Walking is hard for both Nicora and Snow, for different reasons. For the bat, it's the terrible, throbbing itch that seems to flare even worse whenever her thighs rub together. For the human, it's likely just exhaustion. They have to lean on one another to make it back to the castle proper… but then get a reprieve when a familiar shape greets them. "Need ride?" Lucy the Fnerf asks.

"It feels like this is getting worse," Nicora things each time she takes a step. It sure looked worse too when she was dressing to leave Melusine; the sensitive tissue was swollen and inflamed; even the black skin had a reddish tinge to it. When the request comes, Nicora nods vigorously. "Please! We're both very tired," she admits as she now leans on the fnerf.

While the ride is a relief, it's still a bit bouncy. Lucy's taur-back is pretty broad and hard. "I smelled Phlagaea, is she down here?" the fox-taur asks.

The bouncing doesn't really help the pain, as Nicora quickly learns. Part of her is reconsidering using the lotions Mave had at this point. "She is in the suites with the Lapi Galand," Nicora explains in a rather strained voice, "He will be making sure she does not grow lonely while I am away."

"Oh!" Lucy says, and gallops faster towards the guest suites (where she still stays in Phlagaea's old room). Surprisingly, the motion is much smoother at speed – but given Lucy's anatomy, it isn't surprising! Too much jouncing around with a chest like hers would be painful.

Nicora actually sighs once the bouncing eases. Temporary relief … well, at least from flaring pain, now it's just dull and constant. "It could be worse," she tries to tell herself, "Phlagaea says this is to make me stronger. I … grr. Quit thinking about it! Try to ignore it, girl. It'll ease up in time." She looks back to Snow and asks her, "Are you doing okay?"

"I call dibs on the soft chair in the parlor," Snow claims. She looks flushed, but then… she isn't used to bouncing, wears no underwear and everything is rubbing against rabbit fur for her.

Eventually, Lucy trots to a stop at the door to the suites. "Mave is packing… but has not asked me to carry things. I think she is planning a flying trip," Lucy reports.

"It's yours. I think I just need to stand for a while and keep from putting pressure anywhere," Nicora admits with a tired grin. Once they arive, Nicora slides herself off and stands a little more leg-spread than usual as she helps Snow down. "There will be some flying and some riding, yes. We want to move quickly," Nicora agrees. "We have to reach Blacksire, drop off something, then catch the train."

"Ohhhhh," Lucy says, sounding disappointed. "Hardly ever have to carry stuff anymore. Go into town, look for old ladies with groceries… "

"Wait till there are children. You'll be carrying them all over," Nicora promises and pats Lucy's backside. "Besides, you do need to keep a watch on Phlagaea. I can take care of myself." She then heads to the suite door and opens it for Snow.

"It's a good thing I'm not, what did Inala call it? Fecund? Or I would be in trouble. I have issues resisting impulses, no matter what body," Nicora thinks to herself.

The parlor isn't empty, as the Dobie butler is tending to the fire, while the door to Galand's room is still closed. That doesn't prevent Nicora from hearing things though… but it sounds like Phlagaea is wearing out finally.

Nicora slips inside and goes to the wall near the fireplace so that she can lean against it and position her legs in the 'least painful' position she can find. It's a good thing the dress keeps her modest, really. "Things have been going well?" she asks Bertrand.

The butler stands and bows a bit to Nicora, while Snow slips into comfy chair and Lucy sniffs at the bedroom door. "I have not been summoned to aid in anything," the man replies. "Although the lady Mave has been trying to tempt me away from my post."

"Mave? I may go have a talk with her, then," Nicora says as she pushes herself off the wall and slips over to Mave's door. She raps her knuckles upon it. It's also an excuse to borrow Mave's bathroom for a bit to try and ease this torment!

"It is always open," Mave replies from deeper in the room, even as the door opens a bit from the knocking.

Nicora opens the door and slips inside. "I hear you have been attempting to distract the butler," Nicora notes as she eyes the bathroom door and then begins towards it.

Mave is setting her traveling clothes out on a dressing table, and says, "He looked bored standing around alone out there. Chronotopians always seem so dour, I don't understand why they are so popular for servants."

"They are loyal and trustworthy. And I see you are almost ready to travel? Good, we leave very soon. Now if you will excuse me, I need to tend to some personal matters. We can still peak through the door," Nicora says as she slips herself into Mave's bathroom and closes the door behind her.

There is, of course, cold running water available, along with washcloths of various sizes, and the bath itself.

Through the door Mave can hear the water run, then the sound of a washcloth being wringed out … then a sigh of relief. "My plan is for us to fly east until we reach the old church," Nicora now says through the door, "We can rest there for a night, then fly south to Blackshire. I will drop off a small necklace as promised, then we catch the train to Chronotopia to reunite with Tulani. Is there any place you require to stop?"

"There are roadhouses along the way we can rest at, I hope?" Mave asks.

"There are a few. But I suspect we will mainly be camping out in ruins. There are not that many hospitable towns in Sylvania," Nicora says. "I think you will appreciate the church, at least. There is an idol to Inala there you can pay tribute to."

"Is it a Sylvanian idol or a Babelite one?" the Yodh asks next. "I presume the former, if it is in a church."

"Sylvanian. There is one to each of the Goddess," Nicora answers. Another minute passes and she exits the bathroom, looking a little more relaxed. Her gait is also less strained.

"I am impressed that you enjoyed the buck despite the consequences," Mave says approvingly. "You must not let Gorphat think that She has a hold on you."

"The last few seconds hurt a great deal," Nicora admits, "But it still felt better than it hurt. I just hope I will not be cursed long; it is rather painful and trying. And it feels like it gets worse each time I enjoy anything pleasurable."

"If you wish, I will see to it that all potential pleasure on our journey falls to me, so that you will be spared this torment," Mave offers graciously.

"Maybe I should get one of those belts to prevent physical pleasure until the curse is lifted to prevent me from making it worse," Nicora notes with a bemused grin. "It's one possible solution since I cannot use your lotions."

"Ah, but that would remove temptation, which I cannot condone," Mave notes. "The choice must be there, to follow the will of Inala or of Gorphat."

"You are evil," Nicora remarks dryly. "You know very well I will give in to physical temptation if pressed long enough." She even waggles her mutated hand at Mave.

"Oh? Come here then," Mave says, gesturing for Nicora to come up to her.

Nicora's ears flick. She walks over to Mave and tilts her head. "Yes?" she asks.

Mave brushes Nicora's cheek with a thumb, then slides her hand around behind the dark bat's head to pull her into a deep kiss!

Nicora stops her from the kiss by putting a finger to Mave's lips. "You aren't going to remove the desires and temptations I feel, are you?" she actually asks the white Eeee.

"No, I merely wanted to see if you would try to resist them," the white Eeee says, before giving Nicora's fingers a lick.

"I resist little around you," Nicora admits … then moves her finger and kisses Mave, her own hands coming up to cup at the back of Mave's neck.

Her tongue doesn't start to itch, but keeping it up much long will likely cause other curse-prone bits to respond.

Nicora keeps it up as long as she dares to, but the moment a twinge starts, she releases the white Eeee and draws herself back. "I may not be able to enjoy as much as I used to, but that doesn't mean I can't offer you the gift of pleasure," Nicora notes with a bemused grin. "I still intend to worship at your altar," she adds a bit suggestively.

"You will be in the guise of a Yodhsunala," Mave points out. "There is an image to maintain – do not forget it. You must be Yodhsunala to be convincing."

"When we reach larger populations, yes, I agree," Nicora says as she steps back and combs out her white hair a bit. "In any event, I should leave you to packing while I see if the others are all right and … introduce Rose to Galand." The last bit was a bit strained when spoken.

"Are you worried she will grow attached to him in your absence?" Mave asks, a bit teasingly.

Nicora almost says something, then snaps her jaws shut. She spins and heads for the door, then back out into the main room.

Snow is still in her chair, looking even more flushed now, while Bertrand sits on a stool near the fire and reads a small leather-bound book. The door to Galand's room is ajar, however, and Lucy is nowhere to be seen.

"Are you okay?" Nicora asks Snow as she heads towards the open door. Her ears flick towards the room ahead to see if her ears will tell her what is going on.

The sounds make it clear what's going on, as Nicora picks out the exertions of Galand and Phlagaea easily enough… and a third one as well! "I am holding up," Snow says quietly.

Nicora blinks a few times. She can't help herself and peers into the bedroom.

They aren't using the bed, but Lucy is on her back, with Phlagaea on her stomach and Galand on top. Even though he's obviously focused on the Eeee, that Lapi has still managed to keep Lucy occupied by using one of his long feet!

Nicora rubs her face. "Good Gods," she mutters and backs out of the room, then closes the door. "Maybe you should go back to the royal suites," Nicora tells Snow. "Want me to help get you there?"

"Yes!" Snow says quickly, and hops to her feet.

Nicora goes to support Snow a bit as she guides her out of the room. "You're probably glad now Mave and I will be gone for a while. You'll get some peace," she tells the human as they exit the suite and start the long walk to the stairs leading upward.

"I will probably have to deal with… people," Snow laments, trudging along. "She has many regular potion clients."

"Possibly. It will help you in the end, you'll see people don't look at you as a monster," Nicora claims as they reach the stairs and begin the long walk upward. "I just hope I survive the trip, make it back, and am returned to being normal ol' Alptraum, male Eeee, no tail." She grins slightly while adding, "Not that I dislike this body. It has benefits too."

"Though I could do without the menstrual cycle," Nicora adds.

"I like your old body better," Snow admits. "It was very convenient at times like this, when I'm… worked up."

"I can still help with that," Nicora offers, "Just in a different way."

"Will it still be enjoyable though?" Snow asks. "Remember, I can 'leak' arousal at times, and you are in a state where that can cause you pain… "

"Given what I subjected you to with Melusine, I can endure some pain if it brings you some relief," Nicora offers and even smiles weakly. "I'm certain you'll enjoy it, which is really all that matters right now. So, don't worry about causing me pain, I wouldn't offer if I didn't believe it worth it."

"Well, if you really want to," Snow says with a wan smile. "Or… you know… cold bath."

At the mere mention of 'cold bath', Nicora's tail seems to shiver.

"No cold bath, I want you to be relieved … naturally," Nicora insists at the two reach the top of the stairs and the guards outside the suite. Her tail's own reaction probably helped encourage her to dismiss the bath, really.

The guards smile and open the doors for them. Whether they are being extra polite or just reacting to Snow's aura is debatable.

Nicora takes Snow into the suites and closes the door. She lightly pats Snow's shoulder and tells her, "Go lie down, I will be with you in a minute."

The human returns to her room, and Nicora can hear some activity in the dining room.

Nicora heads to the dining room to see what the commotion is. She also takes a few breaths, hoping that she won't be in too much pain after helping Snow.

A few servants are cleaning up the remains of Rosalind's lunch – and it looks like she was really hungry, too. The Countess leans back in her chair and pats her belly contentedly.

"Oh good, you're back," Nicora says with a smile. "Galand will be ready to see you soon. He's downstairs, getting acquainted with Phlagaea right now."

"Ah, the 'stand in' you arranged," Rose says, a little uncertainly. "This means you're ready to leave on your quest, doesn't it?" she asks.

Nicora nods, "Very soon, I'm afraid. I don't really want to, but I did give up my, ah, masculinity for this trip. And the longer I delay it, the more comfortable I'll be like this." She then rubs the back of her neck lightly and adds, "Plus, you did make this trip a requirement for … well … us."

"I did," Rose says with a sigh. "Some things just can't be put off, especially when there could be political fallout. I have a letter for you to bring to your father on that count."

"You do? May I ask what it says?" Nicora inquires as she goes over and actually kneels beside Rosalind for whatever reason only known to her.

"It is merely a statement between heads of state," Rose notes, "explaining that Draco and Babel will remain politically separate despite the blood ties."

"I did not know anyone would believe otherwise," Nicora admits a bit sheepishly. "This wasn't, after all, arranged with any political objectives in mind. It just … happened."

"Still, it is a tie that some might seek to exploit, if things are not spelled out directly," Rose notes, and… burps.

"The only ties that interest me involve you and the headboard," Nicora claims, grinning widely. She leans over and rests her cheek against the outside of Rosalind's leg for a bit, then gets back to her feet. "Now, the sooner I leave, the sooner I will return … and be returned to normal,," Nicora notes, then grins. "And the sooner I will go back to pretending to being your 'demon'. Or at the very least, not denying the rumors.

"And then… well, impersonating me on occasion," Rose adds with a grin. "How will you introduce me to this Galand? Even blind, he might notice how similar we are."

"True. I have accepted the lot that I will, on occasion, be a woman who looks like you," Nicora admits as she shifts a bit. "I thought I would claim you to be my twin sister, to cover up the similarity. Does that seem reasonable to you?"

"Alright, that seems wisest and simplest," Rose says. "Does the man understand not to ask too many questions?"

"Yes. I have told him such," Nicora says with a nod. "He is a former spy and does understand the need for discretion."

"And… is he soft?" Rose asks, a bit nervously. "Strong? If I close my eyes, will he be like you?"

"He is … more sophisticated than I am. Something I hope to learn from him over time when I return," Nicora admits, "But he is very soft and gentle, even though he is strong. He will not do anything that you are not comfortable doing."

"So… comfortable, but not particularly challenging?" Rose asks, just to make sure. "That… sounds reasonable. What was Phlagaea's impression?"

"Just so," Nicora agrees, "And well … she seems to like him a lot. They've been together for several hours now."

"And I know that I liked him a lot. He made me very comfortable with what I currently am," Nicora adds as her ears feel like they're heating up.

"It sounds like he'll be too tired to do more than introduce himself to me then," Rose says with a slight laugh. "I will go to meet him then, in another hour or two. Should that be alright?"

"That is fine. I need to see to Snow. She has had a very hard day," Nicora admits, smiling, "And I wanted to help her relax a bit. So by the time I am done helping Snow, I believe you will be ready to be introduced to him."

"I'll wait for you then," Rose says. "Do you need any assistance with her?"

Nicora leans over and kisses Rosalind's cheek. "No, I do not think I do," she says, "I t should not be anything difficult or intense." She then straightens herself up and smiles once more, "I'll see you in an hour or so." She then slips out of the dining room, but instead of going directly to Snow's room, she goes to her and Rosalind's. Once there, she changes her clothing to just her lacy undergarments she bought at Viktoria's, then puts on a light robe over them. The last thing she grabs is a small bag and a sash before she leaves and heads over to Snow's door. She knocks once, then slips inside.

Snow is lying on her side atop the bed, still wearing her cloak. She stretches a bit, having looked like she was half-asleep for a moment. She's still a bit pink though. "Oh, you… brought something?" Snow asks.

"Yes, something to help ease what you're feeling," Nicora says as she slips over and sits down on the edge of the bed. "But first … " she says as she slips the sash behind Snow's head, then ties it gently over her eyes, "A blindfold so you do not feel too strange about this. If you don't see me, I hope it won't feel as odd to you." "And I hope I don't suffer too much for this since I won't be engaging in any … joining," Nicora thinks.

The human remains docile during the blindfolding, and asks, "Am I going to be tied up too or anything?"

"Not at all. Just lie back and relax," Nicora says as she pushes the human down onto her back. The bed creaks a bit and then Snow can feel Nicora straddling her. "Remember, just relax," the Eeee tells her … and Snow feels herself being very gently massaged, starting at her shoulders and neck.

"Mmm, I suppose… " Snow mutters, relaxing.

The massage foes on for a good ten to fifteen minutes and covers her entire body . It shifts now, though, as Snow feels Nicora starting to lick over her, just as had been done when they met and she had tricked him into giving her a 'bath'. Snow also discovers that Nicora is very thorough when that particular aspect grows more and more intimate (and demonstrates Nicora did learn something about how to trigger really pleasant sensations in the human body … during the time Snow had Kaira change Nicora into an albino human too).

Maybe restraints would have been helpful after all, since Snow is really starting to squirm and flail and hug herself, caught between arousal and… being ticklish?

Snow is greeted soon by the technique Mave described as 'Inala's kiss' when she starts to squirm. This lasts for … hard to say, really, since its entire purpose is to increase arousal to the point of an explosion. But before it gets to that point, the kiss ends and the next thing Snow feels is something very oddly shaped. What it is, though, becomes very clear when it is used now to try and relieve all the tension that had built up from earlier; it's the instrument' Mave lent to Nicora early on to help her get comfortable with her body. It's then that Nicora uses what body weight she has, as well as the fact her feet can grip, to restrain Snow while the 'idol' works on releasing her tension. And after a few minutes boy does it! When the seeming explosion fades away, Nicora's weight on her is gone, but she can feel the Eeee is sitting on the edge of the bed anyway.

There's an odd sense of satisfaction in Nicora. She stayed in control, and manipulated Snow how she wanted. It's… empowering! And a little itchy, but not burning. Apparently it doesn't count as Inala-style pleasure to do this.

Nicora pats Snow's leg, then leans over and removes the blindfold. "Feel better?" she asks the human as the sash is folded up and then the instrument is put back into its bag. "I think it was still enjoyable for you?"

"I feel much more relaxed, yes," Snow says, blushing now. "It was a bit like being with Melusine."

"Well, I am part shadow-dragon," Nicora reminds the human and holds up her mutated right forearm. "And you do belong to me," she adds with an almost scary smile.

"I don't think you should phrase it like that though," Snow says. "Remember, I can make you do my bidding too… once you're back to normal."

Nicora then thinks of something and shakes her head. She places her right hand down gently on the part of her anatomy that Gorphat has cursed so … painfully. The Eeee then tries to use the shadow cloak that extends from it to sooth the discomfort to a more tolerable level. It's not using any Goddess power, and should therefore not offend Gorphat, right?

It isn't so different from her shadow 'pad' from the other day. The black skin isn't even noticeable under her frilly lingerie. "Why did you wear that?" Snow finally asks.

"You take me far too seriously," Nicora says. "and as for why I did that … it's soothing the discomfort I've been feeling," she says, sounding relieved. "And since it does not use any powers of Gorphat's sisters, I do not think it will offend her. It is a way for me to endure."

"And as for why I wore this?" Nicora asks and gestures to herself, "Because I feel odd naked and this is … comfortable and somewhat … empowering. It made me feel brave enough to do what I just did to you."

"Underwear can do that?" Snow asks, looking amazed at the notion. "I thought only booze worked like that."

"You would be surprised," Nicora says and slides off the bed. Boy does the shadow garment feel better. She gathers up her robe, then smile to Snow. "I'm going to go get dressed, then it's time for me to introduce Rose to Galand. I think you had better stay here this time."

"I think I'm going to enjoy a warm bath then, before I find something to eat," Snow says, rolling from her bed towards the bathroom.

"Enjoy the evening," Nicora says as she slips out the other door and returns to the wardrobe to dress. As odd as it has been, this experience has done one thing for Nicora, she does dress a lot better and tends to pick elegant, if simple clothing. She is also more attentive to her appearance, making sure her hair is properly brushed and her facial fur highlights her best features. So, another thirty minutes pass before Nicora is ready to find Rose. She heads to the Library first, assuming the Countess will probably be relaxing there by now.

A good guess! Rose is seated at one of the reading chairs, a glass of wine at hand, as she… reads through paperwork.

"You can read for pleasure too," Nicora admonishes the Countess gently as she approaches. "That is something I will work on once I return; you will have enjoyments in life too. No matter what it takes to distract you."

"Oh, is that so?" Rose says, resting her chin on the back of her fingers. "Then I suppose I'll have to post things up on the walls and ceiling so I can still get some work done while having fun!"

"Tsk," Nicora says and leans forward. She reaches down and playfully pinches Rosalind's nose with two shadow-tendrils extruded from her right hand. "If you do that I'll blindfold you. You're going to have a life, no matter what it takes," Nicora adds, then sticks out her tongue as the two tendrils release Rose's nose. "I'm going to teach you that you're more than just a Countess. You're also a beautiful, intelligent, woman … who associates with terrible people like me." She grins.

"And gentleman Lapis too," Rose says, putting aside her papers. She then downs the rest of her wine in one gulp.

"But only for a while. Because I happen to know you have a much better male who will return to you in a hopefully short time," Nicora claims, then offers her arm to the Countess should she wish help up.

Rose takes the offered arm, and notes, "Our children are going to be quite a handful if they take after us even a little bit… "

"I'm just glad I'm not the one who as to nurse them. When the fangs come in … ouch," Nicora teases Rosalind. "Come … time to meet the buck of my … your dreams!"

---

By the time Rose and Nicora make it down to the guest suites, things are a bit more civilized. Phlagaea and Lucy have retired to the Yodhgorphat's old room to recover, while Galand and Mave sit on the couch and seem to be having a pleasant conversation. The Lapi is wearing a bathrobe, and sipping from one of Mave's 'recovery' drinks (the smell of which Nicora is very familiar with). Bertrand is cleaning the remains of a vegetarian meal from the dining area.

"Ah, I see everyone is well rested, decent, and behaving themselves," Nicora says politely as she enters into the suites with Rosalind on her arm. "I trust Mave has been keeping you gentle company while Phlagaea recovers from her … exercise?" she asks the buck.

"She is very, demanding," Galand notes, his ears scanning towards the two Eeee. His eyes open a bit, revealing the star-filled glass orbs. "But she does make very cute noises."

"She … can be from what others have told me," Nicora agrees as she guides Rosalind over to the two sitting on the couch. "Galand, I would like you to meet, Rose, my twin sister. Rose, this is Galand," Nicora says as she tries to introduce the two.

The buck stands and holds out his hand. It takes a moment for Rose to realize what he wants, then she places her own hand in his. Then the buck kisses the back of it. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Rose," he says. "Your sister cares very deeply about your happiness, which is a greater gift than I could ever offer. I am simply Galand, the music teacher."

"He places the piano beautifully. I highly recommend that you listen to him play some day," Nicora tells Rose. "Many people can play an instrument, but few make them sing with life. He does with skill I have never seen the equal of."

"Rose… simply Rose," the Countess replies. "Perhaps we will have to make one available then. I think learning to play will be beneficial."

"Music does have a way of calming the spirit during tough times," Nicora agrees as she steps away from the pair. Part of Nicora wants to lightly swat Rose for being so … formal.

"I am here to ease the stresses of your day," Galand says. "And playing for you would be an honor. Your sister needs plenty of relaxation as well."

"Alas, I may not be available much. I heard word from our family that there may be matters I must attend to," Nicora admits in an apologetic tone. "As much as it pains me to leave you after having just met you, I must honor my obligations. I do promise I will return to see you when I can, of course."

"I hope you will not be away too long," Galand says, and smiles. "I was just starting to get used to you being around."

"My sister is the better of us," Nicora says gently, "I am certain it will not seem that I am gone long once you grow used to her company."

"I'm a better dancer too," Rose notes with a grin.

Galand steps back and bows deeply, before standing straight and holding out his hand again. "May I have this dance then?" he asks the Countess… who gives Nicora an uncertain look.

"She is, at that," Nicora concedes, grinning too. The Eeee does feel a bit odd, though. Galand saying he was growing used to her company makes her feel oddly … warm inside. Rose's look, though, keeps her from dwelling too much on it and she lightly waves her right hand to Rose in a 'go on' sort of way. "He is a wonderful dancer too. Please, dance with him. He will not harm you."

"I'm used to music," Rose notes nervously as she takes the Lapi's hand. Of course, Galand begins to whistle a dance tune as he starts to lead.

Nicora takes another step back, then sits down on the couch near Mave and crosses her legs appropriately for a lady. "There is always music, it just must be awoken," Nicora offers as she watches the uncertain dance. An odd feeling nags at her again, causing her ears to twitch.

"They're very pretty together. The elegant lady and the gentleman," Nicora thinks … and for some reason feels annoyed.

Rosalind loses some of her nervousness, and rests her chin on Galand's shoulder. Her eyes close, as she lets the blind man guide her through the dance.

"There, just relax and dance. I was nervous the first time too," Nicora says encouragingly as she tries to ignore her current feelings.

"Maybe we should let them get to know one another in privacy," Mave suggests. She picks up a pouch with her pipe and 'herbs', and says, "I think I'll go outside and enjoy the garden."

"Do you wish me to join you?" Nicora asks Mave.

"Do you wish to join me?" Mave replies with a smirk.

Nicora stands, though what she really wants is to be in Galand's arms. "I will return later when you are ready to leave, Galand, and escort you home," Nicora promises the buck. She has a feeling if she stays and watches, she will get more possessive of the Lapi than she already feels. This situation is … disturbing. Does she really have a crush on him, as Snow suggested? Best to walk with Mave and avoid any … problems.

Once outside in one of the gardens, Mave offers Nicora a puff from her ornate pipe. "It will calm you," she says encouragingly.

"I am calm already," Nicora claims, though she does accept the pipe and inhale deeply from it. Part of her is actually curious if it will react differently now, than when she had smoked it before she was changed.

It does hit her more strongly now – hormones in the blend, perhaps?

Nicora ends up taking several more puffs from the pipe before offering it back. "I … like that more now, I think. What is in it? What does it do?" she asks Mave.

"It calms you," Mave says. "And helps restore your hormonal balance."

"I don't like admitting I have hormones that need balance," Nicora admits as she looks upward at the overcast sky. "But I am going to be this way for some time now, aren't I? It also scares me that I am growing to like it. Well, most parts of it."

"Is it so surprising to adjust to the body you are in?" Mave asks, and reaches down to pet Nicora's tail. "Melusine was wise to isolate the masculine essence to save you from … confusion."

"I … like how the body feels. How it moves. The shape, how clothing fits. Feeling … beautiful," Nicora goes on until the touch on her tail causes her to twitch, "The pain of the cycle and … Gorphat's gift are two things I could do without. I have learned, at least, my shadow can soothe the discomfort."

"Hmm," Mave goes, puffing on her pipe. "If it is soothed, are you going to honor Inala again tonight?" she asks.

"Honor Inala?" Nicora asks. "You mean … the union of two bodies? I do not know. I am not sure if anyone else will wish to. Or if I want to risk the pain again… "

"It will be your last chance before we leave," Mave notes. "But perhaps it is best not to. It will make parting more painful, for you are fond of the buck. Have you done your 'kenning' on him yet?"

The last chance part makes her ears splay. Part of her now tells her that yes, she will try to embrace him one last time. "Is it that obvious I like him?" Nicora finally asks. "And no, I have not. I do not wish to scare him."

"He could be a Barinala," Mave notes. "It is not uncommon for inexperienced women to feel love from such a man. But as you have seen, he also treats Phlagaea and Rose… and even Lucy… with the same attention and ardor. Is he your first male lover, or simply the best?"

"Mave, I haven't been female that long, I could hardly have had male lovers," Nicora remarks rather dryly. "What he did do was teach me to not be afraid of … enjoying my time such as I am. When we joined the first time, it felt amazing. I wasn't worried or afraid. I wanted it. And when the fountain of life erupted … " She trails off there, feeling stupid, embarrassed, and confused about everything.

"You are experiencing the effects of the fountain still," Mave notes. "It is not unusual, however. It will fade in time, but for now you may experience… clinginess. You've discovered something wonderful, and want to enjoy it as much as you can."

"Then the trip will do me good, as I will be away from it," Nicora says with an odd tone of relief in her voice. She also sounds disappointed, somehow.

"And I suppose in that respect Gorphat's … gift to me is a good thing too. It keeps me from experiencing the 'wonderful' part," Nicora adds.

"It will help you maintain maturity," Mave notes. "The reaction is an important one, a gift of Inala. It ensures that a new bride will become pregnant by craving her mate."

"At least that is one thing I do not have to worry about, pregnancy," Nicora says with a tone of relief.

"Because you have not been with an Eeee," Mave notes, grinning. "You must remember to contain your urges when we reach Babel… "

"I am also shadow-bound," Nicora points out, "I doubt another Eeee could impregnate me. Not that I intend to risk it, as you say. And contain my urges? You make me sound … terrible."

"You are a just awakened woman," Mave points out. "And while your body mature, your feminine mind is still learning. It is good that I will be able to mentor you on our journey."

"I won't be a woman forever," Nicora insists, "This is temporary. Very temporary. Not that I do not want your advice, of course. Just … don't expect me to embrace a Barinala in Babel."

"So, when you return to being a man, you will never look back?" Mave asks.

"I … don't know. I will have to be a woman now and then to stand in for Rose," Nicora admits as they walk. She takes the pipe again and puffs on it thoughtfully. "I do hope that the more unpleasant aspects become easier. Surely Gorphat released me from her gift of pain during menstruation when she give me this new … test, correct?"

"Gorphat is very generous with her blessings," Mave replies in typically cryptic priestess fashion.

"I have to go to her temple on behalf of Phlagaea," Nicora notes as they continue to walk. "I hope that nothing more happens to me there. But … I fear I have earned the attention of the Goddesses as of late."

"Earned?" Mave asks, looking askance. "She did not strike you down for what you did to Phlagaea. So it is unlikely that that is the source of this attention… "

"I know, I invoked their names," Nicora admits, "It seemed the proper and right thing to do. Do you know much about the meaning of the yearly offerings the Yodhgorphat do in their temple? She gave me a small doll made of hair that I am to burn there. I am not sure what it symbolizes."

"I am quite blissfully unaware of the rituals of the Yodhgorphat," Mave says jauntily. "I wish I were less aware of those of the Yodhblakat, but I do not regret taking the route that I have."

"You truly do not regret becoming 'stuck' with me, as it were? I do remember you being quite resentful for a time," Nicora points out.

"I was confused," Mave notes. "Things are clearer now."

"I may not be a merciful next time if you try to betray me again," Nicora says in a rather matter-of-fact tone.

"You will not betray me, will you?" Mave asks.

"I have no intentions to do so, no," Nicora says, "You will reach Babel safely."

"Well then, have you begun to pack yet?" the Yodh asks.

"Yes, I have. I made purchases of travel-sturdy clothing and have also packed a few nicer dresses in case they will be needed, as well as basic hygiene items. I expect to be in robe most of the time, as would only be proper, though," Nicora answers, her tone growing a little gentler again. "Do you like me, Yodhinala Mave?" she asks. "Or tolerate me. Please, be truthful. The answer will not change my promise to you."

"I love you dearly, for you have shown me how to revive my Temple," Mave says.

"Truly?" Nicora says as her eyes open a bit wider in obvious surprise at that. "Well … thank you, then, Yodhinala." Nicora then gets an amused smile on her face when she asks, "Does this mean you intend to teach me on the journey as if I were one of your daughters?"

"My daughters did not fare so well, but I may still have useful advice," Mave notes. "Now, I think I will see to arranging our carriage. It is a few days ride to Crossroads, and from there we will be 'roughing it' as you say, and following the course you set. I'd like to leave by mid-morning if you can be ready by then?"

"I promise I will not stay so long with Galand this evening as to prevent that," Nicora says and nods firmly, "Just forgive me if I am a bit cranky due to discomfort tomorrow. Now, go, see to the carriage. I shall return to check on Rosalind and Galand." She smiles, pats Mave's cheek, then turns and walks away from her. "Please, please, don't be kissing, or worse," Nicora thinks as she walks, "I don't want to become something even scarier than the mutant I am … I don' t want to turn into a green-eyed jealous Eeee!"