfect gentleman an wouldn' discuss such things," Liliana says, through a muffled giggle.

The witch blinks, then gives Emmett such a look before sighing in a highly put upon manner. "I do not appreciate being the subject of bets, and you can be well sure I'll keep it in mind you have been gambling," he chides. Unfortunately for him he just ends up blushing brighter as he talks and it does nothing to make him sound intimidating.

"Well, you're a celebrity, Morgan," Emmett says, trying to sound reasonable. "It's all harmless fun. And you didn't answer me question yet… "

"Now, listen here, otterboy," Liliana says, still looking very amused. "Vhat I haf, or haf not done wit Morgan is between me an him. If he hasn' answered' he don' vant to. And as for gettin' details, if anythin' happen', jus' forget it. I don' want to lose Morgan to some other girl who hears, ves?"

Looking more and more uncomfortable with the discussion Morgan begins walking past Emmett with Liliana in tow. "Come on Lily, there's more to do here than talk about me," he insists.

Emmett holds up his hands and steps back. "No 'arm done, no 'arm done, eh?" he says, still grinning like… like an otter. "Just don't often see Morgan out and about wi'out his pointy hat and dress, so I got maybe a little carried away is all."

Liliana hugs Morgan lightly with her arm as reassurance. "Ves. True, dat. I shouldn' keep you out so late tonight," she says to him. She then leans down to whisper, "An don' let them get to vou like dat. Lots of guys act' like dat and it is tirin', I know. Jus' brush em off. It not dere business."

"I suppose I'm just feeling awkward," the witch admits to the Eeee as they walk on. "I really don't put the hat down very much, and when I do I never come to places like this. All this, meeting you, the last few days … They've been quite a change for me. But I don't regret it. If teasing from Emmett is the price I'll gladly pay it."

"Oh, dey'll get over it," Liliana assures Morgan. "If dey keep givin' you trouble, tho … I know of a few ways to drive dem crazy. We don' have to stay long here. I jus' want to watch a bit of the people interactin an ve can go. I'll valk you home aftervard if you like."

"Oh, um, home. Right. Actually this can be a fun place. I'll show you even Emmett doesn't bother me, and we can get you some good information too. Perhaps you can even consider offering dye services," Morgan suggests a little quickly. He pulls out a … barrel for the lady and then one for himself. "What's more, I want you to have fun. So, we're going to have a great time! And stay late."

Liliana sits down and stretches her legs out. The Eeee reaches over and tickles Morgan's shin with her toes. "How, dat's de spirit!" she declares.

"Did someone call for a great time?" Emmett yells, and hops back onto the stage. The mostly sober members of the band make an effort to play the same piece as Emmett starts wailing on his washboard.

"Now, however, dat is not de spirit," Liliana promptly grumbles once Emmett starts up on his washboard. She pulls her ears down, but is grinning all the same.

"Sometimes spirits are funny creatures. Many look harmless, but then they try and eat you," Morgan says as he follows Liliana's look at the stage. "Some, though, they can become your hope." Morgan reaches over and touches Liliana's hand, and smiles.

Liliana does too.