The guests of the Countess have reserved this chamber for use. Mave has brought in satin cushions for comfort, since the Yodhinala aren't the type to suffer the austere conditions that most magical practitioners make do with. Alptraum sits across from her on his own cushion, surrounded by incense burners and candles. Between the two Eeee, on another cushion, rests the unsheathed Light of Nala; left here while Tulani is visiting a different chamber to be examined by the Countess' wizards.

As is customary for the Yodhinala, Mave is unclothed, with her white fur decorated by arcane blue symbols that she's painted on and several pieces of ornate jewelry. These take the place of the traditional ritual circle used by other schools of magic.

Mildly disappointed Alptraum didn't get to see the Countess, he came in and settled down onto the cushion before Mave arrived. Of course, when she arrived, nude, his attention was completely diverted for the moment. "I wasn't aware the Yodhinala used paint like the Yodhzakaro," he ends up admitting once his mind unjams from the sight. "It's also admittedly, rather distracting." He grins lopsidedly.

"Our bodies are Altars to Inala," Mave explains. "And unlike the daughters of Zakaro, our markings wash off. If you are distracted … well, this exercise is about your ability to focus, so it will merely be an extra added challenge."

"Fair enough," Alptraum says with a small nod as he tries to clear his mind a bit further. "I've been thinking some on our upcoming battle and wish I knew more about Dack's allies. I only know a bit about one of them, which could play to our advantage. At least, if my understanding of your abilities is correct."

Mave reaches into the bag of supplies she brought along with her, and takes out three identical looking figurines – all images of Inala, of course, as would befit a small household shrine. "I merely channel the power of Inala," the priestess claims, as she sets the idols out a few feet in front of Alptraum, near the Light. "One of these idols is blessed, one is cursed, and one has had nothing done to it," she notes.

"Yes, well, Inala's power could prove useful given what I know of one of them," Alptraum corrects, Eyes closed, Alptraum returns his attention to the task at hand … the statues. He asks, "Am I to determine which is which? And uh, how is it cursed?"

Mave comes over and kneels behind Alptraum, draping her arms over his shoulders and pressing against his back. This puts her mouth right up his ear. "Yes, you must sort them out. Focus first on feeling for an enchantment, so that you can tell which one is mundane," she whispers to him, using her sultry (for an Eeee) voice.

Alptraum's left ear twitches. "You are trying to distract me now. Is this how things were taught to you?" he asks after the moment of shock (and a bit of enjoyment) passes. So, he starts drawing in long, slow, breaths and then letting each out with a hiss. Not being familiar with magic, the Eeee thinks back to the few experiences he's hand, such as with the once bladeless knife and the feeling inside the ancient tomb where the light was found. He extends one hand out and slowly passes it over each statue in turn, trying to 'feel' them; eyes closed so he cannot see them.

For some reason, Alptraum almost senses a resistance to his effort. "You are closing up," Mave chides. "You must open yourself first. Stand naked in the wind to judge its strength and direction. Let it fill you up. It is Inala's love."

"Closing up?" Alptraum wonders, feeling a bit confused. After a moment of thought instead of trying to ignore Mave, he actually relaxes back into her, letting himself feel and enjoy the contact. Instead of focusing on what he may be feeling in his hand, he just lazily passes it over the statues. No, instead he focuses on feeling relaxed and comforted and tries to not ignore what is around him.

"Let your focus expand," Mave whispers, and nuzzles the side of Alptraum's throat. "See with your whole body, not just your hands or eyes. This is difficult for men, who are not used to feeling with their entire being." After a little nibble, she adds, "See yourself on a beach. Feel the sun, feel the wind, feel the warm water wash over you. Once there, you can try to feel from where the waves flow."

Alptraum's hand falls away from the statues before him. And so, he does exactly as she directs, he thinks back to his time on the Gigi coast; the only time he had ever seen a beach. He remembers the warm water, the sands. He remembers how time seemed to crawl along at a lazy pace under the gentle sunlight. He tries to remember it all and feel it all at once. Not just texture, but the warmth, the movement, all the scents, everything. He's practically limp in the Yodhinala's arms.

Eventually, once he stops trying to imagine them, Alptraum can feel a difference in the waves as the brush against him. They seem to slightly stronger on the right side than on the left.

Alptraum tries to follow the movement of the waves to the right, seeing if they will grow in intensity or not.

The surf seems constant. There is a strong surge that might be the Light, and a smaller surge that adds to it on the right, and slightly to the center as well.

"The idol on the left is the mundane one, I believe," Alptraum murmurs from his relaxed state. He tries to follow the wave at the center and its feel, unsure of what a cursed item would feel like.

"Yes, very good," Mave coos. "Now see if you can feel a difference between the other two."

Alptraum goes back to just riding and feeling how the waves flow over his body from the center and right idols.

Without the distraction of having to tell direction, Alptraum can begin to feel some slight differences. The water is already warm, like a bath, but the center flow might be just a bit cooler than the rest.

"The center one feels 'cooler' than the one on the right," Alptraum murmurs, rather limp now. "But I am unsure of how that relates to what is cast upon it. But … my feeling knowing what little I know of Inala, warmer would imply her blessing where cooler would imply her curse; being taken away from warmth and pleasure. So … I will say the center idol is cursed, the one on the right is blessed."

"Very good," Mave says, and dips Alptraum back further so she can kiss his cheek. "That was your first lesson. We will work on making it easier next, after you offer your thanks to Inala."

One of Alptraum's eyes crack open so he can look up at Mave from where he relaxes in her arms. "Ah, forgive my ignorance, but … how do I offer my thanks?" he asks.

"You give your love to Inala, through me, of course," Mave explains. "Why else would there be so many extra cushions here?"

That gets Alptraum blinking several times. "So, uh, I'm supposed to … with you … here?" he stammers out. "I thought these were brought in to just make it more comfortable… "

"Yes, they are," Mave says, smiling.

"I certainly think you are beautiful," Alptraum tells Mave as he sits up slowly so he can better look at her. "But … well, you probably know this; I've never been with a Yodhinala before. I'm not sure I know the right things to do. I mean … comparative to people you've been with I'm probably … boring."

"Do not feel intimidated," Mave says, and strokes Alptraum's cheek. "Be open. This will help to enhance your skills."

"I hope you're watching this Kaira. I remember your comments about her using magic against me and for some reason feel this might be something like that," Alptraum thinks as he looks at the Yodhinala for a moment. Still, he has wondered if they are as good as stories tell and she seems determined that this has to be done before the lesson continues. So, Alptraum turns around and takes Mave into his arms. Easing her back, he murmurs, "Well, then let me give my thanks to Inala… "

After a few more sessions of magic-sensitivity training under the tutelage of Mave, Alptraum has begun to appreciate the Yodhinala's 'reinforcement' technique; after each such session, his sensitivity seems to double. Mave declares that he is now ready for the next step: gathering energy.

"We will use symbols for these first attempts," the priestess explains, producing some pieces of blue chalk. "They will help you to regulate the flow so that you do not hurt yourself or allow the power to disperse chaotically." She begins by drawing an inner circle around Alptraum, and then an outer one that is about a foot wider, leaving plenty of space between them.

After a few of the training sessions, Alptraum has just gone without redressing this time. He sits cross-legged and clothed only in the draping of his wings. As the Yodhinala draws out the circle, he asks, "What is the significance of the two circles? How do they regulate the flow?"

"The circles do not regulate anything, they represent the invitation of the power," Mave notes, sitting down outside of the circle and handing one of the pieces of chalk to Alptraum. "A circle is feminine and gentle; a friendly invitation. Pentagrams and the hard-edged symbols used by the Mage's Guild are more coercive."

Alptraum accepts the chalk and turns it over in his hand, peering at it. "Feminine? Well, I never thought of myself as engaging in feminine activities," he notes with a slightly amused expression, "But I think I understand the idea you are trying to convey by the comparison." He looks at himself relative to Mave and asks, "I also assume someone inside the circle is more under the sway of the energy than outside?"

Mave nods, a few locks of her long blonde hair flowing forward to spill across her chest. "There is of course a sexual metaphor as well, but I do not think it would work for you," she says, with a little smirk. "For you, we will use the breathing method. You will draw deep breaths, and in doing so draw in the power. But your body can only hold so much of it, before you lose yourself in it. The space between the circles will be used to both channel the power you draw in, and store the power you exhale."

"It only would apply if I found interest in males, I think," Alptraum counters with a smirk. He looks back to the circle critically, then asks, "So, I draw deep breathes and focus on the sensations I learned to sense during our last session? Instead of just feeling them, actively try to draw them towards me and into me? As if the actual breathing was perhaps pulling on the waves, as it were?"

"Yes, if that is how you want to perceive the energy," Mave says. "It is up to you how you will symbolize it, and that in turn will influence how you draw your circle. Some use water, or air, or light or even music as their symbolic base. For those who deal with elemental forces, they seem to use elemental symbols. What symbols suit you best, Alptraum?"

"Me? That is a good question. I would think symbology around spirit, life, and death would be most appropriate, since it is what I most often deal with and what follows me. At a level it is what I am, if I allow the Barsunala to take over my form," Alptraum says after a bit of thought. "In my dealings with it, it has always felt like touching a mist; like a cool breeze on the back of the neck. Just perceptibly there."

"Whereas with you, well. I've gotten to understand you a lot better recently," Alptraum admits.

"Graveyard mist," Mave suggests, "forming a death shroud. The voices of the Sea of Souls, the radiance of Nala casting stark shadows. I can see how these would be powerful symbols to you." She taps a finger within the empty space between the circles. "Distill these symbols of your being to their most basic, abstract form. That which evokes them for you with a minimum of shape. Make this circle your own Sea of Souls, holding the spirit energy that you reap from the living world."

Alptraum rolls the chalk in his hand lightly and thinks for a bit. The Eeee then leans over and starts drawing what he visualizes in the space between the two circles. For the sea of souls it is a simple wave pattern, where the waves themselves curl and bend close to the shape of the symbol of Sunala. For a misty graveyard he draws a simple set of D shapes … then jus wipes his hand through them, blurring them. And for the light of Nala itself, a simple cross to represent a sword with straight lines radiating out from it. He repeats these basic patterns all around the circle that encloses him, then asks, "Something like such?"

Mave nods in approval. "The next step is to gather and convert the energy," she says. "The Light of Nala is the source, and you know what it feels like now. Breathe it in, let it fill you. I have shown you what that should feel like. Finally, invoke the Barsunala as you exhale. Ask him to gather the energy as it leaves you, and place it into your circle. His is the power of transference."

"Okay. Just as a warning, though, I do not know what precisely might happen here if I draw the Barsunala to the forefront. I may shift. Just … be aware of that. If I do, I will not harm you, so do not be too concerned," Alptraum warns as he settles down his hands into his lap and closes his eyes to block out distractions. And there the Eeee starts to breathe, focusing his mind back on how the light of Nala has felt and how its presence has grown the more he has learned from the Yodhinala.

Deep breathing can often lead to a light head, but as he takes in the air, Alptraum can feel it change. Each breath brings in warmth, and a feeling that is not quite the buzz of alcohol and not quite the rush of sex or exercise. Each exhale brings coolness, almost chilling his tongue as he recites his invocation.

Alptraum continues the slow and steady breathing, feeling the flow in and out of the energy as if it was an infinite sea he floats in. On each exhale, he remembers the sensation of when the Barsunala spirit slid over and embraced his form and from that form how auras and such appeared. It is with the trappings of that spirit that he eases the energy of his breath out into the surrounding circle. His external appearance doesn't change, not at first, but with the Light of Nala boosting the power of the 'Loa' as it were … it's only a matter of time before the Eeee starts to visibly shift along with it. Long 'tears' appear and flow down his wings, leave it in tatters around his body. He seems to also draw in and become more gaunt and yet somehow more imposing at the same time too. As his eyes slowly crack back open, they are also stark white; the tints of silver gone.

Through the blind-sight of the Barsunala, the chamber is transformed. The circle around him is filled with a roiling, seething mist that struggles to take on form and substance. The Light of a Nala is a golden bar of light, so bright that it renders the Yodhinala slightly transparent. And Mave herself is different: eyes lowered, body angled forward and wings and ears held in a submissive posture. The Barsunala knows intuitively how to tap into that mist and give it form. The trick for Alptraum is just to get Him to do it according to his wishes.

"Greeting, Yodhinala Mave," the Barsunala form rasps in the odd voice it has, "I appreciate your efforts in looking after and tutoring my mortal form; they will not be forgotten." And that's all he says, as he goes back to simply breathing in and flowing more into the circle. Alptraum doesn't try to force the energy in the circle to do anything extreme. He merely tries to keep it contained and steady the 'waves' that form in it, as Kaira offered to teach him more on how to do direct transferences. In fact, all he tries to do is push the mist into rolling in a rhythmic wave around his form.

You are doing very well," Mave replies, daring to look up at the grim visage. "Now, release the energy back into the air, slowly. When you have released half of it, you can attempt to vary the rate, so long as you feel in control of it."

The form in the circle nods to Mave. As for releasing the energy, he visualizes it much like releasing water from a tub by pulling the plug so that only s small, controlled, flow is released back from where it came, letting it fall slowly to half if he can.

There some effects from the release of magic. Sparks flash off of the edges of the circle and the cushions, which also occasionally glow for a short time.

The Barsunala's brow furrows in response to Alptraum's brow furrowing as he tries to slow and regulate the sparking from the release. When it is finally half way, he starts trying to release portions in varying sizes, some very small, some larger. As the level of magic in the circle falls, so does the gaunt form of the Barsunala fade. Slowly, the Eeee's wings begin got knit back together and his body fill back out. When the flow fades away, it is just Alptraum sitting in the circle again. He lets out a long breath and says, "Wow."

"Very good, you resisted the temptation to release it all at once," Mave says. "Now we will repeat the exercise, until you can control it without summoning the Barsunala to manifest. After that, we will focus on controlling the flow as it is gathered, so that you will not need the circle at all." The Eeee then smiles, and says, "Once you have done that, you will give thanks to Inala once more. Perhaps in the form of the Barsunala, if you like… "

Alptraum's brow goes up at that. "You wish to embrace that form? If I may ask … why?" he inquires as he gathers himself to repeat the procedure again.

"To honor Inala, of course," Mave says. "I will invoke her beforehand."

"Ah, you wish that he and Inala … embrace," Alptraum says with a small smirk, "I was wondering if you wished to offer yourself to be his personal Yodhinala. I will consider it." Alptraum then settles himself back and resumes the breathing and focusing exercises to draw the power back into the circle.

The exercises continue, and the combined effects of the Light of Nala and the interaction of the bound Barsunala spirit make for fast progress. Soon, Alptraum is able to gather the energy in very short amount of time and with little effort. Then Mave switches tactics: instead of gathering the magic and then controlling its release to the circle, Alptraum is to gather and release it in a single step. This takes several tries at first, but becomes easier with practice.

Once control is easier, Mave instructs Alptraum to give the energy form as well: concentrating it into a ball instead of a chaotic mist. Again, this is to take place in a single step. The final lesson involves removing the circle altogether: the ball of energy is to be kept internal, so that Alptraum can feel it in the pit of his stomach.

Alptraum dips his head to Mave, saying respectfully, "I will attempt it, Yodhinala." Once again Alptraum begins the process of drawing the energy together. With mental nudges, like shaping clay, he tries to roll the mist into a sphere … , which instead of focusing in the circle, he focuses it in the center of himself. In essence, he visualizes himself as the circle; the container, of the power.

It isn't as difficult as it seems. In under a minute, Alptraum has a tight ball of energy at his disposal. The compactness prevents it from saturating his body. The downside is that the initial feelings of headiness and vague pleasure have diminished considerably by this point.

"Okay, I have it," Alptraum says, "Can you tell?"

"I can sense it," Mave says, smiling proudly. "You are now on the cusp of performing a cantrip. That will involve giving the energy a specific form as you build you – a form that will determine how it is released. But now it is time to give thanks." The Yodhinala walks over and sits in Alptraum's lap, saying, "You will hold onto the energy this time. When it is time for your own release, you will give the energy to me as well, and with it I will invoke the presence of Inala, so that the Barsunala may also give His thanks."

Alptraum drapes his arms lightly around Mave's waist. "Thank you for helping, Yodhinala Mave," he notes and nuzzles the older Eeee's neck. "Like I said before, you have purpose and I am glad you have stayed with us."

"It is my honor," Mave says, and almost sounds totally sincere about it. "There is one thing you must be prepared for, however," she says, as she begins her own specialized method of gathering energy – one that makes Alptraum feel really, really good though, making up for the diminished rush of gathering magic.

"Which is?" Alptraum inquires, brow arching slightly.

With a coy grin, Mave explains, "In the Presence of Inala, it the Barsunala who must take on the submissive role. So make sure that your back and head are will cushioned when the time comes."

Alptraum laughs. "I'm used to being submissive to women and do not mind it. That will not be too much of a concern," he replies with an equal grin. And as has happened many times before, the two Eeee close out a lesson with the expected giving of thanks.

As the old saying goes: The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. When the Barsunala took control of Alptraum's body, it was almost a relief after so much mental and physical exertion. As it was, he couldn't be sure just how conscious he was at all near the end, but the deep exhaustion and sleep that overtook him weren't exactly unwelcome.

There were times when Alptraum thought he heard voices, but was too lethargic to respond or fully wake up. When he did finally begin to rouse, he noticed a few things had changed in the ritual chamber. For one, Mave wasn't there. Another was the inclusion of a sheet-covered pallet holding a person – an Eeee, from the exposed back of the head that Alptraum could see. Also present was the Countess Rosalind Draco, sitting cross-legged on a cushion and sipping a cup of tea.

"Mpthg," Alptraum mutters as his eyes open. When he spots Draco, his ears wilt. This is not how he wanted the Countess to see him. "Gods, sorry," he sputters as he bolts upright and wraps his wings around himself, looking positively mortified. "This is … geh. I don't even know what to say."

"At least you weren't too cold," the Countess offers, along with a grin. "Would you like some tea? Your priestess left to eat, claiming a great hunger."

Alptraum puts his hand over his eyes. "You must think me horrible," he murmurs, peering out between cracked fingers. "And I would appreciate some tea."

The woman prepares a fresh cup for Alptraum, and comments, "Horrible? The Yodhinala seemed satisfied, certainly, and to accomplish such a feat would require some ability I would imagine." Her smile cranks up to 'amused' as she works.

"Not that, I mean … you're the Countess," Alptraum says as he watches the woman and curls his wings around himself for protection. "This isn't how I wanted you to see me. I … well. What you think of me matters to me."

"I do not think less of you," Rosalind says. "To have worked yourself to a state of exhaustion in pursuit of your studies is an ethic that is unfortunately rare in my experience." She takes a sip of her tea, then adds, "But then, my own teachers were not Yodhinala. Have you made progress?"

"It was an interesting way to learn," Alptraum does admit as he looks around for his clothing while taking a drink from the tea he was given "And yes, I think I have. I can actively feel magic and start to work with it on a non-instinctual level," he adds, "And I know from my contact, Kaira, that it is possible that I could be linked to another shadow dragon if one could be obtained. If that is also something you were wondering. She was also going to help me practice the actual transference ability, as she knows much more about it than Mave does."

The tea is surprisingly sweet, even though Alptraum didn't see the Countess add any honey or sugar to it. "I have brought you a subject to practice with," Draco notes.

"What is in this?" Alptraum asks as he looks at the tea quizzically for a moment. His eyes then shift to the person on the cot.

"It made from the bark of the sugarfir tree," Rosalind explains. "Imported, of course." She nods to the figure under the sheet, and says, "This is Gwynfydd. She's ten years old, but was caught out in a storm a week ago. The physicians and healers say she is paralyzed below the neck, and that the trauma to her brain makes it difficult to tell if she will awaken again. They think she has another week to live, at best." She turns back to watch Alptraum gather up his clothes.

Alptraum can't help but glance at the Countess as he tries to quickly dress, for a hope of a glimpse of what she really thinks. "This is embarrassing," he thinks to himself. "Is it the hope that I may be able to save her?" he asks, trying to put his mind off the fact he's probably seriously messed up.

"There isn't much hope at all right now, which is why I chose her for your experiments," Draco explains, her voice taking on a slightly sadder tone that isn't quite reflected in the echo effect. "Just waking her up would be an accomplishment."

"Well, I've saved someone from worse injuries twice. How, though, I do not know," Alptraum notes as he goes over to inspect the child. "I will need to summon in Kaira for this, so she can advise. I hope that is permissible? She is … well, she looks like a dragon. She is the a spell that reflects the form of the one who created her."

"I'm interested in meeting her," Draco says. "Is she wise and helpful?"

"She sometimes lacks tact, but she can be helpful. She's got an extremely difficult position and I'm trying to at least offer her friendship in hope that it somehow makes it better. And yes, she can be helpful … insulting sometimes, but she means well," Alptraum explains. He looks for where the light is, so he can bare the dagger as far away from it as he can. "And she's also interested in meeting you, by the way."

With the Light being in the center, the farthest point while still being inside the chamber would be the doorway arch itself.

"But, be warned she likes to play really strange games," Alptraum adds as he goes to stand near the doorway. Once there, he draws out the dagger and thinks, "Okay, Kaira, you there? Time to meet the Countess."

The black blade becomes even blacker, until it ceases to look like a blade at all, taking on the appearance of a blade-shaped hole in space. A talon-tipped finger protrudes from it, followed by several more.

Alptraum reaches down to the 'blade' and tries to carefully lift Kaira out by her hand.

In typical brain-curdling fashion, Kaira takes Alptraum's hand and pulls herself out of the blade. The weird perspective this creates doesn't go away once the last bit of her tail is free either: the dragoness appears to be her full size, even though she can't be taking up more space than Alptraum himself. "It's a good thing I'm lithe and limber," the dragon comments, her voice having the same slight echo that Draco's does.

"Or you just found a creative use for butter that is best not thought about," Alptraum counters with a grin to his draconic friend. "Countess Draco, I would like to introduce you to Kaira, friend and ally in dealing with the fallout from the dragon we defeated," Alptraum says with a rather formal bow to the Countess. "Kaira, this is Countess Draco who has been exceptionally gracious and kind towards us."

"Mmm-hmmm," the dragon says, as she and Draco lock gazes for a few silent but tense moments. Finally, Kaira smiles (in a non-toothy manner) and dips her head to the Eeee woman. "A pleasure to meet you, Countess." She also sniffs the air, and whispers to Alptraum, "She sure cleans up nice after a tumble, but you look like you've got bed-hair still."

Alptraum elbows Kaira lightly. "We didn't," he whispers to her. He does start claw-combing his hair back down, though.

Speaking up again, Kaira asks, "So, nice chamber you have here. Are we all ready to muck about with divine powers not meant for mortal manipulations now?"

"Muck about?" the Countess asks, but looks Alptraum for the answer.

Alptraum sets the dagger down near the archway so while unsheathed doesn't get too close to the central pedestal. He goes back over to the cot and resumes looking at the child. "We are not 'mucking', we are going to try and save this girl's life using the Light, if possible," he says. Inwardly, he sighs, thinking, "Yes, she has no tact. The Countess is going to throw me out; so much for impressing her."

The girl is clearly comatose, since one eye is open and unresponsive. Her breathing is also a bit labored, and the fur on her cheeks is spiky due to dried drool. She doesn't appear to be a vampire though.

"And she does look pretty bad, yes," Alptraum has to admit after a bit of inspection. Glancing to Kaira, he says, "I know how to manage and draw from the light now … so how do I transfer it into someone else, exactly? I didn't want to try with Yodhinala Mave."

Sitting down next to the Countess and helping herself to a cup of tea, Kaira says, "Remember Hekatt? You're going to try the same thing, just without the dagger. Make yourself the conduit between the Light and the girl, but don't try to… transform or translate the energy. Does that make sense?"

"In other words, let her body decide what to do with the energy?" Alptraum inquires to be certain. He motions for the Countess to come over and sit by them if she wants. "I think I understand what I need to do, then."

"You've been practicing with Mave," Kaira states. "How did you visualize things, and draw in the magic?"

"By breathing; visualizing it as a mist of sorts," Alptraum explains. "I would draw it in, then exhale it out as I moved it to where I wished it to go."

"Fascinating," Draco comments, as she comes closer. Kaira considers the imagery for a few moments, then says, "I'd suggest you try it a little differently this time – a more direct metaphor, if you will. Instead of breathing it in, reach out to the Light and view it as… blood. Let your own heart pump it through you and into the girl. Think of your hand as a big hypodermic needle maybe, or you could just bite her."

Draco scowls at the suggestion of biting. "Alptraum is a vampire, like me," she tells the dragon. "We don't care for the taste of vegetables."

Kaira blinks, and then groans! "Oh, that was terrible! I like you, Countess."

"I would rather not bite her unless absolutely necessary," Alptraum comments, then gives Draco a really odd look. Shaking his head and smirking, he says, "Well, I'll try. I'm going to take it slow."

Rosalind smirks, having gained a point against the dragon, and then sits down to let Alptraum go to work.

"You said her neck was broken?" Alptraum asks as he carefully places one of his hands over the girl's eyes, "Then I think I want to use that area as the entry point as it is the most damaged." He takes a few deep breathes this time and goes back to reaching out to the feeling of the light. Instead of trying to visualize it light mist; he tries Kaira's suggestion. Reaching out with his free hand towards the light, he tries to pull the waves of energy into that hand, directing and easing it slowly along in his own bloodstream, timing it with the beat of his own heart.

The warmth is back, only this time there is no chilling effect upon transfer. Alptraum's arms and fingers begin to throb in time to his heartbeat, and he can even begin to feel the rhythm of Gwynfydd's own heart. It doesn't match, being the weaker of the two, and this is causing some backflow of energy.

Alptraum tries a different tactic when he starts to feel the backflow, instead of timing it to his heart, he tries to time it to hers and only using his own to boost the flow. He treats it not unlike trying to help a thirsty man drink; allow them to take it at their own pace. "You can make it, Gwynnfydd," he thinks briefly, "You are too young to leave this world yet."

The new approach yields better results. Alptraum is sure the energy is flowing into the girl now – he just has to control the amount instead of the rate. It also helps him feel her heart grow a bit stronger, and her breathing become less labored.

One thing Alptraum doesn't do now is try to force it to go any faster. He lets the girl decide the rate at which she needs it; he is only the conduit. No control, no changes, just be the bridge. "There you go, Gwynnfydd," he thinks, "I can feel your heart. You want to live. Your family wants you to live. Take it easy and come back to us… "

"I'm sorry I got caught in the storm," says the translucent form of the girl that Alptraum can see standing next to the pallet now.

"There is nothing to be sorry for," Alptraum tells the little girl. "I just want you to be able to tell that to your family yourself. I want you to have a long life."

"But you're a Reaper, aren't you?" the specter asks. "You called me out of… that dark place." She looks at her body now, and says, "I'm going to get spanked for sure this time."

"I'm more than a reaper," Alptraum tells the girl, "I walk the in-between between life and death. Your journey in life had just barely begun, it should not end now. And believe me, a spanking is not so bad; it is a one time thing, after which you will have many years of happiness too. The other side isn't easier; it's just different. Do you not wish to be able to hug your parents again, or go run through the grass? I am … I am trying to fix your body so that you can."

"That sounds nice," the spirit admits. "It'd be better without the spanking. And with candy too. I'd come back for candy."

"I'm sure we could find you some candy. You just need to get better first," Alptraum tells the little girl while still maintaining the slow flow from the light to the girl; still allowing her to control the flow. "And your family may be so happy you came back that they may not even remember you were stuck in the storm. They will have you back. A child is everything to their parents. But, if you want, I will speak to your parents about not spanking you… "

"That would be nice," the spirit says, smiling. Then she yawns, and climbs onto the pallet to merge back into her body. A few moments later, Gwynfydd's eyes flutter open, and she licks her dry lips. "Candy… " she whispers.

Not stopping the flow yet, Alptraum asks, "Can you wiggle your toes for me?"

Draco is there, a moment later, with a cup of the sugary-sweet tea, which lets the girl sip from. The sheet twitches as she tries to move her body. The spasms are sporadic, but eventually only the area by her feet moves. "A little," the girl says.

Alptraum nods at this. "One more moment, please," he tells the Countess as he continues to allow the connection to flow. "Tell me when it gets easier to move your feet and hands."

"Warm," the girl mutters. She still twitches as she tries to get control of her muscles. It takes another ten minutes before she seems fully awake and able to move smoothly, albeit weakly.

Alptraum now slowly cuts the flow; he doesn't stop it immediately. When the link is finally severed, he slips an arm under her back and slowly lifts her torso up so she can drink. "Welcome back," he says with a smile that could speak volumes. He looks to the Countess, then the cup and nods to her, saying, "I think it is safe for her to drink now."

Draco keeps a hold of the cup as she lets the girl sip. Gwynfydd still seems a bit drowsy, and says, "Funny dreams."

"Really? What did you dream?" Alptraum asks the girl as he lightly pets along the top of her head and back of her neck. He takes this moment to also look to Kaira.

"Took a few hours, but good work," the dragon says, smiling. "I had to reheat the tea."

"Wind, and a big man with blank eyes and torn wings, and… candy," the girl mutters. "Lots of candy."

Now that bit surprises Alptraum. "Hours? It … didn't seem that long to me," he admits. To the girl he says, "Oh, I know that dream. The big man is rumored to walk a path between and watch people pass from the world. Sometimes when it's the wrong time for someone, he will turn them back. Or so the story goes. Personally, I think you must have just hit your head, which causes lots of funny dreams. Too many bedtime stories."

"Who are you?" the girl asks once she gets a look at Alptraum. "And what is that funny lizard-bird?"

"Oh, I'm no one of importance, just someone glad to see you're okay," Alptraum tells the girl as he tries to stop the absolute beaming smile on his face. "And her, well, she's just a friend who keeps an eye out for me, is all. Her name is Kaira. She's like a pet … except, well, okay, not so much like a pet. She's just a friend."

Gwyn blinks and yawns again, and is finally able to take the cup in her own hands. "Thank you for the tea, Countess," she says to Draco, nodding her head in respect.

"I would like to speak to her parents before they see her if possible," Alptraum says to the Countess. "That is, if you will permit it, Countess?"

"I'll arrange it," the Countess says, standing back up. She whispers to Alptraum, "I'll have the healers check her over and keep her here for a few more days, just to be certain there aren't any side effects from this."

Alptraum nods to the Countess, then reaches up to take her hand. "And if you will permit, I would like to speak with you again later. Perhaps over dinner? If not, I certainly understand," he says with a polite nod of his head. "Thank you for allowing me to help, Countess. It meant a lot to me."

Draco smiles pleasantly, and says, "I think dinner would be just fine. I'll go fetch the attendants now to take Gwynfydd back to the infirmary." She then runs her fingers through Alptraum's hair critically, and says, "But promise to take a bath first?"

"Of course. I know I must look a frightful mess," Alptraum says. "I will wait here and discuss with Kaira on a few things until her parents are ready to see me."

"It may be awhile, they do not live nearby," the Countess notes, and then leaves the chamber to signal the medical attendants who have been waiting outside. They come in, and one of them (a burly looking Khatta) scoops the Eeee child up into his arms, sheet and teacup and all, while the second one picks up the pallet. Both of them give Kaira odd looks, but apparently don't feel the need to comment on the presence of a dragon in the chamber.

"Then perhaps I will bathe before they get here," Alptraum considers. To the attendants, he says, "May I say something to her before you go?"

The attendant carrying the girl pauses at the doorway, and turns to present Gwyn so Alptraum can talk to her.

Alptraum walks over and leans in so he can just whisper in the little girl's ear. "I want you to live a long and beautiful life. Please do not come to me in the dark place until it is really your time. Now rest and get better, a whole world waits for you outside," he whispers, the affectionately and lightly ruffles the top of her head. To the attendants he bows slightly, saying, "Thank you. That's all."

"Okay, bye-bye!" Gwyn chirps, and is carried off. The Countess puts her hand on Alptraum's shoulder, and says, "I'll have someone fetch you at your suite later, alright?"

"I await your call, Countess," Alptraum says to the countess with a smile. "I promise to be a lot more presentable then, too."

Once they are alone, Kaira clears her throat, and says, "So, just a friend am I? Was that for the girl's benefit, or for the Countess'?"

"Well, what are you then?" Alptraum asks quite frankly. "I've never been clear on exactly what our relationship is."

Alptraum then peers a bit at Kaira and adds, "And wait, are you jealous?"

"We're Best Friends Forever, of course," Kaira proclaims, crossing her arms in front of her chest and sitting up on her haunches. "Jealous? Me? Of course. She is another dragon. And you have the hots for her, I can tell."

"How can you tell?" Alptraum has to ask. "Am I that obvious?"

"You're polite to her, and nervous about how you appear," Kaira points out. "You don't flirt with her either, which points a lack of comfort in her presence. And she's probably your type too."

"And speaking of dragons, can you tell me anything more about hers now that you've actually met her, even if briefly. Well, unless you two talked while I was busy," Alptraum says. "And as for her … I can't help it. When I'm around her I feel funny. I want to impress her; I don't want to seem like some sort of … waste. Not that she probably doesn't already think that all things being equal."

"Her dragon is hidden well," Kaira comments. "There was only the aura and the voice to give it away, so I can't say anything about it really. I'd need to observer her manifest some of its power first. And you're not a waste, Alptraum, otherwise I doubt she'd set up all of this for you. And just why do you look so disheveled, anyway?"

"Yodhinala Mave. Her method of teaching involves praising Inala after every session," Alptraum offers by way of explanation. "I think the last one even involved a form shift … but I was really exhausted by that point. I … don't remember much."

"You look like this because you were praying too hard?" Kaira asks in disbelief.

"Do you know how the Yodhinala pray?" Alptraum inquires.

"I'm guessing that it doesn't involve lighting candles and meditating in silence," the dragon says. "I suppose it doesn't matter, so long as it contributed to the learning process. Was it educational, or just a waste of time?"

"It involves a lot of, well, sex. And actually, extremely educational. The praise parts actually, well, boosted my ability to feel magic and actively work with it. I can, quite frankly, actively feel things around me now that I never realized were there," Alptraum says by way of explanation. "I wouldn't have been able to manage what I just did without having the practice on flow and control already."

"Interesting," Kaira says, looking thoughtful. "Perhaps it would be worth integrating into other forms of training or conditioning. I'll have to look into that."

"You're a little big for me," Alptraum says with a smirk.

"So, did you two talk while I was busy?" Alptraum asks.

"A little," Kaira admits. "Chitchat."

"About?" Alptraum asks.

"Like I said, chitchat," the dragon says. "Nothing you'd be interested in, aside from her impression of your naked body."

"Whoa, wait! What was her impression?" Alptraum asks, marching over so he can look her in the eyes. Well, or as best as he can manage.

"You really want to know?" Kaira asks, turning her head away slightly. "I mean, you're going out to dinner with her tonight. If I told you, it could affect how you enjoy the evening. And you wouldn't have an excuse to ask to see her naked to balance things out."

"Well, can you tell me if it was bad in general?" Alptraum asks, crossing his arms in front of himself.

"Hmm, you know I'm not certain?" Kaira admits, rubbing her chin. "My creator really didn't feel information about sex was going to be of any use to my function, so didn't include it. I think the comment was that she was surprised you could wear such tight pants or something."

Alptraum laughs, "That could be taken many ways." He shakes his head, then asks, "Onto other topics, how fares the others in the blade? I have to admit, it was mildly amusing to get information out of the dark elves."

"They are pains in the tail, as always," the dragon says, with a sigh. "Maybe you could kill a few people sometime soon? I mean, the Countess must have condemned prisoners or captured soldiers or bad cooks or something."

"The fight with Dack will likely involve killing people," Alptraum points out. "And on that note, I have a question on you supposedly having a blacklist. The wife of the elf in that lodge wants him put on that blacklist." He grins, adding, "She offered to bed me and wanted me to tweak her soul. I said no."

"Of course there's a blacklist, but the requirements to get on it are a bit specific," Kaira says. "I can't just go putting people on it because they're arrogant jerks."

"What are the specifics, if I might ask?" Alptraum inquires as he walks over, then well, tries to lean on Kaira.

"Soul eating," the dragon says, putting an arm around Alptraum. "If it eats souls, it gets snuffed with Vorgy, simple as that."

"Are there that many that do that in there?" Alptraum asks. "And I assume you're still keeping an eye on me."

"There are plenty of them," the dragon says. "Vorgy didn't like competition. Most dragons don't."

"So, if dragon's don't like competition … what does that imply about you and Rose?" Alptraum has to ask.

"Nothing," Kaira says. "We'll share when we have to. But in the end, I'll win of course."

"Of course you will," Alptraum says reassuringly and pats her side. "So, I really did well with that child? I think I learned something from it. I can't force someone to live, they have to want to. I mean … I talked to her while we were connected and tried to remind her of the good things about living."

"Good thing it was a kid and not some octogenarian then," Kaira says. "Kids are gullible."

Alptraum elbows Kaira. "Stop it. Doing that made me feel really good. I made a difference to someone," he says.

"It's a start!" the dragon agrees. "So, going to take that bath? Need me to scrub your back or anything?"

Alptraum laughs, "Do you want to? Can you? Washing wings is a nightmare to do alone."

"Sure," the dragon says. "After all, if Phlagaea did it, you might hurt yourself after all that time with Mave."

Alptraum retrieves the dagger but doesn't sheath it. "I have to admit, after all that I have new respect for her. She has significant endurance," he notes. "I suggest you shrink to your humanish form and we'll head to the suite."

Kaira transforms, ending up in clothing similar to what the Countess wore. "Better suck up some extra juice from the Light while we're here. You might need to recharge me later," she suggests. "Or use it to keep yourself from cramping up. Who knows what condition you'd be in right now without the Light bathing you in life-rays."

"Hm. Good point," Alptraum says. He settles down to do just that before heading up for the bath. "What an insane day. But … it ended well. Pity I can't remember what Mave and I did last. Or really, how many times we … Eh, time to not think about that! Lots to do, lots to do… " he thinks.