Kerebos Keep
Encircled by a high stone wall with watchtowers and guarded gates are a collection of Olympian style buildings forming a small village. Dominating the center is a gigantic marble villa; the central courtyard alone could accommodate a mansion. Decorative olive trees, fountains and terra-cotta statuary dot the compound, and help to distract from the fortifications surrounding it.

Sending a runner ahead saved a few hours of preparation, it turned out. By the time Tasha's expedition reached the compound the hospital and shrines were ready, along with special accommodations for the 'fallen angels' that the Herald of Abaddon was bringing with her. Even Alcyone was there to greet the travelers, having recovered enough from her battle with her twin to at least be able to walk around again.

"It is good to see you up again," Layth says to Alcyone when he spots her up and about, "I hope things have been calm in our absence?" The buck then busies himself with helping one of the wolves off the mounts in preparation for being taken to the hospital.

"Oi, big reception. Looks like your famous," Tasha says over her shoulder to Akkers. She turns forward again, giving the crowd a wave before dismounting Eadwig, offering the ex-Captain a hand down. "Are the preparations ready," she inquires as she assists.

"No invasions since you left," Alcyone reports, and eyes the odd-looking (to her) Karnors.

An older Lapi buck approaches, along with Coeus, and bows to Tasha. "I am healer Nemo. I have made the hospital ready, and the priestesses have been sent for."

"So many… rabbits… " Akkers mutters behind Tasha.

"They are harmless and need attention," Layth notes to the doe when he notices her staring. To Nemo, he says, "Ah, wonderful Master Nemo. Do you have comfortable transport into the hospital? Their condition is fairly weak."

"Excellent," Tasha says. She takes a moment to pat Akkers on the arm consolingly, then turns to face the healers. "Nemo, the … 'Eralds an' a few o' the party will be headin' to the 'ospital immediately. Layth," she glances at the buck, "we 'ave the foldin' chairs packed, better get those out."

"I can have them carried… " Nemo starts to say, then pauses at the mention of 'folding chairs'.

"As you wish," Layth says with a bow, then works on unpacking the folding chairs and setting them up for the canids. "Have you heard how Lady Aisha has been faring in our absence? Or Lady Calligencia?" he asks Alcyone.

"Chloe and Aisha came by to visit and find out of there was any news of your return a few times," Alcyone reports. "Calligenia has been busy preparing her trade goods, they said."

Coeus is overjoyed to have Lucia back, and has lapsed into high-speed Skeek to fill her in on all of the little details of his life she's missed out on.

"Carried works, bu' we may need the chairs later. I doubt any o' the, the 'Eralds will wan' to be carried abou' much longer. It's unseemly like," Tasha says. She then turns to Akkers and the other Karnors, and explains, "You're goin' to be looked after by the 'ealers 'ere, an' tha' includes priests, which also means magic. I've seen your medicine, and I'm thinkin' yours is good or better when you 'ave your machines. If you wan' to 'elp instruct 'em, I'll let 'em know."

"I am surprised Aisha checked about us," Layth has to admit. He snaps one of the chairs out and rolls it towards Tasha for the captain. He starts on the next one.

Euphrosyne helps Dr. Caravelli into one of the chairs, while Aaron gets the still-chatty Zerachiel into one as well. "I'm sure I've seen similar architecture in old Terran civilizations. Why… " and on and on he goes.

"Do we wish to keep the big cheese with them?" Layth asks Tasha.

Tasha watches the Karnors get situated a moment, then takes the grip on Akkers's chair. To Layth, she answers, "We'll be keepin' the 'cheese' an' friends wit' us," she then grins a little, adding, " … magic bunny." Then, she's pushing Akkers forward. "Show me the way, Nemo!"

Kerebos Hospital
Taking up part of one wing of the Villa and sharing space with various shrines, the hospital faces out onto the central garden through open walls. There is a basic surgery and several recovery rooms, including one large one equipped with Morpheus beds: oversized bathtubs filled with dense mineral water to allow patients to float in a medicated bath without putting pressure on sensitive wounds or limb injuries.

"Please remove their garments and set them into the tubs," Nemo instructs, once the Karnors have been rolled in.

Layth doesn't even bat an eyelash as he heads to Dr. Caravelli, helps him stand, then starts trying to strip his strange clothing from him. "The mineral baths are very relaxing," he tells him.

The quiet doctor doesn't resist, and seems a bit relieved that it's not Euphrosyne helping him this time. So far the only female in the room is Tasha.

"Here, be careful how you fold that," Zerachiel instructs Aaron. "I'm so tempted to leave them here without translators," the Lapi comments to Layth in Skeek.

"Nothin' I 'avn't seen," Tasha tells Akkers with a grin. She then shrugs, and begins pulling off his clothes, one by one.

Layth's lips twitch in amusement. "Tired of the questions from your friend?" he asks Aaron in Skeek in reply. As an aside to the doctor, he asks, "Do you wish me to get Euphrosyne to watch over you while you are here? She seems to have taken to caring for you… "

"I can at least get my own boots," Akkers grumbles while Caravelli just gives a little whimper in reply to Layth. By and by, the wolves are put into the tubs, where they… float. "Do they have any injuries?" Nemo inquires of the others, picking up on the fact that the Karnors don't speak Olympian.

"They are as if they have been in body casts for a few years; their bodies are weak and need restoration," Layth tries to explain to Nemo.

"They've slept for ages, longer than this keep 'as existed, longer than the city. The sleep o' ages 'as weakened them, an' their bodies will no' 'old without 'elp," Tasha explains.

"The Temple Healers should be here soon," Nemo says. "We are gathering the sacrificial animals now as well. I take it all went well on your quest?"

Tasha tilts her head to the side, thinking about the answer to Nemo's question. 'Ow can you explain 'avin' your life turned all aroun', again, in a simple answer? 'Avin' learned secrets you 'ave no right to? Findin' men from beyon' the stars, older than Rephidim itself? The woman then smiles enigmatically, and answers, "Abaddon 'as showed me the way. The mountain rests."

"After she blew the top off it," Layth adds helpfully. That's followed by a languid smile.

"Ah, the gods must be pleased then," Nemo says, nodding in his old-man sort of way. "They like it when mountains explode."

"I 'ope so, I don' fancy doin' tha' again until I at leas' get to Abaddon – or maybe Sheol," Tasha remarks, ear flicking.

Several people arrive then, walking in from the garden instead of coming through the hall. The one in the robes of Ashtoreth is Celosia of course, and with her are Aisha and Chloe. Aisha actually gives Layth a hug on seeing him, too! "You're back! I was worried," she says.

"Tha's Aisha, Celosia, an' Chloe," Tasha whispers to Akkers, pointing them out. "Aisha's the spoiled-lookin' one, Celosia's the priestess, an' Chloe is the lesser dressed bun."

The usually unflappable Buck looks rather surprised when Aisha actually hugs him. He gives her a rather peculiar look and pushes his ears back, then asks, "You were worried? It … seemed like when we left you were glad that I was leaving. I … well … it is good to see you, Lady Aisha."

Celosia bows to Tasha, and looks over the Karnors. "By the blessings of Ashtoreth, I will have their virility restored." she tells Tasha. "What did she just say?" Akkers whispers to Tasha.

"I was afraid that something bad was going to happen to you," Aisha says, straightening herself back up after the hug. "Are you okay? Did you suffer any accidents or… well, anything?"

"Your virility is goin' to be restored," Tasha answers Akkers, trying very hard not to grin. She then straightens, folding her hands behind her back and feigning dignity.

"Really?" Dr. Zerachiel pipes up. "I must say, this brings to mind the old joke about the hand injury and playing the piano… "

"A few injuries, but nothing too serious. I also had to bury my mother," Layth explains to the small doe. "How about you? Have you enjoyed your time without my presence?"

"How's Calli doing?" Aaron asks Chloe, who quietly fills him in on Calligenia's progress securing replacement wool. "It has been… well, I had dinner with Tyche again, which was terrifying, and was taken to see a Gladiator match, which was just awful, and Zig-Zig was very forward towards me," Aisha replies to Layth.

"I don' know abou' pianos, bu' Amazonians take virility very seriously," Tasha tells Dr. Zerachiel. To Akkers, perhaps sensing his discomfort, she asks, "Is there anythin' you wan'? Soup with meat in it, a blanket, anythin'?"

"I just want to know what to expect next," Akkers tells Tasha, as more robed figures start to arrive. These have different robes than Celosia though – they must be from the Temple of Arcadia.

"If you wish, I can challenge Zig-Zig to defend your honor," Layth notes in complete deadpan. "But … I do not understand why dinner with Tyche would be terrifying. She has been quite polite."

"You mean immediately, or after this is all done," the Vartan inquires of Gabriel. "There's a lo' to say either way."

"That's what was so terrifying about it," Aisha whispers. "She's probably the most influential woman in the world, Layth, and I'm… just a girl who is trying to be a businesswoman."

"To begin with, what are all these women in robes going to do to us?" Akkers asks. "And why are some of them carrying… rabbits. Real rabbits, not talking ones."

"She is influential here, Lady Aisha. In the outside world, she would wield less power than you. Keep that in mind," Layth whispers to the doe. "As far as I am concerned you two are equals."

"That's fine for you to think, but I can't help but feel silly trying to give her advice," Aisha says, growing quieter as the healers begin to fill the area.

"That is silly, Lady Aisha. She is wise to ask you advice on the outside world. It is where you thrive, after all," Layth points out. "Do not be so hard on yourself; you are an intelligent woman."

"Pro'ly sacrifices," Tasha answers, with some distaste. "If matin's top on bun's mind, blood an' glory is next. I'm a 'Erald o' the God o' War, so I'm no' goin' to object, no' now. Can' afford to make a problem o' things." Tasha then drops down on to her haunches, so Akkers doesn't have to look up as far, the woman leaning over the tube edge. "She gives the healers a glance, then goes on, saying, "As far as magic goes, I don' know much abou' tha'. Arcadia's the Goddess o' Life, an' Astoreth's o' Water, bu' tha's as much as I know. The only mages I ever saw were Air mages, an' they don' 'eal as far as I know. Me mum would claim I'm dabblin' in dark arts, bu' I never 'ad 'er distaste for magic. Any road," she pays the tub's lip, "I'll be 'ere for you – all o' you."

"You must all leave," Celosia tells Tasha and the others. "Only the sick should be here for the ritual."

"They can't understand you," Aaron tells Celosia. "Someone should be here as translator, right?"

Tasha frowns at that, then shakes her head. "I'd rather stay. I 'ave obligations. I'll translate," the woman insists.

"They don't need to talk," the priestess remarks. "They just need to relax and not resist."

"They won' relax wit'out someone they trus' 'ere," Tasha points out.

"I think it may be best of Tasha remains with them. Besides, if she is not allowed to remain, Tasha will likely get very growly. That is not pleasant," Layth notes.

"Well, I suppose she can remain," Celosia says. "These men are of Abaddon's brood, I am told, and she is the Herald. The rest of you should wait out in the garden."

The Herald nods. "Layth's righ' abou' tha'. You don' wan' me growly," she agrees.

Layth bows. To Tasha, he notes, "Be calm, Tasha. For their sake." The buck then puts his arm around Aisha and escorts her towards the door.

"The garden is nice," Aaron says. Meanwhile, the priestesses have begun painting symbols on the Karnor's chests and praying.

Tasha folds her arms after standing up, giving Layth a look. "When 'ave I no' been calm?" She then quickly adds, "lately."

"Right now," Layth points out, then grins. "Listen to the magic bunny."

"Oi, I'm perfectly calm. No' compared to you, magic bunny, bu' calm for me. An arrow coul' pierce your 'eart righ' now, an' all you'd not twitch a muscle!" She then reaches over and pulls on one of Layth's ears gently, before shooing him out. "I'll be fine. I'm no' the person I used to be. Might jus' meditate."

"Why do they call you 'magic bunny'?" Aisha whispers to Layth as the step out.

"Of course I wouldn't twitch, it might cause the wound to bleed more," Layth deadpans as he finally leaves the area, Aisha in tow. To her, he says, "Long story, I'll tell you outside."

---

The rituals go on for hours. At several points, animals are sacrificed, and priestesses lay hands on the wolves. There isn't much sign of it having any real effect though (except for when Celosia's contribution causes a very embarrassing physical reaction from the Karnors). Eventually, the healers' stamina wears out and they conclude for the day. Attendants arrive to escort them to special chambers set aside for visiting clergy, leaving just Tasha and Celosia with the Karnors until Nemo returns.

Tasha, who has remained uncharacteristically quite, remains where she has been for hours: meditating on the floor near Gabriel's tube. "Oi," she finally says, popping an eye open, "if I 'ad to sit there any longer, me butt would need 'ealin'. 'Ow are you, Gabriel?"

Having spent several outside talking with Aisha, Layth is glad when he can return. The doe had long since fallen asleep from the dullness of watching the ritual. The down side is she drooled on his shoulder. Now carrying the sleeping and floppy doe in his arms, Layth finally returns to the ritual room. "Did it help at all?" he asks quietly.

"I feel like I've had an angiogram," Akkers moans. The other Karnors seem in little better shape, with even the garrulous Zerachial being quiet. "They will feel better after they have eaten and bathed and gotten a good night of sleep," Nemo says. He doesn't need to understand what Gabriel says to know how they feel, it seems.

"Is it okay to take them out of the tubs then?" Aaron asks, looking to a shelf were bathrobes are kept stacked.

Tasha rises slowly, rubbing her sore bottom as she walks over to Gabriel's side. "'E says you jus' need to get dressed, get some food, an' get some sleep," she tells him, before reaching over and placing a hand on his forehead.

"Is it enough to keep their bodies from deteriorating?" Layth asks Nemo as he shifts Aisha a bit in his arms. She snorts loudly, licks her lips, then mutters something unintelligible

The man's head feels hot, but not quite feverish. "Getting out of these vats would be good," Akkers says, grabbing the sides of the tub. "I felt like I was being marinated or something."

"I'd say maybe you were, 'cept they don' eat meat," Tasha confides to the man. She offers her arm to help him up, then glances towards Layth. "You wan' to 'elp one, an' I'll get two? I wouldn' min' talkin' with our residen' chatterbox." She nods to Dr. Zerachiel.

Aaron gets the robes, and Aisha averts her gaze to give the wolves some privacy. Chloe stares with open curiosity though. "We should take them to the baths to get the gunk out of their fur," Aaron suggests, after getting Caravelli seen to.

"Certainly, if Master Lightfoot will carry Aisha for me," Layth says and looks towards the buck. "Or perhaps he wishes to care for the Karnors."

"You're better at carrying girls around, Layth," Aaron admits with a grin.

"Aye, to the bathes, then. We can 'ave the food delivered there." Tasha helps Akkers dress, then lets him use her arm for support as she heads over to Dr. Zerachiel tube, offering him an arm, too. "Doctor, a word?"

"Yes, madam angel?" Zerachial says to Tasha.

"It is a suffering lot in life to be stuck caring for women," Layth comments with a long sigh. "Let us head to the bathes, then. I do need to wash off the drool on my shoulder."

"Ha," Tasha barks, sounding quite amused. "You don' need to call me tha', bu' I don' mind its sound. 'Ere, take my arm, an' we'll walk an' talk." Once the man is up, Tasha waits for him to dress, and then she has two men leaning on her. "You're wha' they call a scholar, righ'? Do you know abou' ship buildin'? Artifice?"

"I'm not an engineer, but an historian and physicist," Zerachiel explains.

"A physicis'? I don' know wha' tha' is, bu' historian I know. Any road, we're goin' to be goin' a long way, an' if you 'ave any knowledge o' Sinai, or any word on those artifacts, we'll need to know i'. For one, where'd those artifacts come from, an' did you know they could power MOTHER," Tasha says to Zerachiel. She talks to the Karnor as she walks, heading towards the baths.

And apparently in a mischievous mood on the way to the bathes, Layth can't help by ask Dr. Caravelli, "Would you like me to locate Euphrosyne to help wash your fur?"

"Th-that's fine, Layth," Caravelli says. "I feel helpless as a child as it is… but she makes me think I am one."

"She's harmless. She just wants to help," Layth offers, "But as you like."

"Well, the artifacts came from all over Sifran space," Zerachiel explains. "I'd have to look at my written notes to give exact details, but I doubt they'd matter much. And my knowledge of this world is quite out of date."

Once at the baths (and being massaged by the attendants) the Karnors begin to relax a bit more. "This is more what I expect bunnies to be like," Akkers notes happily.

"I'm not sure if I should be insulted by that or not," Layth comments to Akkers. "Is there something wrong with being strong, even if Lapine?"

"Any idea why the artifacts made MOTHER evil? An' why she could draw power off 'em," Tasha inquires, sitting between Akkers and Zerachiel. She almost elbows Akkers, but stops short, perhaps worring about his health. "Jus' remember, these are people, no' jus' 'bunnies.' You didn' 'ave Lapi where you came from, did you?"

"No, it's… the gentle, fluffy aspect I was expecting is all," Akkers says.

Layth has laid Aisha out on a bench where he is massaging her back and shoulders. "It would be wise to not judge anyone by their appearance. Just because it may look like someting gentle from your world does not mean it would be here. For example, what would you think of a bird known as an 'Eeep'?" the buck asks.

"That it was easily startled?" Zerachiel guesses, and tries not to look at Aisha.

"They also have a tendency to explode violently in a rain of bone shards," Layth adds. "And yet they look silly and harmless. Just something to be aware off. Looking soft is not the same as being it."

Tasha turns to Akkers and asks, "Do you 'ave any interes' in returnin' to ship life, Gabriel?" She smiles a little, then pats the man's hand, to ease him. "I don' think I said so, bu' before I came 'ere, I 'ad been workin' to be a captain meself. I coul' use someone who knows wha's what. I though' I knew what leadin' was like, bu' I really didn'."

"Ship life… that depends on if I survive I suppose," Akkers notes.

"Will survive," Layth corrects, "There is no if."

"You will," Tasha assures the man, patting his head again. Then, without a word, she shifts to lean against him. "You ought an' listen to Layth. 'E may be as emotional as a stone sometimes, bu' 'e's a stan' up guy. I'm thinkin' of 'avin' 'im as me cook."

"Well, hopefully I'll feel more confident in the morning," the wolf says with a smile.

"Just your cook?" Aaron asks Tasha, grinning.

"I'm serious. You will survive. Because if you don't Tasha will just pursue you into death and drag you kicking and screaming back. And honestly, I do not want to clean up that mess. Brimstone is a mess. Plus it takes forever to get the smell out… ," Layth adds as he pops Aisha's back in a few places.

Tasha takes a moment to adjust her head on Akker's arm, until she's comfortable, and then grins at Aaron. "Pro'ly. You don' think 'e actually wan's to follow me abou', all over the world an' more, aye?" She grins wider at Layth, wiggling a hoof at him. "'E's righ'. I migh' be a poor goddess, bu' I'll find a way to reach the afterlife one way or another, I will. An', I 'ave the crew's memories."

The golden doe squeaks at the pops.

"I do intend to see this through, Tasha. I have to keep you sane. Well, at least saner, I suppose. I am not certain I could ever make you completely sane," Layth comments.

"Where are you going next, if not Rephidim?" Aisha asks.

"Wha's tha' suppose to mean? I'm sane! After all we've done, I'm saner than I 'ave any righ' to be. I 'ope this Expedition needs people, 'cause I'm no' sure I turn turn away from wha' I've seen." Tasha glances at Dr. Caravelli, frowning at the gloomy-looking Karnor. "Oi, Layth. You should cheer Doctor Caravelli up. Why don' you ask 'im to teach you abou' medicine?"

"Rephidim firs'," Tasha corrects Aisha. "After tha', we're goin' to Abaddon, an' from there, Sheol."

"That is a good suggestion," Layth agrees, then looks towards the doctor. "If he is amenable to it, of course."

"Better you than me, Layth. I don' think I'm cut ou' for medicine," Tasha admits. "I would like to learn somethin' about those wun'erful machines. Maybe someone will teach me? It's a good captain wha' knows her ship."

"If you are getting something cut out, it is best if it is for medical purposes," Layth offers Tasha.

"I'm the most useless one here," Caravelli claims. "Without the technology I'm used to, I can't do much more than apply bandages."

Tasha frowns deeper at the glum Caravelli, whispering to Akkers, "Is 'e goin' to be alrigh'? Is wha' 'e says true?"

"Do not be ridiculous," Layth tells Dr. Caravelli. "I will instruct you on what I know about field treatments of wounds and you can augment them with your knowledge. I will teach you about our world, you can teach us on how to improve what we know."

"He'll snap out of it eventually," Akkers whispers. "He's just taking the loss of the others pretty hard."

Tasha nods a little, whispering back, "Did 'e lose anyone, too? Gabriel," she lays her ears back, frowning, " … do you think 'e resens' tha' I woke 'im up at all?"

The former captain, just shakes his head slowly. "He needs to see a psychist is all."

"If you wish, I could take the duty in trying to cheer him up?" Layth offers the captain.

"A … psychist?" Tasha glances at Layth, apparently forgetting he can hear whispers, and nods to him. "Why don' you work with Doctor Caravelli? Take 'im aroun' to see the wounded, an' show 'im 'e really can 'elp still. Show 'im aroun' the area, 'ow beautiful Amazonia can be. Introduce 'im to some 'o the people 'ere?"

"In the morrow if he feels he can stand the moving around, certainly," Layth says with a nod. Pushing back his ears again, he sits down on the bench beside Aisha.

"I'm sure there are plenty of does who'd be interested in him," Aaron offers, as he heads for the water. "And I'll leave it to you to explain the Amazonian sleeping arrangements, Tasha… "

Tasha blinks suddenly, eyes widening. "Oi! I've been away so long, I forgot! I spen' mos' o' my time sleepin' alone in the 'All or in The Fenris." She glances at Akkers, and whispers very slowly, "The Lapi, they sleep together. All together. Naked, like. I can make arrangements you don' 'ave to, bu' they migh' take offense. Or, there's us." She gestures at herself, and then Layth.

"Do not worry, I do not get feely in the night," Layth offers helpfully.

"If my days truly are numbered… and even if they're not… do you think I would pass up the chance to sleep in a pile of naked women?" Akkers asks.

Quirking a grin, Layth notes, "Back to the gladiator barracks for me, then, I guess."

"At leas' your male mind's intact," Tasha tells Akkers, grinning at him. She glances at Layth, and shakes her head. "We can all res' together. I'm no' in the mood, 'ave too much to think abou'."

"After that blue-robed one's spell, more than our minds are intact… " Zerachiel laughs.

"You don't need magic for that. There are special massage techniques taught at the Temple of Morpheus that can garner much the same reaction," Layth comments idly.

"Just wait… the Priestesses of Arcadia will likely want 'compensation' for their efforts," Aaron says ominously.

Tasha gives Layth another glance, then says, "Maybe you ought an' stay with Aisha tonight? Might 'ave changed me mind." She gives Akkers a side-long look, letting her teeth emerge in to a wicked smile.

"But you can offer Aaron to them as payment," Layth observes.

Layth's brow goes up a bit at that, but he nods to Tasha. "As you like, then, Tasha. Just bear in mind their physical condition," the buck reminds her.

"I've seen that smile before," Akkers notes.

"Chloe and I will sleep where Layth does," Aisha insists.

"I'll be gentle," Tasha insists. She rolls, over, so that she's facing Layth with her head on Akkers's lap. "I've learned a trick or two," she adds, giving Layth a knowing wink. Looking up at Akkers, Tasha's brows go up, "'Ow do you feel abou' tha' smile?"

"Whatever you do," Aaron says, sinking down to his chin in the water, "just… try not to howl, okay?"

Blinking, Tasha tells Aaron, "Oi, no. Las' time I did, the Vykarins joined in."

"A little frightened, a little… ah, ahem," Akkers says, turning his head to cough into his fist.

"Which we should locate, then, and give Tasha some privacy," Layth says and stands slowly, then stretches. Offering his hand to Aisha, he says, "Let'sgather Chloe and arrange accommodations. Preferably on the far side from them if you want any sleep tonight."

"Oh, you've got to tell them the Vykarin story, Tasha," Aaron says with a grin. "About how they reacted to you at first."

The golden doe stands up with Layth, looking a bit shy around the Karnors, and nods. "Someplace not underground though, okay?" she asks the buck.

Tasha looks up again, then reaches up to brush her hand across Akkers's cheek. "I gotta give you somethin' to live for. S'my fault an' my responsibility, an' I've taken to bein' dutiful." She gives him another wicked smile, then pinches his cheek a little before glancing at Aaron. "You mean 'ow they though' I was one 'o 'em, an' the big one jumped me? Thought I was there for breedin'?" She returns her gaze to Akkers, and insists, "I wasn'! They jus' never saw my like before – think I'm a messanger from the sky, or some odd Vykarin!"

"Certainly," Layth says as he leads Aisha out of the bathing area. "I'm certain Chloe should know a good place… "

"Aren't you though?" Akkers teases. "You've got wings and hooves."

Rolling over to face Akkers, Tasha resumes her grinning. "You can tell me later, Gabriel, wha' you think 'o me. In the mornin', like." She slides to her knees, gives the man a kiss, then offers him her hand. "I 'ave my own ways for restorin' vitality to a man."