Mave's Room
Yodhinala Mave has the largest room in the shared guest suite. Besides a bedroom, there is an office and tiled bathroom sporting a large sunken tub. Everything Mave has carried from Babel is on display, from the portable shrine in one corner (now featuring the sculpture of her that was done in Gromit) to Babelite tapestries hanging from the walls. Standing wardrobes are full of numerous Temple costumes, and the office area has been given over to a small alchemy lab – but larger than the table she and Phlagaea share in the castle's Wizardry lab.

The priestess is currently bent over a crucible, grinding herbs into a fine powder. Her work area has become covered with bottles and vials of various potions lately, as well as several sacred texts that she's been referencing.

There's a rap on the door and then it cracks open. Alptraum's head pokes in and he asks, "Yodhinala Mave? Do you have time to discuss a few things?" he asks, then spots the odd collection of stuff on her desk, and adds, "Such as what you're working on?"

Mave sits up from her works, and actually presses her hands to her lower back to crack it. She gets up, smiles to Alptraum, and casually closes a book as she comes to greet him. "I always have time for you, Barsunala," she coos. "What matters do you seek my wisdom on?"

"Well, what are you working on?" Alptraum inquires as he now slips inside. As he walks towards the woman, he can't help but try and peek at the book she was reading to try and read a title.

The book cover is ornate, bleached white chitin with gold inlay, and written in a language Alptraum has never seen. "There is high demand for my elixirs and blessings, Alptraum," Mave explains. "Surely, looking over my shoulder is not the reason for your visit?"

"Well, other than I like visiting you for a variety of reasons," Alptraum purrs as he reaches out and runs his chitinous fingers along her jaw, "I have a reason that involves Arkold. It is my duty as his 'Best Man' to embarrass him at his upcoming funer … er, Bachelor, party. That made me think of you. I'd like you to help me with it."

"I am not particularly adept at embarrassment, Alptraum," Mave points out. "What sort of help did you wish for?"

"Well, it's pretty embarrassing for him to be taunted and teased by you while he's tied to a chair," Alptraum points out with a grin. "But … what I had in mind was more. I know you've wanted me to shift and become you. That got me thinking if both of us tormented him and he believed us both Yodhinala, well … and found out later one wasn't … he would be mortified."

"You mean to change yourself into my likeness and give praise to Inala with him?" Mave asks, her eyebrows arched. "I assumed you did not find him attractive in that way, Barsunala."

"I don't," Alptraum says quickly, "It's not the point of finding him attractive. The point is to mess with him." Alptraum spreads his hands, adding, "I know it's a bizarre plan, but do you not at least see the intended humor of it?"

"You want to make a mess on him then?" Mave asks, perking up. "I have a recipe for an elixir that will help with that. It was very popular with certain members of the Babelite aristocracy would came to worship at the Temple… "

"No no, not like that!" Alptraum says and covers his eyes. "I was wondering if you would join in a dance with me and as a pair, represent praise to your Mother at his party. To do that, well, uh. "I would need some tutoring in how to present myself as a proper, ah, Yodhinala. I think I know how to get my appearance correct."

"So, a dance of blessing is what you want?" Mave asks carefully.

"I think so," Alptraum admits. "I'm not entirely sure what it is called. I admittedly don't know that much about your Mother's rituals. That is my failing."

"And… you wish Arkold to be the altar for this," Mave asks, "by tying him to a chair?"

"Yes, that sounds right," Alptraum agrees with a nod.

"But," the Yodinala says, raising a finger, "You do not wish to consummate the blessing yourself. You wish me to do it?"

"I was thinking we could do it as a pair. Can you tell we what the consummation of the blessing involves?" Alptraum asks.

"The blessing is finalized when the Fountain of Life gushes forth, of course," Mave says.

Alptraum's brow twitches. "Well, that part I would want you to do, yes," he admits.

"But, in order for the 'embarrassment' to occur, it must be as if you had stirred the waters of the fountain?" Mave asks for clarification.

Alptraum rubs his forehead, looking as if he has a headache. "Yes. It's sort of 'revenge' for his comments of calling me girly and 'cute' at times," he explains.

"So you are going to be girly and cute, and bring him to arousal, only to reveal the deception before the final moment and thus embarrass him?" Mave asks.

"Yes," Alptraum answers, "Right before I turn him over to you."

"Hmmm," Mave murmurs, and goes to start heating a kettle in the kitchen-slash-laboratory. She also collects her pipe, fills it, and is puffing away by the time she returns. "What if he still wants you at the end?" she posits.

"I would have no idea what to do," Alptraum admits.

"And you wish me to take on a less… active… roll during this dance, so that your are certain his interests are focusedfocussed on yourself, yes?" the Yodhinala asks. "So that you are the one seducing him?"

"Initially, yes," Alptraum agrees as he rubs the back of his neck. "You must think me insane."

"No, you simply repressed," Mave claims. "How are you going to reveal your identity to him? Will you tear off your pants?"

"Repressed?" Alptraum has to ask. "And no, I intended to whisper in his ear. If my plan works right, I will my all intents appear completely female."

"Ah, so you will be completely nude then?" Mave asks with a smile.

"That depends on your recommendation. I was hoping you would help pick appropriate attire," Alptraum says.

"Well… I don't think you will actually be performing the dance of blessing then," Mave notes. "So many modifications would be blasphemous. I suggest a simple dance of delight. You may wear veils at the beginning, and it can be performed by two people. Up until the part when, I assume, you wish me to hold Arkold's hands behind his chair so he can not grab you? Or shall he be restrained from the start? Tying him with the veils may be an option."

"Tying him with the veils as part of it I think would be appropriate," Alptraum agrees with a short nod. "I also suspect he would rather enjoy it."

"And will you be undressing him?" Mave asks.

At that, Alptraum smirks. "Yes. It'll drive him crazy," the bat says.

"With a knife, or by using the buttons?" Mave asks. She must have some sort of mental checklist of all the variations. Or else she just wants to be thorough.

"Biting the buttons off is also allowed," she notes.

"Probably a mix of the two," Alptraum answers after some thought. "And the idea about biting off the buttons could be fun."

"Will you be rubbing any body parts against him?" Mave asks next. Yes, that's definitely a checklist sort of tone she's using.

"Well, probably. The point is to frustrate him," Alptraum answers.

Mave looks Alptraum up and down, and asks, "Which parts? Are you going to attempt a complete female transformation for this?"

"Well, my fanny, for certain, since I'll sit in his lap at some point. As for other parts … if I can manage the appearance, yes. There I will need your help because I need to ken you in depth in order to mimic your body," Alptraum explains.

"What does in depth involve?" Mave asks, smiling. "I can be rather deep, after all."

"If you permit me to ken you, I will know everything about your body, down to the smallest detail. I've had the procedure done to me a few times and the best I can describe is … it's like being licked from the inside out. It's extremely … disturbing. And yet … rather enjoyable," Alptraum tries to answer.

"There is no pleasure that Inala and her daughters will be denied!" Mave claims, and sits on the bed. "Let us begin! Right after I pour the tea," she then remembers, getting up again and going to the kitchen.

"It's an incredible level of intimacy," Alptraum warns, "And addictive." Alptraum now heads to the bed and settles down on it. "If we're not careful, I might find you requesting that I perform it regularly upon you."

"My willpower is strong enough, I am certain," Mave notes.

"Do you take butter or milk in your tea?" the Yodhinala then asks, sounding a bit like an older aunt.

"Milk, usually. What sort of tea is it?" Alptraum asks.

"Orange," Mave notes. "With a bit of mint and herbs to promote youthful vigor."

"Definitely milk. Buttered orange would be strange," Alptraum confirms.

Mave returns with two cups of tea, offering one to Alptraum. After a sip, she asks, "Are there any special preparations?"

Alptraum takes a sip from his cup and lets the liquid roll on his tongue to taste it. "Only that you put your cup down before we begin," he explains after swallowing "And I need you to promise you won't struggle."

"Why would I struggle?" Mave asks, after putting down her cup as requested.

"Because I'm fairly sure you've never experienced anything even close," Alptraum answers as he sets his cup aside as well. The Eeee scoots over on the bed and eases up behind Mave. He curls his arms around her waist and draws her back until his chest presses against her back, just between her wings. "Ready?" he murmurs in her ear.

"Yes, didn't I put my tea down?" Mave replies with a grin.

"Right, then," Alptraum says and closes his eyes. Mave feels something odd spreading out over her stomach. It's almost liquid, yet somehow calling it a liquid doesn't adequately describe it. It's cool and thick and it oozes. A glance down and she seems inky darkness spreading up and down on her body. The touch is almost like fingers lightly running through her fur … only everywhere at once. Within a minute, the darkness is crawling up her neck and curling over her toes. And … it doesn't stop. She can feel it slide over her lips … into her mouth, even into her nostrils as it progresses. Soon her vision is completely dark and she finds herself flowing in nothingness. And still, it doesn't stop. She can feel the coolness inside her as it coils and moves, every part of her eventually getting its touch. The phrase being licked from the inside out is so very true, it turns out.

Mave makes a happy mmmmmmmm sort of sound, and does not struggle, as promised.

Mave doesn't even realize how long she's gone since breathing until she feels the darkness pull away from her face and she actually feels rather lightheaded. It's had to have been at least three minutes. It takes several more minutes for the darkness to fully, ah, retreat, from all the points it entered her. Behind her, she can feel Alptraum shiver a few times. "I feel so … not an Eeee when I do that," he mutters finally.

"That was… well, the third best thing I've ever felt," Mave admits, and reaches for her tea.

"Third best?" Alptraum asks as he pulls away from the woman, "What were the first two?"

"Giving birth and becoming High Priestess," Mave notes. "You did know I was High Priestess before I retired, didn't you?"

"I figured you were," Alptraum answers and picks up his own cup, then takes a drink. "As for birth, I heard that is extremely painful."

Mave notes, "Only if you focus on the physical part of it."

"Do you intend to have more children?" Alptraum asks, his eyes flicking to the white Eeee.

"No, I think I'm ready to put that part of my life behind me," Mave admits, sipping her tea.

Alptraum lets out a sigh of relief. "Then I do not have to worry about being, ah, the sire for you," he comments. "What do you want with your life, then?"

The Yodhinala looks at Alptraum over the rim of her teacup, and says, "Oh, I have modest needs. I wish to return to the Temple in Babel of course. I'm sure you'll help with that."

"The temple was destroyed, I thought," Alptraum answers and takes a sip from his own cup. "What do you wish from there?"

"If I'm to move on, I need to visit that place. I need to see with my own eyes that Inala is no longer needed in Babel," the priestess explains. "Oh, by the way… if you're on stage dancing, won't Arkold be suspicious that you weren't in the audience? As best man, you're the one arranging the party, are you not?"

"I was going to arrange for Kaira to impersonate me. Which reminds me, I need to summon her and see if the whole idea is workable. I'll need her help to shift my … other body that extensively," Alptraum admits. He reaches for the dagger on his belt and pulls it free, then slots it right into his arm. Another shudder, and he comments, "It still feels so strange to do that. I feel it going in my arm and the cold flow from it as the blade becomes part of me."

On cue, a little dragon's head appears over the orb on Alptraum's wrist. "Hey… you been knocking boots with that holy bimbo again? You feel like you've been wearing her… oh, hello Mave, I did not see you," Kaira says.

"Hello, pet dragon," Mave says, having reclaimed her pipe.

"Be nice you two," Alptraum chastises the pair. He then spends the next several minutes explaining the whole plan to Kaira, down to him looking like Mave and her taking his form. There are points he has a really hard time looking at her as he does so. At the end, he quickly asks, "So, do you think it's workable?" And then he goes quiet, waiting for the expected laughter.

"You know, it'd be much easier for me to impersonate Mave, and then impersonate you… but I guess that wouldn't be as much fun for you, right?" the little dragon head asks. "Anyway, you want me to manage the spirit-overlay-illusion thing right? I can't make you the same size as Mave though, you'll have to be bigger. Especially with the padding. You'll need that. Arkold will find a way to grope, tied limbs or not."

"Should we try the overlay and see how reasonable I will look?" Alptraum asks the dragon. "And right, I have to find some amusement in this. I owe him for all his comments about Eee!"

"Okay, hold on, this could be… tricky… " the dragon says, and then 'climbs out' of the glowing orb, taking on solidity and joining Alptraum on the bed. "Now… just put me on, like… uh… a trench coat. Do you have those here?"

"Do I need to be naked?" Alptraum asks as he peers at Kaira for a moment.

"Sure, might as well be," Kaira notes. "Less work for me! When you're ready, just unzip me down the front," she says, tapping at a little silvery tab at the top of her neck.

Alptraum slips off the bed and proceeds to shed his clothing. Both of those present have seen him naked enough that it doesn't bother him. Once nude, he settles back onto the bed before Kaira. The Eeee then reaches over and takes hold of the little tab, then pulls downward.

The dragon… unzips. There's nothing inside, apparently, but that doesn't keep her from maintaining her form. "Now, just put me on and zip me back up," she says. "Then we'll use your Mave template."

Mave herself watches in curious silence. Who knows what ideas this could be giving her.

"Oookay," Alptraum says. The next minute is completely bizarre as he reaches inside Kaira and slides his arms into hers, then pulls the rest of her around his body. He pauses for a moment, unsure if he wants to zip her up … but then curiosity gets the better of him and he draws the zipper upward, sealing himself inside Kaira. "You feel odd," he comments.

There's a bit of disorientation, and then Alptraum no longer feels like himself… but like a dragon. A female dragon. Even his center of gravity has shifted, and the tail is probably more disconcerting than the gender-specific changes.

Alptraum, being Alptraum, can't help but feel over the body after the disorienting sensations subside. "Yes, odd," comes the comment as the dragon twists this way and that, feeling all the differences. "This is how it feels to be you?"

"Just think of it as… reverse kenning," Kaira says, although Alptraum hears her in his head. Actually sharing a body would probably be a bit too much. "And yes, this is how it feels to be me when I put the effort into feeling things. But now you have to summon up that mental map you now have of Mave."

Alptraum closes his eyes. In his mind, the sensations of how Mave felt flare up and swirl there. Every curse and organ flare to life, overwhelming the Eeee with intense amounts of information.

The dragon form softens, contracts and shifts. Alptraum can feel this as well. It takes a few minutes, but finally he's become a somewhat larger version of Yodhinala Mave.

This too Alptraum examines in detail, right down to the more intimate places. This naturally leads to a comment of, "Uh, that's rather realistic." Trying not to think too much on it (though now cupping at the white chest the body now sports, he asks Mave, "Is the appearance passable for a Yodh? Or … is it too large?"

"Arkold will not notice, for he is a large man," Mave comments, and then reaches over to start touching Alptraum here and there. "Hmm, you do seem to respond as I do. How long will this last?"

"Kaira, how long will this last?" Alptraum thinks before answering.

"You didn't charge up before hand, and this uses more power than simply manifesting myself," the dragon explains in Alptraum's head. "Maybe an hour if you don't try to dance. But physical activity will burn through the power faster, and can leave you drained."

"And will draw upon me physically if I push it too much," Alptraum remembers. To Mave, he says, "Currently, less than an hour if I don't dance. Any physical activity shortens the duration. I'll need to remember to charge up before the actual event." Those now white ears flick and the question comes of, "Er, why do you ask?"

"Ah, hardly time to do anything then," Mave pouts. "Wouldn't you like to spend some time with me like this?" she asks, and starts rubbing Alptraum in places he didn't have a few minutes ago. "Before we start the dance practice, that is?"

Alptraum sits upright, head tilted and ears splayed when touched. The white wings behind flex and shudder … and there is obvious difficulty in trying to speak. "Uh, well, uh," comes the mumbled admission, "With what you're doing, uh, yes, I would like to."

"You won't have time tonight," Kaira whispers in Alptraum's brain. "This will cost two hogs at least, maybe three to be safe. And if she asks you to do Tulani next… Anyway, to end it, just reach for the zipper. It's invisible but you'll feel it when you reach it."

"But … we need to focus on the task at hand. To do what you want will require a lot of energy," Alptraum adds as Kaira brings him to his senses. "If you expect me to be an active participant, anyway."

"Well, I know you will be," Mave notes. "After all, I know my own body. But at least you know it will work now," she says, with just a hint of disappointment.

Alptraum considers something … then leans forward. He draws Mave into a kiss, curling his now white arms around her. When lips finally release, he asks, "Another time, perhaps?"

"There is no 'perhaps' about it," Mave notes, giving Alptraum's chin a flick with her finger.

"Going to make me, are you?" Alptraum replies, arching his currently more delicate brow and mimicing one of Mave's own smirks.

"Well, you do want my help with this little prank, do you not?" Mave asks.

"Yes. Are you implying that to get your help means I have to indulge your fantasy?" Alptraum asks next.

"No," Mave says, smiling. "Just that you will want to indulge me, so there is no point in pretending otherwise."

"I just have to have enough energy to make it worthwhile," Alptraum counters and flicks Mave's chin lightly. "Now, while I have a few minutes, show me some dance moves to practice. I'll work on them every day until the party… "