Of flesh and tentacles (Small wonder!)

[Anonymous]

It was cute to see her licking her paw like that. An adorable move that just looked all the cuter when she did it. Giant scary monsters acting like tiny little kittens always was adorable after all. Well, maybe not for others, only for himself actually. That's right kitten. Your nose is so much better than mine, I cannot compete with such a thing. Sigh. Maybe next time I shall clean up first and then we'll see who finds who faster. The longer she stayed around him, the more she'd be able to smell that Nagranesh scent. Barely noticeable, but it was still there to say the least. It just wasn't as strong as other scents. Usually it got lost within smells like human and what not, but he suspected that Erus may very well be able to smell it soon enough.

He could hear her thoughts as she battled with what to do next. She really wanted to go outside, into the open world, but there was that...human part of her it seemed that said that would be a bad idea, that civilized part of her that suggested that she be good and stay here, not getting in trouble. Nagranesh figured that the city wasn't the natural environment for her here, not many creatures except for intelligent humanoids were used to urban environments, or thrived here.

If you want to go outside the city, then we will go outside the city. I've already formulated a little plan. We'll need to head back to that homeless man though. Of course Nagranesh had a plan, how could he not? He was Nagranesh, with a mind big enough to become psychic after all. He had plans though, mainly just being...escorted from the city and what not. With a few 'suggestions' to the guards they would never be able to see this sort of thing coming. It would be quite nice to be able to head outside anyways, the outside world was a whole lot better than this place. Though he liked order and what not, he didn't like it when they were doing things like this to beings like Erus.

Nagranesh had started to make his way back when Erus spoke up, and he clicked his beak as he turned around to look at Erus and chuckled lightly in her mind.

Of course my kitten. Heaven and hell couldn't stop me after all, not to worry. You're my friend, and I am your friend. It would be wrong to keep friends apart like that. Nagranesh said as he started back once more to the area where they had slaughtered the homeless people. He had left a suit there, made from one of the homeless men. Luckily of course it looked almost like his old form, except the hair was a bit brighter. Nagranesh took a few minutes but somehow he seemed to be able to fit into the body, large beak and all.

Secreting a special enzyme helped to seal the wound up for where he had managed to slip into.There was a lot of shifting of tentacles and eyes as he got settled, trying to find that most comfortable spot at this time. He found it though, but still while he walked it was harder and he struggled, stumbled, and shambled along.

The plan is simple kitten. His voice was able to find her, even if she wasn't readily near him at this time. I am going to act a vagabond, we'll pretend that I've been disruptive, and you're going to escort me out. We can stay out for as long as we want, and when you go back, I shall go to a different gate to get back in. You can just say that I offered resistance and you had to slay me, then you got distracted but came back eventually. It was a great plan in theory, and hopefully things went the right way for them too. Sometimes a guard might investigate...that was why they'd have the compulsion to just...stay there and guard.

[Rhindeer]

Next time, then! We will see! Erus agreed cheerfully, confident that she'd be able to find him just as easily as before. She had a powerful nose! She was a great seeker! He'd never be able to hide!

Well, in her mind, that is.

But by the time they played hide and go seek again, she'd probably be used to his scent. Right now she didn't much notice it aside from the faintest hint of it, but she would be certain to commit it to memory. Her memory might not be the best, but she never forgot smells.

She was glad that Nagranesh agreed, that they could go "outside" and out into the world beyond the city gates, and she was even happier to hear that he already had a plan. That was always great to hear! Especially since Erus certainly wasn't very good at making plans, or at least not plans that would actually realistically work. Leaping to her feet eagerly, she perked her ears up and grinned excitedly. She had no idea what the dead homeless people had to do with his plan, but it didn't matter to her!

Oh, good! Because I didn't have a plan, she admitted as she trotted after him like a faithful puppy, not wanting to let him out of his sight now that they were done playing their seeking game. She was relieved, too, to hear that they wouldn't be kept apart, and she visibly relaxed.

Good...because he was her first real friend. Funny, wasn't it? She'd grown up here, and aside from someone she'd just met (and her "parents") he was her first real friend. Smiling all the more, she followed him bouncily back to the place where they'd massacred the vagrants, and the smell of drying blood nearly overwhelmed her as she stepped inside, nostrils flaring, breath catching for a moment. But...no...she had already eaten, she was full, and she wasn't about to risk attacking Nagranesh again. Exhaling, she reminded herself that she wasn't hungry, and instead focused on her friend, watching curiously as he somehow managed to fit into a human skin, and yet for all that she was captivated by that, the only thought that flitted through her mind was that he really was squishy!

Then he was explaining the plan to her, and she listened intently. Then perked up. Oh! That is a great plan! she agreed excitedly, bouncing on her toes. I have had to do that before! But I never got to go far. But yes! That will work! Oh...but I will have to change... she added thoughtfully, looking down at her manticore body. Not many of her colleagues had seen her in this form, after all; they might get scared and try to hurt her. Hold on! I'll be a human too!

And then, with that said, she wasted no time in shifting, the process strange yet quick as bones and flesh shifted around and reformed, shortening in some places and lengthening in others, shedding her coat of fur as easily and oddly as a snake lost an old layer of skin. It was...a pretty bizarre process and it happened quickly, too quickly to really see exactly what was happening, but at the end of it a manticore was gone and a human was left behind--well, a humanoid. She was human except for the wings, tail, ears, horns...and of course her sharp claws and teeth, though only one row of teeth remained instead of three. Straightening as it finished, she wobbled a bit unsteadily on her two strong legs. At least Nagranesh wasn't alone there.

And she was also apparently oblivious to the fact that she was quite naked. Okay! All ready! she announced proudly, grinning. Then, quite suddenly, a thought finally struck Erus as she stood there, wrapping her arms around herself. That thought was that it was...kind of cold. Looking down at herself, she blinked her gray eyes a few times before looking back over at Nagranesh, a puzzled expression on her face. Oh...I have no clothes, she said blankly, stating the obvious, though it was less of a deliberate attempt to speak and more just her thinking to herself.

Indeed, she had sort of demolished her uniform when she'd shifted, and it happened every time she shifted, too--not that she shifted all that often to begin with. No, she hadn't learned yet, and it was likely that she never would learn to take her clothes off before shifting forms. Not that it really mattered to her. In her natural state, in her manticore form, she was naked save for the fur that covered her body. Needless to say, she was quite comfortable in her own skin and saw nothing wrong or weird about it at all--except that a life among humans had meant a life learning the values of clothing, and that running around nude was frowned upon for some reason. She didn't really understand it except that being naked in this form was cold...unless it was the summer.

She certainly knew she couldn't just go walking around town and back to the barracks like this. But she also couldn't go back in her other form without possibly scaring the others and inciting an attack. Glancing around at the other dead humans, she sized them up before striding over to one dead man who was around six feet tall. Perfect for her, since she was only two inches shy. Kneeling down, she simply began to strip the half-eaten corpse, pulling away stiff, bloodied clothing and holding it out in front of herself thoughtfully--and resisting the urge to eat the clothes themselves, soaked in so much wonderful, delicious blood...no! She shook her head and stood up again, then turned and frowned at Nagranesh, showing him the clothes. Aside from being bloody, they were also torn in places from her claws.

They'd also be hell to get on. All her clothes were special made to accommodate not only her wings and tail, but also her head, which had those huge ram's horns. It was impossible to squeeze her head through a normal neck hole.

"I could say the blood and tears are from our scuffle, yes? From when I escort you out?" she asked out loud, cocking her head to one side. "But...they will notice I'm not in my uniform..." How was she going to explain that one? Not too many people knew about her other form, and those that did know about it also knew that Erus didn't need to shift forms to kill a single man. Or even a couple men.

Erk...she was probably going to get in trouble...

But it was okay! It was well worth it to adventure with Nagranesh!

[Anonymous]

Next time I think I'll win. He would go all out next time. Climbing walls, soaring through the air, scattering his scent all over with psychic power. He would win. After all, he couldn't let her have all the fun.

Unless of course she got used to his scent and was able to distinguish old scent trails from newer ones. He had met a being like that before. No matter how much he scattered his scent, it would always be able to follow the right trail. Blasted thing had been too clever for him.

Don't you worry about having a plan kitten. Leave that all to me. He didn't doubt her ability to come up with something in a quick pinch. Something other than just 'smash, kill, eat, and burst way to freedom' of course. He knew she could probably be just as clever as he was given the right motivation and circumstances. He had seen animals before with less intelligence than Erus get out of sticky situations. Ah the survival instinct within every single creature. It was...powerful, it was admirable, it was what made every being special basically. He loved a being that had the instinct to survive built in. They were always fascinating.

Nagranesh was surprised by her control though as he slipped into the new skin, utilizing some odd physics and psychic powers at the same time to fit that large beak of his into the body. He could hear her mind, and it spoke of wanting to eat, yet at the same time, she reprimanded herself, telling herself she wasn't hungry. Basic blood lust, he knew that all too well from when he was younger. Technically he was still a child but...he wouldn't get into that. It hurt his brain to think about the maturity level of his own species. Though, one thought that crossed Erus's mind that he managed to pick up was about him being really squishy. It was...amusing to say the least.

He was quite squishy, and she would no doubt figure that all out eventually. With the ability to control his bloodflow into the certain sacs and pouches of his body, he was essentially just a large sewer system. At least, that was how one librarian had said. Not to worry, they'll be up for more suggestions and will believe it a whole lot easier. Plus they won't question it or really care. They'll just want to guard their post and then go home, enjoy a nice dinner and drink. Planting a suggestion into a mind was a very difficult thing to do. you had to put it just right, or it wouldn't wory. Nagranesh was used to tricking humans this way, their minds working almost in the same way so...he would be able to manage.

It was Nagranesh who got to stare in wonder at the large manticore who began to change. She was shrinkings, shedding, lengthening, and turning into something quite unlike her original form. He noted that some of the things stayed with her, and she mostly looked like a human save for a few key things about her. It was about the same time that Erus realized she was naked, did he notice that too. He had been too focused on the fact that like him, she was unsteady on her feet.

I...don't think that will work Erus...Just...hold on. I'm going to collapse, but don't worry, I am fine. It didn't look anything like her uniform, and as well it was covered in blood, gore, tears, and torn from her claws and what not. That...wouldn't work. That really wouldn't work at all. Nagranesh closed all his eyes and fell to the ground in a collapsed pile. He was utilizing the full extent of his psychic powers, and as such, he would need to give up things like using his body at this time, and to speak to her now. He was searching for someone in this entire city who could do two things. Not ask questions, and sew.

He found that person.

His eyes flashed open, scrambled slowly to his feet...and began to laugh.

Erus, we're going to visit a tailor. He's not far from here, and he'll be able to cook you up a new uniform almost instantly. Nagranesh was able to talk after his little laughing fit finally. This was too perfect...this was too insane...it also went against all logic and coincidence.

There isn't anyone out right now, if we...hurry, we can make it to his house before anyone sees us. Just...cover yourself up as best you can, then we'll try to run. Assuming she managed to get some clothes on, Nagranesh took off in a fast shamble. It would take him a few minutes to get used to being in this body, but he was concentrating on learning to walk properly at this time. He took alley routes mainly, avoiding any conscious mind that was walking the street. Just like old times. They would soon meet up with someone who was quite used to skulking the back alleys.

They came to a house finally, the lights were out, save for one candle in the living room. Nagranesh could see a man inside on the couch writing in a book. He still kept that thing! Amazing. Nagranesh came up to the door, knocking on it lightly. No need to wake up the other inhabitant of the house after all. Nagranesh turned to look at Erus though. Be very quiet Erus, we don't want the other inhabitant waking up. Now remember, they're both friends, and we can't eat them. Not even a nibble. The door opened to them, a man in the doorway holding a small candle in one hand.

He wore a beaten old fedora and a pair of simple breeches and shirt at this time, evening wear before he went to bed. Unshaven chin, and his lips pulled into a grin as he raised the brim of his fedora with the other hand. Two eyes with nooses for pupils stared at the green eyes of Nagranesh. Both of them said nothing as they just stared at each other, one grinning, the other holding no emotion (Mainly because Nagranesh forget how to make a smile).

It's been one thousand two hundred and thirty two years, one hundred and sixteen days, and fourteen hours. Nagranesh let both the man in front of him, as well as Erus hear the conversation.

"Nagranesh it's good to see you again. I'd give you a hug but...I'm afraid I might contract a disease from that skin your wearing." The man's voice was a growling sort of voice, but the tone was overly friendly as he put the candle down onto the small table beside the door. Nagranesh gave a small chuckle as he looked down to his skin and shrugged.

One wears whatever disguise they can find outlaw. Damn! Nexus had forgotten that Nagranesh had an extensive psychic ability. There was no hiding secrets from this being.

"So...just in the neighbourhood or...what?" Nagranesh stepped back to let Nexus see Erus behind him, but Nagranesh already knew that Nexus had seen literally right through him to view the other guest.

"Manticore human hybrid. Interesting mix." Nexus observed as he viewed the strange woman. Damn. He was glad he hadn't run into her on his first day, that was for sure. There might have been a lot of trouble, more so with Niamh pointing at her.

Nexus, you're good with...well...you're excellent with threads and clothes. I need you to make her a guard outfit. You see she...well...she turned into her manticore form earlier with me and now it's ruined so... Nagranesh knew he probably should have said why she had transformed and what not, but Nexus only gave a sly smirk as he nodded. Nexus could swear he saw little green rings start to appear on Nagaranesh's body. Whenever he got threatened or embarrassed, the actual body of Nagranesh showed green rings. It was the blood filling rings to scare off predators...or to show his embarrassment.

It's not like THAT Nexus. We had dinner. Seven vagrants I believe. She had to be in her other form, and she forgot to remove her outfit. Still Nexus had that expression of doubt as he just nodded and stepped back. "Well...come on in...but please be quiet. If...if Niamh wakes up and sees you two in here, she'll throw a fit." As Nagranesh passed Nexus to go into the living room, he could swear he saw a look of pure amusement cross the vibrant green eyed man's face. Once Nagranesh and Erus were inside, Nexus carefully closed the door before going into the living room.

You are the last person I ever would expect to live in a house Nexus...and to be a tailor by choice...and...ah little Nexus is all grown up I think. Nexus just glared daggers at Nagranesh as turned to look at Erus. "Right right...If you're going to be like this Nagra I'm not inviting you over for meals. Hn. Vec is here in the city too you know. Well. He's out right now trying to help people...the God that never sleeps." Nexus lit a few more candles so Erus and Nagranesh could see better. He had no idea how good their night vision was, after all his own was perfect but...you never know with strangers. "Alright. One guards outfit. Please try to stay still Miss...Manticore, it's going to tickle." Nagranesh blinked for a moment. That's right! He hadn't introduced them!

My manners are slipping! Nexus, this is Erus, Erus, this is my old friend Nexus Savaros.

[Rhindeer]

Erus frowned a little when she was told it wouldn't work, frowning down at the bloody shirt. No, it probably wouldn't work. So what was she supposed to do? Maybe she could say that "vagrant" she had to slay messed up her uniform so she had to take his? Mm. Lowering the shirt, she sighed a little and slumped her shoulders, but it wasn't over yet, because Nagranesh told her he...was going to collapse? Tilting her head, she wathed curiously as, indeed, he did collapse into a heap which was strange...but Erus was used to strange, and he told her he'd be fine! Still, she wondered what he was doing. Was his body being funny? Or was it just fun for him to collapse like that? Erus pondered that for a moment.

She'd have to try it sometime.

All thoughts of that, however, flew out the window when suddenly Nagranesh seemingly came back to life, scrambled to his feet...

And started to laugh?

Erus tilted her head to the other side in confusion, ears laid back, for even <I>she found that a little strange and wondered what it was he was laughing about. It all had very odd timing, considering he had just fallen down...and was now laughing. Maybe it was all a silly joke and she should be laughing, too? Erus grinned over at him and then perked up even more when he said that they were going to see a tailor that could make her a uniform, relief flooding her face. She wouldn't get yelled at after all! Oh, good! Thank you, Nagranesh! she exclaimed, bouncing on her toes excitedly and still clutching the bloody, slight damp and sticky shirt. She didn't know how Nagranesh found the tailor, but she didn't ask questions. I'm coming!

She only hurried to get dressed as much as she could, sticking the shirt between her teeth to free her hands so she could wiggle into the breeches, which fit her muscular body well. She had to tear the back with her claws to make space for her tail, and then she was following quickly after Nagranesh, buttoning her fly as she went. Even as she walked she struggled with the shirt, pulling it over her head and trying fruitlessly to get her head through the neck hole--and the result, of course, was that she thudded right into the door jam on her way out. Giving up and pulling the shirt off, she instead just took to holding it against her chest to cover what she could.

While she had no problem walking around topless, humans seemed to hate it.

She kept up with Nagranesh, bare feet silent, and it wasn't too long before they came to the house of the apparent tailor, and Erus eagerly followed Nagranesh on over, peering curiously through the window. She wondered how the tailor would be able to make her a whole uniform in a night, but if Nagranesh said it could be done, it could! She trusted him! Looking over at him as she spoke, she held the shirt to her chest with one hand and used the other to raise a finger to her lips in the classic "shh" sign, nodding vigorously at his instructions.

I'll be quiet, yes. Very quiet. I'm a hunter! I can be quiet, she told him with a grin. And no eating, yes. No nibbling. I won't, I'm still very full! Which...probably wasn't very reassuring, and probably some very bad wording on her part. Would she attempt to nibble them if she wasn't full? Something to ponder, indeed.

Stepping aside and standing behind Nagranesh, she watched as the door finally opened to reveal a tall, rugged man who was grinning at Nagranesh, who stared back at him--while Erus stared at them both. For a few moments there was silence and Erus wondered if maybe they were talking like she and Nagranesh talked. But then, finally, Nagranesh spoke to the man, and she could hear his mental voice still.

The numbers flew right over Erus' head, and there were a lot of numbers. Erus' gray eyes sort of glazed over a little as she tried to figure out just how much that was--she knew fourteen and sixteen, but everything else was beyond her. All she knew was it was big, though she didn't know how big. But aside from the numbers...they knew each other? Oh! They knew each other!

Erus was grinning at that point, tail waving behind her a little. If Nagranesh was friends with this...human?...then that must mean he was good to "monsters" and the like, since Nagranesh was a monster and they were friends! His voice even sounded the part. Growly. It might have intimidated some people, but it just sounded fierce to her, and fierce was good because she was fierce! Maybe he wasn't human and was something in disguise like Nagranesh? He did have strange eyes.

Listening to their exchange, she gave another grin and a wave when Nagranesh stepped aside to let Nexus see her, and pride swelled in her when he said she was interesting. A human that wasn't afraid! "Hi!" she chimed, forgetting after the fact that she was supposed to be quiet. "...Hi," she said again, only this time in a whisper. She was going to be good, on her best behavior! It would be bad to wake the other person, after all, and she wondered who that person was.

As Nagranesh explained the situation, she noticed the sly look Nexus gave, though she didn't really understand what it meant--or why Nagranesh seemed...embarrassed? And it wasn't like what? Erus blinked, puzzled. Oh, humans. She still didn't know why they got so weird when you mentioned taking off clothes. Everyone was naked under their clothes! But she only nodded in agreement to Nagranesh's story. That was what had happened, after all! She did have to bite down on her lip to keep from laughing, trying her best to be quiet, when Nagranesh talked to Nexus, who was obviously a grown man, like he was a child. They really must have known each other for a long time!

Invited inside, and wondering who Vec was, she started up toward the door and ended up smacking a wing against the frame before remembering to fold in her wings. Oh, Nexus had mentioned meals, too...no! No thinking of food! Behaving!

Erus stepped nimbly inside the house and looked around interestedly, tail curling up so that she didn't smack it against any knick knacks or anything. It was really nice inside in her opinion, and it had been a long time since she'd been in an actual house and not the military barracks. It kind of reminded her of her parents' place! She watched as Nexus went about lighting more candles, and she did her best to hold still when he turned to her and told her to--which was a rather tall order, because being still and being quiet were some things she didn't do well, and she was already struggling with one. Yet Erus was determined to be good, and she held still, clutching the soiled shirt to her still.

"Oh, yes! I'm Erus the manticore, Nexus," Erus introduced after Nagranesh, her body completely frozen, only her face moving. She'd...apparently taken that very literally. "You do not mind people like us, yes? Are you really a monster like us too? How are you going to make my uniform? Are you fast at sewing? How do you and Nagranesh know each other? Who's Niamh and Vec?" Thump. "Oh, sorry."

Oops, well, so her tail was moving, too, and had thumped against a wall, but she was quick to once again coil it up tightly. She'd also sort of forgotten to be very quiet, but...she was still rather hyper from she and Nagranesh's hunt and game, and it was hard to keep all that energy bottled up and--

“Oi, Nexus, what’re you doing...?â€? a groggy, annoyed voice called from upstairs, and Erus cocked her ears and peered up toward the staircase. Unfortunately for them all, the other inhabitant was a rather light sleeper. Standing at the top of the stairs and leaning tiredly against the railing was a younger woman with chin-length, messy blonde hair and very light skin, dressed in a large rumpled shirt that reached her knees with some hastily thrown on breeches beneath. She was rubbing the sleep from her eyes, seemingly oblivious to Erus and Nagraneshâ€"at least until she lowered her fists. "You're being really loud--uh?" She paused, staring down at the three people below.

Erus, grinning and flashing her sharp teeth, lifted a clawed hand and waved, still clutching the blood-soaked shirt to her otherwise bare chest, barbed tail twitching. "Hi!"

For a few seconds Niamh just continued to stare down at the three strange people, one half naked scorpion woman thing, one strange, dirty vagrant with bright green eyes and a somehow unnatural way of moving, and, of course, Nexus. Bleary-eyed, Niamh just blinked dully a few times, still clearly half asleep. Then with a quiet sigh and a brief look of disbelief, she reached up and rubbed her face, shaking her head. "Hi...yeah...I'm going back to bed..." she mumbled before turning around, ready to shuffle back on to her room.

It was somewhere around then that the reality of it all sank in.

With a sudden gasp, Niamh spun back around, abruptly awake, and clutched at the staircase railing, blue eyes wide and locked on that scorpion tail. Yeah. Half-naked scorpion-cat woman in their house! With a bloodied shirt. And another strange man that just...looked...somehow unnatural. And dirty. Like he was homeless and lived on the streets and what were up with his <I>eyes? And both of them? Were in their house! Nexus had just let them in?! What. The. Hell. Blood-soaked shirt! Weird homeless man! Scorpion! Hello! That was kind of bad!

"Uh...Nexus...?" Niamh managed to get out in a strained voice, still staring intently at the strangers. "Nexus...yeah...why is there a naked scorpion woman and a homeless guy in our house right now...?"

"Oh! Nexus! He is making me clothes!" Erus answered cheerfully, grinning over at both Nexus and Nagranesh.

"What?" Niamh's gaze snapped over to Nexus and her eyebrows raised.

"I destroyed my uniform, yes!" Erus went on. "On accident, it got all ripped up. I forgot to take it off first..."

"WHAT?!" Yeah. The scene before her looked pretty bad to Niamh. Niamh had learned through some of Nexus' comments that he liked men as well as women, and she knew good and well of his sadistic tendencies. And here was a strange homeless man and a woman who looked both bloody and like she was in serious need of clothing...since the ones that she sort of had on were suspiciously torn. It just...it looked really, really bad. And she'd heard thumping before getting up, too, and...and...oh Light.

"Nexus! What the hell do you DO</I> when I'm sleeping?!" Niamh finally yelped, recoiling in horror. "What are you doing?! Who are these people?! Why is one of them <I>naked and bloody, Nexus?!" she demanded, waking up more as irritation and horror started to bloom into anger--and, much to her own surprise, jealousy. He wasn't. They weren't...

[Anonymous]

At least she hadn't come rushing over to him to see if he was okay. He really didn't need that, he needed complete focus, and someone shaking him and trying to get him to wake up was very irritating. Voices shouting in his mind, his body swearing that it was under attack. It meant he would focus on them and...he very well could kill them with a single wrong thought. That would be very messy and sad, since he really didn't want to accidentally kill Erus. She was a really good friend after all.

Nagranesh had a large mind but even he couldn't fathom the possibility that he would actually meet up with someone that he knew. He did factor in that the man in question was someone who could realm travel as well, so that raised the possibility by a little bit right? Ugh, he didn't want to think about that though.

Well, at least you can fit into the breeches. Though I'm not sure, humans are taboo about all part of the body. Nagranesh commented as Erus walked beside him, having tried with much failure to get the shirt over her head. Nagranesh had no problem with nudity, he couldn't become aroused after all, as well, he was technically naked all the time too. But of course, there were the humans who still found the naked body just so taboo. He wasn't going to argue with them, way too much trouble and just a big headache. Humans could get very loud and throw a huge fuss.

Such silly little creatures with their shame.

Good girl. We don't want the tailor to not help us after all. Though knowing this particular tailor, as long as she didn't nibble any of his important parts he'd probably be fine with that sort of thing. Of course, Nagranesh had grazed his mind, and the once free spirit of a tailor had been tamed and captured it seemed.

Nexus watched the strange manticore woman, smirking to himself. She had a nice figure for a monster. He didn't fancy seeing the other form of her, but he did like this form. Very...nice. Curvy like almost.

Nagranesh also noted that the house looked...well...like a house. That was unusual for someone like Nexus but...at the same time...Nexus had a visitor in this home, a woman, and Vec. It really was quite fascinating, because of everything that Nexus knew, he was slowly going against. This was interesting behaviour, and Nagra would have loved to study this change because it really would be interesting. Still, Nexus was humanizing, turning into a more docile individual. Sort of. Nagranesh could still see the strange glimpses of darkness that was inside Nexus, but slowly light was shining on that.

"Nice to meet you Erus." He flashed a quick smile at her as he shrugged his shoulder. "All people are monster Erus, just some of us hide better than others." Oh that was good, Nagranesh would have to remember that one. "I'm incredibly fast at sewing Erus, not to worry. I'm going to make you some very nice guard clothing...As for who Niamh and Vec are, as well as how Nagranesh and I met...that would take a while to explain." Nagranesh was already storing and filing information in his mind, stealing it from Nexus so he could explain to Erus later. However, both Nexus and Nagranesh froze in place as a voice filled the air, a new voice. Oh gods.

"Nothing Niamh! Just nothing! You know just-" He was cut off from talking because the woman was suddenly there and spotted the three of them. Oh Vec this was not good at all. Not good at all. Everyone just seemed to stare right back at Niamh now as they stood there. Half naked manticore, dirty vagrant, and of course, the master of Deviancy...Nexus. Yeah. This would not end well for him. Though, at the same time, there seemed to be saving grace now...she was going back to bed! Oh the fates were being kind to him now!

Not.

He would never get a break now would he? Damn it all!

"Oh...now...you see....this..." Great. Erus was talking. Damn it all! Nagranesh was doing nothing, in fact he was smiling somewhat! Ah that stupid tentacle monster! He was supposed to help out here and...Damn it all! It was getting very out of control. It was like watching two armies clashing on the battlefield. In this case, one of them was like a 5'4 woman who could become wrath and scorn herself versus what seemed to be a clueless manticore. Maybe it would be easier to just throw some smoke down and disappear into nothingness...No...Vec could find him...and Vec would too.

"Niamh, please...let me explain alright. Just...listen first before you get mad." However, Nagranesh was stepping forward to approach Niamh. Nagra's eyes were glowing much brighter as they focused on the woman.

I am Nagranesh the Only One, Horror of Tal'xinor. Yes, I am speaking to you directly in your mind. What you see before you is a husk, a simple shell in which I hide. I am a very old friend of Nexus', and this woman behind me is Erus the Manticore, she is a friend. Nagranesh was good enough to let Erus and Nexus in on the conversation, something Nexus was thankful for. He really liked to know what was going on at this time with the mind speaking monster.

Erus and I were off having dinner in our natural forms. Erus is a little absent minded at times, and she forgot to remove her uniform when she transformed, thus she ripped it. So we have come to Nexus in order to obtain another uniform for Erus. She is a guard here in the city. We are NOT here having an affair with your Nexus, we are simply seeking his aid in obtaining a new uniform. The only reason that Erus in her state of undress is because she cannot fit the shirt onto her body with her unique physiology. God that being was great, Nexus thought idly, until something clicked in his mind.

"Woah wait. Her Nexus? Since when am I-" Nagranesh turned about to look at the man, which actually silenced him. Nexus look at where you live. I know she's the one who pretty much decorated the house. She pretty much owns you my friend, you might as well admit that soon. Nexus had an inkling about Niamh controlling him, not that he minded losing a little control to her in order to obtain control in other places. Still...he didn't like what Nagranesh was saying...the truth was a little...painful to hear at times.

Though if it's any consolation to anyone, Niamh is a bit jealous with her first assumption that you might be cheating on her with us, more so with Erus than with myself. Now it would be time for Nexus to grin as he looked at Niamh with that little 'Really now?' grin of his. Oh that was good for him, he had a bit of leverage then. Ahem.

"Anyways...if we can just...try to put this all behind us now...Nagranesh, Erus, you too might want to think about having a bath and getting cleaned up while I make for you some new clothes. We've got two bathrooms, I'm sure Niamh won't mind if you use them to get cleaned up while I make you new clothes to wear. Will you, my blushing little poppet of light and beauty?" A little bit of flattery never hurt, nor did looking at Niamh with his best charming little grin. Nagranesh turned his attention to look at Niamh, deciding to ask her as well, this was her house.

Would it be too much trouble Miss Niamh? Nagranesh wondered what would happen if he called her Mrs. Savaros. He'd have to do that when he left, just so Nexus could come tell him about it later. Heh heh heh.

[Rhindeer]

Nexus looked like he'd been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, whereas the vagrant looked only amused and the manticore was...not helping anything, grinning toothily and playing with that bloodied scrap of clothing she was covering herself with, looking way too pleased--which just pissed Niamh off more. Niamh paused after her last statement, her own emotions fluctuating somewhere between jealous and hurt and angry and downright disturbed, and poor Nexus' inability to answer only further incriminated him.

"Start explaining, then!" she snapped back, still holding her ground at the top of the staircase, not daring to go down there.

It was then that Nagranesh began to act, walking suddenly toward Niamh, and Niamh gave a start when she looked at him, noticing his glowing eyes. What the--?! But before she could register much more than that, the man began to speak.

...Directly in her ear? Wait! His mouth, ah, wasn't moving. Niamh froze on the spot, anger and hurt giving way to surprise and for a moment she stared wide-eyed and uncomprehending at him. Until he answered her question even as she thought it.

He was speaking directly in her mind!

CRAP! That wasn't good! She didn't want anyone in her head but herself, and sometimes she didn't even want to be in her own mind!

"Wait! Stop that!" she yelped, a sort of odd panic gripping her. She'd never in her life had anyone communicate with her like that, and she didn't understand it, nor the extent of his abilities. Immediately she was afraid that he'd also be able to actually read her mind--which, unfortunately, was the case as Erus well knew, accepted, and enjoyed. After all, the manticore had nothing to hide, and Erus' grin broadened at the silly human's reaction, and she nodded along as Nagranesh spoke, confirming his story. Why would she want him to stop? Mind-speaking was fun! Niamh, however, felt she had plenty to hide. Especially with Nexus around! Gah, she felt violated already. And why was the manticore nodding? She could hear it, too? Oh man.

"Alright! Alright! I get it! You guys are friends, not doing anything weird! I'm sorry for making assumptions! Now stop that, talk normally!" Niamh demanded, rubbing her temples with both hands as though that would get him to stop. That...was really, really freaky. And unexpected. Wait! What was that about an affair? He thought she was worried that they were having an affair? Whaaat? How...how would he know if she was worried?! Ah, stay calm, Niamh. It was an easy assumption to make. Man and woman living together. Yeah. It didn't mean he was a mind-reader. Stay calm.

She took a deep breath and looked down at Nexus, still rubbing her temples lightly with one hand. "Ugh...you know you could have just said so, Nexus, you could have just said you had friends around that were coming over...wait, the horned woman's a guard?" She blinked down at her, then shook her head. "That's...interesting." What a guard. She didn't seem all that responsible.

But despite her discomfort with the whole mind-to-mind thing, it did relieve her to know that that was the case...just a simple misunderstanding. It made sense, and she knew that she often jumped to conclusions, something she needed to stop doing. Though it was still weird and--

Ack! Nexus could hear the conversation, too?! Her Nexus? Wait...Nagranesh had said that? She'd been a bit too preoccupied with the whole "he's in my head!" thing to really focus on everything he was saying except for the main concepts. She blinked in surprise at Nexus, and was about to open her mouth and protest, suddenly starting to feel embarrassed, when Nagranesh cut in, once again speaking in her--their--minds.

...Well. He did have a point there when he put it like that. Niamh closed her mouth, relaxed a little, and gave a little smirk at that. Folding her arms over her chest, she even threw Nexus a smug, side-long glance, one eyebrow arching. Heh. The vagrant had a point, and Niamh couldn't help but feel amused. Hah. And here when Nexus and she had first met, he'd been intent on owning her! Of course, she really wasn't fond of the idea of either of them owning the other, she just wanted them to be equals even if she did love the competition, but...hey, it was a victory on her end, right? Right.

"You know, I think I like this friend of yours, Nexus," she commented lightly. But that smug satisfaction only lasted until Nagranesh continued "talking".

All of Niamh's worries were confirmed right there--somehow, he'd picked up on her jealousy, and how else but by being in her mind? Her body went rigid, jerking in surprise, and she quickly threw up her hands and waved them in vigorous protest.

"What? I was not! Stop doing that!" she exclaimed, though her blush only incriminated her. And she only blushed harder when Nexus gave her that look. She shook her head quickly. "I wasn't, don't look at me like that! Augh, Nagra...whatever your name was, ah, can you...not do that, please...?" Then she looked back over at Nexus. "Is he seriously a mind-reader? Not that I was thinking that! I wasn't!"

Erus was all out grinning by then, and she cocked her head, ears rotating forward. "They are mates?" she questioned out loud to no one in particular. They seemed like mates to her. They were arguing a lot, and in manticore logic, mating and all that involved a lot of aggression.

"None of your business!" Niamh said quickly, feeling horribly awkward, and she sighed in relief at what Nexus said. Subject change! Yes! It was already difficult enough thinking about certain things, much more actually voicing her thoughts to Nexus, but having strangers prying and a mind reader...Light help her! She did not want some things getting out and--blushing poppet of light and beauty?!

Niamh shifted a little where she stood and smoothed out some of the wrinkles in her nightshirt, concentrating hard on not getting all...bashful, annoyed that she suddenly felt a little calmer. Instead she focused on answering the questions. Jeez. With all that explaining and, um, complimenting, she was starting to feel like a bit of an ass for her initial reaction. But she couldn't help it! It had been the weirdest thing to wake up to, and she didn't wake up well.

Plus, she couldn't help it if she was intimidated by Erus for reasons other than her horns and tail. No, she'd lived around creatures far stranger. It had more to do with the fact that Erus was half naked around Nexus and the complete opposite in body types than Niamh, who felt she was boyishly slender whereas the manticore was...more busty, curvy, and muscular. And obviously had no problem baring skin.

Erus, of course, was completely oblivious.

Ergh...Nagranesh was right, but he didn't have to say it out loud! It was way too late for this. Niamh still felt drowsy.

"Ah...well...no...I don't see why it'd be a problem," Niamh finally said. After all, they were Nexus' friends, this was his house, too, and...she probably shouldn't have assumed the worst right off the bat, and the vagrant seemed polite and his earlier comment had won her over--even if he was also a but intrusive; why wouldn't he speak normally? Besides, from the smell in the room, they needed to bathe and get rid of that bloody shirt--which she now assumed was only bloody from their hunt, which she assumed was some sort of animal. She was partially correct.

She quickly made her way down the stairs to clear up the pathway, though she gave Erus a wide berth as she finally came to stand near Nexus. "I guess one of you can just take the upstairs one and the other the downstairs one. Oh yeah, by the way, I'm Niamh. Which...you already know. Again, I'm sorry for earlier but, you know...Nexus and all." She gave said man a wry, pointed look, as if that statement explained everything.

Erus, however, wrinkled her nose in distaste at the word "bath". She'd already had a bath! Nagranesh had bathed her, and she hated water. She hated baths. Yet humans were always insisting she took a bath in a tub with warm water, and...ick. Not only could she hardly fit in the tubs, but just...water! "I already took a bath, I don't need one," she said, looking over at Nagranesh as though for permission. "See? I'm clean." She held out her arms in demonstration, not even noticing or caring if she also exposed her chest in the process--which was definitely not clean, smeared in blood from her shirt. Next to Nexus, Niamh gave a strangled groan and palmed her forehead.

Erus blinked and looked down, then quickly covered herself again. "Oh. Maybe not so clean, but the blood comes off easy. I don't need a bath! Nagranesh can just lick me again, yes." A nod.

Niamh was still hiding her face in her hand, shaking her head miserably. "It...is way too late for this...Light..."

[Anonymous]

Nagra could sense the emotions that were fluctuating inside of poor Niamh. Nexus could just see the emotions on her. At least she looked hurt and disturbed...those were always good. Jealousy...well he never really saw that on her so it was a new emotion to know from her. Nexus gulped as she demanded the explanation, but thankfully Nagranesh was there to speak...er...sort of? Niamh didn't seem to...happy about the fact that Nagra could speak into people's minds instead of just using his mouth. Now Nexus and Erus probably would remember that each time he got a new husk he had to learn the vocal chords and what not, but in the presence of people he could trust, talking with his mind was much easier.

I cannot do such a thing. He told her as he just shrugged his shoulders. People were always picky about mind reading. Nexus and Erus weren't...well...Nexus wasn't because Nagra knew well enough to stay away from all thoughts that Nexus had, and Erus just...well as far as he could surmise she liked it! She didn't have much of an idea of privacy and of personal things really. Heh, nexus was happy for once to have the big monster around, he was useful in this circumstance.

I cannot speak anything but in my mind at this time. If I were to try and speak with the husk's voice it would be more of a screeching, crackled, faltering voice. If I were to speak with my own mouth, it would be a loud screeching roar, which I know might hurt Erus's ears. So I have to speak with my mind. Nagra was more intent on listening to Niamh's thoughts really. They were quite interesting. She was figuring things out nicely it seemed...though she was denying it.

Nexus on the other hand was busy making sure that nothing got broken when it came to Erus and Nagra. They were a formidable pair to say the least. Nagra had quite a large and destructive body, what with the acid blood and not to mention psychic powers. Erus well...Nexus had met manticores before. They were just like Nagranesh, large, deadly, and for the most part hungry almost all the time.

Yes, she's a guard for Arca. One of their more feared no doubt...you should see her other form. Nagranesh glanced over to Erus and smiled lightly. He wasn't sure which form he preferred. Being a humanoid got you accepted a lot quicker, but her manticore form was...her manticore form. It was natural, it was supposed to be. A strange quandary to say the least.

Nexus didn't like the sound of her saying that he was 'her' Nexus but...it did make him feel sorta better. What Nagranesh had just said confirmed that Niamh truly did want the relationship to go somewhere...and maybe she wouldn't turn on him in the end. Even though they had gone this far, he was still suspicious...he had done a whole lot more in his life time to get close to someone.

"Yeah, I like him too." Nexus muttered as he cast a small glare toward Nagranesh, who pretended to remain completely oblivious to that sort of thing. However the tables were turned quite easily and Nexus had his time to grin. Good old psychic Nagranesh, always evened the score up.

Earlier you thought I had just put two and two together, a man and a woman living together in a house, it would be easy to think you were a couple and that you would be mad at him having an affair. Also you're 18 years old and come from a place called Solisi where you lived with the Lumenari following the Mother Sun until Nexus met you in Ketra and then Cerenis, where you also met the God Vec who you scoffed at. Yeah, that would probably answer all her questions right? Nexus smiled and nodded after hearing the spiel of Nagranesh.

"Does that answer your question?" Nexus replied as he looked from Nagranesh then to Niamh, smirking all the while. At the next question that came from Erus, Nexus faltered for a moment. Niamh got to reply of course, but Nagranesh was quick to say something on that. Not quite Erus. They're still in the beginning stages of their relationship. I suppose it is the equivalent to a pair of manticores meeting in the wild, and instead of killing each other, it's the beginning of mating season and they feel that spark but they can't act on it. Of course, in the wild that never...really happened. Mating season, two manticores meet, it's baby time really...they were somewhat simple creatures at that point. At least, that's how Nagra remembered it when he had read the book. He had never really MET any manticores.

Nexus... The link was severed to Niamh and Erus so Nagranesh could talk alone to him. I hate speaking like this but...what? Nagranesh smirked ever so slightly. Niamh doesn't much care for Erus, who has many more curves than herself. She's...jealous of that I would say. She is still only human after all... Nexus nodded only slightly as he watched Niamh very carefully. If he looked at Erus, that might be bad.

Aye, I do know Nexus all too well. Nagranesh had opened up the communication back to Erus and Niamh so they could hear him as well. Nexus smirked slightly as Erus looked to Nagranesh, as if...she were a kid and asking him for permission. Of course, Nexus focused VERY fast onto Niamh as the manticore woman suddenly opened her arms. His eyes were practically glued to Niamh's face. If he looked, that would be REALLY bad, though he did so want to, he managed to keep his eyes on Niamh, who didn't seem to like that too much. Nexus suddenly brought Niamh into a gentle hug, kissing the top of her forehead. "It's alright Niamh. She's just...Snrk." That comment about Nagranesh licking her again...oh man.

Nexus could feel the eyes of Nagra upon his back as he just...said nothing. You might as well say it Nexus. Nagra sighed, knowing some depraved thought was coming from the man in the Fedora. And things had been going so well too...

"Oh I could say anything Nagra...anything! It's way too easy though...I mean...I didn't know you worked that fast, was it good for her, is she sweet all over, I bet she makes funny noises...It's endless Nagranesh, endless." Nagranesh just shook his head and sighed, before he turned his attention toward Erus. I'm afraid that water is a much better thing at this time Erus, it'll get you all nice and clean so you can wear your new uniform. When you get that done, then we can go into the forest. I think that's a fair trade don't you? A little bit of water for a few hours out of the city in the forest? Nexus had to admit, Nagranesh knew how to talk to some people. It would explain a lot though when it came to the new uniform and what not.

"Heh, why don't you just help her bathe Nagra? I bet she can't reach everywhere, what with the tail and wings." Nexus said as he slowly let go of Niamh to look at Nagranesh. I could do that actually. While I'm doing that, why don't you explain to Niamh about how you can see through walls, clothes, people, hats, and almost anything you desire? Nagranesh was a bit of a jerk when Nexus tried to push him into things, and Nagranesh had made sure that Niamh heard that sort of thing.

"That's...just crazy talk." Nexus said quickly as he looked down to Niamh with a small sheepish smile. Think about it Niamh, how is he able to see behind him? Wouldn't that mean he could see through his own skull too? I'm surprised you haven't told her yet. Oh this was bad right here. They were just getting to trust each other too! Damn it all! Nexus let out a snarl before he stalked upstairs to go hide in the guest bedroom. Now...that was odd. Nagranesh blinked a few times. I think Niamh should have been the one to do that...

[Rhindeer]

"Y-yeah...I think that answers my question..." Niamh answered quietly, staring at Nagranesh. Oh damn. He seriously was a mind-reader. Not good! If he knew that much, and he would have had to dig a little to learn some of that since a lot of those memories were buried under other thoughts...what else could he know? Anything else he wanted to, and if he was friends with Nexus, and since friends like to talk with their friends...not good! Not good at all! She swallowed and shifted where she stood and started to focus very hard on making her mind blank--which of course didn't work.

Nagranesh was also very right in his thoughts about manticore behavior. When it was mating season and they met it was time to mate! There was really no wooing or romance involved, it was just wham, bam, thank you ma'am. Erus, of course, didn't really know all about it because she'd never met any other manticores, but she had been taught about her own kind from her "parents", who had also had to read up on her species in order to understand her and her needs. And Erus also knew a little from experience. Ever since she'd reached maturity, she came into season somewhere around every three months for four days at a time, and...that was a pretty bad four days for everyone around her. Light and happy and cheerful Erus turned rather crabby and aggressive then, especially toward males. They tended to get stalked, pounced, and just generally smacked around and abused like a cat harassing a mouse.

Most of the other soldiers had her "time of the every three months" marked on their calendars so they knew when to steer clear.

Really, it was standard procedure for mating! Manticore females were rather pushy.

Still, abrupt as a manticore's mating in the wild was, Erus didn't know that. She had a manticore's idea of aggression and bluntness, but a human's idea of courtship. She nodded in understanding, everything clicking in her head. "Ohh..." she said, then smiled brightly over at Nexus and Niamh. "When are you having babies?"

If Niamh was red before, she was burning by then. "Wha...wha...?" she practically squeaked, mortified at the woman's all too casual question, like she was just talking about the weather. She couldn't even think of how to respond to that. "We...we're not! It's not like that!"

Sweet Mother of Light.

Whether Nexus had looked at Erus or not, Niamh hadn't a clue. Her face was hidden in her hand and her eyes were shut, at least until she felt Nexus' arms go around her to pull her into a gentle hug. On reflex, she turned, wrapped her arms around Nexus' waist, and hid her face against his chest. This was so damned embarrassing...she really should have just stayed in bed. She couldn't believe the manticore woman had just...wham! Shown everything like that. And the...er...licking...Light, this was bad. She did not need to know that! Blushing lightly at the kiss on her head, she remained where she was, just in case manticore woman was doing anything else.

"Nngh...it's not funny..." she muttered against Nexus' chest. Oh Light. Nexus better not say anything. Erus had just made a very bad comment, as Niamh well knew and...oh no. Nagra could feel it coming too. Oh no...

And there it was. Niamh twitched and was glad that her face was hidden, though she did dig her fingers hard into Nexus' back for that statement.

Erus, on the other hand, just tilted her head and smiled. "Nagranesh said I tasted good!" she answered with a toothy grin, totally not on the same page as everyone else. Niamh gave another twitch, and Erus just didn't know when to stop. "He liked my purring, too..." she added thoughtfully, looking up toward the ceiling. "It was really nice! His tongue feels much better than mine, yes!"

"I'm going now." Niamh started to try and pry herself away, blushing, except Nexus was still hugging her and she was trapped. Augh!

Not understanding Niamh's discomfort, nor why what Nexus said seemed to bug Nagranesh, Erus just blinked and looked over at Nagra as he spoke, obviously trying to change the subject. And then she frowned, her wings and tail drooping and a pained look coming over her face. "But I don't like water..." she complained, her expression torn, and then she finally sighed heavily as though she were about to make the biggest sacrifice in the world. "Okay...I guess I can do that..." she agreed reluctantly, still frowning. A few seconds of water. Hours in the forest. And a new uniform. It...she would just hurry! A quick wash! But she wouldn't like it!

And then she actually brightened at Nexus' suggestion, still not seeing what was wrong with it. "Is the bath big enough?" she asked seriously, even as Niamh hissed, "Nexus!" Erus blinked at her, then went right on grinning. "Because it is sometimes hard to reach everything! My wings and tail are big, yes. The baths aren't usually big enough and it's lonely in there."

Pulling away from Nexus as he finally released her, Niamh stepped back and rubbed a hand over her face, which felt very warm "Jeez, you guys are awful...I'm just...I'm going back to bed now," she muttered.

And then froze in place at what Nagranesh said next.

"...W-what did you say?" she asked, whirling around to gape at both Nexus and Nagranesh alike. What...? He...he could...he could see through walls...and hats...and people and...and...

Clothes?!

Niamh's eyes widened, her mouth hung open in horror, then she paled at the realization and quickly hugged her arms around her body, shielding her chest as though she were the one going topless. Oh Light, oh Light...suddenly everything made sense! How he could look through his skull! She'd never questioned that before! And how he had been able to tell the time outside even if there were no windows! He could see through them! Oh Goddess, had he looked?! Of course he had, he was Nexus! He'd probably...oh...oh no...

Staring speechless at Nexus, frozen in her shock though her heart had started to slam fearfully in her chest, she expected one of his usual perverted reactions. For him to make some bad remark, like he had with Erus' comment. Something like that, something horrible, something that would confirm the awful truth, something that would make her panic and race up to her room and hide and never ever want to come back out again, but...instead he did the unexpected.

He snarled and stormed upstairs to the guest bedroom.

Just like Nagranesh--and Erus, though Erus was still brooding a little over the bath issue--Niamh was left blinking rapidly. Wait...what?

...That was like something she would do! Not Nexus! What the...? Still keeping her arms folded over her chest, horror was replaced instead by utter confusion. That...had not been a normal Nexus reaction. He had acted like the violated one here! What...did that...Niamh looked at Nagranesh, completely lost. Maybe Nagranesh had just said that and it wasn't really true.

Shaking her head, she finally lowered her arms and rubbed her temples again with one hand. "Uh..." She blinked at Nagranesh as though seeing him for the first time, then stood up straight and heaved a sigh. "Alright then, that was...weird. Look, you guys just, ah, get your baths I guess. There's one down here and one up there. I'll be right back." And with that said, still confused beyond all belief--way too confused to be freaked out--Niamh bounded up the stairs and to the guest bedroom.

She paused just outside the room and rapped her knuckles on the door frame. "Er...Nexus?" she called quietly, peeking inside. "You alright?"

Back downstairs, Erus was pouting a little. "Okaaay...I guess I'll take a bath..." she muttered, hanging her head and turning to go look for the downstairs one. She would hate every moment of this, but she was doing this to be with Nagranesh out there in the forest.

[Anonymous]

Most excellent. Do not worry my dear, most of your thoughts are safe within your mind. I do not often go prying to tell people like Nexus of what lurks in the minds. Unless of course Nagranesh believed that Nexus would need such information. Some things were wrong to hide from people. Nagranesh knew this well, and he knew a certain secret that Nexus was holding. That would not just do! Hopefully there would be some justification for saying such things.

Nexus wondered about the Manticore's mating habit...and the time of the month. She looked like the kind of creature that went into heat...and that would mean trouble. He had met the more...wild and uncivilized Manticores before. They weren't happy creatures. During mating season...if you could satisfy that itch, you were a really good candidate. Gods and the riddles sometimes! Nothing was a bigger turn off after having your bones jumped than having to play the 'Guess the answer to the riddle or I'll eat you' game. Usually he just had a cigarette or something after ward, but no, trying to use his wits and guessing a riddle, only getting three guests...it was completely horrible. Ugh.

At least with Nagranesh, he'd be able to...guess the answer and probably get it right a whole lot easier.

Plus he was psychic so he could just read her mind and figure out the answer. Hm. That raised another answer...er...question actually. Did Nagranesh actually...do that sorta stuff? Last time he had met the monster, he had explicitly explained that his maturity hadn't allowed him to...acquire or grow the needed equipment in order to spread genetic material and all that. He felt sorta bad for the creature really...not being able to do all those fun little things. Tch!

"We ah..." Nexus rubbed the back of his neck and Nagranesh smirked. At least he knew his pain then didn't he? "We haven't mated or anything like that. Unfortunately Erus the mating habits of humans are a lot more romantic and takes a little bit longer to court than a Manticore." Well...that wasn't completely true. Of course, Nexus was looking to erm...mate for life technically...not just a quick romp of course. If he wanted a quick romp it wouldn't be that hard to do.

Nexus smiled slightly at Niamh as she wrapped her arms around his waist. That felt good at least, and she really didn't seem to mind the kiss or anything like that. Ah it was so nice to have her this close, she was so soft...so nice...so beautiful. Damn he was smitten with her. Nagranesh was no doubt smiling, but he really couldn't look to him without maybe seeing something that Niamh wouldn't want him to see. Besides, Erus might be just...flaunting herself without knowing it, or maybe knowing it. He really didn't know, and he didn't want to go looking at her because that would be really bad to say the least. More so if Niamh saw what he was doing.

Nexus gave a small moan of pleasure as he felt her fingers dig hard into his back. Oh she's a feisty one. She had to be careful, he still didn't have all his urges under much control, but he was working on it.

"Oh, of course he did. I'm sure you were very sweet."  Man...she just knew how to dig a hole without knowing it. This was hilarious, he couldn't believe her at this time but...damn she must have been interesting to be around. "I'm not sure, I assume a manticore tongue is just like a cat's tongue, and those feel pretty neat." Truthfully he HAD been licked by a manticore before, but he wasn't going to go on about past exploits in front of Niamh. She might blush herself to death after all, and he couldn't have that.

That's a good Erus. I'll help you get clean and make it as painless as possible. He didn't want to force her into the bath, but it would be good for her to scrub down with soap and what not. It got the grime right out. Unfortunatly a tongue would be bad on a humanoid...for more than one reason, not even sexual as well. Well a few might be but...no telling what she would smell like after a tongue bath. The human skin liked to absorb and cake on saliva and dirt and it just...a bath just was a whole lot easier and it was much better on the nose.

"Gah, sorry.Nexus murmured right back to her as he looked toward Nagra and Erus, who thankfully had covered herself up. "Erm well...the master bath is probably big enough indeed....if you do please don't get too much water everywhere...also Nagra I installed good old Uncle Vosteroth's piping system." Nexus was pretty sure that he could see Nagra grinning slightly. "Uncle Vosteroth is a mage who invented a piping system that using two knobs would summon cold water or hot water, and you can mix the water to make it cold, cooler, warm, warmer, luke warm, and what not. He was a genius in my world. Why we call him Uncle I have no idea." Nexus was careful not to tell Niamh that the technology was Drow, since underwater streams and rivers weren't all that common in their Underdark. He was smart and just called him a mage. It wasn't technically lying after all!

Yeah...I don't know why he did that but...go talk to him because that might be good idea...sorry...by the way. If he ruined the relationship, he would have to...make it right. Either by psychic powers or just getting them to talk it through.

"Heh, yeah." Nexus came to the door and opened it fully for her so she could enter, even though she had been peeking before "Can you come in though...we sorta need to talk...I'd like to say of course that I should have told you of this but...the moment was never right. You wouldn't want to be with a guy who ah...could view things so easily." Nexus moved back to the bed, moving to sit upon the black and gold trim bed cover. "Though for the record, and you can ask Nagranesh this but I never once looked at you in any state of undress. I'd like to think that my word is legit but...I guess after holding a secret this big for...months...you shouldn't really take my word on it." Nexus avoided looking at her, instead focused on a loose thread on the bed, one of the gold threads. Damn he loved that gold thread. If this bedspread...no! Had to focus.

I know you don't want to Erus but it is for the best. Besides, I'll help you get cleaned up. Nagranesh had stumbled and bumbled around with her to find the bathroom, and finally he managed to find the right door. It was large, tiled walls of white and some strange gold design, with what seemed to be black and white checkered floor. A compromise no doubt. Nagranesh looked to the very large silver bathtub with a find gold rim around the edge. Hm. It was really large, and there was a lot of soaps and products along one of the walls which...Nagranesh really couldn't tell if they were Niamh's or Nexus's really. There was just...well it was hard to say. Nagranesh went to the bathtub to grab the strange knobs which were connected to the faucet. Ah, the tricks of magic. Nagranesh turned them and water began to fill the tub. This would probably take a few minutes, despite the rather strong water pressure.

One day we'll have to go to a lake Erus and swim there. I bet I can beat you in a race in my natural form. He wanted to keep her spirits up and have an open mind about bathing with water. He didn't know the extent of how well he or she could clean up with only their tongue so...it was good to see how she could do with actual water. In his mind he didn't find a problem with the two of them being in the bathroom like this. After all, they were trying to get clean! Only humans would find this situation to be...of a different matter. Ah, those poor young creatures had so much to learn. One day they would too, but...probably not in his life time.

What sort of water temperature would you like? Warm? Cold? Luke warm? It's all up to you Erus.

[Rhindeer]

As Nexus opened the door and asked her to come in, Niamh stepped quietly inside and only paused to shut the door behind her. Not completely, she left it open a crack, but she shut it just enough so as to give their conversation some privacy. Or as much privacy as you could get when one of the people in the house was a psychic, though hopefully the guy would be occupied with that manticore woman. Ergh. She couldn't believe they were apparently going to take a bath together or something...twitch...well, she sure as hell wasn't going to clean the mess after they were done! They were Nexus' friends, so he could...ah...take care of that.

Oh Goddess, they better not do anything weird in there or she was never using that bathroom again, long wonderful baths with Uncle Vosteroth's system (which she came to love; it really beat heating water on a stove) be damned! She'd take the smaller bath after that. Gyuh.

At least she was still blissfully unaware that the man was actually a strange tentacle creature. Sure, he'd said something about a husk, but she hadn't really understood that nor had she paid much attention. The invasion of her mind had been distracting enough.

Pushing all those disturbing thoughts from her mind, she stayed where she was near the door and looked to Nexus, listening to him talk. Unconsciously, she crossed her arms over her chest, and she while she had been really hoping for him to tell her that, no, what Nagranesh had said really wasn't true...erk. She wouldn't get her wish. There, right there, Nexus confirmed the awful truth, and Niamh swallowed hard--though for some reason she didn't have the heart to be angry, embarrassed, or even to turn and leave like she might have normally if he was acting like his usual lecherous self. Then again, maybe it wasn't so odd; Nexus was acting strange and he sounded regretful and...

Niamh winced a little at his words as he moved to sit on the bed, not looking at her. He...really was down and worried about that, wasn't he?

Jeez...it was weird to see him like this.

With a slight sigh, dropping her arms back down to her sides, Niamh crossed the room, sat down on the bed next to him and turned toward him, one leg crossed over the other. "No...I think I believe you..." she said, resting her elbow on her knee and propping her chin up in her hand. "I mean, look, I shouldn't have to ask other people whether what you say is true or not, and besides, ah...you...haven't exactly ever lied to me before." It was true. Even down to the first day she'd met him back in Ketra, he'd never lied once. For better or for worse, if there was one thing she'd learned about him it was that if he said something, he meant it. Of course, this tended to throw her off and freak her out at times, but...she really couldn't think of a time when he'd actually lied.

"And...I mean...I guess I could see why you wouldn't tell me. We didn't exactly, er, start out on the right foot--" Understatement. "--and I know if you'd told me before it woulda scared the crap out of me. Hah, who am I kidding, it still scares me, Nexus but..." She looked up at him. "I guess in a nutshell I believe you. I mean, sheesh, how could I not, you're acting like the freakin' girl here. You're acting like me. That's kinda even scarier for some reason...I was supposed to be the one running up here and hiding and acting all violated. I can't do that when you're beating me to it...there can only be one of me, you know," she said with a slight grin, reaching out to pat him tentatively on the back--gently, because she remembered how he'd moaned earlier and she was still a little disturbed.

Nexus had, indeed, saved himself by pulling that little act. Because damn if it wasn't hard to be angry at him like that! Not to mention in a way it was kind of...well...funny.

"So, ah...you really honestly didn't look or anything?" She believed him, but it was still a little hard to believe at the same time. Nexus was so perverted! And he had the power to look through clothes!

Suddenly, she found herself respecting him just that much more. He really was honoring their deal...

Then again, even if he had sneaked a peak how would she know the difference? But Light help her, she really did want to believe him, and his behavior alone was enough to convince her.



Erus headed into the bathroom like one condemned to the gallows, ears flattened to the sides of her head and tail limp, almost dragging on the ground. The bathroom was indeed large, and so was the tub, but Erus just stared around the room bleakly before her gray eyes focused in on the tub itself, and then her lip curled in disgust. Ugh. Water. She so didn't want to do this, but Nagranesh was right. And it wasn't like she didn't bathe in the barracks and all. She did take baths...but it didn't mean she had to like them, and she tended to get them done as quickly as she could.

"I know, Nagranesh," she sighed as he spoke, watching him turn the faucets on and curling her tail, hugging the shirt closer to her chest and willing the bath to fill up slowly. Looking over to Nagranesh, she frowned and hunched her shoulders a bit at the swimming in the lake suggestion. "I could beat you, but I don't like swimming."

Indeed, she could swim. It was a natural instinct, and she'd done it before. It was easy in her manticore form, her strong limbs able to propel her and her wings only aiding in that. In her humanoid form, however, swimming was nigh on impossible. She was already awkward as a humanoid, but it was even more so then. She felt all off balance and heavy, and she sank and floundered and thrashed around more than she actually swam. No, she was more graceful in her true form.

But she still hated swimming. Water was only good for drinking! It  just felt so...so...nasty! All wet and cold and icky! Even if the water was warm when you were in it, it was still cold when you got out! And then it took forever for her thick dreadlocks to dry, and speaking of drying, that in and of itself was a pain, with her wings and her tail and...sigh.

It was just all so tedious.

At Nagranesh's question, Erus sighed again and stepped forward, reaching out a hand to test the water. "Mrr...that is good enough, yes," she said, stepping back. It was a little on the cool side, but she just wanted to get this all over with. Dropping the bloody shirt to the tile floor, she slid out of her breeches and then, with some trepidation, stepped one foot into the tub, a soft, involuntary hiss escaping her lips, teeth baring. If she had been in her manticore form, one could imagine that her fur would have been standing up on end, like a disgruntled cat. She wiggled her toes, cringing at the feeling of the water seeping between them, and then, with a deep breath, stepped the other foot in and quickly plopped down in the water, some of said water splashing over the sides. So much for keeping the place nice and clean.

Her wings were pressed tight to her back, tail curled high and out of the water, and her shoulders were all hunched up as she sat there.

Needless to say, she looked pretty miserable, and she was probably making a bigger deal out of the whole thing than it was worth. "This is so nasty..." she growled quietly, grabbing the first soap she could see so she could quickly start scrubbing away the blood on her front. Blech. Nasty, nasty, nasty! Of course, she wasn't mad at Nagranesh at all. She was just mad that water had to be so nasty!

[Anonymous]

Nexus didn't think anything bad would happen in the bathroom...it didn't seem like something that Nagranesh would do, and Erus was a sort of cat creature so that was really only interesting for her when she was in heat.  Though it always came back to Nagranesh with him...there was always something about that creature...celebit just didn't seem right. He had twenty five tentacles on a large tongue! It just...it didn't make sense at all! Instead he was like a librarian who stayed out of the adult section. Ugh. It was just....it was just way too odd and there had to be something about it. Then he just stopped thinking about that because he really didn't want that mental picture invading his mind. Though it would probably cause the tentacle monster to get angry and that was just he worst. He had seent he monster angry before and it ended really bad for some people...

At least Niamh was taking this really well, or as well as he could while he was controlling the situation at this time. He just had to act...proper, instead of like the lecherous pervert that he was deep inside. That was always a sure fire cure of course.

"Weeeell...that isn't EXACTLY true. Technically I lied to you about the sunlight thing in the um...place..." Just as long as she realized that much of course. But no, he really hadn't lied to her about anything else. Maybe stretched the truth a little here and there but nothing that was an outright lie. It was always good to try and be honest, and usually honesty was a whole lot scarier than lies when it came to Nexus. That's what he just loved about himself. It was so...fun. So very fun.

"That's a bit of a ploy just to stop you from being angry. After all you're completely confused, and the best way to lower someone's defenses is with confusion. Puppies too. Since I don't have puppies on hand at the moment, I'll take the other road. " He grinned right back at her and smiled, a simple short smile of course. He nodded and grinned at her. "We had a deal, and you can bet your sweet clothed bottom that it took every ounce of my body, every fibre of my being to not look that way." It wouldn't be that hard either! He could look through walls, look their her clothes, her sheets while she slept, everything! Of course, the trickiest part would be trying to see her naked while not using his magic powers.

That would be the trickiest part, and a breach of their deal because it WAS a desire after all. Sigh...that deal was really starting to suffocate him. At least there were other ways to get his mind off of that sort of thing.

"Can't act on anything until you're ready to want to do anything along those lines, so I hold myself true to the deal. Vec helps as well with lectures." Vec misinterprets ONE simple scrying spell while Niamh is bathing and suddenly he's getting an earful every time Niamh goes for a bath. Bah! He wasn't going to look! Well...if he just so happened to glance while surveying the entire house he couldn't be blamed now could he? Well...according to Vec he could. Besides she liked her baths too hot and steamy so he probably wouldn't be able to see anything. It was like the side of a river bed on a cold spring morning. So much fog...

"Once more I promise that I haven't looked...if I had don't you think I would have told you by now? said something about it perhaps? Probably boasted and commented on it." After all, he really didn't keep that sort of thing a secret did he? No...he pretty much would have come right out with it the moment he had seen it.



Nagranesh could hear the fact that she really didn't want to do this. Shuffling to the bathroom, tail almost limp, ears drooped at her side...yeah...she wasn't too thrilled with this sort of thing. He would be there to help her though, he had to...he didn't want her to be too upset about this. He just wanted her to be clean because...cleanliness was always good at this point. He made it a little warmer just in case she was lying, which he was pretty sure she was. She really should have remembered he could read her mind. Yeah, that might have been a smart move...but no matter. Well...the mess couldn't be helped at this point and it could be cleaned up, it was only water after all. She really was adorable, even in her humanoid form like this. She was just like a cat, and that really was funny. Washing a cat was real trouble, he had seen it done before too...looked slightly painful...hopefully she would be more cooperative than the cat he had seen before.

Oh, right...of course. Well then, I guess I can be safe in saying that for now I win in the swimming department until you actually want to swim. Maybe it was a bit of a way to see if she would go ahead and head with him into the water for a swimming fest...but for now it would be best to just leave it like this...yeah...it was best to not goad her into this sort of thing.

I know it is Erus but...you have to do this. Nagranesh said to her quietly as he took a sponge and some of the liquid soap, slowly starting to get her back. He was careful about it, spreading a bit of water onto her back and her wings at this time, then began the soap.

Erus I promise that you'll feel better after all this...once you get a nice warm bath, and into some of the clothes that Nexus makes, you'll feel great. At least he hoped she would feel better. He didn't want her to be...well he didn't want her to think this was for no reason after all. Just think of this way though, you'll be all nice and clean so we might be able toe scape from the city and go have fun in the forest. More hide and seek in the forest, that would be rather fun actually. Hopefully the bad would outweigh the good in this case...hopefully.

I would have given you another bath myself but I'm afraid it can be very hard to get my tongue out of this body. He told her as he began to as gently as possible scrub down her wings and then her tail, periodically pouring water over her, careful only to get her back, tail, and wings. Dumping water right on her head might be...you know...very bad at this time. Hm...he could have just gotten Nexus to do his magic little cleaning way but...it was probably better not to do that. Of course after this he would have to have his own bath, this vagrant hadn't bathed in a while so...yes...best to do that. Nexus could always make fake vagrant clothes after all.

[Rhindeer]

"That was the biggest thing you lied about? Huh. That's strangely comforting..." Niamh was staring up at him in surprise, blinking slowly at his answer--and she was also inwardly. Seriously? Just about how he knew the time? That was it? It was almost hard to believe, even though she did believe him, but at the same time it was also a relief. That was nothing! And if that was the biggest thing and he was fessing up about something like that...jeez. She really didn't have to worry about him lying.

Then again, it wasn't like she had ever been worried about any lies on his part to begin with. With Nexus, it was the truth she worried about the most. Funny, that. Kind of twisted and backwards, but what could you do?

For a moment, though, Niamh looked a little annoyed--in addition to just grudgingly amused--at what he said next. Whaaat? Just an act? Granted, it was a good act and it had probably saved the day, but... "Oi, Nexus..." she grumbled and smacked his shoulder lightly, rolling her eyes, and she looked like she was about to say something else when she caught the rest of what he said--and closed her mouth.

Niamh's eyes actually lit up at the word "puppies." Nexus probably shouldn't have mentioned that word, because it brought up a thought Niamh hadn't had since leaving home--a home that had been pet free, despite many attempts on her part to smuggle animals in.

Nexus may not have realized it, but he had just planted a seed.

"I think I would've liked the puppies better..." she said thoughtfully, grinning a little--a secret sort of grin. Hmm...she wondered what he'd say if she asked him seriously about the prospect of animals in the house...

But the thought was put on hold at what he said next, and she snorted a little and shook her head. The tension she'd felt earlier had melted away the more they talked--and it probably helped to be away from the half naked busty scorpion woman and the strange mind-reading vagrant--and she felt reassured by his honesty. "Yeah, I'm sure it did. Pure torture, I imagine. Perv. I'll pass on betting my bottom, though, clothed or not. I don't trust you," she told him wryly, sticking out her tongue, before Nexus continued. Erk...

Niamh gave a subtle twitch, just a slight creasing of her brow, and quickly averted her eyes as the conversation took a turn for the awkward. Because "acting on anything" and being "ready to want to do anything" was just...yeah. She knew what it meant, and that was a sort of freaky and embarrassing subject. Besides, Nexus already knew her stand on that! She may have given up her religion, but she still had her morals and culture. As she was taught, the body was a temple, a gift from Mother Sun, and just like a real place of worship you wanted to keep it clean and untainted. And just as the monotheistic Solisi gave themselves to one Goddess, just as they were initiated into the faith, relationships were modeled off of that, as well. Marriage was the initiation, so to speak, for when you gave yourself to one person.

Niamh was certainly not thinking about marriage. Light, she was still getting used to just...this, the simple hugging, chaste kisses, and getting to know Nexus better, getting used to him more. It was all new and different, and still very foreign. It was taking a lot of getting used to--even if she liked it. But she couldn't help it, she was shy about this stuff and it made her feel strangely vulnerable.

"Er...yeah...something like that. Thanks by the way...for, ah, honoring that," she finally muttered, rubbing the back of her neck and blushing slightly despite herself. Then she looked back over at him, hand still resting on her neck, and couldn't help but smirk. Vec giving him lectures? Ah, why didn't that surprise her...? That ex-God had really been a life-saver here and there. Blush receding, her smirk turned into a playful grin and she shook her head. "Ah, Light, does he take off his blindfold for you, too?" she asked with a slight wince of sympathy. After all, she'd been on the receiving end of a few of those, and...not fun.

Once again, too, Nexus had a point. Niamh blinked a few times. That...actually made a lot of sense. If there was one thing Nexus wasn't, it was subtle, especially about things that made her blush. He'd told her before that he enjoyed making her blush, and, well...thinking that he'd seen her naked would certainly make her pop a blood vessel. "...Point taken. After all, the last thing you are is quiet. I don't know whether to be relieved by that or not. On the one hand, you're honest, on the other...some of the things you blurt out..." She gave him a knowing look, then ran a hand through her messy hair and went to stand, yawning a little.

"Alright, alright, I believe you. So..." She tilted her head a little, then smiled crookedly. "Are you gonna be able to handle being around the naked busty scorpion thing or should I stay up until they go?"

It was supposed to be a joke, but...so what if she was a little worried, too, and was using that joke as a means of gauging Nexus!



"Mrr..." Erus pouted and worked on scrubbing the front of her body, torn. He was challenging her basically, and it sounded like a fun game. It would be a race of sorts, and Erus did enjoy games and races! But...it was in water! But if she didn't participate in it, then he'd just win by default without them ever having raced! That made it pretty awful...Erus didn't care much about winning or losing, but if she was going to win or lose she wanted to actually earn that win or loss! The tip of her tail twitched in slight agitation, the idea racing through her mind--she wanted to try it, but water was so icky!--but then she quickly held still when Nagranesh began to wash her back.

She didn't want to accidentally poke him with that sharp barb. Even if she was in control of whether or not she actually injected venom, the barb was still sharp and painful. "I know..." She sighed heavily, opening her wings slowly and carefully so he could get at both them and her back better...and as much as she didn't want to admit it, that felt kind of good. Not the water, but the scrubbing! It was like having a nice back scratch, and she always was a fan of those! Who didn't like having their back scratched? She arched her back a little like a cat, soft purrs starting to vibrate in her chest and throat.

And Nagranesh was also right. As much as she hated baths, she always did feel better after them. She was kind of like a dog that whined and shivered through the whole bath but then, once they got out of the tub, felt all revitalized and energetic and clean! At least, until they went and rolled around in the mud. Or blood. But Nagranesh's "talking" and scrubbing was gradually making her feel a little better. This was the first time since she'd been a "cub" that she'd been given a bath or had company while taking one! And he was rather encouraging about it, saying things that helped distract her from the misery of bathing. She really was looking forward to getting a new uniform and exploring the forest! That would be fun! A smile slowly formed on her lips, and her ears, which had been drooping, started to perk up.

"You're right, Nagranesh," she said quietly, scrubbing down her legs. "I do feel better when it's over...and we will have fun later, yes..." she admitted with some reluctance, flicking at the water with a hand. Maybe she was being a bit childish about this? But she couldn't help it! Then she paused as though considering something, lowering her voice. "Maybe...maybe one day we can swim." She ducked her head a little, her tail giving a small twitch before she uncurled it slowly as he began to wash that, too. "You cannot just win by default..."

She took a deep breath then and, without further ado, went right on ahead and dunked her head beneath the water before sitting back up and shaking her head, snuffling a little as some of the water went up her nose. Then she got some more soap and began to lather up her thick dreadlocks, scrape at her horns to remove any dirt that was there, too, and carefully scrub at her ears, making sure not to get any water in them. Content with her cleaning job, she fumbled at the knobs the way Nagranesh had to get some water flowing so she could rince out her hair, snarling in surprise when she stuck her head under the faucet and got a face full of icy water. Jerking back and thumping one ram horn hard against the faucet as she pulled back, she shook her head again like a dog, water flying everywhere, before she gently curled her tail back up again and started to stand.

"I think I'm clean enough now," she announced, wrapping her arms around herself and shivering a little as she left the warmth of the water--nasty as it was! Plus her head was freezing after her little...faucet mishap. There were still soap suds on her body where she hadn't rinsed, including some that managed to find their way on her nose and chin, but Erus wasn't particularly anal about those sorts of things.

[Anonymous]

"Well we've been together for quite a while, but yes that really is the biggest thing I've lied about. I mean...I couldn't...um...exactly say that I was able to look through the walls and what not." Nexus told her with a small wry smile as he watched her carefully. Damn he wished that Nagranesh was here giving him a play by play right now of what was going on in her head. She had such a strangeness to her, probably thinking about how to get back at him or something like that...or maybe she was thinking about fessing up any of her...oh who was he kidding, she didn't lie. At least not that he could really tell...only when she was in a lot of trouble...or wanted to go out and but stuff for no reason.

He grinned a little bit at her comment and just shrugged. "What? I'm just saying that without this whole thing you might have very well...left me." When he said the last two words...he spoke it with fear in his voice, for good reason. He was terrified that she would leave him. Absolutely terrified that she might do that...

He caught that. He caught that part when he had said puppies. Her eyes had just flared to life and it was...it was scary. That really wasn't a good thing. It really couldn't be!

"I'm not really a fan of puppies though I'm afraid. Cats are alright, they're as arrogant as I am. Dogs are just big idiots who run around and drool. Hm. I guess that's why you like me isn't it?" Nexus asked her with a grin as he put his arm about her and gave her a small half hug. "I wouldn't mind a nice cat running around here. Very clean animals....very intelligent...hm...." To be honest he had thought about getting a pet or two for around the house, it might work for when he had to work and she was left here.

"Heh heh, you know me poppet, I'm much better off being tortured after all." He said with another one of his grins. Man he did love her....she was just so great. Well...love was a strong word to say the least, but he liked her a lot. "But it's such a nice bottom too." A simple wink and a small chuckle as he let his arm fall away from her. He knew she wasn't a big fan of him touching her, so it was best for him to just...keep his arms off her for now. She'd get through that eventually.

Uh oh, awkward conversation for Niamh. "Right...sorry...I forgot about your position and what not on all that." He told her as he just sighed. It figured that he would find the one girl that he really...wanted and she ah...she wanted to get married and what not. That would be the only way....But just...living with her was enough at this time. He did...he did want to be closer but...he knew that would never happen unless he got married to her and that was just...well that was probably right out of the question to say the least. For him and for her too...he never could see her trying to marry him...that might just end badly.

Nexus chuckled and nodded once. "I made a deal and I don't go back on those Niamh. I'll honour it as long as you say it's in effect." He told her with a shrug of his shoulders. At least the city offered some...well...relief from his predicament. "Niamh, that...blindfold...if he took it off it would kill me. Remember I don't feel guilt...and...seventeen hundred years of debauchery...one solid hit from his eyes and I would be a goner." The thing that Nexus didn't realize was the simple way to get around it. He had to forgive himself...accept all he had done. Nexus had more of a technique that was really just ignoring it all, forgetting it and pushing it away.

Nexus could be subtle when he wanted to be, just a lot of the time he didn't want to be subtle, because it wasn't fun to say the least. "Heh heh heh, glad you realize it my little poppet. If I had seen you, well you would have known immediately. I would just said it right after you got out of the bathroom or bedroom or something rather." He stood up with her when she got up, smiling all the while at her. Damn he just...he just loved having her about. She was understanding at least. That was always great to have.

"I can handle Erus fine my dear. Yeah she has a nice body but...you're the only girl for me." Nexus said as he brought her into an embrace, grinning down at her with his eyes focused on her. "Besides, I think Nagranesh wouldn't like that too much...he's ah...interested in her. Whether for scientific purposes or what I can't really be sure. Whatever goes on in that mind of his is just...well I don't really know or want to know." Nexus told her with a small laugh as he shook his head. She was such a silly creature, and he did think she could be so adorable at this point.



The conflict was perfect. Erus wanted to prove herself as the queen, the head manticore, even though he really wasn't challenging her for dominance at this point. She could be the leader, he was teh brains, so he would always be the alpha. He didn't mind acting subserviant though, he just hoped it didn't end in trouble, like misunderstandings and what not. She could be a violent creature no doubt, after all she had a relatively simple mind, but she was still powerful no matter what. He just wished that she would be a little more responsive to things like bathing with water. He wasn't sure if he wanted to have to lick her clean all the time, though it never would take very long to do so.

Ah, purring...it is such a nice sound. See this really can't be all that bad. Besides I bet you'll feel oh so nice afterwards. If only this place was big enough for his own body to be revealed so he could clean himself off. He did love baths, personally it was a great feeling to be all completely clean and just...brrr. It was nice to say the least. Exactly my dear, and after all this is done it'll be rather great. She even suggested one day they might be able to swim, and the husk smiled. Ah having a face with a mouth and lips was so great, being able to express emotions that way. I look forward to that day Erus. I don't think I'll be able to win against you if you ever decide to race me. Yeah he would let her win again, but only because she was...well she was a proud creature for one...not to mention she felt so better off when she was won, and it seemed to get her spirits up a lot.

Nagranesh watched her as she tried to wash herself off, getting the soap from her hair. Of course it seemed she had decided to turn the cold one and that...was a bad thing no doubt. He winced when she pulled back and hit her head on the faucet. Geesh. That must have heard a little bit hadn't it? He did all he could to stop himself from smiling and laughing, managing only to let his lips twitch a little bit. When she stood he did so, getting a towel and wrapping it around her, smiling as he began to slowly dry her off, getting the soap suds from her nose and chin.

You're too adorable for your own good Erus. Nagranesh told her quietly as he helped her out of the tub onto the small mat where water could drip onto. Smiling he then proceeded to get into the tub after her, pulling off the rags and discarding them at the side of the tub. Once inside he began to clean himself, getting the dirt off with the soap and sponge. One of his tentacles had slipped from his mouth and was helping him to clean his back and parts he couldn't reach at this point. Sometimes it's handy to have twenty five tentacles. and like times when people caught him asleep, tying up all his tentacles to a tree or some such thing. Hah. He had gotten back though...he had stolen the man's hat and put it onto a very tall tree. After that Nexus and Nagranesh didn't play many pranks on each other.

After I get clean, we'll be able to get our new clothes from Nexus, and then we'll head to the city gates and into the forest we shall go. He didn't want to linger too long in Nexus's house after all, though he wanted to catch up with Nexus, he wanted to go outside and frolick with Erus more. Besides, he had promised her hadn't he? He was supposed to keep his promises! What kind of eleven foot, twenty five tentacled, fifteen eyed monster didn't keep promises after all? Not very good ones at that!

And I'll be able to get out of this human skin and feel free once more. Ah.

[Rhindeer]

That was very true. If he had told her back then that he had that power, it would have possitively terrified her. Back then the tension between them was razor thin and just as sharp; he had just kidnapped and tortured her! Man...she would have never imagined from their first meeting in Ketra that she would have ever come to trust him, much more have feelings for him.

It was also a bit strange. Of the two of them, Nexus was the lecherous, amoral one, and yet as their conversation went on, Niamh came to a strange realization: of the two of them, she'd actually done the most lying. Back in Ketra, she'd lied when she'd agreed to have breakfast with him when in truth she planned to split the whole time. Man, to think that everything had started with that lie (or so, it seemed to be the case in Niamh's head). In Cerenis she'd also done a lot of lying, but that had been for survival--who could blame her? She'd originally lied about basically giving up and wanting to be his friend, and...well, that lie had turned into the truth when a real friendship actually did form. Even recenty she hadn't exactly been completely honest about her feelings, but that was more a matter of with-holding information than outright lying. For some reason, her natural reaction to anything unfamiliar was resistance, even if it was something that she liked.

Hell...resisting something she liked was strangely a lot easier than accepting it...maybe it came from her upbringing, which strongly discouraged hedonism and made it something shameful.

It was still a really strange epiphany...and she suddenly felt kind of bad for it. Yet at the same time, she couldn't bring herself to do anything about it.

"Huh?" She was dragged from her thoughts when Nexus spoke again, and she blinked rapidly at that, then sighed. "Oh come on, Nexus. I know I get freaked sometimes, but...look...we've been around each other for how many months now? And I'm the one who wanted to stick around you...I mean...if I found out you were peeping, yeah, I'd be pissed. But I wouldn't leave. People can argue and stuff and still be--"

She paused, blanking out for a moment. Uh. She had been about to say "friends", but...what the hell were they now? They...weren't exactly just friends...but...oh Light, awkward moment, what term to use?! Ah! "--around each other and like each other and stuff. I mean..." Her voice lowered to an embarrassed mumble. "If not, I woulda quit the Lumenari ages ago...it was kinda hard to get a lot of privacy at bathtime...not like I haven't been walked in on..."

And she'd been traumatized for days afterwards, too. After all, Niamh tended to cover up completely, save for her arms and neck and face of course. She didn't even show her legs. Some Solisi had no problems baring skin. Just like anywhere, there were liberal and conservative people all across that country...

"Basically, Nexus, you'd have to threaten me with like...torture..." she added dryly.

Oh man, Nexus caught it. And...well. The way he put it, it kind of made her rethink a few things. Cats were arrogant like Nexus--and herself. Dogs were idiotic and drooly like Nexus. Well, wait, Nexus wasn't an idiot and he didn't drool (that she knew of) but...they did hump everything in sight...and Nexus could be a bit of a dolt at times, and he did like that wolf analogy...Niamh snorted at the visual and shook her head. "Y'know, actually, maybe we should just get a snake or something. I dunno if three arrogant creatures all living together and vying for alphaship would be a good idea, and two lecherous puppies would be...brain scarring. Though I guess at least with a cat we'd know who was on top...the cat."

She gave Nexus an odd look at what he said next, giving a slight twitch at the word "torture". Then she just rolled her eyes, opened her mouth to retort--but instead blushed and forgot what she was going to say when he commented on her bottom. Niamh grimaced a little. Light. "Ngh, keep that to yourself please..."

Like he would.

In any case, soon enough they'd moved on from the realm of the awkward and back into her comfort zone. Honor it for as long as she wanted, eh? Heh heh. Excellent! Niamh grinned unabashedly at that</I>, though it faded a little at what Nexus said next--and she winced. "Oh...yeah...right..." That would kill him. She remembered what effect it had had on her, and...it had kinda hurt. Nexus...

Though did he really feel no guilt? He'd apologized to her a lot lately...

As he stood up with her and made his little comment, Niamh just gave a small laugh and a tired sigh. Yeah. She could bet he would, and she probably wouldn't like what he had to say. Good for her he hadn't then! That would be--

"Mmph!" Niamh exclaimed quietly as she was pulled into a sudden embrace, her own arms remaining at her sides and her body stiff for a moment before she forced herself to relax--before slumping completely against Nexus. Erus. Nice body. Rrgh...she knew it. "Yeah...nice...if you like back problems..." she muttered glumly under her breath before she could help it. Not that Niamh was jealous, so to speak. She liked her body! It worked for her. Just...

Men seemed to like Erus' body type better. Who could blame her for being a little worried?!

Nexus helped to soothe those fears a bit, and she reached around and pat Nexus tentatively on the back. Honestly...she was a little surprised by his words. More so with how they made her feel--which was instantly less stressed, and strangely, well...flattered. That was surprisingly sweet. "Well...that's good to know..." she said quietly, not looking up at him. "Thanks...I guess that means, uh..." Her voice lowered. "You'retheonlyguyforme? Something like that. Gah, this is too mushy, I'm tired, and, yeah, really don't wanna know what goes on in his head either," Niamh babbled, finally starting to squirm a little to pry herself free.

Apparently she had a time limit on how long it was comfortable to hold a hug.



Well...Nagranesh was right. Erus did feel better after her bath, not all sticky with blood or dirt anymore, and she was still purring softly...though she was beginning to regret agreeing to race him in a lake. Yuck. She just got out of the water, and she'd agreed to go back in the water some day! Ew. But, it'd be in a race with Nagranesh...that would be worth it, right? Yes. Maybe. It wouldn't be for very long either...she hoped...but a promise was a promise, a deal was a deal, and words were binding with manticores. Hopefully it would be a long time before Nagranesh would want to go swimming. After this bath today, Erus was certainly in absolutely no hurry.

Her head didn't hurt at all from hitting it on the faucet. After all, she had a ram's horns and she also had a rather thick skull. She could charge into a brick wall with those things and come out better than the brick wall--well, maybe that was a slight exaggeration, but it wouldn't really phase her. The horns took the bunt of the blow, and her skull was thick, her brain well protected and set up so that it wouldn't get knocked loose from slamming her head into things. That little bump was nothing, though hopefully the faucet hadn't been damaged.

People and objects had to fear contact with her head. She sure didn't!

Erus gave a little chuckle as Nagranesh called her adorable and helped her onto the mat, even wiping the soap suds off her chin and nose and helping her dry off. She curled her tail close to her body and snapped her wings open when she was sure he was out of the way, sending beads of water flying all over the room. Then she twisted her body around rather flexibly and began to pat her leathery wings dry, before bending her tail around and carefully drying that off next. Even as a smaller human and not an eleven foot long manticore she had a lot of places to dry...it took her a while, and was pretty annoying to her.

"Thank you, Nagranesh," she said as he got into the tub and she worked on wringing the water from her thick, matted hair, as well as dried her ears, the fur becoming soft and fluffy. She was completely unphased as he removed his own clothes and started bathing; after all, it wasn't even his real body, and even if it was? Didn't bother her. Humans were just silly. They were the only animal that wore clothes!

However, she did pause to stare as a tentacle slipped out of his mouth to help wash himself, intrigued. That...just looked very strange. It was so strange and fascinating how that was just a husk, a fleshy shell that he could control...

"I'd like more limbs myself!" Erus announced at what he said, grinning toothily. "Two hands and four legs is not enough. It would be fun to have more, yes. Well...maybe I already have a lot..." she added thoughtfully, looking over her shoulder at her wings and tail. The tail was really handy of course, with its potent venom. The wings...well, no, they weren't useless and just there for show as some people assumed; they had a very practical, yet little known purpose. She couldn't fly with them, she was far too heavy, but manticores were extraordinary jumpers. They did serve to give her an extra boost in addition to what her already powerful legs gave her, and she could glide to some degree, if at a very, very quick pace.

Watching Nagranesh's tentacle at work, Erus grinned again and straightened, wrapping the towel around her waist. Unfortunately, there was really no right way for her to wrap a towel around herself; around her top half and her wings got in the way, around her bottom half and her tail lifted the towel. Poor creature needed custom made everything.

"Okay! Sounds good, I can't wait," Erus said, fidgiting a little where she stood, mentally willing him to hurry up his bath. She'd breezed through her own; she wasn't a stickler for cleanliness and she was impatient. Besides, she was just excited to go roam outside...in the forests...her true environment. And a nice new uniform would be good! Maybe it was a bit silly, but Erus, despite her thinking clothes were silly except in the cold seasons, really liked her uniform. She also rather liked her job as a soldier. It made her feel really important! And it really made her feel like she fitted in, like she was human.

Even if she never could be that.

"We can both be in our real forms, yes? Oh...maybe not me...I don't want to wreck my uniform again..." Ah, poor simple creature. She still hadn't quite grasped that she could take the uniform off before she shifted.

[Anonymous]

After Ketra, Nexus was pretty sure he would see Niamh again. You know, after he slipped up and the Lumenari captured him...then tortured him for a while. He was pretty sure it would have been dramatic, she would have stood in front of him, gloating all the while...and then he would be dead. Of course he would come back to this world, and with his sense of justice renewed and his usually cold and stoic ways brought into balance, he would have brought order to her. However he didn't die, and he hadn't gone back to Heiroth, and so...things went differently. For the best though. He really liked it this way...there was no trouble...

In Nexus's head it hadn't all started with her refusal of breakfast. Aye, that had been a very large part of it...but no. The moment he had seen her, the moment the city stepped away from her and gave her a wide birth...that had been the time he had decided she would be brought low. He had tried to as well...taking her to the forest...but there was a little spot int he back of his mind that told him to let her go. Conscience perhaps? Morals? It could have been anything. Nexus was learning, living, evolving from the simple automated machine that he had been designed to be. Feris had no idea that once he left the realm, he would be able to start living and learning for himself, judging as he wanted to, not as she said it should be. His mind raced at the thought of it all. Why hadn't it happened earlier? Simple...this was the longest he had ever been alive for. Something around six hundred years or so? So he was able to escape the grip of Heiroth and the Goddess that lived there.

It was beautiful. Vec was here though, but the old deity seemed to have little care for his actions. In fact Vec seemed almost happy that he had changed. Was Nexus going to argue? of course not!

"I..." Nexus rubbed the back of his head and he sighed. He was being irrational...or was he? It was hard to give women his absolute trust. They had hurt and betrayed him, and he knew how bad a woman could really be. He had seen them at work, and he even had forced them to do some things that showed just how powerful a woman could be. He had met demonesses, lady vampires, thousands of female species that could be as evil and as cunning as he could be, perhaps even more.

"...It's just...difficult." There were two parts of him trying to act of course. The primitive male part of him that just saw a female and potential mate, while the other side...the bitter side saw a manipulative, vindictive, angry, spiteful woman that could break his heart and cause him much pain and misery. It was to ignore both sides and just...see Niamh, but thanks to advice from Vec he had slowly been able to see that sort of thing. At least though he knew she wouldn't...leave. Gah, all these fears...it made him feel odd. Comforted but ashamed at the same time. He was supposed to be strong wasn't he?

"Heh heh heh, I think I'll get a cat. Snakes are just...strange creatures. Always slithering on their bellies and looking at things as food. Not much of a pet. At least on a cold night you can curl up with your cat and get lost in the purring." Nexus was going to get a kitten. Plain and simple. It would be a surprise! Besides...their...anniversary was coming up. Nexus had been keeping track of it. One month or so right? He didn't count the chasing from Ketra to Cerenis, just the one day he had spent with her there...then the two days at Cerenis...then the almost four weeks of travelling...So yes. A present would work perfectly for her. "I wont' fight with the cat for Alphaship, just for your attention."

Nexus was going to comment again on her bottom but he just winked at her again. "Very well." Yes, he wasn't going to fight it, a huge surprise and shock for even himself. He would be nice for now. "Well...I wouldn't say I don't feel...all guilt. Now a days it seems I feel guilt...a little too much. Not for the things I've done years ago but strangely the things I've done to you. It's fascinating...seventeen hundred years of no guilt...and then you come along." He didn't say it like it was a bad thing, on the contrary, he said it like it was a good thing.

It really was too. It didn't make him feel like he was a monster anymore. That much he liked.

"Heh, I'm sure Erus has no problems with her back. She's a manticore...I've seen them do some very...scary things. Amazing, but scary." Like attack rock golems head on, a full compliment of trolls, five ogres, no problem! They really had some power to them. It was scary to say the least.

Nexus smiled slightly at her, glad to see she was...relieved by his words. He didn't want her to worry and fret that he would leave her, or that he would cheat on her. He had almost done that too, Nexus had almost broken away from her, but during the last few moments of that train of thought, he would remember Niamh and he would just...leave the situation be. Back to find Niamh at his...house. His house. He still couldn't believe that. A kiss was placed on Niamh's brow before he let her go, grinning at her in return. "Well don't I feel flattered! Alright my poppet, you should head back to bed. I'm going to make clothes for Nagra and Erus then I'll...see you in the morning I suppose." Night always was lonely, having a cat would help to rectify that as well. Since he didn't sleep, only tranced for a few hours he had all that night to burn away. Getting some animal to help out would be worth it...though maybe get a nocturnal animal as well. Something that would be awake at night, sleep during the day, and then have something opposite as well. That'd be nice.

With that said Nexus went to dash downstairs. He had gotten a...ahem, good look at Erus so he was able to make some clothes that would fit properly. Getting something to around the tail was easy, and he had to make some slits for those wings of hers, but when all was said and done, he was pretty sure that he had done a good job. It looked just as it should, well...as best as it should have for the guards of Arca...if the guard had a large tail and wings. He set them outside the bathroom on a small chair, along with a set of 'faux ruined' clothes for Nagranesh. He had been around the monster long enough to know he liked to play the part of drifting vagabond.



Nagranesh wasn't going to challenge her to that race any time soon. Maybe after a few weeks of not bathing in water would help. It would probably work out better that way. He didn't want the poor girl to be uncomfortable after all. Though she'd forget this incident soon enough no doubt, and that he had asked for a race. Hopefully the selective memory would come in handy for him. He didn't want to have to go in there and start tampering with it, he wasn't too sure how the manticore mind worked, and if he erased something important...well..there would be trouble. Putting things in the mind was easy, taking things out...not so much.

At least she didn't seem hurt by hitting her head. He was sure any more damage to her mind might make her a little...too simple. Nagranesh wished he could help expand her mind, but Manticores were strange creatures. They were complex and simple at the same time. Fascinating for him, he had met a few creatures like this, and every time he loved to study them. The only real way that Erus was simple though was her oblivious nature toward Human Civilization and moral code. Manticores didn't seem to naturally need to know things like numbers and how to act in groups...they only needed to know things that manticores needed. Like how to survive, how to hunt, how to kill, how to mate, how to protect themselves, all those things.

At least he knew if she hit him, he wouldn't be hurt. Unless she hit his beak. There would be trouble there but...if she tried to head butt him, it wouldn't work too well. Sometimes being squishy was good.

Nagranesh couldn't help but watch her try to dry off. It was sort of intriguing really...she had so much to clean. Wings, tail, horns...then again he was an eleven foot tall tentacle monster with twenty five tentacles and a beak large enough to eat a man...cleaning off his natural form was the hardest thing to do. So many places to clean, so much to dry, it took at least half an hour.

Trust me Erus, having more is not handy...heh, no pun intended. Ahem. Having more limbs meaning having to manage all of them, and having to clean them all is a hassle. I can remember a few times I've manage to accidentally tie myself up. That had been embarrassing. It was worst because his only friend at the time had large bladed scythe heads for hands basically, so he had to slither and wiggle to get himself free of his own tentacles. A huge pain to say the least. At least in this human form, having one extra tentacle was good to clean himself with. The dirty just poured right off, and after cleaning the gunk from the hair and washing it off carefully, he pulled the plug, letting all the dirt get forced into the small hole, which would pretty much transport it back into the holding tank, clean and fresh ready for the next person to use the bath. Uncle Vosteroth had been a genius to say the least.

The tentacle got him a towel from the towel rack before it receded into his mouth again. Nagranesh dried the husk off carefully, making sure it was perfect. Yes. This was good indeed. If only he could have cleaned his natural form off. Oh well. The blood would dry and be gone from him soon enough. Still...a bath would have been nice. The tub wasn't large enough for his natural form...but he could have gotten as clean as possible.

Don't worry Erus. Your clothes won't be ruined. You could just...take them off before you turn into your real form. He couldn't blame her for that because she didn't understand. Manticores didn't wear clothes, so she didn't understand that they could be taken off. Though...knowing Nexus, he might have made those special clothes. A symbiotic memory thread that reformed to whatever shape it had been set in. If not, he would have to request those for her later. It would take Nexus a few days to make those, summoning that thread with his powers was draining no doubt, just like gold had been.

Opening the door with the towel covering him just in case, he saw the clothes left for them and he smirked, grabbing them and bringing them in. His were put to the side for now as he looked at the ones that Erus were to wear. Nope...not the special thread. Oh well. Here we go Erus. A nice pair guard outfit for you. That man can work miracles sometimes.Nagranesh said as he eyed it critically. It looked like it would fit her perfectly. How Nexus managed that sometimes, he didn't know...but he was thankful.

[Rhindeer]

[...Oh god Shizzy. I got Goosed by Draco. >_> So if there's any weirdness in this post, and you'll know it when you see it...it's all her fault! xD *so trying to make it actually work*]

Difficult...yeah, Niamh could relate to that, and she gave a slow nod of understanding. Heh, their relationship was a pretty strange one, wasn't it? They both had their issues. Nexus had women problems, trust issues, and sadistic tendencies and Niamh got skittish whenever the relationship topic came up. She could definitely see where Nexus' issues came from--he'd explained his past to her and, well, it was pretty damn screwed up.

Herself? Well, her conservative upbringing covered that--as well as the fact that she was still a little traumatized by what she'd been through. She was over it, she forgave and understood Nexus and truly, really trusted him--but her bodystill remembered the pain of being whipped and cut and restrained. It would take some time and getting used to before her mind and body were on the same level, but she had already made progress--she was no longer outright flinching at a simple touch.

Luckily the subject changed and Niamh once again perked up, grinning. "They're pretty fascinating though, the way they eat things. They feel pretty neat, too," she said, remembering the few brief times she'd kept a harmless constrictor as a pet. "But yeah, you're right, cats are cuter and a lot more...cuddly..." she added slowly, raising her eyebrows at Nexus. Curl up and get lost in the purring? That was something she would have never expected to hear from Nexus. Nexus, mister rugged, rough-and-tumble. Cuddling with a kitty. Over time, she'd come to see that Nexus did indeed have a gentler side, but that...

That was just...well, the only word she could think of to describe that was "cute."

No way she was going to tell Nexus that, though!

Then she just shook her head and smirked. "Well, I guess that's good to know. I have enough competition, I wouldn't need a cat fighting you for the position on top of it all. The cat might beat us both."

In any case, Niamh was horribly relieved--and a little surprised--that Nexus decided to bite back any further comments on her rump and instead went for a more serious topic. One that surprised her more than any number of comments on certain parts of her body could. He felt guilt now? Well...that wasn't much of a surprise. He didn't need to say that out loud, the way he had acted spoke that louder than any words could, the way he seemed to be constantly trying to repent to her. What was surprising was that it was the first time in seventeen hundred years. Because she came along? She was the one who was changing him? But...why? Niamh was infinitely glad of that, it made her feel, well...kind of special honestly, and proud, but even as she stared up at him in amazement she couldn't help but wonder why. Why her of all people? What made her any different from anyone else he'd come across in all his travels and years of living?

She was sure he'd met better people than her...prettier, more moral, more exciting, more accepting...

Not that she was complaining. It was just so...amazing.

"Whoa..." she murmured quietly, finally looking away though there was a soft smile on her lips. And he souded pleased about this, too...that was good. "Well...I don't know how I helped or what I did, but...I'm glad, Nexus. I really am. Guess I've just rubbed off on you?" she added with a small chuckle at that thought. Oh man. That was a somewhat scary thought when she really thought about it, because it brought an image of what he would be like if she really rubbed off on him. Suddenly she wasn't sure what was scarier--him being a total pervert, or him acting all demure and blushing like a virgin.

...Actually, the latter would be a lot more disturbing.

"Really scary from what I can see," Niamh agreed with the manticore comment, shaking her head. Oi. Should she head to bed? Or should she stay up just in case, wait until the vagrant and manticore were gone, just in case? Ah, choices...

Sleep ultimately won out when Nexus kissed her brow and let go, and she was surprised at how that simple gesture sent warmth spreading through her body and butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Jeez. Stepping back from him and smiling a little, the slightest hint of color in her cheeks, she gave him an awkward wave. "...Alright. Heh. I'll, um...yeah, see ya in the morning," she told him quietly, moving toward the door. She could trust him. She knew he wouldn't do anything around the manticore.

Pausing by the door, she looked back at him one last time, remembering a comment of his that had finally registered. About the cat and the alpha thing. Wait. Was he still claiming to be the alpha? Hah. Well, time to go to bed with one last hurrah to make up for that little moment of giddiness back there after he'd kissed her brow. She couldn't help it...she did love to be competitive.

"Oh, and Nexus? One last thing. Who said you're the 'alpha' here, eh? Heh, the day you're 'alpha' is the day I like blueberries and whipped cream and chocolate...on my chest." Then her eyes widened and she blinked rapidly at what she'd just said, color flooding in her face. Where the hell had THAT come from?! Oh Light, she must be really tired...that or Nexus' presence was slowly corrupting her.

"...Which is to say <I>never," she added quickly, mortified, before bolting out the door and to her bedroom.




"Managed to accidentally tie yourself up?" Erus repeated, amusement in her voice and eyes, a large, toothy grin spreading across her face to bare some of those strong, lethal teeth. Then she raised a hand and laughed into it at the visual she got, wondering how he had managed that. With all those boneless tentacles, she supposed she could see how it would happen, but still, it was silly, and she couldn't help but ask about it. After all, he seemed like such a good hunter--that didn't happen to good, smart hunters! Right?

"How did that happen? Did someone attack you and do that to you?" she asked, still grinning from ear to ear as she watched him dry off.

And then she looked genuinely surprised at what he said about her uniform.

Take them off...?

For a moment she was quiet, ears up and gray eyes large and contemplative. Then, the grin returning, she beamed at Nagranesh and clapped her hands together once in excitement. "I could do that, yes! You are right...I don't know why I didn't think of that," she said with another chuckle, looking a little sheepish. Ah. She could do that. Then they wouldn't get ruined, and she could just...put them somewhere in the meantime for safe keeping, somewhere she wouldn't forget. Because if there was one thing about her, it was that she could be pretty anal and she absolutely hated losing things. It drove her up a wall and made her, well...pretty angry. And an angry Erus was a scary one. Good thing she rarely got angry; she was surprisingly mild mannered for such a beast.

Watching Nagranesh open the door and bring in some clothes, she smiled happily and reached out to take the offered uniform, dropping the towel from around her waist and examining the new clothes. "They're just like my old ones," she said, a happy purr in her voice, before she quickly started to slip them on. She slipped the breeches on first, fastening all the ties and buttons in front before securing the ones that went around her thick tail, and then she eased into the shirt, wiggling her wings through the slits. That was the only thing that was different, really; most of her other shirts had been completely backless.

Finished dressing, she looked herself over and ran her hands along the cloth, which felt tough but comfortable. "How did he make them so fast?" she finally asked, looking over at Nagranesh. "And you got clothes, too! He made both of us clothes..."

[...Oh god that was awful. xD Can YOU guess which part was the goose? xDD]

[Anonymous]

Not that he didn't like their relationship, he wished it was...well...alright. He wished there was touching. A lot more touching. A lot more...physical contact and what not but...since that was impossible, well then...He got with what he could. Nexus just had to be careful about...well...not saying anything too bad to her, anything about a relationship or that sort of thing. She...hated that and he had to...well he had to be good about it. He didn't want her to be uncomfortable. He always had this nervous fear that she would leave. No matter how much she said that she wouldn't, still, he feared it.

Nexus really wanted to...experiment with her body, make her feel pain again but...he couldn't. He really couldn't. She hated pain, so he had to make sure that she never felt pain again...because...she hated pain. At least she wasn't...flinching and trying to get out of his touch anymore. Though, he technically deserved every flinch that she did. Damn it. Who would ever think that he would end up with a woman that he had planned on torturing?! This was just inconceivable but...he liked it to say the least. It was a strange twist.

"Yes, well, I'd rather have a cat than a snake. I wouldn't want it trying to kill us at night if it escaped. Snakes don't have a concept of...obedience." Nexus said with a small smile as he looked away from her to the ground and sighed. "Yeah, cats are a lot better pets. They're great to say the least. Good hunters too. Heh." Damn, this life was changing him. He felt very different from his regular self. Ah well. Sometimes people just had to change after all. He couldn't get stuck in a rut like...his brothers had. That'd never work out for him. You either changed, or you died. No question. So he opted a change.

"Heh, I'd let the cat take the top position. As if I'd have any real choice when it came to that." Nexus had so many thigns he COULD say about that rump of hers, so many things he wanted to say, but of course...it was best to not to say anything on that subject at this time. Later of course. Heh heh heh. If Nexus knew just how she was managing to change him...well he'd feel a whole lot better about it all. It was slightly unnvering really...There was something about her, and this realm...It just all felt different to him. Really different. Not that he minded of course. This was a whole new experience for him, and even though he wasn't able to...relieve himself with her around, it was still...well...it was still nice. Even though Feris, Rift, and Vortex would all be horribly disappointed in him, at least Vec seemed....to think it was alright. Hey, there wasn't anything wrong with that! Vec knew best...most of the time.

He really wouldn't have this any other way...or have any other woman. Niamh was...perfect.

"Yeah, I'd say you have. Not that I mind of course. You've changed me for the better I think...even Vec says so." To think that SHE was...ah....changing even his personality and what not. That was scary really. Still, it was interesting to say the least. He was becoming more like her, which he was pretty sure she really didn't mind at all. At least he wasn't being a pervert all the time and trying to catch glimpses of more skin and what not. Also you know...making a whole bunch of lewd comments about her breasts and rear end...Not that he hated it of course, he loved it! It was always great!

At least she didn't flinch away from him kissing her brow anymore either. One day he'd even be able to actually kiss her without her...blushing or trying to slap him...Hey, he didn't mind that at all! "Of course, I hope you enjoy your sleep my...poppet." Saying poppet was always more comfortable than anything else. Plus it just sounded like a cool word.

Nexus blinked several times as he heard her. She...she REALLY didn't just say that. If...if that didn't inspire him to rule this house, then nothing would. Alright. So tomorrow the checklist was easy. Go to work...come home...be the dominant male...have a nice dinner of blueberries, whip cream, and chocolate off of Niamh's chest. Yeah. He could handle THAT task list. Why did she say...THAT though? It didn't seem like...something that...Niamh would say. It must have been him corrupting her...heh heh. Well he just loved that for sure! Hah hah hah!




I was younger then Erus, I didn't know how to control all my tentacles properly...and I can get pretty skittish when I just wake up...so...ahem. Yes... It was pretty embarrassing really...to be...well...to be scared when you wake up and then...tying your own limbs up. That got laughs sometimes really...thankfully he had learnt how to control them...Thank the heavens above for having an expanded mind and learning capacity, or else he'd be just like some of the strange tentacle monsters he had seen before...mindless monsters looking for food and what not. Pah.

Don't worry erus, I'll be here to remind you to remove your uniform before shifting. Sometimes she was just too adorable for her own good. Ah, she was going to be fun to have around. She had a child's view of the world, so really it was going to be fun. She was a treasure to be about. We can put my husk and your uniform together, and then when you want to find it again you can just sniff out my husk. It was a simple solution, and that way she wouldn't get...angry. He really didn't want to see her angry, really because she was...well...if anyone looked at her in her natural form...or even this form...well they could understand why an angry Erus is a bad thing. So for him, keeping her happy was a good thing.

He did a good job on them. Nagranesh decided to watch her as she got dressed. It was really...well it was interesting. Nexus had done a good job making the clothes. He was surprised she was able to get her wings through the slits, and that her clothes fit properly. Nexus was just...well, he was the thread master. He managed to pull on the ripped and torn, but clean, clothes that Nexus had made for him and smiled slightly. Finally. Manipulating the skin was a hard task, it took a bit of concentration to do that with psychic powers. Bah, having a beak was sometimes easier too.

Well, Nexus is able to create clothes and what not through magic, though it drains him. Nagranesh explained, just trying to explain it easily. That was about as easy as he could get. Hopefully she understood...Ahem. Yes, he was very generous. They look like vagrants clothes but they're clean...still ripped of course. Ahem. Now, all clean and good?

[Rhindeer]

Niamh closed her door behind her and even locked it once she made it to her room, then slumped in relief and ran both hands over her face. Whoa. Why had she said that? There were a million other analogies that she could have used but why...THAT?! Sure, it was true because she would never like, um, blueberries and whipped cream and chocolate like that, but...Light. Yeah. It was his fault all right. Him and his constantly saying perverted things just...well...and she was tired. She was still groggy from being woken up, and maybe she was a little hungry, too...she did tend to wake up hungry. Guh. Still...

WHY?! Why did that have to pop out of her mouth?! Of course the obvious answer was that she wasn't thinking, and she did do too little thinking when it came to blurting out the first thing that popped into her head.

She'd fled too quickly to see Nexus' reaction and she was pretty happy about that, too, because she did not want to find out what would happen if she stuck around. But now she was safe. In her room. And it was time to go to bed and hope Nexus forgot that. Hopefully he'd just get distracted with other things--things that weren't the manticore--and just...not bring that up. Ever again. And in the meantime, she'd vow to never again open her big mouth when she was tired and comfortable and a little giddy after a hug and a kiss.

Taking a deep breath and finally moving her hands away from her face, she checked the lock one last time before shuffling back over to her bed and crawling under the covers. Curling into a tight ball, she yanked the covers up to her chin.

Blueberries.

For the love of Vec, why blueberries?

Augh.

She didn't even like blueberries.

It was probably going to be a long time before she fell asleep after that one. She just couldn't believe she'd said that. Ergh. No! Stop thinking about the bloody blueberries. Just...yeah...think about something else. Nexus. Heh. He was surprisingly sweet tonight. Only girl for him, huh? And the little hugs and kisses...hee...

...OH CRAP! Bad train of thought! Nexus and blueberries and whipped cream and her, NO!

With a groan, squinting her eyes shut, Niamh rolled over and pulled her pillow over her head.

She'd just think about cactii. That was safe to think about.



"Skittish?" Erus repeated, tilting her head as she looked at Nagranesh. Why would he get skittish? He was a monster after all, he didn't have to fear anything. He was a top predator and she'd seen what he could do! Then again, she was also a monster and she hated water and fruits and vegetables. Blech. But fruits and vegetables were not only disgusting, but they made her stomach feel bad. "Why are you skittish? Bad dreams?" she asked, looking genuinely curious.

After all, she was no stranger to bad dreams. Oddly enough, the chipper manticore had nightmares on a somewhat regular basis. It might have seemed strange to anyone who didn't know her--and not many really did--especially with her happy disposition, but she'd had a rather tough life growing up and sometimes it bothered her in the form of dreams. Erus just didn't dwell on it.

Then she smiled when Nagranesh went on to assure her that he'd remind her about her clothes, and told her a way of making sure they didn't lose them. Ah! Excellent! Her tail twitched happily and she nodded. "That will work, yes," she agreed happily. After all, she had an excellent sense of smell; she could sniff that thing down in no time! Hmm...maybe she could even sniff it down without the husk there, though that was a bit difficult--because then her clothes would just smell like herself and she could always smell herself since, well...she was herself. She couldn't exactly escape her own smell.

But his suggestion was still pretty obvious, and it had eluded her until he'd mentioned it. It seemed so simple, yet to Erus it just...wasn't. But she wasn't a human, and her brain was wired differently. She could seem very child-like about some things, oblivious to the simplest things that were so obvious to humans, and yet with other things she could come across as deeply intelligent in her own way. Sometimes it came seemingly at random. In a way, she was just mixed up. Manticores were part part human and a large part beast but they tended to live out in the wild, alone, but she...well, due to strange circumstances she had ended up in a human world at a young age, though still old enough to get a taste of what it was like to live in the wild as a manticore. She had been a feral child in a sense...and it was a strange transition to make.

Watching Nagranesh get dressed, pulling on fake ruined clothes--heh, that was funny! She could have just ripped the clothes for him after all--she listened as he explained about Nexus...and her face lit up with understanding. Ohh...magic. That made sense to her! "This didn't drain him too much, did it?" she asked. "Because that was very nice of him to do...it can't hurt him, can it?"

She knew about magic, but she just couldn't speak about it from personal experience. Namely because she had none.

Then, smiling again, she gave a quick nod and flicked an ear. "Yup! I am...as clean as I will ever get," she said, wrinkling her nose a little at that before adding, "That is, very clean, yes! Very clean so as not to need a bath again for a long time!"

In her mind at least. Other people might not appreciate that. Though of course she did have other ways of keeping clean.

She still didn't want another bath anytime soon.

"How about you? Are you done? Can we go to the forest no--" Her stomach, at that point, decided to interject, giving a rather loud grumble. Ears flattening, Erus gave Nagranesh a small smile, ducking her head a little. "...I think I'm hungry again."

[Anonymous]

That HAD to have been his doing somehow. Maybe she was finally becoming just like him, or maybe she was just...trying to think of something for him to fight for. If he became alpha, she'd like...well that delicious sounding desert on her chest. Yeah, he could handle that. That had to be easy to do right? Of course, if he had been younger, he would just dominate her and eat off of her anyways but...he was older now...he couldn't do that. He had to hold himself back and not think of doing that. Still...damn...the image of that was just...damn she would look good!

With his task of creating clothes complete, Nexus headed over to the living room, sitting down and getting his journal out. Oh man. This was going to be something to write about. How to start it off...Ah.

Journal Entry number seven thousand...ish? Bah I don't know.

So Nagranesh showed up in the middle of the night. I know. I didn't even know he was alive, nor that he was in this realm. It surprised me really. He brought a friend with him, a manticore woman. They're more...unabashed then I remember. A lot bigger bust than I recall but damn! Sometimes there is nothing sexier than a curvy woman covered in blood. However, there is something far sexier than that I've got to tell you about.

After Nagranesh so rudely exposed the secret of my eyes, I had to act like I was completely angry...which I sort of was. After...sorting everything with Niamh in the privacy of the guest bedroom, I kissed her (On the brow) goodnight and went to leave. Then she said something that I'm NEVER going to forget either.

"The day you become the 'alpha' is the day that I like blueberries, whip cream, and chocolate...on my chest."

I kid you not. I really...bloody wish I knew where that had come from too, because damn I would go and find that place again for sure.

For the love of Vec, where did that come from?!



Halfway across the city, Vec was busy healing a few people who had gotten in a scuffle. He paused in his duties to look up and make a funny face.

"Why is everyone calling my name tonight...I will have to find out from Niamh about these blueberries...and Nexus about...where what came from. I really should start paying less attention to my name being called." Vec murmured to himself as he turned his attention back to one of the youths who had a broken arm. No doubt there would be an interesting story waiting for him at home. He was going to guess that Niamh would stay tight lipped about this and Nexus would just blather on for hours.

Getting Niamh to talk would probably be...a lot more fun, without Nexus and his little side quips and stories.

Yes.


I was being chased I believe, and at the time my psychic powers weren't up to par. I was afraid, in a new world I didn't understand, and these people had a distaste for me since I was different. Or was it that they had a taste. They did want to eat him, even though he had tried to explain his acidic blood by...bleeding all over a carriage. That still hadn't worked out of course but...it had been worth a try. He was lucky he had managed to find the cave in the hills, or he might have been slaughtered and eaten somehow! A terrible fate...Heh...still, ironic in his mind.

Nagranesh preferred that when he slept, he invaded other people's dreams instead. He couldn't really help it either, his mind stayed active while his body rested, so it went looking for things to do. At first he had been barely aware of this, he would pick up objects and move them around, thinking it was a dream, but when he awoke, the objects had indeed moved. That's when he started honing his powers when he slept. Soon he had been able to reach out and invade people's minds. That had always been a lot of fun really.

Nagranesh was pleased that his idea had been a good one. After all, if there is one thing I'm sure you can find easily, it's a human. He would generally remember where he put his husk, but he would let her track it down, to be fair and nice to her. Besides, he wanted her to get used to that sort of thing. Taking the outfit off before changing, and then being able to find it later on. That was the key he would help her to learn at this point. She was only part human, she was mainly a large creature living in a world where people didn't exactly want her to be here. This wasn't her society, so she probably had no qualms about walking about naked. However, humans did, and since she was in their society, she would have to learn to adapt...which probably was more difficult that people knew.

No, it doesn't hurt him, but it makes him tired. He's got to expend the energy in order to make it. He'll be fine though. He's doing this for a living now. When he had gone searching for a tailor, that's all he was looking for. People who could make clothes. Nexus could make clothes, and he was right on the list of that sort of thing. So Nagranesh had picked him because...well...it was Nexus. He hadn't seen the man in forever, and he would make them some clothes quickly, discreetly, and perfectly. Everything always fit when Nexus made it.

Unless he was being mean, then they never fit.

Well, we can only hope Erus. You might get very dirty in the forest, so we'll have to be careful out there. No jumping in the mud. It felt like talking to a small child, and she was...sort of. In spirit she was. Still, he wanted to save her from having another bath after all. Unless of course you want to have another bath after your trip into the forest. It was a threat technically, more like...telling her what would be the end result if she got dirty. She hated baths, and so, this would serve his purpose well.

I am indeed ready and.... He blinked several times. Hungry? That...It will have to wait till we get to the forest. We can hunt some wild game out there. Alright time to leave QUICKLY then. With two people being here, they were easy targets, and he didn't want her eating them. That would end badly no doubt. Not to worry. We'll rush to the gate and into the forest for some nice food. Nagranesh pulled open the door to the bathroom and strolled out, though limping slightly. Walking was tough sometimes. He passed through the living room to where Nexus was, giving the man a smile.

We're going now Nexus. Erus is...hungry again. So we can't stay for pleasantries. It was good seeing you again old Wolf, I hope to visit again. Nagranesh said as Nexus stood up and shook his hand with a smile. "Good to see you too Nagranesh. Enjoy yourself out there. You too Erus." He gave a curt nod of his head to the Manticore woman, probably best not to get his scent on her or anything like that. Nagranesh stepped past him now into the hallway, going for the door before looking upwards to where Niamh was.

Goodbye Child of Light, may the sun shine brightly for you. Pleasant dreams of Nexus and blueberries for you. Okay, so he had peeked on what was going on maybe. Still. He couldn't help it. Even he found this situation funny. Stepping outside the door he got into the cool night air, which made him sigh happily. The night air always welcomed him.

[Rhindeer]

Niamh had been on the verge of escaping her humiliation and slipping into blissful slumber when a voice suddenly echoed. In her head. And who else spoke to her in her head except for a certain vagrant? Grumbling slightly at being woken up again, Niamh snuggled defiantly into the covers and clenched her eyes shut tight, still half asleep and too tired to care about answering--until she registered some of the words. She froze instantly, her stomach doing an odd sort of flip-flop.

Pleasant dreams of Nexus and blueberries for you.

Oh. Dear. Goddess.

He knew too?!

Pressing her burning face into her pillow so it would muffle her frustrated groan, Niamh contemplated just smothering herself, just getting it all over with so she wouldn't have to ever hear about blueberries again and die of embarrassment down the road. But after a few seconds she flipped over onto her back so she could breathe again and instead just glared up at the ceiling. Stay out of my head! she thought as hard as she could, just so that if Nagranesh was still poking around in there he'd hear her and...not pry into her mind. Hopefully. And I don't even like blueberries!

This was going to haunt her for the rest of her life. She just knew it.

And now she was wide awake, annoyed, and couldn't fall asleep. Even though she was still tired.

Wonderful.

Niamh laid in bed for a few more minutes, counting out the seconds and watching the shadows dance on the ceiling from the flickering candlelight, before she finally threw back the covers and rolled out of bed. She grabbed the pair of breeches she'd tugged on the first time she'd been woken up, strewn on the floor where she'd kicked them off, and once again yanked them up and fastened them under her long, knee-length shirt. Pulling the shirt back down, she unlocked her door and shuffled out of her room.

This stupid blueberry thing was going to gnaw at her until she cleared it up, and unfortunately Niamh was the type of person where problems would bother her all to hell until she resolved it or...burst. Figuratievly speaking of course. Hopefully by now the blasted vagrant and the busty manticore...thing...were gone. Nothing against them of course, they were Nexus' friends, but right now while she was half asleep and after having such a strange first meeting with them, she wasn't sure how much she liked them. The vagrant guy, he was alright. He'd taken her side, after all, which instantly gave anyone bonus points in her head. The manticore...

She made sure to walk quietly as she crept down the stairs and only stopped when she reached one of the middle steps, from which she could see the living room through the bars. Leaning tiredly against the railing, Niamh stared over at Nexus, still too embarrassed to go any closer than that. Really, she didn't even want to think about the connotations of her little remark, and she had a feeling that if she didn't settle it now, it would follow her wherever she went. Grk. It wasn't so bad if just Nexus had heard that (and that was bad enough) but Nagranesh too? The guy better keep his mouth shut.

"Ahem. Nexus." She cleared her throat, kept her expression neutral and voice deadpan. It was a defense against her own embarrassment--and because she knew he got a rise out of it. She would not crack. She could do this. "Just so you know, I hate blueberries. I just thought I should let you know that so what I said back there, you'd do best to just forget--hey, what's that?"

The act cracked and curiosity took over as she finally noticed what he was doing. Writing...?

---

Erus could understand that...well, she could more than understand that, she could <I>relate to it, empathize. After all, much of her own story was like that, growing up as she had in a human world. It wasn't easy, but she coped and adjusted as well as any manticore could.

Not that there were many manticores living among humans. As far as she knew, she was the only one.

"Oh yes, it is my favorite scent after all!" Erus agreed with a mischievous grin and a flick of her tongue over her wicked, elongated canines. Of course, any scent was fair game for her nose, but human...ah. It was probably strange that out of all the creatures in the world, manticores loved human flesh the most. Specifically human. Elves and humanoids were yummy, but nothing was as good as pure, unspoiled human flesh...raw...right off the bone...and forget about half-humans! Not even that was as wonderful as the real thing, one-hundred percent, grade A human. And this place had the human scent all over it...

Erus swallowed to keep from salivating. Oh, she was hungry all right. Manticores were rather voracious feeders, one of nature's top predators. Like a shark on land, only...in weird human-headed lion form. Must not think of food now though. Not with Nagranesh's friends around.

"Oh, energy?" Erus tilted her head, blinked, then smiled, not looking so concerned anymore. "Then it's not any different from anything else. Everything takes energy. Hunting takes energy, running does...and if you do too much of anything it makes you tired." Nodding to herself, she seemed pleased by her conclusion. "So that's how magic works, yes?"

It made total and complete sense in her head. If it took energy, it was no different from her running around until she was too tired to run anymore and had to rest until she wasn't tired anymore. And that couldn't hurt you unless you were silly and overdid it. Thus, she was no longer worried because now she understood it.

At Nagranesh's cautionary words, Erus wrinkled her nose and made a soft sound that sounded remarkably like a hiss--though not as loud as the one she'd made when she'd stepped into the bath tub. Hugging her arms around her body, she shook her head from side to side, dreadlocks swinging. "I won't jump in the mud..." she said sulkily. That was half the fun of going outside! But...her dislike of water and baths won out over her love of getting dirty. She liked getting dirty, but she had to remain clean so she didn't have to take a bath. "I'll be good. I guess that means I cannot hunt, either, yes? Otherwise I'll get bloody." She huffed a little.

Her first trip in ages out to the forest and she would have to limit herself, wouldn't be able to enjoy true freedom, just a taste of it. That was enough, though!

She perked right up again when Nagranesh announced that he was ready, tail curling upward and ears erect, and she happily followed Nagranesh out the door, careful when she turned so her wings or tail didn't hit anything. She was practically bouncing along behind him with excitement and energy. They were going to go! Soon they'd be out there! And hunting...hmm...

"Do you think I could hunt small animals and not get too messy?" she asked as she walked, trying to visualize it in her head. A rabbit. That wouldn't be bad. She would just have to clean her face and her uniform wouldn't get messy because she would take it off before hand. Yes. A rabbit should be fine.

Still hugging herself as though trying to muffle the sounds her belly was making, she grinned over at Nexus as Nagranesh said his goodbyes, giving a little formal bow herself, from the waist like what they did in the military. "Thank you, Nexus, for the uniform! It was nice meeting you," Erus said, straightening. "I'll try to keep this one clean and won't tear it! It'd be bad to wreck a gift from a friend." A nod, and Erus turned to walk out the door.

Yes...for all her supposed ferocity, Erus did become attached to people fast. Nexus was now a friend. He was like she and Nagranesh in a way...

Stepping out of the house and out into the night, Erus breathed in deeply, happy to be outside in the cool air. But before she could start in on Nagranesh and pester him to get moving and go to the gates, something else piqued her interest. "Blueberries?"

She felt like she'd missed something.