While Julio was looking at his next hand, the cute female kitsune sitting across from him was replaced by a fierce-looking, male, middle-eastern appearing angel with a fistful of cards in one hand and a scimitar in the other.
Julio looked up and was quickly startled by the likeness of Jasim. Catching himself, he rolled his eyes. "Very cute, but I don't think its going to work."
Keiko grinned. What was the point of shapeshifting if you couldn't use it to play head games now and again? And Julio was seeming a bit more distracted.
+++++++++
"And here will be your quarters for your stay." the vixen servant ushered the females of the party, minus Kyriel, into the harem's guest quarters.
Alexandra was wondering where lord Karther was. No one had mentioned him since they had arrived. Suddenly, she saw someone in what looked like Karther's female form. But this kitsune wasn't acting anything like Karther ever had.
"Oooh, visitors!" she bubbled. "We're going to have such fun! Combing each other's tails and braiding each other's fur! Men just don't understand, do they? Lord Tamthis doesn't! Ooh, I just adore him but sometimes he's just so clueless. Men! My name is Kathy, what's yours?"
Suddenly, Alexandra felt very sick and afraid.
+++++++
"Lord Tamthis will see you in an hour." announced a serving-kitsune to "Shaykh Abu Isa" and Kyriel. "Until then, you may explore the public areas of the palace and view the power and resources of the king while your quarters are prepared. Tonight there will be a great welcoming feast!"
"Thank you." answered the Shakyh. "We are delighted by the hospitality of his majesty."