Chill.

The whispers of the wind beyond the wooden cottage walls tell you stories of a world without a looming cloud of shadow above your head. There could come a day where you don't have to plan or scheme. Eventually, you could march down the main street of Avana again, and see the estate of Dragonhide Manor just as you left it. You and your allies would relax under the sun together, sipping drinks and eating snacks, before it sets and eventually starts all over again. Maybe, as wild as it sounds, you could even show them your old home, and step foot on Earth once again.

Vivi the naked witch remains in your arms for awhile before she's able to stand with wobbly legs. The effects of the potion, both on her body and your own, fade away. It's been a good meditative experience, hearing her story and spending an intimate time with her so far from all other troubles, but it's time to return home. The two of you get dressed, and after looking upon the interior of her hut once more, you warp away into the sky.

The two of you head to the royal bath to wash up.

The first thing you notice is the striking, pale figure of a mighty woman sitting at the edge of the bath's opposite end. Her legs sway slowly through the hot steamy water--black hair flowing down far to cling over her beautiful ivory skin. Her stare pierces from even across the room. Catherine, also known as Cat against her wishes, has been a strange one among your group, which certainly says something. She was a villain, though after her defeat, Mistress Dajy certainly taught her a humiliating lesson. It seems after being exposed to the realities of your world, she has slowly grown to trust you and your allies more than anyone else, especially upon the rescue of her descendent, the queen.

Just as you're about to undress, you look upon her and speak. "This is meant to be the royal bath, you know. It isn't the only one in the castle."

"I am royalty," she replies. "Or at least, as much as you are."

"Well--"

She stands from the water, and reaches for a dark, plush bathrobe with a pattern of tiny bats along the sash (thanks Luna), in which she tightens. She brings her hands back through her hair and glances around for her towel. "I was just leaving."

Vivi stirs, trying to hide the fact that her body is so weary, and also... filled. "You don't have to leave."

"I've been in here long enough. Relax. You didn't frighten me away," she says while wrapping up her hair to try. She pauses for a long moment, though you can tell she's working on something to say. Then finally, she begins to speak while stepping around the perimeter of the bath towards the exit. "Kyle. I know things have been strange between our meeting and now. I've only known a life of walking in the darkness with my obedient thralls for many years. I've done things. Things I wouldn't do again. And for some time, all I wanted was to claim the throne of Tivera and rule it was its shadow queen. I never thought I'd recover after you dismantled my fortress, though watching everything from a distance since, I've come to realize many things. And what I want most is for Thadius to get the hell out of my empire."

"We'll get him out, Cat. I promise."

Now standing at the door, she crosses her arms and refuses to turn her head back to meet your gaze. "... Good," she replies.

"Hey. I've been meaning the ask. Is vampirism something curable, or at least, can you be made to feel less discomfort and weakness in the sun?"

"Why would you ask that?"

"I want you to feel comfortable living here with us."

"Enjoy your bath, King Warren," she says before turning the knob to disappear silently behind the closing door.