[b]Taxis HQ[/b]
	Amaiah once again blinked in thought to Mason's enthusiasm. "Hmm... Well given how odd your blood is it could be used to further our research on seraphim. Though that's not my expertise. Perhaps I could do with some extra plasma though." She looked at a blood extracting needle and clear circular vessel. "If you're ready I could do... Lets see. About 5 gold for one of these. Maybe more if you're willing to let me drain more." She shrugged.

	[Color=darkorange]"Of course! Take as much as you want!"[/color] Mason replied as he sat back down, letting Amaiah draw all the blood she needed.

	Not too long after Amaiah filled two bottles. She offered Mason a recovery elixir juice. As he may have felt a bit weaker. But she paid him with a simple bag with 10 gold inside. "Alright. We are done. Also if any of your friends are infected with the curse be sure to purify them with the elixir. Do take care."

	[Color=darkorange]"I'll be sure to. Thanks for everything!"[/color] Mason thanked Amiah as he gathered his belongings and left for the baths.

	Tali nodded and unconsciously moved her hand down to cup Shye's cheek, her thumb stroking the sleeping woman's cheek tenderly. She seemed to think a bit back to some of her jobs. "Mmmmm, occasionally. I would say enough to not be surprised by this area any more. I live by the ocean, so I still love it more than other places. the spear fishing is relaxing. The cooking is so fresh. The lava flow nearby is so nice to just sit in and enjoy. Perhaps after this, you would want to come visit my little piece of beach. You could have some of my ocean cooking."

[b]-Nailah finishing with Melo before arriving at the bath-[/b]

	Melo was indeed smitten by Nailah's charming aura. The heat was intoxicating and his mind wandered little on why he was feeling this way. Removing his cheeks from her glaring warm chest he managed to move his arms, his body dulled by the daze. He found himself staring at the necklaces for a moment. The mind had ways of recurring past memories and despite his stupor he was able to recollect what he wanted. "You can have these my dear sweet fire starter. Now what was your name again?" He asked with a whisper. Easing closer to her with each breath and rising to meet her demands. Placing the necklaces in her possession.

	Nailah took the necklaces with a mischievous smile as she heard Melo asking her name as he got closer to her. Everything was going exactly as planned. It wasn't that hard to be honest. Melo's greed and how easily he fell for her charms even before she used her ability made all that easier.

Looking to him as he eagerly awaited for her answer, Nailah wore the necklaces, making sure to take a moment so he could appreciate her body as she did so.

[color=C86050]"Nailah. Just Nailah. Never had a family name."[/color] she said, leaning forward and whispering on his ear before she walked around Melo as if she was going to lead him back to the lounge.
The second she got behind him though and the line of sight between both of them was broken for a brief second, she jumped away silently, making a clone appear on the same place she was and stopping in front of Melo, extending it's hand to him.

[color=C86050]"Now, my sweet Melo, should we go back to the lounge? I'm curious to see if you can handle me as well as you did these necklaces..."[/color] Nailah's close said, with a seductive giggle as she gently took Melo's hands leading back to the lounge.
Hiding behind another store just a few steps away from Melo and the clone, Nailah watched with a discreet giggle as she saw her clone and Melo going away to the lounge. She wasn't going to lie, all that foreplay did make Nailah a bit excited... Melo wasn't exactly bad looking as well, he was actually attractive... Despite his greed... But if she decided to satisfy herself, she wouldn't be able to teach him a lesson.

[color=C86050]"I almost feel bad for him~"[/color] she said, with a singing tone as she walked away, giggling. The second Melo finished taking off the necklaces and her clone's clothes, the clone would disappear with a mocking smirk and a cute wave of it's hands.

[color=C86050]"Now... Lynn and Tali said they were going for a bath... right?"[/color] she said, gently tapping her lips as she twirled the necklaces she just 'won' on her finger, using her other hand.

Before she went to the baths though, she stopped for a moment, tying the strange necklace with the capsule tightly on her neck, almost as a choker and using the tiara as an armlet after heating it with her hands and bending it. If Melo had seen her doing that with the bracelet, she was pretty sure he would faint, but Nailah did think that it fit her better as an armlet and not as a circlet. After all, she wasn't the type of woman that would wear a circlet or long and pretty dresses...
After some moment, Nailah finally arrived on the baths. On the changing room, she saw Lynn and Tali's things. Wanting to make a surprise, Nailah silently took her own clothes off and walked inside with Lynn's necklace on her hand and wearing the two other necklaces she had bought for herself. Opening the door to the baths, Nailah suddenly walked inside with a big smile on her face.

Nailah was about to announce her arrival, but interrupted herself when she saw the rather... intriguing scene that was happening in front of her.

Shye, the strange girl who had joined them a while ago was sleeping peacefully on Tali's lap. The blood both on the ground, Shye's body and diluted on the water was a clear indication that something had happened. Strangely enough, se seemed to be fine now... In fact, it was almost as if she had a relieved look on her face even though she was asleep.

Shye didn't seem to be the one asleep though. A strange, white haired woman was also peacefully sleeping, leaning on the wall. Nailah couldn't say she knew who she was though.

Lynn, unlike Shye, was perfectly fine. She wasn't hurt or anything but was apparently somewhat worried about Shye, as it was evident with her looking at the woman as she slept on Tali's lap. The worried look on Lynn's face was quickly gone as she started to happily swim around. Looking at her like that, Lynn was even more adorable. She was indeed incredibly pure and innocent. Almost like a child as she talked with Tali, mentioning how wonderful today was and saying that things outside of Tearia was so different and beautiful.
Sneaking behind Lynn as she was distracted talking with Tali, she suddenly jumped over her when she got closer, hugging Lynn.

[color=C86050]"You girls didn't even wait for me! It seems you two had some fun here already, didn't you?"[/color] Nailah said, giggling before she asked, raising an eyebrow as she nodded towards Shye and the white haired woman.

[color=C86050]"Wait, Lynn! I brought something for you!"[/color] Nailah said, gently holding Lynn's shoulders before she tried to get away from her hug or turn towards her. After a brief moment, Nailah gently put the necklace on her neck, turning her around to face her when she was finished.

[color=C86050]"It costed me nothing, by the way~"[/color] Nailah said, with a fox like smirk as she waited for Lynn's reaction.
[color=C86050]"Although I must say that all that teasing and foreplay did leave me a bit excited... Unfortunately I had to teach that greedy merchant a lesson though... Even though he was a cutie... The second he finishes taking off my clone's clothes, it'll disappear."[/color] Nailah said, with a mischievous giggle.

[color=C86050]"At least he got a kiss and my name... It surely isn't enough to make up for his frustration when he realizes he wont get what he wants buuut..."[/color] she said, laughing.

[color=C86050]"So... would you two care to fill me in regarding what just happened here?"[/color] Nailah said before she halfway submerged on the water, swimming towards Tali and Shye like a snake would. Getting closer to both girls,
Nailah stood up, carefully looking at Shye's body. Despite her always present mischievous expression, it was clear that she was not just admiring the woman's body, but carefully analyzing it, searching for a wound or a reason for the blood.
Strangely enough, Shye seemed to be completely fine other than her neck. Whatever it had happened seemed to be related with the slave collar on the girl's neck. Gently touching the collar, Nailah couldn't help but feel bad for Shye... After all... she knew exactly how much a slave collar hurt on one's neck... Even though the ones who knew of Nailah's past were only a few and she did the best she could to keep it hidden.
Those who were paying close attention to Nailah's expression would notice a small change on her expression when she touched the collar. A small twist of her mouth and on her eyes, a mix of anger, sadness and other emotions. It was brief and very discreet, but it was definitely a reaction that was unlike how Nailah normally acted.

After a brief while, she gave a few steps away from Shye as if nothing had happened, with her usual expression as she went to Tali's other side, leaning herself on Tali in a comfortable posture, both to tease her and relax.

	[color=7FFFD4]"That sounds like fun! Though...I'll have to take your word for it on sitting in the lava."[/color] She said with a smile as she slid back into the water and resumed floating on her back. She soaked in the sun's warm rays as she lazily floated about with her eyes closed. [color=7FFFD4]"The sun's energy feels amazing today! Its so clear out that I feel like I could float here and take in its energy all day!"[/color]

[color=7FFFD4]"I could sunbathe at home, but it wasn't like this, we stayed busy and I never had much time for it. Though my mother did say that I should make a habit to make sure to at least get a little sun every day because I'm part Sol. If I go too long without it, I start to feel uneasy."[/color] Just after she said this, Lynn noticed a shadow come over her, opening her eyes just in time for a splash as someone landed in the water next to her. Lynn let out a small cry of surprise at the action and then was grabbed into a hug, noticing it was Nailah who had appeared. Lynn was a little red with her embrace, but it was just a hug, and she supposed it was normal for Nailah, like Tali, not to have anything on in the bath. 
Though to be fair, it was still a bit uncomfortable to her, especially since she wasn't wearing much either. She was about to apologize to Nailah for getting in the bath already when Nailah seemed to remember something. Nailah steadied Lynn's shoulders, which made her mind think back to Tali's little surprise back at the marketplace. This time however, her surprise was in the for of the necklace from earlier, her eyes sparkling at the sight of it. After Nailah put it on her she took it carefully in her hands, and gazed at the waters inside. [color=7FFFD4]"OH, Nailah, thank you so much! I love it!"[/color] she said cheerily. She was so happy, that naked or not, Lynn for once actually moved forward ad gave Nailah a hug with a giggle. [color=7FFFD4]"I'll make sure to take good care of it!"[/color] she said after letting go.
As for Nailah's question about about Shye, Lynn's head tilted as she looked over to the sleeping girl, her face becoming a tad more serious as she looked over her, as if she was doing a quick scan to make sure everything still seemed fine. [color=7FFFD4]"When we first arrived, these other two were already here. She said her name is Shye, and the other sleeping against the wall said her name was Aste. Apparently, Aste was trying to help her with this collar, but had made some sort of mistake the first time, causing the collar to become agitated....causing the blood."[/color] she said as she noticed. [color=7FFFD4]"I healed her wound from it, and Aste tried a different approach to help weaken it I think, but when I healed her, I sensed high amounts of stress, even given what happened. So we tried to help calm her down, and she soon fell asleep. I'm not sure how she was able to fall asleep so easily though. Unless she was under stress for a long period of time..."[/color] she finished, her ears drooping a bit. She then looked to Tali, [color=7FFFD4]"how is she holding up?"[/color] she asked. Shortly after, Lynn caught full view of Nailah climbing out of the water and quickly turned away, a bit red once more as she sunk into the water until just her eyes up poked out the water's surface.

	Tali kept a poker face as she saw Nailah enter. She saw that mischievous glint in her eye and wanted to see how it played out. Poor Lynn got surprised by the sudden appearance of Nailah into the water. She seemed to have gotten the necklaces without being too bothered by the merchant. When she got out of the water and essentially snuggled up to Tali while naked, Tali wrapped an arm around her waist. "She is holding up just fine. I fear moving my leg might wake her. She rather desperately needed my song and this sleep." Tali's thumb still stroked the sleeping woman's cheek. She hoped the sleep was refreshing, but she couldn't be sure given the stress Shye endured.

She watched how embarrassed the Lassa girl got from seeing more naked women. She couldn't help but let out a light-hearted chuckle. "Nailah, if you want, I still have one thigh free. Just be careful around Shye. As for Lynn, apparently I got to be her first kiss. I'd say I made it a decent one."

	From the entrance of the bath, the ladies could hear a rather poor attempt at whistling.  Despite the rather blatant lack of skill, it was a happy, upbeat tune.  Closer and closer the source of the whistling drew, until finally through the entrance of the bathing area, stepped the young seraphim knight known as Mason Drake, steam slowly collecting into droplets upon his vibrant wings.

Clad in only a towel, his pale skin shone to be mostly unmarked, save for several deep brands, and a handful of very faded burns.  Seemingly oblivious to the presence of the others, Mason continued to whistle his tune as he entered the bath.  As the young knight relaxed in the soothing water, his eyes lazily settled on the group of women across from him.

The poor lad immediately froze with shock, as a surprised expression spread across his face.  Silently, he began to back toward the entrance, never taking his gaze off the women, almost as if completely unsure about what to make of his situation.

	"Zzzzzzz......" Aste was sleeping soundly at her crouched position, her stifling snores was more apparent than the one from Shye. Small traces of her drool could be seen from the edges of her mouth. Her white linen robes is starting to look stiff and clingy, as it started gathering the steam of the hot baths.

Wet patches of water can be seen from her back, and from the way Aste slept, it seemed that nothing in the world could wake her up, for she had not slept for the whole night. Her snore almost echoed the baths.

"Chirp, chirp~" A swallow, as white as Aste's robes, flew into the scene of the baths, before landing gently on Aste's familiar shoulders.

Valavin, her well tamed pet that she had raised since Aste was an apprentice. Signs of age could be seen from its less than silky wing feather and its droopy face.

	Nailah couldn't help but to giggle seeing Lynn's reaction after she put on the necklace on her neck. She was even a bit surprised when Lynn threw herself to hug her, despite how embarrassed she was when Nailah had jumped over her a second ago.

A brief moment later, Lynn started to explain what happened with Lynn and the other woman. Nailah couldn't help but feel a bit bad for Shye regarding her collar. Not only due to the pain that she surely was suffering but to all the stress and everything else that poor woman probably was having to deal with.

Tali, in the other hand, did seem to be really comfortable by having Shye on her lap as she gently caressed her cheek, almost like a mother would do to her child. Nailah couldn't help but to chuckle seeing that scene. Who would have wondered that she would see the same woman that exploded that tree trying to run away from her in such a vulnerable situation, sleeping soundly on Tali's thigh.

As she felt Tali's arms wrapping around her waist, Nailah snuggled herself even more comfortably simply enjoying the bath and the company as Tali replied to Lynn's question about how Shye was holding up. When Tali mentioned that she still had one thigh free, she couldn't help but let out that mischievous smirk once more when she realized how embarrassed Lynn was seeing the two naked women in front of her and after Tali mentioned the kiss.

[color=C86050]"Well... Lynn didn't see to dislike it that much and despite the initial shock, she appears to be fine now."[/color] Nailah said after she heard Tali mentioning about Lynn's first kiss.
[color=C86050]"I still think you shouldn't provoke Lynn that much though. She is too innocent and pure for you to do such things so suddenly."[/color] Nailah finished, twisting her mouth in a mildly annoyed expression before she looked to Lynn with a warm and motherly smile to her.

[color=C86050]"If you want to talk about what happened... About the kiss and everything, I'm always here for you my sweetie."[/color] Nailah said, whispering to Lynn before she turned to Tali once more.

[color=C86050]"You are indeed lucky, aren't you Tali? I'm certain that you would be incredibly happy having two girls on each one of your thighs..."[/color] she said, with a mischievous smirk to Tali as she pressed her breasts on Tali's arms, getting closer to her.

Before she could say anything more though, Nailah's teasing was interrupted by a strange whistling coming from the bath entrance. As it got closer, Nailah was certainly curious to see who was the one responsible for it.

After a few seconds, she was greeted by a seraphim's almost nude body. Covered only with a towel, he walked inside the bath almost as if he was alone, which she was fairly sure that what was he was thinking especially seeing how he reacted after he looked to the naked woman in front of him and seeing his shocked expression.

[color=C86050]"Oh... What an interesting guest we have here..."[/color] Nailah said, looking to Mason with a mischievous smile before she saw him slowly backing away towards the entrance.
[color=C86050]"Oh no you wont!"[/color] Nailah said, giggling as she dashed outside of the bath, crawling towards Mason and grabbing his ankle with her hand before he could give another step.

[color=C86050]"I won't bite... Unless you ask me to... Why don't you come here to make us company?"[/color] Nailah asked, slowly getting up and rubbing her body against Mason as she did so.

[color=C86050]"Come, don't be so afraid!"[/color] Nailah said, grabbing Mason's hand and pulling him towards the water, pushing him inside after she got closer to it, 'accidentally' taking off Mason's towel as she did so.

[color=C86050]"Oh my~ I'm such a klutz!"[/color] she said with a fox like expression, giggling as she slowly got inside the water too.

[color=C86050]"Hey girls, we have a peeping tom here."[/color] Nailah said, laughing as she looked towards Tali and Lynn.

While she was sure that Tali wasn't going to be exactly happy with Mason's presence, she gave a small smirk to her, teasing her. Other than that, she was also interested to see how Lynn would react after seeing a man's nude body. She had already been kissed by a woman, at least Nailah wanted Lynn to experience a bit about the other side of the coin too.

[color=C86050]"You're Mason, right?"[/color] Nailah asked, swimming towards Mason, half submerged on the water.

[color=C86050]"You're quite something yourself! So bold! Coming to a bath filled with woman almost like if it was nothing big..."[/color] Nailah said, swimming around him, not letting him escape.

[color=C86050]"For someone that was so confident entering a mixed bath, you're awfully nervous now, aren't you? How cute~!"[/color] she said, with a mischievous smirk and a giggle, clearly teasing him.

	When Nailah mentioned the kiss to Lynn, she  only seemed to quickly dip back beneath the water, her eyes disappearing under the surface leaving only a lone horn tip sticking out, hiding how red her face got. She wasn't really sure if she wanted to talk about it, she wasn't still sure what she even completely thought about it herself. Luckily, the matter wasn't pushed further as the sound of someone whistling came down the hall. Lynn's ears perked up ad she peeked out from under the water once more. When she saw Mason come around the corner, she froze. What was a man doing in here? Wait, was this a co-ed bath!?

She couldn't seem to look away as Mason got in, seemingly not noticing who was around him until he looked around, freezing in place as well in his own shock. When he tried to escape, Nailah made a move to stop him which 'accidentally' caused Mason's towel to drop. Lynn's eyes went wide and her ears flapped a couple times as she gasped, her hand covering her mouth. A literal wall of water, brought forth by Lynn, rose from the bath making separate halves out of the bath, with Lynn on the same side as Tali and Shye, and Nailah and Mason on the other side. Lynn was yet again, quite red faced as her heart seemed to race. What was with people around here!?

From all the commotion though, Tali would be able to feel Shye's rhythmic breathing falter as the commotion started to make her stir, but not quite awake...yet.

	Even if he hadn't expected company in the bath, nothing could have prepared poor Mason for Nailah's sudden sexual aggression.  Like a child dragged along by it's parent, he was hauled into the bath by the woman before being stripped of his only garment.  And as trough dropped, the true fruit of the poor boy's divine heritage was revealed to all.  Alas, such divinity was a fleeting sight; as feathery wings immediately covered the suddenly exposed flesh.

However, in the same moment-- a book on dragons, the one given to the young knight by Amaiah, spiraled out of the stolen garment, landing on the water with a 'plop!' almost coincidentally landing open on the section pertaining to the more [i]private[/i] physiology of dragonkind.

Mason sighed as he waded toward the book, he'd just gotten it! Even though he wanted to go get it dried off, it seemed that Nailah was quite against letting him leave.  [Color=darkorange]"Yeah, I'm Mason."[/color] he said timidly as he lifted the book out of the water and set it on the side of the bath, seemingly unfazed by Lynn's water wall. [Color=darkorange]"I came to read my new book and wash the smell of blood off....... I really didn't think anyone was here other than me."[/color] he explained with a very noticeably nervous smile; this woman was making him [b]quite[/b] uncomfortable.

	Lynn's sudden water wall blocked out Tali's view of what happened once Nailah decided to go full seductress, so she didn't know whether to laugh or chide her. However, she felt a stirring on her thigh. That caused her to immediately look at Shye, noticing the beginnings of waking up. Cursing under her breath, she gently shifted the woman back into a comfortable position.

She then started to sing a lullaby again, lacing it with magic again. Her thumb continued stroking the other woman's cheek. She hoped the song would soothe her back into sleep as it hadn't been very long since she fell asleep. If that didn't work, Tali would be almost dragging Shye off to a quiet room to get her some real sleep.

	Nailah couldn't help but to laugh after seeing Lynn's reaction as she pushed Mason into the water. She was still far too innocent for those things as it became evident by her bright red face and the literal wall of water separating Lynn, Tali and Shye from Mason and Nailah. It was still fun to tease her though.

Turning back to Mason, it was interesting to see how prude the young seraphim was, trying to hide himself with his wings. Interestingly enough, he was indeed carrying a strange book about... dragons with him. Nailah was curious about why someone would bring a book to a bath, but when she took a small look at the book, who had landed on the water displaying a very... revealing image about dragons, her curious expression immediately became an impish, teasing smirk.

[color=C86050]"Oh my~! Who would have expected that such a prude and timid young seraphim would be carrying such type of book... I didn't know you were into dragons..."[/color]  Nailah said, giggling as she looked to Mason again as he timidly said his name.

[color=C86050]"I can see you came here to read your book and... Relax a bit I suppose?"[/color]  Nailah asked, with a teasing smirk. It was obvious on how nervous and uncomfortable he was around women. Especially when said woman was Nailah.

	[Color=darkorange]"No, not quite--"[/color] Mason said with a slightly frustrated sigh,  [Color=darkorange]"I have the book for personal reasons, nothing more."[/color] he replied with a somewhat nervous grin, scratching his arm anxiously.  Though he wasn't trying to be rude, Mason felt that telling Nailah the full story would only grant him more of her pervasive attention.  [Color=darkorange]"Well, I'm clearly making Lynn uncomfortable, and I'd at least like to visit the market before we leave..."[/color] the boy said after clearing his throat, slowly stepping around Nailah, and toward the exit; book in hand.   Quickly scampering up the steps, Mason rushed for the doorway, intent on escaping the woman's claws.

	Thankfully, Shye had settled back down fairly quickly. Lynn looked up to Tali still flushed, [color=7FFFD4]"S-sorry...,"[/color] she said as her ears drooped with a sheepish face. [color=7FFFD4]"I guess this hasn't quite turned out to be the relaxing bath we thought it would be."[/color] She knew Tali wanted to be in the bathwater as well, but now with the commotion from Mason as well as Shye resting on her , it seemed like their things weren't going to quite go as they had planned.

	Nailah's smirk quickly became an unamused expression as she heard Mason's words. She was thinking that his reactions would be more interesting and alive... But the man looked like a doll... Dull and with no emotion.

[color=C86050]"You are not interesting at all... Did you know that?"[/color] Nailah said, getting up with an obviously annoyed expression as he clearly stated that for him, buying things on the market was more important than playing a bit and relaxing.

As he rushed towards the door, Nailah simply ignored him. Not trying to stop him neither looking back as he walked away with an almost comic hurry. Maybe he was afraid Nailah would grab him again?

After he finally exited the bath, Nailah turned towards the wall of water made by Lynn.

[color=C86050]"He's gone now, Lynn."[/color] she said, with a sigh.

[color=C86050]"You know I can still hear you from here, don't you, Lynn?"[/color] she asked, with a slightly annoyed, but playful tone on her voice as she heard Lynn saying about that not being the relaxing bath she hoped it would be.

[color=C86050]"It's not like I'm a walking vortex of chaos, you know?"[/color] she said.

[color=C86050]"Ok... Maybe just a little bit..."[/color] Nailah finished with a giggle.

	The rushing waters of the wall kept the ability to see through it quite a challenge, however, as Nailah announced Mason's departure, a small hole formed in it, with Lynn cautiously peeking through it to see if Mason was really gone. Once Lynn saw that the young seraphim was indeed gone, the wall started to lower until the waters became level and calm once again. When Nailah said that she could still hear Lynn, she perked up from the water, an appologetic look on face with her hands clasped together. [color=7FFFD4]"Oh, no! I didn't mean it that way! I'm sorry!"[/color] She started to twiddle her fingers, pushing her index fingers together in a nearvous way as she tried to explain herself, like she had done something wrong, missing that Nailah was only teasing her. [color=7FFFD4]"It's just that...Tali...It doesn't seem like she is able to enjoy the bath like we thought."[/color] She sunk back in the water a bit as her excitment died down. She looked over to where Tali and Shye were. [color=7FFFD4]"Though that other girl does seem to need the rest...."[/color] speaking of which, she glanced at the [i]other[/i] other girl, Aste, who was asleep against the wall.  She seemed to be worn out from her magic, but overall looked fine.
Lynn sat for a moment, blowing blubbles in the water as she thought as half her face was underwater. That conversation would just make things a bit awkaward again. Maybe she could help them relax more if she talked about something else. He ears perked up as she got an idea. looking between the two of them as she started floating around the bath again. [color=7FFFD4]"So...Just curious...What made you two come here to join the alliance as well?"[/color] she asked them both, not knowing that Nailah was actually just hanging around and not an actual appointed member.

	Tali mostly kept her attention on Lynn, but she said very little. It was true that she hadn't even gotten to be in the water. It was even true that she is more stressed than when she walked into the bath. While it was very much worth it to let Shye sleep and rest, Tali had sacrificed her own chance for it. Nailah and Lynn's antics kept her mildly entertained, but she needed to temper that with keeping her charge comfortable and taken care of.

Once Nailah and Lynn started talking, Tali let out an audible sigh. "I think everyone here is having a relatively boring or unrelaxing bath. It isn't Shye's fault she ended up in my lap. She needed it more than any of us. It still makes me a bit sad to be stuck out of the water. I may be Tyro, but I am still Lassa too." Lynn's question and attempt to change the subject, while not surprising, was jarring. "I was given a job by the Magoi to join. They offered me my normal fee of artifacts to help my research."

	Nailah couldn't help but laugh as she saw Lynn peeking through a small hole in the water wall she made just to be sure Mason was indeed gone before putting it down. The way she reacted to Nailah's teasing though was just too cute to not notice. She apparently thought that Nailah was really annoyed by what she had said and her way of apologizing herself was incredibly adorable.

[color=C86050]"My dear!"[/color] Nailah said, laughing as she got closer to Lynn after she finally put the water wall down.

[color=C86050]"I was just teasing you! You're too adorable for me to be mad at you!"[/color] she said, laughing as she gently caressed Lynn's head, trying to cheer her up as he sat down on the water, half of her face submerged.

What Lynn had said though was indeed true. Tali did seem to be a bit tired and having to take care of Shye was probably even more taxing for her. One thing was certain though... Both Shye and the other strange girl had a [i]really[/i] heavy sleep as they were still sleeping soundly even after all that.

[color=C86050]"Tali, do you want to change a bit? I'm sure you would also like to get in the water."[/color] Nailah said, with a kind and warm smile. Both by her tone and her honest smile, it was clear that she wasn't going to try anything funny... At least not for now.
As she waited for Tali's answer though, Lynn made an interesting question for both of them, regarding why they had joined the alliance. Nailah got surprised when she heard that Tali was actually working for the Magoi. While she never met any Magoi herself, she had heard a few things about them.

[color=C86050]"Me? I'm not actually part of the Alliance. I'm just tagging along because you guys seem to always attract interesting things..."[/color] she said, with a mischievous smile and a giggle.

"I was actually just passing through Pearl when I met your big guy friend. He was pretty troubled about some personal things and I just helped him a little bit. Despite his size, he is unexpectedly a really sweet guy."[/color] Nailah said, with a smile to Lynn.

[color=C86050]"So... Yeah... I don't have any important or exciting reason. Not working for anyone but myself."[/color] she said, shrugging.

[color=C86050]"I do enjoy being free though."[/color] Nailah finished, with a playful wink.

	Lynn closed her eyes as Nailah caressed her head, as it oddly felt quite nice, her ears twitching a bit as she did. [color=7FFFD4]"So neither of you are actually part of the Alliance? I guess I just assumed, since you two seemed so comfortable around everyone. I was accompanying the queen's guard as a field medic, using it as a chance to see the outside world for the first time. I was summoned to join as the Alliance's medic and I took it as a chance to explore more. I'm not completely sure it was the best decision, and my parents are probably worried sick now, but I didn't want to go back yet. I was so entranced with every thing new that I felt...well...I [i]still[/i] feel like I can't go back until I see more!"[/color] Her tail rose and fell from the water as she spoke, [color=7FFFD4]"Though, last night was quite frightening, I've never seen anything like it... Is that...that's not [i]normal[/i] out here is it?[/color]

	Tali gave Lynn a slightly odd look, seeming confused at being called not one of the Alliance. "I am part of it. I am simply a representative from the Magoi. As for things like last night being normal, they are within magic. They are simply not a normal occurrence here. Magic can do many things we would question, but it is all normal. The events last night were magic in a weird place."

She ran her fingers through Shye's hair as she seemed to think. "This Alliance is an ad hoc group, so expect many odd sorts to be here. We haven't gotten any powerful leads yet, so we are still in the infancy of this group. I imagine our existence will lead us to see far more unusual things. Be prepared for the Lynn." She watched Nailah with a calm gaze. She seemed almost overly concerned with seduction, but when not trying to mess with people, she was nice enough. She treated Lynn well at least. "Nailah, I would personally consider you part of the group given your proclivity for helping us out and sticking around us. Since the group is so loose and informal, I imagine it won't inhibit your desires much at all."

	Nailah smiled as she heard Lynn talking about why she joined the Alliance and her insecurities about if it was the best decision. Despite how hard it probably was for such a young and innocent girl to make such a big decision, her enthusiasm to keep exploring the world was admirable.

[color=C86050]"My dear, travelling and seeing the world is never a bad choice. It helps not only one know other people and how the world works, but know themselves too and grow as a person."[/color] Nailah said, with a kind smile towards Lynn. 

[color=C86050]"Yes, that was indeed strange!"[/color] Nailah said, laughing after Lynn mentioned how frightening was last night's events.

[color=C86050]"You might face other frightening things on your travels. But if you ever think about giving up, just think about all the good, interesting and happy moments. Think about all the new things you learned and all the people you met. Surely it's worth going through a few bad moments, doesn't it?"[/color] she asked, with a chuckle and a motherly smile.

[color=C86050]"See? Even Tali agrees with me! Although she forgot to say the good parts and focused only on the bad ones..."[/color] Nailah said, laughing after Tali mentioned about how odd the Alliance was as a group and the probabilities of them meeting even stranger things.
When Tali said she considered Nailah as a part of the group too, she couldn't help but look at her a bit surprised. She most definitely wasn't expecting her to act in such a sweet manner.

[color=C86050]"Oh thank you, Tali! You're so sweet!"[/color] she said, with a gentle hug while being careful to not wake up Shye.

[color=C86050]"But it's still true that i'm not [i]officially[/i] part of the Alliance. At least not [i]on paper[/i]. I joined just because it seemed to be an interesting group. And so far, I was correct. After all I was able to meet you two sweeties, right?"[/color] Nailah asked, extending one arm towards Lynn and bringing her closer to herself and Tali, hugging each one of them with an arm with a bright smile.

	Aste's pet swallow set still once she landed on her shoulders. Unfazed by the sight of water walls, her pet went scratching on the edge of her cloak, despite the noise of her snores.

"Yawn---" The white figure in the bathroom raised her hand, rubbing the tears and drools away. [i]Did I just dozed off....?[/i]

Looking over to the other end of the baths, Aste's pet has stopped the distinct chirp over the side of her shoulders. There are more people at the moment, she was glad that it wasn't some mixed bath, would make it more awkward to see a lady snoring like a pig.

Her fatigue had gone off from the bit of nap. Still the weariness from her eyes had not gone off yet, but its enough for her to drag herself into the long unfulfilled baths.

That spy of some kingdom has been well, her heart skipped for a moment when she saw her motionless, but Aste clicked her tongue upon seeing her sleeping droopily on a closer glance.

[i]Sleeping like this, how inappropriate[/i], Aste thought. Without a word, Aste unrobed her clothing before submerging her body slowly into the hot baths. Letting her pale ashen skin soak the warm waters after a long travel trip, [i]after the whole day...[/i]

Trying her best not to doze off while in the waters, her ears twitched slightly upon overhearing the few parts of the alliance conversation. The sun has yet to set fortunately for the girl Aste, she hasn’t slept for too long.

"Arghh... Pardon me for my less than appropriate behaviour from earlier on...." She said, suppressing a yawn despite the warm baths.

Aste's pet rested on one side of the baths, somehow she had felt as if she had missed out of something important while asleep.

"Is that sp-- I mean is Shye alright now?" Pretending that she had not seen Naliah hugging the other two, Aste hoped that she had not messed up on her cast for this one.

	Tali found herself in Nailah's arm with Lynn on the other side. She kept going on about Tali and Lynn being sweet. Tali didn't intend it to be some sweet remark, but it being taken as such wasn't really a bad thing. Seeing an opportunity and opening to get a little sweet revenge on Nailah for earlier with the merchant and the ear bite, Tali snuck an arm around the other woman's back and delicately ran a single finger up her spine. The enthusiasm of Nailah made Tali smile.

"Well, it is hard to say I am not happy to have met you both. But, it appears we have another one waking up." She saw Aste strip and get into the water, constantly talking about being sorry for falling asleep. Then she asked about Shye. Tali's one free hand dropped casually to Shye's shoulder. "She will be ok. She just needs some rest and time. We will find a way to fix the issues up."

	[color=7FFFD4]"Oh, I didn't think about being able to be in both,"[/color] she mentioned to Tali when she said she was part of the alliance, though as a representative of the Magoi. It was great to know someone from the Magoi was with them, she even wondered if Tali would be able to help her increase her magic capabilities for healing. Nailah also gave her thoughts on what Lynn said, her words easing her heart a little bit when she heard that it was still the right choice. As for what would be normal or not Lynn was a bit uneasy. [color=7FFFD4]"I don't mind if things aren't really [i]normal[/i] in a sense, as all of this is new to me. Its just that, well... Like my mother used to tell me back home, 'A slow day for a healer is a good day for everyone'. But you are right, its these strange things, both good and bad, that led me to meet you two I would think, and that was good! So as long as we stick together everything should be fine!"[/color] He tail moved back and forth happily, even when being pulled in for a hug by Nailah.
It was then that Lynn noticed Aste start to stir and make her way to the bath. [color=7FFFD4]"Oh! You're up,"[/color] she announced after Aste came over and appologized while getting in the water, [color=7FFFD4]"It's fine, really! I don't think I properly introduced myself before, my name is Lynn Meditrina!"[/color] she said with a little wave. [color=7FFFD4]"Shye seems fine though, I'm not sure how long she will sleep, but if she is still sleeping she probably really needed it. I never seen someone fall asleep so fast and on the spot like that though,"[/color] she mentioned leaning over to see Shye, not aware of Tali messing with Nailah.


[b]Market[/b]


	Now fully bathed, and free of the stench of cursed blood, Mason made his way to the market.  It was a busy place, and was all the boy had envisioned it to be and more!  As a slave, Mason never had the chance to buy himself anything! Let alone things of this quality!  However, of all the strange trinkets and weapons, one item in particular caught the young knight's eye; a pair of gauntlets.

Slowly Mason approached the table of the Merchant selling the gauntlets, his eyes trapped by the hypnotic green gems that adorned it. Gingerly, he touched the gauntlets with a single finger, feeling a spark of his power surge into the strange armament, giving the core of it's green gem a slight orange glow; but only for a moment, disappearing the moment Mason drew away.  Swallowing, Mason slowly looked up at the merchant, [Color=darkorange]"E-E-Excuse me, but how much are these?"[/color] he asked softly, an awe of the gauntlets' strange resonance.

	The old man who had helped Aeden earlier chuckled at Mason's childish fumbling. He raised a furry brow to eye Mason up and down from his higher position behind his wooden counter. "Ohoh I seem to be getting plenty of Seraphim coming in today. No doubt you might know the other feller who was here." The old man stepped down from his counter. He was only five feet and hunched over a bit. He shuffled over to the gauntlet and pulled out a single glass lens. Placing it over his eye he looked at the Gauntlet. "Ah I know this item." He said thinking out loud. "This is quite strange I don't remember it being orange.." He looked at Mason briefly and then cleared his throat. "I believe it goes for 30 Gold pieces."

	[Color=darkorange]"I'll take it."[/color] Mason bluntly said, very visibly shaking with excitement as he fished the 30 gold from his pouch, leaving him with 13 pieces left.  Mason wasted no time equipping the gauntlets as he forked over the gold to the old man.  The strange armor hummed with power as the orange glow at the center of the green gem slowly grew little by little; giving the gemstone a look similar to that of Hazel eyes.  [Color=darkorange]"Would you happen to have any books?"[/color] Mason asked with enthusiasm, looking back at the Old merchant almost expectantly, [Color=darkorange]"More specifically spellbooks.......... Wait, I know! I could get a book on Alchemy! That would be really useful! Do you have one to sell by chance?"[/color]

	"Hmm I s'pose we do have one around. Let me see." He went over to the shelves of magical items, to the lesser magical items. There in a row of books he found the alchemy book. Though it gave information on basic chemicals and herbal combinations it did not overlook the power of applying spells to it. So it gave instructions on how to cast certain low level spells necessary for creating the perfect potion for enhancing ones physical abilities. But it also gave information on curses and what kind to look for and what was needed to reverse them.
"This will run ya 10 gold son." The Old man said as he dusted the book off.

	[Color=darkorange]"That's perfect! Thank you!"[/color] Mason said as he paid for his item.  However, just as he was about to thank the Merchant and leave, one last item seemed interesting enough to catch his attention, a small silver whistle.  It honestly didn't look like much, but something about it just seemed...... Special.  [Color=darkorange]" I think I'll buy that whistle too."[/color] he said, pointing to the curious trinket.

	The old merchant didn't seem much interested in the whistle by how he eyed it. Was likely just a souvenir for the fella. "Ah." He looked closely at it seeing the engravings through his glass lens. Keeping said lens on his right eye. "This is a enchanted whistle. Best not use this inside." He pulled out a small book. Skimming through it he found a page. "Aha! It is.. lets see. 3 Gold pieces. or 30 copper if you're the sort to carry that."


[b]Garrett and Raquel[/b]


	There was not much for Garrett to take off in terms of the clothing he wore once the two arrived to their well-used room. He was ready for a bath, both because he required one, but because he would be able to share one with a significant other. Nude, he would wait for the bathroom door to reopen from its locked state. 

Entering, his bare body would once again be seen to those who could see him in the bathing room. Quite fitting to be nude in one. He stood by the bath, testing the water with a hand before entering and submerging his body, directly across from Raquel, facing her. He smiled as he relaxed into the bath.

"[color=a0410d]Wonderful. A bath is a great place to talk about things with each other while we properly clean ourselves.[/color]"

	"I suppose" She muttered, submerging her body neck deep into the waters. Raquel's tail grabbed a bar of soap and she began to rub it against her cheeks before submerging it away from her face. She then began to wash the rest of her body. Her form, raised out of the water, was covered in soap bubbles. Covering her delicates. Her scales were shining under the purifying soap and water. She then smirked at Garrett. "There only seems to be one of these.." She began to sink in the water whilst walking toward Garrett. Disappearing under the waters she soon appeared next to him from beneath. Holding the soap. "Lets talk." She said, placing the soap on his chest and rubbing it slowly in circles. "What do ya honestly think of me? Ah common farm girl from this small town." She sighed. "I'm sure you been looking at much more refined lasses. Smaller too." She pouted.

	Garrett let her start to wash him. It was what he wanted in the first place. He watched her, listening to her words and considered them. He closed himself, allowing him to relax further in the bath.

"[color=a0410d]You doubt yourself too much, Raquel. If someone other than me saw what I see in you, they would not know what to do with themselves other than love you. You are hard working, you have a real heart. You look, and you act perfect. Your class, your rarity, how refined you are, it has not affected the decisions I have made.[/color]"

	After a little longer than what necessary. Raquel and Garrett were finished bathing. She emerged from the bathroom with a white drying robe made from wool and silk. Something the Inn provided and expected to be returned once the patron was done using it. "It feels so good to enjoy what the fancy folk who step in here do. Though I work here I can hardly afford the best room like you can." She giggled. Stretching with little concern of what she revealed and grabbed her own attire. "I should head home. Make a change of clothes. I live only down the road so it won't be long. Will you be waiting for me here?" She asked Garrett. Turning from the open windows light that illuminated her in the dim room. "Hm?"

	Garrett assumed she would be making a change of clothes for the two of them, which he would love to be a reality. He enjoyed the feeling of the bathrobe around his body. He was . "[color=a0410d]I shall await your return. My group leaves as the sun reaches the midpoint, or at least, that is the goal. We shall walk the markets again upon your return, if you would like. Though, I want you to come with us. I want to whisk you away as if we were two characters in a storybook made reality.[/color]" He walked up to her and the opened windows, leaning against the wall beside her and the bootleg escape route to catch a glimpse of the day-to-day streets of Pearl.

	Raquel looked within the dressers for what they contained. Within were nice outer wear for those who purchased their expensive one bedroom. She placed on a brown fur coat that was long enough to cover her body down to her ankles. It had slits on the back for her tail and for wings she did not have. Clearly meant for wealthy Gaians. Likely made from a large bear, though only a cub compared to the wild mythical beasts known to lurk in the forests. It was then Raquel heard Garrett's words. He wanted her to come with him? "You are a brave knight are ya not? This world has no time for storybooks right now I'm afraid." She sighed deeply.  Looking down. "I mean ta say.. I will be here for your heroic return. That's more befitting a knight!" She smiled looking back up to see Garrett standing by the window. Illuminated in fresh robe by the sunlight over the mountain. "I will see you before you go. Don't worry. Wait.. My family will be worried...!" She began to think, nearly jumping at the thought. "I'd best be off now! Bye." She ran over to Garrett, placing a kiss on his cheek before hurrying out the door not looking back. Soon she was hurrying along the road in her boots and fur coat, little else underneath. Into the huddle of stone brick homes across the inn and markets.

[b]Allard[/b]
	Allard had made quick work of his shopping trip, only getting himself some fresh clothes, and some basic provisions for the road. When he returned to the inn, he decided to get himself cleaned up and in his fresh clothes, though, instead of using a public bath since he remembered from his time growing up here that it was a co-ed bath, he just used the private one in the room from last night. While he waited on anyone to show up in the main hall of the inn, he found himself a table and decided to inspect his weapons, making sure that they were well maintained and ready for the trip. He couldn't shake what the other shadow skill user warned him of though. Maybe joining this alliance was not the best plan. He could put them at risk as he was wanted in Fotia, but now this tale of other shadow users fighting to the death against others for pure sport....It didn't set well with him. Could he really bring that burden into the group? He would have to come clean with them. Before they left, he would have to tell them what possible dangers could lie ahead with his presence. Then, he would leave the decision to them.....No....that wouldn't be right. He couldn't abandon them to traverse wyvern territory. Despite what may follow him there, they would need all the strength they can muster to survive. Allard sighed at the thought, looking at his family's blade and the names that neatly and artistically covered the weapon. There was one blank spot left on it where his name would go, where it [i]was[/i] until Nailah erased it, symbolically stating his new life. He nodded to himself. This was just another challenge coming to test its ability to break him, and if he had anything to do about it, it will fail like the rest.