[hider=Tabula's Tour: Part 1]
Two pairs of footfalls echoed through the quiet hallway. Tabula fixed her eyes ahead, quietly excited. Only a short distance left now to the first destination on her grand tour of Chateau Gothika. Having seldom heard of its various facilities from either Graft or Papillary, who now accompanied her on this journey of hers, she was eager to see for real the places she’d only imagined. Graft had, of course, arranged an itinerary for her after contacting his various allies, and number one on the list was the domicile of the first person to respond: Shadowtower Shrine.

From the moment she heard it, the name sparked a special interest in her. How could a holy place be juxtaposed with darkness? How could an entire tower exist inside a building? And what would Ashara be like? At the meeting the other day, where all the most powerful and scary people inside the Chateau gathered to receive instruction from that terrifyingly awesome Lord Rodias, she’d listened to each name as it hit the air and tried to assign each to a face. The name Ashara, she remembered, belonged to the fancifully-dressed woman with long white hair and puffs coming from her backside. When she spoke at that conference, she did so in a reserved, polite manner, her countenance the very picture of elegance. Tabula hoped that she could learn from the lady’s example.

She stopped at the Shadowtower’s door, laid a hand against it, and paused. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and knocked.

The door that led into the tower opened, without any sort of resistance, as if Tabula's mere knock was enough to move it. Before the Nightgaunt, and her companion, lay the foot of the shrine, inside an ever ascending structure. The oh-so-infamous stairway, with narrow steps that zig-zagged upwards, without any spots to truly stop and rest on. The pair also noticed the lack of an elevator - something that the creator, Deka_Ribbon, had made sure to exclude. It was the creator's intent that anyone who wanted to visit her shrine would have to put in actual effort to do so.

All the trepidation and anticipation Tabula built up dissipated in a heartbeat as she was confronted by the sight beyond the door. Not an elaborate temple, not a radiant shrine, but a single staircase going up, up, up. On second thought, however, that wasn’t all there was.

Even at this lowest point, Tabula became aware of the gently floating, dancing and wispy ghostlights and small, translucent comet-shaped spirits that sailed around lazily in the air and open areas around both the stairway and the top-most area. It would take a good deal of walking to get up the stairs, unless one decided to fly or levitate themselves up. The structure seemed to follow the principle of a tall rectangular pillar, with the staircase wrapping around it and a plateau at the peak, whereupon the actual shrine rested. There was, however, something else of note - or rather, someone else.

A young fox-girl, similar to Ashara but with short, golden blonde hair in a bob-cut and red eyes, and only three tails which were as golden-furred as her hair, was walking down the staircase. She was dressed in the white kimono and red hakama that were traditional for shrine maidens, and the garb that everyone at the Shadowtower Shrine wore, except for Ashara. As she descended the last step, reaching the doorway where Tabula and Papillary stood, the girl bowed respectfully and gave a friendly smile.

"Greetings, Lady Papillary, and you must be Lady Tabula?" She said and asked with warm and friendly words. "I'm Mikoto, Lord Graft told us you would be visiting. Please, follow me." She explained, motioning for the two to walk with her up the stairs.

At a loss for what to do, Tabula copied the gesture, bowing back to Mikoto. “Hello. That’s me,” she told the little girl, noticing her animal features. A common thread among the Shrine’s denizens, maybe? When Mikoto beckoned her upward, the attendant’s tone genial and inviting, Tabula complied straightaway. It looked like a long way up, but after all her training the Nightgaunt knew she could handle it. As she glanced upward, though, she fluttered her wings. Were she not being politely escorted, now would be a good time to make use of them--if only she could. Alas, she had no idea how to fly, nor any winged comrades to learn from. So, she resigned herself to an extended climb, hardly able to wait to see what lay at the top.

As they walked, Mikoto remained mostly silent, a bit ahead of the guests. Tabula would notice however that despite the inside of the tower lacking anything in the veins of light sources, such as braziers, torches, lamps or magic luminous crystals, there was still something that made it as bright as day. Even though the surroundings looked as though they were dark as a night sky, somehow there was still light radiating from somewhere... Or everywhere?

Regardless, as they walked, some of the slow-floating spirits descended, gently flying sluggish circles around Tabula. Of course, they were mindless creatures, but even something that does not truly think can still be drawn to new or unfamiliar things.

As they came closer to the top however, Tabula would see first the distinctly asian-styled roof of the shrine, slowly growing with each step. The large, red tori gate that stood at the top of the stairs loomed over the climbers, like a gigantic doorway of crimson. Voices could be heard from the top as well, hushed and subtle, but equally full of energy and giddy excitement. It seemed Tabula wasn't alone in looking forward to her visit. As Mikoto climbed the last step, she turned back to her guests.

"Welcome, to Shadowtower Shrine." She said, making a sweeping motion with her hand towards the setting and scene before them.

The sight was rather remarkable. Apart from the three distinctly Japanese-styled buildings, each modeled after a real-world shrine, there was also the fact that the grounds were laid with sleek stone tiles, there seemed to be a small garden - complete with an archaic Japanese bamboo-fountain. There was a rack for laundry and an area with what looked to be slightly dark grass. However, none of these things truly compared to the reception.

Ashara, along with the entire ensemble of the shrine, stood lined up on either side of the path leading towards the  main shrine. The cast of beast and spirit-animal girls, each with their tails and ears, dressed in their traditional miko-attire, were positioned with oldest-to-youngest, tallest-to-shortest, with Ashara and Mikoto closest to the stairs. All the girls wore warm faces, and the youngest ones' eyes sparkled with curiosity and interest as they looked at the new arrivals.

In practiced, close-to-perfect synchronized greetings, the entire shrine's populace bowed and spoke, their pitch and voices all slightly different, but overall it was clear they were well disciplined and rehearsed.

"Welcome to the Shadowtower Shrine, honored guests!" They all rang out, in a friendly and genuine way. While the other girls remained bowing, Ashara rose and approached the stairway and tori gate, smiling friendly. Her footsteps jingled lightly with the bells around her ankles, her hands clasped in front of her as she walked with poise and practiced grace. She stopped in front of Tabula, looking the nightgaunt straight in the eyes, a soft and friendly expression upon the fox-demon's face. She tilted her head slightly sideways, and spoke with a voice as smooth as silk.

"Welcome, Lady Tabula. I am Ashara Masamune." She paused, momentarily. "We are very honored to recieve you. Please, come this way and greet my dear girls. I am certain they wish to ask you many things." Ashara invited, making a gentle motion towards the other priestesses, who had now risen from their bows and were standing quietly, looking Tabula's way, each barely able to contain their curiosity about this purple-skinned visitor.

The Nightgaunt was overwhelmed. Even Papillary looked impressed, which was a feat given her facelessness. “Lady?” Tabula breathed, floored by the sheer formality and ceremony of the reception. In her meager white habit she felt like a stain on this perfect, exotic picture. Yet the others seemed so kind and accommodating that she couldn’t possibly shrink away into the shadows. Plus, there stood Ashara herself in all her glory, more gorgeous than anything she’d ever seen. “Oh, thank you! I’m...very honored to meet you all.” she breathed, flustered to the point of blushing by all the attention. Once again she copied the others’ bowing motion, hoping that it was appropriate. Then she hurriedly made to follow Ashara over to the gathering of shrine maidens. Papillary followed at a leisurely pace, content to let Tabula take the stage while she took in the sights. “I’ll answer anything I can!” the demoness said.

Alas, a mistake had been made. As soon as Tabula's words left her lips, she was swarmed! Surrounded on all sides by the animal-eared and animal-tailed priestesses, there was nowhere to run and no way to escape. They all stood around her, eyes sparkling and faces excited - especially those belonging to the youngest, who nearly bounced and bobbed up and down with overabundant eagerness.

"Why're you purple? So pretty!" One of the youngest half-asked, half-exclaimed.
"Can you fly with those wings?" Another asked.
"How did you get your hair so nice and smooth? I'm so jealous!" One of the older girls asked.
"Is that an acolyte's robe? It's so well-made, did Lady Aurora make it for you? So lucky..." Another said.
"Are you Lord Graft and Lady Papillary's daughter?" Someone behind Tabula asked, giggling as they did.
"Why'd you decide to come visit us?" Kyoko, the blue-haired ponytail-rocking fox-girl asked.

At the unsightly and complete collapse of decorum and order, Mikoto could do nothing but sigh and facepalm. Meanwhile, Ashara seemed to be enjoying the commotion, covering her mouth with a hand and laughing softly in a good-natured way. Mikoto turned to Papillary and bowed apologetically.

"I'm so sorry, milady. The girls... They, well, they get excited when someone comes to visit." The blonde explained, somehow hoping against hope that this hadn't made Papillary think of the shrine as a unorganized hive of chittering headless hens. Ashara just giggled softly at this too.

For her part, awash in excitably youngsters, Tabula was overjoyed. The sudden annihilation of formality made the situation a lot less uncomfortable and a lot more manageable. These kids, it turned out, were just kids after all, and she could talk to them like anyone else. “No problem!” she laughed through a wide smile. 

Holding up a hand, she raised five fingers. “Well, I’m a Nightgaunt. Sort of like a demon, but also a little alien, whatever that means.” Not too long ago, she’d posed to Graft a question not too dissimilar. She folded her pinky down, signifying one question answered. “I think I can fly, but I don’t know how. Just waving them up and down doesn’t work.” Another finger. “It’s a habit. I’m training to become a paladin! Aurora did make it, but the Director changed it. Said it wasn’t ‘accommodating’ enough.” Next came the hair question. “It’s kind of just like that, but Papillary knows how to do some styling, and the Director makes some hair products.” The next question made her think for a moment, but with so many eager faces and eyes trained on her she couldn’t delay the answer long. “Er...Papillary, not so much. As for the Director...I don’t really know. Lady Light said he was, and she’d know better than me, so I guess so!”

But what did ‘father’ mean, exactly? She’d thought about Light calling Graft that, but it always seemed just a little too awkward to ask about.

The last question needed no such extra consideration. “Well, I wanted to take a break from my training and see the places inside the Chateau. The Director made a list of places to go in order called an ‘itinerary’. So I’ll be going pretty much everywhere.” Tabula looked up and around, still amazed. “But I don’t know how they can all be as incredible as this!”

Whenever Tabula spoke, the girls listened intently, neither interrupting or interjecting. Whenever she gave an answer, they either nodded or smiled broadly. When she answered the last question, the priestesses squealed in joy together, some clasping hands and jumping up and down, others giving one another hi-fives and two of the youngest even going so far as to latch onto Tabula and hug her legs, nuzzling her sides and abdomen. Mikoto sighed and clapped her hands together three times, and even though the clap wasn't particularly loud or forceful, it was enough to calm the excited menagerie down. Their heads turning to their second-oldest-big sister.

"Alright, alright. I know you all have things you want to say and show our guest, but please try and be a little more orderly. You can't all be pulling her arms and legs at the same time." The blonde fox said, holding up a wagging finger while one eye was closed. She sounded like a mother scolding a bunch of rowdy kids.

Meanwhile, Ashara made her way over to Tabula's side and spoke softly.

"Well then, why not ask Lady Tabula if there is something she wants to know? After all, you all got to ask her so much, it is only fair she gets a turn." The white-haired fox said, tails gently swaying to and fro. Turning her head, she smiled sweetly at Tabula. "So then, is there something you would like to know about? About the shrine? Or us maybe?"

Although rendered helpless for a time by the nuzzling, and not exactly helped by Ashara’s smile, Tabula managed to put herself back together. So many new sensations all at once. Her time in the Factory managed to be enjoyable once in a while, but engaging with so many energetic personalities like this was actually fun. “To be honest, I don’t know much of anything. So I’d be happy to hear anything about the shrine or about you all.”

Papillary sighed. She wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Still, there were far worse places to spend some time, and at least she wasn’t back in the Factory being overworked.

"Mikoto, can you go and bring some dumplings and tea for our guests?" Ashara said, to which the other fox nodded and excused herself politely, before walking away along the path towards the shrine proper, her sandal-clad feet tapping gently against the stone tiles. "Now then, if we are to answer your questions, we would be better off seated, yes?" Ashara said, turning to Tabula.

As if given wordless commands, two of the older priestesses unfurled a blanket, with a predominantly white color, though a few floral patterns were woven into it as well, along with red trim and accents along the edges. They placed it down on some of the flat, dark grass a small ways away from the main gate, and Ashara wasted no time waiting around. Walking over to the little picnic-spot, she sat herslf down upon her knees, as she usually did, her haori robe and tails spreading out across the grass beside and behind her as she did.

Some of the younger shrine maidens joined as well, urging Tabula and Papillary to come join them. The older ones however, bowed respectfully and went on their ways - returning to chores and duties of the everyday variety which still needed to be done, guests or no guests. Ashara tookk a lazy glance over the shrine, her girls and then landing her purple eyes on Tabula, studying her for a while before speaking with her soft voice.

"Well then, to answer your question. This shrine was created by our Mistress, Lady Deka_Ribbon, one of the ten Sable Lords." She started. "Everything you see here, from the buildings, the grass, the stairwell you ascended to get here, and even the perpetual night that surrounds us and the spirits and ghostlights that sail above... All of it are Mistress Deka_Ribbon's doing and design." Ashara spoke, almost reverently, and her face had an expression of both admiration and gratitude all across it. It was clear the fox was very fond of both her creator and her creations.

Tabula’s countenance held the same reverence. She knew almost nothing of the Sable Lords, and every time she tried to think about Brushen Penn -the creator of the Factory, Graft, and Papillary- her mind got fuzzy. So she continued to listen at rapt attention.

"We, all those you have met here today, are the children of our Mistress. Each birthed and molded by her hand and will alone."
"Lady Ribbon's amazing!" One of the youngsters chimed in.
"She can do anything! She's so cool!" Another added, nodding vigorously. Ashara simply laughed softly in amusement.
"Yes, she certainly was an amazing woman." Ashara added, though she still smiled, her eyes held a hint of melancholic sadness, as if remembering a bittersweet memory from long ago.

"Hey, hey! Tabby!" One of the girl's suddenly said, pulling at Tabula's wing gently. "Did you know that Lady Ashara was 'spose to be a Chapter Keeper just like Lord Grafty?" She asked, eyes sparkling.

The Nightgaunt shook her head. “I didn’t know. How strange.” She ran a hand through her hair in silence, thinking as she looked about. From the Shrine’s atmosphere to the garb of its attendants, everything seemed cultivated and cultured, but something eluded her. After a moment she started again. “It’s certainly a beautiful area. Lady Deka Underscore Ribbon must have been a visionary. If...I may ask, what exactly is it for? What do you all do?” She glanced about as if a look around would turn up an answer. “For the guild, I mean.”

Ashara put a finger to her chin, as if thinking genuinely thinking about the question very seriously. The young priestesses looked at each other, puzzled and almost confused, before turning their gaze back to Tabula. After a short period of silence, Ashara turned back to look at the Nightgaunt as well.

"Well... Nothing, I suppose?" She answered earnestly and flatly.

Tabula looked vaguely befuddled as she mulled that over. “Hmm…” she said a couple seconds later. “That’s odd. I thought every area of the Chateau contributed something. ‘Every cog has its role to play in the machine’, the Director said. If there’s no purpose for this existing, then why…?”

She was looking at her surroundings again, in all their glory, and something occurred to her. “Oh. Hmm.” Now that she thought about it, it made sense. “Maybe just existing and being beautiful is enough. You said Lady Deka Underscore Ribbon designed it all. Clearly she did it with love and care. That means the Shadowtower Shrine is a work of art, right?” Tabula smiled sheepishly. “...Sorry about my rudeness. I just can’t help but wonder about these things, you know?”

Ashara simply smiled in a way that only she could. When many of her peers and colleagues would have been outraged or become defensive when the very existence of themselves or their domain was questioned, it didn't seem to even phase the fox. Furthermore, as Tabula reasoned and rationalized, Ashara's tails began to sweep back and forth, though only slightly, on the grass behind her.

"That may be." She said, uncommited and vague. "Perhaps you are right, and we are nothing more than beautiful flowers to be gazed upon and enjoyed. Perhaps we are little more than decorations for the Chateau." Ashara looked away for a bit, letting her head and eyes take in the sights of the shrine, the courtyard and the girls going back and forth. She spoke again, as her eyes rested on the approaching Mikoto, who was making way towards them - with a wooden tray in hands. "I cannot say that Lord Graft is wrong, he is a far wiser man than I... Perhaps there is meaning and purpose to all things, but I do not know of it." She turned back to Tabula, smiling friendly. "And to be honest, I am not certain I would want to." She let out a soft, single laugh.

Tabula, solemn of face, said nothing. Papillary continued to.

A moment later, Mikoto had returned and sat herself down as well, on her knees just like Ashara. She had brought a tray, upon which stood a pair of clay mugs and a tea pot, along with a small plate that was absolutely buried under a small hill of delectable-looking dumplings.

"Lady Papillary, Lady Tabula, here you are. Please, enjoy yourselves." The blonde fox said, bowing her head and pouring the tea for the two guests, as well as sliding the plate towards the two.

Graciously accepting the offered food, Tabula enjoyed it immensely. Of course, Papillary could only splash the tea against her head, but she didn't seem unhappy. Both of them, in fact, harbored a new sense of respect for the denizens of Shadowtower Shrine. Not everyone could take such questioning maturely, after all.

The visitors continued to enjoy the Shrine's hospitality, chatting with their hosts, for a good while.

However, the casual and merry chatter came to an abrupt halt, as Mikoto had scooted closer to her mistress and now gently tugged at her sleeve.

"Lady Ashara." She said in a quieter-than-usual voice. Ashara turned her head and looked at her fellow fox, head slightly titled with a confused expression on her face. "Please don't tell me you've forgotten..." The blonde asked, face exasperated as she let out a sigh. Ashara tapped her own cheek, trying her very best to recall what it may have been that she should not have forgotten... It... It did not go so well...

"Remember? Lady Tabula's present?" Mikoto whispered halfheartedly, looking sternly at her supposed superior.
"Ah!" The white-haired one let out, in a mix of surprise and revelation. "Of course! Girls, could you run and fetch 'it' for us?" Ashara requested, looking at the youngsters who had - somehow - managed to steal a dumpling each, without anyone noticing. With cheeks full of the delicious treat - making them look like little squirrels almost - they let a muffled 'Kay~!' out, as they took off running, heading for the shrine.

"We had a little something prepared for you, since this is your first real visit to your family outside the Factory." Ashara said, both her and Mikoto smiling warmly at both Nightgaunt and Flesh Golem. It didn't take long for the pair of noisy kids to come running back, holding something under their arms as they moved in close proximity to each other. Once back at the picnic blanket, they unveiled their prize, with a high-tension 'ta-daa~!'.

Placing it down on the blanket, in front of Tabula, the girls laid a set of clothes. To be more precise, it was the same kind of outfit that Mikoto and the other priestesses were wearing. However, unlike the ones that the shrine maidens of the shrine wore, this one had been altered in the back a bit, to allow wings to be slipped through. It was neither a particularly high-tier or remarkable piece of equipment in terms of statistics or enhancements, but it had been blessed through a communal ritual of all the priestesses at the shrine, giving it a small boost to 'Luck' when worn.

"It might not fit you perfectly, but I am certain Lord Graft and Lady Papillary can help you make any adjustments to it that you need." Ashara said.
"It's not exactly fit for combat or anything, but we thought you might want a little variation in your wardrobe." Mikoto added, her three tails wagging happily. "Plus, this way, you can bring a little bit of the shrine with you wherever you go." She said, the biggest smile she'd had through all the visit now plastered on her face.

Tabula was beaming. In fact, tears welled up in her eyes. "You…" she sputtered. "You're too kind. Surely the Shadowtower must be meant to make people feel special, and beloved. I don't know how I could ever repay you."

Both Ashara and Mikoto, at the same time, placed a hand on both of their guest's shoulders, smiling in a kindhearted and happy manner.

"If you insist on repaying us..." Mikoto started.
"Then promise to come visit us again." Ashara added, winking quickly. "It is rare we get guests, much less ones that are so cute. If you ever feel the need or desire, please come and stay a while, it would brighten our day." The white-haired fox said sincerely.

Tabula blushed furiously.

Mikoto, while enjoying the moment, suddenly stiffened. Her taila went rigid and her ears perked up, as if on alert.

"Oh! Lady Tabula, Lady Papillary, I almost forgot! You had other places to visit today, and here we are, taking so much of your time." The miko apologized. Ashara seemed unconcerned though. "Whenever you wish to leave, please, go behind the shrine and pass through the blue gate there." The blonde instructed.
"Yes, that would be a lot quicker then climbing the stairs all the way back down again." Ashara laughed, cupping her own cheek as she did so.
"The gate will take you straight to the Chateau's entry hall, right in front of the gates to the outside. You might feel a bit... Disoriented, since the teleportation occurs almost seamlessly, but... It's alot faster than walking, that's for sure." Mikoto half-warned, half-explained - still smiling though.

The two youngsters who had been with the older ladies this entire time both pouted now, each of them having moved to sit closer to Tabula and hold onto either of her sleeves. She seemed alarmed

"Tabby has to go?" One asked sadly.
"Already?" The other added, equally sad.
"Come now, Lady Tabula has many places still to visit in the Chateau. It is a big place after all." Ashara said, petting the heads of her tiny, selfish sisters. "We cannot keep her all to ourselves... At least, not right now." Ashara added, a sly and playful smirk on her face, her tails swaying mischievously behind her.
"You..." Mikoto said with another sigh. "Always trying to steal the pretty ones. You know Lord Graft would be furious with you." Mikoto stated, hands on her hips and one eye closed, while the other one looked at Ashara judgmentally.
"Fufu~" Ashara laughed.
"Also, don't you have somewhere to be, Lady Ashara?" Mikoto then said, a not-so-good smile on her face. Ashara's face stopped smiling, and went pale instead. "Well then, while our esteemed High Priestess reflects on the meaning of being on time for important matters, why don't I see you out, Lady Tabula, Lady Papillary?" Mikoto said offhandedly, as if Ashara's plight was none of her concern.

Tabula remained a little on edge, wondering why -and how- Ashara could possibly want to steal her. And how did being cute factor in? Still, she decided not to let it bother her. After such a wonderful visit, she couldn’t fathom not wanting to come again--in fact, she didn’t want to leave. But her all-important itinerary demanded her departure, so departure it would be.

The visitors accompanied Mikoto to the blue gate. Going through it moved them instantly and unceremoniously to the entrance of the Chateau, causing a few seconds’ disorientation but nothing severe. “Wasn’t that wonderful?” Tabula asked her companion.

“It was something, alright.” Evidently Papillary did not share her charge’s jubilation. “Still, don’t get obsessed or anything. Different doesn’t mean better. And you should keep up your guard around that Ashara woman. Good-looking people make others hungry, and that can lead to bad things.”

“I guess…but still, aren’t you a bit grumpy?” Tabula furrowed her brow, trying to study Papillary’s features. “We just got royal treatment in an amazing place. And gifts, too. Are Graft’s experiments just that bad?”

Papillary was glancing sidelong at the outfit given to the Nightgaunt. “You think?”

Naturally, Tabula followed the secretary’s gaze. “...Did you want a present like this, too?”

Crossing her arms, Papillary looked away. “No...I just think it’s funny how you got the priestess gear when you’re becoming a paladin and I’m the actual priestess. I mean, I [i]know[/i] why.” She jabbed a thumb toward Tabula’s bust.

“Do you want it?”

“...no.”

“Are you sure?”

“Shut up. Let’s get going already.”
[/hider]