After the general discussion on strategy, Tulani and Mave left to get some sleep. This leaves Alptraum alone with Roogi, who seemed somewhat bored during the strategy session. Even now, she sits with her feet propped up onto the battered table and idly twists the lock of white hair she has attached to her trophy necklace.

Alptraum is currently leaning against the nearby wall and watching Roogi. "So, I see you actually kept my bit of hair," he says to try and break the silence. He pushes off the wall and walks over to crouch down near Roogi, positioning himself so that she is the 'higher' of the two, figuring it's probably the appropriate thing to do.

Roogi immediately shifts her right leg to rest it on top of Alptraum's head. "Yah, wouldn't want to forget that you're mine, right?" she says with a grin. "What sort of stuff is in this castle, anything good?"

Alptraum looks up at the leg now sitting on his head. He does a good job at resisting a laugh. "So, then you're still holding claim on me," he comments as he reaches up to pat the red Eeee's leg, "Don't expect me to make holding that claim easy, by the way. Now, as for what is in the castle … lots of junk. Its previous occupant collected a lot of metal scraps in his lair. There was a fairly large assortment of clothing, dishes, and paintings in the upper parts."

"Clothes and metal are good," Roogi notes, and picks at her teeth with one sharpened claw. "How about those magic daggers that turn men into blood-spiders? Will all the guards have those?"

"Probably. I don't think you will want them, though. Or at least I would prefer you to not turn into a blood spider," Alptraum notes as he settles down now and shifts Roogi's leg to his shoulder. "Is there anything specific you are looking for? It might jog my memory."

"I'll know it when I see it," the Yodhblakat says, and tries to pinch Alptraum's ear with her toes now. "I want a dagger though. To be able to become a monster if felled in battle and keep fighting on … that would be good! Worthy of Blakat's favor."

Alptraum actually lets Roogi get a grip of his ear with her toes. "Ah, well, if it is a last resort usage, I could see why you would want it. But … if I have my way, you won't fall in battle. It's not like you're exactly replaceable," he comments. "So, since we last parted, what have you been up to?"

Roogi laughs out loud at the suggestion that isn't replaceable. Then she says, "We went to that Temple. The monsters they had were fun. Scared the little virgins there. Fought with a big rabbit. Then came here looking for real battle."

"I was wondering why you came out this way," Alptraum admits, "And I was rather surprised that you expected us to arrive. Not that I am complaining you are here; having you on our side has lifted my hopes on defeating this necromancer. Plus, I have to admit, it's nice to see you." He pats the Yodhblakat's leg again, then lifts it off his shoulder so he can get up. "If nothing else, you make life interesting."

"Death too," Roogi claims. "I've killed people in all sorts of interesting ways. Too bad these men here are… hmmm. Not sure how to describe them. They aren't like Eeee fighters. They don't have the lust for fighting. Afraid, that's it. They are afraid."

"You do not fear Death?" Alptraum asks, "At all? Have you ever seen it; the other side, that is, what you will face?"

"Who cares?" Roogi asks. "Death is death. Life is short, so have fun and don't think too hard. Spread chaos, revel in madness, burn like a flame and ignite the world!" she declares, throwing her fists up into the air and causing her chair to destabilize. Roogi laughs as she falls to the floor.

Seizing the moment, Alptraum drops down and attempts to pin Roogi to the floor. Grinning over her, he says, "I care, if only because I walk in both worlds, remember? I feel both sides, life and death; I have seen the world through other peoples' eyes. Some day I might even see the world through yours. But, yes, I would say it is best not to think on what waits."

Roogi grins back up at Alptraum, and says, "Hah, kill enough people to take with you to other side, maybe Sunala not notice if you slip away, eh? So Little Death, are you going to ravish me now?"

"Of course not," Alptraum says, still grinning, "I know the protocol of your Mistress. I cannot give; you must take on your terms." He leans down till his nose tip just barely touches hers, "Or is that what you are demanding for your compensation for having to wait earlier?"

"I can take that any time!" Roogi says, and tries to push Alptraum off by bringing her knees up. "I'll take my compensation when I see what I want."

Alptraum shifts to the side and actually rolls over when her knees come up and pulls the red Eeee on top of him in the process . He couples that with a rather forceful muzzle-locking kiss on the Yodhblakat. When he lets that go, he says, "Remember, I said I intended make it difficult for you to assert your claim on me. To do less would be an affront to what you are." He grins.

Pulling back and sitting on Alptraum's chest, Roogi says, "You will challenge me for your freedom, after I already beat you before?"

"I will, now and then, make sure you are still capable of owning me," Alptraum says with a shrug and looks up at the Yodhblakat. "Or have you decided that you do not wish to own me anymore?"

"I will not let the Yodhinala take you from me!" Roogi declares.

"Ah, I see. You are concerned Yodhinala Mave may take ownership," Alptraum says with a short nod. "I was not aware that Yodhinala made claims on any males."

"Hah!" Roogi snorts. "The Yodhinala lay claim to all males, of course!"

That gets Alptraum to laugh. "Well, I suppose it could be seen that way," he has to admit. "So, you wish to own me simply to keep her from having me?"

"No, because you are the Barsunala," Roogi says, thrusting out her chin. "No Yodhblakat has captured such a prize before! With you, I could even steal the dead!"

"Tsk. You may have to discuss that with my Mother, you realize," Alptraum points out as he reaches up to tap Roogi under the chin. "And here I was hoping you found me somewhat entertaining."

"You have your moments," Roogi says, grabbing Alptraum's wrist – but not turning his hand away. "How did you kill the crazed Yodhzakaro?"

"I have abilities you have never seen; a form you have never seen. I use them sparingly," Alptraum says, "Being what I am, I must maintain a balance. People must prove themselves worthy for the blessing and protection of my Mother, after all. And sometimes they earn her wrath. In the case of the Yodhzakaro, she sought power beyond what her Mistress provides. I 'gave' her the power she sought … but it was far different from what she believed it to be. It consumed her."

"How though?" Roogi asks, licking her lips now. "The great pillar of screaming flame… there were… things in it. Demons?"

"Why do you wish to know?" Alptraum asks as he eyes the strange Eeee.

"What manner of spirits do you command, Barsunala," Roogi asks, looking serious. "Where do you summon them from, and what can they do?"

"I am the guardian of several lost worlds," Alptraum tells the Eeee. "Worlds taken by a power that sought to rival my Mother. What you saw in that flame were some of those that were contained and used by that creature. I released them from their prison. They are not creatures to be dealt with lightly."

"I want to see one!" the Yodhblakat demands. "A fierce one!"

"I could perhaps introduce you to the one who taught me how to contain and destroy the worst of them all," Alptraum tells the Eeee. "But, realize that being powerful may not all be in appearance."

"Bah, appearance is power!" Roogi rebukes. "The power to terrify your prey, to paralyze them with fear. To take away their sanity!"

"Appearance is one aspect of power, my owner. There are many others," Alptraum counters, but not unkindly. "Let me see what I can arrange. Just be aware you may also see me differently as well." He pats her leg and requests, "Please get off me for a moment. I need to sit up to do this."

"I am tired of sitting on you," Roogi claims as she gets up, so that it wouldn't seem like she was actually acceding to Alptraum's request.

Alptraum pushes himself upright and crosses his legs. He shifts his belt around a bit, mainly to position his dagger such that he can fold his hands over it. Then as if in prayer, he closes his eyes and draws a few short breaths. Carefully me moves the dagger just a bit in his hands, hopefully enough so he can slide the tip of his finger along an exposed bit of edge to draw a drop of blood onto the dagger. "Kaira, can you hear me?" he thinks.

"You summoned?" the dragon says, appearing before Alptraum in her familiar diminutive form. "Oooo, interesting decor. I especially like the stains. They add a bit of color… "

Alptraum's eye cracks open. "Well, I was going to ask you to appear a bit more … well, more. My friend, Roogi, wished to meet one of those that I am guardian of. Someone fierce," he tells the small dragon. "Roogi, this is Kaira, an ancient and dangerous spell of power," he says and shifts so Roogi can see the dragon. "She has many forms. This is one of her smaller, gentle, ones."

"You look like the survivor of a thrift store explosion," Kaira says to the Yodhblakat, who simply stares in disbelief at the apparition.

Roogi eventually points a dirty claw at the dragon, and demands, "What is that?"

"Kaira exists to destroy the world destroyer," Alptraum explains and lifts the small dragon so she can sit on his shoulder. "This is what is called a dragon. Normally, they are fifty times this size and some even larger."

"Are… you mocking me?" Roogi asks uncertainly, watching closely as Alptraum lifts the creature to his shoulder. "It is a mutated creen!"

"Ooo, got yourself a real winner this time, Alptraum," Kaira snaps.

"Not at all," Alptraum comments and arches one of his brows at Roogi. To Kaira, he asks, "Should I bring her into the prison and show her your true form?"

"Not until she learns how to bathe," Kaira remarks. "What did you want to show her, anyway?"

"She wanted to see some of the fiercer creatures under guard," Alptraum tells Kaira. "I also considered showing her my other side; though I am not sure I can shift right now."

"Oh, she wants to be scared then?" Kaira asks, grinning now. "The Yodhblakat worship madness, don't they?"

"To put it simply, yes," Alptraum agrees.

"Oh, then bring her closer!" Kaira says.

Roogi has her arms crossed now, and is beginning to look angry.

Instead of telling Roogi to come closer, Alptraum gets up and walks over to her. It's better to not ask, after all. His expression is actually one of seriousness as he does so. "You are not being mocked," he tells Roogi quite firmly. "Kaira. Show her."

The little dragon sits up, and waves her hands about, saying, "There is nothing up my sleeves!" Then she folds her wing forward to cover her hands, and when it withdraws Kaira is holding a paper disc, with little square windows along the outer edge. The light is too dim to see what dark images fill the squares, but it doesn't really matter since the dragon slips the disc directly into Roogi's head, where it sinks below the skin. The Yodhblakat freezes and stares blankly into space.

"Okay, that'll occupy her for a few minutes," Kaira notes. "Where are we?"

"We're a mile or so from the castle containing the Shadow of Amena. Can you feel it?" Alptraum answers, "And we're preparing for a strike. The slakash, those like Roogi, are going to assist in the assault. Arkold is leading a frontal assault against the castle defenses. I'm going in through a secret passage and will try to strike Dack down before he can complete his ritual. Or if the opportunity presents, contain the shadow so Dack cannot complete the ritual."

"Oh, what do you need me to do then during the infiltration?" Kaira asks, looking a bit excited.

"That depends on what we encounter, actually. We will have the Light, so you should be able to manifest in a much stronger way," Alptraum explains. "If nothing else, you are an expert at distraction and, frankly, annoying people. If you can manage a draconic aura, it may help weaken any of Dack's allies that may be below. One thing I should know ahead of time, though, is will your aura cause any reactions from the shadow?"

"It shouldn't react any differently than it did in Vorgulremik's presence," Kaira notes.

"It ate him," Alptraum points out.

"Of course, that was after I opened the sarcophagus," Alptraum admits.

"It won't eat me," the blue dragon counters.

"Dack is a necromancer. He may be able to affect you. Is it possible he could control you?" Alptraum asks. The Eeee also taps his chin, thinking for a moment, "And can you manifest illusions at all?"

"I am an illusion," Kaira points out. "I don't see how he could control me, though. But I do have about ten billion souls lined up for when you stab him."

"That was the another thing I wanted you to be prepared for. I intend to make liberal use of the knife down there. I will not hold back this time; if his agents oppose me, they will be killed. Their deaths will at least serve a purpose as a gateway for those contained," Alptraum says grimly. He then pauses there and makes a face. "Listen to me, I am sounding like the Barsunala."

"Something wrong with that?" Kaira asks. "You are the Barsunala, after all."

Although still quiet, Roogi begins to quiver.

"No, it's just still a bit strange for me," Alptraum admits. He can't help but glance at Roogi and ask, "What did you show her?"

"Something to haunt her dreams," the dragon says, offhandedly. "She'll be coming out of it soon though. Remember to have Tulani stab Dack with the Light of Nala to charge him up with extra life force before you stab him with the dagger. I think I've gotten the reanimation effect of the Light on the blood ironed out, so it shouldn't be a problem… but be careful anyway."

"The hardest part about planning is not knowing what to expect. My guess is it will be Dack and at least two of his agents; most likely it will be the woman and man we met earlier. Ah, which reminds me of something else. The woman lost three sons in wars. As cruel as it sounds; it may be effective if you could manage an illusion of those sons to appear. I am not sure you would be capable of doing it, though."

"And I will definitely be careful with the Light around the dagger and the Shadow. I do not want to accidentally end the world," Alptraum says quite seriously.

"Eh, I can't read minds," Kaira notes. "And I don't know if that trick would really work anyway. Might just make her angry."

"It was a thought; you're probably right. The best you can do for me is try to be intimidating and have the souls ready for release. Also, well, keep an eye on me and make sure I don't get eaten by the shadow, either, okay?" Alptraum says.

"I'll be there to smear horseradish on you if necessary," Kaira promises, and then Roogi breaks out of her trance. The bat covers her ears with her hands and curls up into a ball, wailing, "No more! It is not a small world after all! Stop the singing! STOP THE SINGING!"

Alptraum covers his eyes. "No, you're not supposed to make me more tasty," he grumbles at the dragon. And at the wailing of Roogi, he mutters, "And now I'd better go distract her again. Thanks for stopping by, Kaira. We'll see each other again tomorrow when the assault begins."

"Have fun with your crazy bat friend," Kaira says, and then fades away.

"I'm probably crazy myself," Alptraum thinks as he goes over to the curled up Eeee. He drops to his knees and starts shaking her, saying, "It's over! Snap out of it!"

Roogi shudders and clings to Alptraum. "You… you command powerful demons, Barsunala. I have seen Hell!"

Alptraum holds onto the strange Eeee. "It's gone now," he actually whispers into her ear. "Think of more pleasant things and it should fade."

"It was glorious!" Roogi whimpers. "Such torment… I must learn how to sing!"

The thought of a singing Yodhblakat actually makes Alptraum shudder. Trying the only thing he can currently think of to keep her from trying to sing … the Eeee kisses her again, hard. Well, at least it occupied her mouth for a minute, at least.

This seems to snap Roogi out of her dementia, and she bites Alptraum's lip to prove it.

"Ow," Alptraum complains and holds his lip. "Was that necessary?"

"I could have scratched you instead!" Roogi snaps.

Alptraum releases the Eeee. "Fine, don't get ravished, then," he remarks and gets back to his feet.

"Are you that eager for me?" Roogi asks coyly as she gets to her feet. "Perhaps afterwards I will take another trophy."

Alptraum looks at the Yodhblakat and arches his brow. "Such as?" he has to ask, even though he knows he shouldn't.

Roogi just grins, and says, "It doesn't matter. We must keep our frustration fresh for battle tomorrow! Then we can rut in the blood of our prey afterwards."

Alptraum actually laughs again. "Goodnight, Roogi," he says and heads for the door. "As always, spending a moment with you is never dull. I'll see you in the morning." To himself, Alptraum thinks, "Why, why, why do you hang around an even encourage these people? The reason you're always in trouble is because you walk right in. You know better, you really do."